I wrote the below post for Shepherd, but I’d like to share it with you here, too.
I went through some very tough times growing up. I was an undiagnosed autistic teen, terribly shy, with no real guidance, and I was often bullied and bewildered. But my heart was filled with only goodwill and good intentions, and a yearning to connect meaningfully with others. So, stories of adversity, of characters making it through very tough times, through trauma—these stories were like shining beacons that said, “survival is possible.” Now that I’m a grownup writer, it’s at the root of what I want to offer—hope—to today’s kids who may be going through similar tough stuff. Survival is possible.
Here are the books I picked.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
I absolutely marveled at the strength Charlotte showed in this excellent, rollicking high-seas adventure. It was terrible, it was life or death for her every day. And she found her way through it. The beautiful survivor strength of the main character is what inspired me.
One for the Murphys
I loved how the slow and steady influence of a foster family’s kindness healed the deeply scarred and traumatized Carley.
I love stories that celebrate and uplift kindness and healing but don’t shy away from the tough stuff, either. Too many children face very hard realities. Books need to portray them! It helps kids to understand and to heal.
The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle
I love every book by this author. Mason is a different kid, learning-disabled, but with a heart full of goodness. He is bullied and discounted and put down and misunderstood, but his persistent goodness wins out.
I rooted for Mason, for his good heart, every step of the way.
The Canyon’s Edge
Dusti Bowling’s ability to keep you on the edge is incredible.
Nora lost her mom via a random shooting, and now she is trapped in a desert canyon where a flash flood swept her dad away. The stakes are so high. And yet: Nora’s will to survive, her love for Dad, and her inner strength, pull her beautifully through.
We Are All Made of Molecules
I absolutely adore this story of quirky, brilliant, eccentric young Stewart (whose mom died of cancer) and his reluctant new stepsister.
Stewart endures bullying, cruelty, and his dad’s remarriage, while still grieving his loss—and yet his philosophical, accepting nature, and the humor infused in almost every line, makes it an incredibly special read of resilience and goodness winning out over tough times. I love Stewart so much.
There are so many more I want to name, but I’ll save it for other posts. Meanwhile, hop over to explore Shepherd.com sometime — it’s a very fun, fascinating, and interesting site.