Despite what some may think, the genre of young adult literature encompasses a vast array of topics besides adventure-packed dystopian worlds and ridiculous vampire romances. There are hundreds of realistic fiction teen novels, and many of them address the hardest aspects of growing up in today’s society. YA authors aren’t afraid to tackle the nitty gritty, from body image issues to the effects of social isolation.

Here are some of the top teen books that discuss various aspects of mental health. Most of these titles have been deemed quite controversial, but they’re sparking debate across the country for a reason.

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

This amusing novel tells the story of Willowdean, AKA Dumplin’. A self-proclaimed “fat girl,” Willowdean attempts to do all the normal things a teen does: wear swimsuits, fall in love, go to dances, etc. However, she constantly struggles with her weight and its impact on her confidence. Murphy does a splendid job of addressing body image issues in young women, as well as pointing out sexism and other issues in our society. Will is a relatable character, and her mental journey to self-acceptance is an important one.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

This heavy YA novel follows characters Lia and Cassie, two best friends who strive to be rail thin at all costs. As their eating disorders begin to overtake their lives, the reality of their problem becomes painfully clear. Anderson explores the process of struggling with anorexia, as well as the extremely difficult path to acceptance and recovery.

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

The main character of Made You Up, Alex, struggles on a daily basis to differentiate between what is real and what is one of her many delusions. She’s determined to attend college like any other person her age, but her schizophrenia poses a serious threat to that future. Zappia tells Alex’s story in a funny but provoking way. The entire story poses the question: How does a teenage girl pretend to be “normal” when she’s anything but?

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Recently adapted as a Netflix series, Thirteen Reasons Why has garnered a lot of attention ever since it was published in 2007. Asher tells the tale of a young man who discovers a package from Hannah Baker, who recently ended her own life. Inside the package are several cassette tapes recorded by the dead girl, and she painfully explains why she committed suicide. Dark and raw, this book will make you rethink the way you affect others on a day-to-day basis.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Niven tactfully weaves a tale of light and dark in the human mind. Theodore Finch has always been fascinated by death and the many ways in which he could end his own life. Violet Markey, on the other hand, only wants to move on from the immense pain of her sister’s death. When the two accidentally meet, they embark on a journey of self-exploration and acceptance. Heartbreaking and beautifully-written, this one has earned more than its fair share of praise from critics.

What do you think of when St. Patty’s rolls around every March? If you’re like most Americans, you probably think of four leaf clover decorations, goofy leprechauns, beer, and lots of green. Interestingly, the holiday we celebrate today is almost nothing like it was when it was originally created.

St. Patrick’s Color Was Originally Blue, Not Green

According to historians, the famous saint was associated with a light shade of blue during his lifetime. In fact, you can still see this color on some old Irish flags. It wasn’t until much later that the shamrock came to represent Ireland, and when that happened, the color of St. Patrick became green. Now, you get pinched for not wearing green. Funny, huh?

The Four Leaf Clover Was Originally a Religious Symbol

As a Catholic, St. Patrick spent his time in Ireland attempting to convert people to his faith. He preached about the Holy Trinity, and he used the shamrock to symbolize the concept. Later on in the 1800s, the Irish really adopted the symbol as their own. The image is everywhere in Irish culture. Brides will even place clovers in their wedding bouquets!

St. Patrick Wasn’t Even Irish

Despite his incredibly strong association with the country, St. Patrick was actually born in Roman Britain in the 4th century. As a young teen, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland against his will. Upon his arrival, Patrick realized the land was full of people who did not know his God. He turned to his faith and began to spread the word of Catholicism throughout the land. His impact over the 40 years he lived there was so significant that he is now known as an Irish saint, even though he was born British.

The Parades Started in America, Not Ireland

Almost everyone I know has attended a St. Patty’s parade of some sort at least once. The holiday promises drinking, costumes, and a sense of over-the-top fun. It’s almost like a strange version of Halloween in which everyone adorns themselves with sparkly green ornaments and “Kiss me, I’m Irish” t-shirts. Ironically, America was the first country to host a parade in honor of the holiday back in 1762. Irish immigrants had come to America, and they brought their holidays along with them. New York City wasted no time scooping the day up and making it an American tradition.

Before the 1960s, You Could Not Drink Alcohol to Celebrate the Day in Ireland

Beer has become one of the most recognized aspects of St. Patrick’s Day in many areas. It’s not uncommon to stumble across an American bar on the holiday packed with fluorescent green and people happy to get their drink on. In Ireland, pubs are equally crowded. However, it wasn’t always that way. Irish pubs used to close on the holiday, and most Irish people drank less on the holiday because it falls during the season of Lent. Now, most people view the day as a break from the religious period of fasting.

Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

The third book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series, this future release has been highly anticipated by Maas fans for some time now. Set in a fantastical universe, the series follows a seemingly ordinary girl as she becomes ensnared in the politics of the fae realm. Join Feyre as she and her companions face a greater threat than ever before. Oh, and don’t miss out on the steamy romance that we’re all dying to read about. On sale May 2017.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Ahdieh marked her spot on the list of famous YA authors with her previous novels, The Wrath and the Dawn and The Rose and the Dagger. Now, she’s back with a brand new series set in the age of the samurai. Flame in the Mist is an epic retelling of the Mulan story, and with Ahdieh’s stellar track record, it’s sure to impress readers. On sale May 16.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Published this past January, Carve the Mark is the highly-anticipated new novel by the author of the famous Divergent series. Roth’s fans flocked to this rich new novel and enjoyed its fantastical world packed with interesting characters. On sale now.  

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

Clare has been a huge name in young adult fiction for years. Ever since she introduced her readers to the intoxicating world of Shadowhunters, her fans have kept coming back for more. Lord of Shadows, the sequel to Lady Midnight, continues the story of Emma Carstairs and her friends as they take on an unknown evil while resisting temptation themselves. On sale May 23.

The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan    

Anyone who is at least somewhat familiar with young adult/children’s fiction knows who Riordan is. He brought the ancient world of Greek mythology to life in his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Now, he introduces a new series centered on the Greek god Apollo and his quest to regain the favor of his father, Zeus. Knowing Riordan, the book will be jam-packed with hilarity and epic quests. On sale May 3.

King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard

Published this past February, King’s Cage is the third book in the well-loved Red Queen series. Aveyard drags her readers back into the political turmoil of Mare Barrow’s world. Described by many reviewers as a “rollercoaster,” this book had many readers anxiously awaiting the arrival of 2017. On sale now.

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Dessen is hailed by many as one of the queens of YA chick lit. Her writing is smart, funny, and poignant as she spins coming of age tales and adorable love stories. This time, Dessen sets her novel in the crazy world of wedding planning. Delectable and sweet, this book is highly coveted by many of her fans. On sale June 6.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Although Caraval is Garber’s first novel, everyone waited for its publication with bated breath. After its publication in January, the novel continued to garner attention from readers and critics alike. The tale follows two sisters as they play the magical game of love and heartbreak in Garber’s fantastical world. On sale now.  

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han  

When Han published To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before years ago, readers were enchanted by her sweet tale of girlhood crushes and embarrassing moments. Now, she continues the story in this third book. Lara Jean is a senior, and suddenly, her romance isn’t as simple as it seemed. On sale May 2.

Windwitch by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch hit shelves over a year ago, and ever since, Dennard’s fans had been anxiously awaiting a sequel. Thankfully, Dennard delivered this past January with Windwitch. Many think the sequel even surpassed Dennard’s first novel in the series. Want to find out what all of the fuss is about? Check out the first two books and prepare to enter a world full of magic. On sale now.

Warcross by Marie Lu

Lu’s fans have only become more excited for this new novel after the brilliant, rainbow cover was revealed. Famous for her Legend series, Lu has established herself as a talented writer with a knack for dystopian fiction. Warcoss, the first in her new series, promises video games, hacking, and of course, saving the world. On sale October 3.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor  

Daughter of Smoke and Bone revealed Taylor’s impeccable writing style and love of strange, unearthly creatures. Now, Taylor is trying her hand at a new (and wholly original) series. The first book, Strange the Dreamer, includes a brand new world full of myths and ghosts. If it’s anything like Taylor’s previous novels, then this new publication surely won’t disappoint. On sale March 28.

Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab  

Last year, no one knew what to expect from Schwab’s first novel, This Savage Song. Turns out, most readers thought it was pretty amazing, and Schwab has earned a fierce following. The second book, Our Dark Duet, supposedly entails more demon hunters and ghosts, as well as a few terrifying twists. On sale June 13.

A List of Cages by Robin Roe  

One of the few debut novels on this list, A List of Cages has already earned quite a bit of praise from critics and bloggers. The novel follows Adam Blake, a teenage boy who is reunited with a lost foster brother. Described as emotional and heart-breaking, A List of Cages seems to be earning praise left and right, so be on the lookout for it in a store near you. On sale now.

Wicked Like a Wildfire by Lana Popovic

The first in a two-book series, Wicked Like a Wildfire is Popovic’s first published YA novel. Despite her status as a new author, Popovic seems to be garnering more than her fair share of attention from readers. People are anxious to fall in love with the magical world she has created, and as soon as the novel hits shelves, we’re sure to hear a lot more about it. On sale August 15.

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

A novel about teenage spies, The Love Interest promises a love story that is anything but ordinary. Although the novel hasn’t been released yet, readers are already discussing Dietrich’s characters and his thrilling tale. The LGBT theme drew in a large audience, and people say Dietrich doesn’t disappoint. On sale May 16.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Gray has been a part of the YA scene for years. Her tales of vampires and epic destinies earned her a large fan club, and everyone is excited to see what new tales lie inside Defy the Stars. The synopsis speaks of an abandoned spaceship and forbidden romance, as well as a healthy dose of intergalactic war. On sale April 4.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

Red Rising, Brown’s first novel, took audiences by surprise and earned oodles of praise from readers of all kinds. A rollercoaster of emotion, the Red Rising series left everyone wanting more. Thankfully, Brown returns to the world he created with a follow-up series. Supposedly, he will expand upon the world and its revolution in a very dramatic fashion. On sale October 31.

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence  

Lawrence’s protagonist, Nona, is a killer. She’s forced to face dangerous enemies, and her tale has been described as an intense masterpiece. Although the novel doesn’t hit public shelves for another month or so, readers everywhere are anxious to find out why reviewers are loving Lawrence’s newest book. On sale April 4.

The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole

Hailed as unique and romantic, Cole’s Arcana Chronicles have been enchanting readers for years now. Finally, the series will have a fifth book, The Dark Calling. Join Evie in her fight against an ancient evil and her predestined fate. The catch? We don’t know when it will hit shelves! Sources say it will be on sale sometime this spring.  

The choice to expand your family through the addition of a furry friend is not a small one. There are hundreds of aspects to consider: allergies, breed, size, energy level, medical needs, etc. Most experts would recommend that you spend a couple of months researching before deciding on a pet. Whatever animal you choose will most likely be your responsibility for years, so you need to know what you’re getting into.

Perhaps the most important part of the decision is whether to buy from a breeder or to adopt an animal from a shelter. From the standpoint of anxious pet parent, both sides have their benefits. However, rescuing an animal from a shelter or pound is not just a preferable option: in most cases, it is the right option, and here’s why.

You Will Be Saving a Life

Every year, more than 6.5 million animals enter shelters, and about 1.5 million of those companion creatures are euthanized eventually due to a lack of space or funds to care for them. Although the number of cats and dogs entering shelters has declined pretty substantially over the past few years, there are still millions of happy, healthy creatures in need of a home.

Cats are more likely to end up euthanized than dogs, and black dogs and cats are sometimes less likely to be adopted. Some breeds of dogs are also more likely to be put to sleep, especially pit bulls. In fact, almost half of the dogs euthanized each year have some pit bull in their genes. If you pride yourself on rooting for the underdog, then adopting one of these animals would be an excellent way to make a difference and maybe even save a life. Being a hero is that easy.

It’s Way Less Expensive

Puppies from breeders can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. Depending on the caliber of the breeder and the type of dog you’re looking into, you could be facing a bill that costs more than your rent. So, why shell out megabucks and encourage overbreeding when you could be helping one of the millions of creatures without a home?

That’s not to say that rescuing an animal is completely free. There are always costs associated with getting a new pet: spay/neuter fees, vaccinations, new products from the petstore, microchips. However, these are all things you would pay for no matter where you find your new best friend. Sometimes, adoption agencies will even help you cover a few fees, making a rescue animal an even more cost-effective option.

You’ll Help Wage War on Cruel Puppy Mills

Puppy mills tend to breed large numbers of puppies in unsanitary, overcrowded environments. Puppies are raised in borderline abusive cages, and many of them end up with health problems later on, including anxiety issues or more serious blood and respiratory diseases. People have been working for decades to eliminate these mills, but the fight is fairly slow. By refusing to go to a puppy mill or pet store, you take away profits from a disreputable industry that needs to disappear. To learn more about puppy mills, you can visit www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty.

More than 2,000 animals across the country are put to sleep every day due to lack of funds or space in kill shelters. Although many shelters now have no-kill policies, we’re a long way from bringing that number of necessary kills down. If you’re thinking about welcoming a dog or a cat into your home, consider making the moral choice to save a life and support the elimination of pointless euthanizations. You’re new best friend will thank you for it.

Click here to see a list of reputable animal shelters in the DFW area you can visit. 

For some, grocery shopping is a complete hassle and just another expense that has to be paid every week. For others (*cough cough* me), stocking the pantry and meal planning is an enjoyable activity. I love nothing more than attempting that new Pinterest recipe I saved, even if half of my attempts turn out terribly. I’m especially addicted to baking treats, even if swimsuit season is begging me to quit. I’m no professional, but I love trying new things and wandering grocery store aisles in search of  fresh ideas.

When a Trader Joe’s popped up at El Dorado in McKinney, I was immediately intrigued. My mother kept ranting and raving about the items she bought there, so after much urging on her part, I headed in to check out the wares myself.

After one trip, I was hooked. That’s what Trader Joe’s does: They offer you little samples and original products, and before you know it, you’re making desperate weekly runs because you ran out of Cookie Butter Cream Cheese or some other equally addicting snack. Personally, I can’t go more than a few days without their almond butter. With 19 locations around Texas and more to come soon, you might just have one in your vicinity. Thank goodness, right?

Trust me, this isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a personal recommendation, from me to you, that you start doing some of your shopping at Trader Joe’s, and here’s why.

Healthy Food That Doesn’t Cost an Arm and a Leg

Sure, we’d all love to be able to afford food from fancy health food stores, but sometimes shelling out the big bucks for organic fruit isn’t an option. What’s awesome about Trader Joe’s is that their food is often healthier than the average product at another grocery store, but they don’t charge you as much as a gourmet shop. You can shop for low-sugar, organic, free-range, etc. without feeling guilty without examining every price tag.

Reasonably-Priced Fresh Flowers

Maybe this is just a point that really appeals to me, but I love having fresh flowers on the table. Whether you’re looking to buy flowers for that special someone or for decorating purposes, there is always a lovely section of fresh plants at the store’s entrance. I’ve even purchased some succulents there. Once again, the best part of the whole deal is the price. Some stores might charge $15 for a bouquet, but Trader Joe’s rarely charges more than $9. 

Ready-to-Eat Meals and Frozen Dishes

Even though I should be taking the time to make my own meals, I often partake in pre-made entrees while at home or at work. Trader Joe’s makes it pretty easy to do so guilt-free with a wide-range of prepared dishes, from fresh sushi to unique salads and bowls. I’m a fan of their frozen meals, as well, from specialty macaroni and cheeses to Asian meals that come in a bag. Suddenly, meal planning seems easier than ever before. I’ve stopped going to fast food chains on my lunch break, opting instead for a $4 Spicy California Roll that I bought in advance.

If I haven’t already persuaded you to join me in my Trader Joe’s addiction, then at least there will be more delicious goodies for those of us already in love. If you, like I was, are intrigued by this growing chain of specialty grocery stores, then take this article as your cue to finally check it out.

To find the nearest Trader Joe's, you can visit http://www.traderjoes.com/stores.