Book Reviews YA-Contemporary

I love to read, and this page of book reviews YA-contemporary highlights some of the great variety teens have today in young adult books.

When finding great books, I always check public libraries, and I’m a huge fan of independent book stores, including my favorite (which is right here in Denver), the Tattered Cover. Also check out Barnes & Noble   or this list of independent bookstores. These book suggestions can be found online at all or most of these stores, (as well as at Amazon ). I hope these book reviews YA-contemporary will help with gifts and book suggestions! What are contemporary books? These are books about kids living today, in the real world.

Here’s the basic key I will use when reviewing the plots:

Favorite means that this book is a personal favorite and comes strongly recommended.

Stay tuned and enjoy the Book Reviews YA-contemporary!

The pictures of the covers link to the book’s Powell's or Barnes & Noble page. The titles link to The Tattered Cover.

Th1rteen R3asons Why , by Jay Asher (I, L, S)

After a girl in Clay's class kills herself, she sends him and 12 others a tape, discussing what led her to this decision.
DWI: suicide; helping those with suicidal thoughts; moving on
RT: I really like how this book approaches suicide and dealing with the aftermath -- I think it's a good book to use as an opening to discuss this topic with teens.

Here are a few Book Reviews YA-contemporary which teen boys might like!


One of the truly remarkable aspects of being a teen during today's publishing climate is the increasing number of stories involving cultural and racial diversity, something on which I hope to find more book reviews YA-contemporary.


So Not the Drama , by Paula Chase (mild L)

Mina wants to make her place in her high school, but as she begins her journey there, she discovers interesting truths about being popular versus being real.
DWI: seeing beneath the facade
RT: I enjoyed a number of things about this book, including Mina's project (during which she had to work with one of her less favorite people) and the vivacity of her friends.

Shine, Coconut Moon , by Neesha Meminger (L, mild S, mild V)

Samar (Sam) has never thought much about her Indian heritage, but when her uncle comes to stay with them not long after 9/11, she learns that racism still plays a role in America -- and that her life has many facets.
DWI: racism, ignorance about different cultures
RT: I really enjoyed Sam's experience -- she's a likable character, and the way she investigates her Sikh heritage is written with understanding and grace.

Girl Overboard, by Justina Chen Headley (mild L)

Syrah only wants to be good enough at snowboarding to become a professional, but when she blows out her knee, she's forced to face some truths about her position in the world -- and that of her wealthy Chinese-American father.
DWI: family interactions
RT: Favorite because of the rich and complex family relationship shown through this book -- and because of Syrah's insight, humor, and love interest.

Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa , by Micol Ostow (mild S, mild L)

When Emily goes with her mom to her grandma's funeral in Puerto Rico, she meets family members for the first time and experiences a whole different side to her heritage.
DWI: cultural heritage
RT: I like Emily's discoveries about her Puerto Rican family, and I like how she learns to find her own way through their traditions, even when they differ from what she's used to.


Although this page of book reviews YA-contemporary covers many ideas, some of these books could fall into other sub-genres, such as books in verse (which I happen to love). Books in verse cover so many different topics and emphasize boys' and girls' lives.


I Heart You, You Haunt Me , by Lisa Schroeder (S, I, mild L)

Ava must figure out how to move on after her boyfriend dies in a tragic accident -- told in verse.
DWI: living again after death of a loved one
RT: Favorite because of the lyrical verse and Ava's strength.



Far From You , by Lisa Schroeder (S, I, mild L)

When Alice and her stepmom are trapped in their car during a blizzard, Alice realizes it's time for her to deal with her mom's death -- and her relationship with her stepmom.
DWI: grief; step-parents
RT: Favorite because of the verse format, Alice's bravery, and the poignant and realistic story of a strained relationship and learning to trust again.

The Realm of Possibility, by David Levithan (L, S)

Expressed through multiple narrators, this story is all about teenagers dealing with love and life.
DWI: same sex relationships; mean girls; finding kindness within
RT: Favorite because of how well all the parts of this book share something from each of our teenage years -- the themes of love and compassion and fear and hope, the growing and changing and experiencing that is the underlying theme of being a teen.


Walking on Glass, by Alma Fullerton (L, V, I)

After his mother attempts suicide, the main character starts a journal, and we get to see his frustrations, worries, and anger as he struggles with whether or not to unplug the machines keeping his mom alive.
DWI: suicide; violence toward others; bullying; letting go
RT: This is not an easy read -- the pain and frustration is palpable. Definitely a book to be discussed after!


What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know, by Sonya Sones (L, S)

Murphy can't believe his good fortune when he attracts the attention of one of the cool girls -- but as he continues to struggle with challenges at school, he's not sure if he's bringing her down with him or if he's strong enough to stand up for what's right.
DWI: loyalty; bravery; willingness to be unique
RT: I enjoyed this because of Murphy's humor and his hard work (and his artistic nature) -- it's hard to see some of his failures, but the end leaves us hoping.


Stories in Book Reviews YA-contemporary cover a huge sweep of ideas, including some which are edgier or deal with current teen issues.


The Tension of Opposites, by Kristina MacBride (I, S)

Tessa's best friend was abducted two years before, and now she's coming home; Tessa has put her life on hold while she was gone, but she's discovering that learning to live and trust again isn't easy for either of them.
DWI: kidnaping; rebuilding your life
RT: Favorite because of the intense story line, the protectiveness of Tessa, and the sweet relationship between Max and Tessa.

Cracked Up to Be , by Courtney Summers (I, L, S, V)

Parker used to be the poster girl for being good and excelling in school, but something happened...and now, Parker doesn't know how to deal with her own guilt and memories.
DWI: personal responsibility; forgiving yourself
RT: Favorite because Parker's story is realistic, the mystery is revealed well, and we see into her heart and hope she can forgive herself and begin to live again.

Zen & Xander Undone, by Amy Kathleen Ryan (L, S, I)

Zen's and Xander's mom dies of breast cancer, and the sisters must learn how to live without her -- Zen turns to her martial arts while Xander turns to the wild life.
DWI: dealing with grief; letting go
RT: Favorite because of the beautiful (and realistic) relationship between the sisters and the way they learn to handle their grief.


Jumping Off Swings, by Jo Knowles (S, L, V)

Ellie and Josh have a one-night stand, and Ellie gets pregnant -- and from there, the two of them plus two of their closest friends have to figure out how to live with the consequences.
DWI: taking responsibility; what drives us to do what we do
RT: Favorite because of the four points of view, and especially because of the compassion for each character exhibited in the revelations of their lives, actions, and struggles to do what's right.

Lessons From a Dead Girl , by Jo Knowles (S, I, L)

Laine deals with guilt, anger, and resentment after an old 'friend' dies.
DWI: forgiving yourself; dealing with abuse
RT: This is an intense story about handling sexual abuse by a friend -- as a parent, I would definitely want to discuss it after reading.



Girl, Hero , by Carrie Jones (S, L, V, I)

Lily struggles to handle all the drama in her life (including her mom's new boyfriend, who has boundary issues and her older sister's husband, who beats her) and deals by writing letters to John Wayne, asking how to be a hero.
DWI: speaking up about abuse; taking a stand; courage
RT: Despite the sometimes dark circumstances, Lily's story is a gentle one, filled with courage from a girl who isn't brave but finds she has to take a stand.

One Wish, by Leigh Brescia (I)

Wrenn is unhappy with her life; she wants to be popular, but she sees her chubbiness as something holding her back -- so when she gets the chance to rub elbows with the 'in' crowd through the school musical, she does whatever it takes to lose the weight.
DWI: anorexia; eating disorders; self-confidence
RT: I found this a very compassionate and realistic view of a girl with an eating disorder -- and because of that, it's hard to watch as Wrenn completely destroys her life -- but the ending is filled with hope and understanding.

The Chosen One , by Carol Lynch Williams (S, I, V)

Kyra lives on a compound with a religious group, and when she's thirteen, she's promised to her uncle, who already has six wives -- now she must decide how far she's willing to go to fight for her freedom.
DWI: finding the 'right' way; trusting your instincts
RT: This is an intense story, but I think it's valuable for girls to see when and how to fight for themselves, even when it's family (or religion) working against them.

Crash Into Me, by Albert Borris (S, L, V, I)

Four teens, drawn together by their common loss of hope and will to live, take a road trip and visit grave sites of famous people who committed suicide.
DWI: suicide; learning to forgive yourself; finding a way to live on
RT: This is a hard read because of the intensity of the emotions -- your heart will break for these kids, especially for Owen, the main character -- but it does end with hope...strong hope.

Love is the Higher Law, by David Levithan (S, L, V, I)

Three New York City teens share their experiences of 9/11 and the aftermath in alternating point-of-views.
DWI: same sex relationships; dealing with large-scale tragedy; 9/11; terrorism
RT: I liked this book, especially as someone who isn't from New York City -- it gave me a new perspective on how it might have been for those living there during 9/11.

Swimming with the Sharks , by Debbie Reed Fischer (I, L, S, mild V)

Peyton is shocked when she makes the cheerleading squad, and even more stunned when she realizes what she must do to stay on top of the game.
DWI: how to withstand peer pressure
RT: Here's another great book to springboard a discussion about peer pressure and bullying.


North of Beautiful , by Justina Chen Headley (V, I, L, S)

Terra deals with her struggling family life and a birthmark on her face.
DWI: self-image; standing up for yourself
RT: Favorite because this is truly a beautiful story -- Terra learns to love and accept herself through a series of events and self-reckonings.



Secrets of Truth and Beauty, by Megan Frazer (mild V, mild L)

Dara once won a beauty contest, but years later, she's struggles with her weight and feelings of insecurity and self-hatred -- so she leaves home to find her older sister, whom she's never really known.
DWI: self-acceptance; true beauty; same-sex love
RT: I liked many things about this story, including Dara's journey and her sister's influence on her life. I also liked how Dara learns she has to find love in her own way, not how her sister did it.

So many books mentioned here at Book Reviews YA-contemporary have heavy themes -- but humor and fun can be found, also. For the lighter side of contemporary, try these romantic comedies.


I especially enjoy finding books for Book Reviews YA-contemporary which approach a similar topic in very different ways -- reminds me just how subjective life can be!


The Quad , by C.G. Watson (I, V, L)

Six students appear to have reason to react with violence, but only one does.
DWI: how to deal with bullying
RT: This was an interesting look at different ways kids might suffer from bullying and offered some insights into why some kids snap and others don't.



Hate List, by Jennifer Brown (L, V, I)

Valerie starts a hate list to cope with people who bully and tease her at school, but when her boyfriend joins in, he doesn't stop at making a list and instead fires bullets.
DWI: bullying; coping mechanisms; seeing good in others
RT: This isn't an easy read because there's a lot of pain here -- but I think it's very valuable. Valerie deals with guilt at not seeing that her boyfriend was going to kill and hurt so many -- and some of the students hate her for surviving. But others are changed...and seeing how Valerie changes, as well, is an encouraging aspect of this book. I recommend it!

After , by Francine Prose (I, L)