Resources for Problem Novels

Help! I have suddenly found myself with a hankering for YA "problem novels." Are there any websites with lists of recommended books, particularly by category? I'm more interested in some topics than others -- for example, I'm most interested in reading good ones about addiction and alcoholism, eating problems, coping with trauma, abusive relationships (all types), shoplifting, lying and cheating, bullying, and teacher/student sexual abuse. (Wait, I don't think I left many problems out. )

Also, are there any books (print books or ebooks) about writing that specifically address YA books as opposed to children's and YA books?

Thanks! Both those links are great!

Katiba said:

For abusive relationships, I highly recommend Alex Flinn's books, especially Breathing Underwater and Nothing to Lose - oh, and of course, Sarah Dessen's Dreamland. Sharon Flake has an excellent book about bullying, The Skin I'm In. (I think that's the title. It might be an MG, but it's quite sophisticated in the way it tackles the problem.) I can probably come up with some titles for the other topics, but I'll have to think about it some more.

Click to expand...

Thanks! I've got Breathing Underwater and was considering getting Nothing to Lose. Now I'll know I have to add it, too. I'll look for the Dessen and Flake, too. (I was looking at some Dessen titles last time I was at the bookstore, but when it came time to pay, I forgot to pick up the one I had considered.)

Katiba said:

I don't know of any books that specifically talk about writing YA - but the market has changed so much in the last few years I think it would be hard to find something recent enough to be helpful.

Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth?! I think the first book on writing for children and young adults I read was by Phyllis Whitney. She was one of my favorite authors growing up (and Clearly and Corbett and the Spaceship under the Apple Tree guy...), but I can't see any of those people writing books about a bulemic abused bullied kid ending up in an illicit relationship with a teacher while she tells her sensitive gay friend about her troubles and decides whether or not she wants to kill her classmates. Nor would I want to see them writing that book.