Books matching: young adult literature
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi is a contemporary novel that follows the story of two estranged Korean American sisters, Jayne and June. Jayne, a 20-something college student living in New York, struggles with an eating disorder and self-destructive behavior. When June is diagnosed with cancer, their lives intersect, forcing them to confront their past and navigate the complexities of their relationship. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, sisterhood, self-discovery, and the challenges of emerging adulthood, all portrayed through emotionally layered characters and realistic storytelling.
Choi's writing style in Yolk is described as raw, emotional, and deeply personal, capturing the messy and chaotic aspects of life in early adulthood. The novel is praised for its exploration of heavy subjects such as eating disorders, family relationships, identity struggles, and the complexities of sisterhood. Through flawed yet relatable characters and a character-driven plot, Choi weaves a narrative that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil and growth of the protagonists.
Depending on where I focus and how much pressure I apply to the back of my throat, I can just about blot him out. Him being Jeremy. Him who never shuts up. Him being my ex. He whose arm is clamped aro... - #2
Save:In "The Grey King," Will Stanton is sent to Wales to recover from an illness, where he befriends Bran, a mysterious boy who turns out to be the Pendragon son of King Arthur. Together, they must awaken the Sleepers to help defeat the Dark. The book is praised for its use of Welsh mythology in the plot, the intriguing character development of Bran, and the suspenseful storytelling that keeps readers guessing about the characters' true identities. The writing style is described as engrossing, with a focus on mature themes like death, illness, love, and loss, setting it apart from other books in "The Dark is Rising" series.
The book explores the deepening of magical adventures and the complexity of characters, particularly Will and Bran. The setting of Wales adds a rich atmosphere to the story, blending local myths and folklore seamlessly with the battle of light and dark forces. The narrative is compelling, with a strong sense of urgency in facing the threat from the Dark, and the incorporation of Welsh landscape and mythology enhances the overall reading experience.
“Don’t worry,” his sister said. “Sooner or later they switch to English, if they see you’re there. Just remember to be patient. And they’ll be extra kind because of your having been ill. At least they...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dark is Rising ) - #3
Save:'Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of '80s and '90s Teen Fiction' by Gabrielle Moss is a colorful and nostalgic look back at the pre-teen and young adult fiction from the '80s and '90s. It covers various genres of YA literature such as romance, career, horror, and more, exploring the impact these books had on readers during that time. The author, Gabrielle Moss, writes in a light-hearted and sarcastic tone, pointing out the absurdity of the storylines and lack of diversity in these books when viewed through a modern lens. features interviews with authors like Christopher Pike and discussions about the inspiration behind some of the iconic book series from that era.
After witnessing Scholastic’s unprecedented success with Wildfire, rival publisher Random House kicked off its own teen romance series, Sweet Dreams, in 1981. Sweet Dreams was also an immediate hit, w... - #4
Save:In "The Ruby in the Smoke," Sally Lockhart, a recently orphaned 16-year-old, finds herself entangled in a complex mystery involving her father's death, a stolen ruby, opium dens, and sinister characters in Victorian London. As Sally navigates through the dark and dangerous alleys of the city, she must use her intelligence and courage to unravel the secrets hidden behind the smoke-filled opium dens and solve the mystery before it's too late. Pullman weaves a gripping tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, and treasure, drawing readers into a world of murder and suspense through vivid descriptions and compelling characters.
Sally Lockhart emerges as a strong and independent protagonist, defying societal expectations and facing off against villains while showcasing her cleverness and charm. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Sally and her companions delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding her father's past and the enigmatic ruby. Pullman's skillful storytelling captures the essence of Victorian England, blending elements of adventure, danger, and dark secrets to create a captivating young adult mystery that appeals to readers of all ages.
On a cold, fretful afternoon in early October, 1872, a hansom cab drew up outside the offices of Lockhart and Selby, Shipping Agents in the financial heart of London, and a young girl got out and paid... - #5
Save:Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz is a gripping novel based on a true survivor's story from the Holocaust. The book follows Yanek, a young boy who endures unimaginable horrors as he navigates through ten different concentration camps during the war years. The writing style is described as concise and straightforward, focusing primarily on Yanek's journey through the brutality of the Holocaust without any surprises or glossed-over details. The story is emotionally impactful, depicting the unending fight for survival amidst the random cruelty of the SS and kapo's, death camps, and the loss of loved ones.
German soldIers fIlled the streets of Kraków. They marched in their smart gray uniforms with their legs locked straight and thrown out in front of them the way ducks walk. It was silly, but eerie at t... - #6
Save:"Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio" by Peg Kehret is a powerful autobiographical account of a young girl's journey through being diagnosed with polio and her fight to recover. provides a unique outlook on the experiences of individuals diagnosed with polio, capturing the fear, challenges, and ultimately the resilience in the face of this debilitating disease. Written from the perspective of a twelve-year-old girl, the book not only educates about the history of polio but also weaves in beautiful life lessons about never giving up, the importance of family, and the impact of small kindnesses.
I never thought it would happen to me. Before a polio vaccine was developed, I knew that polio killed or crippled thousands of people, mainly children, each year, but I never expected it to invade my ... - #7
Save:'Sing Down the Moon' by Scott O'Dell is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of a young Navajo girl named Bright Morning during the time of the Long Walk, a forced migration of the Navajo people from their homes in Arizona to Fort Sumner. The book depicts Bright Morning's journey of being captured by Spanish slavers, escaping from slavery, and eventually being forced to leave her homeland by American soldiers. The plot highlights the hardships faced by the Navajo people and the challenges they encountered during this tumultuous period in American history. The writing style is described as engaging, with clean and simple language that effectively conveys the emotions and experiences of the characters.
ON THE HIGH MESAS above our canyon spring came early that year. The piñón trees shook off their coverings of snow in the month of the deer. Warm winds melted the snow and blue water gathered under the... The graphic novel 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me' by Mariko Tamaki follows the protagonist Freddy as she navigates a toxic romantic relationship with Laura Dean. Despite Laura's controlling and manipulative behavior, Freddy finds it difficult to break away from the cycle of breaking up and getting back together. The story also delves into Freddy's self-discovery journey, the importance of self-love, and the challenges of teenage relationships, all portrayed through the lens of LGBTQ characters and relationships. The book addresses themes of toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and the struggles of finding one's self-worth in the midst of a difficult romance.
The narrative unfolds with a focus on Freddy's growth as she learns to value herself and recognize the toxicity in her relationship with Laura Dean. Through the support of her friends and her own self-realization, Freddy begins to understand the complexities of love, friendship, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. The graphic novel also touches on the impact of toxic relationships on other aspects of Freddy's life, highlighting the difficulties of navigating high school dynamics and the power dynamics within teenage relationships.
- #9
Save:David Walliams' "The Boy in the Dress" is a heartwarming and humorous story about a boy named Dennis who finds solace in his mother's clothes after she leaves. The book explores themes of individuality, acceptance, and breaking gender stereotypes when Dennis decides to wear a dress to school. Through quirky characters, funny situations, and gentle humor, the story navigates Dennis' journey towards self-acceptance and the importance of embracing differences.
"The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia" by Esther Hautzig is a poignant memoir depicting the experiences of a young girl, Esther, and her family who were arrested and exiled to Siberia during World War II. The narrative delves into the struggles and hardships faced by the Rudomin family as they work in labor camps in Siberia, battling hunger, cold, and deprivation. Through Esther's perspective, readers witness the resilience and hope that kept the family alive during their time in exile, providing a unique insight into the lesser-known experiences of Jews during the war.
The time was June 1941 and the place was Vilna, a city in the north-eastern corner of Poland. And I was ten years old and took it quite for granted that all over the globe people tended their gardens ...
