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Young Adult

Paranoid Park

Paranoid Park

By Blake Nelson 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

How do you deal with a horrible secret? Write about it. That’s the advice the “girl next door” gives a troubled sophomore skateboarder. Nelson has a command of teen-speak that appeals to middle- and high-school readers.
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The Juvie Three

The Juvie Three

By Gordon Korman 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

If you’ve never read a Gordon Korman book, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. Korman has a way of writing that teens find engrossing during read alouds. The absurdity of his tales leave students eager to hear what will happen next (that is why so many students opt to check-out copies of his books themselves rather than wait for teachers to finish the read aloud…this book is no different).
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The Schwa was Here

The Schwa was Here

By Neal Shusterman 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I confess that I picked this book from the shelves because I thought it was a grammar book and wound up treated to a book that teen boys love. Great characters come together in a money-making scheme gone awry. Funny and touching at the same time.
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Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

By Margaret Peterson Haddix 128 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Margaret Peterson Haddix is one of the most popular young adult authors in America, and the reason is because of her mastery to create realistic teen characters in realistic situations in much the way that filmmaker John Hughes managed to capture teen dilemmas during the 1980s. I use this book to inspire middle schoolers to write, especially as I have taught girls like Tish Bonner who sit in the back of the class and think they are too good for school.
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Nigth Of The Howling Dogs

Nigth Of The Howling Dogs

By Graham Salisbury Young Adult

Danny Says

Inspired by the author’s own experiences camping as a Boy Scout on the site of Hawaiian earthquake/tsunami, this book is sure to entice readers, as it reads a lot like a campfire story that keeps building and building.
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Project 17

Project 17

By Laurie Faria Stolarz 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Think Blair Witch Project for teens, as six teenagers stay the night at a mental institution set for demolition. A great mystery that will keep teenagers on the edges of their seats.
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The Chain Letter

The Chain Letter

By Julie Schumacher Young Adult

Danny Says

I don’t know how I missed this book. You have to grab a copy of this funny, intelligent page-turner. Twelve-year-old Livvie throws away a chain letter, only to be reprimanded by her superstitious friend, Joyce. Hilarity and suspense ensue.
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Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird

Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird

By Mary McDonagh Murphy 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

To Kill a Mockingbird is arguably the most important American book of the last 50 years. McDonagh Murphy interviews a variety of writers and celebrities to find out what Harper Lee’s masterpiece has meant to them. A great way to get students excited about reading and writing.
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Tall tales for travellers

Tall tales for travellers

By Michael M. Roe 144 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

While the book could be classified as an adult collection of short stories, I find the book to be a great way to encourage students to keep travelogues – one of my favorite genres. Roe’s dry British wit throughout his 18 stories take readers around the globe and got me yearning to travel abroad again.
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ISSA: The Greatest Story Never Told

ISSA: The Greatest Story Never Told

By Lois Drake 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This book makes for some great book discussions among teens that are interested in religion, history and Middle Eastern culture. The book can be controversial, but it is fiction and acts as a powerful catalyst for students to do some research on their own.
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Repossessed

Repossessed

By A. M. Jenkins 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This book has led to some pretty fun discussions among middle schoolers. While the premise of a demon entering the body of a slacker teen makes for plenty of slapstick moments, the also book has a heartwarming message that resonates with teens. Life is precious and not to be wasted, and every teenager needs to know that. Great title, by the way.
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Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm

By Polly Shulman 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Too many teen books depress the heck out of me, so I am thrilled whenever I read something that is funny. Okay, so teen girls will identify more with this Jane Austen-inspired romantic comedy. Still, I enjoyed every page.
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SOLD

SOLD

By Patricia McCormick 263 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Even though I think McCormick is a wonderful writer, do not expect a happy feeling after reading her. Sold is one of the most disturbing young adult books I have ever read, but it is an important book that illuminates the horrible world of teen slavery/prostitution that is certain to stir the hearts and minds of students.
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Uninvited

Uninvited

By Amanda Marrone 204 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am not sure if Stephanie Myer is solely responsible for the current vampire craze in literature, but I do know that I sure see a lot more vampire books appearing in teen literature lately. For yet another alternative for teens obsessed with the Twilight series, check out Marrone’s book about a teen dealing with issues of bad choices that include her ex-boyfriend (who happens to be a vampire).
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The Knife That Killed Me

The Knife That Killed Me

By Anthony McGowan 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Best book I have read in years for reluctant teen boys. This one gripped me in the same way as S.E. Hinton did with The Outsiders. I am now anxious to read McGowan’s previous young adult novels – he is not to be missed.
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