by J.K. Rowling
Well, it's kind of the crown jewel, right? I stand behind any book that will inspire a 13 year-old to voluntarily read an 800 page book. Let's hear it for staying up until 3 am! The journey into Hogwarts captivates the imagination and inspires the soul. There's a teenager out there who's going to thank you.
by Suzanne Collins
Be prepared to stay up late. Very, very late. This suspenseful tale challenges popular media and culture in the context of the wildest reality show ever concieved. Collins explores the tragic circumstance of children growing up in times of war. This book is more appropriate for older teens, as violence plays a major role in the lives of these young people. I encourage parents to read this series, too. This book affords the opportunity for your teenager to think critically about current affairs and consider the lives of their counterparts living in warzones around the world. I cannot speak any stronger words of praise about this series.
by J.R.R Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien's master work is a must-read for avid readers, young and not-so-young. He created a complex, perfect world full of lovable and frightening creatures, rich languages, and customs. I'm not quite sure how much more I can say. It's an epic tale on the scale of the Bible.
by Art Spiegelman
Art Spiegelman brilliantly tells the story of his Jewish father's harrowing tale of surviving the Holocaust
through a comic book. Skeptics may turn their heads, but Spiegelman takes the "human" aspect out the picture and replaces each of the major players with animals. The French are frogs, the Jews are mice, the Norwegians are reindeer. This is not a pleasant story, but it is beautiful and real. Spiegelman implores the reader to view the Holocaust through his father's eyes. For more mature young readers.
through a comic book. Skeptics may turn their heads, but Spiegelman takes the "human" aspect out the picture and replaces each of the major players with animals. The French are frogs, the Jews are mice, the Norwegians are reindeer. This is not a pleasant story, but it is beautiful and real. Spiegelman implores the reader to view the Holocaust through his father's eyes. For more mature young readers.
by Orson Scott Card
I'm not kidding. This book will blow your mind. After you're done reading it, wrap it up and give it to your favorite middle schooler or high schooler. Just kidding! Confession time: I have not read the other books in this series. However, I love this book with all my heart, and really wanted to include it in this list.
The category of "Teen Fiction" often confuses adults. My sister was kind enough to explain that "it just means the main character is a teenager." Everything else is legit. The common thread between these books is that they all tell of the boundless capacity for human strength. None of these characters believes they are special. They are common people who achieve uncommon things in the face of powerful obstacles. Young readers will find a piece of themselves in each of these characters, and may close the book a stronger, more confident young adult.
I hope you know some readers. Additionally, these are also great titles for the numerous charity book drives at large, commercial bookstores.
I would read Hunger Games if it were not narrated in the present tense. That wears tiresome very quickly. The Lord of the Rings, on the other hand is the masterpiece of the 20th Century in the English language. A must read for anyone of any age old enough to understand it.
ReplyDeleteThough not anywhere in that league, I try to write so that the whole family can really enjoy.