Young Adult

A dying grandfather’s thoughts unfurl in this beautifully written prose.

Ah, if only there were more authors like Nikki Grimes out there, I am convinced we would have nothing but passionate readers. She combines everything I am looking for in an author for middle schoolers: poetry, moral messages, hope, multicultural characters…the list goes on. This is her latest in a long line of books that get students thinking about race relations, their spiritual beliefs and their values. The kind of book that teaches the heart, as well as the mind.

This is not “light” reading, as it deals with Deanna, a teenager whose father catches her sleeping with a boy and being branded a slut by everyone. She keeps an “anonymous” journal that – I must confess – brought tears to my eyes, as I can see how so many teenage girls could identify with Deanna’s struggles. This book will give you plenty to think about.

Why not expose your middle schoolers to a positive self-help book that will prompt them to reflect on how to be authentic, proud and directed? Brown has a huge adult audience, and I’d like to see more troubled teenagers discover her writing.

Could you come up with a better title to get boys interested in reading? The title is actually a play on words two kittens hear children use when arguing: “Is not!...Is too!” A simple story that is a great way to draw reluctant readers toward bookshelves.

Treat yourself to any book in the Hank Zipzer, Underachiever series. Henry Winkler is a tireless literacy advocate (he was dyslexic as a child, and students love hearing about his rise to become “the Fonz” and a popular character actor), and these books (co-authored by Oliver) are a wonderful way to get a lot of reluctant and struggling readers interested in reading.

Wow! If this book does not make you cry or at least reconsider how you treat people, I don’t know what will. I cannot believe this is Anderson’s first book. I loved this touching tale of a high school girl’s sudden case of laryngitis, brought on by her outcast status. This should be required reading in every middle school. It’s that good.

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.