I know that “adolescent literature” sounds like an oxymoron to many, and conjures up images of vampires and werewolves to most. However, I have the luxury of reading many such gems as part of my job description, and I have to tell you – there is significantly more to this genre than meets the eye.

Tales of teen angst are nearly universal; we’ve all felt broken, abused, or put upon at some time, and stories that cater to adolescents are rife with this type of familiar pain. But the unique characteristic of the novels below is that instead of merely telling a story, they somehow incorporate a lesson, one of which we could all use a little reminding.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – A painful story of date rape and its effects on every part of a young woman’s life, Speak unwinds in such a unique fashion that readers are genuinely glued to every page. Though it undoubtedly includes sensitive, controversial material, Speak has begun to find its place in the high school classroom, and for good reason. If you must cheat and rent the movie, you won’t be disappointed: Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame stars in the film adaptation.

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton – Unique in its vantage point, The Outsiders is a coming-of-age story written by someone actually coming of age; Hinton was only 15 when she wrote this novel (her first of many) and 16 when it was published. And though it was written by a young woman, the book speaks to both genders – something truly missing in most young adult literature. The underlying themes haunt us all at one time: loss, the “haves” versus the “have-nots,” and the unending need to belong. I cannot overstate the power of this novel; over 15 years after first reading it, The Outsiders remains one of my favorite novels to this day.

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks – Purportedly the diary of a young woman caught up in the drug scene of the late 1960’s, Go Ask Alice explores this underworld in a raw and powerful first-person narrative. The novel follows the diarist through highs, lows, incarcerations and mental hospital admissions, showing both the supposedly glamorous and the harshly unpleasant side of heavy drug use. It is unknown whether Sparks is the diarist herself or simply the editor who has pieced together this masterpiece, but regardless, Go Ask Alice is widely considered a “classic,” a feat not often achieved by novels in this genre.

Forever by Judy Bloom – One of the most controversial and most frequently banned books of the late 20th century, Forever was one of the first novels to explore teenage sexuality, birth control, and teen pregnancy in a very frank and real manner. A truly fantastic work of young adult literature, Forever had one lasting “side effect”: throughout the novel, one character repeatedly refers to his penis by the name “Ralph.” Since the release of the book, the name “Ralph” has steadily declined in use.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor – Set in 1930’s Mississippi, Roll of Thunder is one of the harshest, most brilliant explorations of racism and its effects on a family and a community in the Deep South. Filled with crime, hatred, and murder, it is not an easy read, but because of its intensity, it will stay with you forever. A Newberry Award winner, it was also made into a TV movie starring Morgan Freeman, making it a double bonus for me.

What books did you read as a teen that you feel still resonate? Let me know below in the comments!

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