Best-Ever Teen Fiction

If you had to choose the TOP TEN BEST Teen Fiction novels, what would you pick? National Public Radio (NPR) is asking everyone to vote from a list of 235 finalists put together by an expert panel of judges. Click on the link below to check out the finalists and vote for YOUR top ten titles:

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/24/157072526/best-ever-teen-novels-vote-for-your-favorites

I, as a librarian and lover of teen books, had a rough time choosing just 10! Should it be MY all-time favorite teen novels or should it be ones that want ALL TEENS to read? Do I include my favorites RIGHT NOW, versus my classic favorites? Or should I consider those stories that seemed "groundbreaking" at the time they were published, whether it was because of the authentic voice, the format, or the genre? Hmmmm....so many good books, but only 10 votes! Well, needless to say, I chose a mix of everything, and while some of you may disagree, here's my list. (In title order)

American Born Chinese  by Gene Yang
This graphic novel questions our perception of certain stereotypes and how we are affected by those around us, as well as by our own thoughts and frustrations when it comes to identity.

Beauty Queens  by Libba Bray
A brilliantly written satire involving beauty queens stranded on an island. The voices are both humorous and thought-provoking, as the reader gets to know each contestant and her own individual struggles throughout the book.

The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak
A story told entirely from the point-of-view of Death? I'm in. That it takes place during World War II and is about a young, book-stealing German girl whose family is hiding a Jewish man makes it even more enticing and poignant for this reader.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks  by E. Lockhart
A teenage girl infiltrates a secret all-male society at her boarding school. High-jinks, hilarity, and quite of bit of social commentary ensue. Girl power!

Fahrenheit 451  by Ray Bradbury
The quintessential dystopian novel about a society where book-burning is a common practice and firemen actually set fires, rather than put them out. This was the FIRST dystopian novel that I fell in love with, so I chose it for both the quality writing AND the sentimental feelings it brings.

Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling
Okay. So,yes, this epic series started out as children's books. While this is mostly suitable for kids, I think that the entire series is one long coming-of-age story about a boy who grows up and figures out who he is with LOTS of help from the people he loves--friends and trusted adults included. Oh yeah, and he defeats the Dark Lord and saves both the wizarding and muggle worlds in the process. There is no other series (or world) quite like Harry's.

Looking for Alaska  by John Green
At the heart, it's about so many firsts--first time attending a boarding school, first time falling in love, the first time dealing with tragedy and other heavy issues... For me, it was my FIRST introduction to one of my favorite authors and the beautiful, thought-provoking language that his books possess.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist  by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
If you ever wonder what it FEELS like to stay up all night in New York City with a person who shares your common love for music, traveling from place to place without a destination in mind, this book will show you.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower  by Stephen Chbosky
Okay, I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of the movie (coming out in September!) and was reminded of how awesome this book is. It was also a groundbreaking book at the time it was published and went on to become a cult classic. Told in the voice of a boy starting high school, he makes friends, loses them, finds himself, and is forced to deal with some serious emotional issues.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson  by John Green and David Levithan
Another personal favorite. Both of these authors have an uncanny ability to capture and honestly potray those first feelings of discovery and self-awareness. This book is about two teens, both named Will Grayson, who cross paths on a fateful night and become part of each other's lives in unexpected ways. Like many of my favorites, it is about figuring out where you fit in without losing sight of who you are.


What does your TOP TEN Best-Ever Teen Fiction look like?


-Erica C., Teen Services Librarian at SMPL

Teen Battle of the Bands!

Join us as FIVE teen bands square off and battle for the ultimate prize of $500 AND the opportunity to attend an upcoming GRAMMY Camp® - SoundCheck or a GRAMMY®-affiliated
Question & Answer session.

TEEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Saturday, March 17 at 7:00 pm
Miles Memorial Playhouse
1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA