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Young Adult

Weetzie Bat

Weetzie Bat

By Francesca Lia Block 128 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

A great book for high school students. I like it because of its quirky characters (always a plus, in my opinion) and homage to the city I love, Los Angeles. Adults who ignore young adult literature really miss out on some of the best stories. Grab a copy of Weetzie Bat and relax for a couple of hours.
Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?: A Mystery in Poems

Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?: A Mystery in Poems

By Mel Glenn 112 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This book scores lot of points for originality, as each page is written in free verse from different characters’ points of view of a high school teacher’s murder. A great book to inspire reluctant writers (especially boys).
Montmorency

Montmorency

By Eleanor Updale 233 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is just a cool book for all ages, but middle-schoolers love the mystery of this criminal mastermind who lives a Jeckyll and Hyde lifestyle. Another great book from Great Britain – is there something in the water there?
Mindbenders

Mindbenders

By Neal Shusterman 128 pages pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The perfect book for those of you who have 12-year-old boys who don’t like to read. This collection of clever, funny, creepy and flat-out weird stories are sure to spark interesting book talks.
Odd Lot

Odd Lot

By Steve Burt 136 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’ll let adults in on a little secret: some of the best literature available is reserved for teens. Such is the case with anything by Steve Burt, an incredibly gifted storyteller who manages to write chilling stories like this one (part of a series that includes the Bram Stoker award-winning Oddest Yet) or heartwarming stories like A Christmas Dozen. Especially popular with reluctant boy readers, Burt is a treat for all ages (and genders).
If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

By M. E. Kerr 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am thrilled that this classic is back in print! A wonderful story (probably my favorite) by the very talented M.E. Kerr, this book shows the fragility of high school popularity. Very “popular” among all teen readers.
Lost

Lost

By Jacqueline Davies 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am fascinated by one of the most tragic events in American history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 that needlessly killed 146 immigrant seamstresses. This brilliantly-written novel chronicles one family’s resilience through devastating circumstances. Some of the best writing I have come across in a long time for young adults…I am anxious to read more by Jacqueline Davies.
Athletic Shorts

Athletic Shorts

By Chris Crutcher 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Here’s one for the fellas. Crutcher avoids athletic stereotypes in six compelling short stories that shed a whole new light on jocks in school. Makes for good read alouds with middle schoolers.
The Maze of Bones

The Maze of Bones

By Rick Riordan 220 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The first installment in this cool series, The 39 Clues provides teens with their own cross between National Treasure and The DaVinci Code. This is one even reluctant readers cannot put down.
Fair-Weather Friends

Fair-Weather Friends

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Billingsley writes teen dialogue that rivals Sharon Draper, and African-American teenage girls – in particular – rave about this book.
Knots in My Yo-Yo String

Knots in My Yo-Yo String

By Jerry Spinelli 160 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

One of the greatest young adult authors of our time provides teachers this gift for teaching writing. Spinelli (of Maniac Magee fame) recounts his experiences growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania. I absolutely LOVED this book and thank Jerry Spinelli for constantly inspiring young authors (and even older ones, too).
Celebrating the Hero

Celebrating the Hero

By Lyll Becerra de Jenkins 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is an interesting story a former student handed me. A Connecticut woman seeks to find out the truth about her Colombian grandfather, who was not all that he seemed. Good for exposing students to Colombian culture.
Heaven

Heaven

By Angela Johnson 160 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’ve been on a roll lately, as it seems like every book I pick turns out to be amazing. Thus is the case with Angela Johnson’s riveting story of a 14-year-old girl who discovers her family is not exactly as it seems. Perfect book for discussing the differences in 21st century families. Who’s to say what a family is supposed to look like? A book that will stick with you days later.
The Samurai's Tale

The Samurai's Tale

By Erik C. Haugaard 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Wow! Yeah, this is the kind of book I would have liked to read when I was a teenage boy. Haugaard immerses the reader in 16th century Japan. There, the young protagonist Taro (an orphan – of course!) serves the great warlord Takeda and avenges the death of his family. Boys can read this book faster than the Nestle Quik bunny downs a glass of chocolate milk.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

For those who often complain of not enough stories with strong female protagonists, I give you Joan Aiken. She has the rare gift of creating tales that girls and boys can appreciate, and all of her books fly off bookcases once teachers and parents treat their children to this first tale of misery, suspense and adventure. A fantastic book.

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