Young Adult

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.

I have a theory that the more depressing books teens read, the bigger problems they have. On the other hand, by exposing teens to inspirational books like this one, we have a chance of influencing students to attempt great things. And there’s no greater mentor than Sir Richard.

Epileptic teenager Spaz attempts to bring human intelligence back to the planet in this fast-paced and terrific page-turner by the always dependable Philbrick.

Don’t worry – thin pages, large print. Well worth the read. Similar to a Lemony Snicket book with just as many giggles. And the illustrations come courtesy of one of my favorite authors, Jon Klassen.

Read in the newspaper that the USS Arizona has been closed to the public recently for repairs, and a reader pointed out I had not yet included this perennial classroom favorite (especially with reluctant boy readers) about a 14 year old who witnesses the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.

A lot of people (myself included) are familiar with the movie versions of this story, but you are really missing out if you don’t treat yourself to this delightful story of the “extensive” Gilbreth family. Laugh along as the family’s patriarch and famous efficiency expert tries dealing with a dozen kids the same way he advises people to run their factories. Parents and children alike love this classic, as it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Can’t believe it took me so long to feature this classic story of boy and a girl stripped and marooned on a small island for the night. They are the “goats.” The kids at camp think it’s a funny, harmless tradition. But the goats don’t see it that way. Instead of trying to get back to camp, they decide to call home. But no one can come and get them, so they’re on their own. As they wander through a small town trying to find clothing, food, and shelter, they find they rather like life on their own. If their parents ever do show up to rescue them, the boy and the girl might be long gone…

A great read that is both funny and sweet. When high school freshman David Miller accidentally makes a $2,000 charge on his mother’s credit card, he turns to his talent for competitive eating to make up the sum. What touches readers, though, is David’s challenges as a teenager and living with a special needs brother.