Young Adult

Part of the Angelaeon Circle Trilogy, this fantasy is a great way to get your teens hooked on reading. I have seen more than one reluctant reader find a passion for reading, courtesy of Karyn Henley.

Speaking of great authors, it was pointed out to me that I have not placed a Lois Lowry book on any of my lists. I apologize for the oversight. While everyone knows and loves Lowry’s compelling Newbery-winning The Giver, I’d like to recommend her latest fantasy, which highlights all of Lowry’s writing strengths. You can literally read this book at the bookstore (believe me, I did), and it is a couple of hours well-spent.

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.

I cannot make up my mind what age group to classify this book in, as it offers something for everyone and can be enjoyed by anyone. Wonderful cartoon characters with a wit that would leave any Simpsons fan howling, Pastis might be one of my favorite writers.

I really love books for teens that inspire them to really do something that matters. This is the perfect book for students who are anxious to start making a difference in the world now. I know plenty of “kids” who accomplish more than most adults. We should really encourage students to read more books like this one.

Six quick bios of modern business giants Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, Larry Page and Jeff Bezos. Perfect quick reads for teens in waiting rooms with dreams of making millions.

Subtitled “The Fine Art of Face-to-Face Communication for Teenagers,” this book could assist plenty of adults who are stuck behind their iPhones and Androids most of the day. Very practical advice for those interested in making positive impressions with fellow human beings.

Part of the wonderful Horrible Histories series, this book is particularly popular with boys who want to read about truly evil things. Deary is a wonderful teacher, as he dependably turns dry subjects into required reading

If you love riddles, brainteasers and puzzles as much as me, you’re in for a treat. I use these books as incentives for students who finish their work early.

More of a book for “tween” girls, this story reads a lot like The Parent Trap...plus one.

This could probably be categorized as a children’s book because it is illustrated and super-short, but I have found that the 6th graders I read this book to find it hilarious. And why not, as the author is a writer from the greatest show on television (no, not The Bachelor), The Simpsons.

Thanks to Bob Matulich for another great recommendation.

Part of a wonderful series of books called Snapshots in History by Compass Point Books (compasspointbooks.com). Students love the photographs, and I like the way the author organized all the information in a visually appealing way. History books were always boring when I was in middle school. I’m a fan of this series, and my students were amazed by how this act caused one of the greatest catastophes the world had known to that point (World War I, for those of you keeping score at home).

And now for a more somber but uplifting book. I often read young adult books to learn about times in history that I never studied in school.

About a girl’s suffering in North Korea in the 1950s under Japanese and Russian rule, this book truly moved me. I promise it has a happy ending.

Wow! I have my friend Nancy Frey to thank for this pick, as she mentioned every student at Hoover H.S. in San Diego seemed to be reading this graphic novel (which, I confess, is a genre that I have not done a good enough job of recommending on past lists). What an AWESOME book. Don’t take my word for it, though. Here is what Stan Lee (the creator of Spider Man) has to say: “Never before have I seen a non-fiction book as beautifully and compellingly written and illustrated as The 9/11 Report, A Graphic Adaptation.  I cannot recommend it too highly.  It will surely set the standard for all future works of contemporary history, graphic or otherwise, and should be required reading in every home, school and library."

The author is a high school English teacher, and it made sense that my high school students got a kick out of this one. Nonstop action, as this one is not for the faint of heart. The perfect book to take to the park and devour in an afternoon.