To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Summary: Two children in a small southern town in the l930s are thrust into an adult world of racial bigotry and hatred when their lawyer father chooses to defend a black man charged with raping a white girl.

This book is one of the most frequently banned books of the 20^th century; therefore, it is an excellent book. There is mature content and the story allows for much discussion. However, I do not think it is inappropriate for a secondary education student to read.  I read this story for pleasure in tenth grade. I was very sensitive at that age in comparison to my classmates, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, I found other books we discussed in my English class that year much more disturbing. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading classic literature or understanding the time period in which the book takes place.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Learning to Swim 

 by Clare Chambers

Summary: Abigail’s safe, middle-class home life is thrown into dramatic relief as her friendship with Frances’s family gives her a new outlook.

I read this coming of age love story when I was a young teen. My friend returned from Germany with a stopover in the UK. She purchased this book and demanded that we all read her copy. The book is still a little hard to find in the US, but is well worth the effort of ordering online. Though told in decades past, this realistic story is relatable to today’s teens. The romance, drama, and self-reflection in this story are enjoyable and appropriate for young adults.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Horror Stories for Young Adults

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Young Adult Science Fiction Reads: Time Travel

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Young Adult Science Fiction Reads: Dystopias and Futuristic Societies

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The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by James Patterson

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Daniel has followed in his parents' footsteps as the Alien Hunter, exterminating beings on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma, but when he faces his first of the top ten outlaws, the very existence Earth and another planet are at stake.

Fans of adventure and action will be captivated by the book’s story. Despite its theme, the book is somewhat relatable; the book is told in first person by Daniel, a teenage boy with common teenage struggles. I enjoyed Daniel’s cynical and sarcastic outtake which adds a layer of humor to the story. This book is generally labeled as young adult, but it is not inappropriate for older elementary students who are strong readers.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: Young Adult

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

by Peter Sis

Summary; Annotated illustrations, maps, and dreamscapes explore how the artist-author's life was shaped while growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, in a powerful graphic memoir.

This biography is the winner of the American Library Association’s prestigious Sibert Informational Award. The story is very moving. The main text is simple, but the side notes are what make an impact on the reader. This is an excellent read for any talk on the Cold War and the importance of free speech.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: grade 5

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

by Heather Brewer

Summary: For thirteen years, Vlad, aided by his aunt and best friend, has kept secret that he is half-vampire, but when his missing teacher is replaced by a sinister substitute, he learns that there is more to being a vampire, and to his parents' deaths, than he could have guessed.

This is the first book in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series. It is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in vampires without a mushy romance element. Many young adult boys have requested this action story set in the present. Although Vlad is not entirely human, his emotions and characteristics seem to resonate with male and female teens alike. The small mysteries in the story held my interest throughout the book.

Interest Level: grades 6-12
Reading Level: grade 6

The Alchemyst

by Michael Scott

Summary: While working at summer jobs in San Francisco, twins Sophie and Josh find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee, over the possession of an ancient and powerful book.

This is the exciting and fascinating first book in a series. I recommend this book to young adults and younger readers on a high reading level. I feel there is no objectionable material aside from fantasy violence. This series draws characters from ancient mythology of several different cultures. Like the Percy Jackson series, modern teen characters and ancient characters interact in an original story that takes place today.

Interest Level: grade 4-12
Reading Level: grade 6

Vampire Reads for Young Adults

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Librarianjk recommends Boy2Girl

Boy2girl by Terence Blacker

Summary: After the death of his mother, thirteen-year-old Sam comes to live with his cousin and as a prank, he dresses up as a girl for school, but it soon gets out of hand.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book would be great for someone who wants to read about young teens with real emotions. I believe both males and females would enjoy the way the author depicts gender roles. This includes the differences in how boys and girls act and how they think they should act as a boy or girl.

Interest Level: young adult
Reading Level: young adult

Adventure Books for Young Adults

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Romantic Novels for Young Adults

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Humorous Books for Young Adults

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Am I Right or Am I Right?

Am I Right or Am I Right?
by Barry Jonsberg

Summary: Calma Harrison is in love. Not just with herself, but also with a handsome checkout guy at Crazi-Cheep. So stocking shelves at the store seems like a perfect job--until that annoying customer tries to hold up the store. . .

Though considered chick lit, this girl is not your average whiney school girl! She’s tough and arrogant, but also hilarious and entertaining. If you are looking for a comedy, that sense that someone else gets it besides you, or even a romantic comedy, try this book.

Reading Level: YA
Interest Level: YA

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Summary: The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent's death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.

Although this book is considered to be on a fourth grade reading level, the content is mature including gangs and violence. I feel it is most appropriate for middle school and high school students.I read this as a sixth grade honors student and it was a little intense for me, though it was very enjoyable. It is a great book for putting your life into perspective as a youth.

Reading Level: grade 5
Interest Level: 6-12

Librarianjk recommends Politically Correct Bedtime Stories

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories

by James Finn Garner

Summary: “Politically correct" versions of traditional fairy tales or bedtime stories that have been changed to be feminist, equal-opportunist, etc.

Though many people do not recommend this book for children because of content and comprehension, I enjoyed this book in fourth grade. I did not understand everything, but what I did understand I found hilarious. There are others in the series I found just as entertaining. However, for a younger child there are now more age-appropriate fractured fairytales.

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: Young Adult

Young Adult Supernatural Reads

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Historical Fiction for High School Students 1950s-Present

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Historical Fiction for Teens

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