Tough Topics for Teens: Author Spotlight – Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown is not afraid to tackle hot button issues for young adults. With an interesting take on difficult matters, her stories have morals and a message about topical subjects without sounding too "preachy".   78% of teens have a cell phone, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center report. Between 4%-15% of teenagers have admitted to sending or receiving sexually suggestive images on their phone (also known as 'sexting'). This number has most likely increased since the Pew study was conducted in 2009, with the growth in cell phone use and apps like Snapchat. Brown's most recent book, "Thousand Words" focuses on how sexting impacts an everyday high school student.   After drinking at a party, good student and athlete Ashleigh is convinced by her friends to send a suggestive picture to her boyfriend. After they break up, in an act of revenge, he sends the picture to his friends and it quickly circulates around their school and beyond. The story highlights not only the personal trauma this causes Ashleigh, her parents and ex-boyfriend but also the legal repercussions. A serious read that might make teens think twice before taking 'sexting' lightly.   Brown has also written about physical and emotional abuse in young relationships ("Bitter End") and the tragedy of school shootings ("Hate List"). "Hate List" takes the perspective of Valerie, the girlfriend of the school shooter. While she is injured during his violent act, she also feels responsible as they together created a 'hate list' of people they didn't like at their school. She struggles with her own culpability, while also dealing with life after her boyfriend's suicide and murder of their classmates.   These are heavy issues but Jennifer Brown writes about them in a way that will appeal to teens and make you want to keep reading. If you're looking for more "issue" YA eBooks, make sure to check out the first Tough Topics for Teens blog from earlier this year.   Find these titles and many more in OverDrive Marketplace!   Melissa Marin is a Marketing Specialist at OverDrive.

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