Come Clean
by Terri Paddock
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+
Published by HarperCollins, 2004
About this book
After just one night of teen drinking, American high-school student Justine Ziegler ends up in a drug rehabilitation centre with bunker-like facilities. Undergoing a punishing regime, motivated by fear and extreme peer group pressure, the 'phasers', as they are known, must endure a tough twelve-step recovery programme.
Narrated in the first-person, Come Clean is an unflinching examination of love, loss and sibling intimacy, which is both brutal and compelling. Shortlisted for the 2005 Booktrust Teenage Prize.
More books like this
-
Our Wales
by Darren Chetty and Martin Johnes, illustrated by Matt Abbott
9 to 14 years
-
Tackling Racism Together
by A. M. Dassu, illustrated by Mia Saine
9 to 14 years
-
When the Birds Wake Up
by Jessica Mary Ellis, illustrated by Sophie Burrows
9 to 14 years
-
Blood, Guts and Nasty Cuts
by Dr Alanna Skuse, illustrated by Oyemathias
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Best books for teens (teen)
Read our list of outstanding teenage books that either won or were shortlisted for the BookTrust Teenage Prize during its running from 2003-10. With fantasy, crime, horror and coming-of-age there is definitely something here for a book loving teen.