Families who loved Torn by Scott Wallens 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 is grappling with the guilt of evolving feelings, especially if those feelings involve a friend or a sibling of a current romantic partner. It addresses the uncomfortable reality that sometimes growing up means hurting people we care about, even when we don't mean to. The story follows Karyn, a teenage girl in a stable relationship with T.J., who finds herself unexpectedly drawn to his brother, Reed. This creates an intense internal conflict rooted in loyalty and honesty. The book explores the nuances of romantic attraction versus deep friendship and the moral weight of keeping secrets from those we love. For ages 13 to 17, it serves as a realistic mirrors for the social complexities of high school. Parents will find it a useful tool for normalizing the confusing nature of attraction while emphasizing the importance of integrity and the consequences of our choices on family and social circles.