* “The Giver” by Lois Lowry : This gripping dystopian novel published well before the current trend emerged centers on Jonas, a model member of the Community. As the next Receiver of Memory he is suddenly aware of his society’s sacrifices for peace and predictability and begins to wonder what it’s all worth.
* “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie : Disappointed with the schooling on his Indian Reservation and tired of being tormented for his physical problems, Arnold Spirit decides to attend an all-white high school and is immediately out of place. “Diary” is the humorous and honest story about one teenager’s quest to do his best in the face of serious obstacles.
* “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak : Set against the backdrop of the impending WWII, “The Book Thief” is about Liesel Meminger, a curious girl who begins stealing books in her new town and along the way touches many – including Death – the unique narrator of this captivating novel.
* “Will Grayson, Will Grayson” by John Green and David Levithan : Two different teenage boys; one same name. Such is the premise of “Will Grayson, Will Grayson”,a funny, smart novel where the characters literally take to the stage to find out who they really are.
* “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky : Charlie prefers observing over being observed in this must-read coming-of-age novel about the realizations that come with the firsts of high school – love, experimentation with drugs, losing friends, and generally trying out independence.
* “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins : A gritty novel-in-verse about one girl’s descent into a dangerous drug addiction and the consequences of seeking out another high.
