Moments That Change Everything

There are moments in life when your whole world changes. I remember getting a fat envelope that told me I got into college. When I opened it, I had to make a choice that would change my life—to go or not to go? But some life-changing moments are not as happy.

In If I Stay, the life-changing moment is heart-wrenching. Mia is left with a hard choice after her family is in a car accident at the beginning of the book. This is a sensitive and absorbing look at a 17-year-old in an impossible situation. The movie version of If I Stay comes to theaters August 22 and looks like it will be a real tear-jerker. Warning: You may need tissues just for the trailer!

Before, or after, you head to the theater, try one of these books about teens facing life-changing situations.

Shark Girl, formerly known as Jane, did not have a choice about whether to lose her right arm in a shark attack. In journal form, Jane wrestles with the new challenges of daily life, being stuck in the media spotlight and learning to draw with her left hand.

Shark Girl is available in multiple formats.

Ezra experiences his own life-changing tragedy in The Beginning of Everything when he shatters his knee and ends his tennis career forever. He is convinced that everything will be the same afterward, but a spunky new girl wants to change that.

The Beginning of Everything is available in multiple formats.

In The Sky Is Everywhere, Lennie is a shell of her former self after her sister Bailey dies unexpectedly. She can't bring Bailey back, but she'll certainly try to keep her memory alive any way she possibly can, including making out with Bailey's old boyfriend. Note to readers: This book will probably make you cry.

The Sky is Everywhere is available in multiple formats.