Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, a state that you don't have to worry about being deprived of more books as long as you're near a library. ;) This week's Top Ten is:
Top Ten Books I Believe Should be Required
Reading for Teens
(In No Particular Order)
1. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - One of the most powerful books out there for teens is also one of the most challenged books as well. There are too many people who need to read this book or others like it such as Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.
2. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White - Somehow I just imagine book clubs making good use of a book like Paranormalcy, and I think it would be a great way to get teens involved in book clubs. There would definitely be a lot to discuss.
3. Shine by Lauren Myracle - Although I haven't read this one yet, from what I've read in the summary and others' reviews, this would be a great book on hidden intolerance.
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett - I know this one is a bit on the lengthy side, but I like to think this novel would help to give a more detailed account of what life was like back in the 1960's South.
5. Flawless by Lara Chapman - So many required reading titles are so heavy and dense, it's no wonder teens avoid them like the plague. This novel gives a much more light-hearted story and can be read right alongside Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac.
6. Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley - A unique take on Beauty and the Beast that will have some teens raising their eyebrows. I would recommend it be read with the fairy tale to see the differences in the two.
7. The Internet Girls Trilogy by Lauren Myracle - I really cannot get enough of these books, and I think it's a great way to explore a unique way to tell a story. Teens always complain about writing, but what about writing in internet text? I'm not saying they should be allowed to do that for school papers *can just picture her teacher friends glaring at her* but it does serve as a writing exercise.
8. The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci - Because you can find 'art' anywhere, and this graphic novel proves that the most unlikely of people can come together to do something great.
9. Watership Down by Richard Adams - As one of my favorite novels of all time, I think most people can find something to appreciate in this novel. There's unique scenery, adventures along a perilous journey, and battles all starting out with a group of rabbits leaving their home. I have sung it's praises before and will continue to do so in the future.
10. Shiver, Linger, and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater - Just because everyone should read these amazing books by a wonderful author even though I'm sure most have already. ^_^
Special Side Dish: Be sure to check out my Giveaway!
I almost put Shiver on my list too! It's just such a beautiful story, and so powerful. If you don't believe in love before reading that book, you will after!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Help. One of my favourites this year. I have to confess that I tried reading Watership Down and gave up. Just couldn't get into it at all. Although I loved the film.
ReplyDeleteSome good ones here , I went with more Contemporary Edgier Teen Novels :) I have Speak and Shine on my list
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http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/2011/07/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-should-be-on.html
I really am looking forward to reading The Help which also reminds me of The Secret Life of Bees, which I didn't add but also think should be required reading. Also need to read Shine. Great list.
ReplyDeleteI so want to read The Help. And there are too many books on your list that I HAVEN'T read. (I also debated putting Speak on my list, but ended up not.)
ReplyDeleteMy top 10 list this week.
I ADORED "The Help". I've read it three times now. Well...listened to it as I have it on audio :P
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of "Speak" before today but have made a note to get my hands on it.
Great List!
My Top Ten
The Help is on my list too (I think it'll be on a lot of people's). Watership Down, definitely a great choice.
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