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Young Adult

E. S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense

E. S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense

By Arnold Rudnick 106 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Playfully subtitled “The Perils of a Paranormal Preteen,” this book is perfect for your reluctant fifth or sixth grade boy reader (almost a young adult novel – this is a good “tween” transition book). Fast-paced and fun, students particularly enjoy taking the “ESP” test. You’ll get a kick out of this, too.
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Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

Be the Change, Revised Edition: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World

By Zach Hunter 176 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is a good book to inspire teens interested in improving the world to go out and improve it. Adults are pretty good at messing things up, and Hunter calls on our nation’s youth to take action and fight problems like homelessness, global warming and worldwide hunger. Hunter’s own story of trying to end modern-day slavery is an amazing tale in itself. 
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Almost Home

Almost Home

By Joan Bauer 288 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’m a sucker for puppies on covers of books, although I always fear the poor dog is going to be abused or die. There’s plenty of sadness in this heartwarming book, but Bauer is a masterful author because, among other things, she manages to take dire circumstances and make them humorous and touching. This book just makes you feel good.
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Gifted

Gifted

By Beth Evangelista 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Middle schoolers will get a kick out of this tale of an obnoxious 8th grader, George, who’s protected by harassment from his father, the school principal. Daddy does not come along on a fateful school trip, though, and George learns plenty. Quick read; especially popular with boys.
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Played

Played

By Dana Davidson 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I think all teenage girls should read this book, as it deals with a boy trying to make it into his high school’s “fraternity” on a challenge to sleep with a shy virgin. A good warning tale that makes for an important discussion starter.
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The Wild Adventures of Eli Johnson and Curly Bill

The Wild Adventures of Eli Johnson and Curly Bill

By Dan Wright 116 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is the kind of book I enjoyed growing up. The story of a young Virginian in the 19th century headed West in search of gold and adventure, this book will enrapture your students by the story and stimulate their curiosity and interest in the historical time period, as well. A great segue for social studies teachers.
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Ouroboros: Thomas of Xuelition (Volume 1)

Ouroboros: Thomas of Xuelition (Volume 1)

By Christopher Turkel 170 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres to attract reluctant teenage readers. Boys are especially drawn to Turkel’s story – set in a dystopian future – about a son’s transformation into an assassin after his father’s death. Middle schoolers love discussing this book.
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The Turning

The Turning

By Francine Prose 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I’m not the biggest advocate for horror stories, as I prefer looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. That said, a lot of teens dig creepy tales, and Prose’s retelling of Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw will have them jumping out of their seats.
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The Spindlers

The Spindlers

By Lauren Oliver 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

When should you stop reading aloud to students? Never! Here is a great example of a book that your students will enjoy even more if you read it aloud to them, as Oliver’s writing is so pleasant to the ears. Plus, Oliver does a superb job of presenting strong female protagonists – something sorely (and oddly) lacking in a lot of fantasies.
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Colin Fischer

Colin Fischer

By Ashley Edward Miller,Zack Stentz 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

You are going to fall in love with Colin Fischer, the teen sleuth with Asperger’s Syndrome who shines as the protagonist of this delightful story. Colin’s observations of high school are funny, insightful and fascinating, and I especially enjoyed Colin’s listings of many “Cliff Clavin-like” random facts.
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Superhero Success: Expand Your CAPE-ability® To Break Through Any Challenge, Overcome Any Fear, And Become A Superhero In Life And Business! (Volume 1)

Superhero Success: Expand Your CAPE-ability® To Break Through Any Challenge, Overcome Any Fear, And Become A Superhero In Life And Business! (Volume 1)

By TW Walker 138 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Great for all ages, this fun, fast and insightful story will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow the characters along the roadmap to achieving success...like a Superhero!
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Poor Is Just a Starting Place

Poor Is Just a Starting Place

By Leslie J. Wyatt 196 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Touching story of a poor Kentucky girl during the Great Depression who longs to leave home to attend college. Useful conversation starter on the role of education in America.
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Hurt Go Happy: A Novel

Hurt Go Happy: A Novel

By Ginny Rorby 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Fascinating tale of a deaf girl learning American Sign Language to communicate with a chimpanzee. This story is filled with layer after layer of messages and will make a good discussion piece for your middle-school class.
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Beyoutiful!

Beyoutiful!

By Julie Marie Carrier Young Adult

Danny Says

We need A LOT more books like this. If you have a daughter or granddaughter, buy this book as a New Year’s gift (yes, I just created that holiday). This is the perfect way to focus girls on positive elements that will bring out the amazing qualities so many teenage girls suppress in order to “fit in.” Carrier provides a blueprint that will benefit all teenage girls. This is a gem, and I have bought multiple copies for friends and customers. I highly recommend you do the same.
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Night Hoops

Night Hoops

By Carl Deuker 228 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Why don’t teenage boys read? Check the covers and titles of most teen bestsellers. They almost all deal with teenage romance and how to fit into the right clique. It’s enough to drive a guy crazy! Deuker writes about sports and understands the thoughts of many teenage boys (He has a lot of great titles). How can we replicate him? I am so grateful for guys who write books for guys (I’m not saying everything has to deal with red meat and bodily functions, but trying to find an appealing book for a teenage boy is often like looking for educational programming on TLC). 
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