Out of the Darkness

When it comes to tackling tough topics like mental health, Out of the Darkness (Fiction Young Adult) is a perfect read. Written by Ashley Hope Pérez and published in 2012, this novel is an incredibly powerful story that follows the journey of a Mexican-American teenager as she navigates her mental health struggles. With its honest yet hopeful message, Out of the Darkness will leave readers with an uplifting feeling of resilience and understanding.

The main character, 15-year-old Naomi Gonzalez, is a vibrant, intelligent young woman living in Texas. Growing up in poverty and with a mother who suffers from depression, she finds solace in writing poetry and playing football. But when her beloved brother is deported back to Mexico and her mother’s mental health deteriorates further, Naomi must learn how to cope with her own emotional turmoil while trying to help her family survive. Through this emotionally gripping story, readers are able to gain insight into the psychological impacts of tragedy on individuals and their families.