Powerful stories dealing with sexual assault. Find out more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month at the SAAM website.
Asking for It by Louise O’Neill, c2016
After Emma is gang raped at a party, she is made to feel she has ruined everyone else’s life. While Emma’s life falls apart, rumors of her substance abuse and promiscuity lead even her parent’s to ask the question, “was she asking for it?” A shockingly brutal portrayal of a heartless culture where the victim of assault is found at fault. originally published in Ireland
Dime by E.R. Frank, c2015
Dime is a very young girl when she leaves her unloving foster mother to live with a pimp who calls himself Daddy. Daddy is a vicious predator, who slowly and deliberately brings Dime into his child prostitution ring. A very disturbing, exceedingly well written story.
The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things
by Caroline Mackler, c2003
Much of the story centers around Virginia’s weight and self esteem issues, however, her perspective on popularity and integrity are change drastically when her older, “perfect'” brother is suspended from college after raping a classmate.
In Ecstasy by Kate McCaffrey, c2009
A gripping account of how easily drugs can become a person’s worst friend. Best friends, Mia and Sophie start sharing ecstasy together but the drug eventually tears their friendship apart. The girls find themselves alone in dangerous circumstances, resulting with many unfortunate consequences, including sexual assault.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis, c2016
Violent behavior between the sexes is at the core of this suspenseful novel. When Alex’s sister is raped and murdered by a man who is acquitted of the crime, she takes matters into her own hands. As time progresses Alex is unable to forget the crime and becomes a vigilante, violently fighting men who attempt or commit assault.
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick, c2013
Meet Leonard as he awkwardly bids farewell to people in his life prior to executing his plan to shoot his former best friend and then himself. Secrets of Leonard’s sad life are slowly revealed as the readers watches Leonard struggle to connect to his family, neighbor and classmates.
You Against Me by Jenny Downham, c2012
A teenage love story set against the backdrop of a horrible crime. Karyn drank too much at Tom’s party, but rather than care for her, Tom escorts Karyn to his bedroom. Was it rape or was it consensual sex? As the facts are brought to light, Karyn’s brother and Tom’s sister form an unlikely bond. originally published in England
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, c1999
An assault at a party, the summer prior to high school, leaves Melinda friendless and mute. A sad, realistic tale of sexual assault and shallow friendships.
What we Saw by Aaron Hartzler, c2016
When Stacey claims she was raped at a party, she is shunned by her community. However, when a video surfaces at the high school, the crime can’t be denied. What is surprising are the number of Stacey’s classmates who witnessed the assault and chose to remain silent.
Recommended with reservation
Exit Pursued by a Bear by E.K Johnston, c2016
The story is centered around Hermoine’s rape, which occurs when she drugged during a dance at cheer camp. Johnson touches upon many issues in addition to rape, such as abortion, sexuality, friendship and parent/child relationships. For all the drama in this story, it was not very dramatic as underdeveloped characters and a thin plot line left me wanting more. Because of my personal reaction to the novel, I hesitated to include this title, but it has been awarded star reviews from both Booklist and Kirkus. VOYA also compared it to Laurie Halse Anderson’s epic work, Speak.
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