Best Fiction on Sexual Abuse Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Way I Used to Be is a poignant novel that follows the story of Eden, a high school student who goes through a traumatic experience that changes her life forever. The book delves into the deep cuts of trauma and the lasting effects of sexual assault on love, relationships, and life. Told in four parts, the novel showcases Eden's strength as she navigates adolescence, first love, heartbreak, and friendships, all while learning to embrace the power of survival hidden within her heart. This book is a must-read for teens and young adults who have experienced rape and abuse. Amber Smith's honest and searing portrayal of trauma makes this novel unique and an important addition to every collection.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful novel about a high school freshman, Melinda Sordino, who becomes an outcast after calling the cops on a party. She stops talking and retreats into her own mind, haunted by a traumatic event that no one else knows about. Anderson's writing is raw and honest, pulling readers into Melinda's isolated world and showcasing the harsh realities of high school life. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book also has moments of wit and humor that add depth to the story. Overall, Speak is a thought-provoking and touching read that will stay with readers long after they've finished.

SOLD is a National Book Award Finalist that tells the story of a young girl named Lakshmi who is sold into prostitution by her stepfather. Despite the unimaginable horrors she faces, Lakshmi finds the strength to endure and form friendships with the other girls. Written in spare and evocative vignettes, this powerful novel by the co-author of I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) renders a world that is as unimaginable as it is real. It is a hard-hitting and poignant read that sheds light on the issue of human trafficking and the resilience of girls.

The Way I Am Now is a sequel to The Way I Used to Be, a New York Times bestseller. The book explores the challenges of moving forward after trauma in life and love. Eden and Josh had a tumultuous relationship in high school, and now they are giving it another chance as Eden starts college while her case goes to trial. The book delves into the complexities of love, the struggles of college life, and the realities of seeking justice for gendered violence. Amber Smith's writing is powerful and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for those interested in emotional and social issues.

The graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak is a powerful retelling of a modern classic. The story follows Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the cops on a party and subsequently being raped by an upperclassman. Through her art project, Melinda finally confronts what happened to her and finds her voice again. The grayscale artwork by Emily Carroll perfectly captures the starkness of Melinda's depression. The dialogue is poignant and the action flows naturally, making this version a faithful representation of the original. Speak: The Graphic Novel is a must-read for fans of the classic novel and new audiences alike.

Delicious Monsters is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the stories of two girls, Daisy and Brittney, a decade apart. Daisy, who can see dead people, moves to a secluded mansion in northern Ontario to escape her recent breakup. However, she soon realizes that the house has its own secrets, and her mother's past may be linked to it. Ten years later, Brittney is desperate to escape her abusive mother and decides to investigate the mansion's past for her popular web series. The book tackles themes of abuse, trauma, and the supernatural. Overall, Delicious Monsters is a unique and haunting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The 20th-anniversary edition of "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson is a timeless novel that explores the importance of consent and finding the courage to speak up for oneself. The story follows Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes isolated and stops talking altogether after being raped by an upperclassman. Through her art class, she finally faces what happened and fights back, achieving a measure of vindication. This edition includes a new introduction by Ashley C. Ford and an afterword by Jason Reynolds, making it a must-read for young adults. The book's vivid imagery and keen observations make it a touching and inspiring read.

I Kick and I Fly is an inspiring story of a girl who escapes being sold into the sex trade in Bihar, India. Heera, the protagonist, learns the value of her body through kung fu as she practices martial arts with other at-risk girls at a local hostel. The story is a hopeful tale of triumph and heroism, inspired by the author's experience making the Emmy-award winning documentary, The Selling of Innocents. This book is a must-read for those interested in martial arts fiction books for teens and young adults.

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson is a poignant novel that follows Lou, a Métis girl from the Canadian prairies, as she navigates through a summer of complicated relationships and family secrets. Despite the bitterness of her father's past actions, Lou discovers that there is still sweetness in life, especially in the form of her friendship with King. This book beautifully explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and love. It also stands out for its representation of Native voices, making it a valuable addition to the Young Adult market. Overall, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.

Living Dead Girl tells the story of Alice, a girl who was taken away from her family and friends at the age of ten by Ray. Now fifteen, Alice still lives with Ray, who speaks of her death while planning something even more terrifying. Elizabeth Scott's haunting story of terror is impossible to ignore. The book is a page-turner that will leave readers desperate to save Alice and horrified by her captor's menacing behavior. Scott's ability to create such an intense story of terror, not without hope, is remarkable. Living Dead Girl is a must-read for fans of emotional and thrilling fiction.