I’m somewhat of a book worm. Ask my husband. I read, on average, 3 books a week…usually at night…after 10:00 p.m.
Anyway, a few years ago I stumbled upon the young adult section in the library looking for books for my oldest son. And you know what? There are some fabulous young adult writers.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I went from one Amazon author recommendation to another…and another…and another in search of books I could get my then-11-year-old to read.
Here are some favorites your kids (or you!) might enjoy:
For Tweens…
1. The Book Thief by Murkus Zusak: Beautifully written and set in WWII Germany. A lovely story about family, friendship, surviving, and life during WWII. My boys, unfortunately, won’t read one of my other favorite books, The Diary of Anne Frank, but would read this one.
2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan: I thought every child under 14 had read this book, but in asking a few of my sons’ friends, I learned that many have not. It’s a fun read for kids, a book full of Greek mythology, adventure, etc.
This is the series that finally hooked my oldest son on reading. So it gets a lot of kudos from me. (Thank you Rick Riordan!)
3. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Again, I would assume that every child living in the Unites States had read these books…but no! I know lots of kids who haven’t even cracked the cover. Such a shame! I started reading these books to my older boys when they were about 6 (a little young…but I got hooked on them!) and just started re-reading the series this past summer to my younger two sons.
Pure magic. J.K. Rowling is a master storyteller. No child should go through their childhood without reading them!
4. Peter and the Starcatchers by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry: Full of adventure and something for girls and boys alike. The chapters are nice and short and leave you with cliff hangers and keep you reading chapter after chapter.
5. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: What I remember most about this book were the pictures. Nothing like a good drawing to help your kids visualize what is going on in the story.
6 .The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: I’m throwing in a 6th recommendation, because Harry Potter is so well known…so here’s a more obscure book for you. This will satisfy the supernatural lover in your kids. A boy raised in a graveyard by ghosts…perfect in time for Halloween.
For Teens…
1. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner: I don’t think this series is quite as well known. It’s set in ancient Greece and masterfully crafted…with a surprise at the end of every book in the series. The first book is a bit slow reading at first, but stick with it! (Strong female characters…I always love that!) And wholesome to boot!
2. Pretty much anything by Scott Westerfield. He written quite a few series, everything from Sci-Fi to Fantasy. His stories are well thought out and clever.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I know quite a few adults who love this series! Urban-fantasy-science fiction all in one. A great story with lots of heart.
4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: I found this series right after the series I swear I won’t mention, Twilight. (I loved this series until it was so overdone that I want to vomit.) Oops! Vampires, werewolves, warlocks, angels, you name it. Modern-day fantasy set in NYC.
5. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: Another vampire book…I hate to even mention it. It’s the last vampire book, I swear! Richelle is a great writer and she’s created a fun world. And Dimitri…I love you.
6. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen: Probably a girls-only read here. Sarah writes stories about girls and the problems they face. I love this particular book — I’ve read it a couple of times. Her characters are real and funny, her story lines complex. Also check out Just Listen.
There you ago…check them out and tell me how you like them!
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