Boot Camp

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser

Garrett has made some mistakes, but none seem bad enough for this...in the middle of the night, he is taken to a teen boot camp for juvenile delinquents. He survives horrible physical and mental abuse in order to "cure" him. This book made me angry and I desperately wanted justice for Garrett. An intense and quick read, this book is very highly recommended for all teens.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen has received a strange package...in it are several cassette tapes recorded by his classmate, Hannah Baker. Hannah is dead and on the tapes she has detailed who and what has killed her. Although Clay doesn't want any part of it, he listens to the tapes, drives to the appropriate locations, and ponders his responsibility in her death. In this debut novel, Jay Asher does an excellent job showing readers what goes through teenage minds and how to help those in trouble. This novel is haunting, yet highly recommended.

Story of a Girl

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Being labeled as the school slut after her father finds her in the back of a car with an older boy, Deanna is doing her best to change her reputation. Her dad can't stand to look at her and her peers judge her harshly. What can she do to make them see she is not that "type" of girl? What happens to someone when they can't overcome something from the past? This highly recommended book examines family and school dynamics and makes readers think about their judgments of others.

If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It has been the worst day of Mia's life. In an instant, everything has changed. After a tragic car accident that has claimed the lives of her family, Mia lays in a coma trying to make the toughest decision. Should she stay with Adam and live her life as a gifted musician or join her family? This is a thought-provoking book that is recommended for high school and up.