From bestselling author Nancy Rue comes a YA contemporary novel that combines coming-of-age drama with a rom-com series of adventures as one girl deals with her complicated family and first love. Jesse Hatcher is used to keeping everything together—from trying to manage her thoughts amidst her ADHD to helping her mom through bipolar “phases” and keeping the reality of the highs and lows—and their living situation—a secret. But when her supposedly dead father, Lou, appears and her mother becomes suicidal, her taped-together life comes undone. Soon Jesse is placed in Lou’s temporary custody, where she has everything but control. As she works her Dad-mandated job learning to make sushi with a chef intent on torturing her, she concocts a plan to get back to her real home. But then a cute boy named Rocky and the thrill of riding his motorcycle complicate things, and the book she found seems to have all the answers she doesn’t want to hear. Torn between what her mom wants and a life she might actually enjoy, Jesse is forced to make a crazy decision. Motorcycles, Burritos & One Strange Book: features a vibrant and witty protagonist dealing with the realities of a divided family and mental illness is a Christy award-winning novel that explores the ideas of self-worth and empowerment provides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstances is the first book in the Real Life series

From bestselling author Nancy Rue comes a YA contemporary novel that combines coming-of-age drama with a rom-com series of adventures as one girl deals with her complicated family and first love. Jesse Hatcher is used to keeping everything together—from trying to manage her thoughts amidst her ADHD to helping her mom through bipolar “phases” and keeping the reality of the highs and lows—and their living situation—a secret. But when her supposedly dead father, Lou, appears and her mother becomes suicidal, her taped-together life comes undone. Soon Jesse is placed in Lou’s temporary custody, where she has everything but control. As she works her Dad-mandated job learning to make sushi with a chef intent on torturing her, she concocts a plan to get back to her real home. But then a cute boy named Rocky and the thrill of riding his motorcycle complicate things, and the book she found seems to have all the answers she doesn’t want to hear. Torn between what her mom wants and a life she might actually enjoy, Jesse is forced to make a crazy decision. Motorcycles, Burritos & One Strange Book: features a vibrant and witty protagonist dealing with the realities of a divided family and mental illness is a Christy award-winning novel that explores the ideas of self-worth and empowerment provides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstances is the first book in the Real Life series

In this YA contemporary novel from bestselling author Nancy Rue, the issues of abuse and its emotional effects are explored as Bryn O’Connor struggles to find her voice while many of her one-time friends doubt she’s telling the truth and her ex-boyfriend won’t let go of their past. Bryn has learned to keep her mouth shut. But when a trip to the hospital following a car accident reveals bruises and injuries inflicted by her boyfriend days and months before, her biggest secret is unwillingly unleashed. And though a restraining order is meant to keep her safe from Preston, it seems nothing can protect her from her supposed friends, who refuse to believe Preston is capable of such violence and look to punish her for what happened to him. Making Bryn wonder if finally telling the truth only made things worse. The stress and loneliness leaves Bryn feeling crazy—especially when it seems like the leather book she picked up at the hospital is reading her thoughts. It doesn’t help that her visiting grandma, Mim, is convinced surfing lessons and homemade Mexican food will somehow help Bryn regain control and focus away from the bullying messages pinging her phone. Though when Preston breaks the restraining order yet again, and a trial date looms, it’s clear the only way out of the tsunami that is her life is to charge in and take control of the waves around her. Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble: uses a fictional setting to explore the real-life issues of abuse and quieted voices young women face delves into the concepts of finding your voice, overcoming difficult circumstances, and working past feelings of self-blame provides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstances is the second book in the Real Life series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel

This book explores how mental illness is portrayed in 21st-century young adult fiction and how selected works can help teachers, librarians, and mental health professionals to more effectively address the needs of students combating mental illness. Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature: Exploring Real Struggles through Fictional Characters highlights American young adult literature published since the year 2000 that features characters grappling with mental illness. Chapters focus on mental disorders identified by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and OCD. Each chapter begins with a description of a mental illness that includes its prevalence, demographic trends, symptoms, related disorders, and treatment options before examining a selection of young adult texts in depth. Analysis of the texts explores how a mental illness manifests for a particular character, how that character perceives him- or herself and is perceived by others, and what treatment or support he or she receives. The connections between mental illness and race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and identity are examined, and relevant research from education, psychology, and adolescent health is thoroughly integrated. Each chapter also provides a list of additional readings. An appendix offers strategies for integrating young adult literature into health curricula and other programs.

In this YA contemporary novel from bestselling author Nancy Rue, perfectionism and steroid addiction collide in the life of one teen, whose carefully controlled world slowly falls apart. Basketball is Cassidy Brewster’s life, and she is the biggest star on her high school team. But when a routine jump shot leaves her crumpled on the floor with a torn ACL, everything comes crashing down. Cassidy would do anything to get back on the floor, away from the tensions at home. Without her future basketball career to distract him, her father is picking even more fights, and her older brother is accusing Cass of purposely injuring herself so their parents can’t help him financially. So when her future sister-in-law offers a solution she promises is a quick fix to everyone’s problems, Cassidy pushes aside her trepidation and begins taking the offered pills. But then her problems really start. And not even a mysterious book and the friendship of fellow “loser” and possible crush Rafe may be enough to make everything right again. Tournaments, Cocoa & One Wrong Move: uses a fictional story to explore the realities of prescription drug addiction features protagonists who are dealing with anxiety and parental abuse provides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstances is the third book in the Real Life series, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel

Featuring 500 diverse book recommendations covering a wide range of subjects, this preteen and teen reading guide is a “go-to resource for parents, students of young adult literature, teachers, and librarians” (School Library Journal). Needed now more than ever: a guide that includes 500 reading recommendations for preteens and teens with the goal of inspiring greater empathy for themselves, their peers, and the world around them. As young people are diagnosed with anxiety and depression in increasing numbers, or dealing with other issues that can isolate them from family and friends—such as bullying, learning disabilities, racism, or homophobia—characters in books can help them feel less alone. And just as important, reading books that feature a diverse range of real-life topics helps generate openness, empathy, and compassion in all kids. Reading lists are organized around topics, including: • Adoption and foster care • Body image • Immigration • Learning challenges • LGBTQIA+ youth • Mental health • Nature and environmentalism • Physical disability • Poverty and homelessness • Race and ethnicity • Religion and spirituality Each chapter explores a particular issue affecting preteens and teens today and includes a list of recommended related books—all published within the last decade. Recommendations are grouped by age: those appropriate for middle-grade readers and those for teens. Better with Books is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, librarians, therapists, and all caregivers who recognize the power of literature to improve young readers’ lives.

In this YA contemporary novel from bestselling author Nancy Rue, perfectionism and steroid addiction collide in the life of one teen, whose carefully controlled world slowly falls apart. Basketball is Cassidy Brewster’s life, and she is the biggest star on her high school team. But when a routine jump shot leaves her crumpled on the floor with a torn ACL, everything comes crashing down. Cassidy would do anything to get back on the floor, away from the tensions at home. Without her future basketball career to distract him, her father is picking even more fights, and her older brother is accusing Cass of purposely injuring herself so their parents can’t help him financially. So when her future sister-in-law offers a solution she promises is a quick fix to everyone’s problems, Cassidy pushes aside her trepidation and begins taking the offered pills. But then her problems really start. And not even a mysterious book and the friendship of fellow “loser” and possible crush Rafe may be enough to make everything right again. Tournaments, Cocoa & One Wrong Move: uses a fictional story to explore the realities of prescription drug addiction features protagonists who are dealing with anxiety and parental abuse provides an inspirational message for those dealing with tough circumstances is the third book in the Real Life series, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel

Today's mom is faced with the task of helping her 8-to-12-year-old daughter grow up in a society that compels her little girl to grow up too fast. Moms' Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl Years gives mothers practical advice and spiritual inspiration that will enable them to see their mini-women into adolescence strong, confident, authentic, and God-centered, even in a morally challenged society--without losing their childhoods before they're ready.

A girl learns as much about being a woman from her father as she does from her mother - and the learning starts much younger than we think. Tween expert Nancy Rue, and her husband, Jim, guide fathers in relating to their tween daughters as they make the transition from girl to young woman.

In her latest book for teens, bestselling author Nancy Rue lays down answers that can help you deal with the boy questions in your life. From flirting to being friends with guys, this book tackles more than simply the dating world of “does he like me,” and helps you learn how to deal with boys now, and in the future. Nancy also has tips to help you avoid heartbreak by developing a healthy, self-respecting image of yourself.