Young Adult

After River is unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend on a paddle boat in the middle of a lake, a chance encounter with a Second Chance support group for teens with addictions sends him into a torrent of lies that spiral out of control in this light read.

I’d be remiss not to include at least one zombie book for the month of Halloween. This first book in a series of a dozen titles is a great way to entice teens who like The Walking Dead to pick up a book. Teachers will love this book because they include a bigoted hooligan that will make a great segue for discussions on racism and bullying.

Fresh, funny, and utterly irresistible, this young adult novel explores the ups and downs of life online.

Kingsolver’s first novel – I’m not sure if was written as a young adult book, but it certainly speaks to young adults. Brilliantly-written and captivating tale of young Taylor Greer’s journey out West. Lots of laughs, and lots of heart. A terrific read.

Not sure how I’ve managed to leave this book off previous lists, as it is one of my “go-to” books. Hilarious tale of a rebellious boy sent to a home-schooling program run by “the Applewhites,” a kooky, loud and outrageous family. Wonderful book. Needs to be in every classroom library.

In 1955, in Caroline County, Virginia, amidst segregation and prejudice, injustice and cruelty, two teenagers fell in love. Their life together broke the law, but their determination would change it. Richard and Mildred Loving were at the heart of a Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races, and a story of the devoted couple who faced discrimination, fought it, and won. Timely discussion starter for your high school students.

Here’s a fantasy your teens will love. The first in a series (thank goodness, as you’ll have plenty of additional titles to send your eager readers to), Fragments introduces us to the hero’s journey of Askon as he seeks the “gem that does not exist.”

Ever pick a book up because of its title? I do, all the time. Don’t tell me titles don’t matter. This book turned out to be a real treat, filled with laughs. Sort of like a teen version of Bridget Jones’s Diary.

As the enemy lurks in the darkness, a young soldier struggles to stay awake through the night. As the minutes tick by and he watches friend die by his side, he remembers his childhood spent deep in the countryside with his family. A good companion to All Quiet on the Western Front about the inglorious realities of war.

Compilation of short stories from one of my favorite authors. Peck has the ability to make you laugh, cry and think – sometimes within the same sentence. Truly engaging author who is one of my “go-to” writers when dealing with reluctant readers.

A Cambodian girl who fled her country struggles to fit in to an American lifestyle in this moving book that makes great discussion material for “the immigrant experience in America.”

Touching tale of a doctor’s loyal cat who provides patients with someone to listen to and comfort. The kind of story any self-absorbed person should read.

If you enjoy either fantasy/science fiction or alternate history, then this book (the first in a series) is perfect for you. Another solid effort by the author of Ender’s Game.

Subtitled "A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous!," this book took me awhile to ever open up, as I am not one who advocates foul language (especially in book titles). Don’t let the title fool you, though: this is a great book, filled with all sorts of solid diet tips mixed in with a lot of funny observations.

The Newbery Award-winning author delivers a terrific tale, told from different viewpoints, that proves even more timely during recent political debates about immigration.