Best Children's Drug-related Issues Books of 2026

Family of Liars is the addictive prequel to We Were Liars, the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come. The novel takes readers to an idyllic Beechwood Island, where the Sinclair family’s deeply-rooted rifts and allegiances come to light. The book is full of plot twists, betrayal, and ugly family secrets that will leave fans of the first novel in awe. Lockhart’s poetic and thoughtful writing style, combined with superb character development and a dark, supernatural angle, make this an atmospheric story that will welcome new and seasoned readers to the Sinclair family.

Teen to Teen: 365 Daily Devotions by Teen Guys for Teen Guys is a unique devotional written specifically for teenagers by teenagers. The book offers personal experiences that are relatable and heartfelt, focusing on difficult issues such as bullying, substance abuse, sex, divorce, and peer pressure. Through the stories of over 100 teen authors, readers will see how God can work in their lives too if they only let Him in. The book is a great resource for teenagers looking for encouragement and wisdom to show them that there is only one answer to life's problems—God. Overall, the book is an inspiring and insightful read for teenagers looking to grow spiritually.

Teen to Teen: 365 Daily Devotions by Teen Girls for Teen Girls is a unique devotional written by teens for teens. It contains personal experiences and stories that are relatable and heartfelt. The book helps teenagers deal with difficult issues and offers guidance to navigate through the often-trying path of adulthood. The devotions lead teens to a deeper relationship with Christ, recognizing that He is the answer to life's problems and strife. This book creates a safe and social atmosphere for teenagers to learn that they are not alone, and God is at work in their lives. Overall, this devotional is a must-read for teenage girls seeking guidance and inspiration on their journey of faith.

That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton is a compelling novel about the friendship between two best friends, Bryon and Mark, and the challenges they face as they grow up and apart. This book is a companion novel to the internationally bestselling The Outsiders, and it continues to captivate readers with its mature and disciplined writing style. The New York Times describes it as "hard to forget," and it still packs a powerful message even after nearly thirty years in print, according to Children's Literature. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for fans of classic literature books for teens and young adults and showcases Hinton's exceptional talent as a writer.

Teen to Teen: 365 Daily Devotions by Teen Guys for Teen Guys is a unique devotional book written by teenagers for teenagers. With personal experiences that are relatable and heart-felt, this book helps teens deal with difficult issues and move into a deeper relationship with Christ. It creates a safe, social atmosphere for teens to learn that they are not alone and that God is at work in their lives. The book is filled with hundreds of teen authors, making it a great read for any teen who wants to learn from their peers. Overall, this book is a great resource for any teenager looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Hey, Kiddo: A Graphic Novel by Jarrett Krosoczka is a powerful memoir about growing up with a drug-addicted mother, a missing father, and two opinionated grandparents. Through his childhood, Jarrett tries to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding solace in drawing. As a teenager, he begins to piece together the truth of his family, reconciling with his mother and searching for his father. This graphic novel is a compelling and emotional read that sheds light on addiction and the power of art to help us survive. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a moving and honest memoir.

The book "Go Ask Alice" is a classic cautionary tale about a teenager who falls into a downward spiral of addiction after being served a soft drink laced with LSD. Through her diary, readers are taken on a journey from her comfortable home and loving family to the mean streets of an unforgiving city. This first-person account of a teenage girl's harrowing descent into the nightmarish world of drugs has left an indelible mark on generations of teen readers. The book is an important read for all teenagers and parents of teenagers as it provides a document of horrifying reality and literary quality.

Fadeaway is a gripping young adult novel that follows the disappearance of a high school basketball star, Jake Foster. The story is told from the perspectives of those closest to him, revealing their painful secrets as they try to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. This timely novel sheds light on the opioid crisis and the devastating effects it has on families and communities. The characters are well-developed, and the use of verse in Jake's brother's pages adds depth to the story. Overall, Fadeaway is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Lo and Behold: (A Graphic Novel) (Lo & Behold) by Wendy Mass and Gabi Mendez is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, and the wonders of the world around us. The main character, Addie, struggles to see the beauty in life after her family is turned upside down. However, with the help of a virtual reality headset and new friend Mateo, she embarks on an exciting project that opens her eyes to new possibilities. The book explores important themes such as grief, addiction, and the role of technology in our lives. The illustrations are carefully crafted, making this book a must-read for children and parents alike.

Teen to Teen: 365 Daily Devotions by Teen Girls for Teen Girls is a unique devotional book written by teens for teens. It offers personal experiences that are relatable and heartfelt, covering topics such as bullying, substance abuse, sex, divorce, and peer pressure. The book provides encouragement and wisdom to show teens that there is only one answer to life's problems—God. The stories of more than 100 teen authors show how God can work in their lives too if they only let Him in. This book is a great resource for teen girls who are seeking guidance and reassurance in their faith journey.