Families who loved The Trials by Stacey Kade often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like they are being treated as a collection of stats or expectations rather than an individual with their own agency. This high stakes sequel follows Ariane, a girl genetically engineered by a corporation, as she is forced into a deadly competition against other hybrids. It is a powerful metaphor for the pressure teens feel to perform and compete in systems that do not value their humanity. While the plot is driven by science fiction action, the heart of the story explores the struggle to maintain one's moral compass when authority figures are manipulative and cruel. This book is best suited for older middle schoolers and high school students who enjoy fast paced thrillers but are also ready to grapple with themes of autonomy, corporate ethics, and the importance of choosing your own path. It provides a safe space to discuss the difference between who people say you are and who you know yourself to be.