The Immortal Boy

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is beginning to grapple with the invisible realities of social inequality or seeking a story that honors the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound neglect. It is a deeply moving dual narrative set in Bogota, Colombia, following five siblings struggling to survive on their own and a girl in an orphanage who becomes fascinated by a boy who seems untouched by pain. This book explores themes of sibling loyalty, the systemic failures of social safety nets, and the search for belonging. It is best suited for mature readers ages 12 and up due to its raw, realistic depiction of poverty and abandonment. Parents will appreciate it as a powerful tool for building empathy and discussing global social justice issues.