Hunting the Elusive YA Book
Where do we find it? How can we tell if it’s any good? And what the heck do we do with it once we have got it?
This feels like an impossible task for me... to choose three young adult books! I could write pages on the genre alone. I am sure that I will want to change these choices after our course, but who knows!?
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My all time favorite book of all time. This book stuck with me when I first read it in high school. I know this is shocking to hear from a teacher and librarian, BUT I hate re-reading books. I am constantly feeling behind in my own personal to-read list (never mind behind with courses and books that I should preview before students do...). A couple of years ago my once reluctant reader husband decided to take a stab at reading this classic and wanted to watch the movie after. I was so touched by the emotions that he experienced while reading this book that I wanted to re-create the feeling for myself. I fell in love harder the second time. We also both loved the book more, but definitely enjoyed every second of the movie. Gregory Peck... ahhh!
My all time favorite book of all time. This book stuck with me when I first read it in high school. I know this is shocking to hear from a teacher and librarian, BUT I hate re-reading books. I am constantly feeling behind in my own personal to-read list (never mind behind with courses and books that I should preview before students do...). A couple of years ago my once reluctant reader husband decided to take a stab at reading this classic and wanted to watch the movie after. I was so touched by the emotions that he experienced while reading this book that I wanted to re-create the feeling for myself. I fell in love harder the second time. We also both loved the book more, but definitely enjoyed every second of the movie. Gregory Peck... ahhh!
2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I truly belive that every human should read this book-- no matter your age. I love the messages, relate-able story line , humor, and characters. My fifth grade students are never the same before and after reading this amazing story. For a first time author, R. J. Palacio is simply amazing.
3. The Book Thief
I am an avid reader of any book related to WWII young adult and adult. Perhaps it is because I played Anne Frank in a play, or perhaps it is the fact that I have read hundreds from this time period across all genres, and I am always struck-- no matter what. The Book Thief absolutely stole my heart. I break out in goosebumps just thinking about the feelings I had when I read it. It is surely a book to stick with you and I will always cherish it.
I am an avid reader of any book related to WWII young adult and adult. Perhaps it is because I played Anne Frank in a play, or perhaps it is the fact that I have read hundreds from this time period across all genres, and I am always struck-- no matter what. The Book Thief absolutely stole my heart. I break out in goosebumps just thinking about the feelings I had when I read it. It is surely a book to stick with you and I will always cherish it.
This was a great source for so many other great titles...
