10. 1984 - George Orwell Terrifying. It seems like each day brings us a step closer to the kind of world in which Winston Smith lives.
9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie Funny and heartfelt, the story brings to light an existence that is not often explored in contemporary literature.
8. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak Am I right in thinking that every book club in the world has already discussed this book? If not, you're welcome.
7. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card This thought-provoking science fiction story isn't for everyone, but it's an excellent read. It's also currently being made into a film. What better time to have a book club tackle it?
6. Life as We Knew it - Susan Beth Pfeffer The book suggests a truly frightening prospect. I expect the book club would spend a lot of time discussing "What if?"
5. Feed - M.T. Anderson You're probably starting to notice that many of the titles on this list are dystopian in nature. It's a sub-genre that by far has been the most successful with our Library's teen book group. They're the inheritors of what we've created, so it's only fitting they explore the possibilities of what's to come.
4. Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson A fascinating and heartbreaking glimpse into the chaotic mind of a young girl struggling with an eating disorder.
3. American Born Chinese - Gene Luan Yang A graphic novel as a book club pick? Absolutely...especially a gem like this one. Three interrelated stories for the price of one.
2. Unwind - Neal Shusterman The teens not only found this one fascinating but exciting as well. Shusterman has that effect on people.
1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins It's phenomenally popular and sure to spark discussion not just about the world of Panem but our own.
Ender's Game is a great choice. I have The Book Thief on my list too:)
ReplyDeleteHere is My Top Ten
Thanks, Tammy! EVERYONE should have The Book Thief on the list. ;)
DeleteI recently added Wintergirls to my shelf. Unwind made my list as well. I am looking forward to the next in series. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions.
ReplyDelete-FABR Steph@FiveAlarmBookReviews
My Top Ten...
You're welcome! I always figured there'd be a sequel to Unwind, but I didn't know it was official. Now I see that it's tentatively titled Unwholly. Thanks for the heads up! My teens would kill me if I didn't get it for our Library.
DeleteOooh, Unwind and Feed! I love Feed. Excellent choices. I have used Life as We Knew It with my teen book club, they loved it. Here is my list http://wp.me/pzUn5-OM
ReplyDeleteThanks, rrtl! I experienced Feed via audiobook and thought it was a fantastic way to "read" this particular story. I love that you included Elsewhere on your list. Our teen club read and adored that one too!
DeleteI think Ender's Game has one of the best twist endings in fiction!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Our book club liked Ender's Game so much, we went on to Speaker for the Dead. They didn't like that one as well, but it's my favorite of the series.
DeleteWhat age range would you suggest for The Hunger Games? Could it be for a fourth-grade reading level? Or is it more a comprehension thing?
ReplyDeleteAbigail, I would recommend The Hunger Games for ages twelve and up, not because of the reading level (which actually is around the fourth-, fifth-grade level) but more because of the mature content that faces readers. Some readers younger than twelve have been caught up in the current phenomenon and are emotionally equipped to handle the violent nature of the book, but it's definitely not for every fourth grader. At the very least, I'd say be prepared to have some conversations with your fourth grader about why these kids are fighting to the death in the first place and what it means for someone to live in a dystopian society.
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