Author: AuthorMeganCox

M. M. (Megan) Cox is a professional writer who published the Teen Mobster Series with Bluewood Publishing. If you’ve ever wanted to try laughing while biting your fingernails, you should read her books.

Crenshaw

I’ve already featured one of my favorite Katherine Applegate books on this blog. It’s hard to beat a book like The One and Only Ivan. But while reading Crenshaw aloud to a first and third grader, I learned these things:

Fuzzy Mud

Maybe all I need to tell you is that the author of Fuzzy Mud, Louis Sachar, is the author of Holes. Maybe that’s all you need to know to want to read this. Or, maybe you’re like me. Maybe you love contemporary science fiction based on what could really happen. As a former employee of the CDC, I’m a sucker for any book with an epidemic as an external conflict.

The Phantom Tower

What if you could take an elevator to visit the dead? If you’re intrigued by that idea, this book is for you. A little creepy but not too scary, The Phantom Tower will keep you on your toes as a set of twins tries to figure out the mystery behind their new Chicago apartment building.

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles)

I have to say, I love a good retelling. Of course, the Cinderella concept is always popular, and this one, complete with cyborg, is definitely an intriguing and gripping read. Besides, I love futuristic, speculative fiction–especially if it throws in a little romance.

I Survived

I was very excited when I first spied these books at Barnes & Noble (I do a lot of bookshelf stalking at that store). What a great way to introduce history to readers through some of the most intense events. My son has consumed a number of these with me, and I imagine he’ll continue to read them on his own as he gains more confidence

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

I’d been hearing a lot about this novel, and it had been recommended by a dear writing friend. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is vivid, urgent, and sometimes downright funny, although it may also be responsible for making you cry.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

I think this particular book popped up on my library recommended reads. I have read a great deal of teen fantasy, but because I was working on a manuscript of my own, I was trying to discover more in this genre (I’d been a huge consumer of the genre as a twenty-something).

Maiden Voyage

I ran across this novel on a recent trip to Branson, Missouri, home of the largest Titanic museum (you had no idea, did you?). While the story had my children swearing off cruise ships for life, I found myself fascinated once again by history of this tragedy. Maybe that’s because I had relatives who had planned to take the ship (and they were not of the first-class variety). Maybe it’s because folly led to death, and the personal stories of loss still get me in the gut.

The Wrath and the Dawn

I devoured Tales of Arabian Nights as a teen. Scheherazade is a personal hero. That’s why I was so excited about this novel.

The Indian in the Cupboard

I still remember my fifth grade teacher reading this novel to the class. Now, as I read it to a seven- and nine-year-old, I can witness how writing has changed in the past few decades. Yet, this novel is relevant and entertaining, with rich narratives and an idea that intrigues children to this day.

Everything, Everthing

Rich romantic chemistry and intriguing family drama combine in this contemporary YA romance novel.  With a main character who can’t go outside because she’s bound to get sick, and a charming love interest who won’t walk away, you’ll keep turning the pages on this one. Oh, and your teenager will to!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

One of my all time favorite romance series, because it really features teen love and heartbreak in an authentic way. Add in the unique, witty voice of Laura Jean and her Korean background, and this book, and the two that follow, are hard to put down.