Soundless

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the feeling that their observations are being dismissed or when they are beginning to question the 'status quo' of their community. Soundless follows Fei, a girl living in a mountain village where no one has been able to hear for generations. When her sister begins to lose her sight and Fei unexpectedly gains the ability to hear, she must embark on a dangerous quest to the world below to save her people from a corrupt system and environmental collapse. This is a story about the weight of truth and the bravery required to speak up when you are the only one who perceives a problem. While the setting is a high-stakes fantasy world inspired by Chinese folklore, the emotional core focuses on justice and the transition from a protected childhood into the complexities of adult responsibility. It is highly appropriate for middle and high schoolers who enjoy atmospheric adventures and stories about social change. Parents will appreciate the book's emphasis on perseverance and the protagonist's deep sense of duty toward her family and neighbors, providing a great springboard for talks about advocacy and systemic fairness.