Young Adult

Let’s not leave the girls out. Since I am talking about series books, I have to include one of the most popular series of all time: Nancy Drew. I have a hunch that the upcoming movie is going to renew interest in the series, and I encourage parents and teachers to lasso that interest with plenty of great titles from the series.

This is a recent Newbery winner which means everyone should read this book. You are sure to be fascinated by this story set in 12th century Korea that follows the treacherous journey of a boy trying to reach the king to show off the fine pottery work of his master. But by the time he reaches the royal court, he only has a single shard left to show for his struggles. A great book for illustrating to anyone the power of perseverance.

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).

I love books that feature familiar tales told from different points of view. This book is great for laughs and to get kids thinking about how there is always more than one side to a story.

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.

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.

Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone, is one of my personal heroes for his work with inner-city youth. This terrific graphic adaptation of his own memoir of life on the streets is sure to attract even your most reluctant readers. Check that – it will especially entice your reluctant readers.

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 fourth in the Ruby Oliver series, this entry finds Ruby in her senior year of high school acting like her typical neurotic self. I think what sets Lockhart’s teen chick lit apart from others is that the situations are never too terrible and the humor is always high – making this ideal for teenage girl readers who are tired of reading about suicide.

Ten vignettes of real-life marauders who masqueraded with false identities. Told in second person with cool graphic illustrations by Paul Hoppe, this quick read is always a hit with the boys.

Intriguing tale of Elizabethan England where Catholics are hunted down for not accepting the Church of England as their place of worship. Great discussion starter for students to discuss contemporary ideas of the relationship between religion and government.

This book always makes me cringe happily. Required reading for all fifth graders and adults.

Probably most appropriate for Valentine’s Day, this terrific collection of short stories by some of America’s leading young adult authors – from Nikki Grimes to Jon Scieszka – exposes teens to the trials, tumult and hilarity of young love.

A teen soldier returns home from the Iraq War with a tramautic brain injury, and everything has changed for him and the people closest to him. Not since All Quiet on the Western Front have I read a book that deals better with the realities rather than the “glamour” of war. This book should be in every school.

I just saw a teacher reading this with her class and could not believe I had forgotten to include this book on a previous list. Despite what the title may suggest, boys will enjoy this collection of supernatural short stories just as much as girls.