"Always Running - La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A." by Luis J. Rodriguez

This powerful memoir recounts Rodriguez's youth as a gang banger in the barrios of East L.A. in the early 1960's. He served time in prison for attempted murder, had near-death experiences involving crack and heroin, and witnessed the premature death of many friends and neighbors. His language is raw and powerful, this autobiography was written to help deter his own son from following in his gang footsteps. Rodriguez found support within his community, and was able to break free of his gang activity. He is now a leading Chicano author. "Always Running" won a Carl Sandburg Literary Award, and was a New York Times Notable Book. In 1999 the American Library Association called Always Running one of the 100 most censored books in the United States.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is keeping a diary. But it's really more of a journal, cause Greg wouldn't be caught dead in middle school with a diary. Greg's into weight lifting, video games, cartooning, and hanging out with his weirdo best friend, Rowley. This quirky book is pretty funny and has lots of tips on how to avoid getting your butt kicked by big 8th graders.

"Companions of the Night" by Vivian Vande Velde

Kerry sneaks out of her house to rescue her younger brother's stuffed bear, which he'd left at the local laundromat. She stumbles across a hostage situation and helps the imprisoned man escape, only to discover he's a vampire. Now Kerry finds herself hostage and her family has gone missing. Every choice Kerry makes either leads her one step closer to finding her missing family, or being turned into a vampire herself.

"10th Grade" by Joseph Weisberg

Jeremy is in 10th grade and has a pretty normal life. But what's normal for your sophomore year in high school? He plays sports, hangs out with the smokers during lunch, and has a huge crush on the most popular girl in high school, Rene Shopmaker. Jeremy's vivid imagination has Rene falling madly in love with him, and his fellow students ooh-ing and aah-ing at his superior athletic ability and masculine charm. Follow Jeremy as he navigates the social hierarchy of high school and finds his identity as well as a date for prom. Strong language, adult situations, best for upper high school.

"Parrotfish" by Ellen Wittlinger

Angela knows that she's always been a boy, and now it's time to let everyone else know. Angela comes out as a transgendered, changing her name to Grady, cutting her hair, and dressing in male clothing. Grady's new identity suits him well, but people in his life are having a harder time adjusting. Friends at school don't always know the best way to react, and some are outright homophobic and hostile. Grady's family is confused, but supportive, and Grady keeps busy helping his dad with their overboard Christmas decorations and the arrival of his newest cousin. This book is great for building awareness around transgendered issues, and provides valuable resources for any questioning teenagers.

"Baby" by Joseph Monninger

Baby has been shuffled through numerous foster homes due to her mother’s alcoholism and neglect. The latest family, the Potters, are old hippies who race sled dogs. Baby finds herself torn between her freedom on the streets and the unconditional support she receives from the Potters. She gains self-confidence from racing the dogs, and she develops a close friendship with the littlest pup, Laika. This book is great for animal lovers, and demonstrates how teens can make difficult life decisions with the support of adults. Little hint of drugs and alcohol. The voice in Baby's head is realistic, I liked this book! Recommended for 7th and up.

"The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain" by Peter Sis

Illustrator Peter Sis grew up behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Communists take control of the whole country, telling people what they can learn in school, and limiting freedom of speech, including art! Peter draws in secret, and is inspired by Western imagery (the Beatles, blue jeans, Coca-Cola). He dreams of a day where he can draw in freedom. Caldecott Honor Book 2008. Recommended for 6th grade and up. Great for school projects.