Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. New York: St. Martin's Press.
Cath Avery is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Cath loves to write but hates interacting with people. She ends up with a roommate Reagan, whom has an ex-boyfriend that Cath actually falls for. Cath is excited to be writing, while falling for Levi at the same time.
The intended audience for this book is readers ages 14 and up. Rowell presents a classic realistic fiction story in which a girl meets a boy and falls in love with him.
Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press.
Grace is in love with a wolf named Sam who has the ability to transform into a human. After killing a boy named Jack, Sam was shot and needed a place to recover and heal his wounds. While searching for a cure to prevent becoming a wolf forever, Jack is killed by a virus he believed was the cure to keep him from becoming a wolf. Grace believes Sam has died but he eventually emerges from the woods.
The intended audience for this book is readers ages 14 and up. Stiefvater's connection to the supernatural world is evident in characters Jack and Sam as they transform from human beings into wolves.
Shusterman, N. (2007). Unwind. New York: Simon& Schuster.
After the second Civil War, Connor and Risa are threatened by a new bill of Life that makes retroactive abortion of children ages 13-18 legal. A process allowing children to be chopped into pieces. Both Connor and Risa escape being unwound because Lev blows up the facility. Connor eventually returns to the graveyard to begin a revolution.
A good recommendation for a follow up reading would be the second book of the Unwind trilogy "UnWholly". Shusterman's use of dystopia allows the reader to experience the fear each of the character's experience before being unwound.
Pena, de la M. (2015). The hunted. New York: Delacorte.
Shy was working on The Paradise Cruise luxury liner when a big storm hit causing the ship to sink. Shy was able to make it to a dinghy where he meets Addie a girl who is a survivor from the sinking ship. Addie shares a secret with Shy, but suddenly disappears when they find the other survivors. Shy is unaware that the information Addie shared with him has now put his life in danger.
This book could be followed up by a discussion on what to do in a disaster situation and ways to get help in order to survive. The author takes readers on a survival adventure as Shy tries to overcome the negative effects of the storm. De la Pena's character allows readers to feel the fear Shy experiences when he is unable to locate Addie.
Crutcher, C. (1983). Running loose. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Louie is an excellent football player who has been practicing intensely with hopes of making it to 1st string. Louie doesn't make quarterback but makes running back instead. Washington a new student on the team promotes racism amongst the team causing Louie to quit and loose focus of a lot. Coach Madison helps Louie get back on track by encouraging him to try out for the track team, which he successfully makes the team.
This books audience should be readers ages 15 and up. Crutcher makes a connection to sports throughout this story. Through sports the characters are able to overcome racism.
Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York: Penguin Group.
Hazel Grace meets Augustus at a support group because Hazel suffers from cancer. Augustus manages to get Hazel to meet he favorite author in Amsterdam because he has a wish left from when he had cancer. Unfortunately, the meeting didn't turn out as planned. Augustus reveals that his cancer had returned and he eventually passes away with Hazel Grace at his side.
A lesson that could come from reading this book is one on dealing with the effects of cancer. Green does an excellent job demonstrating how quickly cancer can change people's lives.
NYT Bestseller
Whaley, J. (2011). Where things come back. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Cullen Witter is greeted by the sudden death of his cousin due to an overdose. Cullen tries dating but is distraught by the sudden disappearance of his younger brother Gabriel. Cullen eventually marries Ada however this marriage ends in divorce because of the lack of love. The return of his little brother Gabriel allows the family to be complete again.
The intended audience of the book is readers ages 14 and up. Whaley's use of the cousin's death in the beginning of the story allows the reader to feel the extreme sense of loss experienced by the characters in the story.
Printz list
Sedgewick, M. (2013). Midwinterblood. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
Erick and Merle have survived through many lifetimes together. Erick has been connected to Merle for centuries and remains connected to her even after death. Eventually, they are both killed together where they still share their love for each other.
A good recommendation for follow up reading would be "She is not invisible" by Marcus Sedgewick. The author creates characters whose love can with stand the ultimate test of time, death. Readers are drawn into the passion demonstrated by Erick and Merle.
Printz list
Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. New York: Hyperion.
Lady Julia is captured by the Nazis and she is telling them everything she knows. She thinks back to when she met her friend Maddie a pilot when the war began. Maddie goes on a to try and free Lady Julia only to discover that she has already died.
This books intended audience is readers ages 15 and up. Wein's connection to the war and Lady Julia being captured allows readers to have a closer look at the horrible things that took place during World War 2.
St. James, J. (2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton.
Billy Bloom moves from Connecticut where he lived with his mother to Florida where he would now live with his father. Bully has a lot of trouble adjusting to his new high school setting because Billy is a drag queen. Billy is constantly bullied and picked on to the point he ended up hospitalized for a month. Neither one of Billy's parents approves of Billy's choices. However, Billy doesn't give up despite all the obstacles and hardships that come against him.
This book is intended for readers ages 14 and up. St. James's character Billy struggles with his sexual orientation and often gets picked on because of it. Readers join Billy as he overcomes the many challenges of being gay.
Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton.
Austin and Robby are friends in high school who go to the mall and get beat up by some other boys. While at the mall they discover a globe that has a glowing mass that if in the hands of the wrong people ends up turning them into giant praying mantis creatures. Austin and Robby explore an underground shelter that will lead to their survival known as project Eden.
The intended audience for this book is readers ages 16 and up. Smith's use of creatures that develop into praying mantis give the reader a look into the science fiction genre.
Sheinkin, S. (2010). The notorious Benedict Arnold. New York: Macmillian.
In the late 1700's Benedict Arnold joins the army to fight in the French-Indian War which he later deserted because of his mother's sudden death. He later joins the tax revolt movement and begins trading things illegally. He goes on to marry Margaret in 1767 and they have three sons together. Arnold is eventually promoted to General and he conspires with the British to give up the Fort he was protecting. George Washington finds out about Arnold's plan and Arnold was no longer welcome in New York.
This book is recommended for readers ages 13 and up. Sheink's research into Benedict Arnold's life is evident through the detailed description of the greed that led him to lose everything.
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos.
Sixteen year old Gabi Hernandez is a senior in high school who lives with her mother, brother Beto, and meth addicted father. Gabi documents everything that is going on in her life in her diary. Gabi struggles with food and boys but is thankful for her 2 bestfriends Cindy and Sebastian. Gabi is there for Cindy when she becomes pregnant unexpectedly and also for Sebastian when he revealed to his family that he was gay. Gabi has a boyfriend whom she has sex with even though it goes against everything her mother has taught her.
This book is recommended for readers ages 14 and up. Quintero's character Gabi depicts a typical high school Latina girl going through teenage struggles. Quintero portrays Gabi's mother as supportive but very strict. Readers get a closer look into Gabi's life as we are taken on a journey through her diary.
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Cambridge, Mss.: Candlewick Press.
Todd lives in Prentisstown with his dog Manchee. This town is strange because there are no women around and there is a germ that gave everyone the ability to hear each others thoughts. Todd lives with his foster parents because his parents were killed by the Spackle. Todd stumbles upon a hole in the noise and his parents ask him to leave. This noise is a girl name Viola whose space ship crashed while coming from the Old World. Todd and Viola go through many obstacles while fleeing the town. Eventually Todd and Viola make a church in Haven.
This books recommended audience is readers ages 14 and up. Ness's use of the Spackle an alien being that was used to destroy all the women in Prentisstown gives the reader a look into an alien creature that destroys females.
Myers, W. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.
Steve Harmon is facing sometime in prison for participating as a lookout in a crime. This story unfolds in the courtroom as a movie because Steve is documenting everything in a journal. Steve experiences many horrible things in prison, but eventually found not guilty of the crime.
The lesson that can come from reading this book is readers should think wisely about their actions ad the people they consider friends to avoid any trouble. Myers takes the reader on an experience because the character Steve Harmon is having his fate deliberated by the jury.
Lynch, C. (2005). Inexcusable. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Keir and Gigi had spent the night together after partying. Keir and Gigi had been using alcohol and other substances that cause the night to appear a blur. One thing Gigi remembers is Keir taking advantage of her and raping her the night of the party. Keir thinks he didn't rape Gigi but truly doesn't remember the events of that night.
This book could be followed up by a discussion on sexual abuse, rape, and ways to get help. Lynch's character Keir is a typical good boy but readers discover he isn't truly what he appears to be. Keir's substance abuse begins to affect his decisions and readers are able to see how he becomes more unpopular as the story goes on.
Lyga, B. (2012). I hunt killers. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Jasper Dent lives with his grandmother in a town called Lobos Nod. Jazz's mother disappeared and his father is a well known serial killer Billy Dent who is locked up in prison for all his crimes. Before going to prison Jazz's father tried to show him how to become a ruthless killer. While attending high school, a body of a women is discovered in a field and this causes Jazz to think he can help. This event also stirs up mixed emotions about Jazz's fathers murdering ways. Jazz's girlfriend is there to reassure Jazz that he will never be like his father.
This book is intended for an audience of readers that are ages 14 and up. Lyga's use of a father being a serial killer adds suspense to this story. Often characteristics and traits are passed on from parent to their child and Jazz struggles with the thought that he could be like his father someday. The reader is taken along on this murder mystery to determine who murdered the woman whose body was found in the field.
Lockhart, E. (2014). We were liars. New York: Delacorte.
Cadence Sinclaire Eastman suffers a terrible accident that leaves her with migraines and memory loss. She soon realizes her grandfathers' home has been completely renewed. This causes her memory to slowly return. Cadence figures out she was part of the fire and all the liars died. In the end, Cadence leads their ghosts to the ocean where they disappear.
The intended audience of this book is readers ages 13 and up. Lockhart does an excellent job allowing the reader to believe Cadence's friends were real until it was revealed her were all ghost because they all died in the fire.
Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte.
Ry Burke lives with his mother, sister, and abusive father on their Iowa family farm. A meteorite falls from the sky destroying their farm and freeing Ry and his family from his abusive father's control. When Ry's father returns it pushes Ry to call on some imaginary friends to protect his family.
This book could be followed up by a discussion over the topic of abuse and ways to get help. Kraus' use of the meteorite destroying Ry's family farm demonstrates an apocalyptic event. This twist in the plot of the story allows Ry's family to be set free from their abusive father. Kraus' use of imaginary characters gives the reader a sense of hope that Ry's family will pull through this.
King, A. (2014). Glory O' Brien history of the future. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Reader.
Glory graduates from high school and goes into the world of the unknown. A tyrannical leader has taken over and raises an army that causes all women's rights to be removed. Glory is fearful of her future because her mom committed suicide at a young age leaving Glory behind. Glory decides to document everything that is taking place in hopes that she can make a difference.
This book could be followed up by a lesson on the destruction of Earth and ways to prevent something like that from happening. King's description of events under tyrannical leaders rule are terrible and the reader is pushed to feel sympathy for Glory. The lose of Glory's mother left her unsure of her future.
Hautman, P. (2005). Invisible. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Dougie is a young boy who has a friend by the name of Andy Morrow. Dougie inherits a train set from his grandfather which he uses to create a town known as Madham. Dougie seems to be suffering from a mental illness and isn't taking his medication. While attending a therapy session he admits starting a fire at the Tuttle home where his friend Andy died. This causes Dougie to become very upset causing him to set fire to Madham the town he created.
The intended audience is readers ages 12 and up. Hautman's connection to the supernatural world takes readers along with Dougie as he eventually realize Andy is no longer alive. Dougie struggles with the idea that Andy is gone and readers are able to fear Dougie's confusion as the story unfolds.
Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Liza Winthrop and Annie Kenyon meet at a museum and become close friends instantly. Both of them come from completely different backgrounds but that didn't keep them apart. The girls begin spending so much time together they eventually fall in love. This causes problems for the girls and almost gets Liza kicked out of school. Eventually, the girls go off to college but still keep in touch with each other.
This book is intended for an audience of readers ages 14 and up. The characters present in Garden's realistic fiction allow the reader to feel the emotional connection between Liza and Annie. Same sex orientation is presented for the reader while we learn about the love felt by the characters even after being away at college.
Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war: A novel. New York: Delacorte.
Jerry Renault a freshman at Trinity High School experiences a lot of physical abuse on the field trying to make quarterback for the team. A secret society plays dirty pranks and refuses to sell chocolates as a part of an assignment that Jerry gets wrapped up in. This leads Jerry to a fight but he is still unable to tell anyone the truth about the secret society.
This book is intended for an audience ages 12 and up. Cormier's use of violence by Archie and Obie allow readers to experience the level of fear people like Jerry had to go through.
Brown, B. (2014). Andre the giant. New York: FirstSecond.
Andre the giant is best known for his extremely large size. Andre spent many years in the world of professional wrestling and became very famous because of his large size. Andre the giant even appeared in the movie "The Princess Bride". The author writing this story conducted vast amounts of research before putting this book together.
This book is recommended for readers ages 13 and up. Brown's use of a graphic novel is an excellent way to present Andre Roussimoff's life to readers. Brown's use of accurate research gives readers a closer look into the life of Andre the giant.
Black, H. The coldest girl in Coldtown. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Tana wakes up after a night of partying with friends to find everyone around her is dead with the exception of Aidan and Gavriel. Vampires have the ability to turn people cold so all three dind a way to escape to Coldtown. A set of twins obsessed with going to Coldtown becomes infected and eventually infect Tana with the cold. Gavriel remains by Tana side until the cold wears off and she is well again.
This book is recommended for readers ages 14 and up. Black allows the reader to go on an adventure through a fantasy world with Tana, Aidan, and Gavriel as they escape the vampire's wrath. Eventually the reader joins the characters as they reach Coldtown where Tana becomes a vampire.
Bardugo, L. (2015). Six of crows. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Kaz Brekker a 17 year old is also known as Dirtyhands. He is second in command of a gang known as the Dregs. Kaz and his gang are given the difficult task of breaking into the prison, grabbing a scientist Professor Maguffin and safely making it back out of the prison. He is capable of creating weapons of war that can upset the balance of power. While in the prison they are trapped but eventually get away with what they were after.
This book is intended for readers ages 13 and up. Bardugo draws readers into this fantasy world as Kaz and his gang overcome the challenges of breaking into the prison. The author takes the reader on a journey as each character deals with their own internal conflicts while successfully trying to escape from prison.
Backderf, D. (2012). My friend Dahmer: A graphic novel. New York: Abrams.
Jeffery Dahmer the serial killer grew up along side other normal children. Derf Backderf is Dahmer's friend in high school and is able to get a close look at the trouble Dahmer goes through as a young teen. Jeffery's parents ignored their son's disruptive behaviors. Early on in Dahmer's life it is clear that he is struggling with demons that eventually lead him to commit murder.
This books intended audience is readers ages 14 and up. Backderf's graphic novel allows the reader to take a look into the life of Jeffery Dahmer as a teen. Backderf's details about Dahmer allow the readers to get a better look at this troubled teen.
Anderson, M. (2002). Feed. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
Titus lives in a future version of America where he travels to the moon to meet Violet. They hit it off well but their feeds get hacked causing Violet to become very ill. Titus tries to disconnect from her but eventually realizes he is very important to Violet's health and survival.
This books intended audience is readers ages 12 and up. Anderson's use of cyberpunk is evident throughout the story because all of society has become dependent on a computer feed for survival.
Anderson, L. (1999). Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.
Melinda a soon to be freshman in high school attends a summer party in which she is raped. This caused Melinda to become withdrawn from everyone making her an outcast. Eventually Melinda speaks out about the rape and the rapist in an attempt to save her friend Rachel. She is able to move on with her life after doing this.
The lesson that could come from reading this book is sexual awareness and rape prevention. Anderson's use of the inappropriate sexual relations that took place between Andy and Melinda allows the readers to have a sense of fear along with other emotions Melinda felt.
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Rowdy and Arnold Junior are good friends in high school. Arnold decides he no longer wants to attend school on the reservation and this results in the entire reservation going against him, even Rowdy. At Arnold's new high school he meets Penelope whom he becomes very close to. Arnold continues to experience loss in his life through a turn of tragic events. In the end, Rowdy and Arnold remain friends.
The intended audience for this book is readers ages 13 and up. Alexie's genre focuses on Native Americans because the character Arnold is confused about fitting in on the reservation. This helps readers get an insight into some of the struggles young Native Americans experience,
Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. New York: St. Martin's Press.
