Books Like...

'Quaking' by Kathryn Erskine follows the story of Matt, a teenage girl with a troubled past who finds herself living with a Quaker family. Through her interactions with the family and her experiences at a new school, Matt learns to respect the pacifist views of the Quakers and begins to adapt to her new environment. The novel delves into themes of peace, tolerance, and the struggles of fitting in, all while exploring the emotional journey of a young girl trying to find her true self amidst past hurts and hardships.

Erskine skillfully weaves a narrative filled with conflict, emotion, and a blend of sad, heartwarming, suspenseful, and funny moments. provides insights into the Quaker religion, portraying the challenges faced by pacifists in a violent world. Despite occasional slips into melodrama, Erskine effectively balances drama with lighthearted scenes, creating a well-paced story that engages readers with its interesting characters and thought-provoking themes.

Paperweight by Meg Haston is a dark and honest story that follows Stevie, a 17-year-old struggling with an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. The book delves into Stevie's journey as she is checked into a treatment center by her father, with the looming anniversary of her brother's death adding urgency to her self-destructive plans. Through alternating narratives of her present-day struggles and past memories, the author provides a realistic portrayal of anorexia, bulimia, and self-hating depression. The writing style is described as authentic, with secrets being shared and a mystery element that builds suspense throughout the narrative.

The book is praised for its raw depiction of recovery, portraying it as a long and brutal road filled with ups and downs. It stands out for its honesty in showing that recovery from mental illness is not a linear process and cannot be magically fixed overnight. The character development, particularly in depicting Stevie's journey towards healing, forgiveness, and self-worth, resonates with readers who appreciate the depth and authenticity of the story.

After by Amy Efaw is a compelling novel that delves into the tragic story of Devon Davenport, a talented fifteen-year-old soccer player and straight-A student who finds herself in denial about her unexpected pregnancy. The book follows Devon's journey as she gives birth and makes a fateful decision to dispose of the baby in a dumpster, leading to her arrest and trial for attempted murder. Through a mix of present and past narratives, the author, Amy Efaw, explores Devon's complex emotions, her strained relationship with her neglectful mother, and the psychological factors that contribute to such heartbreaking actions. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy, denial, and the consequences of one impulsive decision.

'Just Listen' by Sarah Dessen is a young adult novel that follows the story of Annabel, a teenage girl dealing with struggles that many teenagers can relate to, such as misunderstandings with friends and family drama. The book explores themes of friendship, love, honesty, and self-discovery. Annabel finds solace in an unexpected friendship with Owen, a school outcast, who helps her find her voice and face her fears. The plot unfolds with a mix of family dynamics, societal pressures, and personal growth, all set in a realistic and relatable high school setting.

The narrative style of 'Just Listen' captivates readers right from the start, with a mix of drama, romance, and real-life issues faced by teenagers today. The story delves into heavy themes like sexual assault, anorexia, depression, and peer pressure, while also highlighting the importance of speaking up and being true to oneself. Through Annabel's journey of self-discovery and finding her inner strength, the book delivers a powerful message about the impact of listening, honesty, and support in overcoming challenges.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is a compelling and controversial story that delves into the complex relationship between Wavy, a young girl growing up in a troubled environment, and Kellen, a mechanic involved in her father's illicit activities. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and redemption as it follows the evolution of their unconventional bond over the years. The writing style is raw and gritty, offering multiple perspectives that provide a deep insight into the characters' motivations and struggles.

Push by Sapphire is a raw and harrowing story following the life of Precious Jones, a teenage girl who has endured unimaginable abuse from both her parents. Illiterate and pregnant twice by her own father, Precious finds hope and strength through education and the support of a caring teacher. The book delves into themes of injustice, pain, and the resilience of the human spirit, painting a vivid picture of Precious's journey from a life of abuse and despair to one of determination and empowerment.

Sapphire's writing style in Push is characterized by its rawness and simplicity, effectively conveying the brutal realities faced by Precious. The novel's graphic language and vivid descriptions provide a stark portrayal of Precious's struggles, while also highlighting the importance of education and self-worth in overcoming adversity. Through Precious's narrative, readers are taken on a poignant and emotional journey that explores the darkest corners of human experience with a glimmer of hope shining through.

Rainwater by Sandra Brown is a heartwrenching story set in the Great Depression era, focusing on Ella Barron, a single mother running a boarding house in Gilead, Texas. The arrival of a new boarder, David Rainwater, brings significant changes to Ella's life, especially as he forms a bond with Ella's autistic son, Solly. The plot delves into the challenges of the time period, including racial tensions, economic hardships, and personal struggles, all while showcasing the growth and development of the characters in the narrative. The writing style is beautifully descriptive, capturing the setting and time period effectively, making the book an emotional and captivating read.

'Clean' by Amy Reed is a novel that delves into the lives of five teenagers - Olivia, Jason, Christopher, Eva, and Kelly - who find themselves in a rehab center due to their various addictions. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily focusing on Christopher and Kelly, as they navigate through rehab, confront their pasts, and strive for sobriety. The book incorporates chapters about group sessions, personal essays, and drug and alcohol questionnaires, providing a raw and realistic portrayal of the teenagers' journey towards recovery and self-discovery.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee is a novel that explores a unique and forbidden romance between a 39-year-old gallery owner, Solène, and a 20-year-old frontman of a popular boy band, Hayes. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, addressing issues such as ageism, sexism, and the challenges of fame. The writing style is described as intense, steamy, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the emotional and physical connection between the characters.

Anything But Okay by Sarah Darer Littman revolves around Stella, a high school junior dealing with the aftermath of her brother Rob's return from Afghanistan. The book delves into serious issues such as racial discrimination, PTSD in veterans, and the manipulation of truth on social media. Stella's attempt to help her brother leads to unexpected consequences, including a viral video that sparks a conversation about the complexities of truth and multiple perspectives.

Stella's journey in the book involves running for junior class president, facing off against the son of a politician inciting racism, and navigating the fallout of a viral video showing Rob assaulting one of her classmates. As Stella grapples with the challenges of high school life and family struggles, she is forced to confront difficult truths and make tough decisions that impact her relationships and sense of self.