The Knife of Never Letting Go

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press

Young Todd Hewitt is the youngest boy living in an all male town called Prentisstown. This is a town without women, and all of the men can hear each other's thoughts, which they call 'noise'. Once Todd becomes a man, his adoptive parents insist that he, and his dog Manchee, leave the house. While out on his travels, Todd meets a girl and also visits towns that have both men and women. His new discovery changes the way he once viewed and thought of the world. Todd soon realizes that the men of Prentisstown are keeping a dark secret. The author's use of simplistic language shows the reader how innocent Todd is, and how much he lacks in educational skills. This dark and compelling story is sure to grab and hold readers' attention from beginning to end.

Monster

Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper

Myers uses a unique way of writing in this novel. The book is written in the form of a screenplay, with interjections from the main character's imagination. Steve Harmon is a sixteen- year old African- American male who is on trial for murder after being accused of taking part in a robbery that resulted in a store owner's death. After being described as a monster by the prosecutor, Steve struggles with who he really is and if he really is a murderer. Through the distinctive writing of the author, readers get a good feel of the character's emotions. This moving novel also touches on many controversial issues, including, racial stereotyping, peer pressure, and the flaws of the court system. Myers does a great job of showing his young adult audience how one single decision can change your whole life.

It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R. (2009). It's perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press

In this book, sex is explained and taught to kids in a simple and healthy way. Harris gives a good look at sexual education, while answering many questions that teens might have during this time in their life. Teens not only get their questions answered, but they also learn about puberty, the reproduction process, and making responsible choices. Harris does an excellent job of assuring readers that the changes they are going through will be less scary if they get a good understanding of what is going on in their bodies. I would recommend this book to adolescents as they are approaching or going through puberty. This is also a good read for parents to share with their children, so that they can have open discussions with their children about their bodies.

George

Gino, A. (2015). George. NY: Scholastic

Ever since George was little, he knew that he was really a girl. George believes that he has to keep his feelings a secret forever, until his teacher announces that their class will be participating in the stage play Charlotte's Web. George desperately wants to play the part of Charlotte, but is turned down by his teacher since he is a boy. Once he tells his best friend Kelly that he is a transgender, the two come up with a plan so that George can play the part he really wants. As a result, George gains the confidence he needed to confess to his family about his secret. Alex Gino does an excellent job of explaining what transgender is for his young adult readers. This novel teaches readers to be comfortable in their own skin and how to truly identify with their inner feelings. 

Annie on My Mind

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. NY: FSG

This young adult novel tells the love story about a friendship that turns into love for two teenage girls who are from opposite sides of town. Liza and Annie meet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and instantly become friends. Although Liza is from a white-collar family, and Annie is from a low-income family, their connection is strong and grows more and more with each day they spend together. Their growing attraction forces both girls to think about their sexual orientation, with Annie admitting that she is gay, and Liza admitting that she is falling in love with Annie. Annie on My Mind digs deep into the acceptance of homosexuality as both girls are faced with much controversy once others find out about their relationship. Although many see this book as a "coming-out" book, I see it as a beautiful love story that all people, no matter their sexual orientation, will enjoy.