"Stranded" by J.T. Dutton

Kelly Marie is forced to move back to her mom's hometown of Heaven, Iowa. Adjustment is not as easy as she would like. Her Nana is obsessed with keeping a clean house, and Kelly is forced to share a bedroom with her bible-loving cousin, Natalie. The town of Heaven is so rural, Kelly is worried she may die of boredom. Police discover a dead infant who was abandoned in local fields, and Natalie suspects her own mom may know more about the scandal than she's letting on.

"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.

"Before I Die" by Jenny Downham

16 year old Tessa gets the news that she's terminally ill and only has 6 months left to live. She creates a mental list of everything she wants to do before she dies. Number one is having sex. Tessa's friend Zoey is her accomplice, and Tessa's supportive family tries to understand her persistance for finishing the list. This is a beautifully written book about what it means to be alive, and ultimately facing the reality of death. Recommended for high school.

"A Swift Pure Cry" by Siobhan Dowd

It's 1984 in Ireland and 15-year-old Shell Talent's mother has died. Shell's dad turns to drinking, and Shell finds herself responsible for her younger siblings, with little means to do so. She develops an intimate relationship with her school friend, Declan. Declan moves to America, leaving Shell in an unfortunate predicament. Shell feels hopeless and alone, and turns to a new priest, Father Rose for emotional support. This book is powerful and the character development is superb. Recommended for older teens in high school.