Best Books for Teens

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy, Book 1)

by: James Dashner

Amazon Price: $4.64 (as of 05/21/2012)

When he wakes up, he remembers nothing. All he knows is that his name is Thomas and that he once belonged to a world that he can recall vague details about, but no specifics. Thomas wakes up in the Glade, a large courtyard run by fifty teenage boys. No one knows how they got to the Glade or why, but they toil away every day to make ends meet. Surrounding the Glade winds the Maze, a complex series of walls that shift every day, making it virtually unsolvable. Shortly after Thomas's arrival, a new delivery comes to the Glade- a girl. She knows the End is coming, but what will that mean for the life that the Gladers have build for themselves? Who brought them to this strange place, and what happens now that everything is changing? Read my full review of this great book for teens.

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

by: Holly Black

Amazon Price: $2.47 (as of 05/21/2012)

Holly Black's award-winning novel follows Kaye Fierch, a rebellious teenager with a big imagination. Kaye tours the country with her mom's faltering band. When she and her mom crash at her grandmother's place, Kaye looks for Lutie, Gristle, and Spike, three fairies that she played with as a child. Though she once thought her friends were imaginary, she discovers that they are real when they come and warn her that the knight of the Unseelie Court and Kaye's crush, Roiben, is dangerous and full of bloodlust from the impending fairy war. Kaye takes in all this information in stride, but can she keep her secret once she discovers that she herself is a fairy, disguised as a human? Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale is a fresh take on one of the oldest myths there is. A great read for lovers of Twilight, fantasy, and bad a** heroines alike.

Speak: 10th Anniversary Edition

by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/21/2012)

Melinda Sordino wanted nothing more than to have a good first year of high school. But before the semester even began, a horrible incident caused Melinda to become the social outcast of the school. Chained to a dark secret that only she knows, Melinda begins to withdraw from normal teenage life. The critically-acclaimed novel Speak follows Melinda as she sinks deeper and deeper into depression, and what she must do to bring justice to a dark situation.

How To Say Goodbye In Robot

by: Natalie Standiford

Amazon Price: $4.47 (as of 05/21/2012)

This book brings solidarity and kinship to outcasts. Robot Girl and Ghost Boy are outsiders at a cliquy private school. When they discover that their individual differences make them similar to one another, they team up in a platonic partnership to help Ghost Boy save his long-lost brother from a mental institution. Full of emotion and passion, this novel is a must-read for those looking for something a little different. Read my full review here.

Just Listen

by: Sarah Dessen

Amazon Price: $2.90 (as of 05/21/2012)

Friendship, popularity, self-worth: all the things that Annabel lost in one fell swoop during the summer before her junior year in high school. Because of a misunderstood incident at a party, Annabel has lost her best friend, the respect of her peers, and any self-esteem that she once had. Not only that, she also has to deal with her older sisters' issues, including anorexia and a failure to meet their parents' expectations. With the help of an unlikely friend and some serious introspection, can Annabel right the wrongs that were committed over the summer and gain back all that was lost? Read my full review here.

Beastly

Amazon Price: $13.64 (as of 05/21/2012)

I just finished reading this one. It's a quick read, for starters. It's also great for all the romantics out there (like me!). Here's the premise: Kyle Kingsly has everything he wants in NYC and he acts like it, too. But when a witch places a curse on him that makes him look like a beast, Kyle must find true love within two years or remain a beast forever. When a thief breaks into Kyle's home, he bargains his daughter in replace for amnesty. Will this girl be the one to break the curse? Or will Kyle remain a beast- inside and out- forever? Read my full review here.

THE City of Ember [Paperback]

by: Jeanne Du Prau (Author)

Amazon Price: $5.59 (as of 05/21/2012)

Fans of The Giver may enjoy "The City Of Ember". This story follows Doon and Lina as they struggle to save their city, which has been isolated for the last 500 years. A thrilling adventure with an ending that will leave you satisfied and at the same time craving more. Read my full review here.

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies)

by: Pittacus Lore

Amazon Price: (as of 05/21/2012)

This is a fast-paced sci-fi novel with underlying environmental protection themes. "I Am Number Four" follows the alien John (or Number Four) as he attempts to blend in to the high school crowd while at the same time avoiding the vicious Mogadorians, who are out to take his life. I enjoyed reading this novel, though I am usually not a big fan of sci-fi, the author made the story as relatable as possible. His action descriptions could use a bit of work, but if your teen likes action, they're sure to like "I Am Number Four". Read my full review here.

Stargirl

by: Jerry Spinelli

Amazon Price: (as of 05/21/2012)

A classic teen novel. Leo Borlock thinks of himself as the average teenage guy until he meets Susan Caraway, aka, "Stargirl." Leo is intrigued by Stargirl's mysterious and offbeat behavior, but not every high school student is so interested as Leo. When Leo and Stargirl start to date, they become teenage outcasts. Leo faces a difficult decision- does he choose a normal life without the girl of his dreams or a life as a nobody with the one he loves?

Someone Like You

by: Sarah Dessen

Amazon Price: $2.49 (as of 05/21/2012)

Halley's life becomes a lot more complicated when she returns to summer camp to find that Scarlett, her best friend, has lost her boyfriend to a motorcycle accident and has now found out that she's pregnant with her dead boyfriend's baby. Halley does her best to tend to Scarlett through these difficult times, but when she starts dating bad boy Macon, things become difficult for her, as well. A beautiful coming-of-age tale filled with friendship, loyalty, and true love.

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl

by: Barry Lyga

Amazon Price: $0.19 (as of 05/21/2012)

With themes similar to those of How To Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford, The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl is an unconventional tale of two unconventional teenagers. Fanboy struggles with achieving his dreams to become a comic book artist while Goth Girl struggles to identify with her femininity. When the two cross paths, sparks fly. As they get to know one another, Fanboy and Goth Girl start to realize that they are not the only weirdos out there; they are all in this together.

The Hunger Games

by: Suzanne Collins

Amazon Price: $3.40 (as of 05/21/2012)

The Hunger Games series have rocketed into stardom over the last few years. The premise of the book is that in a future world, every year the government holds "The Hunger Games," a competition between children to-and I'm serious here-fight to the death. The Hunger Games are supposed to remind citizens of the cruelty of past societies, but many look down upon them. When Katniss's sister Prim gets chosen to compete in the games, Katniss immediately volunteers herself in Prim's place. What will the games have in store for her?

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

by: John Boyne

Amazon Price: (as of 05/21/2012)

For those interested in history (or the movie), this book may be for you. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas follows two young boys from completely opposite cultures as they learn about one another to prove that acceptance is the best policy of all. Set at Auschwitz during WWII. Warning: not for the light of heart. This is not your "happily ever after" story.

The Truth About Forever

by: Sarah Dessen

Amazon Price: $2.65 (as of 05/21/2012)

Sarah Dessen writes great books for young girls. She discusses adolescence and growing up in a way that is real and yet promotes good values...all while telling an interesting tale. In "The Truth About Forever", Macy learns to cope with her dad's death at the same time she is learning about how find her niche as a teenager. A wonderful read: romantic, funny, and allover enjoyable.

Switched (Trylle Trilogy, Book 1)

by: Amanda Hocking

Amazon Price: $7.25 (as of 05/21/2012)

If you have a young writer in the home, I suggest they read a book by Amanda Hocking. Hocking found her success by publishing her novels online. She is an inspiration to all who wish to one day become an author. The Trylle Trilogy is my favorite series by Hocking. It is the tale of an unlikely mythological creature- trolls! But don't let that turn you out. These trolls are cool- no hairy feet or ugly warts, they are human in nature and only want to live a simple life with the earth. For all of the young adults who love Twilight and the like, check out Amanda Hocking's vivid stories.

Walk Two Moons

by: Sharon Creech

Amazon Price: $3.45 (as of 05/21/2012)

Few authors have defined female adolescence as well as Sharon Creech. Perhaps Creech's most famous novel, Walk Two Moons is the story of a young girl discovering her independence and learning how she fits into her concept of "family". A must-read for all growing girls.

Elsewhere

by: Gabrielle Zevin

Amazon Price: $3.49 (as of 05/21/2012)

For those who like to consider the "Big Questions," like what happens after we die. Liz finds out what author Gabrielle Zevin thinks about the afterlife when she is hit by a car and wakes up on a mysterious ship filled with old people. She realizes that she is dead, and has been transported to Elsewhere. Elsewhere is a land where people age backwards, fulfilling their desires and wishes that they were unable to complete during their first life. Will Liz embrace this chance to live her "life" to the fullest or will she reject this new land and try to escape?

The Giver

by: Lois Lowry

Amazon Price: $3.50 (as of 05/21/2012)

Jonas has been assigned a very special job in his dystopian community, one that involves keeping the memories of the past alive. But when Jonas realizes that the "Sameness" in his community is stifling human love and creativity, will he be the one to bring about change? This is by far my favorite teen book. I have loved it since 6th grade and I have read it at least three times. If you haven't read this yet, go buy it immediately :)

Uglies (The Uglies)

by: Scott Westerfeld

Amazon Price: $4.74 (as of 05/21/2012)

Tally Youngblood wants nothing more than to be pretty. Luckily, for her, Tally lives in a futuristic world where every teen goes through an operation when they turn 16 that makes them into sparkling, beautiful "Pretties". But when Tally's friend Shay runs away to escape the operation, will Tally stick by her friend's side or stay safe- and superficial- in the city?