LIST OF THE WEEK: TEN CHALLENGED YA NOVELS
Oppressing YA literature is nothing news. Let’s give it up for the books that challenge our beliefs and allow us to relate to people when we might feel alone.

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The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie is a freshman and undeniably, a wall-flower. Shy, introverted, ignored; Charlie fumbles through high-school life trying to enjoy it while stepping away from anything uncomfortable. However, when new friends bring on everything he’s been missing out on: first dates, friendship, family drama, sex, and drugs.

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
A coming-of-age story following Junior, a Native American boy who leaves his troubled reservation school to attend an all-white school where the only Indian is the school mascot. There, he faces issues of racism, classism, and sexism – all while discovering both his social and cultural identity.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set in 1986, two star-crossed lovers meet over the course of one year. Despite knowing first love never lasts, when Eleanor meets Park, they just might be brave enough to try.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Based on her own daughter’s experiences, Crank follows ill-fated Kristina spiral into crystal meth while on a visit to her absentee. She takes on the alter ego of Bree: sexy, dangerous, and addicted.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak tells the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who is raped at a party and is isolated and cast aside by her peers. The story follows her repression, recovery, and refusal to stay silent.
 The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
Virginia Shreves has a massive inferiority complex, and a plus-size body, especially when compared to her picture-perfect family. But that’s before a shocking allegation about her rugby-star brother changes everything.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Clay Jensen comes home from school to find a strange box on his front doorstep. Closer inspection reveals them to be tapes, record by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush. The problem? Hannah killed herself two weeks prior. And these tapes say it’s partly Clay’s fault.
 
Looking For Alaska by John Green
Miles has always lived an uneventful life — full of boredom and famous last words. However, when he moves to Culver Creek Boarding School, his life becomes the opposite of safe. He meets a group of friends who are nothing but trouble (and hilarious to boot), a side of himself he never knew, and Alaska Young: clever, gorgeous, and utterly self-destructive.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss, in a desperate move, takes her sister’s place in a nationalized TV event dubbed the Hunger Games where children fight to the death in an arena for the Capitol’s entertainment. Only one can survive — but they’ll be set for life.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
After her older sister runs away, Caitlin decides her life needs to change. and begins an abusive relationship with a boy who is mysterious, brilliant, and dangerous.