TGIF (1): Making a Difference

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads.  Each Friday Ginger poses a question for us to share our thoughts on.  If you'd like to participate, head on over to her awesome blog and link up!

This week's topic:

Making a Difference: Which book(s) would you put in the hands of today's teenagers in hopes of making a difference in their lives?

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, & Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins            In order to get the full effect of the series, I think teens should have to read all three.  There are so many great themes and room for discussion.  Dystopian world, politics, radical government, class system, family issues, morality, mortality, love, relationships, revolution...I could go on and on.  


Back when I was in high school, I had to suffer through reading 1984  by George Orwell.  Please don't get me wrong.  I respect that it is a classic and has been on required readings lists forever.  But it was hard for me to relate to as a sophomore in high school.  In my very humble opinion, I think The Hunger Games series could easily replace the idea of Big Brother watching and a corrupt, heavy handed government.  Not to mention, the story is written through the eyes of a teen-age girl, not some middle aged man.  It brings the story down to a teen's level and makes it more accessible. 

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
This story is about the touchy subject of teenage sex.  (I'm not here to preach against it or for it.  That is your own view and I'm not writing this to change it).  But teen age sex does happen.  Sex complicates lives and relationships.  As we grow older we realize this.  However, teens don't often think of the complications and consequences.  They do it because they think everyone else is doing it or for all the wrong reasons (Yes, I realize this is a generalization but more because it is a majority and not an exception).  


Not That Kind of Girl is a story that talks just about reputations and connotations that can come along with losing your virginity for both boys and girls.  The main character feels that she has to hide the fact that she is no longer a virgin to avoid being "that type of girl".  The journey she makes through the book is a pretty typical story with ordinary events but the end message is truly strong and meaningful.  Something I wish I would have realized for myself when I was growing up or that someone had explained to me.  I can see why it wouldn't necessarily be required reading but I think it is something every young woman should read on their own.  The boys could benefit as well.  Labels are a horrible thing and it effects both of the sexes.  

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber 
This book is rated for the mature teen reader based on the content of sexual situations, language, and drinking but I don't think it should stop someone from reading it.  Honestly, it's no worse than the reality crap on TV right now (that I avoid like the plague).  Teens in the public eye being idolized for things such as teen pregnancy, under-age drinking, etc.  But I digress...
  
Another book about complicated teen relationships, Between the Lines is really about growing up, making decisions, making mistakes, making good decisions, and how you handle the cause and effect of your actions molds your life (in my humble opinion again).  You can royally screw up BUT it's whether you take responsibility for that mistake or whether blow it off and let someone else handle it that makes you grow as a person.  I fell in love with this book and there are so many characters that anyone that reads it will be able to identify with one and really get into the story.  Life with all its highs, lows, and inbetweens.  (Read my review here).   


Which book(s) do you think could make a difference?