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Young Adult

Girl, Stolen: A Novel

Girl, Stolen: A Novel

By April Henry 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

At the request of a bunch of teenage girls, I reluctantly picked up this book. It could have been really lame. Surprisingly, it was really well-written, fast-paced and filled with terrific plot twists. A car thief is surprised when he realizes a teenager is in the backseat. Then, it turns out she is blind. Oh, and then, it turns out her father is rich, so kidnapping becomes a profitable opportunity for the thief(s). But what happens when the blind girl proves to be less helpless than her captives realize? I’m ashamed to say that I could not put this book down. 
Vordak the Incomprehensible: Time Travel Trouble

Vordak the Incomprehensible: Time Travel Trouble

By Scott Seegert 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Perfect self-help guide for teenage boys looking to find their inner evil. Tons of laughs and terrific black-and-white comics in this must-read.
Upstream

Upstream

By Melissa Lion 160 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

A stirring look at how a high school senior deals with the death of her boyfriend, who was killed in a camping accident. 
The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I try not to include books too many pages over 250, but I assure you that this one is worth the extra 22 pages (your middle schoolers be turning pages so quickly that it won’t matter). A Newbery Honor, this book tracks the trials of a seventh grader stuck reading Shakespeare during the 1960s, and how his heated relationship with a teacher turns into friendship. Funny and poignant.
Fairest: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Book 2 (Volume 2)

Fairest: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Book 2 (Volume 2)

By Chanda Hahn 246 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I think what I like most about Hahn’s sequel to Unenchanted is her ability to tell a compelling story with an interesting love triangle for teenage girls that does not focus on death and dreariness
365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!

365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!

By Noah Scalin 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am a huge fan of Sir Ken Robinson’s creativity revolution, and I have absorbed a number of wonderfully creative efforts like Scalin’s challenge to pick a theme and create daily projects around that theme for a year. Every teacher and parent should grab a copy.
The Book of Doing: Everyday Activities to Unlock Your Creativity and Joy

The Book of Doing: Everyday Activities to Unlock Your Creativity and Joy

By Allison Arden 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I found this book at the checkout stand at Kinko’s. Can you believe it? It was filled with large print, fun fonts and lots of doodles, so I had to buy it. It will take you an hour to read and months to implement. Another great way to encourage creativity.
Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies (2009-11-02)

Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies (2009-11-02)

By Nicola Davies;James Lovelock Young Adult

Danny Says

Based largely on the research of scientist James Lovelock, this book is sure to spark interesting classroom discussions about global warming. Great way to teach students how to be respectful of one another’s divergent views.
Schooled

Schooled

By Gordon Korman 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I must feel some sort of obligation to promote at least one Gordon Korman book each year. I can’t help it, as he is a hit with teens (and I LOVE the way he writes). This book is cleverly written from various characters’ first-person accounts (reminding me of Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying), and it manages to do what all of Korman’s books do: it will make you laugh, cry and – most importantly – think. This one is sure to strike a chord, especially to start the school year.
Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy

By Rebecca Stead 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

When I read Stead’s writing, I feel like I know her. Have you ever felt that way about an author? No, she doesn’t need me publicizing her work, since she won a little award known as the “Newbery.” I have to confess, though, that one of the things that drew me to Rebecca Stead was how she claims to write for “children, teenagers and open-minded adults.” Bravo! Stead’s books are a hit with middle school students, and parents should treat themselves to a peek.
Drama

Drama

By Raina Telgemeier 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Telgemeier is the author of the wonderful graphic memoir Smile. She has crafted another winner here with a book that any middle/high school theatre geek can appreciate, and all of your teenage girls will gravitate to this delightful and funny graphic novel.
E. S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense

E. S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense

By Arnold Rudnick 106 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Playfully subtitled “The Perils of a Paranormal Preteen,” this book is perfect for your reluctant fifth or sixth grade boy reader (almost a young adult novel – this is a good “tween” transition book). Fast-paced and fun, students particularly enjoy taking the “ESP” test. You’ll get a kick out of this, too.
Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

By Zach Hunter 176 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is a good book to inspire teens interested in improving the world to go out and improve it. Adults are pretty good at messing things up, and Hunter calls on our nation’s youth to take action and fight problems like homelessness, global warming and worldwide hunger. Hunter’s own story of trying to end modern-day slavery is an amazing tale in itself. 
Almost Home

Almost Home

By Joan Bauer 288 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’m a sucker for puppies on covers of books, although I always fear the poor dog is going to be abused or die. There’s plenty of sadness in this heartwarming book, but Bauer is a masterful author because, among other things, she manages to take dire circumstances and make them humorous and touching. This book just makes you feel good.
Gifted

Gifted

By Beth Evangelista 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Middle schoolers will get a kick out of this tale of an obnoxious 8th grader, George, who’s protected by harassment from his father, the school principal. Daddy does not come along on a fateful school trip, though, and George learns plenty. Quick read; especially popular with boys.

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