She's Gone

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the weight of public perception, digital reputation, or the feeling that their mistakes (real or perceived) are being broadcast for the world to judge. It is a gripping thriller about a boy named Hunter who wakes up after a car accident to find his girlfriend missing and himself the prime suspect in a true-crime documentary made by his peers. The story explores deep-seated anxiety, the fragility of memory, and the struggle to maintain one's identity when the community has already decided you are a villain. It is a high-stakes look at social media's power to convict without a trial, making it perfect for discussions about digital footprints and the importance of self-advocacy. While it contains intense themes suitable for high schoolers, it provides a vital mirror for teens feeling isolated by social scrutiny.