The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
The Dream Keeper and Other Poems 
By Langston Hughes; illustrated 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 children. 

Knopf, 1994. ISBN: 9780679844211
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders
By S.E. Hinton
Ponyboy and his two older brothers are trying to stay together after their parents die in a car accident. They consider themselves "greasers" because they're poor and on the outskirts of society. Their rivals, the "socs" (socials) are kids with money and influence. The rivalry between these two groups erupts in violence when two "soc" boys catch Ponyboy and his friends hanging out with their girlfriends.

Penguin, 1967. ISBN: 9780140385724


The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm by Nancy Farmer
The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm: A Novel
By Nancy Farmer
Set in Zimbabwe in 2194, three siblings secretly leave the safety of their home and are kidnapped. Plot twists and high adventure ensue as they attempt to escape and three mutant detectives try to rescue them.

Scholastic,1994. ISBN: 9780531068298






Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet: a Novel (20th anniversary edition)
By Gary Paulsen
This is the story of 13-year-old Brian, who, after a plane crash, learns to survive alone in the wilderness for almost two months.

Simon & Schuster, 1987. ISBN: 9781416948346
The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause
The Silver Kiss
By Annette Curtis Klause
Feeling alienated from everyone during her mother's terminal illness, 16-year-old Zoe falls under the spell of Simon, a vampire with a dark secret.

Delacorte, 1990. ISBN: 9780385301602







Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl
By Jerry Spinelli
When a free-spirited girl begins classes at Mica High School, her nonconformist style challenges everyone's way of thinking. Will first love cause Stargirl to conform, or can she change Leo?

Random, 2004. ISBN: 9780440416777




Even if your kids don't love the classics, try these 10 tips to make reading fun!

* 2010 addition
Published 06/04/2010

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