True-to-Life Series from Hamilton High

At the age of twelve, Cassie is old enough to babysit. But when the father of two children for whom she babysits fondles her, Cassie is too confused and embarrassed to know what to do. She becomes more and more frightened as he continues to aggressively molest her. At last, she tells her teenage cousin, Lisa, and together they try to find ways to cope. Lisa realizes the escalating situation is more than the two of them can handle on their own and she breaks her vow of silence. The story explores the conflicting emotions of a young adolescent and the concern of parents who must protect their daughter's privacy and her well-being. In spite of the horrors of molestation, this is ultimately a story of healing and hope.

In 9th grade, Emmy is an A student, a soccer star, and a lead soprano in the school choir. She won't let her alcoholic mother or her father, long gone, stand in her way. Emmy falls for Art, a junior who is also one of the choir's lead singers. Art is a dream of a boyfriend until Emmy finds that she's pregnant. Then he wants nothing to do with her. Her mother is furious and wants her to have an abortion. Her guidance counselor claims that Emmy's life will be ruined, and only one of her friends tries to stand by her. But what does Emmy want, and what about her dreams, if she chooses a new life as a single mother?

Six short stories about teens in crisis are presented with alternate male and female narrators. Story lines include such young adult concerns as teen pregnancy, abortion, abusive partners, racism, failing at school, a fatal auto accident after a party where alcohol was served, and coping with family obligations to care for an aging relative.

Jeff Browning is a talented high school debater who stands a solid chance of winning a scholarship to the college of his dreams. But Christy, his girlfriend, announces that she is pregnant and she will neither have an abortion nor give the baby up for adoption. Jeff is forced to deal with the consequences of his actions. Ready or not, Jeff is going to be a father, and the course of his life is changed forever. This story of a reluctant teenage father was unanimously selected by ALA for its Best Books for Young Adults list.

Grade 9 and up. This sensitively written problem novel deals with a young woman's struggle to stay true to her own goals and values while trying to save her boyfriend from himself. Erica Arrendondo, 18, is an excellent student who volunteers at the Humane Society, plays volleyball, and desperately wants to be a veterinarian. Her boyfriend is spiraling down a path of self-destruction and pulling her along with him. Topics such as keeping parents unaware of sexual relationships, the trauma of rape, the stress of college applications, the rewards of volunteerism, and the threat of AIDS are all gently interwoven into the main story of the trials of young love. The characters are compelling and the novel itself almost impossible to put down. The writing is superb and the realistic tone sets this book alongside the best of the genre. This fifth entry in the series about students at Hamilton High is an excellent addition to any YA collection. - Robyn Ryan Vandenbroek, School Library Journal. Erica pours more and more of her heart and soul into helping boyfriend Danny get his life back on track. But the more she tries to help him, the more she loses sight of her own dreams. It takes a tragic turn of events to show Erica that she can't "save" Danny, and that she is losing herself in the process of trying. Finally, Erica is forced to wonder, "But what about me?" She begins the difficult task of putting her own life back together again. But What About Me? puts real-life problems of acquaintance rape into a candid fictional format that can grab the attention of teen readers the way no amount of simple lecturing can ever do. - Midwest Book Review  

Melissa doesn't consider herself abused - Rudy only hits her occasionally when he's drinking - until she realizes the effect his abuse is having on their child. She finally leaves Rudy, and she and Cheyenne go to the shelter for battered women. As difficulties with group living arise, however, she misses the good times with Rudy. The clarity of Melissa's decision soon fades, and she finds herself again in a dangerous situation, more trapped than ever before.

This young adult novel accurately portrays the widespread effects of a young lesbian's decision to come out of the closet and live openly and honestly while still in high school. The story line revolves around Kit Dandridge-a young lesbian struggling to be herself in a repressive environment-her best friend Lynn, and their families and friends. Included are plot elements seen in recent headlines that include the often tragic consequences of high school intolerance and bullying as well as the development of support group networks for gay and lesbian students and their heterosexual allies. Ultimately Love Rules is a testament to the power of love--in family, in friendships, and in both gay and straight teen couples, and a testament to the power of gay/straight alliances in working toward the safety of all students.

At 15, Lauren Riley promised herself that she would not mess up her life and would stay away from drugs and sex. But two years later, her boyfriend Tyler is pressuring her to forget that promise. Both her parents are lost to her through long-time drug addiction, but through her writing, Lauren tries to deal with her problems and discovers a deeper strength. Based on the reality of everyday high school life, and critiqued by high school students as it was written, this book accurately portrays and confronts the issues of drugs, race, sex, first love, and finding self-expression.

Autumn's life is nearly perfect-she's a top volleyball player and student, has close friends, and a father and grandmother who are raising her with an abundance of love, laughter, and common sense. If only Autumn weren't pregnant. If only she'd skipped Jason's celebratory champagne on his 18th birthday. If only. . . Then tragedy strikes. Autumn goes numb for weeks. By the time she begins to emerge from her grief and face reality, she is five months into her pregnancy and her choices are few. She must somehow find the inner strength to get through times more difficult than anything she might have imagined.

When growing hatred and division unleashed by a recent election reach his high school, senior Eddie Barajas takes a stand against racism. Now, white supremacists are targeting him, and old fears rise up to haunt him, challenging all of his coping skills. What are the right choices to make, and can Eddie make them?

When their mother is called to Iraq with her National Guard Unit, 17-year-old Mario Barajas and his 10-year-old brother, Eddie, move in with their Aunt Carmen. Eddie, hungry for the love of a father, happily soaks up the attention their aunt's boyfriend, Denton, freely gives. Mario is caught up with a girlfriend who is his first love, with high school soccer, and with work. He barely notices as his little brother becomes more and more withdrawn. Then, returning home earlier than expected one evening, he walks in on the terrible secret. Mario must take desperate measures to protect Eddie. This is a gripping tale of trust, betrayal, and secrets that should never be kept. Above all, this is the story of the bond of love between two brothers.