"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.

"Identical" by Ellen Hopkins

Identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne lead what looks like the perfect life. But appearances can be deceiving. Eight years ago, their father, a respected judge, was involved in a fatal car accident. Since the incident, their home life has been in shambles. Their mother is embarked on an ambitious campaign for congress, and is emotionally unavailable. Kaeleigh endures repulsive sexual abuse from her father, and turns to cutting and bulimia to stifle her pain. Raeanne rebels against her family and finds solace in drugs and promiscuity. Each twin tells her side of the story in alternating verse. This is raw emotion, and will draw the reader in, but not for the faint of heart. Best for 9th and up.

"The Missing Girl" By Norma Fox Mazer

There are five girls in the Herbert family, and they depend on one another when their parents fail to do so. Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy and Autumn. This story is told in alternating chapters, with each girl giving her perspective on their lives and daily activities. What the girls don't realize is that a local man has been following them, and is obsessed. His daily life begins to revolve around them and their activities. What starts as an innocent story about schoolgirls quickly turns into a psychological thriller, as the stalker does the unthinkable and changes the lives of the girls forever.

"Living Dead Girl" by Elizabeth Scott

I read this book in one day; it was impossible to put down. This story is every parent's worst nightmare. Alice was abducted by Ray when she was 10 years old, and for the last 5 years has been terrified for her life and that of her family. Ray subjects Alice to obey his every command, and Alice has to numb herself to be able to cope with her situation. Ray is damaged from emotional abuse from his own mother. Ray is evil to the core and his relationship with Alice sent shivers down my spine. I cringed when Alice is forced to do the unthinkable. Mature subject matter.

"Three Little Words - A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Ashley's mother is declared unfit for parenting, and Ashley and her younger brother Luke are taken into state custody for their own protection. Over a period of 9 years, Ashley lives in 14 different foster homes, including one so abusive it made national headlines. All Ashley wants is to be loved and wanted by a family. After finally being adopted by the Courters, Ashley must find her place and identity in a new family and learn to trust those around her. A wonderful story of overcoming hardship and tackling adversity. If you liked "A Child Called It," by Dave Pelzer, this book is for you!

"Sold" by Patricia McCormick

Lakshmi is 13 years old and lives in the Himalayan mountains. Her life is simple but hard. Her family is incredibly poor and her stepdad drinks away all the family’s money. After all of their crops are destroyed by a monsoon, she is told she’s going to be a maid for a woman in Calcutta to help earn money for the family. but when she arrives in India, she discovers that she’s trapped and she’s been sold into prostitution. Recommended for high school. A 2007 Best Book for Young Adults!