2025
WISE Score
Amazon
A 'Sliding Doors' for the anxious teen who spends twenty minutes trying to pick a Netflix movie.
4.4
4.4View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Kara McDowell nails the feeling of being seventeen and totally overwhelmed by the future. It’s a smart, readable book that doesn't talk down to its audience.
The 'choose your own adventure' vibe without the actual gimmick makes it feel fresh. It’s a great pick for a kid who wants a 'real' story that isn't unnecessarily dark or edgy. It's a solid, safe, and actually helpful read.
Best for 12 to 16-year-olds. It’s written for that middle-to-high school transition where every choice feels like it might ruin your life.
It handles teen anxiety with a lot of empathy. The focus is on emotional growth and navigating messy feelings rather than just cheap drama.
The parallel timeline gimmick is a fun way to explore the 'what if' scenarios that keep kids up at night. It’s not high fantasy, but it’s a clever structural choice.
Very safe. It’s a Scholastic-approved YA title. You're looking at light romance and standard teen stress, not grit or graphic content.
Actually helps kids vocalize what anxiety feels like. It moves beyond 'just be brave' and shows the reality of being paralyzed by choice.
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