My Book of Life by Angel by Martine Leavitt

This spare, sometimes cryptic book tells the story of a girl named Angel who is a victim of human trafficking. A man named Call befriends her, says he loves her, gives her cocaine, and then forces her into a life of prostitution. Angel's only friend, Serena, disappears and she is on her own. Writing down her story in her "book of life" is the one thing that keeps her alive. But then Call brings in a little girl named Melli and Angel  finds it in herself to try to protect Melli from the life she is living. This book is well-written and poetic, but is a tough story to read. It's haunting and sad and gives you a glimpse into the harsh reality of girls who are trafficked. Recommended for high school readers.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

There's a quote on the back of this book from John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars and other great YA books) that sums it up. "Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it's like to be young and in love with a book." I read a lot of books for kids and teens, and I often find myself mildly interested (or sometimes not interested at all). That was not the case with Eleanor & Park. From the very beginning I was drawn into their interesting, intelligent, and unlikely romance. I cared about both of these misfit characters and I loved how their relationship slowly built up bus ride by bus ride. This book is all about the characters and those small details that are so important when you are young and in love. I also liked the time period of this book (the 1980s) and that these characters weren't the popular kids. If you want to curl up with a romance this is the book to read. Definitely for high school, though!

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

This is a novel of self-discovery, travel, and romance. Allyson just graduated from high school and goes on a trip to Europe before starting college. But she doesn't have a great time, mainly due to the fact that she's not much of a risk taker. However, on the last day of the tour she skips a planned activity, goes to an outdoor Shakespeare play, and meets a Dutch actor who later invites her to spend a day in Paris with him. In a whirlwind day a romance blossoms, but when Willem disappears Allyson is left with many questions and self-doubts. She returns to the U.S.A. and starts college, but she falls into depression and a longing to be the person she was on that one day in Paris. It's really a story about breaking free from the past and becoming the person you want to be with European cities as a backdrop. I love Gayle Forman's books and this is another gem. Recommended for high school readers (not middle schoolers!)

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

This powerful graphic novel about well-known serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer is completely unique. The author was an acquaintance of Dahmer in high school. When the news broke of his horrific crimes, Backderf was haunted by his memories of Dahmer's strange behavior and mascot-like status among Backderf's friends. Over the years, he wrote up his memories in graphic form, self-publishing a brief early version several years ago. This complete version is polished, mesmerizing, and based on a lot of research. You meet the strange, alienated Dahmer who imitates his mother's effeminate interior decorator and pretends to have frequent seizures. You also meet Backderf and his friends, who are fascinated by Dahmer, but also realize that there is something truly strange about him. They offer Dahmer some semblance of friendship, but Dahmer never really breaks into their group because of his underlying strangeness. The story is believable, fascinating, and will be of high interest to teenagers who might just think about their own acquaintances and who might be lurking among them. Highly recommended for high school readers.