The Secret Year

Reach for this book when your teenager is grieving a loss that feels invisible to the world, such as the end of a secret relationship or a death they cannot publicly mourn. It speaks to the unique pain of having to hide one's sadness while navigating the social hierarchies of high school. The story follows Colt, a working-class boy who secretly dated Julia, a wealthy classmate, for a year before her sudden death. As Colt reads Julia's private journal, he discovers the complex layers of her identity and the reasons she kept their love hidden. This is a quiet, contemplative novel for mature teens aged 14 and up that explores the nuances of class, reputation, and the difficult process of letting go. It serves as a powerful validation for teenagers who feel like they are living double lives or struggling with the weight of untold truths.