Since April is officially Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I decided to make that my focus. I have done this topic before (oops), but this month was a struggle. Topics weren’t coming easy to me, like they sometimes do. This does kind of fit along with my censorship post from last week, though. Especially when it comes to young adult books.
There might be some people who think that this topic shouldn’t be included in teen books because it’s a difficult topic. However, the reality is that this does happen to teens, sadly. Including portrayals of teens who have been sexually assaulted finding ways to get help can do a lot for teens who might find themselves in these kinds of situations.
For this list, my goal is to try to include a more diverse list. Publishing does still have a diversity problem (despite what you might think). Let’s promote the books that help combat this problem!
Recommendations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga
Something happened to Josh when he was a kid that everyone knows about. Now he’s about to graduate, when the girl of his dreams comes back into his life. There really aren’t a lot of YA books that deal with sexual assault that have a male protagonist, so props to Barry Lyga for that!
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
This is Laurie Halse Anderson’s poetry memoir about her journey to write Speak. She also talks about her own journey into advocacy. This is on my list to read this month, and it seems like I have perfect timing!
Kaleidoscope Song by Fox Benwell
Set in South Africa, Neo’s passion for music trumps everything else in her life. As much as it can, anyway. It leads her to her first love, a girl named Tale. But if Neo wants to pursue what she loves, she must be ready to face the bumpy road ahead.
What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee
Will is trying to overcome his grief after his dad’s suicide by helping those in his neighborhood in secret. But when he learns that one of his childhood friends was raped at a party he was at, he’s not sure how to help her. Everything about this book is compelling, definitely check it out!
Sadie by Courtney Summers
After Sadie’s sister Mattie disappears, Sadie does everything she can to find her. Her story is followed by podcast creator West McCray, looking for a happy ending for both girls. This was one of my favorite reads from last year; everything about it works together seamlessly.