About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager begins asking deep questions about systemic injustice, family secrets, or the complexities of navigating a multiracial identity in a world that demands clear labels. Set in 1920s Oregon, this story follows sixteen-year-old Hanalee, who is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's suspicious death while navigating a community increasingly influenced by the Ku Klux Klan. This atmospheric YA novel blends historical fiction with elements of a ghost story, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's Hamlet to explore themes of grief, bravery, and social justice. While the setting is historical, the emotional weight of standing up for one's truth against a backdrop of prejudice is deeply relevant. It is best suited for mature teens (14 and up) due to its unflinching depiction of period-accurate racism and intense sequences of peril.
