Age Group: 12+ Years

Description: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a poignant young adult novel set in 1980s Nebraska, following two misfit teens—Eleanor, who faces bullying and an abusive home, and Park, a biracial boy from a loving family. Their relationship deepens through shared music and comics, offering solace amid hardship. The story explores love, resilience, and identity. The book has received multiple honors, including a Michael L. Printz Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for fiction. The book explores serious topics such as bullying, domestic abuse, and complex romantic relationships, as well as the presence of strong language and references to substance use. These elements are handled with sensitivity but are most appropriate for mature readers who can process and discuss challenging social issues.