While reading the June edition of Booklist, I came across an article that discussed our YA favorites. So I thought why not compile my own list. I have to admit some my seven favorites on their list as well. Why the number? Why not? They are, in no particular order:
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I was first introduced to the writings of Jane Austen while in junior high. I feel in love with her writing, which led me to read her other books: Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion and Mansfield Park (my least favorite). Pride and Prejudice is a true romance. It takes place during the Regency period in England. Elizabeth Bennett is introduced to Mr. Darcy at a country dance. He doesn’t approve of her because of her social status. Elizabeth dislikes him because of hia rudeness and arrogance. Yet in the end, they overcome their differences and learn to love each other. I love the relationship and dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It teaches us how our prejudices can lead us into making flawed decisions.
2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak is one of those unforgettable books that I hope will become a classic. It should be a required read because of its strong message to young girls. The story is about a young girl who is trying to find her voice after an incident at a party. Anderson expresses the main character’s struggle and pain through captivating imagery and language.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
For an English assignment in 9th grade, I read this book and it became more than just an assignment to me. The story takes place in a small town in the south during the Great Depression. A black man is accused of raping a white woman. I took its message to heart. It confirmed my beliefs about the American criminal justice system and race.
4. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
I fell in love with fantasy with Blue Sword, not Harry Potter or the Lord of the Rings. I adore Robin McKinley’s story-telling abilities. She takes you away from your realities. She draws beautiful landscape for you to easily escape to. I love her characterizations – especially that of Harry Crewe’s who is portrayed as an independent, strong young woman willing to create her own destiny. Her female characters are role models for young girls and I appreciate this.
5. A tree grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Of all the books I enjoyed, this is my most favorite –number one on my list. I read this book in junior high and it has stayed with me since. Many people don’t recognize its significance. Well, for me it’s quite simple. As an immigrant myself, I love the idea of how people can overcome their circumstances with hard-work, attention and effort, regardless of one’s race or ethnicity.
6. Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
Who wouldn’t be inspired by the life of Malcolm X.? As a youth, I was drawn to this colloborative project of Malcolm X and Alex Haley. I wanted to know everything about the Nation of Islam. I wanted to know inspired Malcolm X to become the Nation of Islam’s national speaker. This book is not only a biography of a man, but a message to people of color struggling in America.
7. So B. It by Sarah Weeks
This is a wonderful story that I introduced to my middle school students last year. It is an inspiring story about a young girl and her mentally challenged mother. Her mother has a “bum brain” – she does not say more than a few simply words. Yet, her resiliency leads her to discover her family’s history and along the way, herself.
