Book Suggestions

Please find our recommended novels about sexual assault and dating violence between teens listed below.

Canary by Rachele Alpine (2013)
After her mother’s death, things change for the better in Kate Franklin’s life when her father is hired as a basketball coach at a prominent prep school. But after she is sexually assaulted by a member of the basketball team at a party, Kate is unsure whether she should speak out or not. Her father is vehemently against it. A powerful read about knowing you should speak up when you are told to be quiet.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999)
Melinda Sordino begins her freshman year at high-school as a social outcast; ignored by her friends and peers for calling the police at an end-of-summer party. But why did Melinda call the cops? This is a groundbreaking novel about how a young woman reacts to and heals from rape and social isolation. New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Finalist.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)
Clay Jensen returns home to find a box of cassette tapes from Hannah Baker, his crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. In the tapes, Hannah explains the thirteen reasons why she decided to kill herself. This novel covers sex and dating violence. New York Times Bestseller.

Some Boys by Patti Blount (2014)
A story about Grace, a ‘school reject’ who accuses the captain of the lacrosse team, aka the ‘Golden Boy’, of sexually assaulting her. No one believes her, except Ian, the best friend of the assailant. This book discusses rape, rape culture, victim blaming, and bullying. Winner of the RITA award for YA romance.

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown (2011)
Alex can’t believe she has found her ‘soul mate’ – handsome, funny, and charming Cole. But as time passes, Cole becomes more and more controlling, jealous, and angry. Alex must decide between choosing her “true love” or sticking up for herself. This novel breaks down the anatomy of an abusive relationship.

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999)
Considered by many to be a classic coming of age story, this novel is about social outcasts who embrace being different. The novel touches on childhood sexual abuse, rape and dating violence between peers. Frequently challenged but also included in many school reading lists.

What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton (2012)
After a random encounter with a college boy on a ski trip, Cassidy Murphy has no memory the next morning waking up in his bed. This novel explores rape culture and the desire to fit in and be liked.

Fault Line by Christa Desir (2013)
A story about two teens madly in love with each other, but after Ben misses the party that Ani attends, everything changes. Told from Ben’s point of view, this novel explores the perspective of a boy who tries to grapple with his girlfriend’s sexual assault.

 You Against Me by Jenny Downham (2010)
When Mikey’s sister accuses a boy of sexual assault, his world falls apart. When Ellie’s brother is charged with the offence, her world unravels. Their two worlds collide in this novel about making the right decisions no matter how difficult they can sometimes be. Carnegie Medal Nominee.

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn (2001)
Like father, like son? Nick Anderson’s life looks perfect on the outside, but he is hiding the abuse he faces from his father. When Nick enters a new relationship, he struggles with anger management and the fear of becoming the person he fears the most. One of ALA’s top ten books for Young Adults.

Maybe I Will by Laurie Grey (2013)
Told not knowing if the victim is a boy or a girl, this novel explores the realities of sexual assault – the vanishing of dreams, the feelings of being alone, and the adults, counselors and police officers who have trouble believing the truth.

Every Last Promise by Kristin Halbrook (2015)
After witnessing a peer’s violent sexual assault, Kayla has to make the difficult decision whether she should stay quiet or speak up. A provocative novel about the dilemma between fitting in or doing the right thing.

What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler (2015)
Kate Weston attends a party at a friend’s house, drinks heavily and passes out. When pictures of a fellow student named Stacey start to circulate after the party and Stacey accuses four male students of sexual assault, Kate tries to piece together what happened that night. Based on a true story.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston (2016)
Hermione Winters is a popular high school student and captain of her small town cheerleading team. When she is date raped and becomes pregnant, Hermione must grapple with what has happened to her and how to heal and move forward.

 Inexcusable by Chris Lynch (2005)
Told from the assailant’s point of view, Keir Sarafian has always thought he was a good guy. But as the novel unfolds, readers will question and doubt the choices he makes. National Book Award Finalist.

 Asking for it by Louise O’Neill (2015)
Emma O-Donovan is a happy, confident, and beautiful eighteen year old living in a small town in Ireland. But her world falls apart when she wakes up one morning after a party and can’t remember anything. This novel examines rape culture and the societal blaming of rape victims. Sunday Independant Newcomer of the Year Award, Michael L. Printz Honor.

Wrecked by Maria Padian (2016)
After their is an accusation of sexual assault at a college party, everyone has conflicting versions about what happened. This novel offers a view into what happens during the aftermath of an assault on campus, and how memory and judgment will shape what people believe about the truth.

Rage: A Love Story by Julie Ann Peters (2009)
High-school senior Johanna falls completely in love with Reeve, but how does she cope after Reeve starts physically abusing her? A trailblazing YA novel for discussing abuse between a same sex couple.

Lucky by Alice Sebold (2002) Non-Fiction
Written as a memoir, Alice Sebold recounts how her life was transformed after being brutally raped and physically assaulted as an eighteen year old in college. A true story that illustrates the experience of trauma victims.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith (2016)
“Good” girl Eden’s life is thrown into turmoil after she is raped by her brothers best friend in her freshman year. Told over four years, the novel examines Eden’s journey through high-school dealing with the aftermath of a assault. New York Times Bestseller.

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens (2014)
Ashamed and embarrassed over what happened to her over the summer, Alexi Littrell becomes reclusive. But Alexi finds an unlikely friend in her next door neighbour – shy and awkward Bodee Lennox. Together, they find support and the courage to move forward and face the truth.

 Take it as a Compliment by Maria Stoian (2015) Non-Fiction graphic novel
In a graphic novel format, this book brings together the anonymous true stories of males and females who have experienced sexual abuse and harassment. Gold medal winner of the Independent Spirit category of the Independent Publishers Outstanding Books of the Year.

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (2010)
Regina Afton used to be part of the school’s most popular clique, until rumours about her and her best friend’s boyfriend start to circulate. This novel’s themes cover ‘slut shaming’, bullying, and what people will do to climb the social ladder.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers (2015)
Coming from the wrong side of town, no one wants to believe Romy Grey after she accuses the town ‘golden boy’ of sexual assaulting her. This novel examines shame and bullying, and the courage to move forward.

Tornado Warning: A Memoir of Teen Dating Violence and Its Effect On A Woman’s Life by Elin Stebbins Waldal (2011) Non-Fiction 
Elin Stebbens Waldal shares her own personal experience of teen dating violence in a novel that will be helpful and informative for teens, parents, and survivors.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney (2010)
After Alex is date raped during her junior year at boarding school, she has the option to stay silent or enlist in the Mockingbirds, a group of students dedicated to bring justice when their fellow peers have been wronged. A novel that focuses on standing up for yourself and fighting for your rights.

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf (2012)
Recovering after a horrible car accident in which her boyfriend dies, Allie struggles to bring back memories of the past, because this would mean revealing an abusive relationship. Will Allie be able to tell the truth after her best friend is cast under suspicion? This novel talks about recovery, shame, and forgiveness.