We're All In This Together
created by Christine Pier, Wayland Free Library
December 2006

 

Inspired by the song title from High School Musical, this list of books includes several titles that deal with teenagers getting by, communicating (or not), and surviving adolescence. Guess what, you’re not alone!

FICTION

Perfect by Natasha Friend
This is the story of thirteen-year-old Isabelle and how she, her mother, and ten-year-old sister deal (or not) with their grief following the unexpected death of Isabelle’s father. Isabelle further escapes by using bulimia to avoid her feelings.

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
Fifteen-year-old Ruby Oliver meets frequently with her “shrink” to determine the cause of her recent panic attacks. Could her break-up with her boyfriend, losing all her girlfriends, tensions between her parents, and much more over the past 10 days be the cause?

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
The story of sixteen-year-old Francesca’s trials and tribulations when she is forced to attend 11th grade at a parochial school that has just turned co-ed, rather than being allowed to attend the school where all her friends are. She needs her mother’s help more than ever, but her mother has suddenly become severely depressed.

Aimee by Mary Beth Miller
The story of 17-year-old Zoe accused of assisting her best friend Aimee commit suicide. Following this accusation, Zoe battles loneliness, guilt, anger, and depression in addition to being forced to move away.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
A high school freshman’s life and what ensues when he doesn’t join in.

King Dork by Frank Portman
The story of the daily torments of 14-year-old outsider, Tom Henderson. Tom’s required school reading of the Catcher in the Rye leads him to not only to find his deceased father’s old copy of the book, but also on an adventure that will change his life.

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The story of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield is a classic coming-of-age novel as he experiences life.

NON-FICTION

Life Freaks Me Out: And then I deal with it by K.L. Hong
This is a thoughtful memoir inspired by concerns of real teenagers. Sexuality, drug use, friendships, stress management, and self-esteem are among the important adolescent topics that this personal memoir addresses.