The Beckoners by Carrie Mac is a dark novel that gets to the heart of severe teen bullying. The book is narrated by 15-year-old Zoe, who was brutally initiated into a school gang as a means to avoid their attacks. However, Zoe is left witness to a brutal rape and must decide if she should remain silent or defend her gang.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson.  The once nerdy Tyler Miller returns to school after spending his summer completing community service. When Tyler returns to school he is noticed by Bethany, the most popular girl in school.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.  After Annabel loses her friends and becomes alienated from her family she decides to spend time alone. She witnesses her once solid family fall apart but finds comfort in befriending the school loner who teaches her valuable lessons on managing her sorrow.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier.  When Jerry Renault refuses to participate in the school’s fundraising event this causes problems. To some people Jerry is a hero, but to others he becomes an outlet for built up rage. This is an eye opening novel that speaks to those who dared to stand up to the system.

Shattering Glass by Gail Giles.  A clique of popular boys makes it their personal goal to make the school nerd Simon more popular. The boys teach Simon how to dress, speak, and act. Their plan is a success until a new side of Simon is revealed, a side that dares to stand up for himself when others are afraid.

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss.  Ivy has been the object of torment for as long as she can remember and the mean girls in school call her, “Poison Ivy.” When a teacher discovers the bullying, she decides to intervene with a mock trial, placing Ivy’s tormentors in the defendant’s seat.

Burn by Suzanne Phillips.  Cameron, a High school freshman becomes the target victim of severe tormenting because of his appearance. The teasing becomes so severe, his friends become too afraid to associate with him and Cameron is abandoned. Cameron eventually develops a serious case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is only one person who is capable of saving him; unfortunately Cameron is reluctant to accept his help.

The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler.  Fifteen- year-old Virginia is an outcast both at school and with her family. Virginia’s mother is overbearing and obsessed with her daughter’s weight.  Eventually, she realizes the only thing she needs to do is learn how to accept herself and how to stand up to others.

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr.  This novel shows the stark and unfair truth about how one mistake can brand the life of a teenaged girl. After Deanna’s father catches her having sex in a car, he shames his daughter by avoiding contact with her. Even though Deanna has only slept with one boy, she has been forever branded a “slut.” Deanna shows the world a tough exterior but her journal reads differently.