Young Adult

I am starting to think that young adult fiction makes the best reading. Martinez won the National Book Award for this, his debut novel. It tells the compelling coming-of-age story of Manuel Hernandez. If you want to learn how to write beautifully, read this book.

I am always looking for great books to hook adolescent boys. Bingo! Berman’s sci-fi thriller is a page-turner that even the most reluctant readers will plow through.

The recent passing of the great actor Paul Winfield, who received an Academy Award nomination for his work in the film, made me think of this moving story about a sharecropper family's resilience through all sorts of tragedy.

So I like coming-of-age stories? Who doesn’t? They are usually uplifting, and that’s what I look for in most books. This Newbery Honor winner trails young Moose Flanagan as he adjusts to living on Alcatraz where his father works as a prison guard.

Some writers understand the way teenagers think and the way they talk. Friend does a superb job of dealing with a teen’s struggles with her alcoholic father. A sensitive and compelling story.

A modern day Faustian tale about a 17-year-old named Joe “Faust” whose heroics on the basketball court and in the classroom prompt him to wonder if he truly made a deal with the devil. I liked this book because it caused a few boys to learn more about Faust.

Julia Alvarez is a magnificent author of such great books as How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies. This collection of her poems will introduce readers to her enticing writing style and keen eye for examining life across cultures in America.

One of my favorite tricks for finding short books is to look up screenplays and novels of the movies. They almost always tend to be short, and for some reason I can read these accounts very easily (good tip for teachers and parents of reluctant teen readers). I loved this movie, which did not receive the publicity and recognition it deserved. This book would also make a great read aloud for elementary school teachers who want to read Peter Rabbit and give students extra background knowledge about Beatrix Potter.

I LOVED this book. Halpern’s debut is a quirky and – to me – hilarious story about a depressed teen committed to a mental hospital with a cast of wonderful characters.

Smith’s “autobiography in collage” is aptly titled, as this gem is filled with anecdotes that are sure to make you laugh. With entries on false teeth, dog poop and dead beetles, this is also a great way to inspire students’ creativity in their writing (the Table of Contents alone should draw plenty of giggles and questions).

When 17-year-old Josh Swensen creates a popular website through his alter ego to impress Beth, havoc ensues in this page-turner that boys and girls alike will love.

We need more poetry in our classrooms. As a former history teacher, I especially appreciate poems that educate people about important moments in history. Nelson has collected 15 magnificent poems for students to read, memorize, recite and discuss.

Recently transplanted teen Paige Turner is trying to find her place in this fun coming-of-age tale.

M.T. Anderson is simply one of my favorite authors for teens, as his books are filled with plenty of twists and turns, lots of action and humor and even a subliminal message every now and then. Your middle schoolers will greatly enjoy this sequel to Anderson’s The Game of Sunken Places.

Say that title five times fast. Hartman made sure you knew what this book was about, didn’t she? This book is PACKED with all sorts of cool facts and anecdotes – the stuff I LIVE for!