Monster, by Walter Dean Myers – Teen Fiction

This particular piece of literature is written like a film script. Dean Myers challenged the traditional conventions of novel writing with his use of imagery like, “FADE IN”, voice overs, dialogue, and hand written journal entries. The story is about Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old who is on trial for murder. Publishers weekly notes, “This riveting courtroom drama… will leave a powerful, haunting impression. An insightful look at teenage suspect’s lost innocence.”

Son of the Mob, by: Gordon Korman — Teen Fiction

This novel is about Vince Luca, a high school kid whose father is part of “a powerful crime organization”. The vocabulary is easy to follow, as Vince is a pretty laid back guy. The dialogue is pretty contemporary and the author does a good job of getting the reader into Vince’s head space and character. Growing up in an Italian neighbourhood and with Italian friends, I found the dialogue to be right up my alley. Check out Son of the Mob. This is an ALA pick for “Best Book for Young Adults.”

The House of Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer – fantasy/sf/society

380 pages, but the writing is so fascinating. Farmer needs you to get into the novel a bit before the plot gets rolling, but after that, the story gets really interesting.

Eragon, Eldest, etc. by: Christopher Paolini – fantasy/adventure

Mr. Paolini’s writing is very generous with descriptions, which explains the superfluous length of the book. His writing is also very dramatic, with key bits of melodrama. There are elves and dragons and interesting characters… certainly an important book / trilogy for boys who love fantasy.

Triss, by: Brian Jacques - fantasy/adventure

Many boys truly enjoy the REDWALL series and have read ALL of the books!

I started reading TRISS last week, a NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, and found it to be somewhat gripping. I am not a great squirrel fan… or an observer of rodents, but I tried to take seriously the characters themselves. One must really have an imagination that lends itself to “furry and not so furry creatures” to read this series. Try to cast yourself in the World of Redwall!

Jacques is a master writer, though, so I don’t find it difficult to enjoy these kinds of books. I think I’ll give TRISS a chance before letting the 383 pages daunt me. Try it yourself! Other books boys have chosen include, The Legend of Luke and Loamhedge. Jacques writes other realistic/adventure fantasy fiction like Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and The Angel’s Command.  

Pendragon Series, by: D.J. MacHale - fantasy/adventure (10 books)

Book One: The Merchant of Death is where I found myself. This is a 374 page book in a series that continues, currently, to book 7/8. The writing is geared toward a younger audience, ages 9-12, but the concepts of Denduron are fascinating. You might enjoy this series to be entertained by the adventures of a 14 year old boy in a strange land.

Tears of a Tiger, by: Sharon Draper - Teen Fiction

This very powerful novel will require a mature reader who can deal with teen issues like locker room banter, the responsibilities related to being a teenager (dating, school, friends, substance abuse, drunk driving, suicide, religion, and reality). Draper is deep writer who isn’t afraid to tackle adoscent issues. She communicates the entirety of the book in “DIALOGUE.” Tears of a Tiger is very dramatic, as a result, but effective and thought-provoking too. The main character, Andy Jackson, deals with the problems of teen angst and the guilt of having driven a car that killed a dear friend after a basketball game. Andy blames himself and finds it “difficult to face the future.” This book won the “Coretta Scott King/John Stepte Award for New Talent” and is an “ALA quick pick for Young Adults” as well as an “ALA Best Book for Young Adults.”

“This moving novel will leave a deep impression.” — School Library Journal

A Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time, by: Mark Haddon

I read this very unique mystery novel in 2004. It is about an autistic boy who finds a dead dog and wants to find its killer. Against his father’s wishes, the protagonist goes on to investigate the murder of this dog, interviewing each of his neighbours to figure out “whodunnit.”  

ONLINE LITERARY JOURNEYS

VISIT http://www.bookhooks.com/index.cfm for a CANADIAN GROWN site that lists more great book ideas, crosswords, and reading games.

 

VISIT the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION http://www.ala.org/ for book ideas.

Summer Book Suggestions from MS Students

 

SEND TO: summerbooklist@gmail.com