Read them if they sound interesting to you; read them if you dare. Some of the books contain mature content. Your parents should be aware of and approve of what you are reading.
Abuse and Recovery
The African-American Experience
Banned Books
The Latino Experience
Anderson, Laurie Hales. Speak**. Melinda was socially and emotionally paralyzed by an event at a party the summer before high school started, and she can't heal until she finds her voice again. In a series of journal entries, report cards, and even messages from the school's bathroom walls, the author conveys a vivid message of both warning and empowerment for young women.
Apollo. Concrete Candy. See The African-American Experience.
Banks, Russell. Rule of the Bone. See Abuse and Recovery
Block, Francesca Lia. Weetzie Bat. Block's series, which begins with this novella, is fun, fast, affecting, and very L.A. Bookstore managers typically don't know where to put this book: young adult? (too sexy), normal fiction? (too young). Just read it.
Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower**. Told from the point of view of an immensely likeable fourteen-year-old, Perks is the story of an intelligent and funny boy figuring out the complexities of his life. Often regarded as a contemporary of Catcher in the Rye, this book is perhaps more raw and even funnier, and it certainly offers more connections to most teenagers that the prep-school life of Holden Caulfield.
Doyle, Roddy. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha. In this book, ten-year-old Irish boys and girls get into mischief and wonder about life. Told flawlessly from the viewpoint of a child, this novel is about growth and the confusion that accompanies it.
Fox, Paula. Borrowed Finery. This book is an amazing memoir that follows the story of a strong girl from her abandonment in New York, to life in Cuba, and to the seedy side of Hollywood.
Grass, Gunter. The Tin Drum. This book is the challenging, bittersweet, but often hilarious story of a small boy who literally refuses to grow up.
Karr, Mary. Liar's Club. See Abuse and Recovery.
Kureishi, Hanif. Gabriel's Gift. A fifteen-year-old North London boy supports his separated parents as they dream about their hippie rock-star past and realizes what it means to have a gift and to give a gift. This short novel, which provides a kid's perspective on parents and teachers, is quirky and sweet with a touch of magical realism.
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird**.
McCourt, Frank. Angela's Ashes**. Experience Irish poverty and struggle in this powerful, best-selling childhood memoir. McCourt startles us with his ironic and humorous eye as he comments on horrifying experiences.
Rice, Ben. Pobby and Dingan. This poignant story about how a young girl's imaginary friends' disappearance affects her family is beautifully narrated by her brother. Not to be missed; you will read it in one sitting.
Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye**. Once considered the preeminent teen alienation novel, this angry outburst by private school outsider Holden Caufield is now regularly taught in high schools. Although an outcast, Holden still holds his own, especially in his inarticulate grousing, which ends up being profoundly revealing.
Smith, Bob. Hamlet's Dresser.
Townsend, Sue. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4.
Wolff, Tobias. This Boy's Life**.
**Books that Mrs. Wheaton has read.