Young Adult

This is sort of a cross between Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe for girls. A real page-turner, as we follow young Emma disguise herself as a boy, only to be tricked into boarding a ship bound for Africa. A great chapter book for sixth graders.

Every now and then a book comes along that just blows me away. Read the left inside flap of this book jacket: “On August 4, 1940, an American magazine editor named Varian Fry flew from New York City to Lisbon, Portugal. He was en route to Marseilles, France, with $3,000 in cash taped to his leg beneath his pants, and in his pockets the names of approximately two hundred artists, scientists, and musicians – all enemies of the new Nazi regime. Varian Fry’s mission was to help the refugees flee to safety.” Fry winds up acting like an American-version of Oskar Schindler and helps a couple thousand refugees flee, including artist Marc Chagall and novelist Heinrich Mann. I loved this book! Sign me up for the movie about this fascinating man brought to life by this skillful author. Can you tell I liked it..as I typically try not to write this much about a book.

I love books that transport children to other time periods like the Old West. This book paints a vivid picture of what the wagon trains were like, and my students enjoy how Lucy’s puppies always manage to get into mischief along the way.

A good introduction to chick lit for teens, Limb writes better dialogue than most authors of the genre. This is part of a series of protagonist Jess Jordan that always stands her ground, and I enjoyed the humorous situations that arise when Jess hosts a French student for two weeks.

I think this has to get into the hands of all middle school girls, as this book chronicles the meanness of cliques. I like using the book as a teaching tool, as different chapters are written from different points of view of girls trying to determine why their friend Maya has been ostracized from their group by their leader, Candace.

One of the most moving stories of redemption I have read for a young adult audience in years. A wonderful book.

Happy Chinese New Year! It is the year of the rabbit, so I wanted to find a quick, gripping read. This memoir of the author’s brutal childhood is bound to inspire even the most cynical.

While she is best known for writing Because of Winn Dixie, DiCamillo has begun to convince me that she may be one of the most gifted writers alive today. If you are a parent, I want you to do two things: read this book to your children, and read it for yourself. This book is touching without being sappy, and I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it.

I found this book eerie, and students love to discuss how the protagonist Keir is able to justify his “mostly harmless” actions – or are they?

Part of the Angelaeon Circle Trilogy, this fantasy is a great way to get your teens hooked on reading. I have seen more than one reluctant reader find a passion for reading, courtesy of Karyn Henley.

Speaking of great authors, it was pointed out to me that I have not placed a Lois Lowry book on any of my lists. I apologize for the oversight. While everyone knows and loves Lowry’s compelling Newbery-winning The Giver, I’d like to recommend her latest fantasy, which highlights all of Lowry’s writing strengths. You can literally read this book at the bookstore (believe me, I did), and it is a couple of hours well-spent.

What I like about this book is that it makes a great discussion starter on issues of sensitivity to each other’s differences. When given the choice to listen or to label, I like to think I inspire students to listen.

I cannot make up my mind what age group to classify this book in, as it offers something for everyone and can be enjoyed by anyone. Wonderful cartoon characters with a wit that would leave any Simpsons fan howling, Pastis might be one of my favorite writers.

I really love books for teens that inspire them to really do something that matters. This is the perfect book for students who are anxious to start making a difference in the world now. I know plenty of “kids” who accomplish more than most adults. We should really encourage students to read more books like this one.

Six quick bios of modern business giants Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, Larry Page and Jeff Bezos. Perfect quick reads for teens in waiting rooms with dreams of making millions.