Read the inspirational story of a young man whose father deliberately injected him with AIDS as an infant.
Middle School to Young Adult Books
Theme: Physical Challenges
Antsy Does Time - (ISBN: 0525478256)
by Neal Shüsterman
Antsy’s classmate, Gunnar, believes (or does he?) he is dying of a rare incurable disease, having been diagnosed by an online doctor. Antsy’s life, and also Gunnar’s, spins out of control when Antsy gives Gunnar an IOU offering him one month of his own life. Other classmates want to join in and also start donating periods of healthy time. Gunnar’s “disease” turns out to be a mere cover up for problems his father is having. All will be revealed in the pages of this riveting book.
Deenie - (ISBN: 978-0385739856)
by Judy Blume
Deenie does not really think she can face wearing a back brace for four years to correct her recently diagnosed scoliosis. What personal qualities rally to help her cope? Might any of these qualities help with other problems teens face?
Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain - (ISBN: 978-0316076173)
by James Patterson
Cory has the support of his family to help him deal with his Tourette’s syndrome, but their ideas and techniques do not seem to be enough. Additionally, the drugs prescribed to help with his obsessive-compulsive disorder wreak another kind of havoc on his body and his ability to function independently. As with many true-life stories, there is no easy answer or fairly tale ending to his condition and the effects of its radical treatment. Think of other stories you know that lack fairy tale endings. Which kind of ending do you think is better?
Rats Saw God - (ISBN: 978-1416938972)
by Rob Thomas
At first, Steve York tries to use humor to deal with typical teenage problems, but having his parents split up and losing his difficult girlfriend send him over the brink into doing drugs and almost dropping out. His last chance, a 100-page essay about his life, forces him to confront some of his problems and figure out how to make it through difficult adolescent times. Teens will enjoy this book’s refreshing take on difficulties typical of their age. Try writing your own stories about yourself.
Shayla's Double Brown Baby Blues - (ISBN: 978-0689856709)
by Lori Aurelia Williams
Shayla’s new stepmother and new baby sister send her searching for friends, rather than her dysfunctional family, to help her. But her friends turn out to have their own problems. Shayla must mature enough to depend solely on herself. Beautiful, lyrical writing makes the presentation of Shayla’s tough life a bit easier to take.