1. "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews
This novel is not your typical boy-falls-in-love-with-girl cancer story. Greg is an awkward high school senior who is against having relationships considered friends. Rather, he spends his time with his co-worker, Earl, recreating movies. Things change when he is forced to spend time with Rachel, an acquaintance who has stage four leukemia. Instead of being a typical YA romance, this story focuses on the meaning of being true friend, and the way friends impact each other’s’ lives.
2. "Let The Great World Spin" by Colum McCann
"Let The Great World Spin" is not one, but numerous stories within one novel that are connected through one central event -- the famous 1974 Twin Towers tight rope walk of Philippe Petit. Different characters in different situations connect directly and indirectly over the course of the novel, one being the viewing of Petit’s tight rope walk. McCann uses the tight rope walk as the characters’ abilities to find human meaning. "Let The Great World Spin" is a more mature book, but any high schooler could understand the intricate characters, and discover the way humans play roles in others’ lives.
3. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
Centered in Nazi Germany, "The Book Thief" is one of the best World War II fictional books. Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of nine-year-old Liesel, and her experience with a Jewish refugee living in her basement. Death narrates the beauties and the tragedies of society during this era. I suggest this book for all high schoolers, especially those who want to learn about World War II without all of the disturbing details. This novel has the ability to entertain the reader, while also teach about one of history’s greatest tragedies.
4. "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
I would definitely suggest this for any high schooler about to enter college. "All The Bright Places" centers around the relationship between two high schoolers Theodore and Violet. When Violet tries to kill herself by jumping from a bell tower, Theodore stops the potential suicide, while he himself is known for attempting suicide. As their relationship blossoms, the couple struggles to find meaning in life and it is worth living. This novel takes a different look into suicide, and the way young adults perceive it. "All The Bright Places" teaches a lesson on the effects of suicide, and gives a perspective on those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
5. "I’ll Give You The Sun" by Jandy Nelson
"I’ll Give You The Sun" combines numerous young adult issues into one novel: loyalty, sexuality, death, family and betrayal. Twin brother and sister become estranged for three years, with the first half being told by the brother, Noah, and the second half being told by the sister, Jude. The twins work to reconnect their lost relationship, while struggling with their personal lives. This novel is critically acclaimed, and is a wonderful read for any young adults struggling to find themselves.
6. "Hate List" by Jennifer Brown
I highly suggest "Hate List" for all high schoolers. This book deals with the aftermath of a school shooting from the view point of the shooter’s girlfriend. Valerie and Nick have a hate list of people in their high school. Valerie sees it as a venting technique, but Nick takes the list to the highest extreme when he brings a gun in to school and fires at specific people on the list. Valerie must deal with the consequences of her involvement with the list, and must deal with the results it has left on her life and the people around her. School shootings are a serious matter, and this novel brings up the issues of bullying and violence among teenagers.
7. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is a classic, and my all-time favorite book. If you weren’t required to read this in class, I suggest reading it anyway, for it is a great example of American literature. It focuses on the corrupted ideals of the Roaring 20’s. While it doesn’t focus on young adult issues, it is a type of book that can make one into a better reader. Reading and understanding this novel will teach high schoolers how to analyze literature and how to recognize symbolic messages.
8. "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
This book broke my heart and made me smile simultaneously. "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower" is a beautiful novel of a freshman boy struggling to find himself. On the surface, the book tells the story of a lonely boy who joins a group of misfits that teach him true friendship and acceptance, while introducing him to different kinds of drugs. Below the surface, Charlie struggles with an issue that lies within himself and is not revealed until the end of the book. This is a perfect novel for anyone feeling as though they are struggling to belong because of their own personal issues. This book teaches acceptance of all others, and that those around you may be struggling with problems that aren’t obvious.
9. "The Sky Is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson
Lennie finds her life in a flurry of emotions when her older sister abruptly dies. In a moment of mutual grieving, Lennie and her sister’s boyfriend share a kiss that turns into a secret relationship. After meeting an interesting new boy at school, she is torn between her sister’s boyfriend and the new boy, all while trying to come to terms with her sister’s death. This novel’s themes include new romance, death, guilt and family.
10. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
"To Kill A Mockingbird" is another classic that has withstood the test of time. This book is an easy read that comes with a serious message that is still relevant to today’s society. During the Great Depression, young Scout Finch is the daughter of Atticus Finch, the lawyer in a small southern town. Atticus is defending a black man who was charged with the rape of a white woman. Told through a young child’s point of view, this novel focuses on discrimination and prejudice. To Kill a Mockingbird has been widely taught in public schools since its publication. All young adults should read "To Kill A Mockingbird" in preparation for entrance into the real world.
