Great Books for At-Risk Teens

Because books popular in 2013 might be on the sale racks now! ~K

Click on these book trailers for middle school (and older) readers who enjoy such things.

Books suggested by a librarian/blogger who focuses on reaching “urban” teens of color that are primarily reluctant readers.

-- books set in urban communities --

Verse novels can be quite appealing to reluctant readers because they're less intimidating to look at visually and because -- for the most part -- they read fairly quickly.

This series, Superstars of Hip Hop, is the winner of the 2014 Street Literature Book Award Medal for Young Adults.

Hear and share her acceptance speech. ~K

Kids LOVE them and you can get them for $2 each! ~K

Can't go wrong with this list. ~K

Jennifer Niven wrote All the Bright Places knowing that at one time or another every teenager needs to know that it gets better, help is out there, high school isn't forever, and life is long and vast and full of joy.

Because, yes, boys are oftentimes harder to encourage. ~K

40+ of the absolute BEST books for boys in their pre-tween, tween and teenage years. Let me start by saying that my now-teenage boys are not avid bookworms. They're decent readers, but they don't just hunker down with a book whenever they're bored.

Great article and great list of books. ~K

"Reading is not a replacement for professional therapy. But surely, the right books can help."

"Fiction has a special magic to it—the ability to weave a world outside reality. To simulate experiences and outcomes. For someone who feels alone, a friend awaits within the pages—someone who says, “Yes, I’ve been there. Have gone through that. Am suffering along with you.”

Because we all kinda' want to be. ~K

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name’s Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I’d still beat you, no matter what you call me.”
Technically released in 2012, Caleana agrees to act as the Princes champion in a competition to find the new royal assassin in exchange for her early release from the salt mines. Soon, other contestants begin turning up dead and she must try and discover who the killer is before she becomes the next victim.

They all say they're DAUNTLESS, but there are some closeted ABNEGATION, AMITY, CANDOR, and ERUDITE in our schools, too. Great start to list of books for students who identify with each faction. And it would be fun for students to read books and then decide which faction they match/support. ~K

Not all appropriate (e.g., 50 Shades of Grey); however, Paper Towns by John Green, Insurgent (the Divergent sequel), and others will get lots of attention from teens. ~K

Graphic novels are a great entry point for reluctant readers that can lead to books written in verse and series books. ~K

Since 2007, the Young Adult Library Services Association, part of the American Library Association, has been selecting the best graphic novels for teens. The list of 78 titles, drawn from 122 official nominations, is presented annually at the ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Only lists a few, but others are mentioned by readers in the comments section.~K

Children's stories have been dealing with death since the days of fairy tales where the Princess doesn't wake up. And some of the most soulful depictions of death aimed at kids come from the science fiction and fantasy genres. Except, in the ever-optimistic tone of children's books, death is a mirror for how wonderful life is.

Because of the whole forbidden fruit thing. ~K

The Quick Picks list suggests books that teens, ages 12-18, will pick up on their own and read for pleasure; it is geared to the teenager who, for whatever reason, does not like to read.

Because sometimes they've fallen in love with a movie and we can get them to read the book (even though one should always read the book first). ~K

This is a list of movies, some recent and some older, that have been adapted from young adult novels.

Pins about Great YA Reads hand-picked by Pinner Pickerington Public Library | Includes book trailers. Actually, you should just go ahead a follow them on Pinterest. They have many useful boards (e.g., High Fantasy YA Reads, Favorite Horror/Monster YA, Bully Prevention and Awareness, etc.).

Current Fiction for Middle School

These YA coming-of-age novels will make you cry, laugh, and appreciate life. Okay? Okay.

Books reviewed and recommended by 23 contributors, including YA authors, librarians, professional reviewers and avid readers. In the words of the creator, "...Guys Lit Wire exists solely to bring literary news and reviews to the attention of teenage boys and the people who care about them."

A list of books that certain students might identify with because the author is telling "the story of your life so impeccably and articulately you can't even believe it's coming from someone else's brain---but you're so, so grateful that it is." Subjects: autism, blindness, bipolar disorder, sexuality, abuse, etc.

"They’re full of adventure, magic, real-world issues, and romance. Some of them are even written by - gasp - women."