Young Adult

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus  $15.95

Fast-paced and full of adventure, this fascinating, true story is based on a real incident that occurred in 1841, and follows a young Japanese boy as he travels from Japan to America and back to Japan.

The Limit by Kristen Landon  $15.99

In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next.

Brain Wizardry: With More Than 50 Mind Bogglers, Optical Inventions, Magic Tricks and Visual Illusions by Ron van der Meer $16.99

An exciting way to explore the brain with lift-up flaps, pop-ups, pull tabs, and more than 50 mind bogglers to show you how the brain can be fooled.

The Last Words of Will Wolfkin by Steven Knight $16.99

It’s funny. If you’re born a certain way, you don’t really understand how it is to be any other way. From one of the hottest screenwriters in Hollywood (“Amazing Grace, Dirty Pretty Things”)comes a pulse-pounding new fantasy epic.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen $8.99

This acclaimed “School Library Journal” Best Book is a classic romantic comedy of errors, told in alternating chapters from two funny, quirky points of view from two teens who are each in transition.

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez $6.99

After Tyler’s father is injured in an accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. And what about the three daughters, particularly the oldest, Mari?

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd $9.99

While digging for peat in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it looks like she’s been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him, a little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog child unfurls.

Spilling Ink by Matt Phelan $9.99

After receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice, the authors joined together to create this guidebook for young writers. The authors mix personal anecdotes with practical guidance on who to find a voice, develop characters and plot, make revisions, and overcome writer’s block. Includes writing prompts.

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon $17.99

From the author of the adult bestsellers “Shadow of the Wind” and “The Angel’s Game” comes an atmospheric, adventurous YA ghost story about a mysterious house that harbors an unimaginable secret.

Grimpow: The Invisible Road by Rafael Abalos  $9.99

Grimpow has no idea who the dead man is, but hidden in the mans leather bag is a treasure that will change Grimpows life forever. Clutched in the mans firm grip–a stone that will shape Grimpows destiny, for when he holds it, strange things begin to happen.

The Cardturner: A Novel About Imperfect Partners and Infinite Possibilities by Louis Sachar  $17.99

As the summer after junior year begins, Alton Richards finds himself becoming intrigued by his great-uncle Lester, by the game of bridge, and especially by a pretty and shy girl. Alton soon struggles to figure out what it all means, and ultimately to figure out the meaning of his own life.

The Mark by Jen Nadol $16.99

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark–a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman $8.99

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice one teenage girl commands.

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski $6.99

Brimming with magic, political intrigue, and heroism, this debut novel kicks off a riveting new series featuring Petra Kronos, a young girl who risks everything to protect those she loves.

The Line by Teri Hall $16.99

In this compelling debut, Hall writes a futuristic urban novel about the lines one girl must cross, and what lengths she is willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead  $15.99

From the author of “First Light” comes this engaging novel in which four mysterious letters change a young girl’s world forever.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-up by Dr. Seuss   designed by David A Carter $28.99

Filled with glorious pop-ups, detailed pop-up booklets, special effects, and the complete original text, this Dr. Seuss classic bursts with vibrant new energy, thanks to the talents of paper engineer Carter. Appropriate for graduates of all ages, this joyful book is an ideal gift for anyone starting out on a new adventure.

Dandelion Fire by N.D. Wilson  $7.99

Henry York never dreamed his time in Kansas would open a door to adventure–much less a hundred doors. Now Henry must follow the trail through the cupboards to find the truth about who he really is.  Second in the 100 Cupboards series.  The third in the series, The Chestnut King, has just been released.

Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer $9.99

The three-time Newbery Honor-winning author and National Book Award recipient pens a new adventure set in A.D. 793 in the land of the Vikings, where two children are soon swept up in a quest on which they encounter a dragon, a giant spider, and trolls.   Sea of Trolls is the first the “Sea of Trolls” trilogy.  Book two is The Land of the Silver Apples and book three is The Islands of the Blessed.

Legacy by Cayla Kluver $24.95

Duty-bound to wed her father’s choice in successor to the  throne, Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates—a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor, Steldor. When a mysterious boy from enemy Cokyri appears bearing secrets and an entirely different view of what’s appropriate behavior for a young lady, Alera learns that her private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. When Narian’s shocking past comes to light, Alera finds herself in a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, facing an uncertain future with dwindling options—and must learn to decide between right and wrong all alone.

The “young adult” category is the most difficult to recommend for.  Parents and grandparents are looking for books that have enough content to hold the attention of these young people and yet don’t have adult content.  This is the age when reading may get pushed aside as people grow into who they want to be.  There isn’t always a book to help with all that.  Sometimes it’s life experience and finding other ways to learn that are better teachers.  Forcing someone to read at any age when they don’t want to may make them non-readers down the line.  A lot is happening at this time in life and sometimes books don’t fit.  But for those who want to read here are some suggestions.

The Book Thief Zusak, Markus

The Giver Lowry, Lois

The House of the Scorpion Farmer, Nancy

The Alchemist Coelho, Paulo

Ella Minnow Pea Dunn, Mark

The Lightning Thief Riordon, Rick

The Time Ships Baxter, Stephen

Voices Le Guin, Ursula

The Secret Life of Bees Kidd, Sue Monk

The Haunted Bookshop Morley, Christopher

People of the Book Brooks, Geraldine

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Bradley, Alan

The Name of This Book is a Secret Bosch, Psuedonymous

Lord of the Rings trilogy Tolkien J R R

His Dark Materials trilogy Pullman, Philip

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