Love and Other Train Wrecks by Leah Konen

Noah is traveling to upstate New York to win back his old girlfriend. Ammy is heading to her father’s remarriage. They are forced together on a crowded train, until unexpected difficulties leave the train stranded in a snowstorm. Noah and Ammy band together to get to their destinations on time, but nothing goes right on their detour. As they are forced to change plans again and again, they find their priorities are also changing.

Love and Other Train Wrecks is a light-hearted story of unexpected friendship and a series of mishaps. However, it also has deeper messages about family relationships and love. Noah and Ammy are interesting characters whose inner struggles will capture teen readers and keep them reading.

Recommended ages--13 and up

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

When Ms. Laverne gives her six students their Friday afternoon assignment, at first they don’t know what to do. Six kids from Brooklyn, sitting in an old art classroom with no expectations, no supervision, just an invitation to sit and talk. It starts out awkward, but each week Esteban, Tiago, Holly, Amari, Ashton, and Haley begin to open up and share a little more. They talk about the fears and trials and many of America’s social issues kids face today.

The experience of these students shows the depth of today’s struggles. However, the friendships they develop show that empathy and kindness can give strength. This is an inspiring story of the power of empathy and sharing our problems. Good for tweens as well as adults as we tackle the tricky and often divisive questions in our society.

Recommended ages--10 and up

Together at Midnight by Jennifer Castle

After witnessing a tragic accident, Kendall and Max are both haunted by a question. What does it mean to be kind and why is kindness often so difficult? Spurred by a dare, the two young people work together to perform seven random acts of kindness before New Year’s Day. As they work together, they come to understand that kindness is different for every individual. Some people will accept it, but others turn it away.

Sharing their experiences helps Kendall and Max come to better understand themselves and others. It also strengthens their friendship, but that causes complications all its own. Together at Midnight is a story with depth, but it is also charged with hope. It will change perspective, motivating readers to look at the world with a desire to help and connect.

Recommended ages--13 and up