Eight Keys (2011) by Suzanne LaFleur tells the story of twelve-year-old Elise Bertrand, who lives with her aunt and uncle after the death of her parents. Elise’s life is filled with struggles as she navigates middle school, bullying, and the loss of her father, who continues to send her letters posthumously. On her twelfth birthday, she begins receiving keys to unlock mysterious doors in a barn behind her house, each door revealing important aspects of her family history and her own personal growth. As Elise opens each door, she learns about herself, her family, and the life her father wanted for her. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges of adolescence.