Looking for an unforgettable collection of the best YA books about teens facing tough problems? As an award-winning author and veteran blogger about issue-driven YA fiction, I’ve spent over a decade analyzing and recommending the most impactful books that explore difficult and sensitive topics like mental health, addiction, grief, self-harming, and bullying.
Top Three Recommendations
Eating disorders: Coywood Creek by Khristina Chess - a blend of anxiety and post-apocalyptic dread with laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth. If sarcasm were a survival skill, Zoey would be queen!
Addiction and recovery: Heroine by Mindy McGinnis - a powerful story of addiction and recovery after a teen girl wakes up to find all of her friends dead.
Social justice: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - a young girl witnesses the police shooting of her friend, and she must find the courage to speak.
You’ll find detailed reviews of these and more than 20 other amazing novels in the roundup below. Some of these difficult stories will break your heart, but I promise that every issue-driven novel here is worth the journey.
Coywood Creek by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Eating Disorders, Anxiety
“With an unremarkable click, like a period at the end of a sentence, the world ended.” ― Khristina Chess from Coywood Creek
This hilariously smart YA novel will wreck you—in the best way possible!
For readers drawn to the slow unraveling of society in dystopian fiction, Coywood Creek delivers a comical journey through the eyes of a teenager with binge eating disorder and anxiety.
At first, Zoey brushes off the blackout, the dead cell service, and the eerie northern lights. But as reality sets in, she knows one thing: she can’t stay in her parents’ condo alone with no power. So she packs her snacks and sets out for Coywood Creek, hoping to find safety with her uncle and grandmother. Instead, she finds something else entirely.
What makes this novel so engrossing is Zoey’s sharp, relatable, and often humorous response to navigating the collapse of civilization with her signature sarcasm (and a bag of OREO cookies). Her delicious banter with Kent made me laugh out loud, even as the novel’s deeper themes—resilience, uncertainty, and survival—kept me hooked.
But more than anything, Coywood Creek forces you to ask: How fragile are we without our technology?
I’m confident in recommending this YA novel about the end of the world. For fans of books like Hunger Games, Coywood Creek is worth the read. You have to meet the sassiest survivor since Katniss—and don’t forget to bring snacks.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Why You’ll love it - Racism, Police Brutality, Identity
“What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?” ― Angie Thomas from The Hate U Give
I saw this book everywhere and picked it up, wondering what all the fuss is about. Wow. I couldn't put it down. Starr is an amazing character in a perfectly-crafted situation that screams with tension, suspense, and emotion. The themes in this award-winning novel are relevant, raw, and authentic. You can feel Star’s little-girl timidity in the grand jury testimony and her grief and rage in the scene with Hailey. Her world is vivid and real. The pain of her dual life and the conflict it causes her is palatable.
I loved this book. I love this girl. I want to see her again, doing more, making a difference. She made me believe in her.
And after reading this one, I wanted to read everything Angie Thomas has written! If you’re looking for more YA books about teens facing tough problems and issues, she writes some of the best banned YA books.
Property of Nobody by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Human trafficking, immigration, survival
“No one is coming for you. No one is missing you. And no one will mourn you if you’re killed.” ― Khristina Chess from Property of Nobody
Hands down, this is the best YA novel about human trafficking and immigration that you’ll read this year!
In a genre where male voices are rare, young Teódulo stands out—a gripping, unforgettable protagonist trapped in the insidious web of debt bondage after the murder of his father. His descent is slow, suffocating, inevitable. I worried for him. I clung to every choice he made, knowing escape might never come.
This novel doesn’t just tell a story; it challenges readers to look at the dark underbelly of immigration, human trafficking, organized crime, and the vulnerable children who are swallowed by it.
It’s haunting. It’s brutal. It’s harrowing.
With its riveting storytelling and powerful themes, Property of Nobody has sparked conversations across book clubs and reader communities. This is more than fiction; it’s a window into the lives of children we’re too afraid to see.
If you’re searching for a YA novel about tough topics like human trafficking, Property of Nobody is an absolute must-read. I promise that this one will move you and stay with you long after the last page.
Freedom is not free.
Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood
Why You’ll love it - Child abduction and sexual abuse, historical
“How sad was it that grief had a shelf life, he thought. It’s only fresh and raw for so long before it begins to spoil. And soon enough, it would be replaced by a newer, brighter heartache - the old one discarded and eventually forgotten.”―T. Greenwood from Rust & Stardust
I never read Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, and after reading Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood, I never want to.
Both novels are based on the real abduction of 11-year-old Sally Horner in 1948. T. Greenwood's book, Rust & Stardust, depicts the events primarily from Sally's viewpoint over the two years of her captivity and trafficking from New Jersey to Texas and finally California. What horror. What evil. It's unspeakable. Indescribable. I kept turning pages, hoping for it to be over, hoping for her to escape, but it just went on and on.
There are other characters, including her mom, her sister, her brother-in-law, and others who met Sally along the way, suspected something wrong, and sometimes tried to help her. Rescue her. The whole thing is heartbreaking, for everyone, but especially for dear young Sally.
At the end of the book, the author includes two pictures of the real girl, a "before" and an "after." I stared and stared into her eyes. I hurt so much for this little girl and the trauma she experienced at the hands of Frank Lasalle, a 50-year-old mechanic and pedophile. Sally was not his only victim. And this same despicable creature, Frank Lasalle, inspired the narrator of Lolita. No thank you.
But Rust & Stardust is a deeply moving historical novel and worth the read if you’re looking for books about difficult topics like child abduction and sexual abuse.
The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Why You’ll love it - Childhood Trauma and Abuse, Foster Care, Class
“Goodness, I was already a dork most of the times. I didn’t need to be a drunk or high dork.” ― Jennifer L. Armentrout from The Problem with Forever
After four years of home schooling and therapy, Mallory Dodge takes the gigantic step of going to a public high school for her senior year. She’s ready. She’s pretty sure. But on the first day, she collides with her past as she comes face-to-face with the person who meant everything to her: Rider Stark.
The boy who saved her.
Everything about this book is wonderful. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, and I loved the strong relationship between Mallory “Mouse” and Rider. I loved the way their characters grew and changed as the story unfolded. They were so encouraging with each other, and Mallory’s best friend Ainsley is such a great friend.
The themes in the novel are well developed: childhood trauma, class difference, foster care, adoption, the impact of good teachers (Mr. Santos, the speech teacher), good parenting.
This is simply an amazing book that provides contrasting views about the experiences of foster care. Readers who enjoy issue-driven fiction will love it!
The Cutting Edge of Friendship by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Sexual Assault, Self-Harming
“Sometimes my inside hurts so bad that I need to make the outside hurt worse so the inside will stop.” ― Khristina Chess from The Cutting Edge of Friendship
Absolutely gripping! For readers drawn to the deep emotional connections formed between best friends, The Cutting Edge of Friendship is for you.
This realistic novel explores the wounds of self-harm, shame, and redemption following a sexual assault. Sadie’s resilience is fierce and unforgettable, and the book’s raw, unfiltered pain hits hard. This story doesn’t shy away from the truth—it reveals, with painful honesty, how self-harm can become a desperate response to trauma.
From the very first page, it’s clear that although Sadie and Elana have always shared everything, now they’re keeping secrets that could destroy them. On the night of the fireworks, something terrible happened to Sadie—something she can’t even name. Instead, she turns to cutting, the only way she knows to cope.
But Elana has secrets too. She’s been texting Hunter, making plans to meet in secret, and never questioning why he insists on hiding their relationship.
As their lives spiral deeper into danger, Sadie must find the strength to fight back—not just for herself, but for Elana—before a predator can strike again.
I wholeheartedly recommend this poignant YA book about friendship and the trust involved in sharing our truest selves. It’s definitely worth a look. In fact, don’t miss Khristina Chess’s other novels about self harm through eating disorders, such as The Delinquent Hero and Hollow Beauty.
The Truth about Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
Why You’ll love it - Bullying
“There is one thing I've learned about people: they don't get that mean and nasty overnight. It's not human nature. But if you give people enough time, eventually they'll do the most heartbreaking stuff in the world.” ― Jennifer Mathieu from The Truth About Alice
Told through multiple points of view, this YA novel tells the story Alice, a girl who is being bullied and shamed by her classmates because of sex. Each of the four narrators have a different perspective of Alice and what happened the night of the party, but because of their agendas, they are unreliable narrators. The worst ones are the girls who create the cloud of hate and shame around Alice.
The narrators are cruel and generally unlikeable people who spend their time justifying their actions. At the same time, because the book is short, there isn’t enough depth for them to do this adequately. I wish I’d had a little more.
In the end, only Alice can tell us what really happened—in her own voice.
If you’re looking for the best YA books for teens facing difficult problems, be sure to check out this story about bullying and slut shaming. Also, for more books like this one, check out my list YA Books about Bullying.
After by Amy Efaw
Why You’ll love it - Teen Pregnancy, infanticide
“I'd rather be lucky than good. Good is just so overrated. Bad girls have the most fun.” ― Amy Efaw from After
What kind of girl leaves her infant to die in the trash?
Devon Davenport is a “good girl” whose one misstep leads to an unplanned pregnancy. She’s so filled with denial about her entire situation that she cannot even admit to herself that she’s pregnant until she gives birth. The depiction of her detachment is incredibly real and heartbreaking.
During her stay in the juvenile detention center, Devon must face facts about herself and her situation. Her lawyer plays an important role in drawing the story out of her and helping to build empathy for this girl who has committed such a horrific act.
Devon’s transformation from the beginning to the end of book is heartfelt and moving. I couldn’t put it down.
Teen pregnancy is one of the top concerns of American youth, and After is one of the best YA books for teens facing tough problems related to unplanned pregnancy. For more books about this challenging issue, check out my list of 5 Young Adult Books about Teenage Pregnancy to Terrify Your Mother.
By The Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Why You’ll love it - Suicide, Bullying
I want to tell them, "Chip, Kim, there is no way to suicide-proof a person.” ― Julie Anne Peters, quote from By the Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead
Daelyn is going to kill herself in 23 days.
Daelyn is a bullied girl who failed her first suicide attempt but intends to get it right the next time. A website named Through the Light provides support to wanna-be suicide “completers” like Daelyn, and she spends a lot of free time there. Counting down the days.
Then she meets a boy. She tries to ignore him, but he’s pushy. Persistent. Charming, even.
But is he charming enough to keep her from going through the light when the countdown ends?
By the Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead is one of the best YA books for teens facing tough problems, especially regarding issues of depression and anxiety. This raw book is a fast read. It’s not easy, happy, or hopeful, but it’s an authentic and real look at mental health and suicide. For more books about this issue, check out my list of 6 Gripping Young Adult Books on Depression and Anxiety Struggles.
The Delinquent Hero by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Grief, Death and Dying, eating disorders
“It’s easier to think about food and the physical pain inside my body from not eating than the other pain of not having Kat. My sister would totally understand this. She would. As long as I’m connecting to her this way—our familiar, hungry old way—she’s with me.” ― Khristina Ches from The Delinquent Hero
For readers who love great “tear-jerkers,” The Delinquent Hero offers a tragic and raw exploration of sisterhood, eating disorders, and devastating loss. If you’ve ever lost someone you love, this gripping YA novel speaks directly to the grief of saying goodbye.
At its core is Molly, desperate for answers after her older sister, Kat, lands in the hospital. Something is suspicious. The investigation unfolds in real time, peeling back layers of secrets, regrets, and the painful bond they’ve always shared. For Molly, reconnecting with Kat means slipping into their old patterns—the kind that consume and starve in equal measure.
"I'm not very hungry. I am, and I'm not. I am hollow, but this feeling seems less about food and more about Kat. At any rate, I do not want to eat."
What makes The Delinquent Hero truly unforgettable is its heart-wrenching puzzle—not just unraveling what happened that night, but understanding Kat herself. This novel doesn’t just tell a story; it forces you to feel every ache, every unanswered question, every regret, every desperate search for why.
A beautifully crafted novel, The Delinquent Hero has sparked conversations across book clubs and reader communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this memorable YA book for teens facing tough problems. If Girl in Pieces left you breathless, The Delinquent Hero is an absolute must-read.
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
Why You’ll love it - Alcoholism, Divorce, Grief
“Every morning when I wake up, I don’t think I’m going to make it. Or maybe I think that I don’t want to make it. I’m heavy with what I did the night before and I’m heavy with everything inside me and sometimes it is just too goddamn much to carry around.” ― Kathleen Glasgow from The Glass Girl
Everything Kathleen Glasgow writes is pure gold, and The Glass Girl is no exception.
Bella is a 15-year-old girl with a drinking problem. Her parents divorced and put her in the middle, and her beloved grandmother died, and her boyfriend broke up with her because she's "too much" (his words), and life really sucks except when she's drinking.
Bella hits bottom as most addicts do and finds herself in the hospital and then in rehab. Her journey through recovery and back to real life is not linear, and along the way, I fell in love with her and her pain. She's very authentic and young. There are moments when she shines so, so brightly, and I just wanted to hug her.
Kathleen Glasgow writes YA books about difficult topics for teens better than anyone! I definitely recommend her latest.
Trafficked by Kim Purcell
Why You’ll love it - Human Trafficking
Trafficked is an absorbing YA novel that shows how an orphaned teenager easily becomes a victim in human trafficking. Hannah was easily duped into leaving her home for the promise of a better life, a salary, and a chance to study. Instead, she became a slave, forced into being an unpaid nanny and a maid, fighting off sexual advances of the husband of the house and his male associates, and being beaten and verbally abused by the wife. She is young, slow to realize her situation, and not great with English.
The plotting of Trafficked was thrilling. There were plenty of twists to keep me invested. For example, there is a backstory about how Hannah was "chosen" by this family that is revealed little by little.
I was rooting for Hannah to find a way out and take charge of her life. I worried about her because I knew the odds were not in her favor.
I’ve included Hannah’s heartbreaking, challenging, and thought-provoking story in this best YA books for teens facing tough problems list because human trafficking is a real, modern problem across the world. You won’t want to miss Hannah’s story. She begins the novel in a state of naïve innocence in her home country, and by the end, she has become mature and wise to the adult world. It’s a realistic and sad tragedy.
Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined by Danielle Young-Ullman
Why You’ll love it - Mother-daughter relationships, Mental illness, Suicide
Bring your tissues for this one!
In this absorbing novel, a broken mother-daughter relationship drives everything that’s happening, both in the present and in the past. The present is awful. Ingrid has been sent away to a 3-week wilderness program for at-risk teens, although she didn’t realize what she was signing up for at the time, and now she’s wet, miserable, mosquito-bitten, and trapped with a misfit group in the middle of nowhere. But she’s determined to see things through to prove something to her mother and earn the carrot, which is permission to attend a music school abroad.
The past is a complicated story about her mother’s beautiful opera voice and depression and its impact on Ingrid. There is a strong codependency relationship between the mother and daughter, since the mother is a depressed diva. From an early age, Ingrid took care of her mother since no father was in the picture.
I loved the mystery about how Ingrid ended up in the wilderness, and I was rooting for her to make it out.
If you are looking for a YA book about tough issues like mother-daughter relationships, this one is one of my new favorites. For more books like this one, check out my list Which YA Books about Mother-Daughter Relationships Best Depict This Loving But Painful Dynamic.
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Why You’ll love it - Sisters, grief, Love triangle
“What kind of girl wants to kiss every boy at a funeral, wants to maul a guy in a tree after making out with her sister’s boyfriend the previous night? Speaking of which, what kind of girl makes out with her sister’s boyfriend, period?” ― Jandy Nelson from The Sky Is Everywhere
I love, love, loved this book! The writing is so lyrical, and the story is incredibly sad. It begins with protagonist Lennie, who is grieving the sudden death of her sister. Although Bailey is dead, the relationship between these siblings is very much alive on the pages of this novel. Lennie writes beautiful poems, and she spends time in their room and shares so many memories that I feel I know Bailey.
A charismatic new boy shows up at school, and Lennie ends up entering into 2 romances at the same time. This is the love triangle. One romance is with the new boy at school, and the other is with her dead sister’s grieving boyfriend. Sooner or later, she has to decide which one of these guys is the one she’s going to stick with. Oh, boy.
All of the characters are vivid, and the story is captivating. The creative visual aspect of the novel is also a nice touch; Lennie writes her poems on scraps and scatters them everywhere, and these appear at the beginning of chapters.
Family can be a difficult challenge for teens. This book is must-read for anyone looking for YA novels about tough topics like sisterhood and grief. For more books like this, check out my lists Which Heartbreaking YA Books about Sisters Should You Read Next and Which Great YA Books about Siblings Should You Read Next.
Straight A’s by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Divorce, Suicide, Academic Pressure, anxiety
“Dad didn’t ask about my grades or anything else about my life—which was good, in a way—and after awhile, I told him I had to go home and study. ... I worried about leaving him alone in that big empty house with his shiny guns and his terrible anger and sadness. But I didn’t know what else to do.“ ― Khristina Chess from Straight A’s
Kim was supposed to be valedictorian. The top of her class. The girl with a future.
Then her parents split, and everything unraveled. She’s caught in the crossfire—bouncing between households, shouldering their meltdowns, and suffocating under expectations she can no longer meet.
Now she has a plan: she’s going to end it.
The semester is slipping through her fingers. A single B in calculus could shatter everything—scholarships, dreams, escape. And if there’s no escape, what’s left?
But then she meets him. The new guy in Writer’s Club. A distraction she didn’t expect. A reason to hold on.
Raw, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful, Straight A’s is an unforgettable YA novel about tough problems like depression, pressure, divorce, and the invisible weight teenagers carry. If you’ve ever searched for a story that truly understands the darkness—and dares to find light—this is it.
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Why You’ll love it - dating violence and Abuse
“Sometimes, it was just a little rough: a blocking bruise. Other times, a hard foul. And if things were really bad—full contact.” ― Sarah Dessen from Dreamland
I've read a couple Sarah Dessen books that were "okay," but wow, this one really, really grabbed me!
It starts when Caitlin's sister, Cass, runs away. I knew the story was about relationship abuse, and I was expecting the runaway sister Cass to be with a bad guy, but no. After she disappears, Caitlin falls for a guy named Rogerson who ends up being the abusive one. Caitlin's downward spiral is emotional, realistic, and heartbreaking. From the first time Rogerson hits her, I kept waiting for someone to intervene or for her to wake up, but it went on and on until the climactic moment when something had to shatter.
I felt really bad for Caitlin. She seemed invisible to everyone who supposedly loved her. She was hiding her pain in front of everyone. And people she loved kept leaving her: first her sister Cass and then her new friend Corinna.
If you like the issue-driven fiction and want to explore YA books about tough topics like dating violence and abuse, Dreamland is great read. For more books like this, check out my list Which Powerful YA Books about Abuse and Relationship Violence Should You Read Next.
Hollow Beauty by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - Self Esteem, anorexia
“I’d always called my body ‘athletic.’ Words like ‘stocky’ and ‘muscular’ described my figure. I was the fastest girl on the track and cross country teams. Muscular, stocky girls weren’t beautiful, though. Skinny girls were. Girls like Erica Miller.” ― Khristina Chess from Hollow Beauty
If you’ve ever suffered the pain of unkind criticism, Hollow Beauty is for you. This authentic YA novel explores the slippery slope of pro-ana culture and the brutal consequences of chasing perfection. What makes Hollow Beauty special is the realistic portrayal of how Olivia falls into the self-esteem trap of trying to change herself for someone else. I loved seeing her journey and choices as the events escalated toward the story’s climax.
The story starts with a casual criticism from a cute boy: maybe you could use the next two months before prom to lose some weight.
That’s right. When tall, gorgeous Brody asks Olivia to prom, she’s ecstatic—until he suggests that she go on a diet!
What starts as a few skipped meals spirals into a dangerous obsession—hours spent scrolling pro-ana and thinspo forums, tracking calories like a lifeline, and watching the number on the scale plummet. The more weight she sheds, the more she disappears.
Ross, the new prep cook at the diner, sees her differently. He doesn’t suffer the same suffocating self-doubt, and the only time Olivia feels like herself is when she’s riding dirt bikes and cave-hunting with him. But with Brody, romance feels more like devour or be devoured.
She’s almost perfect for prom. Almost thin enough.
Until the unthinkable happens.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking YA novel about the issue of eating disorders. It shines a harsh but necessary light on the world of anorexia and excessive exercise. Worth the read!
Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Why You’ll love it - CANCER, grief
“We used to be pretty good friends, but fourteen-year-old girls are psychotic.” ― Jesse Andrews from Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
I loved this book. It was so comical, which is an odd thing to say about a book about a girl dying from cancer. But it’s true. It’s sad humor in the face of tragedy.
Greg and Earl are weird, unlikely friends and amateur filmmakers who manage to fly below the radar at school and enjoy their private world. Then Greg’s mom makes him reach out to Rachel, a childhood friend who has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a friend.
Earl turns out to be the more compassionate of the pair, and the two of them set out to make a movie about Rachel. Their brilliant idea fails in execution and is the Worst Film Ever Made.
This wonderful novel is full of crude humor, heart, honesty, and surprises as Greg learns things about his long-time friend Earl, as well as himself, though this journey with the dying girl, Rachel. If you’re looking for some YA books about tough topics related to health, Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl is definitely a title to add to your reading list. You can also find more like this one at my list Which Thoughtful YA Books about Disabilities, Illnesses, and Disorders Should You Read Next.
Unquiet Riot by Khristina Chess
Why You’ll love it - School violence, mental illness, bullying
“Best friends don’t label each other as crazy or rat each other out to adults.” ― Khristina Chess from Unquiet Riot
Riley isn’t a psychopath—he just doesn’t feel emotions.
Embarrassment, insecurity, suspicion—it’s all mysterious. He’s learned to read faces, but they never match the words people say.
Then Henry arrives. Henry is fascinating. Henry is dangerous. He believes the world is crawling with robot impostors, that shadows escape from electrical wires, that knives beneath his mattress will keep the monsters away. For Riley, stepping into Henry’s world is like visiting a foreign country—thrilling, unpredictable, alive.
When Henry vanishes, the police come knocking. And Riley lies.
Now it’s a game. If Henry talks, Riley loses.
Chilling and compulsive, Unquiet Riot is a mind-bending YA thriller that unravels friendship, deception, and the disturbing factors that allow tragedy to unfold. With an unforgettable unreliable narrator and a slow-burn descent into chaos, this is a must-read for anyone drawn to stories exploring the psychology of school violence.
For more issue-driven books like this, see my list Classic Books about School Shootings That Give Unique Perspectives.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Why You’ll love it - First love, intimacy
“I just can’t believe that life would give us to each other,” he said, “and then take it back.”
“I can,” she said. “Life’s a bastard.” ― Rainbow Rowell from Eleanor and Park
It's been a long time since I've encountered a novel that I literally couldn't put down. Eleanor & Park was one of those books. I loved every minute. I sat on the porch, on the couch, on the floor by the window... and devoured this book. It was a wonderful reading experience about first love. Sweet and heartbreaking and everything I wanted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, romantic young love story.
The story unfolds from alternating points of view, both Eleanor and Park, as they fall in love over the course of one year. The dialog is witty, snappy, and fun.
As a super-dreamy YA book about teen issues like dating and intimacy, it will give you all the feels. For more books like this, check out Which Dreamy YA Books about Dating, Intimacy, and Sex Should You Read Next.
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
Why You’ll love it - Addiction
“When I wake up, all my friends are dead. I don’t know when they stopped breathing, or how long I slept while they dropped off one by one.” ― Mindy McGinnis from Heroine
Those are the opening words of Heroine, the compelling novel about the slow slide of Mickey from Catalan from her position as a star student athlete to heroin addict. It begins with a terrible car accident and pain. Determine to make it back on the field, she uses the prescription painkillers to accelerate her recovery.
But then she’s out of pills and needs more.
What’s so compelling about Heroine is Mickey’s slow slide into addiction and her denial about her situation. She justifies every step of the way. The means justifies the ends, every time.
I did not watch my friends die.
I did not leave their bodies cooling in a basement.
I am not an addict.
Heroine is one of the best YA books featuring characters dealing with substance abuse that I’ve ever read. It’s real and raw, and I couldn’t look away. I really rooted for her to find a way to health.
Other YA Books about Teens Facing Tough Problems
If you are looking for other YA books about teens facing tough problems, check out the Best Teen Books about Real Problems and Teen Books about Real Problems lists on Goodreads.
You might also be interested in my post, Other Good Reads, which has a comprehensive list of reviews of YA books by type of tough topic, including eating disorders, substance abuse, mental illness, and others.
Author Bio
Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Hollow Beauty, her book about eating disorders, was named a finalist in the Next Generation India Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, and adventure.
In a recent interview from her alma mater, she described how her experience in the creative writing program prepared her for success.
