Saints

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating a sense of isolation within their own family or culture, or when they are beginning to ask deep questions about how faith and identity intersect. This graphic novel tells the story of Four-Girl, a child considered bad luck by her family, who finds a sense of belonging and a new name, Vibiana, after converting to Christianity in 1898 China. It is a powerful exploration of the courage it takes to stand by one's personal convictions when they clash with societal expectations. While the story is set during the violent Boxer Rebellion, it focuses heavily on the internal world of a young girl seeking a place to call home. Parents should be aware that the book contains historical violence and explores the heavy reality of being an outcast. It is an excellent choice for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers who enjoy historical fiction and are ready for nuanced discussions about perspective, religion, and the complex nature of loyalty.