As with the list featuring characters dealing with sexual assault and violence, it’s hard to celebrate “six sensational” when it comes to being imprisoned, but again, it’s a necessary topic in literature.

1. Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
2. Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
3. Juvie by Steve Watkins
4. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
5. Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman
6. Hands by Torrey Maldonado