HOPE NATION, edited by Rose Brock

The story: Top YA authors talk about the things that make them hope, give them inspiration, and help them move through hard times. From Atia Abawi to Jason Reynolds, James Dashner to Ally Condie (and Ally Carter), different perspectives tackle difficult topics facing today's teens...and offer hope.

June Cleaver's ratings: not applicable to non-fiction (although there's plenty of strong language in this one, so hand out an "R" rating for that).

Liz's comments: There really is something for every struggle in this compilation, from body image shaming to civil rights to GLBT issues. In general, it is appropriate for HS readers, not because MS readers wouldn't be able to understand it, but because younger readers tend to think more on a personal level and less on a societal or global scale. I'll keep it on hand in my MS library, though, and hand it to kids who are looking for encouragement about specific issues--you don't need to read the whole thing to get something out of an essay that targets your personal need. On a side note, author Rose Brock worked with the contributors to donate the proceeds from this book to favorite charities--$40,000 so far. Hopeful!