Rose Under Fire

Elizabeth Wein

This gripping sequel to Code Name Verity tells the story of a young American pilot named Rose Justice. When a risky flight manoeuvre results in Rose’s capture by the Germans, she finds herself in Ravensbrück– one of the notorious Nazi concentration camps. There, Rose is befriended by a group of political prisoners who have survived unimaginable atrocities. Together, they will use the power of stories, poetry and friendship to overcome the horror and despair of their situation.

violence; emotionally disturbing

Code Name Verity

Elizabeth Wein

Two young British women, both of them trapped in Nazi-occupied France in 1943. Two friends, one a pilot and the other a spy. Nazi interrogation will force one girl to give up her secrets, but how much of her story is truth – and how much lies? This compelling story of friendship and bravery combines a wealth of historical research with a thrilling plot.

violence; emotionally disturbing

We Were Liars

E. Lockhart

The beautiful Sinclair family have their very own island off the coast of Massachusetts. Every summer they go there to swim, play games and mess about in boats with their cousins – until the fifteenth summer, when something unimaginable and tragic happens. Even as the reader is led to an understanding of the tragedy, along with the amnesiac narrator, it still manages to be surprising and completely devastating. Beautifully written and impossible to pull down. **This novel was recently voted Goodreads best young adult novel of 2014.

She Is Not Invisible

Marcus Sedgwick

One hot day in August, 16 year old Laureth and her little brother Benjamin board a plane for New York City. They are on a quest to find their father, who has gone missing; after receiving a blackmailing email, Laureth suspects foul play. Two problems: No one knows where they are going, and Laureth is blind. Both mystery and thriller, this unusual novel explores the idea of coincidence. Is it a matter of mathematical probability, or something more significant? Let the reader decide.

Liar and Spy

Rebecca Stead

This memorable book about friendship will appeal to younger readers, or anyone who appreciates excellent writing and a welltold story. When the book begins, main character Georges is having a hard time. His family has had to move, his mother is never at home and he is being bullied at school. Georges’ only potential new friend is a home-schooled spy called Safer – who never leaves their apartment building. Full of humour and quirky details, this book will surprise and thoroughly engage its readers.

Just One Day (Just One Day, #1)

Gayle Forman

Allyson didn’t really expect a summer trip to Europe would change her life, but when she makes an impetuous decision to visit Paris with a near stranger there are far-reaching consequences. Much more than a summer romance novel, this engaging story explores how one crucial day can spin a life into a whole new direction. The coming-of-age theme gets an emotionally complex treatment in this novel for older YA readers.

strong language; sexuality

Winger

Andrew Smith

Ryan Dean West: gifted student, excellent athlete, lover of women, genius cartoonist. Ryan Dean West: 14 year old self-described “loser.” Hyperactive and prone to social gaffes. Ryan Dean West: two years younger than everyone else, but looking for a level playing field. RDW punches above his weight and so does this humorous novel, with unexpected serious and touching moments. The quantity of excellent cartoons edges this novel into graphic territory.

strong language; sexuality; emotionally disturbing; drugs/alcohol

Fangirl

Rainbow Rowell

18 year old Cath: first year university student, twin, and fan fiction writer with reclusive tendencies. Cath has family problems and love interest problems, and spends way too much time in a Harry Potteresque fantasy world, but she also possesses a dry sense of humour and a strong sense of self. Fangirl describes the seductive power of a fictional world, and it creates that, too.

strong language; sexuality; emotionally disturbing; drugs/alcohol

Eleanor & Park

Rainbow Rowell

If John Green is the current King of YA, then Rainbow Rowell is definitely one of the queens. In the last two years, she has published two astoundingly good novels: Eleanor & Park and Fangirl. Like John Green, she manages to write books that are critically acclaimed and best-sellers – both with teenagers and adults. Like John Green, she takes the ingredients of realistic fiction and comes up with something that is fresh and distinctive. No clichés or formulas in these books. She also writes the best-ever dialogue, witty and pitch-perfect. Eleanor & Park is an unusual friendship/love story between the new girl in town (with plenty to hide) and the loner boy who, despite his own shy and self-protective tendencies, is drawn to her. This book has so much sweetness in it, but it is also gritty and real. Set in the semi-historical era of 1986, it describes a time when teenagers communicated their feelings and personalities through mix tapes and semi-private moments on the school bus.

strong language; sexuality; emotionally disturbing

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)

Kristin Cashore

Lady Katsa is the best fighter in the realm – and the tool of her uncle, a cruel and corrupt king. Graced by extraordinary skills, Katsa rejects her role of royal thug and dedicates her protection to a vulnerable young princess instead. This original fantasy, the first in a trilogy, will be particularly appreciated by readers seeking strong female characters. Author Kristin Cashore skilfully blends romance and adventure in this emotionally satisfying novel.

violence; sexuality

The Girl with All the Gifts

M.R. Carey

Melanie is the smartest girl in the class, but she doesn’t understand why she and her fellow students are kept locked in their wheelchairs all the time. She doesn’t know why they never go out into the world they read about in books. Dr. Caldwell sees Melanie as the key to saving what is left of a ruined world, but she expects to find her truths on an operating table – and Melanie has other ideas. This postapocalyptic thriller was written for adults, but mature teen readers will find it an exciting, engrossing read.

violence; emotionally disturbing