Gravel Road Books
by L. B. Tillit
These three stand-alone novels from The Gravel Road series keep it real, tackling tough topics like gang life, foster care, rape and recovery, and teen pregnancy. Written by L.B. Tillit, each book dives deep without being graphic—creating space for honest conversations, real emotions, and a sense of hope.
Edge of Ready
by L. B. Tillit
Details
Lexile Level: HL400L
Interest Level: Young Adult
Published by Saddleback Educational Publishing
Whatever happens, school comes first. Her mother said it like she meant it. These words played over and over again in Dani Garcia’s head. But life got in the way. There were mouths to feed and rent to pay. Plus someone had to watch baby Benny. Dani knew adversity, but she was the kind of strong that comes from within: strong in mind, body, and soul. Then a horrible rape and its powerful aftermath threatens to bring Dani’s life crashing down—forever…
Unchained
by L. B. Tillit
Details
Lexile Level: HL400L
Interest Level: Young Adult
Published by Saddleback Educational Publishing
After two years in a loving home, TJ’s mother got him back. She was clean. No pot. No meth. His chest felt like it was burning. His heart was racing. Trapped. He felt trapped. He didn’t have a say. Everything he had come to care about would be gone. And the brutal life he’d escaped quickly reclaimed him. Kaden Cruz didn’t run after him. Instead his voice boomed, “You owe us.” TJ didn’t look back. But he knew this wasn’t the end of Kaden Cruz. He could still hear his father’s voice. It’s not free. You’ll have to pay them back one day…
2 Days
by L. B. Tillit
Details
Lexile Level: HL390L
Interest Level: Young Adult
Published by Saddleback Educational Publishing
Sixteen-year-old Neema Powell was always the best-looking girl in school. But right now she was a wreck. Her mother’s sleazy boyfriend was towering over her screaming, “Get out!” And her own mother wouldn’t even look at her as she walked out of the apartment into the dead January day. Neema knew that Nate, her boyfriend, would take care of her. I’ll give Mom a couple of days to calm down. But those two days made all the difference, and Neema must draw from somewhere deep for the inner strength she will need.
The Way I See It Series
Think you’ve got it rough? You’re not alone. Check out more books in The Way I See It series!
The Way I See It series shares real-life teen struggles from different points of view. Raw emotions, tough choices, and honest stories that hit home—no fake drama, just real talk. If you’re into books that get you, with characters who feel real, this series is for you.
