"I have always found books about 'outsiders' the most fascinating. I think each of us, in our own way, is an outsider, as 'normal' is something that we all determine for ourselves. But it is undeniable that there is a general, perceived normality, and I am constantly drawn to stories about those who exist outside the boundaries of the established norms. To live life on your own terms is both the most liberating and terrifying of state-of-being, and I love seeing how different writers explore this theme. While a few of the following books were not necessarily written for teenagers, I believe that all are essential reading for teenagers. I have arranged them randomly, as they came into my head, as I felt it would be inappropriate to enforce any 'normal' order in this instance!"

Darren Shan is the bestselling author of the horror series' The Saga of Darren Shan, the Demonata and the Saga of Larten Crepsley. Zom-B City is the fourth book in Darren Shan's 12-book Zom-B series. Find out more about Darren and Zom-B at www.darrenshan.com and www.Zom-B.co.uk.

Buy Zom-B City at the Guardian bookshop

1. Bless The Beasts And Children by Glendon Swarthout

Misfits get bullied at a summer camp then set out to try to save a herd of buffalo from execution. The grim finale is reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and this deserves to be as well known as that most infamous of books.

Teenagers in the second world war who feel ostracised from their parents and peers get their hands on a German machine gun. A frightening prospect – unless you're a moody teenager!

One boy stands up to his bullying teachers and classmates. This brilliant, brutal book explores the loneliness of what it can be like if you refuse to follow the crowd.

Tucked away in the book Different Seasons, this garnered more notice when it was filmed as Stand By Me. A sweet yet troubling look at children who don't feel like they belong anywhere, who bond and find strength in the face of death and violence.

Being a fan of comics, I had to include at least one graphic novel. This is a celebration of difference that reflects on how monotonous and dangerous life can be without the spark and drive of those who refuse to fit into a soul-grinding political and social system.

A young boy with no sense of a future or loving family finds hope when he discovers a wounded bird of prey. For me, above all else, this shows that every outsider can find solace. Nobody needs to feel entirely alone in this life, no matter how disconnected we might feel to the world around us. Comfort is always there if we search for it.

7. The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams

Two dogs escape from an animal testing facility, and become objects of fear and hatred. A warning that we should never blindly judge those on the outside.

A grim but compelling look at those who drift towards the outer edges of society, and a reminder that while it is good to define the laws of your own life, sometimes you can surrender too much self-control by the choices you make.

One man takes on the world in this sad but at the same time uplifting tale that illustrates how there is room for the freedom of spirit and expression in even the most restricting of places.

Sometimes outsiders are not misunderstood heroes. Sometimes we can afford ourselves too much freedom. Sometimes we need to think about how roughly we should rub against the grain. This book urges us to reflect on that, and more, in the most controversial of ways.