Self-Awareness and Personal Discovery Books

[JGreenhill]

1. You’d Be Here By Now by Kathleen Glasgow

Synopsis: This story is about a teenage girl, Emory, who is told by everyone around her who she is supposed to be and how she should act. She does not cause any problems and goes along with everything easily, but then tragedy strikes. She is in a horrible car accident and left with a shattered knee. Her brother is placed in drug rehab because he almost overdosed on heroin, and another student died. She struggles with her own injury and being kicked off the dance team, having friends abandon her because of her brother’s poor choices, and having to mourn the loss of a sweet and outgoing friend.

Supporting personal growth: Readers will be inspired and encouraged by Emory's perseverance and how, even though she has pressures from all around her on who she should be and what she should do, she reflects on herself and what she truly wants. It will also allow readers to be part of situations they may have never experienced so they can reflect on how they would feel and react.

Respecting differences: Although this story does not offer much physical diversity, it does cover a range of issues many teens could experience. It offers perspectives on drug usage, early pregnancy, overbearing parents, workaholic parents, teachers who don’t seem to care, social media struggles, loneliness, and death. Through these struggles, you learn that everyone is battling with something, and you should never assume anything about someone.

Being a successful reader: This story is so engaging that it is hard to put down. Kathleen Glasgow's captivating writing will motivate readers to continue reading. The characters are relatable and relevant to modern teens and the struggles they must go through.

Resource: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56621648-you-d-be-home-now

2. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

Synopsis: This story is about a sixteen-year-old girl, Starr, who must balance between two worlds: she is part of the poor neighborhood in which she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she goes to.  She must grapple with witnessing her childhood best friend, Kahlil, get shot by a police officer even though he was unarmed and the aftermath that comes from it. Kahlil is bashed by the media and by the police force. As the only eye witness, Starr and her family are harassed and intimidated by the police officers and local drug gangs to keep their heads down. Starr has to decide whether to stand up and speak out or stay quiet and go along with everything. 

Supporting personal growth: Starr must wrestle with the choices she is forced to make and the threats facing her and her family. Readers will be transported into Starr’s life and can watch how she handles situations nobody should have to go through. They will watch her lean upon her strength of character and stand up for what is right.

Respecting differences: This story opens the readers’ eyes to what life is like for people of color and how the media can twist any story to ensure the “bad guys” are labeled how the media decides they should be. It is an excellent reminder that not everything you read or watch is based on facts.

Being a successful reader: This story's message centers around the Black Lives Matter Movement and will engage readers with its impact on not only one individual’s life but an entire community’s.

Resource: https://angiethomas.com/the-hate-u-give/

3. Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Synopsis: This story follows a teenage girl, Tori, through her struggles with depression, her brother's attempt to unalive himself, and a disconnection from her mother. She meets a new kid, Michael, at school who is driven to become part of her life and won’t let her hide from life anymore. Together, they work to discover who is behind the pranks at their school. This book covers some very heavy areas of mental health, and the reader’s experience with mental health should be considered before reading. Alice Olsen does a fantastic job expressing life as a teen in today’s world.

Supporting personal growth: This book gives a reader hope that even when things are so dark and seem hopeless, there is always a glimmer of light; you just have to keep searching and never give up.

Respecting differences: Even though this book doesn’t cover much regarding physical diversity, it speaks volumes about mental and emotional differences. It will remind the reader that you can never know what people are struggling with just by looking at them.  

Being a successful reader: Readers will be pulled into Tori's life because she battles many issues teenagers must navigate regularly. This will encourage them to continue reading and maybe even read another one of her books.

Resource: https://aliceoseman.com/ya-fiction-book/solitaire/