SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIKE TO READ

These are books that will appeal to all young adults, but especially to those who insist that they don’t like to read.  Although none of these books is lengthy, they are all “heavyweights” in enjoyment.  Many young adults (especially those who don’t like to read), have given these books a two-thumbs up.  Give one a try.  You just might find out that you can’t put it down!  Most books have the number of pages noted in parentheses.

Arnoldi, Katherine.  The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom.  (unpaged) A teenage single mom beats the odds and succeeds.

Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia.  In the Forests of the Night. (147) If you liked Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you’ll love this book.

Avi.  Wolf Rider, a Tale of Terror.  (202) A psychological thriller about murder and deception.

Bartoletti, Susan.  No Man’s Land. (164) Historical fiction set in the Civil War.

Bernall, Misty.  She Said Yes:  The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall. (140) The true life story of one of the murder victims at Columbine High School.

Cormier, Robert.  The Rag and Bone Shop. (154) A chilling story filled with suspense and deception – a real page turner!

Draper, Sharon.  Tears of a Tiger. (180)  Diary entries and letters describe the living hell of a teen who kills his best friend in a drunk driving accident.

Giles, Gail.  Shattering Glass. (215) Explores the sometimes disastrous consequences of following the leader.

Koertge, Ronald.  Shakespeare Bats Clean-Up. (116) A teen recovering from mono discovers that expressing his thoughts in free verse isn’t so bad.

Myers, Edward.  Climb or Die. (192) A survival story packed with adventure.

Schiff, Nancy Rica.  Odd Jobs:  Portraits of Unusual Occupations. (152) Dare to dream about what you might like to do for a living!

Springer, Nancy.  Blood Trail. (105) A murder mystery tinged with fear, grief, anger, and revenge.

Talbot, Bryan.  The Tale of One Bad Rat. (120) A story of pain, strength, and survival as a teen comes to grips with her abusive past.

Winick, Judd. Pedro and Me.  A tribute to Pedro Zamora, a gay AIDS activist.

Hiaasen, Carl.  Hoot (292) A laugh-out-loud adventure in Florida to save the owls!

Blueford Series (Lost and Found, A Matter of Trust, The Gun, Until we Meet Again) A series of different stories about high school students in California.

Gary Paulsen.  Night John (92) A story of slavery, and the incredible risk taken by one man to teach others how to read.

White, Robb.  Deathwatch (220)  An adventure mystery that will keep you on your toes!

Philbrick, Rodman.  Freak the Mighty. (160) A story of a powerful friendship and death.

Mikaelsen, Ben.  Touching Spirit Bear. (240)  A choice between prison or Native American Circle Justice changes the lives of two teenage boys.

Paulsen, Gary.  Brian’s Return.  (110)  A continuation of the story of Brian, from Hatchet.

Lowry, Lois.  Number the Stars. A story of strength and bravery among friends during the Danish Resistance.

Graphic novel – one in which the story is told through both written and visual forms of expression.

(Updated 8/1/08)