Teachers can use literature written for the young adolescent as a powerful tool for establishing and enhancing the community in the classroom that is arguably a necessity for learning to occur. In order for the young adolescent to be successful in the school classroom, a shared sense of community must exist. The students must feel connected to, valued by, and have influence with their peers and teacher. Young adolescent literature can be used as a tool for deep conversations that results in helping students feel personally heard, known and respected. Community meetings regarding outgrowths of the literature convey the message that students have a significant voice in class planning, decision making, and problem solving as individuals and as a group. Carefully selected adolescent literature can be the foundation of establishing trust that allows the students to exhibit care and concern for each other, their environment, and ultimately for their learning.