Young Adult

The second entry in Pierce’s Protector of the Small series, main character Kel has come to the palace to learn how to become a knight. Although there has been one other woman who has succeeded, she still faces many hurdles – often from those who are training her, as well as those training with her. This book covers the second and third years of that preparation, including battles with bandits and with beings from the Immortal Realm who threaten the kingdom. Fantasy with a female protagonist. Yay!

Great “tweener” for upper elementary and middle school students. A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons in this follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Ghost by New York Times bestselling author Reynolds.

Fantasy fans – you’re in for a treat. Part four of five books in The Dark Is Rising Sequence Newbery Award-winning series, this one may be the best. It’s Will Stanton’s task to wake – with the golden harp – the six Old Ones (immortals dedicated to saving the world from the forces of evil) who must be roused from their long slumber in the Welsh hills to prepare for the last battle between the Dark and the Light.

I sound like a broken record, but one of the best ways to hook young readers is to find them a series or author that they cannot get enough of. Moyes was a British crime novelist best known for her Henry Tibbett series, and middle schoolers, in particular, devour these books.

Happened to pick this book up by pure chance in Carlsbad, California, where the bulk of the story takes place. Odder still, I read it on Memorial Day weekend, and it deals with a Vietnam vet’s struggles once he is back home. Found myself truly enjoying this book, which I acquired by happenstance!

Got a teenage boy who hates reading? One of the ways I have drawn a lot of boys’ interest in reading is through Westerns, like Louis L’Amour. This latest installment in the Callers Spring Ranch Western series is a great way to attract reluctant readers to read.

A National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalist tells the story of Nina Faye. When she was fourteen, Nina’s mother told her there was no such thing as unconditional love, and she believed her. Now Nina will do anything for the boy she loves to prove she’s worthy of him. But when he breaks up with her, Nina is lost. What is she if not a girlfriend? What is she made of? Broken-hearted, Nina tries to figure out what the conditions of love are.

Since he turned twelve and a half, Wyatt Reaves has been living with his uncle, a traveling salesman of mysterious agenda and questionable intent. Soon, Uncle Spade sees the potential in “kiddo” to earn cash. And that’s enough to keep the boy around for nearly six years. But what life does Wyatt deserve? Astounding story of one teen’s trials and tribulations, especially popular with boy reluctant readers.

Last year, Jett and his mother had moved to a new town for a fresh start after his father went to jail. But Jett soon learned that fresh starts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Smith tells a powerful and emotionally charged story of redemption that makes for great class discussions.

Coming-of-age mystery that takes place in the summer of 1956 – as the arrival of a handsome drifter at a rundown drive-in movie theater inflames dangerous passions and jealousies and changes a young girl’s life forever.

A short novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, Sula is a gripping story of two friends, Sula and Nel. Separated in young adulthood, they reunite as grown women. But their friendship ends in an unforgivable betrayal.

Great introduction to one of America’s greatest writers, this quirky collection of poems and short stories – with illustrations by the author – is a great way to engage teens with Atwood.

Got any students interested in horror? This one, from the Nobel Prize-winning Doris Lessing, will keep them up many nights! Classic horror of a family torn apart by the arrival of Ben, their feral fifth child. A happy family is torn apart when their fifth child – large and ugly, violent and uncontrollable – is born. I get the shakes just thinking about this book.

Not that Rowling needs any promotion from me, but I wanted to include this book for its extremely positive and inspirational messages. In 2008, the Harry Potter scribe delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. This book presents her words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?

Good for adults and young adults alike! No matter your age, the way your brain works is of utmost importance to the quality of your life. Sparrman shows new ways to enhance your brain's function by focusing on physical activity, nutrition, intellectually-stimulating activities and spiritual/social connections. Great food for thought on how to live a happier, more fulfilling life.