Books+for+Teens,+WFMJ,+July+2010



BOOKS FOR TEENS-WFMJ- July 2010 Teens are independent readers, but they too enjoy discussion about books that they are reading. I’ve been privileged to be a part of discussions with my niece who reads for simple enjoyment during the summer months. Sitting pool side, she reads a book over 600 pages long, without blinking an eye. I will ask her to give me a book review in terms that will promote conversation of our personalities…”Sarah, is this a book for me, or is this something I should pass on?” “Why or why not?” Knowing my taste in books, plus my “over-all” likes and dislikes, Sarah can definitely form an opinion that I can appreciate. Here are some top notch authors and books that are good reads by students of middle school and high school age: 1. Anything by Rick Riordan and his famous character Percy Jackson. Starting with **__The Lightning Thief__**. This is a book that attracts the boy/young man who is looking for adventure within mythological monsters. This 375 pager is offered at $7.99 in paper back. It has received award after award for it’s humorous allusions to Greek mythology. After Percy is kicked out of boarding school, Percy finds Greek Gods becoming a part of his personal life, instead of remaining in his textbooks. The relationship between Percy and the Gods is less than “friendly” to say the least. He has been accused of stealing Zeus’ mater lightning bolt, and he has ten days to return it. This is a difficult task,. Well written and suspenseful. 2. **__Eclipse__** by Stephenie Meyer. I bit the bullet and bought this 629 page book as part of the Twilight Saga. Is this my personal favorite? Not exactly. Do I want to find out what all the “fuss is about”? Absolutely. This lengthy book is a part of many teen girls’ summer life this year, and I applaud the attraction and willingness they have to read this installment of work that coincides with the block buster hit in the movie theaters. Praises to all who are reading this book for enjoyment prior to seeing the movie. Good for you! 3. **__Stormbreaker__** by Anthony Horowitz. Love this page turner. A 14 year old boy tries to solve the mystery behind his uncle’s death. As he discovers more about his uncle’s hidden identity of a spy, Alex Rider, is met with killers and a deadly game of cat and mouse. This is the last installment of this series. 4. **__The Lion Called Christian__** by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall. This is the story behind the famous YouTube Classic. This story, unknown to me, was originally published in 1971, but is now fully revised with over 50 photos to document the journey from a cub in a London apartment to the plains of Kenya. Animal literature at its best. 5. **__Geektastic__** edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci. This is a collection of geeky stories that celebrate the GEEK in us all. If you are a past, present or future geek, there is bound to be a story in here that you can relate to…is it top notch literature? NO. It just may capture the interest of you are a “known geek” in your family make-up. Could be helpful in supporting a “geek” that you love. 6. **__Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul__** written by a collection of authors such are Bill Cosby, Jennie Garth and Jennifer Love Hewitt. A New York Times Best Seller gives the teenager hope for their future. Great for the reluctant reader and super “story starter” for parents and teenagers. My suggestion is for a parent to purchase it for his/her teen, read a few of the stories first, and ask his/her teen to read them too…share feelings about the story together. 7. **__DREAM, a Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes__** by Susan V. Bosak. It’s a picture book writen in 2004 that I think would be a perfect gift to give your college bound freshman when you leave them off at the dorm for the first time. Each page has quotes from famous writers such as M.L.K., Jr. and T.S. Eliot. Inspirational, powerful pages about following your dreams is on each page. I think your college student could refer to it when writing speeches or as “story starters” in term papers. Excellent! 8. My most sensitive, powerful recommendation comes from a first time author, Jay Asher, **__Thirteen Reasons Why.__** Clay’s first love, Hannah, records her last words before committing suicide. Her voice tells Clay the 13 reasons why she decided to kill herself. As he listens to the 13 reasons, and travels through his town, he becomes keenly aware of Hannah’s heartache and the truth about himself. This can be an uncomfortable story to read, but highly recommended by so many teen writers…even a required read by a local high school in Ohio. 9. **__Travel Team__** by Mike Lupica- Danny is an outstanding basketball player, but has always had his lack of height against him. His dream of being on the “travel team” is shattered when he is cut due to his height issue. Danny, his father, and a few other castaways get a second chance to prove that coaches can not measure the heart by a ruler.

Remember, always give a child a chance to read, no matter who young or old. Reading together, from the same or different book, during the teen years can be just as meaningful as those days when you cuddled up together on his/her bed to read a bedtime story. Form a memory with your teen, read with your teen.