Teens and Trauma

Young adult literature about teens and trauma provides a window into mental illness and the toll it takes on young people. Stories of teens who are dealing with depression, anger, or the wish to die can be difficult to read, but they are important. They give voice to a particular kind of suffering, and they help us develop a deeper understanding of emotional pain. Just as important, they show us how people survive that pain and begin the process of healing. Tune in to hear about six new novels that focus on teens, trauma, and mental illness.

After listening to this episode, be sure to print out this list of recommended titles to take to the library or book seller.

Books featured in this episode:

• Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos (Houghton Mifflin, 2013)
• Wild Awake by Hilary Smith (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins 2013)
• More Than This by Patrick Ness (Candlewick, 2013)
• Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (Little, Brown, 2013)
• Reality Boy by A.S. King (Little, Brown, 2013)
• We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (Delacorte, 2014)