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Kelly’s Pick List: Contemporary YA to Read

June 6, 2011 |


Need a place to start? Here’s a list of some of my favorites that combine great writing with reader appeal. This list isn’t scientific and lots of things will be left off; this is meant to be a bit of a cheat sheet and a way to dive in quickly. As a preface, I should say I lean toward the edgier, heavier topics, but I’m going to make the effort to toss in some lighter contemporary, as well. I also make no promises on not spoiling the plot on some of these.

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

This isn’t the first book by Knowles I read, but it’s the one that impacted me the most. This is a story of a sick, twisted, unhealthy friendship and the consequences that arise from such a relationship. I didn’t like this book, and I hated both the main characters. But you know, that’s what made the book work and that’s part of why it’s so powerful. Lessons from a Dead Girl is less a story than it is a character study, so the plot isn’t necessarily over the top nor flashy. It doesn’t need to be because the key is the dynamic between these two girls that causes one to end up dead.


High Dive by Tammar Stein
This seems to be one of those books that’s always on the shelf and always overlooked. Arden, the main character, is heading to Sardinia to see her family’s vacation home for the last time. After her father’s sudden death and her mother’s deployment to Iraq, they’re selling the home. But rather than wallow in the pity she has for her situation, Arden takes a chance to explore Europe with a group of girls who are otherwise strangers to her before saying goodbye. Arden is a fantastically developed character, and the choices she makes in this journey really highlight this weird place she’s in, where she must say goodbye to her past and embrace the fact that her future will never be the same. Add to that the backdrop of her mother being in Iraq, and you have a powerful read.


Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

I’ve reviewed this title in depth, so I won’t talk too much about the plot. I’ve read a couple of Reinhardt’s books, and this was the one that really knocked me out, really impacted me in a way I wasn’t expecting, and I think it’s one of those supremely underrated books. This is a story of brothers, of family, and of the power war has to change everything that once was. I’ve talked this title at the high school, and it’s gone out. It’s one you have to sell to your readers, since it’s a quiet looking book. And as much as it feels like it could be depressing — and trust me, there are depressing parts — it’s ultimately got a touch of the positive to it, too. A tear jerker on both ends of the spectrum.


Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
This might be one of the most underrated books that I’ve read (and loved). What happens when the guy who is a killer football player and well respected for his game skills happens to be gay? How does he cope with this internally and externally? Konigsberg builds an incredibly well-fleshed main character, and the backdrop of football and jock culture is well tackled. Bobby has a supportive and strong family, and really, this is one of those books that’s really good because there aren’t any big issues in the book. Bobby doesn’t have to dodge drugs or sex or an abusive household. Instead, he needs to confront his true feelings and do so in a way that respects his teammates, his family, and his future as a football player and public figure.


The Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (series)

I’ve expressed my love for this series before. Murdock’s crafted a dynamic character in DJ, a farm girl in Wisconsin who has strong (though challenged) family pull, an interest in sports, and one hell of a head on her shoulders. This clean read is sweet but touches on heavy issues without coming across heavy handed or uncharacteristic. There’s romance, a host of life choices DJ must confront, and a family that’s about as real as they come. I think of any book I’ve read, this one’s setting is truly a part of the story, and Murdock gets it right. DJ’s voice is spot on, and the final book in this series was another teary read for me.


Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
I could have picked either of her other two books, which were on my list of favorite reads of 2010, but it’s her debut novel that should make the list of “must read” contemporary ya (as determined by yours truly). I was lucky enough to be a part of the judging committee that awarded this book the 2009 Cybils award, otherwise I may have never picked up this story about a girl who removes herself from everything she once loved. Parker’s dropped out of cheerleading, her grades are slipping, and her parents are convinced she’s going to kill herself. While reading this, I hated Parker, yet I couldn’t stop myself from reading the book and finding out why it was I hated her or whether or not I really did hate her. It’s an addicting read, and one that we know, since it’s a story we know. We know people who fall through the cracks like this, who have something that’s deeply bothering them but which they pack away and don’t release. This is an unexpected and satisfying read, and a book that begs me to revisit, to see if I still feel the way I did about Parker when I first read it.

Split by Swati Avasthi
Speaking of both Cybils and debut novels, this is another deeply affecting novel. It’s a story of abuse and survival, one that will haunt you while you’re reading and haunt long after. The writing is strong, and the voice is spot-on male. I think in my initial review, I was a little short-sighted in calling it an “issues” novel, given that this is a story that’s beyond single issue. Despite Cybils accolades, I still think this book is highly underrated and underread, despite the fact it has wide appeal for teen (and adult) readers. I’ve talked this one at the high school, and I’ve had no problem seeing it circulate. My book club kids have identified it as one they’d love to read and talk about, as well, and I think it’s actually quite a strong novel to use in a book discussion.


I Know It’s Over by C. K. Kelly Martin
When Nick’s prepared himself to dump his girlfriend Sasha, he realizes it won’t be as painless as he hoped when he learns Sasha’s pregnant. Nick’s an incredibly fleshed character, dynamic and emotional without treading away from feeling like a realistic male character, as could easily happen with a story like this. I bought every one of his emotions, felt all of the pain he felt, and believed in what he was doing. Martin’s book treads into territory that’s apparently taboo and not talked about, which is abortion.

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick
Another book I’ve raved about before. But here’s something I haven’t told you before: it took me two times to get through this book. But that second time was absolutely worth it. I was reluctant. I didn’t want to buy it. But I was wrong.
I’ve used this book in my book club, and I have rabid fans of it. Amber Appleton is the epitome of a fantastic, optimistic, kick ass character, and she is one despite all of the horrible things stacked against her. This is a quieter book, but one that deserves a huge response. And a tissue or two.

I could double the size of this list, maybe even triple or quadruple it. But I’m leaving it at nine titles, four featuring male voices and five featuring female voices. Most have been published in the last year, but there are a handful of older titles. It can be overwhelming to dive into a new genre or reading area when there’s so much to choose from, but starting small and then moving forward is the only way to do it. I’ve tried to offer a wide swath of style and topic and offer exposure to some of the names popping up in the contemporary ya world that are worthy of following.

If you’ve read any of these, weigh in! And if you know of other must-read recent titles that should be on everyone’s radar or in their back pocket for recommendation, leave a comment.

Filed Under: book lists, contemporary week, Favorite Picks, Uncategorized, Young Adult

Guys Read: Resources 101

April 11, 2011 |

Last month, STACKED brought you a week of guys read related posts, and one of the things I didn’t get a chance to do then was offer a list of resources for those interested in a go-to list of current guy friendly books. Lucky for you, I didn’t forget about it, and I’m sharing my resources with you today.

First up, I offer you a link to my tri-fold brochure of guy friendly titles. Although it’s catered to my library’s needs (since it does live there), you are welcome to use the titles, descriptions, and designs to fit your needs or interests. This link will take you to the file, which you can view on screen or download. Please note: I do not include non-fiction or graphic novels on my publication, but they certainly have huge appeal. I keep it at fiction because there is so much I could add and need to give some sort of limitation.

Guy Reads: Books with Killer Guy Voices

If you’re looking for additional resources or want to know where I keep myself up-to-date on guy-friendly books, check out these sites:

Guys Lit Wire: Bloggers share their reviews and insights into books guys will love.

Tales Told Tall
: This is Michael Sullivan’s web page. If you aren’t familiar with Sullivan, he’s a leader in discussing issues related to getting guys to read, and I’ve blogged about hearing him speak here, here, and here. I love that his website offers us both his blog, but more importantly, his tried-and-true book recommendations by genre. Book mark this site, as he updates it frequently.

Guys Read: Like Sullivan’s site, this one will offer loads of book titles and descriptions by genre. It’s geared a little younger than Sullivan’s site, but it is extremely helpful for your tweens.

Where the Boys Are
: Jennifer Hubbard is the author of the male-voiced love story The Secret Year (January 2010) and shared a huge list of books with males as main characters. Although that doesn’t necessarily guarantee guy appeal, it’s an excellent and valuable list to have access to.

Remember: guys are reading. They have always been reading. But their acts of reading aren’t as public or as open as girls. But what we can do is continue to highlight those books that will appeal to guys and promote them. Their readers will find them.

* A big thanks to Michelle for creating the perfect Guys Read graphic for us.

Filed Under: book lists, guys read, Uncategorized, web resources

Display This: Australia and New Zealand

March 30, 2011 |

I wanted to try something a little different for the next couple of months, as we head into the prime of summer reading season prep and planning for librarians. The Cooperative Summer Library Programming theme this year is about world travel, and one of the things I’ve been working on is creating book lists and ideas of stories set in countries outside the U.S. So for our next few Display This posts, we’ll treat you to books that are set in other countries. A couple of notes: these will be limited to books easily found through book jobbers or in book stores, and they are stories which actually take place in the country. I’ve also purposely chosen to include only one title per author, the first book in a series, and I’ve left off authors who may reside in a given country but do not write with a specific setting in mind.

As we travel the world in young adult books, feel free to offer any suggestions you have for additional titles. Likewise, you may replicate this book list as you’d like; just give STACKED credit for creating it.

Let’s start with one of my favorite parts of the world to read about: Australia and New Zealand.

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley: This Sarah Dessen read alike is a story of friendship and a story of romance. Charlie Duskin, our main character, might also have quite a career in music ahead of her. My full review of this title is here.

Pink by Lili Wilkinson: Ava’s got a chance to reinvent herself, but as she discovers, hiding who she really is puts her in strange situations. She can’t avoid who she is. A great book for readers looking for a LGBTQ book or for readers looking for a book about being true to who you are, no matter what.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden (series): A story of survival set after a camping trip among a tight-knit group of friends. This thrilling adventure story will appeal to readers who like fast-paced, action stories or those who want to see the “original” Hunger Games.

A Small Free Kiss in the Dark by Glenda Millard: Australia has dystopia down with this book about a rag tag group of people who are the only survivors left in the world. They must rely on one another, but then things take a turn for the dark.

Up Over Down Under by Micol Ostow and Noah Harlan (S.A.S.S. series): One student goes to Australia and one student goes to America in this installment of the Sisters Across the Seven Seas series. Looking for a clean read for your teens that’s fun and still has romance and adventure? This is a great choice.

Cold Skin by Steven Herrick: In this novel-in-verse, Eddie finds his boring town at the center of a mystery when a girl turns up dead in the local river. Could he be a suspect or is he the one who will unravel the dark secrets lurking in town?

Stolen by Lucy Christopher: A story about a guy who takes his love for a girl a little too far. Of course, you can read my actual review right here.

The Winds of Heaven by Judith Clarke: Clementine and Fan are cousins, but they promise at the end of their summer together to become best friends. Clementine thinks Fan has it all, but the truth is, Fan is lost and searching for something to make her happy.

Beatle Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams: Your name happens to be John Lennon and you happen to fall head over heels with a girl named Destiny. Your only problem now is your girlfriend. . . who isn’t Destiny.

Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett: This quiet novel explores what it’s like for Plum Coyle to finally come of age and the value and importance of people and things in one’s life.

The Convicts by Iain Lawrence (series): Tom seeks revenge for his father’s unfair imprisonment in London, but as a result, he’s sent to Australia and being convicted of murder. But there’s much more to await him when he arrives down under.

The Crimes and Punishment of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg: Calma and Kiffo know from the second they see Miss Payne enter their classroom, they don’t like her. So they’re going to get revenge, and when they begin their stalking, they learn there’s something much more sinister about their teacher than they ever suspected.

Rose by Any Other Name by Maureen McCarthy: Rose’s life is crumbling all around her. At first, she had it all, but it takes little time for things to change. She’s ready to run away, but she is stopped before she can get too far. A snarky character and a twisting plot will resonate with readers.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: A little mystery, a little intrigue, and a whole lot of questions arise over the course of this novel about discovering one’s roots. Also: you might know this book because it won a Printz award.

Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah: When Amal decides to begin wearing the traditional hijab, she’s suddenly finding herself in a very different spot in school. Can she fit in at school and follow the beliefs she has?

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty (series): Letters, diaries, and journal entries plot this story of three girls who become pen pals with three boys over the course of a school year.

Singing the Dogstar Blues by Alison Goodman: This science fiction is set in a futuristic Australia and follows a group of time-traveling students (and maybe even an alien).

Guarian of the Dead by Karen Healey: A fantasy novel set in and near a New Zealand boarding school that plays upon a number of the Maori legend, mythology, and lure.

The 10 p.m. Question by Kate de Goldi: This quirky novel follows 13-year-old Frankie who has a billion questions about the world and few answers. Most people don’t take him seriously, except his mother — and it’s his mother he has his most worrying question about. Enter a girl who has as many questions and may have an answer to the one he can’t ask the person he trusts most in the world.

Violence 101 by Denise Wright: Hamish’s anger problems land him in a home for troubled youth. But when he arrives at his new residence, a series of events cause him to divert his attitude about everything and dive head first into a rescue mission to save someone in an area where two soldiers have already lost their lives.

—

Of course, this is just a sample of what’s available. Many of these authors have additional books that fall into these settings, so those are also worth checking out. Additionally, if you’re able to purchase books outside a jobber or are looking to expand your foreign fiction for teens, there are a number of book sellers in Australia willing to send books overseas — Adele at Persnickety Snark has posted links to a number of those sellers here. If you don’t know where to begin, a few titles looking interesting to me and that have gotten some good reviews and acclaim from other readers include Kirsty Eagar’s Raw Blue, Fiona Wood’s Six Impossible Things, and Cath Crowley’s Graffiti Moon.

Filed Under: book lists, display this, foreign settings, Uncategorized, Young Adult

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