Our friend Franny has some recommendations for books for upper middle school and high school ages.  Check them out at your local library or bookstore.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska centers on the character Miles who recently left his normal suburban high school for a boarding school in rural Alabama. He quickly makes friends with his stubborn but loyal roommate Colonel, who calls Miles “Pudge,” and an eccentric girl named Alaska. Pudge and his friends get into their fair share of antics, pulling pranks and dodging bullies, but when tragedy strikes, they are forced to confront each other and their past choices. This book is about strength and forgiveness, specifically forgiving others and yourself. It is a powerful book that has stayed with me for years.

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses is one of my favorite science fiction, romance novels. It offers an alternative reality based on two characters: Callum, who is white and a nought, and Sephy, who is Black and a Cross. Noughts and Crosses are kept separate with different schooling, jobs, and social spheres. They rarely intermingle. They do not fall in love, but that is exactly what happens between Callum and Sephy. The two must navigate their secret relationship through this difficult world. This story is about love but also overcoming society’s beliefs and doing what is right. This book also highlights unique perspectives on racism and segregation. 

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Someone Like You is about best friends Halley and Scarlett. At the beginning of the summer, Scarlett’s boyfriend suddenly dies from a motorcycle accident, and she turns to Halley for comfort. The two girls continue to be there for each other as Scarlett gets more surprising news which changes their friendship and their lives. Meanwhile, Halley balances these changes as well as meets her first love which has its own challenges. Throughout everything, the two girls care for each other, highlighting the power of friendship.