Runa

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the transition from a carefree childhood into the weight of mature expectations and family legacies. It is a perfect fit for the preteen who feels like they are being pressured into a certain identity or role they did not choose for themselves. Runa follows a young girl on a Swedish island who discovers that her family has a dark connection to ancient Viking rites, forcing her to find the courage to define her own destiny. The story explores themes of ancestral identity and the bravery required to break away from harmful traditions. While there are suspenseful moments involving Norse mythology and ancient rituals, the book serves as a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and the importance of questioning the status-core. It is an excellent choice for sparking conversations about family secrets and the strength it takes to stand up for one's own values against the pressure of the past.