Alone

Megan E. Freeman

This novel-in-verse tells a compelling story of courage, resilience, and survival. When 12-year-old Maddie sneaks off for a secret sleepover, she wakes up to an unthinkable reality—her entire Colorado town has been evacuated, and she’s been left behind. With no power, no internet, and no way to contact her family, Maddie must learn to survive on her own, relying on her wits, a loyal Rottweiler named George, and a stack of books. But as months pass and she faces natural disasters, looters, and overwhelming loneliness, Maddie discovers that the hardest battle isn’t just staying alive—it’s staying hopeful.

Allegedly

Tiffany D. Jackson

At nine years old, Mary B. Addison was convicted of killing a baby—allegedly. The media shaped the narrative, and the jury sealed her fate. Now living in a group home and pregnant with her own child, Mary is desperate to set the record straight. But to fight for her future, she must confront the past and the one person she fears most: her mother. Winner of the NAACP Image Award, this novel deftly explores the intersections of race, the justice system, and the power of truth.

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Tiffany D. Jackson

In Brooklyn, 1998, three teens hatch a daring plan to make their murdered friend a rap legend, even though he’s gone. After Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine start promoting Steph’s music under a new stage name, the Architect, his tracks take off, catching the attention of a major record label. But as their secret gets harder to keep, they must face the truth about what really happened to Steph—and what they’re willing to risk for his legacy.

Promise Boys

Nick Brooks

When the principal of Urban Promise Prep is found murdered, three students—J.B., Ramón, and Trey—become the prime suspects. They have the motive, the means, and maybe even the weapon, but each insists they’re innocent. Now, they must uncover the real killer before it’s too late. But as they dig for the truth, they uncover shocking secrets about their prestigious prep school. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and The Hate U Give, this fast-paced thriller keeps readers guessing until the final twist.

Chain Gang All-Stars

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Chain-Gang All-Stars is an action-packed novel set in a near-future America where prisoners fight to the death for a chance at freedom in the controversial program, Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE). Loretta Thurwar and Hamara Stacker are CAPE’s biggest stars, but with Thurwar just a few fights away from release, she begins to question the brutal system that profits from their pain. As she fights for more than just her own freedom, CAPE’s corporate overlords will do anything to maintain control. This novel offers powerful insights on justice, systemic racism, and mass incarceration, but because of its violent content, it’s better suited for older high school readers.

The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph

Oksana Masters & Cassidy Randall

Born in Ukraine near Chernobyl, Oksana Masters faced unimaginable challenges from birth—limb differences, medical complications, and life in an orphanage marked by hardship. Adopted at seven by a determined American woman, she underwent years of surgeries, refusing to be defined by limitations. Instead, she shattered barriers, rising to the top of four elite sports and earning 17 Paralympic medals, the most of any US Winter Olympian. Oksana’s inspiring journey from adversity to athletic greatness is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of love. Perfect for students and teachers alike, this memoir sparks discussions on perseverance, identity, and the pursuit of excellence.

The Talk

Darrin Bell

When Darrin Bell was six, his mother refused to buy him a realistic water gun—fearful that, as a Black boy, he could be seen as a threat. In this powerful illustrated memoir, Bell explores how “The Talk” shaped his life, from childhood in Los Angeles to finding his voice as a cartoonist. Through sharp humor and poignant storytelling, he examines racism’s daily realities, the history of police violence, and nationwide protests—all while grappling with whether he’s ready to have The Talk with his own son. An excellent pick for students who love graphic novels, this book will inspire vital discussions on race, identity, and justice.

Woman, Life, Freedom

Marjane Satrapi

Woman, Life, Freedom is a powerful visual chronicle of the historic uprising sparked by Mahsa Jina Amini’s death at the hands of Iran’s morality police. Through a stunning collection of graphic essays, acclaimed artist Marjane Satrapi and a global team of illustrators, journalists, and activists bring to life the courage of Iranian women and the worldwide movement demanding justice. Featuring full-color artwork and expert insights, this book provides essential context for a revolution that continues to shape the fight for women’s rights, freedom, and equality.

Daughters of Shandong

Eve J. Chung

In 1948 war-torn China, the wealthy Ang family flees the advancing Communist army but leaves behind their daughters and their mother, deemed unworthy of saving. As the eldest, Hai endures brutal persecution for her family’s past, while her mother and sisters plot a daring escape. Their thousand-mile journey takes them from the countryside to Qingdao, British Hong Kong, and Taiwan, forcing them to fight for survival and freedom. Perfect for students who love historical narratives, Daughters of Shandong will spark discussions on revolution, resilience, and sacrifice for the sake of the future.

How to Solve Your Own Murder

Kristen Perrin

In 1965, teenager Frances Adams receives a chilling prediction: one day, she will be murdered. For decades, she obsessively gathers secrets on everyone she meets, but no one believes her…until she’s found dead, just as foretold. Now, in the present day, her great-niece Annie Adams arrives in the quaint English village of Castle Knoll to uncover the truth. But with a long list of suspects and a killer still on the loose, Annie must unravel the past before she meets the same deadly fate.

The Circle

Dave Eggers

The Circle is a gripping dystopian novel that explores the dark side of technology, surveillance, and digital identity. When Mae Holland lands a dream job at the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she’s swept up in its culture of innovation and transparency. But as her life becomes increasingly public and the company’s influence grows, she begins to question the price of a world with no privacy, no secrets, and no escape. With descriptions of violence and sexual content, this book is better suited for mature readers.

Whalefall

Daniel Krauss

After diving off the California coast to find his late father’s remains, Jay Gardiner is unexpectedly swallowed by a sixty-ton whale—with just one hour of oxygen to escape. Trapped in the belly of the beast, Jay must battle both his dwindling air supply and the demons of his past. Suspenseful, emotional, and scientifically accurate, Whalefall is perfect for students and teachers looking to explore themes of survival, redemption, and the human will to persevere.