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readergirlz is a literacy and social media project for teens, awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. The rgz blog serves as a depot for news and YA reviews from industry professionals and teens. As volunteers return full force to their own YA writing, the organization continues to hold one initiative a year to impact teen literacy. All are welcome to "like" us on Facebook!

Friday, October 23, 2009

TRW Tribute: LL Word 12:45


I love young adult literature. I’ve always got at least one YA novel on the go (currently, The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker, and about to start Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins). Traditionally, I’ve celebrated this week by procrastinating all “non-essential” tasks and replacing them with time devoted to reading YA novels. Since I’m still trying to smooth out my life after the move, however, there aren’t many things that feel “nonessential” these days! Still, I couldn’t just let this week pass by unmarked.

Below, in no particular order) are ten of my favorite YA novels (not my top ten, as this list is by no means complete!)

  1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – A timeless science fiction novel about siblings traveling through time and space to find their father.
  2. The Realm of Possibility by David Leviathan – A novel in verse that captures dozens of authentic teen voices.
  3. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanan – A beautiful coming-of-age novel about seeing beyond assumptions.
  4. Stargirl by Jerri Spinelli – A reflection on how one out-of-place girl can change the way others see the world forever.
  5. I Know It’s Over by CK Kelly Martin – The best novel I’ve ever read addressing teen pregnancy, hands down.
  6. M or F? by Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts – A fun retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac in the Internet age–with a queer twist.
  7. The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld – A great sci-fi adventure read, and an even better commentary on our image-obsessed culture.
  8. The His Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman – Beautiful characterization, a fascinating world, and probing questions about science and religion.
  9. Luna by Julie Anne Peters – A compassionate portrayal of a transgendered teen’s struggle, as seen through the eyes of her sister.
  10. Please Don’t Kill the Freshman by Zoe Trope – Zoe’s published diary detailing her 9th and 10th grade years–beautiful, crisp writing from a real teen girl.
Will you be celebrating Teen Read Week?

LL Word

5 comments:

Melissa Walker said...

GREAT list, LL!

Little Willow said...

Great variety!

I love The Frog Princess series by E.D. Baker - Let us know what you think of it.
Secret Keeper is fantastic.
I really like the works of both Levithan and Westerfeld.
I love His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman.
I was just thinking about Lisa Papademetriou's works earlier today! M or F? by Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts should get more attention.

holly cupala said...

Excellent list! Thanks for stopping by to celebrate, LL!

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