Young Adult

Great book for teachers and parents of adolescents. Each page presents a motivational message from a famous personality. The author is a principal, and uses these short, inspirational messages “Paul Harvey”-style to instill powerful lessons in his students.

In an effort to appear cool to the teenagers I work with, I have begun to read a lot more “manga,” which is the “in” genre at most middle and high schools. This first in a very popular series by Hayakawa impressed me by its willingness to turn conventional story structures on their heads (or maybe it is the translation). The twisted humor and “foreign” ending caught me off-guard. This is one of the better manga books I have read.

A classic. The reluctant sixth grade reader is sure to read this illustrated, funny tale because all of us can relate to Charlie Brown's trials and tribulations.

The story of a young girl growing up in a close-knit town in North Carolina. Like any adolescent child, she is struggling to find her place in the world. Poetry is Piper’s outlet, and I enjoyed the message this book sens teens about pursuing their dreams.

Ever read a book simply based on its title? I do, all the time. This time, I was rewarded for the effort, as Alexie’s main character, Arnold Spirit, is a study in adolescence. The trials and tribulations of this teen Native American are applicable to all teens who feel out of place (which describes EVERY teenager).

There are so many reasons you should read this book. This is one of the few books that I have read and not seen the movie, which earned its young star Keisha Castle-Hughes an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress…as a 13-year-old! Of all the books on this month’s list, start with this one, as it is a mythological, coming-of-age, female empowerment, spiritual – magical tale.

Particularly popular with boys, as this one gets a little graphic. An older book (written in 1973), Deathwatch is actually required reading in many high schools, despite many gruesome situations. Compared to many primetime television shows today, I think the book rates fairly tame. Tell me what you think.

I am a big fan of the Private series, which is perfect for teenage girls interested in mysteries. Add Kate Brian to your list of authors to read.

Tired of life being so serious? Why not read about the boy who never grew up? There is an innocent optimism captured in this book that should bring a smile to anyone's face.

Why wouldn’t I include a book on this list with a title like that? Heartwarming and hilarious, a fat black cat named Zorba learns the value of caring for others in this magnificent story.

Pete Hautman is an author you NEED to read, and not just because he won a National Book Award. His novels always say something, and they guide readers effortlessly into worlds that may seem absurd yet familiar at the same time. I enjoyed this book for its female protagonist’s decline from joy rider to certified car thief, which is just a canvas Hautman uses to paint teenage angst. A book that middle schoolers, in particular, can easily identify with.

So what if this book doesn't make you laugh? It's a good book that you can read while you wait in lines. Some books are just worth reading because they touch your heart. This is one of those books.

I must confess that I have not seen the movie version of this excellent book about two boys living beside one another in Poland who discover they share the same birthdate. One lives outside the fence, and the other lives within the fence wearing striped pajamas. The boy on the outside never knew what his father did for a living, and this book strengthens my theory that some of the best stories of atrocities like the Holocaust are told from the points of view of children (see The Diary of Anne Frank).

Great book for discussions about current events, as it examines a suicide bombing of a bus in Israel told through the perspectives of very different characters. I love how it pushes readers to consider different points of view.

Don't worry - I've seen editions of this book range from 175 - 275 pages. It is worth the read, especially if you enjoy reading about the value of friendship.