My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life

Written by: Kate Feiffer

First line: This is my mom.

Why you should read this book: It's a picture book, but it definitely speaks to the young tween: children old enough to actually be embarrassed by their parents. The little girl narrator admits that her mom is generally nice, but determines that certain habits (kissing her in public, prohibiting junk food) are deliberate attempts to ruin her life, and decides that her only option is to run away on her bike and get both of her parents arrested for ruining her life (her father also has some unfortunately habits, like making her do her homework and go to bed on time). Of course, contemplating life without parents becomes a little scary for the young protagonist, who eventually realizes that an orphan's life would be much, much worse.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're unhappily ensconced in the foster care system.