"And Then I Found Out the Truth" by Jennifer Sturman

Delia's mom has been busy trying to save the environment down in Antarctica. But the big oil companies aren't fond of her attempts, and will stop at nothing to shut her up, including murder! Delia gets word that her mom is living underground in Argentina, where she's protected by a bodyguard, and safe...at least for the time being. Delia's been sent to New York City to live with her aunts, and is attending a very prestigious, private school. And there is a new boy around, Quinn, who turns out to be a romantic interest. Delia is ready to do some undercover work of her own to help her mom out, and put the criminals away. But things get complex, when she discovers Quinn's own step dad may be in on the plot to kill her mom. Going to Argentina seems like the only viable option to save her from danger...but will they be able to get there in time? This is the sequel to "And Then Everything Unraveled."

"Maus I: A Survivor's Tale" by Art Spiegelman

Art Spiegelman interviews his dad, Vladek, to try to piece together his father's experiences with the Holocaust during World War II. Vladek recalls how he and his wife were constantly either on the run, or in hiding, in order to avoid getting arrested by the Germans for being Jewish. Many Jews were sent to concentration camps, and few managed to escape the horrors of these camps, and were murdered while in captivity. Spiegelman illustrates his father's past, alongside his modern existence in New York State. The Nazis are drawn as cats, and the Jews mice. This story captures the tragedy of the Holocaust, not only for the survivors, but also for the families of those who experienced the terror of war. Spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for this masterpiece.

"By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead" by Julie Anne Peters

Daelyn has been bullied at school as long as she can remember. She's struggled with her weight and emotions, and her enemies taunt her everyday. Daelyn is determined to kill herself, since her last few attempts have failed. As far as she can see, failure is no longer an option and Daelyn becomes obsessed with researching suicide methods on-line. She's given up on talking. Her parents try to monitor her every move and won't let her out of their sight. A new boy, Santana, attempts a friendship (or more), and Daelyn isn't sure if she's willing to let anyone into her life. Everyone has a breaking point, and Daelyn is planning for her Day of Determination, her last day of her life. Can anything change her mind? There are always alternatives to suicide.

This is a very powerful and sad book, about how bullying can impact people. Whether on-line, or in-person, this story reminds us of how important it is to treat everyone with respect.

"Scars" by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra's memories are starting to resurface. She knows she's been abused, but she can't remember who hurt her. Her dreams and recollections are hazy, but she's sure it's someone who is close to her, and she's having problems trusting people. It's bad enough with the memories, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Her abuser has started to stalk her, to make sure she keeps quiet and doesn't remember.

Kendra has her art. Art gives her a way to express her emotions and anger. And she also has cutting. She knows it's dangerous and harmful, but sometimes it seems like the only way to become numb to her horrifying memories, and keep her abuser at a distance.

She develops a special friendship with Meghan. When Meghan discovers Kendra's past, her concern escalates as Meghan's self-destructive behavior spirals out of control.

"Dirty Little Secrets" by Cynthia Jaynes Omololu

Sixteen year old Lucy has always avoided having friends coming to her house. It's not that she doesn't have any friends, or isn't social. It's because her mother has a disease known as obsessive compulsive hoarding. Her mom can't throw anything away, and their house is so full of stuff and garbage, it's beyond shameful and embarrassing. Lucy is counting down the days until she turns 18 and can legally move out.

But she may not have to wait that long. Lucy's mom unexpectedly dies in the house, and Lucy is mortified. She can't have the paramedics come to the house and see the mess and garbage they've been living in.

Lucy is desperate to clean the house and keep the family secret safe

"Freak the Mighty" by W.R. Philbrick

Maxwell Kane is too big and tall for his age. He's constantly teased and harassed at school due to his size and learning disability. He lives with his Gram and Grim, after his father (Killer Kane) was sent to prison for murdering his mother.

Kevin, nicknamed Freak, has a unique size, too. Due to a genetic birth defect, Freak is much smaller, and relies on crutches and braces to get around.

Max and Kevin are neighbors and they form a very unique friendship. Kevin uses his brain and Max uses his size and together they form "Freak the Mighty," and they fend off the bullies together.

This is a fantastic story of overcoming adversity, and the power of great friendships.