Dave Pelzer recounts the story of his early life in an abusive home, and then in foster care. This is a true story and should be read with caution - the child experiences physical and emotional abuse. However, as an autobiography it is excellent at retaining the reader's interest and can help to enlarge the worldview.

Recommended for mature readers who are open to talking about what they are reading

Another dystopian option, the United States have instead been sorted into "districts" based on what they are able to export as a resource and general wealth. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in an arena-style deathmatch to protect her younger sister, Prim.

This novel will interest students who like action and adventure, and may interest students who enjoy political fiction.

A relatively new dystopian fiction, Divergent is a great novel for the talented but reluctant reader. In a society where everyone is sorted by affinity, the protagonist's mind is "divergent" and does not follow the normal path. 

The Outsiders is a gritty analysis of class differences. It follows Ponyboy, a poor, orphaned Greaser, and his gang of friends and brothers as they wrestle with their place in the world against the Socs, a group of wealthy, entitled young men in their town.

Fahrenheit 451 is a great dystopian fiction about a society where books are burned, reading and free-thinking are outlawed, and TVs that cover the entire living room are encouraged. Follow Guy Montag as he realizes that his "perfect world" isn't so perfect.

Recommended for students who are ready for a short but challenging read.

Practically an instant classic, the Harry Potter novels are great for students who are ready for a lengthy, challenging read without too much analysis required.

Tamora Pierce is a strong author for young women. In the Beka Cooper series, Beka is a young police officer in a medieval society who has to prove herself by hunting down dangerous criminals. The books are written much like a diary.

Mistborn is the first in a trilogy about Vin, a young orphan who lives in a dark gritty world where consuming metals can lend people certain powers.