Books for ages 12+

All titles are generally appropriate for teens ages 12 and up. I am so grateful for the support of readers, teachers, librarians, and booksellers. It is my dream to keep writing, but I can't do it without YOU! So a million times, thank you!!!

For your convenience, links are provided so you can purchase the books online if you'd like to. Bookshop is a new site that gives independent bookstores a portion of all sales and I think it's a fabulous alternative to Amazon. 

To see one easy-to-read page with all of my young adult novels available for purchase, go HERE.

I hope you'll check it out. But also, if you have a local bookstore, please support them. It's so important we support the bookstores in our communities.

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A NIGHT TO DIE FOR, March 1, 2022 Penguin Random House,
ISBN-13 978-0593481530 Pre-order from Annie Bloom's, B&N

When a boy finds a girl's body in the ditch on prom night, he becomes the primary suspect in her murder.

Mario Woods is looking forward to one normal night before he graduates. He's spent most of high school riding solo. But when fate lands him a date for prom, he figures this might be his chance to be less of a loner.

Only prom turns out to be a disaster. Just when Mario thought the night couldn't get any worse, he sees something on the side of the road while driving home. That something is Prom Queen Maribelle Starr - murdered.

All Mario wanted was to go to prom...instead, he ended up in hell.


ALL WE HAVE IS NOW, July 29, 2015 Scholastic, ISBN-13 978-0545802536
Order e-book or audio version from: Amazon.
Reading/Discussion Guide available - you may request it via email!

What do you do with your last day on earth?

Just over twenty-four hours are left until an asteroid strikes North America, and for Emerson and everyone else who didn't leave, the world will end. But Emerson's world already ended when she ran away from home. Since then, she has lived on the streets, relying on her wits and on her friend Vince to help her find places to sleep and food to eat.

The city's quieter now that most people are gone, and no one seems to know what to do as the end approaches. But then Emerson and Vince meet Carl, who tells them he has been granting people's wishes -- and gives them his wallet full of money.

Suddenly, this last day seems full of possibility. Emerson and Vince can grant lots of wishes in one day -- maybe even their own.

"Uplifting" - Kirkus Reviews

"Thoughtful, endearing and surprisingly fun -- a reminder of what's really important in life." - Suzanne Young, NYT bestselling author of The Program

"All We Have is Now is one of those books my teenage self needed -- a thoughtfully crafted reminder that every moment is a gift and that we should be kind, especially to ourselves." - Julie Murphy, author of Dumplin' and Side Effects May Vary


The Bridge from Me to You, Scholastic, July 29, 2014, ISBN-13 978-0545646017
a 2015 Oregon Book Award finalist
a 2015-2016 Soaring Eagle Wyoming YA Book Award finalist
a 2016-2017 South Carolina Junior Book Award nominee
a 2016-2017 Iowa Teen Book Award nominee
Order from: Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Amazon

Lauren has a secret. Colby has a problem. But when they find each other, everything falls into place.

In alternating chapters of verse and prose, new girl Lauren and football hero Colby come together, fall apart, and build something stronger than either of them thought possible -- something to truly believe in.

"Full of big dreams and even bigger heart, The Bridge from Me to You is a beautifully told story of love, family and football. If you've missed Dillon, TX as much as I have, you'll be very happy to spend some time in Willow, OR." - Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Geography of You and Me and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

"Filled with grace, wisdom and bittersweet wonder, The Bridge from Me to You beautifully captures the aches and joys of family, love and friendship. You'll want to hug this book." - Lindsey Leavitt, author of Going Vintage and The Chapel Wars.

"The novel is written in alternating chapters of poetry (Lauren) and prose (Colby) that serve the story well. It is a very quick, engrossing read that Sarah Dessen fans will appreciate." - VOYA

"...a thoughtful, straightforward, and fairly chaste romance between two kind, generous teens—one burdened by her past, one burdened by his future.” - Publisher's Weekly

"Lovely in its details." - Kirkus Reviews

Falling for You, Simon Pulse, January 1, 2013, ISBN-13 978-1442443995
Order from: BookshopBarnes & Noble, or Amazon

Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He's nothing like her abusive stepfather -- in other words, he's sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, or her... and the less she wants to give.

As Rae's affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous.

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness... and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

Booklist says, "a sensitively told story of the transformative power of poetry, random kindness, and love."

VOYA says, "Schroeder has done a wonderful job creating teenage characters from a variety of backgrounds and using those backgrounds to influence their actions. This novel is ripe for use in a classroom or book club..."

School Library Journal says, "Rae is a well-drawn, strong-willed heroine, and her blossoming relationship with a homeschooled neighbor adds a sweetness and depth to the story."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books says, "It's a heartening message for readers in difficult situations, and the poems scattered throughout the text enhance the cathartic note of hope in hard times."

The Day Before, Simon Pulse, 2011, ISBN-13 978-1442417441
a 2012 Oregon Book Award finalist
a 2012 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
a 2012 IRA Young Adults' Choices selection
Order from: Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, orAmazon

Sometimes there's no turning back.

Amber's life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of her family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell that he's also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she's drawn to him. And the more she's troubled by his darkness. Because Cade's not just living in the now--he's living like each moment is his last.

Booklist says, "Readers will find plenty of appeal factors in this outing... delivers a punch at the novel's end."

School Library Journal says, "...will certainly appeal to teens looking for a good, fast-paced, whirlwind love story."

Sarah Ockler, author of Fixing Delilah and Twenty Boy Summer, says, "The Day Before is lyrical, vivid and poignant. Like hidden gems that sparkle in the sand, each verse tells its own story; a heartfelt reminder that life's treasures -- friendship, love and compassion -- are often discovered when we least expect them.


Chasing Brooklyn, Simon Pulse, 2010, ISBN-13 978-1416991748
a 2011 Texas Tayshas selection
a 2011 RWA RITA® Finalist
a 2012-2013 Missouri Gateway award nominee
a 2013 Colorado Blue Spruce award nominee
Order from: Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Amazon 
Reading/Discussion Guide available - you may request it via email!

A romantic companion novel to I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME about a girl and a boy and the ghosts who haunt them. Another story of love, loss, healing and hope for the fans of Lisa's first novel.

Kirkus Reviews says, "Schroeder masterfully creates a parallel structure within the text, the energy and emotion of each scene heightening its overall drama, underscoring the sorrow and, above all, strengthening its final message of hope."

VOYA says, "Beautifully written in verse, this touching novel will appeal to older teens looking for a heartfelt story of redemption and triumph mixed with a little romance and tenderness."

Far From You, Simon Pulse, 2009, ISBN-13 978-1416975076
a 2010 Texas Tayshas selection;
a 2011 Children's Literature Association of Utah Beehive Award nominee
a 2011 IN Eliot Rosewater HS Book Award nominee
Order from: BookshopBarnes & Noble or Amazon

This is about 16-year-old Alice's reluctant road trip with her stepmother and her new baby sister, and the terror that ensues when they wind up lost in the snow-covered woods.

Kirkus Reviews says, "Genuine emotion... the accessibility and heartbreak will attract many readers."


I Heart You, You Haunt Me, Simon Pulse, 2008, ISBN-13 978-1416955207
a 2009 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers;
a 2010 NH Flume Teen Reader's Choice Award nominee;
a 2010 SD YARP High School selection
a 2010 IRA Young Adults' Choice selection
Order from: BookshopBarnes & Noble, or Amazon

When Ava's boyfriend, Jackson, dies in a tragic accident, Ava is devastated. But he loves her so much, he can't leave her, and soon Ava realizes he may be dead, but he definitely isn't gone. A story of love, loss, healing and hope. 

School Library Journal says, "Told in Ava's voice, this novel-in-verse captures the all-consuming nature of intense teen love."