Rhino's Run by Robert Lipsyte

 

Rhino is the nickname for the main character of this book who is a high school football player with dreams of playing in college and beyond. Rhino is under a lot of pressure when he punches another kid in the face and gets sent to "Group" with the school counselor. There are bullies on the football team and pressure from his dad and a toxic school environment that is mostly covered up. Rhino lays it all out in the journal that he must keep for his counselor, including how things take a big turn for the worse in a near-fatal school shooting. Ultimately, Rhino is figuring out whether to keep his head down and keep playing football or to take a stand along with his new friends in Group. There are way too many issues covered in this one short book, but I think readers (football fans especially) will not mind. Rhino is a relatable character and it's a relatively short, intense book that holds your attention. Trigger warnings galore (gun violence, physical violence, fat shaming, head injuries, and more) but nothing that makes this book inappropriate for thoughtful readers. Recommended for grades 8-up. 

Kat's Greek Summer by Mima Tipper

 

It's the summer before ninth grade and Kat's dream is to excel on the high school cross country team. However, her mom surprises her with a trip to Greece for the whole summer—a place where Kat has never been where she doesn't speak the language. Kat is half Greek, but it is hard to find that side of herself in a strange, hot place where expectations of girls are different and running is not something teenage girls do. On her first day in the remote village where her Grandma lives, Kat notices a handsome Greek boy who lives on a fishing boat. This is the story of how Kat meets Theophilus and starts a relationship with him, all while sneaking out at night and putting herself in some danger, especially from some aggressive local teenage boys. This young teen romance captures the newness, excitement, and even the danger of first love. Young romance readers will love this one. #youngteenlit

Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang

 

Ash is fifteen and frustrated by lots of things in life--they come up with a plan to leave it all behind and spend time in the wilderness at a cabin. Ash sneaks away with only their dog, surviving mostly alone for many weeks. This is Ash's survival story and also the story of how people do need people, even when they disappoint and disrespect them. This is a thoughtful, beautifully illustrated graphic novel that is perfect for middle school libraries. #youngteenlit