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.
Blackthorn Key
Maybe you like historical fiction, and maybe you don’t. But with Kevin Sands’ Blackthorn Key, it doesn’t matter, because the adventure and stakes are so grand, this book will appeal to anyone.
Children of Blood and Bone
I’d had this on my “to read” list for a while. I love epic fantasy novels, and this one is refreshingly new and exciting with its West African influence. The landscapes and magic are a new brand from the same-old, same-old, but what really got me?
Dog Man
I will admit I was adverse to this book at first. It looked pretty goofy. But then I remembered something important:
Kids love goofy.
Prom & Prejudice
Oh, I’m a sucker for anything that even hints at Jane Austen. Even better if it has ties to my favorite novel of hers, Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read the novel, watched the BBC series (oh Colin Firth!), and have watched every movie adaptation as well.
Magic Tree House Series
The popularity of this children’s series, which began publication in the 1990s, cannot be denied. The series came out when I’d already graduated into adult novels, so until my daughter picked them up, they were just barely on my radar. Now, I’ve read many of them, and I am thrilled that this series exists for our kids.
Kid List 