Summer Classics
This section focuses on books that are fun to read that young adults could relate to especially when summer is session. These books are a must read while sitting by the pool, eating ice cream with friends or just a good read while traveling.
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Genre: Young Adult Novel Realistic Fiction
Age Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Summary: One key takeaway I believe readers can really grasp from this book is to appreciate the little things in life and rely on the quote "don't sweat the small stuff." I think we as readers and educators often time take advantage of the life we get to live each and everyday. This book really helped me understand that life is short and we never know how much time we have left. Spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the time you have here and take risks!
The Summer I Turned Pretty
By Jenny Han
Genre: Young Adult Novel Realistic Fiction
Themes: Love, Independence, and Self Perseverance
Grade Level: 9-12
Summary: If you're looking for a good book to read on vacation while soaking up some sun this is it! This book reveals the true reality of love and hardships many young teenagers experience while finding a partner to enjoy life with. The characters experience a timeline with a cancer battle one experiences. I really loved this book because it demonstrated the components of putting your issues aside and enjoy what we have in this lifetime. We only experience one life, we have to enjoy it.
I Am Enough
by Grace Byers
Genre: Fiction
Themes: Self-Worth & Embracing Differences
Grade Level: 9-12
Summary:
Byers emphasizes that regardless of one's looks, abilities, or beliefs, every child is unique, able, and worthy of respect. The overall message encourages children to recognize diversity and show respect and kindness to others. It is important for students to be exposed to diversity to help them understand that even thought we may all look different we are all created equal. There is so much hate and anger in our world and I believe it's because people are uneducated of what culture means and how we all view culture differently.
The Outsiders
by S.E Hinton
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Self-Sacrifice and Honor, Individual Identity.
Grade Level: Middle School & High School (Grades 7-12)
Summary: This book is definitely a classic. I originally read this book in 8th grade but then observed my students reading it last year when I was a teacher assistant in a 7th grade English Class. Students were so invested in this story about two rival gangs in rural Oklahoma, their lives of violence and rivalry, and dreams that were desired to be accomplished. This book values the morals of social class and friendships that incorporate in the real world. No matter what happens in life and the hardships you may endure friends are always something you should value especially in the classroom.
Genre: Romance Novel
Themes: Embracing Love & Battling with Loss
Grade Level: Middle School & High School (Grades 7-12)
Summary:This beckoning coming-of-age story of self-discovery follows Aria as she experiences an unexpected change of plans for the summer. Instead of her plan to spend her last summer before college with her friends at Martha's Vineyard, she is sent to spend her time with her artist grandmother. During her stay, Aria finds herself in a charming community that challenges her to reflect on her identity and aspirations. She meets Steph Nicholas, her grandmother's gardener, who changes her perspective on who she is and who she will become forever. Aria identifies her sexuality in a new environment which leads her to be able to be comfortable in her own skin. Self care and self identity is so important to acknowledge especially sooner than later.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Themes: Death & Sacrifice
Grade Level: 9-12
Summary: Triplets Daphne, Beatriz, and Sophronian were born princesses, but their mother, the empress, trained them as spies and assassins with missions to take over the neighboring nations. As they set off on their separate paths, they second-guess their mother’s schemes, even though it means their deaths. The book conveys yourself into a world of magic, court scandals, family betrayals, and royal escapades in this exciting fantasy story. Self determination between family and sacrifice is a great influence on your young readers especially it helps them explore their aspects of life.