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Some of My Favorite Young Adult Literature

Click on book images for more information on each text.

Note: I only recommend books that I have read!

Also see my page dedicated to books for middle grades readers as well as literacy resources also located in the Young Adult Literature tab (above).

Note that different books will appeal to different age groups and reader interests. When choosing texts, the reader, parents, and teachers should first consider the content of the book (is it interesting to the reader, is it appropriate for their age, and do they have the requisite prior knowledge for the book to make sense?). One should also consider the readability of each book. I highly recommend finding books through the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), especially those books that are most frequently challenged or banned.

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To find great young adult and middle grades texts, please see Finding Texts for Young Readers and/or use the resources below.

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I believe that, aside from word of mouth from fellow book lovers, YALSA is the best place to find outstanding Young Adult Literature. It compiles lists of national award winning books and runners-up. Pay special attention to the Printz Award books!

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Little will entice young adult readers to read more than telling them that the book is or has been banned or challenged (a regular occurrence these days in states like Florida). Ironically, most of the most frequently banned and challenged books are those that we'd most want students to read! The ALA also hosts the Young Adult Library Services Association, the best resource for finding great YAL books!

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The National Book Awards have a section devoted to Young Adult texts. Their choices are always of the highest quality in terms of content and writing. The National Book Award is arguably the pinnacle of writing awards.

Please consider connecting with me on goodreads. I love knowing what other bibliophiles, students, and teachers are reading! You can also read my review of many of the books above as well as those that didn't make the cut.

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