Young Adult

Sethi’s writing style is loose, and he says he wrote the book for 20-35 year olds. I think financial literacy is even more critical for teens, though, and I would encourage anyone to invest in this book for their teenagers, as it is fun, but – more importantly – provides clear direction to anyone truly interested in taking control of their finances.

If I were teaching a writing class, I think I would use this book to demonstrate how to write compelling characters. We are all flawed, and that is what makes us all special. Holt sets this story in rural Texas in 1971, where a couple of teens meet “the fattest boy in the world.” Beautiful writing, which is probably why it won a National Book Award winner for fiction.

Cameron Johnson had started, run, and sold twelve successful companies by the time he was twenty-one. If that doesn’t impress and inspire teens to look into the merits of entrepreneurship, well – they get the lives they deserve. This book kicked me in the butt to start taking more action.

My kind of book, as it has 66 chapters (I am convinced that is one of the secrets to Dan Brown’s success). Teaching in the inner city allowed me a glimpse into the triumphs and travails of students living in poverty. This magnificent book follows a couple of teenagers, LaVaughn and Jolly, as they deal with issues like poverty, unwed motherhood, etc. Uplifting and poetic, it is one of the best books I’ve read for any age in the last five years (although this book is suitable for about a seventh grade level and beyond).

Dickinson is an interesting author. I have read quite a few of his books, and about the only thing I know I can expect is a compelling, unpredictable story. Let’s just say that when a student handed me this one to read, I did not expect a story about a salamander that lives inside a volcano and sheds healing tears while excreting liquid gold. I found myself turning pages pretty quickly, and I think you will, too.

Since this book is about a 6th grade quiz bowl team's funny tales, I'd recommend this to those of you with 6th graders (and quiz bowl teams).

John and Lorraine come to realize that "Our life would be what we made of it--nothing more, nothing less" in this wonderful (yet sad) story.

I read excerpts from this book to a class of delighted sixth graders (it helped that I turned out the lights and placed a flashlight under my chin). This is the sequel to another book where 11-year-old Allie Nicholas determines she has the ability to see ghosts.

Poems and stories about one girl's ability to rise from her dire environment. I especially enjoy a poem called "Four Skinny Trees." It amazes me that it has taken me so long to recommend this book.

Joey mysteriously disappears one night and returns two years later, the same age, with memories of an alien presence. Great for kids who love The X-Files.

I admire some authors just for their titles, and I would place this book in that category. Strasser is a wonderful author for boys, as his books are filled with goofiness. Boys are sure to enjoy this first in the “Tardy Boys” series. Very funny.

I adore Bryson’s humorous travelogues and books on language. I include this book as a young adult pick in order to help teachers make Shakespeare more appealing to their teenagers. Bryson’s funny observations and interesting insights are sure to motivate students to pick up copies of Shakespeare’s plays to find out what all the fuss is about.

This book will remind you to teach your students nicely. It is also great for jumpstarting students' crime and mystery tastes so that they can someday graduate to Patricia Cornwell & Sue Grafton.

Light and funny, the perfect book to help you learn to “go with the flow” when things don’t seem to be going your way.

While Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture has received countless accolades, here is a book I love to recommend. Thoughtful and challenging, Harper is an author students (and I) really appreciate.