These books will help kids ages 12 and up sustain the joy of reading on their own. Browse this list of new and classic books for teenagers recommended by the Quicklists Consulting Committee of the Association of Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Association, and encourage a teen to read today!
The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold
Retold by Cynthia Rylant; illustrations by Carson Ellis

In a readable, compassionate style, Rylant offers modern retellings of classic myths, such as "Pandora," "Orpheus" and "Psyche." The illustrations invite young readers into each of the stories.

Harcourt, 2009. ISBN: 9780152061845
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
By Phillip Hoose

2010 John Newbery Medal honoree
A biography of Claudette Colvin, the very courageous teenager who stood up for her constitutional rights when she was just 16 years old. She refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus nine months before the more famous action by Rosa Parks.

Farrar/Melanie Kroupa, 2009. ISBN: 9780374313227
Crossing Stones by Helen Frost
Crossing Stones
By Helen Frost
This historical novel, written in free verse and "cupped-hand" sonnets, is set on the home front of World War I. The themes of love and war are reflected with historical detail and universal sorrows and hopes.

Farrar/Frances Foster, 2009. ISBN: 9780374316532
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith
By Deborah Heiligman
A biographical love story of Charles Darwin and his cousin Emma Wedgwood, who have a successful marriage despite fundamental philosophical and religious differences. Emma, strong in her religious faith, shapes her husband's theories of evolution.

Holt, 2009. ISBN: 9780805087215
Last Night I Sang to the Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Last Night I Sang to the Monster
By Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Eighteen-year-old Zach doesn't remember much before he woke up in drug and alcohol treatment, but with the help of therapy and the many people he meets there, he starts to piece together the horrible events that led to his amnesia, and to find a way to begin recovery.

Cinco Puntos, 2009. ISBN: 9781933693583
Northward to the Moon by Polly Horvath
Northward to the Moon
By Polly Horvath
Jane and the rest of the family set off on a car trip after her stepfather loses his job, ending up in Nevada after being given a bag full of possibly stolen money.

Schwartz & Wade, 2010. ISBN: 9780375861109
Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
Return to Sender
By Julia Alvarez
When his family hires migrant Mexican workers to help save their farm, 11-year-old Tyler befriends the oldest daughter and discovers they may not be in the country legally.

Knopf, 2009. ISBN: 9780375858383
Serendipity Market by Penny Blubaugh
Serendipity Market
By Penny Blubaugh
When the world tilts off its axis, storytellers from around the world must gather and share their versions of folk and fairy stories to help get the world back in balance.

HarperTeen, 2009. ISBN: 9780061468759
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems
By Langston Hughes; illustrations by Brian Pinkney
Langston Hughes selected this collection of poems, first published in 1932, especially for young readers. From "The Dream Keeper" to "The Weary Blues" to "As I Grew Older," these poems reflect Hughes' pride in his race, yet provide universal themes and messages for all young people.

Knopf, 1994. ISBN: 9780679844211
Published 06/03/2010

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