Young Adult

While this book is a little longer than other recommendations, consider that it is Japanese manga (a graphic novel) based on a video game. I have used these books to draw a lot of disinterested boys into reading graphic novels. Tip: hook kids on reading using whatever means necessary.

Gotta confess that I grabbed this book because I was curious to learn how to spell and pronounce the author’s first name. If you want your girls to have something to talk about, hand them copies of this collection of often-bizarre short stories.

Probably one of the best-written books I have ever read about bullying, this book will haunt you and prompt an important discussion among your middle school students.

Let’s face it: Linda Sue Park is one of the most talented young adult authors today. I cannot get enough of her books, and I know you’ll find this piece, set in Japanese-occupied Korea during World War II, as compelling and lovely as I did.

A dying grandfather’s thoughts unfurl in this beautifully written prose.

Ah, if only there were more authors like Nikki Grimes out there, I am convinced we would have nothing but passionate readers. She combines everything I am looking for in an author for middle schoolers: poetry, moral messages, hope, multicultural characters…the list goes on. This is her latest in a long line of books that get students thinking about race relations, their spiritual beliefs and their values. The kind of book that teaches the heart, as well as the mind.

This is not “light” reading, as it deals with Deanna, a teenager whose father catches her sleeping with a boy and being branded a slut by everyone. She keeps an “anonymous” journal that – I must confess – brought tears to my eyes, as I can see how so many teenage girls could identify with Deanna’s struggles. This book will give you plenty to think about.

Why not expose your middle schoolers to a positive self-help book that will prompt them to reflect on how to be authentic, proud and directed? Brown has a huge adult audience, and I’d like to see more troubled teenagers discover her writing.

Could you come up with a better title to get boys interested in reading? The title is actually a play on words two kittens hear children use when arguing: “Is not!...Is too!” A simple story that is a great way to draw reluctant readers toward bookshelves.

Treat yourself to any book in the Hank Zipzer, Underachiever series. Henry Winkler is a tireless literacy advocate (he was dyslexic as a child, and students love hearing about his rise to become “the Fonz” and a popular character actor), and these books (co-authored by Oliver) are a wonderful way to get a lot of reluctant and struggling readers interested in reading.

Wow! If this book does not make you cry or at least reconsider how you treat people, I don’t know what will. I cannot believe this is Anderson’s first book. I loved this touching tale of a high school girl’s sudden case of laryngitis, brought on by her outcast status. This should be required reading in every middle school. It’s that good.

Let’s not leave the girls out. Since I am talking about series books, I have to include one of the most popular series of all time: Nancy Drew. I have a hunch that the upcoming movie is going to renew interest in the series, and I encourage parents and teachers to lasso that interest with plenty of great titles from the series.

This is a recent Newbery winner which means everyone should read this book. You are sure to be fascinated by this story set in 12th century Korea that follows the treacherous journey of a boy trying to reach the king to show off the fine pottery work of his master. But by the time he reaches the royal court, he only has a single shard left to show for his struggles. A great book for illustrating to anyone the power of perseverance.

I’ll let adults in on a little secret: some of the best literature available is reserved for teens. Such is the case with anything by Steve Burt, an incredibly gifted storyteller who manages to write chilling stories like this one (part of a series that includes the Bram Stoker award-winning Oddest Yet) or heartwarming stories like A Christmas Dozen. Especially popular with reluctant boy readers, Burt is a treat for all ages (and genders).

I love books that feature familiar tales told from different points of view. This book is great for laughs and to get kids thinking about how there is always more than one side to a story.