Families who loved In the Blood by April Henry often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the weight of their own identity or expressing curiosity about how much their family history defines who they are. It is especially resonant for families touched by adoption who want to explore the balance between nature and nurture through a high stakes lens. Following eighteen-year-old Tessa, the story examines the emotional fallout of searching for biological roots, only to discover that her past is linked to a dangerous criminal investigation. While the plot is a fast paced thriller, the heart of the book lies in its exploration of chosen family and the realization that biology does not have to dictate one's destiny. It is an intense but grounded read for older teens who enjoy mysteries that mirror real world scientific advancements like consumer DNA testing.