Books Like...

'Free as a Bird' by Gina McMurchy-Barber narrates the heartbreaking story of Ruby Jean, a girl born with Down syndrome, who is mistreated and placed in an institution called Woodlands School. Despite the challenges she faces, Ruby Jean's narrative is filled with moments of hope, friendship, and resilience. The writing style is honest, direct, and simple, capturing the raw emotions of the characters and the harsh realities of the institutional setting.

The book sheds light on the dark truths of institutional living, highlighting the abuses, isolation, and lack of compassion faced by individuals like Ruby Jean. Through Ruby Jean's perspective, readers are taken on a journey of sadness, hope, and ultimately, triumph. The author, drawing from her own experiences working at Woodlands, brings authenticity to the narrative, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

'Rose Sees Red' by Cecil Castellucci is a coming-of-age story set in 1983 in New York City. It follows the protagonist, Rose, a high school student living next to a Soviet compound, as she navigates friendships, school life, and the challenges of adolescence during the Cold War era. Despite feeling like an outcast at school and dealing with a strained relationship with her former best friend, Daisy, Rose finds herself embarking on a late-night adventure with a new group of friends, including the mysterious Russian girl, Yrena. The story unfolds over a short period of time, capturing the essence of teenage rebellion, friendship, and self-discovery against the backdrop of political tensions and personal struggles.

The narrative is gripping and engaging, with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and poignant moments that delve into themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through Rose's perspective, readers get a glimpse into the complexities of teenage emotions, the dynamics of relationships, and the contrast between the personal struggles of the characters and the larger geopolitical context of the Cold War.

Heroes by Robert Cormier is a dark and gripping novel set during World War II, following the story of Francis Joseph Cassavant, a young war hero who returns home without a face. The book delves into Francis's quest for revenge against his childhood hero, Larry LaSalle, who committed a heinous act that changed Francis's life forever. Through flashbacks and suspenseful storytelling, the author explores themes of heroism, betrayal, and the impact of war on individuals' lives.

'Rat' by Fernanda Eberstadt follows the story of a 15-year-old girl named Rat, living in the South of France, who embarks on a journey to find her English father and legendary grandmother after a traumatic incident involving her adopted brother. The narrative delves into Rat's complex family dynamics, her relationships with her mother and adopted brother, and her quest for self-discovery. The story transitions to London in the latter part, exploring the impact of Rat and her brother on an upper-middle-class family, against the backdrop of the 2005 bombings. Eberstadt's writing style vividly portrays the settings, evoking a sense of Rat's world and delving into themes of family, identity, and coming of age.

Tenderness by Robert Cormier tells the story of two main characters, Eric and Lori, both with troubled pasts and emotional issues. Eric is a complex serial killer released from juvenile detention, while Lori is a runaway seeking affection and love. Their paths cross, leading to a disturbing and suspenseful relationship that unfolds through different perspectives, creating a chilling and gripping tale of psychological terror. The narrative explores themes of obsession, love, innocence, and justice, as the characters navigate their dark desires and twisted emotions towards each other.

The writing style in Tenderness is dark, gritty, and complex, drawing readers into the minds of the protagonists as they struggle with their inner demons and traumatic pasts. Robert Cormier skillfully crafts a suspenseful plot with unexpected twists, allowing readers to delve into the psychological depths of the characters and their actions. handles mature topics delicately, making it suitable for high school psychology or ethics classes, while also offering a thought-provoking exploration of tenderness amidst darkness and tragedy.

Fade by Robert Cormier is a captivating novel that follows the life of Paul Moreaux, a young boy who discovers he has the unique ability to fade or disappear at will. As Paul navigates the challenges of adolescence, his newfound power leads him to uncover dark secrets within his town and within himself. The book seamlessly weaves together coming-of-age themes, elements of sci-fi thriller, and a touch of horror, creating a literary mystery that keeps readers spellbound until the end. Through multiple perspectives and timelines, Cormier explores the struggles of being an adolescent, the complexities of human emotions, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

The plot of Fade delves into the consequences of possessing a supernatural ability, the impact of family history on individual lives, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Cormier's writing style is both nostalgic and realistic, capturing the essence of youth while delving into the deeper complexities of adulthood. The novel skillfully balances tenderness and violence, realism and fantasy, intimacy and disorientation, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.

'The Story of Beautiful Girl' by Rachel Simon follows the intertwined lives of Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, Homan, a deaf African American man, and Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. Lynnie and Homan escape from an institution where they were imprisoned, seeking refuge at Martha's farmhouse where Lynnie gives birth to a baby girl. As the authorities catch up to them, Homan escapes, Lynnie is caught and sent back to the institution, and she entrusts Martha to hide her baby. The narrative spans 40 years, exploring the challenges faced by these characters and the extraordinary love that binds them together.

The author, Rachel Simon, narrates the story through the eyes of each main character, providing a deep insight into their perspectives and experiences. delves into themes of institutionalization, inclusion in society, and the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, offering a compelling and emotional journey of love, loss, and resilience.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott is a haunting and heartbreaking story that follows the life of a fifteen-year-old girl, known only as Alice, who has been living in captivity for the past five years after being abducted by a man named Ray. The book delves into the disturbing and tragic realities of Alice's daily life filled with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her abductor. Through a raw and compelling narrative, the author provides a glimpse into Alice's mental state and the horrors she endures, shedding light on the dark and harrowing world of an abused teenager.

The writing style in Living Dead Girl is described as frank and straightforward, yet evocative and powerful. Elizabeth Scott's narrative captures the reader's attention from the very beginning, drawing them into Alice's world of torment and despair. The book is praised for its ability to convey the emotional depth of the protagonist and the unsettling circumstances she finds herself in, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

"Blood of My Blood" by Barry Lyga is the thrilling conclusion to the "I Hunt Killers" series. The story follows Jazz, the son of a notorious serial killer, as he navigates a dangerous journey to save his mother from his twisted father, Billy. The plot is filled with suspense, twists, and intense moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as captivating, addicting, and emotionally gripping, offering a unique perspective into the mind of a killer and his son.