Set in a New England boarding school during World War II, this novel explores the tumultuous friendship between two boys, a charismatic and daring athlete and his introverted, intellectual roommate. The story delves into themes of envy, identity, and the loss of innocence, culminating in a tragic accident that forever changes their lives. The backdrop of the war adds a layer of tension and urgency, reflecting the inner turmoil of the protagonists.

The book follows the adventures of an inquisitive and fiercely independent eleven-year-old girl who loves to write and aspires to be a spy. Armed with her trusty notebook, she observes her friends, family, and neighbors, jotting down candid and sometimes unkind notes about them. Her world turns upside down when her secret notebook is discovered and read by her classmates, leading to a backlash that tests her friendships and her understanding of honesty and privacy. Through her trials, she learns valuable lessons about empathy, trust, and the consequences of her actions.

This novel follows the story of Katherine, a high school senior, as she navigates her first serious romantic relationship with a boy named Michael. The two fall in love and, after dealing with the complexities of intimacy and the pressures of their peers, they decide to take their relationship to the next level by becoming sexually active. The book explores the emotional and physical aspects of their relationship, the consequences of their decisions, and the reality that first love doesn't always last forever.

This novel follows the story of two young friends, Jess and Leslie, who create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods where they spend their free time. Their friendship deepens as they rule over Terabithia, facing and overcoming various challenges together. However, a tragic accident results in Leslie's death, leaving Jess devastated. The story concludes with Jess learning to cope with his grief, and finding the courage to introduce his little sister to the magical world of Terabithia, thereby keeping Leslie's memory alive.

"American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that weaves together three distinct storylines to explore themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance. The book follows the lives of Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy struggling to fit in at school, the Monkey King, a mythical character striving for acceptance among his peers, and Danny, a white American teenager dealing with his Chinese cousin's visit. Through these interconnected narratives, the book delves into the complexities of being an immigrant and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities in America.

This novel follows a teenager who enrolls in a boarding school in Alabama, seeking a 'Great Perhaps'. There, he meets a group of friends, including a captivating and enigmatic girl named Alaska. The narrative is divided into 'before' and 'after' sections, centering around a tragic event. It explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence, with the protagonist trying to understand and make sense of his experiences.

The book is a humorous portrayal of the protagonist's daily life as he navigates the trials and tribulations of middle school. Through his diary entries, the reader gets a glimpse into his struggles with family, friends, and school. With a unique blend of text and cartoons, the book provides an engaging and relatable depiction of the protagonist's attempts to gain popularity and survive the school year, despite his many embarrassing incidents and frequent misadventures.

"The Poet X" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Xiomara, who uses poetry as an outlet to navigate her complex life. Set in Harlem, Xiomara grapples with her strict Dominican parents, her evolving understanding of her own identity, and her burgeoning relationship with a boy named Aman. Through her powerful and honest poetry, Xiomara finds her voice, confronts societal expectations, and discovers the strength to define herself on her own terms.

The book tells the story of a young boy named Castle Cranshaw, who is trying to escape his troubled past. He discovers his talent for sprinting when he joins a local track team. The coach becomes a mentor to him, and his teammates become his friends. As he trains for the Junior Olympics, he learns about discipline, teamwork, and dealing with his past. The book tackles themes of trauma, redemption, and the power of sports.

"Smile" is a heartfelt graphic novel memoir that follows the life of Raina, a sixth-grade girl who experiences a life-changing accident when she injures her two front teeth. Through a series of dental surgeries and awkward encounters, Raina navigates the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, and self-discovery. With her signature humor and relatable storytelling, Raina's journey of finding her own voice and embracing her imperfections is both inspiring and empowering.

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking novel, a young boy named George navigates the challenges of being transgender. With the support of her best friend, Kelly, George finds the courage to share her true identity with those around her. Through her journey, George challenges societal norms and teaches us the importance of acceptance, empathy, and self-acceptance.

"The Day You Begin" is a heartfelt picture book that explores the feelings of loneliness, fear, and the courage to be oneself. Through relatable stories and beautiful illustrations, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique identities, celebrate their differences, and find the strength to connect with others, even when it feels difficult. It is a powerful reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing and that true connection begins when we have the courage to step out and be ourselves.