Young Adult

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.

You have GOT to get this book! It captivated me with the history of little-known comics that you won’t see at a multiplex (hopefully) any time soon. This book is filled with the types of anecdotes I love to devour.

A teacher told me she did not like this book because it was full of clichés and had a predictable upbeat ending. I guess those things are true, but I still found this book to be a very nice story about a friendship between a white girl and black girl in pre-Civil Rights Tallahassee. Give it a try and tell me what you think. My students have always really enjoyed this book.

Part of the Reel Friends series, this book is an important discussion starter for teens on stereotypes.

The Clique Series has become a hit, and I read this one just to stay in the loop. I have discussed these books with a number of middle schoolers (all girls, of course, as guys seem to only read books filled with testosterone or pterodactyls), and they all like the books for their believability. This one provides a good glimpse into Harrison’s style.

A great book for high school students. I like it because of its quirky characters (always a plus, in my opinion) and homage to the city I love, Los Angeles. Adults who ignore young adult literature really miss out on some of the best stories. Grab a copy of Weetzie Bat and relax for a couple of hours.

This book scores lot of points for originality, as each page is written in free verse from different characters’ points of view of a high school teacher’s murder. A great book to inspire reluctant writers (especially boys).

This is just a cool book for all ages, but middle-schoolers love the mystery of this criminal mastermind who lives a Jeckyll and Hyde lifestyle. Another great book from Great Britain – is there something in the water there?

Susan Weller recommended this book to me over a year ago, and I finally got around to reading it. I should never have waited so long, as I have always enjoyed Beverly Cleary’s books. Your kids will enjoy this one, too.

The perfect book for those of you who have 12-year-old boys who don’t like to read. This collection of clever, funny, creepy and flat-out weird stories are sure to spark interesting book talks.

Touching story about child abuse that has been around for awhile and – like with too many books and authors – I am finally getting around to featuring on this site. Check out more of Irene Hunt’s books, as she is a gifted storyteller.

Ever since I read Holes (one of the best books in years), I have been devouring stories from Louis Sachar. He is my kind of writer, as his stories always make me laugh, and I always enjoy his subtle messages. Many thanks to Amparo Betancourt for recommending this book to me.

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.

As Halloween is approaching, I figured a good page-turner about werewolves could peek the reading interests of plenty of reluctant teen readers. Good coming-of-age story that is the first in a series.

Gripping memoir by one of the youngest children to have survived the Holocaust who was on Oskar Schindler’s List.