Teen Life

What in the world is a "teen life" novel, you ask? When I was 11 years old, several of the boys in my neighborhood formed a secret club centered around a big dirt pit that we rode our bikes in, ala Evil Knievel. The club included secret code words, a hidden stash of candy, and inside jokes nobody else would understand. Well, being a teenager is kind of like that. You live in a club that children can't yet understand, and that adults think they understand because they used to be in the club, but no longer know the inside jokes.

Teen life novels are those written for teens about teens, and make liberal use of the inside knowledge that adults can't hope to appreciate. Oddly, these are some of the best books for us old fogies, because they remind us how wonderful and horrible it was to be in that club.

These are the Best of the Best Teen Life novels.

3 NBs of Julian Drew by James M. Deem - Julian's story unfolds through entries in his notebook diaries. Told in code at first difficult to follow, the reader soon learns that Julian's father and stepmother severely abuse him. He is imprisoned in a cold garage, starved for days, and emotionally tormented. As Julian slowly comes to grips with the loss of his mother and his horrid life, the code slowly melts, revealing a troubled but hopeful soul. Out of the darkness comes an uplifting ending that you won't see coming.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - Arnold Spirit, a bright but homely Spokane Indian, transfers to a wealthy white school to escape the poverty of the reservation. While he is a celebrity at his new school, he becomes an outcast at home. Funny, tragic, and insightful, with terrific character development.

Babylon Boyz by Jess Mowry - What happens when you have a chance to do a great good by committing a great evil? This is the question at the center of Mowry's novel. Three inner-city teens, one of them with a heart defect, find an invaluable package of cocaine. Selling the cocaine could provide them with enough money for the operation, but at what cost? Told in a raw manner worthy of street life, this novel will make you ponder deeply the choices we have in life.

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn - A revealing and honest look at the thought process of an abusive teen boyfriend. Nick has hit his girlfriend before, but the latest slap has resulted in a restraining order and his sentencing to a family violence glass with six other abusers. Nick's subsequent journal tells the story. The journal follows Nick from his callous and self-righteous physical abuse of this girlfriend through his gradual acceptance that what he has done is wrong.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - Jess and Leslie are first rivals, and then soul mates who create an imaginary kingdom in the forest behind their house. A tragic accident rends them apart and leaves a lump in the reader's throat. Although the kids are only fifth grade, the questions addressed by the author are meant for any age. Grab a box of Kleenex first.

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger - Watershed novel of teenage alienation written in 1951. The would-be assassin of President Reagan used this book as inspiration, but don't let that scare you. It covers two days in the life of 16-year old Holden Caulfield after he is expelled from prep school, as he searches for truth against "adult phoniness" and eventually suffers a breakdown. Narrated by the teenager, the dialogue is edgy and honest even by today's standards.

The Chocolate War by Charles Cormier - Edgy story about high-schooler Jerry, whose refusal to sell chocolates for a fundraiser causes civil war at his high school and may threaten his life. Examines how far you should go and what you must be willing to sacrifice to stand by your beliefs. Cormier doesn't go for tidy endings, so be warned.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams - Kyra lives with her father, three mothers, and twenty siblings in a polygamist compound run by an iron-fisted prophet. When the prophet decrees that 14year old Kyra must marry her 60 year old uncle, she finds the idea abhorrent. Her knowledge of the world outside, her secret relationship with one of the boys in the compound, and her natural yearning for freedom lead her to make a bitter choice - leave everything she knows behind for a chance at a life of her choosing.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess - Few books have shocked readers the way this one did when released in 1962. Set in a dystopian near future, Alex is the teen leader of a sadistic gang that spends evenings committing acts of sickening violence. Captured by the state, he is "re-formed" through behavior conditioning, but further warped in the process. The author's invented slang is difficult to follow at first, but soon the reader is sucked into Alex' twisted thought process.

Fight Club by Chuck Plahniuk - A bored young man falls in with a destructive man with whom the he starts a fight club, a secret society that offers young professionals the chance to beat one another to a bloody pulp. Mayhem ensues, featuring gut-wrenching turns and lots of explosions. Palahniuk is a risky writer unafraid to offend anyone, and so he does so liberally. The twist near the end of the book is absolutely wicked.

Girls for Breakfast by David Yoo - Nick, a Korean-American, feel racially isolated in his Connecticut high school. His narrative strives to place blame for his lack of female attention, understand the mystery of popularity, and make sense of his alien family. You will laugh, and sometimes feel sorry for Nick as he traces his life. His thoughts often return to sexual imaginings and vulgarity. However, the overall effect is one of revealing an uncertain soul, whose emotional struggles we recognize as our own.

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous - Readers have long speculated: is this anonymous diary of an addicted teen truth or fiction? The answer: it doesn't matter. The unknown writer so expertly captures the utter hell of adolescence that the story rings true. Pressure from her parents and social awkwardness propel the writer into the inescapable darkness of drug addiction and self-loathing. Although some of the slang is outdated, the palpable feelings of the writer are as vividly real as ever.

Holes by Louis Sachar - Cursed teenager Stanley Yelnats is sent to a work farm for a petty crime he did not commit. The sadistic warden works the boys mercilessly in search of a hidden treasure. Stanley must find his inner strength to survive, but will it be enough to break the family curse? Sachar seamlessly weaves in the tale of doomed lovers one-hundred years earlier, and brings the two narratives into jarring collision. The outstanding final twist will make the reader cheer.

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - Fascinating novel about the outbreak of a 21st century world war as seen through the eyes of Daisy, a 15 year old American staying with her cousins on a remote England farm. At first utopian, the kid's existence degenerates into horror as the war encroaches on the farm. Through the several month period covered by the story, Daisy grows from a self-centered girl into a determined survivor. This book will leave a mark on the reader for years to come.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman - A powerful novel that explores the question "is life worth living?" After a horrific car accident kills her parents and leaves her comatose, Mia hovers by her unconscious body with a decision to make: should she fight to live. Through flashbacks and scenes at the hospital, Mia explores her life and relationships, hoping to make the appropriate choice. Magnificently moving, the novel will invite you to consider the people and passions that make life worth living.

Imani All Mine by Connie Porter - Tasha, a 15 year old African-American mother, takes care of her baby boy, Imani. Although her daily life includes one horror after another, Tasha perseveres, despite pushing away attempts of well-meaning adults to help. The strength of the story is its believable descriptions of complex adults and the complexity of relationships. This proves ironic because of Tasha's consistent misreading of these complexities. The ending will stun you, not once, but twice; just be ready.

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson - Sara Louise Bradshaw is sick and tired of her beautiful twin Caroline. Ever since they were born, Caroline has been the pretty one, the talented one, the better sister who seems to take everything: Louise's friends, their parents' love, her dreams for the future. For once Louise wants to be the special one. But in order to do that, she must first figure out who she is, and find a way to make a place for herself outside her sister's shadow.

Looking for Alaska by John Green - Miles tells the story of his transformation from a boring non-entity to a life-loving adventurer when he moves to a new boarding school. Christened into his new life by his dirt-poor but genius friend, Chip, and the beautiful, wonderful, and self-destructive Alaska Young, Miles is challenged to analyze his understanding of the world. The story is told in events that are "Before" and "After", with the seminal event being the suicide of Alaska. Realistic, sophisticated, and moving.

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta - Josie is on scholarship at a high-brow Catholic girls' school, but could not be more different from her affluent classmates: she is illegitimate and from an immigrant community. The result is a rebellious streak that complicates her life and holds her at arm's length from her classmates. However, the arrival of her Senior year signals a change in her romantic fortunes when two boys compete for her affection, and her long-lost father shows up. Very well told.

Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones by Ann Head - Written fifty years ago on the subject of teen pregnancy, you might think this novel would be outdated. You would be incorrect. The author takes an authentic look at the consequences of teen pregnancy without romanticizing or preaching. The decisions the couple must make are treated in a matter-of-fact and respectful way, and the changing nature of the relationship between the teens as the baby grows is well drawn. Groundbreaking for its day, and still very good.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - Written by a 16-year old, this classic tells the story of high school class conflict between the haves and have-nots as seen through the eyes of Ponyboy, a have-not living with his slightly older brother. The gut-wrenching events of the lives of Ponyboy and his friends leave the reader with a heavy heart. Despite its age, the Outsiders still deftly captures the acid feelings of inadequacy and non-acceptance experienced by nearly all teenagers.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - To the super-sensitive Charlie, high school is a mine field of incomprehensible emotions and bewildering peer behavior. His story takes the form of letters from Charlie to an unnamed friend, which contributes heavily to the earnestness of the telling. In this touching and often painful story, Charlie considers the challenges that impede his journey through 10th grade. The overall result is very real, and you will wallow in the aftermath for days after you finish.

Runner by Carl Deuker - Chance has a sad life. He is nearly invisible at school, his alcoholic father can't hold a job, and the pair are in danger of losing the battered sailboat that is their home. Chance sees a way out when a dock worker offers him a job "running" mysterious packages, even though the boy suspects that the contents are illegal. When an unexpected friendship blossoms with a girl at school, Chance begins to question his involvement in the unseemly operation. Incredible ending!

Say Goodnight, Gracie by Julie Reece Deaver - When Morgan's best friend since birth, Jimmy, is killed by a drunk driver, Morgan struggles to overcome the grief. The novel starts with the accident, then flashes back to the events leading up to and following the tragedy. The poignancy of the telling, coupled with Deaver's incredible gift for heartfelt dialogue, make for compelling reading. Morgan's journey through grief and maturity are as realistic as any portrayed in young adult fiction. An achingly beautiful read

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - In 1964, 14-year old Lily is left alone with an abusive father after her mother is killed. When Lily's nanny is thrown into jail after standing up to town racists, Lily helps her escape. The two run away to Tiburon, South Carolina, where Lily discovers her mother's secret and surprising past. The pair are taken in by three African-American beekeeping sisters and welcomed into the world of bees and honey. More importantly, Lily discovers the true meaning of family and self.

Sex Education by Jennie Davis - What happens when best intentions go horribly wrong? Livvie tells just a story, and because she resides in an insane asylum, you fear the worst. She recounts the story of her and classmate, David, whose term project in a sex education class leads them to care for a lonely, pregnant neighbor for a semester. The task quickly proves far more difficult than anticipated, due in large part to the neighbor's abusive husband. A tear-jerker, but a gem of a story that will haunt you.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares - Four best friends find a pair of "magical" pants that fit each of the girls perfectly despite their differing physiques. When the girls separate for the summer before their junior year, they vow to take turns wearing the magical jeans. The novel follows the experiences of the girls, with the pants playing a symbolic role for each. The characters are realistic, and the stories are expertly interwoven to produce a quartet of heartfelt coming of age stories that speak particularly to girls.

Sloppy Firsts: a Jessica Darling Novel by Megan McCafferty - Jessica Darling's barely tolerable life crashes to the floor when her best friend, and the only person who understands her, moves away. Sounds sad, right? Think again. McCafferty gives a very fresh and funny account of a "lost" girl forced to find her way both at school and at home. You will see Jessica's salvation coming long before she does - in the form of a strange boy that creates ambiguous feelings within Jessica.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - Melinda drifts through her 9th grade year, rarely speaking to anyone, from peers to teachers to family. Baffled why an outgoing middle schooler has transformed suddenly into a lonely outsider, her parents and teachers try futilely to reach Melinda. What they don't know is that Melinda harbors a secret - one that has driven her to silence to hide from the pain. This book will speak especially to girls, particularly those that share the soul-numbing experience that silenced her.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli - Stargirl Caraway is a new 10th grader at Mica Area High School, and is she ever strange! Quirky dress, odd behavior, and off-kilter speech soon endear her to a fascinated student population. However, little by little her classmates sour on Stargirl's strangeness and turn against her. Even as the boy who loves her, the narrator of the tale, grows angrier and angrier at her treatment, Stargirl's ever-positive attitude carries her through. The message: be true to yourself.

Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper - The brutal tale of an African-American teen who kills his best friend while driving drunk. Wracked with guilt, Andy fails to respond to help from friends, family, and counselors. His life unravels, eventually leading to his suicide. Although the subject is grim, the portrayal of the disintegration of a young life is very well executed. The story is not told in narrative form, but rather through English class assignments that include letters, essay, and poetry - a novelty that works very well.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - When Clay receives a tape made by dead classmate Hannah Baker, he is surprised to learn that he is one of thirteen reasons why she committed suicide. Hannah's narrative illuminates betrayals and secrets that demonstrate the consequences of even small actions. Hannah is not free from guilt, having unintentionally played a part in an accidental auto death and a rape. The message about how we treat one another makes for compelling reading.

A Time for Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin - Best friends and dance partners, Jules and Samantha, are rocked when Jules is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The ensuing events are told in alternating chapters by the two - Jules trying to cope with her impending death and Sam struggling with how to keep living while staying true to her friend. The impact of the illness and its affect on the various characters of the novel is well drawn. The ending is a heart-wringer infused with an unexpected spark of triumph.

You Don't Know Me by David Klass - John narrates his difficult but always entertaining life. He has all the struggles of a typical 14-year-old: longing after his dream girl while completely missing the attentions of the girl in band who really likes him, and wrestling with feelings of alienation. However, it is his mother's intentions to marry her boyfriend that disturbs John the most, for the boyfriend abuses him when mom is not around. An excellent take on what teens want most: acceptance, love, and peace.


The Best of the Rest:

The Adventures of the Blue Avenger by Norma Howe
After the Rain by Norma Fox Mazer
The Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
America by E. R. Frank
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Autobiography of My Dead Brother by Walter Dean Myers
Breakout by Paul Fleischman
Buried Onions by Gary Soto
Cut by Patricia McCormick
Damage by A. M. Jenkins
Dancing On the Edge by Han Nolan
The Dear One by Jacqueline Woodson
Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg
The Facts Speak for Themselves by Brock Cole
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
The Friends by Rosa Guy
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson
Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn
The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian
The Great Santini by Pat Conroy
A Hero Ain’t Nothing But a Sandwich by Alice Childress
Hoot by Carl Hiassen
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg
Invisible by Pete Hautman
Jack by A. M. Homes
Kit’s Wilderness by David Almond
Letters from the Inside by John Marsden
Like Sisters on the Homefront by Rita Williams-Garcia
Many Stones by Carolyn Coman
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Nothing but the Truth by Avi
Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida by Victor Martinez
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
A Room on Lorelei Street by Mary E. Pearson
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
St. Ursula’s Girls Against the Atomic Bomb by Valerie Hurley
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman
Ttyl by Lauren Myracle
Under the Wolf, Under the Dog by Adam Rapp
Way Past Cool by Jess Mowry
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman