juvenile fiction / social issues / death & dying

Zoe, a teenager in Bath, England, writes letters to a death-row inmate in Texas, hoping to find comfort in sharing her guilty secret over the death of a friend with someone who can never tell her family.

Each evening, a family of dragons has a fire-breathing competition, until Mrs. Dragon becomes ill and, despite the loving care she receives from her husband, children, and doctor, finally dies, but she remains with her loved ones even when they go out to see who can breathe the most beautiful flame. Includes the story of An Dom, who wrote this while terminally ill.

"Since her twin brother, Eddie, drowned five years ago, sixteen-year-old Elsie Main has tried to remember what really happened that fateful day on the beach. When cute, mysterious Tay introduces Elsie to the world of freediving, she vows to find the answers she seeks at the bottom of the sea"--Provided by publisher.

"In 1943 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, teenage Hanneke--a 'finder' of black market goods--is tasked with finding a Jewish girl a customer had been hiding, who has seemingly vanished into thin air, and is pulled into a web of resistance activities and secrets as she attempts to solve the mystery and save the missing girl"--Provided by 5ublisher.

"Inspired by the true story. Maddie is a normal twelve-year-old, but when a CT scan reveals she has a brain tumor, it will take all her imagination, courage, and support from her friends and family to meet this new challenge"--Provided by publisher.

Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past.

"Alberto, the town's coffin maker, and Tito, a runaway boy, both lonely after suffering tragic losses, learn the power of friendship as they try to escape the shadows of their pasts"--Provided by publisher.

From age thirteen to nineteen, Spencer experiences an ever-changing relationship with Hope, the girl next door who helps him cope with his Tourette syndrome but likes his Neanderthal brother, Dean.

After a tragic explosion causes twelve-year-old Lenora to lose her family, she goes to live with her estranged uncle at his estate, where, in spite of being warned against it, she explores the surrounding woods, hoping to find a way to be reunited with her family.

Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.