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Please help me find the most popular books for teens.

I'm involved with two afterschool programs and will be getting some grant money soon to purchase books for teens (ages 12-15).

I'd like to make sure we are getting the best books that will hook these students on reading for enjoyment at a critical age.

You can share fiction and non-fiction books you think are great for this age group by replying to this discussion or on a page I wrote that allows you to add books and vote books already added up or down on the lists. Most Popular Books for Teens to Read - Summer 2012

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ticia on July 5, 2012 at 5:54pm

Most of the things I'm thinking of are for a slightly younger age, but the big things that come to my mind:

1. Shannon Hale books, they're fantasy and a great series.

2. Once Upon a Time series, one of the titles is called "Midnight Pearls," but it's a great series of fairy tales rewritten as novels.

3. Pendragon books, it's a young adult book series starring a 14 year old boy, well written and a fun read. There's about 10 or so books in the series.

Ticia

group leaderPermalink Reply by Michelle Breum on July 6, 2012 at 12:39pm

Thanks Ticia! I haven't had a chance to look into the Shannon Hale books or Once Upon a Time series, but I will the next time I get to the library to see if they might work for the target age group.

The Pendragon books with a 14 year old main character look good! I read the reviews and added the first one in the series to the page for voting. I haven't read the book yet, but I trust your judgement. I have a feeling my kids would like this series. They are 9, 9, and 11 years old.

Feel free to share more if you think of others. Thanks again! I really appreciate the input!

Permalink Reply by jaclyn boyd on July 5, 2012 at 10:27pm

I like timeless titles such as The Giver by Lois Lowry and Hatchet by Gary Paulson (both were Newbery winners). Of course Hunger Games is really popular right now. A similar trilogy is Scott Westerfield's Uglies series. Some other authors to check out: Laurie Halse Anderson, Sarah Dessen, Soyna Sones, Walter Dean Meyers, and John Green.

group leaderPermalink Reply by Michelle Breum on July 6, 2012 at 12:43pm

Thanks so much Jaclyn! I have The Giver and Hatchet added to the page. I recognize Walter Dean Meyers and have read a few of his books. I might include Somewhere in the Darkness since it's a book I've read.

I'll check out some of your other suggestions. I knew I could count on We Teach members for help. If you have any specific books you'd like added to the page or if you would like to vote up or down books, please visit this page.

Permalink Reply by Six Athome on July 6, 2012 at 1:39pm

Any Kurt Vonnegut books, my teens love the Maximum Ride series, Che Guevara's Motorcycle Diaries, Little

Women and accompanying books, Ray Bradbury books including Dandelion Wine, Percy Jackson series, Lord

of the Flies, I read Judy Blume "Are you there God? It's me Margaret" when I was 12, Homer's The Odessy

and The Illiad, Voltaire, H.G.Wells The Time Machine and The Invisible Man, Dr.Jeckl and Mr. Hyde, The Secret

Garden , Daughter of Fire

That should help a bit. We love reading all genres. But I find that thinking a teen or anyone will love a book because it is written 'for' a teen is lackluster. We do not choose books just because they are in the teen section. We want interest. Most books in a teen area are low level but a book like Homer is an adventure story that appeals to all levels of reading, hence the classic tag. What ever books you choose be sure to include a few NOT written and marketed for the teen but for a reader.

group leaderPermalink Reply by Michelle Breum on July 6, 2012 at 5:14pm

Thanks so much! It's good to get a response from a parent with teens! You've shared some great books. I'll look into some reviews and add a few of your suggestions.

I'll definately add books that aren't all marketed to a teen. Good books no matter the age of the main characters still appeal to teens I'm sure. I have a big job ahead of me. I very much appreciate your input!

I'm also looking for good non-fiction books. If you think of other books, please come back and share again, Six At Home.

Permalink Reply by Six Athome on July 6, 2012 at 8:15pm

Motorcycle Diaries is non-fiction and is a great read. Plato on Socrates is also good stuff- The Apology, Essential Rosa Luxemburg, and maybe The Narrative of Frederick Douglass. This last one I read and is very interesting account of history.