The Black Sheep

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like an outsider in their own home or is constantly clashing with rigid family rules. It speaks to the universal adolescent desire to start over in a place where they are truly understood. Kendra is a fifteen year old who swaps her high pressure Manhattan life for a laid back California family through a reality TV show. While the story is a humorous fish out of water tale, it deeply explores themes of family expectations, the search for identity, and the realization that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It is a lighthearted yet insightful look at teen rebellion and reconciliation, making it a perfect choice for parents of middle and high schoolers who are navigating the push and pull of independence.