Selections about Coping with Tough Times and Problems 

ABUSE

The Watcher, by James Howe 
As she sits on the beach watching "perfect" families and a handsome lifeguard, Margaret creates in her mind a fantasy world for herself to escape the horrors and abuse at her home.

ALCOHOLISM

Binge, by Charles Ferry
After a weekend-long drinking binge, Weldon regains consciousness in the hospital to find that his leg has been amputated and the police are waiting to question him.

A Door Near Here, by Heather Quarles
The strain of running the household for their alcoholic mother takes a toll on all of the Graham children, especially Alisa, who tries to escape to the magical kingdom of Narnia.

Whistle Me Home, by Barbara Wersba
Noli feels she has found her soul mate in handsome, sensitive TJ, but even as their feelings deepen, individual secrets threaten to tear them apart.

BULIMIA

Fat Chance, by Leslea Newman
In her diary, Judi recounts her constant battle to lose weight, find a boyfriend, hide her bulimia from her mother, and decide on a profession.

DEATH OF A FRIEND

A Time for Dancing, by David Wills Hurwin
Juliana and Samantha have been inseparable since they became best friends in dance class as 9-year-olds. Suddenly, cancer strikes. Their trust, loyalty, and ultimately, friendship are now challenged.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Angels on the Roof, by Martha Moore
When Shelby's mother drags her along on a trip to her childhood home, Shelby hopes she may finally learn the truth about the father she's never known.

DRUG ABUSE

White Horse, by Cynthia D. Grant
Raina and her boyfriend have been living on the streets, begging and stealing to get drugs and drink. Is it too late for her and the new baby to break the powerful cycle of despair that has been her life?

GAMBLING

Stone Cold, by Pete Hautman
Problem? What problem? Three kings, a royal flush, two pairs ... it's like Dennis can read the other players' minds. Poker is the most exhilarating game in the world! Who has time for friends, girls, or even school when you can rake in the cash playing cards?

GUILT

Swallowing Stones, by Joyce McDonald
Michael, 17, accidentally kills a man when he fires off a shotgun that he received for his birthday. Can he keep this terrible secret? Can he cope with the knowledge that he killed a man?

PREJUDICE

The Skin I'm In, by Sharon Flake
Maleeka is shunned because her skin is so dark. A new teacher with a birthmark on her face helps Maleeka to learn to love who she is and what she looks like.

SOCIAL ISOLATION

My Louisiana Sky,by Kimberly Holt
After her Granny dies, Tiger Ann is faced with avoiding or accepting responsibility for her mentally slow parents.

Strays Like Us, by Richard Peck
Molly and Will must move to a small city to be cared for by their grandparents.Family secrets make it difficult for them to “fit in” with the other kids at school.

TEEN PREGNANCY

Annie's Baby: the Diary of Anonymous, a Pregnant Teenager, edited by Beatrice Sparks
Pregnant at the age of 14, Annie reveals through her diary how she makes her decisions, handles the emotional trauma, and deals with the physical and mental demands of baby care.

VANDALISM

We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
After Buddy trashes a house with friends, he starts drinking more and finds himself obsessed with daughter of the house's owner.

PROBLEMS ?  For information about specific problems or for help, try these locations in the library's nonfiction collection to find factual materials on the topics noted:

Abuse 362.7
Alcoholism 362.292
Death of a Friend 155.9
Domestic Violence 362.8292
Eating Disorders 616.85
Peer Pressure 305.235
Pregnancy 618.24
Suicide 362.28

Need someone to talk to? See the Rochester telephone book in the white pages under "Human Services Guide." The selective listing there gives telephone, numbers for hotlines, health and social services agencies, emergency shelters, rehabilitation programs, and legal services. Fordetails about any services offered by these agencies, call Life Line at (716) 275-5151 (TTY Only, 275-2700)

This booklist was compiled and annotated by the Young Adult Librarians representing the public libraries throughout Monroe County.