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500 Great Books for Teens
Anita Silvey

500 Great Books for Teens

Genre:
Nonfiction
Age Level:
YA

Recognizing a “golden age” of young adult literature, Silvey combines her considerable experience and a love of literature to identify and write about books for young adults. Many were written specifically for that audience; others were published as adult books but of interest to younger readers. The books are organized by subject that appeal to young adults (e.g., humor, horror, historical fiction) and that represent a level of quality. Additional titles are recommended, including audio books. Additionally, books are listed by geographic location and by suggested age ranges (up to 18).

5,000 Miles to Freedom
Judith Fradin, Dennis Fradin

5,000 Miles to Freedom

Genre:
Nonfiction
Age Level:
Middle Grade

Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved married couple, devised a daring plan to escape to freedom. Capitalizing on Ellen’s mixed race heritage and light skin, she would dress herself as a wealthy white man, while William posed as her slave.

Mr. 60%
Clete Barrett Smith

Mr. 60%

Genre:
Fiction
Age Level:
YA

Matt Nolan is the high school drug dealer, deadbeat, and soon-to-be dropout according to everyone at his school. What no one knows is the only reason Matt sells drugs is to take care of his uncle Jack, who is dying of cancer. Amanda. Matt gets stuck with the overly-cheerful social outcast, Amanda, as partners in school and it’s only a matter of time until Amanda discovers Matt’s secret. But Amanda is used to dealing with heartbreak, and she’s determined to help Matt find a way to give life 100 percent.

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale
Deborah Hopkinson

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale

Genre:
Historical Fiction
Age Level:
Middle Grade

Drama abounds in what might have happened if Austin Gollaher had not pulled the young Abraham Lincoln from a swollen Kentucky creek that day in 1816. This engaging tale was inspired and expanded from a real event noted by the author.