True Notebooks, by Mark Salzman

The author gives a real-life account of his time spent leading a writing class at Central Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles.  The book provides unflinchingly honest insight into a variety of issues, from Mr. Salzman's early prejudices to his students' efforts to rediscover a belief in themselves, a search made all the more poignant by the frequent examples of their writings included in the book.

The Freedom Writers Diary, by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell

Erin Gruwell is an ambitious first-year English teacher at Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA.  In an effort to connect with her students, whom many others have deemed unteachable, she has them each keep a diary, in which she asks them to write about whatever they may feel or think.  Through their writings, students acquire understanding and tolerance, as well as a drive to succeed academically.  This work of non-fiction is composed entirely of their writings.

The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

Lily Owens is a young girl living in South Carolina in 1964.  In addition to the racism of the times, she must also deal with her fading memory of her mother's accidental death.  When Lily is forced to move in with three beekeeping sisters, she begins to learn the details of her mother's past, but more importantly, she learns what it means to be a family.

True to the Game, by Teri Woods

This piece of urban-lit centers around Gena, a young woman from Philly, who falls for Quadir, a drug dealer from NYC whose ruthlessness is matched only by his ambition.  Their love for each other grows, prompting them to decide to leave the streets for good and settle down.  However, this dream proves to be easier said than done, as Gena and Quadir soon learn as they fight to escape the pull of "the Game."

A Child Called It, The Lost Boy, and A Man Called Dave, by Dave Pelzer

This moving trilogy chronicles the life of Dave Pelzer, beginning with his traumatic childhood under the "care" of a horribly abusive foster mother, moving through his experiences as he is passed around various adoptive households, and concluding with him as a man, all grown up and finally finding peace.  At times disturbing, this series always manages to inspire the reader with its main character's perseverance and hope.