Families who loved By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with severe social isolation, the long-term trauma of chronic bullying, or a profound loss of hope. It is specifically suited for families navigating the terrifying reality of adolescent suicidal ideation and the feeling of being unreachable. The story follows fifteen-year-old Daelyn, who has survived multiple suicide attempts and lost her ability to speak due to physical injury, as she interacts with a persistent, quirky boy named Santana who refuses to ignore her. It is a deeply heavy, raw, and unflinching look at depression and the slow, non-linear process of finding a reason to keep going. Parents should choose this book as a bridge for difficult conversations, knowing it provides a realistic rather than sugar-coated depiction of mental health struggles for older teens.
