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Young Adult

Sweet 15

Sweet 15

By Emily Adler 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I loved this story because it is so relevant to the pressures I see so many teenage Latinas go through regarding their “quinceanara,” a traditional coming-of-age party for 15 year olds. There are so many pressures on girls to spend elaborate amounts of money on what many consider an event that reinforces female stereotypes. I thought this was a refreshing take on a story I have seen play out unhappily in many homes.
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Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook

Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook

By Beverly Patt 96 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am always anxious to make history “come alive” for students, and that is why I really enjoyed this fictionalized scrapbook between two teenage friends (one white, the other Japanese American) torn apart during World War II. This month we reflect on Pearl Harbor Day and the repercussions of that event. Students get a chance to see the real turmoil that war caused on all Americans, notably the atrocities endured by interned Japanese Americans. 
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Mistletoe: Four Holiday Stories

Mistletoe: Four Holiday Stories

By Hailey Abbott,Melissa de la Cruz,Aimee Friedman,Nina Malkin 222 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Four short stories for teens about relationships set around December holidays. These will get the girls in your class reading and – hopefully – understanding what “the season” of December means.
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The Christmas Bus

The Christmas Bus

By Melody Carlson 176 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Teenagers, too, need to understand that the kindness of strangers is just one of the beauties to be learned at Christmas time. A beautiful story.
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Of Beetles and Angels

Of Beetles and Angels

By Mawi Asgedom 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Why are so many young adult books depressing? No wonder teenagers have so many problems! They need to read more stories of inspiration. Start here, as this memoir chronicles Asgedom’s journey from an Ethiopian refugee camp to Harvard. 
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The Girlfriend Project

The Girlfriend Project

By Robin Friedman 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

When Reed Walton goes from dork to ladykiller in terms of appearance over a summer, he turns to his two best friends to help him deal with his new world of dating. Reminded me of old Patrick Dempsey movies. 
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Teen Angst? Naaah . . .

Teen Angst? Naaah . . .

By Ned Vizzini 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Speaking of geeks, this high school journal from a self-described geek makes for fun reading enjoyed by teen boys and girls.
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Whirligig

Whirligig

By Paul Fleischman 144 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

One of the most moving stories of redemption I have read for a young adult audience in years. A wonderful book.
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Chinese Cinderella

Chinese Cinderella

By Adeline Yen Mah 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Happy Chinese New Year! It is the year of the rabbit, so I wanted to find a quick, gripping read. This memoir of the author’s brutal childhood is bound to inspire even the most cynical. 
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Inexcusable

Inexcusable

By Chris Lynch 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I found this book eerie, and students love to discuss how the protagonist Keir is able to justify his “mostly harmless” actions – or are they?
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Luna

Luna

By Julie Anne Peters 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

What I like about this book is that it makes a great discussion starter on issues of sensitivity to each other’s differences. When given the choice to listen or to label, I like to think I inspire students to listen.
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Hole in My Life

Hole in My Life

By Jack Gantos 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Gantos wrote the wonderful Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, and I think this memoir makes for even more riveting reading. Jailed briefly as a young man, Gantos paints a picture of prison that is sure to make it feel like the last place any teenager wants to go. Essential reading.
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Just Like That

Just Like That

By Marsha Qualey 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am not usually one who goes for drawn-out prose, but Qualey is such a gifted writer that I do not mind that she takes her time. Protagonist Hanna is a teenager whose guilt consumes her after witnessing the deaths of two teens along a lake. When another witness, Will, tracks her down, the two deal with the issues together.
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Fat Girl: A True Story

Fat Girl: A True Story

By Judith Moore 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I have battled with my own weight issues throughout my entire life, and that may be why I could not put down Moore’s highly gripping memoir of her lifelong battle with obesity. I have so much empathy for her and so many others whose drug of choice is food. A great story for classroom discussions.
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Pop

Pop

By Gordon Korman 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Big print – don’t worry! Your boys will love this book about a teenager trying out for the high school football team and the eccentric old man who teaches him all he knows. Plenty of football for the boys, plus a great (and refreshingly deep) story of an unlikely cross-age friendship.
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