Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Left, Lower Right
left - middle - right
left (from anywhere) - middle - right (from anywhere!)
Christmas Ideas!
Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Left, Lower Right
left - middle - right
left (from anywhere) - middle - right (from anywhere!)
Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno
Publication Information: Punk Books/Akashic Books, c2004. 270 p.
Reading Level: Older high school / Adult
BookList, 09-15-2004, p209
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p156
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 37, p59
Reading Level: Older high school / Adult
BookList, 09-15-2004, p209
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p156
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 37, p59
Brian Oswald is a junior at an all boys Catholic high school, and his best friend, Gretchen, is a slightly overweight punk girl with dyed pink hair. Brian's parents are going through a slow but steady separation while Gretchen's mother recently passed away. Brian is deeply in love with Gretchen, but she's interested in an older man. They are trying to find their place in the world and truly feel as though they belong.
Into the Wild, Movie Version
Image via BN.comBased on the bestselling book by Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild is the true story of Christopher McCandless and his travels north to Alaska. Christopher is a recent graduate of Emory University and despite his well-off parents' greatest wishes, he does not want to attend law school, but rather he is desparate for adventure and the ability to experience nature in its purest form. Unbenounced to his friends and family, Christopher donates his college fund to charity and leaves his priviledged lifestyle and starts his journey towards Alaska.
New York Times Movie Review September 21, 2007
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Publication Information: New York: Little, Brown and Co 2006. 576 p.
Book 2 of the Twilight Series
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 8 - Adults
Lexile: 690
Awards:
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2007
Soaring Eagle Book Award 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 21, p51
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 8, p125
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2006
Book 2 of the Twilight Series
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 8 - Adults
Lexile: 690
Awards:
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2007
Soaring Eagle Book Award 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 21, p51
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 8, p125
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2006
New Moon is the second book of the widely popular Twilight Series. Edward Cullen and his family leave Forks, Washington, in order to keep their secret vampire identity safe. Bella is completely devastated and seeks comfort in Jacob, a childhood friend. Jacob, however, has a deep secret of his own that will effect Bella more than she knows.
Big Fish, Movie Edition
Image via bn.comStarring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Alison Lohman, Helena Bonham-Carter, Robert Guillaume, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, Marion Cotillard, Matthew McGrory, Loudon Wainwright
Director: Tim Burton
Screenwriter: John August
Producer: Richard D. Zanuck, Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks
Composer: Danny Elfman
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Based on the book by David Wallace, Big Fish is the mythical story of the charismatic Edward Bloom. As a dying man, Edward recalls his adventurous youth to his adult son, Will, who is skeptical of his father's tall tales. This visually beautiful movie is a story of a father and sons' relationship, failures and triumphs.
Everything is Illuminated, Movie Version
Image via B&N.com
Based on the book by Jonathan Safran Foer.
Starring: Elijah Wood, Eugene Hutz, Boris Leskin, Laryssa Lauret, Liev Schreiber
Director: Liev Schreiber
Producer: Marc Turtletaub
Studio: Warner Independent
Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything is Illuminated is the story of a young man's quest to find the mysterious woman who saved his grandfather in a Ukrainian town that was destroyed by the Nazis. What starts out as a journey to piece together his family's past turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations for not only Jonathan, but also the people he encounters along the way.
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Publication Information: New York: St. Martin's Press 2007. 320 p.
Reading Level: Older Teens - Adults
Awards:
Spur Award 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 103, number 9, p49
School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 9, p228
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 9, p56
Library Journal, vol 132, issue 3, p109
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2007
Reading Level: Older Teens - Adults
Awards:
Spur Award 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 103, number 9, p49
School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 9, p228
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 9, p56
Library Journal, vol 132, issue 3, p109
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2007
Following the attack of Pearl Harbor during WWII, President Roosevelt signed an act that forced Japanese Americans to be placed in interment camps. One camp, built on beet field land in Colorado, brought much change to the small town of Ellis. Rennie, 13, and her family own the beet farm close to the camp and through this innocent, yet wise little girl we learn the perils of such an act of prejudice.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
Publication Information: Boston: Houghton Mifflin 2002, c1954. 410 p.
Book One of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 860
-Sunday Telegraph Review
Book One of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 860
-Sunday Telegraph Review
Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin leave the Shire and set out on a quest to destroy the ring . They are joined by the wizard Gandalf and later, Strider, whom we find out is Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.the way they face immense peril and
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Publication Information: Oxford; New York: David Fickling Books 2006. 224 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 7 - Adult
Lexile: 1080
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 21, p48
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 9, p202, Starred Review
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 28, p158
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2006
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 7 - Adult
Lexile: 1080
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 21, p48
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 9, p202, Starred Review
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 28, p158
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2006
Bruno, a nine-year-old German boy, tells the story of his family's move from Berlin to Auschwitz. Bruno's stern father is an officer at the concentration camp; therefore, his family lives near the grounds. Bruno can see the prisoners from his window, but has no idea what is going on. On an adventure one day, Bruno meets a young boy, Shmuel, who lives on the other side of the fence. They form a friendship despite their backgrounds and talk every day. However, tragedy strikes when Bruno dresses up as a prisoner to help Shmuel find his lost father within the gates of Auschwitz.
Flipped by Wendelin van Draanen
Image via NoveList
Publication Information: New York: Knopf 2001. 212 p.
Reading Level: Teens or ages 10-14
Min./Max. Grade Level: 5 - Adult
Awards:
California Young Reader Medal 2004
Virginia Readers' Choice Award 2004
School Library Journal Best Books 2001
Reviews:
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 12, p44
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 37, p93
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2001
Reading Level: Teens or ages 10-14
Min./Max. Grade Level: 5 - Adult
Awards:
California Young Reader Medal 2004
Virginia Readers' Choice Award 2004
School Library Journal Best Books 2001
Reviews:
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 12, p44
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 37, p93
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2001
Ever since she first laid eyes on him in second grade, Juli has been in love with Bryce; however, he hardly feels the same way. Told from alternating viewpoints of eighth-graders Juli and Bryce, this is the rants and raves of young love. Bryce begins to realize that Juli is quite a catch, while Julie starts to see Bryce for who he truly is, which isn't as great as she once thought.
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
Image Via NoveList
Publication Information: Cambride, MA: Candlewick Press, 2003. 246 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Grades 7 -10
Lexile: 790
Michael L. Printz Honor Book, 2004
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2004
BookList, September 1, 2003, p115
School Library Journal, vol 49, issue 9, p218
Publishers Weekly, vol 250, issue 29, p197
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2003
Reading Level: Teens
Grades 7 -10
Lexile: 790
Michael L. Printz Honor Book, 2004
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2004
BookList, September 1, 2003, p115
School Library Journal, vol 49, issue 9, p218
Publishers Weekly, vol 250, issue 29, p197
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2003
Virginia Shreves feels like the average daughter in a perfect family. Her mother obsesses about Virginia's weight and her father is hardly around. Her siblings are living out of the house and Virginia can't measure up - plus, her one best friend just moved to the other side of the county. Throughout the novel, Virginia takes control of her own life in big and small ways and evolves into a confident and happy young woman.
Flush by Carl Hiaasen
Publication Information: Arnold A Knopf: Distributed by Random House 2005. 272 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: Grade 5 - Adult
Lexile: 830
Awards:
Blue Hen Book Award 2007
NY Times Notable Book 2005
Georgia Children's Book Award 2008
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2006
ALA Notable Children's Book 2006
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults Readers 2006
Agatha Award, Best Children's or Young Adult's Mystery 2005
Reviews:
BookList, 08-01-2005, p2028
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 9, p204
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 26, p64
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2005
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: Grade 5 - Adult
Lexile: 830
Awards:
Blue Hen Book Award 2007
NY Times Notable Book 2005
Georgia Children's Book Award 2008
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2006
ALA Notable Children's Book 2006
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults Readers 2006
Agatha Award, Best Children's or Young Adult's Mystery 2005
Reviews:
BookList, 08-01-2005, p2028
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 9, p204
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 26, p64
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2005
Noah Underwood's dad is in trouble - he sunk a casino and is now in jail. Its owner was dumping toxic waste in the water, but Noah's dad can't prove it. Knowing the trouble their father is in, Noah and Abbey, his sister, have to save the both their father and the environment.
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
Publication Information: Colorado Spring, Colorado: WaterBrook Press 2003. 375 p.
Reading Level: Adult
YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults 2007
BookList, 10-01-2003, p282 *Starred Review*
Publishers Weekly, vol 250, issue 27, p50
Reading Level: Adult
YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults 2007
BookList, 10-01-2003, p282 *Starred Review*
Publishers Weekly, vol 250, issue 27, p50
During her senior year at Portland State, Alice's little quirks are revealed to be full-blown schizophrenia. Alice escapes treatment and lives on the streets until she meets Faye, who takes her in and cares for her. Alice goes through deep mental healing and spiritual healing from her distorted view that schizophrenia God's way of punishing her.
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Publication Information: New York: Wendy Lamb Books 2004. 208 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 8 - Adult
Lexile: 1620
Michael L. Printz Award 2005
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2005
Booklist Editor's Choice 2004
Guardian's Children's Fiction Prize 2004
BookList, 09-01-2004, p123
School Library Journal, vol 50, issue 9, p216
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 27, p56
Kirkus Reviews, July 14, 2004
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 8 - Adult
Lexile: 1620
Michael L. Printz Award 2005
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2005
Booklist Editor's Choice 2004
Guardian's Children's Fiction Prize 2004
BookList, 09-01-2004, p123
School Library Journal, vol 50, issue 9, p216
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 27, p56
Kirkus Reviews, July 14, 2004
Daisy stays at her Aunt's farm for the summer with her cousins. They have an extremely strong bond and Daisy soon finds herself in love with her cousin Edmond. Before long, England is involved in a devastating war and the cousins are separated. They endure horrible condition and experiences, but emerge triumphantly.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Publication Information: New York: HarperCollins 2008. 368 p.
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: 820
Newbery Medal 2009
USBBY Outstanding International Book 2009
ALA Notable Children's Book 2009
Booklist Editor's Choice 2008
Booklist, vol 105, number 2, p54
School Library Journal, vol 54, issue 10, p144
Publishers Weekly, vol 255, issue 39, p82
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2008
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: 820
Newbery Medal 2009
USBBY Outstanding International Book 2009
ALA Notable Children's Book 2009
Booklist Editor's Choice 2008
Booklist, vol 105, number 2, p54
School Library Journal, vol 54, issue 10, p144
Publishers Weekly, vol 255, issue 39, p82
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2008
After his family is murdered a 18-month-old baby boy crawls to a nearby graveyard. Sensing he is alone and orphaned, the graveyard's colorful inhabitants take on the responsibility of teaching Nobody Owens (Bod) the ways of the world - both living and dead.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Publication Information: New York: T. Doherty Associates 1985. 357 p.
Sequel: Ender's Shadow
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 780
Nebula Award
Hugo Award
YALSA 100 Best Books
YALSA Oustanding Books for the College Bound
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 1984
Sequel: Ender's Shadow
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 780
Nebula Award
Hugo Award
YALSA 100 Best Books
YALSA Oustanding Books for the College Bound
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 1984
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Image via NoveList
Publication Information: New York: Little, Brown and Co 2005. 512 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 7 - Adult
Lexile: 720
Booklist, vol 102, number 6, p58
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 10, p166
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 45, p72
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2005
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 7 - Adult
Lexile: 720
Booklist, vol 102, number 6, p58
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 10, p166
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 45, p72
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2005
Bella Swam moves to rainy Forks, Washington to spend time with her father. Bella doesn't expect to like Forks, but finds herself intrigued with her lab partner, Edward Cullen. Her classmates warn her to stay away from him since he isn't interested is high school girls. After many intense encounters, Bella becomes smitten with Edward, but eventually realizes he is a vampire. Their love must be tested in many ways and Edward must sacrifice everything for Bella.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Publication Information: New York: Puffin Books 1967. 180 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Lexile: 750
Awards:
New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979
Reading Level: Teens
Lexile: 750
Awards:
New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979
Ponyboy and his friends are greasers from the wrong side of the tracks and despise the spoiled, rich kids, the socs. But when a brawl goes too far and a soc is murdered, Ponyboy and Johnny go into hiding. Hinton explore themes of family, friendship and belonging in a way that relates to today's teens.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Publication Information: New York: Ecco Press 2008. 480 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Booklist Editor's Choice, Best Adult Fiction for Young Adults 2008
Oprah's Book Club 2008
Publishers Weekly, vol 255, issue 7, p132 Starred Review
Library Journal, vol 133, issue 5, p65
Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008
Reading Level: Adults
Booklist Editor's Choice, Best Adult Fiction for Young Adults 2008
Oprah's Book Club 2008
Publishers Weekly, vol 255, issue 7, p132 Starred Review
Library Journal, vol 133, issue 5, p65
Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008
Edgar Sawtelle, born mute, has a special relationship with Almondine, a Sawtelle, a breed initially designed by his grandfather. When Edgar's father suddenly dies, suspicion lies with Claude, Edgar's uncle. Because Edgar is mute, he faces obstacle and later, goes on the run with three Sawtelles. Echoing Hamlet, this novel is a tragic, yet heartwarming tale. A must read!
I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Publication Information: New York: Knopf 2005. 368 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 9 - Adult
Lexile: 640
Michael L. Printz Honor Book 2006
USBBY Outstanding International Books 2006
Ethel Turner Prize for Young Adult Literature 2003
BookList, 01-01-2005, p852
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p144
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 3, p56
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2005
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 9 - Adult
Lexile: 640
Michael L. Printz Honor Book 2006
USBBY Outstanding International Books 2006
Ethel Turner Prize for Young Adult Literature 2003
BookList, 01-01-2005, p852
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p144
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 3, p56
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2005
After catching a bank robber, Ed Kennedy, a lazy taxicab driver, is the recipient of mysterious playing cards that contain addresses. These addresses represent people who, in one way or another, need Ed's help. In the process of helping many people, Ed begins to believe his life has purprose and what he does actually matters.
Love that Dog by Sharon Creech
Publication Information: New York: Harper Collins 2001. 86 p.
Companion to Hate That Cat
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max. Grade Level: 3 - Adult
Lexile: 1010
Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Books 2002
NY Times Notable Books 2001
School Library Journal Best Books 2001
Land of Enchantment Book Award 2004
Mitten Award 2001
Great Stone Face Children's Book 2003
Reviews:
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 12, p44
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 25, p82
Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2001
Companion to Hate That Cat
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max. Grade Level: 3 - Adult
Lexile: 1010
Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Books 2002
NY Times Notable Books 2001
School Library Journal Best Books 2001
Land of Enchantment Book Award 2004
Mitten Award 2001
Great Stone Face Children's Book 2003
Reviews:
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 12, p44
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 25, p82
Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2001
Jack doesn't like poetry and thinks it's only meant for girls. Throughout the year, he begins to find value in his own self-expression as he comes to terms with his dog's death. Jack shares his thoughts of poets such as William Carlos Williams and Walter Dean Myers in this delightful, free-verse novel.
The Oxford Projecty by Peter Feldstein and Stephen Bloom
Publication Information: New York: Welcome Books 2008. 287 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Nonfiction
Alex Award Winner 2009
Library Journal, vol 133, issue 17, p64
Reading Level: Adults
Nonfiction
Alex Award Winner 2009
Library Journal, vol 133, issue 17, p64
In 1984, photographer Peter Feldstein set out to photograph every single resident of his town, Oxford, Iowa, pop. 676. Twenty years later, Feldstein decided to do it again. This time, he brought Stephen G. Bloom along to join him, and they went in search of the same Oxford residents Feldstein had originally shot two decades earlier.
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Publication Information: New York: Atria Books c2006. 342 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Alex Award 2007
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 34, p25
Library Journal, vol 131, issue 14, p135, Starred Review
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2006
Reading Level: Adults
Alex Award 2007
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 34, p25
Library Journal, vol 131, issue 14, p135, Starred Review
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2006
Twelve-year-old David's mother dies at the start of WWII and he's completely grief-stricken. His father soon remarries and she becomes pregnant, making life even harder for young David. David enters another world filled with beasts and monsters and he must earn his way out by proving he has bravery, loyalty and honor.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Publication Information: New York: Norton 1986, c. 1967 192 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 1310
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 30, p75
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 1962
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 1310
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 30, p75
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 1962
Alex loves classical music and is a member of a teenage gang that commits random acts of violence. He eventually is caught and is conditioned into a model citizen, but he conditioning leaves him numb. In the end, he reverts to his violent ways.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Image via NoveList
Publication Information: New York: A. A. Levine Books, 1997. 209 p.
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max Grade Level: 2 - Adult
Lexile: 880
Charlotte Award 2000
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950-2000)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 1999
ALA's Notable Children's Books 1999
Blue Hen Book Award 2001
Book Sense Book of the Year 1999
Surrey Schools' Book of the Year Award (British Columbia) 2000
Indian Paintbrush Book Award (Wyoming) 2000
Mythopoeic Award 2008
Massachusetts Children's Book Award 2000
Nene Award, Hawaii 2000
Great Stone Face Children's Book Award (New Hampshire) 2000
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois) 2001
Nestle Children's Book Prize (formerly the Smarties Book Prize) 1997
British Book Awards (the Nibbies) 1997
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) 2000
Reviews:
Booklist Review: September 15, 1998
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 1998
Harry Potter is a young orphan living with his aunt, uncle and cousin, who clearly don't want him around! Mysterious letters start appearing for Harry, and since no one ever writes to Harry, his relatives intercept the letters. Until Hagrid the giant shows up to let Harry know he's been accepted in the the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (without even applying). Harry learns about his special gift while at school and meets other wizards as well.
Reading Level: Older Kids
Min./Max Grade Level: 2 - Adult
Lexile: 880
Charlotte Award 2000
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950-2000)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 1999
ALA's Notable Children's Books 1999
Blue Hen Book Award 2001
Book Sense Book of the Year 1999
Surrey Schools' Book of the Year Award (British Columbia) 2000
Indian Paintbrush Book Award (Wyoming) 2000
Mythopoeic Award 2008
Massachusetts Children's Book Award 2000
Nene Award, Hawaii 2000
Great Stone Face Children's Book Award (New Hampshire) 2000
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois) 2001
Nestle Children's Book Prize (formerly the Smarties Book Prize) 1997
British Book Awards (the Nibbies) 1997
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona) 2000
Reviews:
Booklist Review: September 15, 1998
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 1998
Harry Potter is a young orphan living with his aunt, uncle and cousin, who clearly don't want him around! Mysterious letters start appearing for Harry, and since no one ever writes to Harry, his relatives intercept the letters. Until Hagrid the giant shows up to let Harry know he's been accepted in the the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (without even applying). Harry learns about his special gift while at school and meets other wizards as well.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Image via B&N.comReading Level: Adults
Lexile: 790
Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 1951
Holden Caulfield is expelled from prep school and rather than tell his parents, he runs off to New York City. He meets up with old friends and makes some new acquaintances while trying to live the adult life. Exhausted and ill, Holden ends up in a psychiatrist's office.
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Publication Information: New York: Knopf: Distributed by Random House 2006. 192 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 9 - Adults
Lexile: 1020
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Booklist, vol 102, number 15, p31
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 5, p120
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 18, p65
Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2006
Cohn and Levithan alternate chapters in the romance that follows Nick and Norah, two high-school seniors, through a single night in Manhattan. Nick is playing in his band when he notices Tris, his ex-girlfriend. Nick asks a random girl to be his girlfriend, hoping to make Tris jealous. Norah agrees. Nick and Norah spend time listening to music, talking and realize they may share more than one night.
Jesus Land: A Memoir by Julia Scheeres
Publication Information: New York: Counterpoint 2005. 356 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 990
Alex Award 2006
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 32, p49
Library Journal, vol 130, issue 18, p86
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2005
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 990
Alex Award 2006
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 32, p49
Library Journal, vol 130, issue 18, p86
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2005
Scheeres and her black adopted brother, David, are the victims of racism first in their Calvinist home in Indiana in the 1970s and then when their surgeon father and missionary-minded mother send the teens to a fundamentalist Dominican Republic reform school that is run like boot camp. Julia and David get through together and their sibling bond is strengthened.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Publication Information: New York: Houghton Mifflin 1989. 137 p.
Reading Level: Older Adults
Lexile: 670
Sydney Taylor Book Awards 1989
Charlotte Award 1992
Newberry Medal 1990
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Award 1992
Great Stone Face Children's Book Award 1992
Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 1989 Starred Review
School Library Journal Review March 1989
Reading Level: Older Adults
Lexile: 670
Sydney Taylor Book Awards 1989
Charlotte Award 1992
Newberry Medal 1990
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Award 1992
Great Stone Face Children's Book Award 1992
Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 1989 Starred Review
School Library Journal Review March 1989
On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours, 7,000 Jews fled to Sweden. Number the Stars tells the true-story account of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family hides her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen's family out of the country to safey.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Publication Information: New York: Delacorte Press 2001. 294 p. 22 cm.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Garden State Teen Book Awards 2003
Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award 2003
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2002
Young Reader's Choice Award 2004
Gateway Reader's Award 2004
Rhode Island Teen Book Award 2002
Iowa Teen Award 2004
Book Sense Book of the Year 2002
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 8, p175
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 29, p182
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2001
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Garden State Teen Book Awards 2003
Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award 2003
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2002
Young Reader's Choice Award 2004
Gateway Reader's Award 2004
Rhode Island Teen Book Award 2002
Iowa Teen Award 2004
Book Sense Book of the Year 2002
School Library Journal, vol 47, issue 8, p175
Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 29, p182
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2001
Four best friends, who are about to go their separate ways for the summer, find a magical pair of jeans that fit on each girl perfectly, despite their difference in shape and size. They make a pact to share the pants over the summer by mailing them to each other. The pants become a symbol of their summer experiences and the strong bonds of their friendships.
ttyl by Lauren Myracle
Publication Information: New York: Harry N. Abrams 2004. 224 p.
Sequel: ttfn
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: non-prose text
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
BookList, 05-15-2004, p1615
School Library Journal, vol 50, issue 4, p158
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 9, p71
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2004
Sequel: ttfn
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: non-prose text
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
BookList, 05-15-2004, p1615
School Library Journal, vol 50, issue 4, p158
Publishers Weekly, vol 251, issue 9, p71
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2004
Three high school students, Angela, Zoe and Madigan, are best friends. They face drama in their personal and social lives. This unique novel consists only of IM chat transcipts. Through the chats we learn about boys, friends and life from "SnowAngel," "zoegirl," and "mad maddie."
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Image from B&NPublication Information: New York: Dutton Children's Books 2005. 237 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Lexile: 930
Michael L. Printz Award 2006
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2006
Kentucky Bluegrass Award 2006
School Library Journal's Best Books 2005
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p136
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 6, p58
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2005
Reading Level: Teens
Lexile: 930
Michael L. Printz Award 2006
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2006
Kentucky Bluegrass Award 2006
School Library Journal's Best Books 2005
School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 2, p136
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 6, p58
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2005
Miles Halter leaves his boring life in Floria for a boarding school in Alabama. His is on his own for the first time and ready for adventure. His roommate "the Colonel" and his best friend, Alaska, teach Miles to drink and play elaborate pranks. We see foreshadowing of Alaska's death from the beginning and after she drives drunk and crashes into a police car, Miles and the Colonel debate whether or not it was a suicide.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Image via NoveListPublication Information: New York: Pocket Books: MTV Books copyright 1999. 213 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Lexile: 720
Min./Max. Grade Level: 9-Adult
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2000
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults Readers 2000
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 1999
Booklist Review Reviewed February 15, 1999
Through a series of letters written to an unknow person, we learn about Charlie. He's a freshman and a wallfower - very shy and intellegent. Charlie encounters the struggles: frienship, crushes, family problems, sexuality and drugs. He must also deal with his best friend's recent suicide.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Publication: Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin 1986. 311 p.
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 750
Governor General's Literary Award 1985
Los Angeles Times Book Award 1986
Arthur C. Clarke Award 1987
YALSA Best Books (1950-2000)
YALSA Outstanding Books for the College Bound 1999
Library Journal, vol 130, issue 10, p188
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 1985
In this look at the near future, religion is a means of repressing women into the pre-determined roles. They no longer are able to read and their bodies are useless if not used for bearing children. They have no rights to their bodies or property and are completely dependent upon men.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Publication Information: New York: Harmony Books 1980, c1979. 215 p.; 20 cm.
Book 1 of the Hitchhiker's Series.
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 1000
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950 - 2000)
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 14, p21
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 1980
Book 1 of the Hitchhiker's Series.
Reading Level: Adults
Lexile: 1000
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950 - 2000)
Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 14, p21
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 1980
Arthur Dent travels the galaxy with Ford Prefect, getting into horrible messes and generally wreaking hilarious havoc. Dent is grabbed from Earth moments before a cosmic construction team obliterates the planet to build a freeway. They are on a quest to find the legendary planet of Magrethea, try to learn the Question to the Ulimate Answer of Life, the Universe and Everything.
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Reading Level: Adults
Pulitzer Prize 1992
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950 - 2000)
YALSA Best Books for the College-Bound 1999
The book alternates the stories told by Spiegelman's father, Vladek, about life in Poland before and during WWII and the distressed relationship between Spiegelman and his father and his second wife. The first part of this two part series ends abruptly with Spiegelman having an awful fight with his father.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Publication Information: New York: Farrar 1999. 197 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 8 - Adult
Lexile: 680
Awards:
Booklist Editor's Choice Award 1999
Garden State Teen Book Award 2002
Golden Kite Award 1999
Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award (Oklahoma) 2002
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2000
YALSA Outstanding Books for the College-Bound 2004
Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania) 2000
Michael L. Printz Honor Books 2000
Kentucky Bluegrass Award 2001
School Library Journal Best Books 1999
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1999
Library Journal Review, October, 1999
Booklist, Reviewed September 15, 1999
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 8 - Adult
Lexile: 680
Awards:
Booklist Editor's Choice Award 1999
Garden State Teen Book Award 2002
Golden Kite Award 1999
Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award (Oklahoma) 2002
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2000
YALSA Outstanding Books for the College-Bound 2004
Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania) 2000
Michael L. Printz Honor Books 2000
Kentucky Bluegrass Award 2001
School Library Journal Best Books 1999
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1999
Library Journal Review, October, 1999
Booklist, Reviewed September 15, 1999
Melinda begins high school as an outcast. She is the talk of the school ever since she called the police at a party. She was raped at the party by a popular high school guy and feels she can tell no one, not even her parents. Her only refuge is art class. Eventually, through her sympathetic art teacher, she begins the healing process by opening up and finding her voice.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Publication Information: New York: Alfred A. Knopf 2000. 176 p.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: 590
Awards:
Charlotte Award 2004
Garden State Book Award 2003
Grand Canyon Reader Award 2003
Parent's Choice Award 2000
Oprah's Kids' Reading List
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly, vol 249, issue 18, p60
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2000
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Reading Level: 6 - Adult
Lexile: 590
Awards:
Charlotte Award 2004
Garden State Book Award 2003
Grand Canyon Reader Award 2003
Parent's Choice Award 2000
Oprah's Kids' Reading List
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly, vol 249, issue 18, p60
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2000
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Publishing Information: New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers c2006. 302 p.; 24 cm.
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 9 - Adult
Lexile: 820
Awards:
Coretta Scott King Award
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 11, p61
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 1, p130
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 2, p55
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2006
Reading Level: Teens
Min./Max. Grade Level: 9 - Adult
Lexile: 820
Awards:
Coretta Scott King Award
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 102, number 11, p61
School Library Journal, vol 52, issue 1, p130
Publishers Weekly, vol 253, issue 2, p55
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2006
Amari's African village is invaded by slavers and her family is murdered. Amari experiences awful conditions as she is shipped to America, eventually ending up at a plantation in colonial South Carolina. It is at the plantation where Amari meets Polly, an indentured servant. Together with another slave's young son, they escape to a safe Spanish colony.
American Born Chinese by Gene Yang
Library Journal, vol 132, issue 5, p54
This comic book-style novel consists of three sections. First, Jin is a boy faced with racism of other students; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has great power but feels the gods perceive his status as lowly; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through a visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, who personifies the ultimate Chinese
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Arnold Spirit (Junior) leaves the hopelessness of the school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend a rich, white school (much to the dismay of his best friend, Rowdy).
Publishing: New York: Little, Brown 2007. 240 p.
Lexile: 600
Reading Level: Teens
Min/Max Grade Level: 7-Adult
Awards:
National Book Award for Young People's Literature, 2007
NY Times Notable Book, 2007
Boston Horn-Globe Book Award, 2008
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 103, number 22, p61
School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 9, p190
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 33, p70
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2007
Publishing: New York: Little, Brown 2007. 240 p.
Lexile: 600
Reading Level: Teens
Min/Max Grade Level: 7-Adult
Awards:
National Book Award for Young People's Literature, 2007
NY Times Notable Book, 2007
Boston Horn-Globe Book Award, 2008
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008
Reviews:
Booklist, vol 103, number 22, p61
School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 9, p190
Publishers Weekly, vol 254, issue 33, p70
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2007
Arnold Spirit, a.k.a. Junior, lives on a poor Indian Reservation in Washington State. He gets so frustrated when he sees that he has to use the same text book as his mother that he throws a fit. This causes a teacher to convince Junior to attend the rich white school in neighboring Reardan. Junior goes through the drama of a new school, complete with loosing his best friend, Rowdy, but triumphs in the end.
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