YA books for kids who are in unhappy homes

[WaltonOnNaze]

DD’s friend has a home life in which she is not unsafe but it is not a happy home. She has a controlling father (who also controls the mother) and whenever she starts to enjoy something eg an after school club, she is made to stop it. She has said before that she hates her dad and can’t wait to leave home etc. like I say - not a safe guarding issue but also not a happy place.

I was wondering what books for MG/YA might be good that will help with messaging but not be obvious to the parents. Any novels where the kid help the mum escape, or tells the teacher they are unhappy, or finds inner strength etc. That might make a nice bundle as a bday gift and be reassuring/inspiring?

they are 12 btw

There are a few Jacqueline Wilson books on a similar theme, but am not sure exactly what age they are aimed at. Cookie is about a girl and her mother leaving an abusive home and building a life together.

I know I’ve come across others, I’ll keep thinking.

Poor kid :(

I enjoyed escaping into fantasy novels, something like His Dark Materials trilogy might be good (YA protagonists and very flawed parent figures).

I'd avoid implying she needs to help her mum escape - that's an adult responsibility and at 12 she's basically powerless in that respect. You don't want to add a layer of guilt.

Thank you for the recommendations so far

I'd agree with the Jacqueline Wilson recommendations.

But I'd also tread a little carefully. You don't want to make her feel it's her responsibility and children can take on a different meaning from the one that is intended.
For example the book "Wonder" which is often touted as a greatly positive book for those with a physical difference, my dd took a message away that if people react badly to her difference it's her fault for not behaving "right" and if she behaved "right" then everyone would love her difference.

But also she may not want to read about what she's experiencing. If she's a reader, she may like the escapism of a dream world. When things have been tough for me, the last thing I want to do is relive it when reading. I want a happy, light book that takes me away from my situation.

Love your name @MargaretThursday maybe my favourite book ever - recently read it to Dd, also Far to Go, the sequel

Also that is good advice

I don’t think giving a child of a controlling father (who you say isn’t abusive but is certainly emotionally abusive and you can’t really know if he is in other ways) a bundle of books about gaining strength and helping mum escape etc is a good idea. Her parents could disapprove, it could make her feel looked down on/pitied/guilty/anxious etc. It just sounds a bit problematic. If I was you I’d just open your own home as much as possible or viable for you, and let her feel she is always welcome. Having an escape even just for a few hours sometimes can make a difference.

Not quite what you are after @WaltonOnNaze but there are a few books here on girls who have overcome adversity.