"Paper Covers Rock" by Jenny Hubbard

Thomas, Glenn and Alex went to the river to relax, and escape some of the stress of their elite boarding school. Someone had a bottle of vodka, and all of them were drinking more than they should Someone bet Thomas to jump off the big rock. Glenn and Alex jumped, but when Thomas did, he didn't have enough clearance. What was supposed to be an afternoon of leisure, turned into one of horror, as Glenn and Alex realize their implication in their friend's untimely death. And they make a pact to not mention alcohol to school officials, in order to cover their tracks. But Alex is not dealing with his grief well. He starts a secret diary, which he keeps hidden in the school library. And his English teacher, Miss Dovecott, suspects he may not be sharing all he knows about the accident. Glenn and Alex devise a plot to get Miss Dovecott fired, and out of their business.

"Unlocked" by Ryan G. Van Cleave

This is a unique novel-in-verse, good for fans of Ellen Hopkins work. At school, Andy is known as the janitor's son, which doesn't lend much to his reputation, which is already non-existant. Andy befriends Blake, another loner, and he's happy to have company at lunch at after school. Rumors start that Blake is keeping a gun in his locker, and Andy's not sure what to believe. Are the rumors true? And if Blake is planning some sort of violence, should Andy keep the secret?

"Also Known As Harper" by Ann Haywood Leal

5th grade Harper has a lot on her mind. Her dad left home, after arguing with her mom about his drinking. Harper, her younger brother Hem, and her mom are evicted from their apartment after not paying their rent. Things only seem to get worse. But Harper has always found comfort in her words. She's even named after her mom's favorite book, "To Kill A Mockingbird." So when a poetry competition comes up at school, Harper is confident she's got a shot at winning. But things don't go according to plan, when her family is forced to move.

"Glass" by Ellen Hopkins

This is the sequel to "Crank," the story of how Kristina Snow met the monster, or crystal methamphetamine. Kristina's taking care of her new baby, studying for the GED and attempting to get her life back on track. She finds herself in a dark depression and she turns to the monster for temporary relief. Her addiction escalates and spirals out of control. This is a heartbreaking story of Kristina's struggle with drugs, and how her negative choices damage her body and her relationships with those she loves, including her young son. Powerful and disturbing.

"Because I Am Furniture" by Thalia Chaltas

Anke lives in a violent house. Her dad regularly beats her mom and her two older siblings, but doesn't lift a finger towards Anke. She craves attention, but being ignored is proving to be a safer bet. High school's started and gives her some solace from home. Competing on the school's volleyball team introduces her to new girlfriends. Could a boyfriend be on the horizon? Chaltas tells Anke's story in verse poetry - concise, haunting and devastating. This is a must for any fans of Ellen Hopkins or Dave Peltzer.

"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.

"Crank" by Ellen Hopkins

The book "Crank" is dark, really dark. But I have always liked dark and depressing books for some reason. Maybe it makes me realize my life is not so bad after all? Kristina snow is the perfect student, good kid, responsible. then she goes to stay with her dad for a summer and is turned onto what she calls the "monster" - crank. Crystal meth. Kristina's personality takes a turn for the worse as she starts to use this drug. She discovers her alter-ego - Bree. "there is no perfect daughter, / no gifted high school junior, / no kristina georgia snow. / there is only bree." Kristina is based on Ellen Hopkin's own daughter, and the language of the book is all in poetry and cool typeface designs. It looks thick, but I read it in a few days, not very many words on each page! If you like this, then you'll definitely like "Go Ask Alice," an anonymous diary, and you'd probably like "Cut," by Patricia McCormick.