Lists and Suggestions for Teens
TEENS: Inspiring Reads
The Cardturner
Author: Sachar, Louis, 1954-
When his wealthy uncle, a champion bridge player who has lost his vision, asks seventeen-year-old ...
Curveball : The Year I Lost My Grip
Author: Sonnenblick, Jordan.
After an injury ends former star pitcher Peter Friedman's athletic dreams, he concentrates on phot...
Dairy Queen
Author: Murdock, Catherine Gilbert.
After spending her summer running the family farm and training the quarterback for her school's ri...
Deadline
Author: Crutcher, Chris.
Given the medical diagnosis of one year to live, high school senior Ben Wolf decides to fulfill hi...
Hatchet
Author: Paulsen, Gary.
After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the wilderness, learning to...
Lock and Key
Author: Dessen, Sarah.
When she is abandoned by her alcoholic mother, high school senior Ruby winds up living with Cora, ...
The Running Dream
Author: Van Draanen, Wendelin.
When a school bus accident leaves sixteen-year-old Jessica an amputee, she returns to school with ...
Say What You Will
Author: McGovern, Cammie.
Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully...
Shark Girl
Author: Bingham, Kelly L., 1967-
After a shark attack causes the amputation of her right arm, fifteen-year-old Jane, an aspiring ar...
Stargirl
Author: Spinelli, Jerry.
In this story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of firs...
Awards
Awarded annually to the author of the book voted as most outstanding by Illinois high school students
Adult books that appeal to teen readers
Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA)
Best teen books selected from the previous year
Outstandingly inspirational books that promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all people
Honors the best nonfiction book of the year written for teens
Rainbow Book List: GLBTQ Books for Children & Teens
Children’s/Young Adult LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) nominees
Honoring excellence in books for teens
Celebrating the Latino cultural experience
An Illinois award for outstanding literature for young people
William C. Morris YA Debut Award
Honors the best novels of the year by a debut author writing for teens
YALSA Book Awards and Booklists
The American Library Association’s Young Adult Library Services Association presents annual awards and puts out annual lists for various types of genres and materials