Fathers

Italian novelist Umberto Eco wrote, "I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us." This study guide collection gathers texts that explore what it means to be a father and what profound lessons their presence—or absence—teaches us.

We Fell Apart

by E. Lockhart

Publication year 2025

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Loneliness, Love, The Past, Daughters & Sons, Family, Fathers, Friendship, Siblings, Self Discovery, Art, Animals

Tags Romance, Grief & Death, Mystery & Crime Fiction

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White Bird

by R. J. Palacio

Publication year 2019

Genre Graphic Novel/Book, Fiction

Themes Disability, Death, Safety & Danger, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Friendship, Memory, The Past, Fear, Family, War, Grief, Conflict, Fathers, Justice, Good & Evil, Power & Greed, Politics & Government, Trust & Doubt, Hope, Gratitude, Loneliness, Loyalty & Betrayal, Appearance & Reality, Nation

Tags Historical Fiction, Children`s Literature, Dramatic Literature, World War II, Holocaust, Military & War, World History

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Wildfire

by Hannah Grace

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Love, Shame & Pride, Fathers, Self Discovery

Tags Romance, New Adult, Sports, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

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Wintergirls

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Publication year 2009

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Mental Health, Family, Grief, Friendship, Mothers, Guilt, Shame & Pride, Food, Fear, Trust & Doubt, Conflict, Fathers, Appearance & Reality

Tags Realistic Fiction, Mental Illness, Grief & Death, Depression & Suicide, Modern Classic Fiction

Wintergirls is a young-adult novel by Laurie Halse Anderson published in 2009 by Penguin Books. Wintergirls is the winner of the 2010 Milwaukee County Teen Book Award and has received several other award nominations. Wintergirls follows the mental health journey of Lia Overbrook as she attempts recovery from anorexia, depression, and other mental health issues. Lia spends the weeks during Thanksgiving and Christmas struggling to gain closure over her former best friend Cassie’s death. Lia... Read Wintergirls Summary

With a Vengeance

by Riley Sager

Publication year 2025

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Revenge, Conflict, Fear, Grief, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Loneliness, Memory, Regret, Childhood & Youth, Death, The Past, Family, Fathers, Self Discovery, Community, Justice, Loyalty & Betrayal, Power & Greed

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Horror & Suspense

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Wrecker

by Carl Hiaasen

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Fear, Joy, Loneliness, Race, Coming of Age, The Past, Climate, Environment, Plants, Place, Fathers, Mothers, Self Discovery, Community, Beauty, Safety & Danger

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Action & Adventure, Realistic Fiction

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You Like It Darker

by Stephen King

Publication year 2024

Genre Short Story Collection, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Perseverance, Fear, Gratitude, Grief, Hate & Anger, Hope, Love, Memory, Mental Health, Aging, Death, Animals, Daughters & Sons, Family, Fathers, Grandparents, Community, War, Fame, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Order & Chaos, Safety & Danger, Truth & Lies, Self Discovery

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Your Fault

by Mercedes Ron

Publication year 2017

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Fear, Guilt, Loneliness, Love, Memory, Shame & Pride, Mental Health, Sexual Identity, Coming of Age, Death, Fathers, Mothers, Self Discovery, Social Class, Loyalty & Betrayal, Safety & Danger

Tags Love & Sexuality, Romance

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