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Young Adult

Rats Saw God

Rats Saw God

By Rob Thomas 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I must admit that I chose to read this book because I liked the cover art, and I was startled to discover an author I truly admire. I can usually spot when an author used to be a teacher because s/he writes characters so well, and that is what you will be treated to when you read this wonderful book about a stud-turned stoner who needs to reflect on his own experiences to determine “what went wrong.” I intend to use this book with middle-school boys seeking answers.
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Forged by Fire

Forged by Fire

By Sharon M. Draper 160 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I met Sharon at a teaching conference in Oregon, and I have been meaning to put a couple of her books on my lists ever since. What I like most about Draper’s books is her ability to deal with characters and situations that many of us who have taught in the inner city can relate to. We need a lot more authors like her writing about urban issues; then again, she is a tough act to follow.
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Stardust

Stardust

By Neil Gaiman 288 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The movie version hits theatres this month, and I will let you decide which is better. One of the ways I get teenagers reading is to offer them books with movie versions, as 95% of the time the movie cannot hold a candle to the book (some exceptions of great books turned into great movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather and The Silence of the Lambs). If you enjoyed The Princess Bride by William Goldman (and who on Earth could not love that story), I have a feeling you will enjoy this book, a perfect 250 pages (the paperback version; the hardcover version weighs in at 10 pages less).
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Miss Potter: The Novel

Miss Potter: The Novel

By Richard Maltby Jr. 189 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

One of my favorite tricks for finding short books is to look up screenplays and novels of the movies. They almost always tend to be short, and for some reason I can read these accounts very easily (good tip for teachers and parents of reluctant teen readers). I loved this movie, which did not receive the publicity and recognition it deserved. This book would also make a great read aloud for elementary school teachers who want to read Peter Rabbit and give students extra background knowledge about Beatrix Potter.
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Overboard

Overboard

By Elizabeth Fama 186 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

You have to read this one! This knocked my socks off, even when I was reading in sandals. Based on the 1996 accident in Indonesia that saw a ferry capsize, drowning hundreds of passengers. This intriguing first novel by Fama places a self-absorbed American teenager surviving the night with a Muslim boy she gave a lifejacket to as the ship went down. Honestly, I had no idea I would like this book as much as I did. A real treat. 
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A Field Guide to High School

A Field Guide to High School

By Marissa Walsh 144 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This book will take a maximum of two hours to read (big print, lots of dialogue and a few blank pages – yes)! Worth the brief read, as ultra-popular valedictorian Claire leaves this guide behind for her in-coming freshman sister Andie to know the ins-and-outs of high school. Let’s just say that Claire may not have known everything, and the book provides plenty of laughs for all ages to enjoy.
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Writing on the Wall

Writing on the Wall

By Christopher Cleary 198 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I just read this with some teens I am working with, and they all enjoyed the pacing and reality of this book. A good look at how two teens deal with their growing pains.
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The Wallflower 1

The Wallflower 1

By Tomoko Hayakawa 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

In an effort to appear cool to the teenagers I work with, I have begun to read a lot more “manga,” which is the “in” genre at most middle and high schools. This first in a very popular series by Hayakawa impressed me by its willingness to turn conventional story structures on their heads (or maybe it is the translation). The twisted humor and “foreign” ending caught me off-guard. This is one of the better manga books I have read.
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie 229 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Ever read a book simply based on its title? I do, all the time. This time, I was rewarded for the effort, as Alexie’s main character, Arnold Spirit, is a study in adolescence. The trials and tribulations of this teen Native American are applicable to all teens who feel out of place (which describes EVERY teenager).
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Deathwatch

Deathwatch

By Robb White 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Particularly popular with boys, as this one gets a little graphic. An older book (written in 1973), Deathwatch is actually required reading in many high schools, despite many gruesome situations. Compared to many primetime television shows today, I think the book rates fairly tame. Tell me what you think.
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When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

By Kimberly Willis Holt 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

If I were teaching a writing class, I think I would use this book to demonstrate how to write compelling characters. We are all flawed, and that is what makes us all special. Holt sets this story in rural Texas in 1971, where a couple of teens meet “the fattest boy in the world.” Beautiful writing, which is probably why it won a National Book Award winner for fiction
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The Tears of the Salamander

The Tears of the Salamander

By Peter Dickinson 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Dickinson is an interesting author. I have read quite a few of his books, and about the only thing I know I can expect is a compelling, unpredictable story. Let’s just say that when a student handed me this one to read, I did not expect a story about a salamander that lives inside a volcano and sheds healing tears while excreting liquid gold. I found myself turning pages pretty quickly, and I think you will, too.
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The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs

The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs

By Cynthia DeFelice 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I read excerpts from this book to a class of delighted sixth graders (it helped that I turned out the lights and placed a flashlight under my chin). This is the sequel to another book where 11-year-old Allie Nicholas determines she has the ability to see ghosts.
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Is That A Dead Dog In Your Locker?

Is That A Dead Dog In Your Locker?

By Todd Strasser 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I admire some authors just for their titles, and I would place this book in that category. Strasser is a wonderful author for boys, as his books are filled with goofiness. Boys are sure to enjoy this first in the “Tardy Boys” series. Very funny.
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Big Slick

Big Slick

By Eric Luper 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is Luper’s first book, and I expect many more. Everybody seems to be into poker nowadays, and Luper introduces us to 16-year-old Andrew Lang, a typical teen bursting with hormones and worldly knowledge. Just when he thinks he has figured everything out, he is dealt a bad hand, and Andrew’s losses may soon be noticed by an unsuspecting bankroller named “dad.” A really easy book to read.
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