Young Adult

An intriguing story that follows the lives of Molly, Janine and Mary Anne. All are born on the same date in the heart of the Midwest, and this easy-to-read and compelling tale examines the effects of their different families on the fulfillment, or lack thereof, of their childhood dreams.

I wholeheartedy endorse Sarah Dessen’s books, as she is one of the increasingly rare young adult authors who manages to tell a contemporary story without lots of negative language and graphic scenes. Still, girls are drawn to this book about a modern day Cinderella shedding pounds and a negative self-image in a story that manages to entertain and seem real and honest at the same time.

This is a no-brainer. Sports, suspense – this book has it all. What I like best is the evolving relationship between high school senior Chance Taylor and his Gulf War veteran-turned-alcoholic father, as I am a sucker for redemptive endings.

Want to know how to get reluctant writers to write? Turn them on to one of my favorite websites, smithteens.com (or, for all ages, sixwordstories.net). The editors of SMITH magazine have compiled this book of over 800 teenage six-word memoirs, ranging from the funny “Sometimes, Little Debbie wins. She’s evil” to the painful “Five elementary schools and two obituaries.” This is one of the best motivational tools I have ever used with reluctant writers

The first in The Kiesha’ra Series, this book is perfect for the fantasy lovers in your classroom – especially girls. God bless Atwater-Rhodes, as students become addicted to everything she publishes.

The title grabbed me, and the style kept my attention. One of the first young adult books that I have read that is formatted like a series of emails. Clever and funny.

While I cannot say I am a fan of some of the scenarios in this book, I do appreciate how Ehrenhaft employs a variety of literary devices in telling this story that some of the middle school boys I have worked with say is their favorite funny book. And I have a creedo: if it gets boys laughing and reading, I support it wholeheartedly!

For truly lazy readers, make sure to check out one of Japanese director Kitano’s many wonderful films (I particularly enjoyed Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman). This book will provide anyone a glimpse of Kitano’s world, as it includes three short stories that are strong enough to pull even teens to watch a foreign film with subtitles!

Hugely popular on YouTube with teenage girls, this book will be hard to keep on the shelf of your classroom library.

One of the more popular books I have introduced to middleschoolers, this tale of a 13-year-old heroin addict is sure to spark lively classroom discussions. A very honest and vivid look at the harshness of drug addiction.

Not only is this a great book because it puts a human face on illegal immigration (15-year-old Victor, who must head North to earn money for his fatherless family). I also appreciate how the book explores the geography of the Southwest, as I am constantly pressing students to learn more about geography (most Americans only learn where places are if there is a war or natural disaster). To find out more about why I enjoy Will’s books so much, click this link to read this month’s blog.

I’m not someone who goes ga-ga for animals, but Bekoff’s touching story will stimulate wonderful discussions among your students about how important animals are…and our importance, as humans, in treating animals with compassion and respect.

Dystopian novels are all the rage nowadays, but this one stands out for two reasons: it is short, and its author is herself a high school student.

Rumors are one of the toughest experiences for adolescents, and this book has always been popular with my students for grabbing their attention with its realistic portrayal of a girl who is falsely accused of being a slut. Also, very popular with teenage boys looking for short books to read to fulfill required book reports.

Good books should transform readers, and that is what this book will do. Mister Pip is a wonderful – though not happy – coming-of-age story with a strong adolescent female protagonist.