Scorpia

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to question authority or feels torn between who they are and who people expect them to be. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers who crave high-octane action but are ready to grapple with deeper questions about moral gray areas and family legacy. The story follows teenage spy Alex Rider as he travels to Venice to investigate his father's past, only to find himself recruited by a criminal organization. Alex must decide if his identity is determined by his bloodline or his own choices. While the plot is a fast-paced thriller, the heart of the book explores the loneliness of being an outsider and the heavy burden of adult secrets. It is a sophisticated entry point for discussing trust, manipulation, and the courage it takes to stand up for one's principles when the lines between good and evil start to blur.