Read these books NOW!!!

One of the absolute best things about my Young Adults Materials class is that I was 'forced' to read 20+ YA novels, log them in LibraryThing, and then do a booktalk about the subject of my choice. (Thank you, Dr. Feehan!)

I came across some excellent books, and I highly encourage you to read them too. Here are my top three, in no particular order. Enjoy!

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff. In this Science Fiction thriller, protagonist Jane Charlotte claims to be an agent for a secret organization devoted to fighting evil, called Bad Monkeys. This little confession sends Jane to the jail's psychiatric ward, where she tells her story to a doctor. The book is a clever and philosophical riff on American society where the lines between good versus evil constantly blur.

13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. 13 Reasons Why documents the thirteen reasons high student Hannah Baker used to justify her suicide. Before her death, Hannah recorded her reasons on audio tapes, made a list of the thirteen people that affected her decision and mailed it to the first person on her list. After the listener finishes the tapes, they are instructed to mail them to the next person on her list. Clay Jensen, a boy in Hannah's class that had a secret crush on her, is one of the recipients of the tapes. The book is Clay's journey with Hannah as she describes the cause of her unhappiness, and why she ultimately takes her life.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. I think this book will be the next big thing. Suzanne Collins has created a chilling future world where TV is the ultimate judge, jury, executioner, and entertainment. Protagonist Katniss Everdeen takes the place of her younger sister for the Hunger Games. Although her name is kind of lame, Katniss proves to be a strong, capable female character that holds her own in this post apocalyptic world. Katniss is a killer with a bow and arrow, and proves to be deadly in the games. I like that she is a no-nonsense survivor, and though she is harsh, she shows compassion, strength, and leadership. The Games themselves are brutal- the one unspoken rule is that you can't eat the dead contestants- and reading it is like playing a gory video game. Teens will enjoy the love triangle between Katniss, and fellow contestants Peeta and Gale. Gale has 'smoldering good looks' and is an excellent hunter. Perhaps he's the new Edward? This is the first in a projected trilogy, and I eagerly await the next in the series.

BONUS:

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman.

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, this is classic Neil Gaiman as he explores the underworld through the eyes of a human boy. I love you, Neil Gaiman.