Reading keeps your mind sharp and lets your imagination run wild. Here are a few books that I have come to love over the years. They would make a fine addition to anyone's collection!
1. "Gone" by Michael Grant
Imagine a world without adults, and now imagine the very same world where kids develop mutant powers. That is just the tip of the iceberg! Michael Grant creates a world full of drama, action, love and teenage angst. All of which is amplified by the characters will to survive.
2. "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
This book will satisfy anyone's high fantasy cravings. "Eragon" is chock-full with magic, dragons, elves, and any other creature one could ever think of. The story follows the quest of Eragon to avenge the death of his family, but turns into something bigger than he could have ever imagined. Did I mention Paolini was 15 when he started writing "Eragon?"
3. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
"Pride and Prejudice" is already a classic, and that no one can deny. When you add zombies into the mix? The story takes on a life of its own. Jane Bennet and her sisters morph into bad ass zombie slayers, destroying the undead and gender roles along the way of early 19th century England. If she woos the likes of Mr. Darcy while saving humanity, I don't think anyone would complain.
4. "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen
Hannah is like every other girl of her age — she hates family gatherings. She thinks that this Passover Seder (a Jewish holiday) would be like any other. That is, until she is transported into the past. Suddenly, Hannah is in the stories her family has told her for years. Hannah finds her self at a concentration camp during Hitlers reign.
5. "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K Rowling
"The Casual Vacancy" starts off with the tragic death of Barry Fairbrother. Barry's death leaves a vacant spot on the parish council. With several candidates ready to take his spot, a full out political war sweeps through the town of Pagford. In the pages of "The Casual Vacancy" are the day-to-day lives of the citizens of Pagford, the lives of the young, the poor, the unfaithful and so many more. J.K Rowling's dark humor is sure to entertain and provoke thought.
6. "Butter" by Jade Lange
"Butter" is an absolute must read YA book. It covers many social issues that plague teens today. The book deals with body image, suicide, popularity and social media. The story follows a boy dubbed Butter, and his quest to end his life over social media. Butter plans to end his life by eating him self to death. Fast paced and intense "Butter" is believable and resonates with how far one would go to gain some popularity.
7. "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige
What if Dorothy came back to Oz? What if all that fame that she got from killing the Wicked Witch of the West went to her head? That's exactly what happens in "Dorothy Must Die." Dorothy becomes an evil tyrant of Oz, crucifying flying monkeys for crimes of fashion and sass. It is going to take another girl from Kansas named Amy to try and save Oz. That is, of course, if she doesn't end up even more wicked than Dorothy herself.
8. "The Scar" by Michael S Weiner
The scar is a mystery novel that starts off with the murder of Reverend Michael. David Seff, a seasoned homicide detective, is put on the case. This novel's format keeps readers on edge until the very last page. The flashbacks to the killer's youth are descriptive and offer an insight not seen in most murder novels. With each new murder a sense of urgency to stop the serial killer in his tracks is created. Now the question is, does David Seff solve the mystery or does he end up as a victim himself?
9. "The Wave" by Todd Strasser
"The Wave" is the true of story of a high school teacher, teaching his students, and in consequence, the world an important lesson. The year was 1969 when a high school teacher created "the wave" to teach his students about fascism. What started out as a lesson soon grew far beyond the teachers expectations, and soon the students learned how the likes of Hitler could control the masses.
10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K Rowling
Last but not least is the book that started it all. An eight-movie franchise, a theme park and a fandom that surpassed cultural and political differences. If you have not read the Harry Potter series yet ... what are you waiting for?! The Harry Potter series teaches about love, acceptance and tolerance. Sorcerer's Stone follows a young Harry and his introduction into the wizarding world. He learns about his past, meets friends and has his first encounter with the Dark Lord. A must-read for all ages.
