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Books matching: high school challenges

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Anything But Okay by Sarah Darer Littman
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    A punchy, heartfelt YA read that tackles today’s toughest issues with honesty - and maybe just a bit too much going on at once. Still, it’s well worth picking up if you want a book that gets you thinking and feeling.

    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.

    “Romantic?” my best friend, Farida, says with one graceful eyebrow raised. I wish I could do that. “What’s romantic about Rick and Ilsa not being together in the end? It’s so sad. I mean, I’d rather i...
    October 2018
    350 pages

  2. #2

    We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding
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    'We Used to Be Friends' by Amy Spalding follows the story of James and Kat, who have been best friends since kindergarten but find themselves drifting apart during their senior year of high school. The narrative is structured in a unique way, moving forward and in reverse, expertly showing the dissolution of a friendship and the hurt it can cause. Readers appreciate the author's ability to portray the painful, awkward, and confusing aspects of a best friendship breakup, making the story both bitter and sweet with nostalgia and heart-wrenching realizations. Despite the friendship breakup being the central theme, the book also touches on the erasure of bisexuality in our culture, highlighting the importance of representation in literature.

    I remember being fourteen, which felt grown-up at the time, starting high school. I’d dedicated a page in my journal to a list of ideal time capsule contents, while Kat made her choices more impulsive...
    January 2020
    375 pages

  3. #3

    When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
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    An adorable, quick, and heartfelt teen love story. Not mind-blowing, but highly enjoyable for anyone craving a little hope, heart, and high school nostalgia.

    When It Happens by Susane Colasanti is a young adult novel that follows the story of Sara and Tobey as they navigate their senior year of high school. Sara is focused on getting into a top college and finding true love, while Tobey, a slacker in a rock band, is determined to make Sara fall for him. The book is told in alternating perspectives between Sara and Tobey, exploring themes of teenage romance, self-discovery, and the challenges of high school life. The plot is described as predictable yet relatable, touching on issues such as social cliques, fitting in, and the search for love and identity.

    The writing style of When It Happens is praised for its dual narration, providing insight into the thoughts and emotions of both main characters. The book is noted for its quick and enjoyable read, with likable characters and a simple, easy-to-follow storyline. Readers appreciate the realistic and relatable portrayal of teenage relationships, as well as the themes of self-discovery and finding one's place in the world after high school.

    The prospect of starting senior year next week without a real boyfriend is the worst. Not some math dork or physics geek I end up liking just because he’s there. I mean a boyfriend who’s everything I...
    2006
    328 pages

  4. #4
    Fearless
    Book 1 in the series:Fearless

    Fearless - Fearless by Francine Pascal
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    A nostalgic, action-packed YA series that's fun if you don't mind some classic tropes and melodrama - perfect for fans of tough-girl protagonists and 2000s-era teen fiction.

    The series 'Fearless' by author Francine Pascal follows the story of a teenage girl named Gaia who lacks the fear gene, making her audacious and fearless in the face of danger. Gaia navigates her new life in New York City, dealing with romantic interests, enemies, and high school drama. The stories are filled with action, romance, and social alienation, portraying Gaia's no-nonsense attitude and tomboyish antics as she challenges societal norms and overcomes obstacles with her bold personality.

    Losers with no imagination say that if you start a new school, there has to be a first day. How come they haven’t figured out how to beat that? Just think existentially. All you do is take what’s supp...
    1999
    224 pages

  5. #5
    Falling For Her
    Book 2 in the series:The Callahans

    Falling For Her - The Callahans by Monica Murphy
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    'Falling For Her' in the series 'The Callahans' by Monica Murphy revolves around the love story between Jake Callahan, the popular quarterback, and Hannah Walsh, the shy artist. Their unexpected attraction leads to a deep connection that both of them needed. The plot unfolds with various conflicts happening at a rapid pace, representing the challenges and changes in the lives of teenagers. Through the characters of Jake and Hannah, the author explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and personal growth during the last year of high school.

    We all snicker when we see who Diego’s discreetly pointing at as we walk past her in the hallway. Some freshman who looks about ten, with big blue eyes and a mouth full of metal. She’s cute enough, bu...
    May 2020
    429 pages

  6. #6

    Made You Up by Francesca Zappia
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    A captivating, unpredictable YA contemporary with heart, humor, and a beautifully drawn cast - but approach with caution if you want clinical accuracy or neat endings.

    'Made You Up' by Francesca Zappia is a young adult novel that delves into the life of Alex, a high school senior suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. The book follows Alex as she navigates her new school, friendships, and the challenges of distinguishing between reality and imagination. The plot is filled with mystery, romance, and moments of normalcy as Alex grapples with her mental illness and tries to find her place in the world.

    The writing style of 'Made You Up' is praised for its ability to make the difficult subject of mental illness accessible to a young audience. The author, Francesca Zappia, weaves a story that is both heartbreaking and vivid, creating empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. The book features an unreliable narrator in Alex, who keeps readers guessing about what is real and what is not, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

    I mean like how you can tell the difference between a dream and real life. When you’re in the dream you may not know it, but as soon as you wake up, you know that your dream was a dream and whatever h...
    May 2015
    452 pages

  7. #7
    Seconds Away
    Book 2 in the series:Mickey Bolitar

    Seconds Away - Mickey Bolitar by Harlan Coben
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    A twisty, energetic ride for YA mystery fans - and essential if you loved Shelter. Just be prepared for lingering questions and that urge to immediately grab book three!

    "Seconds Away" in the Mickey Bolitar series by Harlan Coben follows the story of Mickey, a teenager who, along with his friends Ema and Spoon, investigates the shooting of their classmate Rachel. Mickey is also dealing with personal struggles such as his father's mysterious death, his mother's drug addiction, and his relationship with his Uncle Myron. As the group delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover dangerous secrets while navigating the challenges of high school life. The writing style caters to a young adult audience, blending humor, suspense, and relatable characters to create an action-packed adventure that keeps readers engaged.

    Harlan Coben skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads in "Seconds Away," creating a compelling and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience as Mickey and his friends race against time to solve the mystery behind the shooting. With well-developed characters and unexpected twists, Coben delivers a captivating story that appeals to both young adult and adult readers, offering a blend of wit, suspense, and emotional depth throughout the narrative.

    I don’t mean little things like, say, what cereal turns out to be your favorite or whether you get into any AP classes or what girl you fall in love with or where you wind up living for the next twent...
    September 2012
    355 pages

    (Also, see 40 recommendations for the series Mickey Bolitar )

  8. #8
    Hopeless
    Book 1 in the series:Hopeless

    Hopeless - Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
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    A page-turning, emotionally charged romance that isn’t afraid to go dark or deep - just be prepared for some heavy twists and serious subject matter along the way.

    'Hopeless' by Colleen Hoover is a captivating story that delves into the intense and complicated relationship between the main characters, Sky and Holder. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers guessing, while also addressing heavy themes such as abuse and trauma. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and beautifully crafted, allowing readers to feel deeply connected to the characters and their experiences.

    I’d like to think most of the decisions I’ve made throughout my seventeen years have been smart ones. Hopefully intelligence is measured by weight, and the few dumb decisions I’ve made will be outweig...
    2012
    461 pages

  9. #9

    Zenn Diagram by Wendy Brant
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    Heartfelt, funny, and a little bit magical - a quick, feel-good YA romance for anyone ready to welcome quirky characters and clever wordplay into their reading list.

    Eva Walker, a math nerd high school senior with the ability to feel other people's emotions through touch, tutors students and struggles with her unique gift. When she meets Zenn, an artsy boy seeking help with math, they form a deep connection that leads to a complicated romance. The story unfolds as a sweet opposites-attract narrative with a twist that challenges their budding relationship. As their feelings and futures are tested, Eva and Zenn navigate personal struggles and uncertainties about their college prospects.

    The TI-84 is my favorite lower-end calculator. Not many teenagers have a favorite calculator, much less favorite calculators in different price ranges, but I’m super cool like that. My dream calculato...
    April 2017
    329 pages

  10. #10

    Pretty Little Liars - Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
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    A binge-worthy, guilty-pleasure YA mystery packed with secrets and drama - great for fans of teen thrillers, but not for those seeking subtlety or realism.

    'Pretty Little Liars' by Sara Shepard follows the lives of four teenage girls, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, who are dealing with their own set of problems while being haunted by a mysterious figure known as 'A.' The girls had drifted apart after their friend Alison went missing, but are brought back together when they start receiving messages from 'A' threatening to reveal their deepest secrets. As they try to uncover the truth about what happened to Alison and the identity of 'A,' the girls navigate through issues such as relationships, secrets, and the challenges of high school life. The story is fast-paced, addictive, and filled with twists and turns that keep the readers engaged.

    “Someone finally bought the DiLaurentises’ old house,” Emily Fields’s mother said. It was Saturday afternoon, and Mrs. Fields sat at the kitchen table, bifocals perched on her nose, calmly doing her b...
    2006
    310 pages

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