a new word in the children's dept

While reading Anita Silvey's new book, 500 Great Books for Teens, the other day, I learned a new word:

grit-lit

Yes! Finally, a succinct way to describe that sex/ drugs/ rock-n-roll (and usually, ultimately, moral/cautionary/thought-provoking) genre of young adult literature I not-so-secretly adore reading. A very short list of grit-lit favorites (because we really could go on and on):

Dangerous Angels by Francesca Lia Block (and here's a cool fan site that has FLB-inspired recipes!)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (whose new book, Twisted, comes out in March)

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Trigger by Susan Vaught (Whoa. Grit-lit may even be too light of a term...)