Young Adult

Too many teen books depress the heck out of me, so I am thrilled whenever I read something that is funny. Okay, so teen girls will identify more with this Jane Austen-inspired romantic comedy. Still, I enjoyed every page.

Even though I think McCormick is a wonderful writer, do not expect a happy feeling after reading her. Sold is one of the most disturbing young adult books I have ever read, but it is an important book that illuminates the horrible world of teen slavery/prostitution that is certain to stir the hearts and minds of students.

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.

I am not sure if Stephanie Myer is solely responsible for the current vampire craze in literature, but I do know that I sure see a lot more vampire books appearing in teen literature lately. For yet another alternative for teens obsessed with the Twilight series, check out Marrone’s book about a teen dealing with issues of bad choices that include her ex-boyfriend (who happens to be a vampire).

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.

Dave Barry is so dependably hilarious and such a gifted writer, I should just include an entire list of his books. This one is sure to please your family this holiday season.

Middle schoolers will get a kick out of this tale of an obnoxious 8^th 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.

I think teens need to read heartwarming stories from time to time. There’s nothing worse than a cynical teenager. This quick read is sure to tug a heartstring or two.

I’ve recommended Andy Griffiths before (he is not to be confused with a certain sheriff from Mayberry), but I feel like I should include this book for parents of fourth-sixth grade boys who have no interest in reading. I read this book to boys who have never opened a book voluntarily, and I discover the boys weeks later have memorized pages! Yes, this book is not going to win any literary awards, but if it gets a boy into reading there is a greater chance that that boy will try to read a book that has won a literary award. I highly recommend this book for teachers and parents who have reluctant readers, especially boys (click here to read my blog about some tips to help reluctant readers).

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.

Middle school boys love Enders Game, so they are sure to enjoy this side story set during Ender's first years at the Battle School where it is forbidden to celebrate religious holidays. Had to include something for the fellas.

God bless Walter Mosley! Mosley has provided the inner-city middle schoolers that I have read to for years characters that they can identify with, and Mosley’s writing skill and character development are something to behold. This is one of the shortest of Mosley’s Easy Rawlins mysteries, but it is sure to attract students to the series. A wonderful author with a diverse pool of stories.

Call me a sap, but I have seen some of the toughest teenage boys quietly enjoy this sentimental story of the power a homeless dog has on his adoptive family.

Last month I had the pleasure of speaking in beautiful Kentucky, and I asked everyone I came across what was making that deafening noise outside? “Cicadas,” Derek Shouse said, and that peaked my interest in learning more about these annoying and freaky insects. Lo and behold, the first book I came across with cicadas in the title turned out to be Beaty’s first young adult novel, and what a treat. Eleven-year-old protagonist Lily is a Nancy Drew lover, and this book should impress fellow Nancy Drew devotees.

Jackpot! If you have a ten-year-old boy who does not like to read, I insist you buy this book. It is filled with the cool types of stories that draw boys to read The Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.