Here’s a list of 18 Must-Read YA Books that address sexual assault and rape culture.
Written and edited by Jen Ryland. Last updated on:
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YA Books That Address Sexual Assault and Rape Culture
Jen’s Picks: all these are powerful and amazing, but here are the ones I’ve read and recommend
- The Iconic Classic: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- The Girl Who Refused to Be Shamed: Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston
- “Fairy Tales” as Trauma: Red Hood by Alana Arnold
- As Seen on TikTok: The Way I Used to Be and The Way I Am Now by Amber Smith
I’m sure there were YA books about rape that predate Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999). However, that was the first YA book about sexual assault that I remember reading. I re-read it recently – it is still such an amazing and powerful story.
Here is some more YA fiction that tackles rape, sexual assault and rape culture. Each story is unique and powerful. Please let me know of other titles you recommend in comments!
YA Books About Rape and Rape Culture
I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers
Georgia Avis wants everything, but poverty and hardship has kept her from the beautiful and special things she knows she deserves. In investigating a murder, she finds herself being groomed by a monster.
All the Rage by Courtney Summers
Romy knows that the sheriff’s son is dangerous. After being branded a liar, she keeps quiet … until a girl with ties to him goes missing.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston
A story about a cheerleader who refuses to be shamed or blamed for what happened to her.
My review of Exit Pursued by a Bear is here.
Faking Normal by Courtney Stevens
Alexi hasn’t told anyone what happened to her, until she meets someone who helps her come forward.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
The world sees Annabel as perfect. But underneath it all, she’s reeling from trauma.
Check out my review of Just Listen here.
I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Stephens
Ellie feels invisible, especially after she’s the victim of a terrible assault.
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
A group of girls decide to create a 90s-style ‘zine to highlight misogyny and rape culture at their school. You can read my Review of Moxie.
Red Hood by Elana Arnold
I found out about this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood from Nicole of Feed Your Fiction Addiction – read her review here.
Saints and Misfits by S. K Ali
What do you do when there’s a monster at your mosque, and no one is talking about him?
Check out my review of Saints and Misfits.
Someone I Used to Know by Patty Blount
Thanks to Tanya of Girl Plus Books for the recommendation.
Asking for It by Louise O’Neill
After Emma is drugged and raped at a party, rumors fly and her community spins into turmoil.
Wrecked by Maria Padian
What really happened at the college party? A he said/she said story where everyone takes a side.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The 1999 novel about a girl who can’t talk about the terrible thing that happened to her.
Check out my review of Speak here.
The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
Eden is raped by her brother’s friend and tells no one. This book follows her story over the next four years.
My review of The Way I Used to Be is here.
Also, be sure to check out the 2023 sequel, The Way I Am Now, which I reviewed here
What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton
“How can you talk about something you can’t remember?”
Sexual Assault Revenge Stories
Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed
Three “misfits” come together to avenge the rape of a classmate.
Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin – a retelling of Macbeth centered around a rape at a party.
My review of Foul is Fair is here.
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney – After she’s assaulted, Alex seeks the help of a mysterious group at her school.
Do you have any other books to recommend? Let me know in comments and I will add them!
The Way I Used to Be was such a powerful read. I listened to it on audio a couple years ago and couldn’t get it out of my head. Another one that really made an impact was Someone I Used to Know by Patty Blount.
Thanks for the suggestions, Tanya! I will add it to the list.
I Stop Somewhere broke me. I bawled at one point. It was really raw. Loved Exit, Just Listen, Saints and Misfits, Faking Normal, Moxie – wow! I read a lot of these. Tradition by Brendan Kiely did a great job with rape culture and toxic masculinity, Girl Made of Stars was incredible, and I recently read a book, that was male on male assault, The Music of What Happens.
Thanks – I will add some of these!
I remember hearing good things about All the Rage. And Moxie too, actually. Such an important topic.
I’m a big Courtney Summers fan!
The Nowhere Girls to this day is still one of the best books I have read on the subject and one of my favourite reads of last year. I also love Just Listen and the way it sensitively handled the topic. I have quite a few of these on my TBR as well, such as Moxie, I Stop Somewhere and All the Rage.