We are at a golden age for teen writers, but unfortunately, many people, both young and old are unaware. They do not know what is available to them. We know boys read less than girls. They prefer non-fiction (newspaper, graphic novels, internet reading, and sport magazines) over fiction books. It is my goal to promote some books that will get boys reading. All is not lost. There are many fiction books out there to interest them.
Here’s my short list:
Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
This story is about a high school senior whose father is in the mob. He doesn’t approve what father does for living. He falls for a girl. The girl’s father is his father’s enemy. It is Romeo and Juliet story. Follow-Up: Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle. Humor.
Airborne by Kenneth Oppel
This is a story that takes place in the future on board an blimp-like airship. A young cabin boy, accompanies by a wealthy girl in search of treasures but enters into a battle with pirates and cloud cats. Science Fiction/Adventure. Sequel: Skybreaker
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Imagine being stranded in the wilderness for 54 days. What would you do? Well, this story chronicles a thirteen year old boy survivor of plane crash. He has to deal with mistakes, setbacks, but succeeds with the help of a ratchet.
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
A sixteen year old African-American boy is accused of conspiring in a robbery of a local drug store, in which the owner is shot and killed. As he is awaiting trial, we get a chance to see the situation through his eyes. He’s an aspiring film maker so he recounts his experiences in a script format. This is a great book for discussion about the criminal justice system and for African-American males. Realistic.
Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
This is a funny, well-written story about a young boy named Gen who is a thief. The story opens up with Gen in prison claiming that he could steal anything – even the king’ seal and so begins his adventure. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters who are annoyed with his lack of heroism, behavior, and of course, his bragging. Sequels: Queen of Attolia and King of Attolia. Fantasy.
