Contemporary teenage life

What does it mean to be a young person today? These novels take a variety of approaches to exploring the reality of growing up in 21st century Britain

Boys Don't Cry

by Malorie Blackman

Corgi Children's

Dante is waiting for the postman. It's 'A' level results day and he has high hopes, but a knock on the door brings an old girlfriend and some news that will change his plans for good.

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Kill All Enemies

by Melvin Burgess

There are always two sides to every story – who is making the rules, the young people or the adults?

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Inside My Head

by Jim Carrington

Bloomsbury

Zoe, Gary and David are three very different teenagers with three contrasting perspectives on their lives at school. Friendship, family, fear and loyalty are impolrtant themes in this contemporary story.

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Before I Die

by Jenny Downham

David Fickling Books

Stunning in its beauty and honesty, this is an exceptional and utterly compelling read

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Turf

by John Lucas

The Bodley Head

15-year-old Jay is a member of the Blake Street Boyz gang. But when gang leader Shads decides it's time for him to step up and prove his loyalty, Jay realises he has a difficult choice to make.

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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.

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Killing Honour

by Bali Rai

Corgi Children's

A blood-curdling murder story set in Leicester’s Asian community where family honour seems sometimes to count for more than family love

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This is Not Forgiveness

by Celia Rees

Bloomsbury

A hard-hitting, compelling novel about the effects of war

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The Ant Colony

by Jenny Valentine

HarperCollins Children's Books

Sam and Bo reveal their pasts in alternate chapters, each gradually facing the dysfunctional relationships and traumatic incidents which have triggered their current unlikely friendship.

Read about 'The Ant Colony'