Now, our picks for people and Book Clubs who like to discuss kid’s literature. While we hesitate to tell anyone what their child or young adult is ready to read, to help with selections, we divided our picks into books for YA readers and books for middle grade readers (chapter books). We also, without really trying, picked books representing ALMOST all parts of the world.
For YA or YA-adult book clubs or any Book Club that likes YA
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (2015) – A superb, superb book about love and life told from the perspective of two teens – Violet and Finch – living in Indiana, trying to figure out what their senior year of HS means, what colleges to attend and how to play the hands they have been dealt by life (him – abusive father, indifferent mother; her – she survived a car wreck, her sister did not). We can not recommend it highly enough; but, be warned you will be very, very sad, as well as happy, while you read this book. Your gift recipient will be thrilled to be reminded that High School and all its angst is behind them.
How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon (2014) – A powerful look at “what goes down” when a 16-year-old black boy in a hoodie is shot by a white man. Was it defense against a gang incident? Was it a man stopping a robbery gone wrong? Was it being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was it none of these, or a combination of these? And, just when you think you have all the pieces and perspectives to know what happened, a new piece of information inserted into one of the multiple voices used to tell this story, sends you another direction. A seriously impressive book – cleverly staged, with superb and unique voices throughout, and a plot from today’s headlines. This book makes you think about how perspective influences what you see, how stories are told, how choices have implications, and – well, to be honest – the pull and power of gangs. Read it and discuss with your favorite teen. ~ Lisa Christie
The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting by Holly Bourne (2014) – WOW, Ms. Bourne grabs you from the opening premise and keeps you turning pages. Yes, you know that disaster awaits, but you are so hoping that somehow it all ends well. Please read this with your favorite High Schooler. We think it might open up some great conversations about mean girls, horrid boys, cutting, suicide, finding great friendships, and the meaning of life.
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall (2014) – A love story that unfolds through the eyes of 14 different observers of the boy and girl involved. Perfect for the young adult who needs a bit of romance. Bonus, it is not too saccharine-sweet due to the varying perspectives unfolding the tale. ~ Lisa Christie
March: Book Two by John Lewis (January 2015) – This second part of a SUPERB series penned by Congressman John Lewis and his aide Andrew Aydin, and then illustrated by Nate Powell in a graphic novel form, is a moving portrayal of the USA’s Civil Rights movement of 1960s. Book Two takes off where New York Times bestselling Book One left us — just after the success of the Nashville sit-in campaign led by Mr. Lewis and his fellow students. (We also loved Book One, as seen in previous Book Jam posts.) March: Book Two follows Mr. Lewis and his fellow Freedom Riders on to buses into the heart of the deep south, to their meetings with Dr. King, and into the offices of power in Washington, DC (culminating with President John F. Kennedy’s). Both books illustrate the brutality, imprisonment, arson, and even murder the protesters faced. Book Two also shows the internal conflicts the young activists struggled with as their movement grew.
We Should Hang Out Sometime!: Embarrassingly, a true story by Josh Sundquist (2014) – Mr. Sundquist — a paralympian, a Youtube sensation who was helped along the way by the Vlog-Brothers – Hank and John Green (of The Fault in Our Stars fame), and a cancer survivor — has written an often hilarious, sometimes painfully awkward memoir about his attempts to find a girlfriend. As a reader, you follow him from his Christian Youth Group to college, and then to LA as he attempts to find a date. Ultimately, this book is about how self doubt and fear crippled him more than his actual amputation. Written for young adults, this memoir would make a great reminder to anyone that dating is awkward no matter who you are, but that somehow, we all manage our way through it. (PS – he finally gets the girl.)
brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014) – I fall hard just about every time an author uses free verse to tell a story to children (e.g., Love That Dog by Sharon Creech). And Ms. Woodson’s prose paints powerful images in this National Book Award winning autobiography about growing up a “brown girl” during the 1960s and 1970s in South Carolina, Ohio and New York. Her story emerges a book about the Civil Rights movement, growing up, and finding one’s voice as a writer. Enjoy! ~ Lisa Christie
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer (2013) – WOW I cried at the end of this one. This was the COSTA book of the year for 2013 (awarded to fiction written by writers in Ireland and the UK) and I can totally understand why. Told in a completely engaging manner in the first person by the main character – Matthew, although you don’t know his name for awhile, this FIRST novel by Mr. Filer explores mental illness, what triggers it, how people help and hurt the patient’s prognosis, what mental health hospitals try to accomplish, how funding for services for mental health is precarious, how the mentally ill function so well for so long, until they don’t. Mr. Filer is a mental health nurse (and I would add outstanding novelist) and his compassion for his patients comes through in this novel. The narration is brilliant, the situation touching, heart-breaking, unbelievably moving, bittersweet, and above all compelling. As London’s Daily Mail says, “you’re going to love it.”
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald (2014) – Publishers Weekly says “Fans of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will find this another delightful lesson in art history.” The plot follows Theodora Tenpenny around Manhattan, shows how two amazing, but lonely girls can make great friends, and it introduces viewers both to the world of beautiful and important art, and to the importance of asking for help when you need it. Not bad for an author’s first children’s book! ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
Misadventures of Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy (2014). Hilarious brood of six creates chaos, love.
How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon (Oct 2014) – A powerful look at “what goes down” when a 16-year-old, black boy in a hoodie is shot by a white man. Was it defense against a gang incident? Was it a man stopping a robbery gone wrong? Was it being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was it none of these, or a combination of these? And, just when you think you have all the pieces and perspectives to know what happened, a new piece of information inserted into one of the multiple voices used to tell this story, sends you another direction. A seriously impressive book – cleverly staged, with superb and unique voices throughout, and a plot from today’s headlines. This book makes you think about how perspective influences what you see, how stories are told, how choices have implications, and – well, to be honest – the pull and power of gangs. A GREAT book to read and discuss with your favorite teen. ~ Lisa Christie
Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli (2014). Funny sibling rivalry leads to Dickinson.
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson (2014). Selected by Penny – Twins, Art, Loss, Family, Homosexuality, Individuality.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Many high schoolers across the country have read this as part of required reading lists because it is an amazing book of the Holocaust with an unusual narrator – Death. You should read it and give it because it 1) will change you and the gift recipient, 2) is well-written, and 3) reminds you that in the heart of the worst darkness there is hope and there are good people. And ultimately, this novel is about the power of books and stories.
Like No Other by Una LaMarche (July 2014) – West Side Story with an African-American as the male lead and a Hasidic girl as the female lead. Set in modern-day Brooklyn, this tale explores the feelings one’s first true love brings, and what it means to make your own way into the world — even if it requires navigating respecting one’s parents (and we loved that the main characters do respect their families) while still rebelling from their rules. A bonus for us — we loved the fact it wasn’t a traditional “happily ever after story love story”, although everyone ended happy. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (2013) – A great way to discuss fate and choices. Plus, this has one of the most memorable opening chapter events of any book I have ever read. If you continue past chapter one you will: 1) Get to know Ezra – the golden boy of his high school until a car accident ends his star tennis career. 2) Get to know Toby a boy ostracized by his classmates ever since being the innocent victim of the horrific event in Chapter One. 3) Meet Cassidy – the new girl in town with a huge secret that sets her apart. 4) Start to believe Ezra is right – everyone has a tragedy waiting for them – a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. ~ Lisa Christie
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013) – When the book ends you will think hard about children from the “other side of the tracks” and from family situations that are less than ideal. Set during one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits — both from the wrong side of the tracks. They are also both smart enough to know that one’s first love rarely, if ever, lasts, but willing to try anyway. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own high school years, riding the school bus, any time you tried to fit in while figuring out who you were. And yes, you will remember your own first love. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (1938). This was the first book that kept me up practically all night reading as a teen. I simply couldn’t get enough of “Manderley,” Maxim de Winter’s estate in the British countryside, where he brings his new, young wife after a whirlwind courtship on the French Riviera. Once there, she is plagued by the ghost of the seemingly perfect “Rebecca” – Maxim’s late wife – whose presence still fills the halls, gardens, wardrobes, and picture galleries. This psychological thriller has the reader questioning her own reality and sanity as she flips through the pages watching the new Mrs. de Winter deal with the venomous housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, and planning a ball for Maxim de Winter’s friends. This great book will keep readers of all ages on the edge of their seats and up throughout the night. ~ Lisa Cadow
While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell (2014). This novel tells the “true” story behind the legend that is “Sleeping Beauty”. It is a truly fun novel, and a GREAT way to start conversations about getting the truth behind a story before judging anyone, any thing or any situation. ~ Lisa Christie
The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009). Imagine Harry Potter going to college. Then imagine it as a darker take on the idea of a secret academy that trains would-be wizards. Mr. Grossman explores the realms of magic, alternate realities, and wish fulfillment as visited by less-than-heroic characters. Raising the question of what would you do if you could do whatever you wanted, a great discussion question to start an interesting conversation with any almost teen. ~ Recommended to the Book Jam Lisas by Ms. Beth, our town’s children’s librarian
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013). The true story of a crew team heading to the 1932 Berlin Olympics. Described by one of our “Pages in the” Pub reviewers as honest, accurate, suspenseful, educational, uplifting and finally, heartwarming. A great book for teens who love sports or history or we guess most obviously crew. ~ Recommended to the Book Jam Lisas by our favorite retired dentist and avid reader Jim
Bitter in the Mouth by Monique Truong (2010)– Great fiction for anyone needing a well-written book that leaves you feeling good at the end. Basically, the plot explores the power of words – those said and in this case all those important words left unsaid – to help and hurt people. All the aspects — the southern setting, the main character and her unique speech affliction, her beloved great uncle, the changing relationship with her best friend and her mother, her descriptions of both the mundane and profound aspects of life — work together for a truly, truly enjoyable read. I am sad I can never read it again for the first time. ~ Lisa Christie
Vida by Patricia Engel (2010) – a collection of related short stories about a Colombian-American woman who grows up in New Jersey as the daughter of Colombian immigrants. Vida follows a single narrator, Sabina, as she navigates her shifting identity as a daughter of Colombia and struggles to find her place within and beyond the net of her protective, but embattled family. The characters who inhabit these stories will move you and stay with you long after you close the book. This book is reminescent of Lahiri’s collections, but stands well on its own with a firmly Latin flavor. ~ Lisa Christie
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (1996) – A powerful (pun intended) tale of what one person can do in their own life to affect injustices. Set in 1939, as Hitler casts his enormous, cruel shadow across the world, and as apartheid takes root in South Africa. The novel follows a boy called Peekay and his vow to survive a traumatic childhood. As he matures, he embarks on an epic journey through a land modern prejudice where he will learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the power of one. Last read years ago with young teens who loved it and then, in turn, loved the movie it inspired. ~ Lisa Christie and Lisa Cadow
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Yes, it is a tear-jerker and yes it has become a movie, but John Green is a phenomenal YA author – true to life characters and interesting plots. And honestly if you can’t have a good discussion about teens with cancer, first love, parents and what that would mean if it were your life, what will it take to stimulate your book club?
The Book Thief by by Markus Zusak – A book narrated by death, the holocaust, banned book discussions, great writing all combine to make this an international best seller and a superb book club pick.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon – The young narrator has quirks, the plot is a murder and the place is present day UK. Enjoy this novel about being different, having a mission and finding a way to be true to yourself, all while laughing a bit as this book is often painfully humorous.
Zorro by Isabel Allende (2005). While Ms. Allende is known for magic realism, this novel offers a more straightforward narrative than found in most of her books. Ms. Allende’s account of the legend begins with Zorro’s childhood and finishes with the hero. Have fun with this book. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell (2002) – A look at China and USA through the eyes of a young woman whose life is greatly affected her American father’s fascination with China. Not necessarily light, but truly a great, great “coming of age” book. We have been recommending this to men, women and young adults for years and have never had a disgruntled customer. One all male book club declared it their best discussion book ever. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea (2005) – Mr. Urrea creates a history of Mexico as seen through the life of one of their saints (who happens to be one of his distant relatives). This saga, written in gorgeous and lyrical prose, shows a Mexico that many might otherwise miss. ~ Lisa Christie
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez (2002) – Do not let the small size of this novel fool you; it appears sparse, but says so much about what happens to families when a country’s politics take a dangerous turn. In this novel (based upon Ms. Alvarez’s own experiences in the Dominican Republic), the young protagonist, Anita (named in honor of Anne Frank), is coming of age in a Latin American dictatorship. Most of her relatives have already emigrated to the United States, a few of her relatives have disappeared without a trace or gone into hiding, and the government’s secret police are terrorizing family members who remain because of their suspected opposition of the dictatorship. The power of family and the danger of politics hit home with the slim volume for middle grade readers. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
Now, For kids or kid-adult book clubs or any Book Club that likes kids’ books
Twerp by Mark Goldblatt (2013) – Julian is not a bully. He just made a very stupid decision that ended up hurting a kid. Set in 1960s Queens NY, this book explores the importance of belonging and of finding your own voice, and ultimately how hard it is to do the right thing when everyone else wants you to do something else. Told through a journal Julian keeps for his English teacher in order to get out of reading Julius Cesar, Julian’s voice will entertain as the story of forming his sixth grade “gang” of buddies, the devastation “liking” girls can wrought, and how hard it is to make new friends unfolds. Would be a great book to read with younger kids in your life (8-12), or for a parent child book clubs. ~ Lisa Christie
OK For Now by Gary Schmidt (2011) – Even though I had read this before and knew what was coming, I still cried while reading this with my son. Douglas Swieteck, a character from The Wednesday Wars, has many tough situations to overcome in this novel. His family just moved. His father is abusive and up to no good. His mother is trying to hold it together. And, his oldest brother returns from Vietnam with limbs missing, as well as seen and unseen scars. Along the way a superb librarian, some drawing lessons, an Audubon portfolio, and a few grown-ups willing to take a chance on a kid from the wrong side of the tracks provide much-needed help. But perhaps even more importantly, Doug manages to improve some grown-ups along the way. Please read this book and then share it with your favorite pre-teen. ~ Lisa Christie
March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell (2013) – John Lewis, the Congressman and man who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr., has, with two collaborators, written a memoir in the form of a graphic novel. This book begins with his childhood in rural Alabama and follows Mr. Lewis through meeting Martin Luther King and then his own student activist days in Nashville. The pictures explore how his life must have felt at the time. The prose explains what he was thinking as each of the momentous moments of his life unfolds. The 1958 comic book Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story was inspirational to Mr. Lewis and other student activists. We hope March proves as inspiring to future leaders. We truly look forward to Book Two. ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie
Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli (2014) – What do you do when your LITTLE brother gets all the credit for helping you save your neighbor’s life? Or, when your best friend and the boy down the block don’t quite get you? Or, when you don’t get a part in the community theater play? Why you become the poet Emily Dickenson of course. But then you discover being a recluse is not as easy as it seems. A charming look at life through the eyes of an unique girl. ~ Lisa Christie
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald (2014) – We agree with Publishers Weekly assessment – “Fans of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will find this another delightful lesson in art history.” In this novel, Theodora Tenpenny of Manhattan tries to solve the mystery of a painting she uncovers (literally) once her grandfather dies. It includes her eccentric mother who has spent at least fifteen years doing nothing but completing her mathematical dissertation and consuming very expensive tea. It also shows how two amazing, but lonely girls can make great friends. And, along the way it introduces young readers to the world of art and the importance of asking for help when you need it. Not bad for an author’s first children’s book. ~ Lisa Christie and Lisa Cadow
Danger Box by Blue Balliet (2010) – A great old fashioned adventure story set in modern day Michigan. This tale incorporates an engaging mystery, small town life, surviving today’s recession, life with disabilities, growing up with beloved grandparents, finding friends and Darwin. Yes, it manages all that! It could honestly be one of my favorite Children’s books of all time. And it is an excellent (and I can attest captivating for young boys) audio book. ~ Lisa Christie
Will In Scarlet by Matthew Cody (2013) – An EXCELLENT and FUN tale of Robin Hood and his merry men before they became famous. In this version of this timeless tale, you meet them as a gang of outlaws and watch them find their mission in life. A superb adventure for any middle grades reader and the adults who love them, or who love English legends. ~ Lisa Christie
I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin (February 2014) – Celeste Marconi is 11 and has bigger problems than many pre-teens. Her country – Chile – is in the midst of being overtaken by a military dictatorship. Once that happens, her best friend is among those “disappeared” by the General, her parents go into hiding to protect her from their support of the previous leader, and her grandparents send her to far-away Maine to live with her Tia and escape the problems brought by the dictator. An excellent introduction both to Chile and to all that being an exile entails. ~ Lisa Christie
The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson (2013) – A true story of one of the boys saved by Schindler’s List. In this memoir, Leon Leyson describes being only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance, and grit, Leyson was able to survive the the Nazis. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, a man named Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon’s life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory – the famous Schindler’s List. This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler’s List child, provides a unique entry point into an important story for kids to know. It is also a well told tale that captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable.~ Lisa Christie
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (2012) -There are two forms – one for kids (of the chapter book / middle grades reading age) and one for young adults and adults – of the remarkable TRUE story of William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who dreamed of building a windmill to help his country. ~ Lisa Christie
Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke (2012) – Eleven-year-old Jon Whitcroft is upset. First, his mom remarries, then they send him – and only him, not his two sisters – to boarding school. And at boarding school his troubles only intensify. Turns out his family is doomed to be killed by ghosts haunting the town and school where he is sent. Luckily the first friend he makes helps him face his family’s curse. Fun blend of adventure, history, England, boarding school tales and friendship.
Laugh with the Moon by Shana Burg (June 2012) – Clare is recovering (as much as one can) from her mother’s death when her father relocates them from Boston to Malawi. And she is stuck. Stuck in denial about her mother’s recent death. Stuck in the African jungle for sixty-four days without phone reception. Stuck with her father, a doctor who seems able to heal everyone but Clare. Told from an American girl’s perspective, this is a story about how death teaches us to live and how love endures through our memories. It also superbly illustrates the power of friendship and cultural exchanges. ~ Lisa Christie
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