Recommended Reading for English Learners

Age 13-17

Some of these books are assigned in high school classes, but all can be enjoyed for pleasure. These are books that teens recommend.

• A Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson
  Two young friends invent an imaginary place to escape from their troubles.
• Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
  In this travel adventure story, a rich English bachelor takes a bet from friends and, with a companion, attempts to circumnavigate the world in 80 days.
• Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery
  A story about a young girl who wants to become a writer. This is the first of a series.
• Harry Potter (series) by J. K. Rowling
  Fantasy novels about a young wizard and his friends who take part in several quests to destroy a dark wizard.
• Holes by Louis Sachar
  A boy who is wrongly accused of a crime is sentenced to do time at a juvenile detention camp. The boy uncovers the secret behind a family curse.
• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
  The fictional journal of a young girl whose poor family is living in an old English castle.
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  A World War II inspired story about the evacuation of Jews from Denmark to Sweden.
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (non-fiction) by Sean Covey
  A self-help book by the son of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey). Features true stories about teens who have overcome obstacles.
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain ~ The tale of a curious, young boy who loves adventures and stories.
• The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
  A classic, coming-of-age story of a young high school drop out who questions society. Deals with common problems facing American youth in the 1950s.
• The Diary of a Young Girl (non-fiction) by Anne Frank
  A true-life journal of a young Dutch girl in hiding during the Nazi occupation.
• The Giver by Louis Lowry
  A "utopian" society where everyone has a specific role turns out to be dystopian. One boy reveals the truth about his society through special training from an elder.
• The Hunger Games (trilogy) by Suzanne Collins
  A science fiction series about a future nation where kids are forced to enter into an annual battle.
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Anne Brashares
  Four best friends are separated for the summer, but a pair of jeans holds them together.
• Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyers
  A romantic vampire series for young adults.