This prompt from Long and Short Reviews took some consideration. I admit that I spent a lot of time in high school being chased around by the librarian who wanted to recommend me "worthy" books while I just wanted to read "Little House on the Prairie". I admit that I tend to avoid books that deal with tough topics after having yet another special about drugs pushed on me.
That said, I do remember a few which were actually readable.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. I didn't always like Judy Blume, mainly for her habit of having every piece of dialogue trail off into ellipses, but this coming-of-age book about a girl and her period ticked all the boxes.
The Pistachio Prescription. Paula Danziger was one of my favourite writers as a teen, and this book handled divorce with sympathy and humour.
This Place Has No Atmosphere. Another Danziger novel about a girl whose family moves to the moon, leading her to miss her friends and new boyfriend and have to accustom herself to life in space. A little lighter than other Danziger novels but it dealt with the topic well.
So which books did you think handled tough topics appropriately?
Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is a wonderful choice. I'd totally forgotten about that book.
ReplyDeleteMy post.
I think every school librarian pushes that on people.
DeleteI think Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, is the only Judy Blume book I didn't read. Haha. But I'm with you - I have two teenaged daughters and a husband with a million health issues. I have enough real life in my real life. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree - I prefer some escapism!
DeleteWhen I was a kid, all of us girls passed around "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret." It was pretty much mandatory reading! Good choice.
ReplyDeleteWe also sneaked "Forever" around but I didn't particularly like that one.
DeleteI forgot all about Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret?
ReplyDeleteGood list! I'm looking for this one, This Place Has No Atmosphere, now.
Paula Danziger was definitely a good writer.
DeleteAll are books with difficult issues.
ReplyDeleteAnd very readable.
DeleteI've heard of the "It's Me, God..." but I was already in high school when it came out (yeah, I'm old). The others are new to me.
ReplyDeleteThey were very popular when I was a kid.
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