Author: Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is an engaging prequel to The Hunger Games, offering a fascinating look at Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell. The story reveals a darker, more brutal side of the Games, showing the harsh realities Haymitch faced and the emotional toll it took on him. I found the exploration of media manipulation and survival particularly compelling. ...
Author: Katie Cross
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is a delightful introduction to The Network series by Katie Cross. The story follows the determined and talented Daisy, who is sent to a mysterious school for girls with magical abilities. At Miss Mabel's, Daisy learns to hone her powers while navigating friendships, rivalries, and hidden secrets that could change everything. The world-building is rich, with a perfect blend of magic, m...
Author: Amy Giles
A thought-provoking and deeply emotional young adult novel, That Night by Amy Giles focuses on the aftermath of a tragedy rather than the event itself. After surviving a school shooting, Jess and Lucas are left grappling with grief, survivor’s guilt, and the weight of moving forward. Rather than dwelling on the details of the attack, this book explores how trauma affects those left behind—the pain of losing loved ...
Author: Robin Roe
A deeply moving and emotional young adult novel, A List of Cages by Robin Roe explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of friendship. Adam and Julian were once foster brothers, but after years apart, they find themselves reunited in high school. Adam, a popular senior with ADHD, is assigned to help Julian, a quiet and isolated freshman struggling to find his place. As their bond rekindles, Adam begins ...
Author: Zack Smedley
A powerful and emotionally raw novel, Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley tackles trauma, identity, and resilience. Told in dual timelines, the book follows Owen as he navigates high school, friendship, and first love while also dealing with the aftermath of a life-altering event—his sexual assault. As an anonymous tip leads to a school investigation, Owen struggles with whether to speak his truth. This ...
Author: Courtney Summers
A dark and unsettling thriller, I’m the Girl is a bold exploration of power, privilege, and survival in a world that preys on the vulnerable. Sixteen-year-old Georgia Avis dreams of working at Aspera, an exclusive resort for the wealthy elite. When the resort’s owner tells her she’s beautiful, she believes it’s her ticket out of poverty. But her world is shattered when she discovers the body of 13-year-old Ashley Jame...
Author: Robin Roe
A harrowing psychological thriller that explores trauma and survival, Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe is a gripping YA read that’s hard to put down. Sayers Waites has lived a privileged life, never needing to work hard or face real hardship. But everything changes when he is kidnapped by a man named Caleb, who believes Sayers is his long-lost son, Daniel. Locked in a small, windowless room and chained to a bed, S...
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Do you want to do something bad? Blythe, Gabrielle, Tucker, and Tanya have always shared a tight bond—until an incident drove a wedge between Blythe and Tucker, leading their parents to insist they stay apart. Tucker, the supposed "bad boy," was always the one to watch out for. But when sweet, quiet Gabrielle is discovered covered in blood in front of their deceased principal, with no memory of what happened, everythi...