Young Adult

Children are disappearing but no one is talking about it. What evil is taking root in this small Canadian town? This one will keep you on your toes.

I must admit that I chose to read this book because I liked the cover art (I have an older edition; the newer edition's cover is a lot plainer and less interesting to me), and I was startled to discover an author I truly admire. I can usually spot when an author used to be a teacher because s/he writes characters so well, and that is what you will be treated to when you read this wonderful book about a stud-turned stoner who needs to reflect on his own experiences to determine “what went wrong.” I intend to use this book with middle-school boys seeking answers.

It is about time I recommended a book by Will Hobbs, who just happened to be my seventh-grade reading teacher. He is one of the bestselling young adult authors in America, and I'd recommend any of his books (although this is one of the shortest). This book chronicles 16-year-old Jason Hawthorn's great race across Alaska. Thank you, Mr. Hobbs, for being one of the first teachers to interest me in reading!

Take your pick of any of Matt Christopher’s compelling biographies, which feature some of the biggest figures in sports (e.g. Tiger Woods, Jennifer Capriati and Lance Armstrong). This is a great way to get sports junkies hooked on reading, as Christopher’s books are very easy and compelling to read. I became interested in him after reading his takes on two of my favorite athletes, John Elway and Terrell Davis (can you tell I am a Denver Bronco fan?)

I met Sharon at a teaching conference in Oregon, and I have been meaning to put a couple of her books on my lists ever since. What I like most about Draper’s books is her ability to deal with characters and situations that many of us who have taught in the inner city can relate to. We need a lot more authors like her writing about urban issues; then again, she is a tough act to follow.

Although this book is a sequel to Hurwitz’s popular Class Clown, I prefer this story. It does a great job of poking fun at the standardized-testing craze.

The movie version hits theaters this month, and I will let you decide which is better. One of the ways I get teenagers reading is to offer them books with movie versions, as 95% of the time the movie cannot hold a candle to the book (some exceptions of great books turned into great movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather and The Silence of the Lambs). If you enjoyed The Princess Bride by William Goldman (and who on Earth could not love that story, which is a terrific example of a great book and wonderful movie), I have a feeling you will enjoy this book, a perfect 250 pages (the paperback version; the hardcover version weighs in at 10 pages less).

Another wonderful treat from a first time author. The title caught my eye, and the story grabbed me immediately. My biggest complaint with so many young adult authors is that they fail to depict realistic characters or situations. The strength of this book is the friendship between an unlikely pair – a skinny punk rocker and a suicidal “fat kid.” A moving, honest story.

I chose this book because I remember how stressful it was leaving elementary school for junior high (now known as middle school). So what if the author inserts a bit of Christianity in the text? It is a practical and inspirational book that can put a lot of new teenagers’ minds at rest for the upcoming school year (that is, after summer vacation).

I have never understood all of the hubbub over vampires. To me vampire stories work best when there is some humor involved (like The Lost Boys, Once Bitten and Vampire’s Kiss). I grabbed a copy of this book because the author used to be a stand-up comic, so I figured it might be entertaining. Boy, is it, as I am now an Ellen Schreiber fan. Parents, you’re in luck, as she has written a series of fun vampire novels for teens.

When Amber just tries to fit in, she finds her life spinning out of control. I liked this story for the message it sends teens about losing one’s self in the race to be popular.

There are a lot of trashy teen romance stories out there. Believe me. So whenever I come across an author who can create characters that I empathize with who do not live in a mansion or attend an elite prep school, I am relieved. Echols writes witty banter between her main love interests that sets her writing apart from a crowded field of garbage.

I read a lot, but I do not read enough. That is how I frequently encounter a brilliant author for the first time. Sorry to be so behind, as Joan Bauer is well-known in circles outside of my own (which includes only me). She is hilarious, but that discounts her truly gifted writing ability. Excited to read all of her other books!

Having struggled with my weight my entire life (especially during adolescence), I identified with almost everything in this funny and uplifting coming-of-age story. Who says that all young adult literature has to deal with suicide and vampires?

Riveting paranormal story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Great book for discussions!