Tearjerkers

Do not read these teen books in public, and make sure you have a box of tissues ready. You’ll need them…

A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill–an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

Waiting – Carol Lynch Williams London and her older brother Zach were born to missionary parents, and whether they were living in an African village or a city in Florida, their close bond was a constant.  When Zach dies, not only is London left without her best friend, her parents also fall apart, her father immersing himself in work, and her mother refusing to speak to London who she blames for Zach’s death.  To cope with the loss, London withdraws from life, but as the one year anniversary of Zach’s death approaches, she begins to realize that those left behind after a tragedy have to continue living.

If I Stay – Gayle Forman While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, seventeen-year-old Mia weighs whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.

The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, finds herself struggling to balance two.

Heart to Heart – Lurlene McDaniel When Kassey’s best friend Elowyn is killed in a car accident and her heart is transplanted into a girl named Arabeth, everyone involved struggles to deal with the tragedy and its aftermath.

The Last Song – Nicholas Sparks Seventeen-year-old Ronnie’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved away. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from him, until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer with him.

You Are Not Here – Samantha Schutz Annaleah and Brian had a secret romance, but out of nowhere, Brian is killed in an accident. Everyone else has a role in the grieving process, but Annaleah finds herself living on the outside of it, unacknowledged and lonely.

Hold Still – Nina LaCour After losing her best friend, Ingrid, to suicide, Caitlin is completely unable to function. As she tries to deal with her pain, she finds Ingrid’s journal, which not only reveals her descent into depression, but also gives Caitlin’s hope for the future.

Wrecked – E. Frank After a car accident seriously injures her best friend and kills her brother’s girlfriend, 16-year-old Anna tries to cope with her grief, while learning some truths about her family and herself.

Thirteen Reason Why – Jay Asher When high school student Clay receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah’s voice recounting the events leading up to her death.

Deadline – Chris Crutcher Given the medical prognosis of one year to live, high school senior Ben decides to fulfill all of his greatest fantasies.

2 Responses to “Tearjerkers”

1. Kara, on January 7th, 2012 at 3:36 pm Said:

   I recommend reading 13 Reasons Why! It is the best book I have ever read and it made me cry to hear of the tragic life of Hannah Baker!

2. Roump, on February 5th, 2012 at 9:25 pm Said:

   hi!!!

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