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Young Adult

JUDY MOODY WAS IN A MOOD (BOOK #1)

JUDY MOODY WAS IN A MOOD (BOOK #1)

By Megan McDonald 176 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I just realized that I had never included Judy Moody on a previous list, and I figure with the film opening this month that now is a good time to get kids excited about the books. I love this edition, in particular, as it includes wonderful artwork by one of my favorite illustrators, Peter Reynolds.
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Things I Have to Tell You: Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls (Betsy Franco Young Adult)

Things I Have to Tell You: Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls (Betsy Franco Young Adult)

80 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Subtitled Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls, this collection (edited by Betsy Franco) includes over 30 compelling poems and stories accompanied by intense black-and-white photographs by Nina Nickles. A great way to inspire teenagers to share their own stories through poems and writing.
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The Hoopster

The Hoopster

By Alan Lawrence Sitomer 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Sitomer is a former California Teacher of the Year, and I can assure you that he writes in the authentic voice that any inner-city middle schooler can relate to. Make sure to check out Sitomer’s latest venture, Nerd Girls. He is a terrific author.
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The Many Faces of George Washington: Remaking a Presidential Icon (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades)

The Many Faces of George Washington: Remaking a Presidential Icon (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades)

By Carla Killough McClafferty 120 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I am quite a fan of Carla Killough McClafferty, as her books tend to take subjects (like World War II) or people (George Washington) that I thought I knew a lot about and leave me turning pages to find out fascinating undiscovered details. Quick, pleasant reading – and great for dinner conversations.
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Lunch-Box Dream

Lunch-Box Dream

By Tony Abbott 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

A wonderful piece of historical fiction that teachers can use to introduce students to the Civil Rights Movement. Makes a great read aloud.
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The Wikkeling

The Wikkeling

By Steven Arntson 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This one may keep your students up at night, as the combination of Arntson’s creepy story and Daniela J. Terrazzini’s illustrations make this an unexpected page-turner, perfect for students who enjoy Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games.
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Theodore Boone: the Abduction

Theodore Boone: the Abduction

By John Grisham 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I try not to publicize well-established authors, as I know they need no help selling books. However, John Grisham is precious to me, as he is the person who got me interested in reading for fun. I read all of his paperbacks when I lived in Spain (there were only three then: A Time to Kill, The Firm and The Pelican Brief), and his books set me on the path to reading lots of other authors. What a treat it is that he has written this Theodore Boone series, as now Grisham can attract a younger audience to his wonderful legal suspense thrillers.
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Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Volume 1: Precious Little Life

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Volume 1: Precious Little Life

By Bryan Lee O'Malley 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I recently met Terry Thompson, an expert on graphic novels, and I could listen to him talk about graphic novels all day. As a result, I have whet my appetite with more graphic novels lately, and I started with this one because the movie version looked interesting (although I never saw it). This is the first in a series about some lovable slackers in extraordinary “manga” circumstances, and I found the storyline and artwork to be constantly engaging and entertaining.
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Human.4

Human.4

By Mike A. Lancaster 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

So you are trying to find a book for your teenage boy? Science Fiction is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this story seems to grab the boys (and girls) as a hypnotized teen wakes up to find he is obsolete. Suspenseful throughout.
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Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (10th Anniversary Edition) (Gallagher Girls)

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (10th Anniversary Edition) (Gallagher Girls)

By Ally Carter 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

It is rare nowadays to come across a series for teens that can be relevant without being completely depressing, so I thank Ally Carter for writing the remarkable Gallagher Girls series. Mostly harmless, lots of fun.
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Bystander

Bystander

By James Preller 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Probably one of the best-written books I have ever read about bullying, this book will haunt you and prompt an important discussion among your middle school students.
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Story of a Girl

Story of a Girl

By Sara Zarr 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is not “light” reading, as it deals with Deanna, a teenager whose father catches her sleeping with a boy and being branded a slut by everyone. She keeps an “anonymous” journal that – I must confess – brought tears to my eyes, as I can see how so many teenage girls could identify with Deanna’s struggles. This book will give you plenty to think about.
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Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence

Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence

By Geoffrey Canada 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone, is one of my personal heroes for his work with inner-city youth. This terrific graphic adaptation of his own memoir of life on the streets is sure to attract even your most reluctant readers. Check that – it will especially entice your reluctant readers.
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Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, plural. If my life weren't complicated, I wouldn't be Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver Quartet)

Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, plural. If my life weren't complicated, I wouldn't be Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver Quartet)

By E. Lockhart 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The fourth in the Ruby Oliver series, this entry finds Ruby in her senior year of high school acting like her typical neurotic self. I think what sets Lockhart’s teen chick lit apart from others is that the situations are never too terrible and the humor is always high – making this ideal for teenage girl readers who are tired of reading about suicide.
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First Kiss (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments

First Kiss (Then Tell): A Collection of True Lip-Locked Moments

By Cylin Busby 212 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Probably most appropriate for Valentine’s Day, this terrific collection of short stories by some of America’s leading young adult authors – from Nikki Grimes to Jon Scieszka – exposes teens to the trials, tumult and hilarity of young love. 
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