Themes: Realistic Fiction, Fathers and Sons, Transgender, Prejudice, Death of a Parent, Teen, Young Adult, Chapter Book, Hi-Lo, Hi-Lo Books, Hi-Lo Solutions, High-Low Books, Hi-Low Books, ELL, EL, ESL, Struggling Learner, Struggling Reader, Special Education, SPED, Newcomers, Reading, Learning, Education, Educational, Educational Books. Jeff knew his dad wouldn't live forever. But he had already lost his mom. It would be too unfair. The 9-1-1 call was shocking. The hospital, impersonal. When his dad improved, he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. There, a transgender nurse took over his care. Jeff was appalled. But slowly, his admiration for her grew. Hard-hitting, contemporary young adult fiction is not trendy–it's not dystopia. There are no vampires, no werewolves, no castles. It's real life. It's unflinching. Gravel Road highlights the talent of YA authors committed to creating realistic fiction with emotional authenticity. No topic is off-limits: suicide, homosexuality, drugs, rape, gangs, bullying. Teens live with this reality each day. And they find a way to survive. Each paperback book is 116 to 268 pages.