Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter

This heartfelt YA romance follows a teen balancing family expectations, heartbreak, and the pressure to reinvent herself. It is an engaging and stylish story that invites readers to reflect on identity, independence, and choosing what feels right.

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Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

This powerful multigenerational story explores identity, heritage, and the weight of family expectations across four generations of a Filipino American family. It is an engaging and thoughtful read that opens the door to meaningful conversations about belonging and culture.

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The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin

The Wilderness of Girls starts strong with an intriguing mix of mystery, identity, and survival. Reviewer Tami Rigling notes that while the opening captivates, the story becomes confusing as major details go unresolved, especially the question of who Mother is. Simple black and white illustrations add atmosphere but not clarity. With its emotional intensity and ambiguous ending, this book may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, unresolved stories but may frustrate others.

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Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

They call me La Furia. It did not happen all at once. It was born the moment I realized I did not have to stay quiet. On the field, I am faster than the fear that tries to chase me. I am stronger than the expectations that try to contain me. When I run, I feel my heart open like a door to the world. There, I am not what anyone says I am. I am what I choose to become.

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¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico by Christine Suggs

This graphic novel follows Christine, a Mexican American teen spending the summer with family in Mexico. Through vivid art and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores identity, bilingualism, family bonds, and the experience of living between cultures. Christine struggles to understand family traditions and connect across language gaps, while also discovering comfort, belonging, and parts of herself she did not know were missing.

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