Books Like...

'The Way I Used to Be' by Amber Smith follows the story of Eden, a young girl who is raped by her brother's best friend at the age of 14. The novel delves into the aftermath of the assault, showcasing Eden's downward spiral into self-destruction and her struggles to cope with the trauma over the course of her high school years. Through a realistic portrayal of Eden's emotional journey, the book addresses sensitive topics like sexual violence, trauma, and the impact of silence on survivors. The narrative unfolds over four years, depicting Eden's transformation, her strained relationships, and the internal turmoil she faces as she grapples with the hidden truth of her assault.

The author, Amber Smith, employs a raw and powerful writing style to capture the emotional depth of the protagonist and the effects of trauma on her life. offers a poignant exploration of Eden's internal struggles, her attempts to cope with the aftermath of the assault, and the complex dynamics of her relationships. Through a compelling narrative structure that spans Eden's high school years, 'The Way I Used to Be' provides a thought-provoking insight into the long-lasting repercussions of sexual violence and the challenges faced by survivors in speaking out.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a young adult novel that follows the intertwined stories of three siblings - Grace, Maya, and Joaquin - who were separated at birth but find each other later in life. The book delves into themes of adoption, foster care, teen pregnancy, family dynamics, and the search for identity. Through multiple perspectives, the author skillfully portrays the struggles and emotional journeys of the characters as they navigate their newfound relationships and confront their past traumas. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on dialogue and authentic teenage voices that resonate with readers.

"All the Rage" by Courtney Summers is a powerful and emotionally impactful novel that delves into the aftermath of rape and the harsh realities of rape culture. The story follows Romy Grey, who is ostracized by her community after accusing the sheriff's son of rape. Despite facing constant bullying and disbelief, Romy seeks solace in her job at a diner and struggles to cope with the trauma while navigating the social dynamics of her small town. As another girl goes missing, Romy is forced to confront her past and the harsh realities of the world she lives in, leading to a poignant and thought-provoking narrative. The writing style is described as beautiful, gritty, and emotionally wracking, with Summers' ability to capture Romy's voice and inner journey resonating deeply with readers.

Graciela Cristales's life is shattered when she and a boy she barely knows are sexually assaulted at a party. The aftermath leads to the loss of her mystical gift, mysterious disappearances in the neighborhood, and the appearance of magical mirrored glass. As Ciela copes with the trauma while concealing the truth, a friendship with Lock evolves, intertwining their healing journey with the elements of magic and realism. McLemore's writing style, described as beautiful, lyrical, and poignant, skillfully weaves together themes of assault, guilt, healing, and the complexities of relationships in the face of adversity.

The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed is a powerful and gritty book that takes a deep dive into rape culture, shedding light on its horrors without sugarcoating anything. The story follows a group of high school girls who come together to fight against the acceptance of rape and the toxic environment at their school. Through multiple viewpoints and heavy topics, the book confronts controversial issues head-on, provoking readers to stand up, speak out, and bring about change. The writing style is described as immersive, emotional, and hopeful, with distinct voices and a plot that moves along at a good pace while tackling important themes such as feminism, racism, and sexual assault.

'Some Boys' by Patty Blount delves into the heavy topic of rape culture, exploring the aftermath of a high school girl named Grace being raped by a popular boy at school. The story unfolds with Grace facing backlash and bullying from peers, school administration, students, and family members after reporting her rapist. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by rape survivors and the difficulty in seeking justice, all while portraying the impact of sexual assault on the victim's life. Through a compelling plot, the author shines a light on the complexities of rape culture and the struggles of those who speak up against it.

The writing style of 'Some Boys' intricately weaves together multiple perspectives, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences. The author skillfully navigates through the grey areas of the story, portraying the nuances of victim-blaming, doubt, and the internal conflicts faced by the characters. With a gripping plot and realistic character dynamics, the book effectively conveys the harsh realities of sexual assault and the challenges of navigating a society entrenched in rape culture.

'Exit, Pursued by a Bear' by E.K. Johnston follows the story of Hermione Winters, a high school cheerleader who is raped at a cheerleading camp. The book explores Hermione's journey of recovery, the support she receives from her friends and family, and her resilience in the face of victim blaming and slut shaming. Through strong writing and characterization, the book addresses sensitive topics like sexual assault, abortion, and the importance of support systems in the healing process.

Danny Cheng, a gifted artist, is navigating the challenges of school, college aspirations, race issues, and unearthing family secrets while dealing with his feelings for his best friend, Harry. As the story unfolds, the book delves into themes of friendship, family, immigration, secrets, and the complexities of teenage life. With a mix of mystery, emotional depth, and well-defined characters, "Picture Us in the Light" follows Danny's journey of self-discovery and confronting the past to shape his future.

The narrative of the book is intricately woven, touching on themes of love, loss, identity, and the struggles faced by Asian American teens. Through Danny's exploration of his family's past, his relationships with friends, and his artistic pursuits, the story captures the essence of coming-of-age, cultural clashes, and the search for belonging in a world filled with uncertainties and hidden truths.

'How to Make Friends with the Dark' by Kathleen Glasgow tells the story of Tiger, a sixteen-year-old girl who suddenly loses her mother and is thrown into the foster care system. The novel explores themes of grief, loss, family, and resilience as Tiger navigates her new life without her mother, facing unexpected challenges while trying to understand her own identity and find a sense of belonging. Glasgow's writing style is described as emotional, raw, and personal, capturing the palpable grief and heartbreak experienced by the protagonist.

'Wild Blue Wonder' by Carlie Sorosiak is a poignant story set in an American summer camp in Maine, delving into themes of love, loss, grief, and family dynamics. The narrative alternates between the present and the previous summer, gradually unveiling the events that led to the current emotional turmoil of the protagonist, Quinn. The author's evocative writing style beautifully captures Quinn's struggles, relationships, and the complexities of teenage emotions, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their journey.