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A matter of life and death

In the wake of debate and controversy in the media about books for teenagers exploring difficult topics such as terminal illness or suicide, we recommend some books that deal frankly with issues of life and death.

  • Anthem for Jackson Dawes

    Anthem for Jackson Dawes

    by Celia Bryce
    Bloomsbury
    Megan would never have met Jackson Dawes if she hadn't had cancer. But as the only teenagers on the children's ward, they soon form a powerful and unconventional bond.
    Read about 'Anthem for Jackson Dawes'
  • Undone

    Undone

    by Cat Clarke
    Quercus
    Jem and Kai have always been best friends - until Kai commits suicide and Jem's world collapses.
    Read about 'Undone'
  • Before I Die

    Before I Die

    by Jenny Downham
    David Fickling Books
    Stunning in its beauty and honesty, this is an exceptional and utterly compelling read
    Read about 'Before I Die'
  • Ostrich Boys

    Ostrich Boys

    by Keith Gray
    Definitions
    When teenager Ross Fell is killed, his closest friends are horrified by the sham and hypocrisy of his funeral.
    Read about 'Ostrich Boys'
  • Next

    Next

    by Keith Gray
    Andersen Press
    Following on from the success of Losing It, Keith Gray has edited a new collection of eight short stories for young people exploring the complex question of what happens when we die.
    Read about 'Next'
  • The Fault in Our Stars

    The Fault in Our Stars

    by John Green
    Penguin Children's Books
    John Green tackles the subject of teenage cancer with sensitivity in this witty, life-affirming young adult romance.
    Read about 'The Fault in Our Stars'
  • Skin Deep

    Skin Deep

    by Laura Jarratt
    Electric Monkey
    The car crash that left her best friend dead has left Jenna with scars both emotional and physical. She feels as though her life is over - but then Ryan turns up.
    Read about 'Skin Deep'
  • Butter

    Butter

    by Erin Jade Lange
    Faber Children's Books
    Bullied at school, and weighing over 400 lbs, Butter feels he has nothing left to live for, and announces he will eat himself to death live on the internet.
    Read about 'Butter'
  • Red Ink

    Red Ink

    by Julie Mayhew
    Hot Key
    This beautifully-written coming of age story interrogates family, identity, memory and the myths and superstitions we create for ourselves.
    Read about 'Red Ink'
  • A Monster Calls

    A Monster Calls

    by Patrick Ness
    Walker Books Ltd
    Connor's mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.
    Read about 'A Monster Calls'
  • My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

    My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

    by Annabel Pitcher
    Orion Children's Books
    Told through the eyes of ten-year-old Jamie, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece sensitively tackles issues around grief, terrorism, racism and bullying.
    Read about 'My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece'
  • Elsewhere

    Elsewhere

    by Gabrielle Zevin
    Bloomsbury Childrens Books
    Life ends catastrophically suddenly for Elizabeth Hall, in a road accident. Not for her a future filled with love, marriage and children; instead, she awakes aboard a quiet, white cruise ship, steaming to Elsewhere.
    Read about 'Elsewhere'