D.N. Moore's Blog

 

During my tenure as a teacher, I taught literature in one form or another to hundreds of students.  When I ran a homeschool group for a number of families, we had a one-room schoolhouse in which I taught reading to students as young as four and as old as sixteen.  When I was a tutor, I worked one-on-one with failing high school students and brought them up three or four grade levels in both reading and math after just a few weeks.  When I taught Middle School, I ran several literature seminars in addition to our daily reading period and weekly book report assignments.  I have worked with nearly every “type” of reader imaginable – the ones who despise it, the ones who refuse it, the ones who do the bare minimum just to get it done, and the ones who immerse themselves in it and love words and stories as deeply as I do.  I made a few mistakes and learned a lot, but best of all, I created hundreds of lifelong readers, and I got to watch that spark ignite when each child realized for the first time how magical reading is.  Those moments were my pay as a teacher.

When I became a mother, I got to experience this phenomenon from an even younger age, and that is when I realized a very important datum – that in actual fact, all education begins with parents.  Even if children do not remember the books you read to them before they were old enough to go to school, they will remember the way it felt to be wrapped in your warmth, snuggled on your lap, listening to your voice and watching your finger point to the illustrations.  They will remember it with fondness and joy, and that will be the beginning.  From there, you and your child’s educators need only nurture and encourage and help.  As long as you have ignited that spark, the world will be open to them, for a child who reads will be an adult who loves to learn, and people who are successful in life never stop learning.

 

 

 

Here are some of my top tips for creating lifelong readers.

 

Read.  Yes, I mean you.  Read for pleasure and read in front of your children.  They will follow your example.  If you spend most of your time on an iPhone and no time reading, guess which one will capture their interest?

 

 

2. Do not give them a phone, tablet, computer or TV to cure their boredom.  In fact, don’t give them one at all.  This is a big one.  The students I had who struggled the most academically had TV and video games in their room and it was on all the time.  The students who struggled emotionally and behaviorally were the ones who spent most of their time on social media.  The ones who were unusually bright, alert, and interested in learning, one for one, were not online, the family rarely watched TV, and they were usually involved in a lot of extracurricular activities.

 

3. Read aloud with them.  You can do this even into adolescence.  Always make it a pleasant, encouraging experience – never, ever ridicule them or force them to read aloud if they don’t want to.  Up until the age of eleven or twelve, I read to my children every single day.  After that, they wanted me to leave them alone to read their chapter books before bed.  I was definitely okay with that (although I do miss it).

 

 

4. When teaching them to read for the first time, I always found it most successful to teach sight words first, then bring in the phonics.  While phonics are vital, I found that trying to teach a child that “A makes Ahhhh” when he doesn’t even know what on earth he needs to know that for, doesn’t go very far.  But if you show a child the word “Apple” under a picture of an apple, and have him practice reading the word until he is familiar with it and the concept it stands for, then it is a lot easier to follow that with the purpose of the symbol that starts the word by representing the sound “Ahhh.”  So I would recommend teaching them about forty or fifty sight words, get them reading short books that contain those words, and they will be exceedingly proud to say they can read.  Then follow that up with phonics, explaining that this is how they will be able to read anything they want, not just the words you teach them.

 

5. Talk about books.  Share interesting stories you’ve read, characters you liked.  Not just in movies, or books that have been adapted into movies, but actual books you have read and loved.  You’d be surprised how much kids love to talk about stories.  Especially high-schoolers!

 

 

 

 

6. Buy them beautiful copies of books.  Although I am a big fan of used books, I would definitely treat my children to a brand-new, leather-bound copy of a book that was particularly special to them or to me.  We still have an illustrated copy of The Secret Garden that has the most beautiful watercolors.  There is a reason Beatrix Potter is so timeless.  Put beauty and affinity into books and your child will fall in love with them.

 

As always, happy reading!

 

-D

 

D.N. Moore is an award-winning author of Young Adult fiction. Her latest novel is a modern science fiction/western titled The Boy Who Learned to Live, now available from all major booksellers.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “vivid,” and “gripping,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Tips for Creating Lifelong Readers appeared first on D.N. Moore.

 

It was a time of unimaginable darkness, of man’s inhumanity to man.  It is a part of our history that has always mystified me, for I never understood how anyone could go so far with their fellows.  Growing up, I read many books on the Holocaust, and they aided an attempt to wrap my head around such evil, never accepting it, but slightly understanding it — an evil made up of two parts materialism, one part dehumanization, and a generous helping of propaganda.  I will forever be grateful to these authors for gently opening the eyes of a naive little girl.  Hopefully their words ensure we never allow such atrocities again.

In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, here are my Top Middle Grade and Young Adult Books about the Holocaust.

 

 

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

For ages: 10-12 years

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her family risk their lives to help their Jewish neighbors escape during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in 1943.  Annemarie pretends that her best friend Ellen is her older sister, Lise, who died previously in a car crash.  Number the Stars refers to Psalm 147:4, which states that God has numbered all the stars and named them.  It is also represents the Star of David, which Ellen wears on her necklace as it is a sign of Judaism.

 

I am David by Anne Holm

For ages 12-15 years

I Am David is the story of a boy who escapes from a concentration camp after his mother dies and a guard who loved her helps David leave.  I remember exactly where I was when I finished this book, it made such a profound impact on me.  Imagery such as the boy tasting an orange for the first time, using a bar of soap to clean himself in the river, and learning to live life outside the camp evicted such emotion in me, I remember them to this day.

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

For ages 13-15 years

This book follows nine-year-old Liesel of Germany from the moment she picks up a book from her brother’s gravesite–The Gravedigger’s Handbook—and begins her love affair with books.  Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings and from the library of the mayor’s wife.  Her life is riddled with ups and downs as Nazis vamp up their propaganda against the German people, but Liesel will not be fooled.  A very interesting take on the Holocaust and a book that was on the bestseller list for over 500 weeks.

 

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

For ages 12-16+

Picked up from her secret annex after World War II had ended, Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most enduring depictions of Jews in hiding in existence.  This book is a heartbreaking view into the world of a young girl beginning her journey into womanhood–only to have it ended far too soon.  Be sure to read the editor’s epilogue, “Diary ends here…”

 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

For ages 12-16+

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is told from the point of view of Bruno, the nine-year-old son of a Nazi who must move with his family to Auschwitz, the largest concentration camp from World War II.  Initially he is irritated about moving from his friends and his normal life, but he soon meets a boy in the woods who wears striped pajamas and sits behind a barbed wire fence, and they become friends.  A fascinating tale of the Holocaust through the innocent eyes of a child.

 

D.N. Moore is an award-winning author of Young Adult fiction. Her latest novel is a modern science fiction/western titled The Boy Who Learned to Live, now available from all major booksellers.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “vivid,” and “gripping,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top Young Adult Books about the Holocaust appeared first on D.N. Moore.

Winter may be a time when darkness blankets the earth, and poets may use the word to forebode death, desolation and hardship — but for me, it will always be a time of fond, cozy memories. Growing up in Canada, winter meant snow days, tobogganing, snowball fights, snow angels, and a cup of hot cocoa in a warm house when you were done. This month’s list of top YA books will immerse you in the softer, quieter world of winter. And even though some of the stories tackle difficult themes, such as poverty, man against nature, and the inhumanity of Siberian labor camps, you will also find magic and wonder. Here are my top middle grade and young adult books that are winter-themed.

 

 

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Ages 9-12

The Long Winter is Book 6 in the Little House on the Prairie book series (but it can be read as a stand-alone book).  Laura, age 14, experiences the severe winter of 1880 in Dakota Territory. Months of back-to-back blizzards lead to shortages in coal, wood, food and supplies, as the train is unable to reach their small town, and Laura, her sister Carrie, and her future husband Almanzo Wilder must work together to help their families survive. This poignant tale of family, friendship and survival in the American West won the Newbury Honor in 1941.

 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Ages 11-13

Most kids nowadays have seen one of the many versions of this movie. However, nothing compares to the original text by Charles Dickens, with his descriptive language and masterful prose. This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, which transform him into a kinder man with a more fulfilling life. There are deep themes here and I highly recommend reading the book together as a family during the holidays.

 

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Ages 12-14

This book is the first in the deep fantasy series titled His Dark Materials. Set an alternate universe, it follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua as she travels to the Arctic to find her missing friend and her Uncle, who has been experimenting with a mysterious substance known as Dust. The plot has many layers to it, and the world building is vivid and creative. A great read for lovers of fantasy.

 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Ages 12-14

This classic tale by C.S. Lewis follows the adventures of four siblings–Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy–as they travel through the back of a wardrobe to the magical land of Narnia.  The White Witch has cast a spell on the world, causing eternal winter and holding everyone under her power. With the return of Aslan, the great lion, the world is about to change. Although this is a magical children’s story, it is also a re-telling of Jesus’ death on the cross, as C.S. Lewis wanted to reach children with biblical truths in a way that was more palatable than religious texts. Whether you are Christian or not, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a story that is sure to delight adults and children alike with themes of good versus evil, courage, and friendship.

 

The Call of the Wild

Ages 12-15

This is the story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his pampered life as a pet and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. Buck must force himself out of his comfort zone and learn to survive in the wild lifestyle of his ancestors, and his primal instincts return as he eventually becomes the leader of a wolf pack. Not only is this a great adventure tale, it also covers the theme of individuality vs. the “pack mentality,” a philosophical dilemma that Jack London seemed to struggle with in many of his books. It gives readers a lot to contemplate.

 

Between Shades of Gray

Ages 14-16

Between Shades of Gray is the story of Lina, a fifteen-year-old Lithuania girl who is ripped from her home and any sense of normalcy in 1941 when Soviet soldiers send her and her family to a labor camp in Siberia.  Separated from her father, starving, longing for her former life, Lina finds comfort in art, risking her life by drawing pictures of the events happening to her.  This is a story of survival like nothing I have ever read before, and it tore my heart to pieces and patched them together again as I turned the last page in the middle of the night, so riveted I could not sleep until I finished. I cannot recommend it enough.

 

Sugaring Off

Ages 16-17

Gillian French has a unique and impinging writing style that I really love. This is the story of seventeen-year-old Owl, a girl left partially deaf by a childhood tragedy that put her father in jail and sent her to live with her aunt and uncle on their sugar maple farm in New Hampshire. When she is not at school or spending as much time as she can in the woods, she helps her uncle with the sugaring — tapping maple trees and turning it into syrup. Her world is turned upside down with the arrival of Cody, a magnetic but dangerous young man who brings an evil to her life she does not want to confront. A great, quick read for teens that has all the winter vibes of New England.

 

D.N. Moore is an award-winning author of Young Adult fiction. Her latest novel is a modern science fiction/western titled The Boy Who Learned to Live, now available from all major booksellers.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “vivid,” and “gripping,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top Young Adult Books that are Winter-Themed appeared first on D.N. Moore.

I am leery of recommending modern horror to teens and am very discerning when it comes to the content of the genre today.  Perhaps it was ruined for me by the slasher movies of the eighties and nineties, which I considered formulaic, unrealistic, and clearly designed for no other purpose than to electrify and sensationalize (which is just lazy writing, in my opinion).  I am not unmindful of its virtues, however, especially tracing back to its early roots, which tackled the mysteries surrounding death, the afterlife, and evil.  Tales of haunted houses and demons may be found in ancient Greek plays; vampires, werewolves and ghosts are used in literature throughout history; and in many ways, it enhanced speculative fiction like no other genre could.  Just look at works like Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, Hansel and Gretel, and The Phantom of the Opera.  Horror can be done tastefully, with all kinds of twists and turns, leaving the reader thrilled and satisfied, not appalled.

If you’re like me and you like scary stories that are done well, then this list is for you.  Just in time for Halloween.

 

Bunnicula by Deborah James Howe

Ages: 8-10

This is the story of a pet rabbit adopted by the Monroe family after finding him at a theater showing of Dracula.  He has unusual eating habits, as he likes to suck the juice out of vegetables.  The series consists of seven books that follow the adventures of the Monroe family and their pets, and it is a cute, funny read that is sure to entertain younger readers.

 

Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy

Ages: 8-12

This is the story of Maggie, a twelve-year-old orphan who has been bouncing around from foster families and boarding schools due to her tendency for trouble.  She finally moves in with her great-aunts Lillian and Harriet and her strange but kind uncle Morris, who live at Adelphi Hills, an old boarding school that closed down after its founders died.  While playing alone in the big house, she discovers a family of living dolls behind the attic wall.  They believe it is the same hour every day, and they have no memory of how they came to be in the attic.  As Maggie unravels the mystery surrounding these unusual characters, she discovers a kinder side to herself and she learns what friendship truly means.

 

The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright

Ages: 8-12

Amy finds an old dollhouse in the attic of her aunt’s house, which is an exact copy of the house itself.  When she plays with the dolls, they come to life and reenact the murder of her great-grandparents, who died in the house thirty years before.  Together with her sister and her best friend, Amy struggles to solve the mystery presented by the dollhouse, and discovers a confidence in herself and what she knows.

 

Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

Ages: 9-14

Anyone who grew up in the nineties has heard of Goosebumps.  There are 62 books in the original series, which begins with Welcome to Dead House, the story of Amanda and Josh Benson, who move with their parents to a scary old house in the town of Dark Falls.  The teens begin to realize that something is not quite right in this town, as streets are dark and empty, their dog seems frantically obsessed with the local graveyard, and the locals behave very strangely.  When they discover the names of their new friends and neighbors on the gravestones, they begin to unravel a sinister truth about Dark Falls.  The Goosebumps series is wildly popular, with more than 400 million copies sold worldwide since its release in 1992, making it the best-selling series of all time for several years.

 

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Ages: 12-14

The Graveyard Book is a nod to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.  It is the story of a young boy, Bod (short for “Nobody”), whose parents are murdered by The Man Jack, so he is raised by ghosts in the graveyard near his house.  Full of humor, mystery, suspense, and the utterly delightful characterization that Gaiman is so famous for, this book is indesputably deserving of its 2009 Newbery Medal.  It is one of my personal favorite YA books of all time.

 

Skin and Other Stories by Roald Dahl

Ages: 15-17

The beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also wrote a number of short stories for adults, eleven of which are contained in this strange and spooky compilation.  From the man whose tattoo was worth over a million dollars to the woman who hid her murder weapon in the most unexpected place, these stories are full of mystery and suspense from a master of the macabre.

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction ranging from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. Her latest novel is a modern science fiction/western titled The Boy Who Learned to Live, set for publication as a hard cover, paperback and ebook on November 25, 2024. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim in many places online and from the Writers of the Future.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top (Ungory) Spooky Books for Tweens and Teens appeared first on D.N. Moore.

The solitary activity of silent reading is a rather modern concept in human history.  Until the Middle Ages, reading was done aloud–either in groups, or individually, in a muffled voice.  Early Latin texts were written in a continuous stream of characters, without spaces, and it wasn’t until the 8th century that Irish monks began a practice known as “aerated text,” which separated words with spaces and thus enabled silent reading.1  Even then, folk tales continued to be an oral tradition, told around hearthside and campfire, passed down from generation to generation.

Nowadays, parents know that if they want their children to become lifelong readers, it starts with reading aloud to them when they are young.  But should we stop this activity once they are old enough to read on their own?  Or could we continue into adulthood, as was done all throughout ancient history?  Are there not stories that are best read aloud, so that listeners may enjoy the reader’s inflection and share delight in the humor, suspense, and beauty of good literature?  I would love to see a renaissance of reading aloud, something that families do as an alternative to watching TV or scrolling on social media (which is really a solitary activity, if you think about it).  Although I do not read aloud with my children as much as I like, now that they are older and busier, we try to make time for it, even if just at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Here are a few of my favorite books for reading aloud, covering all ages.

 

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson

For ages 0-6

Themes of: imagination, creativity, optimism

This is the story of an old man who lives in the middle of a forest of scrap metal.  Every night, he dreams of a real forest, full of birds and flowers and trees.  But every morning he awakes to a cold, dreary place.  He soon learns the power of ideas, as he decides to change the only world he has ever known.  Full of beautiful illustrations and poetic phrasing, this book is one that kids will demand you read to them over and over again.

 

 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For ages 0-10

Themes of unselfish love and friendship

The Giving Tree is the story of a friendship between a boy and an apple tree.  The tree loves the boy, so naturally she wants to give him everything she has.  But soon she has nothing left to give.  This book is deep and profound and you will never be the same after reading it.

 

 

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

For ages 7-11

Themes of imagination, tall tales, friendship

This book is a wonky, wacky, hilarious tale that starts out with the narrator’s father going to the store to get milk, and ends in pirates, piranhas, aliens, a dinosaur and time travel.  Fans of Roald Dahl will find this book delightful, and both parents and kids will enjoy the unexpected twists and turns.  My kids begged for this at bed time on a regular basis between the ages of 7 and 11.

 

 

The Borrowers by Mary Norton

For ages 8-12

Themes of family, survival, growing up

Homily, Pod and their fourteen-year-old daughter Arietty are tiny people who live under the floorboards of an old English manor.  All their belongings have been “borrowed” from the human “beans” that occupy the house.  One day Pod is discovered by the human boy who lives upstairs, and they must choose whether to leave the home they hold so dear, or stay and face their fears of discovery.  They may be small, but they are tough, and adults and children will love reading of their adventures together.

 

 

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

For ages 10-13

Themes of man vs. nature; kindness to animals; moral values and conviction; courage

Black Beauty was also known as “an autobiography of a horse.”  It is the story of a horse who begins well and happy, but his owner must sell him, and thus begins a long line of different owners, some cruel and some kind.  This is a look at animal cruelty through the eyes of an animal, written by a Quaker girl who advocated for kindness towards animals.  It is a well-written, poignant tale, perfect for reading aloud together.

 

 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

For Ages 12-14

Themes of friendship, the power of positive thought

After living in India all her life, Mary Lennox is sent to England to live with her uncle in Misselthwaite Manor.  Spoiled, stubborn and sickly, Mary must adjust to her new life in the English countryside.  She begins to spend most of her time outside.  Eventually she discovers a secret garden, hidden within stone walls and a locked gate.  She and her new friends discover the beauty of nature and the power of positive thinking as they learn and grow in the mysterious garden.  If possible, I recommend buying a copy of this book that has a few color illustrations, as that really adds to the joy of reading aloud.

 

 

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

For ages 14-16

Themes of love, giving, unselfishness

Really a short story, The Gift of the Magi is the story of a young husband and wife with very little money who want to buy each other Christmas gifts.  The manner in which they go about it is endearing, with an unexpected plot twist that leaves most readers crying, “Ah!” as they realize what each one did for the other.  I read this aloud at a Christmas gathering many years ago, and even though my children were quite young, they hung on every word.  This is one of my favorite short stories ever written.

 

 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For ages 15-18+

Themes of love, reputation, social class, integrity

Jane Austen is the queen of irony and wit.  I recently had the pleasure of attending a workshop with Orson Scott Card, the author of Ender’s Game, and when asked what his favorite books are, he named this one.  It really is one of the greatest works of English literature, and equally as fun to read aloud.  The witty insults and hilarious situations roll off the tongue with delight.  In a society where a woman’s reputation is paramount, and her only objective is apparently to marry, Elizabeth Bennet is a black sheep.  The story depicts a series of disasters, unlikely courtships, impossible decisions, and eventually conveys the power of love and happiness to overcome pride and prejudice.

 

 

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

For ages 17-18+

Themes of community, motherhood, female strength, death giving way to life

This book takes place in South Carolina in 1964, right at the heart of the Civil Rights movement.  It is the story of Lily Owens, a girl who struggles to remember her mother’s death.  When her black “stand-in mother” insults racists in town, the two of them flee to Tiburon, where they are taken in by three black women who are also beekeepers.  Here, Lily learns about bees and honey, but also many lessons about life, integrity, and friendship.  This is literary fiction at its finest, with the narrative slow and sweet, and I’m sure it would be delightful to read aloud.

 

 

The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes

For ages 15-18

Themes of love, integrity, courage

The Highwayman is not a book, but a poem.  However, there is so much action, adventure, and drama packed into this lyrical story, it lacks nothing.  This is the story of a highway robber in love with Bess, the innkeeper’s back-eyed daughter, and the terrible tragedy that befalls them both.  This is one of my favorite pieces of writing to read aloud.

 

Happy reading!

 

ML,

D

 

OTHER RESOURCES:

Read Aloud Revival: https://readaloudrevival.com/category/teens/

School Library Journal: https://www.slj.com/story/a-curriculum-staple-reading-aloud-to-teens

Ready Readers: https://www.readyreaders.org/read-aloud-resources/

 

 

1Paul Saenger, Space Between Words: the Origins of Silent Reading

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction ranging from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. Her latest novel is a modern science fiction/western titled The Boy Who Learned to Live, set for publication as a hard cover, paperback and ebook on November 25, 2024. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim in many places online and from the Writers of the Future.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top Ten Books for Reading Aloud (Yes, Even for Teens) appeared first on D.N. Moore.

It’s back-to-school season, and we’ve all got mixed feelings about it.  Whether you are heading “toward school with heavy looks,” as Shakespeare put it, or looking forward to a new semester, seeing your friends again, and moving another year closer to adulthood, I guarantee that at least one of the characters in this reading list has something in common with you.  Here are my Top Middle Grade and Young Adult Books for Back-to-School Reading.

 

 

Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

Ages: 10-12

This book is perfect for lovers of theater and the performing arts.  Orphans Sorrel, Mark and Holly move in with their grandmother, who is a famous actress, and she enrolls them in the Children’s Academy of Dancing and Stage Training.  It’s an unconventional education, but they soon discover each of their own hidden talents.  Published in 1944, this book is a sequel to Ballet Shoes, which readers may love, as well.

 

 

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Ages: 10-12

Wayside School was built thirty stories high, with classrooms stacked on top of each other instead of next to each other (the builder says he’s sorry), and as a result, everything is sideways at this school.  When Mrs. Gorf, the teacher on the 30th floor, accidentally turns herself into an apple and is eaten, she is replaced by Mrs. Jewls, who believes her students are monkeys.  Wacky, funny and full of unique characterization, this book will have you looking at school through different eyes.  From the writer of Holes.

 

 

The Secret School by Avi

Ages: 12-14

The year is 1925, and fourteen-year-old Ida Bidson drives a Model-T Ford and longs to be a teacher.  When the school board closes the community’s one-room school house, Ida secretly takes over and keeps the school open.  This is a wonderful look into rural America at the start of the Great Depression, and the things people did to survive.

 

 

A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

Ages: 13-15

This is the story of thirteen-year-old Rob, a Shaker boy living in Vermont in 1925.  While cutting school after another boy makes fun of his clothes, he winds up helping to birth a calf and in return is given a baby pig.  The friendship that ensues leads the way from boy to man, as Rob struggles with school, farming, and the challenges of growing up.

 

 

Fear Street: The New Girl by R.L. Stine

Ages: 13-15

R.L. Stine is famous for his Goosebumps series, but did you know that he also wrote horror for older teens?  The New Girl was written in 1989 and is perfect for lovers of the TV Series “Stranger Things.”  This is the story of Cory, who falls in love with Anna, the new girl at his high school.  The weird thing is, none of his friends recognize her, she has no student files, and someone at her house on Fear Street insists that she is dead.  What follows is a series of accidents that threaten his friends and leave a scary trail.  As far as horror goes, this book series is mild, and it’s a simple read that most teen readers will enjoy.

 

 

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Ages: 14-17

Ender’s Game is about a different kind of school: military school.  Sometime in Earth’s future, the human race is under attack by an insectoid alien species they call “the buggers.”  To prepare for the third invasion, Earth’s international military force recruits young children to be trained as elite officers.  Ender is one of them.  And so begins his training in war games, including some in zero gravity, where Ender’s genius is revealed.  This is a classic book for lovers of Science Fiction, and it is even recommended reading for the US Marine Corps.

 

 

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Ages: 16-18

This is the story of Kathy, Ruth and Tommy, clones who attend a boarding school called Hailsham that prepares them to be organ donors.  I read this book recently and although it has mature content, I recommend it for older teens because it explores the deep philosophical and moral dilemmas surrounding the subject of human cloning.  It is dark, and at times difficult to read, but I do believe it accomplishes what most Science Fiction and dystopian novels do: it forces us to look, to consider, and to prepare for the ramifications of technological advancements.  This brings the human aspect to Science Fiction in a way that I have not experienced in a long time.

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction ranging from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. She is currently writing a dystopian novel for teens. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim both online and in the Writers of the Future contest.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

 

The post Top Young Adult Books for Back-to-School Reading appeared first on D.N. Moore.

Although I was born and raised in Canada, I moved to the United States when I was fifteen, attending a school with a strong focus on American literature.  I fell in love with the United States after reading a myriad of historical fiction, as well as non-fiction gems like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the Rights of Man, De Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, and of course the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  I admired the courage of the American frontiersman and pioneer; I loved the rugged individualism of the American spirit; and I saw the United States as a beacon of freedom and innovation.  Despite many invitations to hate, I will always love America and everything it stands for.

Here are my top Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction books about the U.S. for tweens and teens to enjoy this Independence Day.

 

The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz

Ages 9-12

Themes of: pioneering, courage, hard work, perseverance, kindness, family

When ten-year-old Ann Hamilton moves to uncivilized Hamilton Hill, Pennsylvania with her family in 1784, she misses her life back in Gettysburg.  Life as a pioneer is not easy, and there are no other girls her age for miles and miles.  She finally befriends Andy McPhail, the son of a squatter, and teaches him to read and write.  Eventually their small town is visited by George Washington himself, an incident which is based on the true story of Jean Fritz’s great-great-grandmother.  This is a great depiction of what life was like helping to “build the west” from the point of view of a child.

 

 

Calico Bush by Rachel Field

Ages 9-12

Themes of: immigration, courage, strength against adversity

Thirteen-year-old Marguerite Ledoux travels to Maine as an indentured servant to the Sargent family, bound to them for six years in exchange for food and shelter.  Maggie must face a new country, the harsh Maine winter of 1743, a constant threat of Indian attacks, and deep loneliness knowing that she will never see her family again.  This is a story of courage and strength in the face of change and adversity.

 

 

Indian Captive by Lois Lenski

Ages 9-12

Themes of: American Indians; learning to live among other cultures

This is the true story of twelve-year-old Mary Jamison, who was kidnapped from her family’s farm in eastern Pennsylvania in 1758 by a band of Indian warriors.  She traveled with the Indians to southern Ohio and later to a Seneca village in what is now western New York.  Despite her loneliness and longing for her family, she grows fond of the Indians, as they are kind to her and teach her many things about their culture and way of living with the earth and nature.  When Mary is finally given the chance to return to the world of white men, she must decide between the new life she has learned to love, and the culture she was born into.

 

 

Brady by Jean Fritz

Ages 11-13

Themes of: slavery, friendship, coming of age

Brady Minton has never been good at keeping secrets.  When he discovers that his father plays a part in the Underground Railroad, he struggles to gain his father’s trust.  This is a fascinating story of a boy coming of age during the pre-Civil War days in the South.

 

 

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Ages 12-14

Themes of: moral character over pride; fighting for freedom; the American Revolution

This is the thrilling story of fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice at a silversmith office in Boston, who joins the American Revolution in unexpected ways.  Full of ups and downs and nail-biting plot twists, this is a great way to read about the events leading up to the American Revolution, and the boys who became men fighting for freedom.

 

 

Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith

Ages 14-16

Themes of: keeping one’s word; standing up for those in need; the American Civil War

This is the story of sixteen-year-old Jefferson Davis Bussey, who enlists as a volunteer for the Union army and gets caught up in what is now known as the deadliest war in American history.  The author interviewed a number of Civil War veterans when doing research for this book, which makes the story uniquely authentic.

 

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Ages 14+

Themes of racism, good and evil, human nature

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama in the mid-1930’s (before the Civil Rights movement).  It follows the story of Atticus Finch, an attorney who decides to defend a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman.  The story is narrated by Scout Finch, Atticus’ six-year-old daughter, and views the trial through the eyes of a child, who is taught about tolerance and empathy by her father.  This is an important, deep look into racism and it is no wonder the book won the Pulitzer Prize.

 

 

Non-Fiction:

 

Common Sense and the Rights of Man by Thomas Paine

Ages 16-18

“These are the times that try men’s souls.”  This famous line means a great deal more after reading this book.  Common Sense was a pamphlet that Thomas Paine wrote in support of American Independence, which sold 120,000 copies within the first three months of publication and inspired the American Revolution.  The Rights of Man was written in support of the French Revolution, which led to Mr. Paine’s trial for sedition.  This book gave me goosebumps and turned me into the most fiery patriot when I hadn’t been one before.  I cannot recommend it enough.

 

Happy reading and Happy Independence Day!

 

ML,

D

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction ranging from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. She is currently writing a dystopian novel for teens. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim both online and in the Writers of the Future contest.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  She has personally read every single book she recommends.  Sign up for her newsletter here.to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top Young Adult Books about America appeared first on D.N. Moore.

School’s out for summer… but most parents cringe, because that usually means a whole lot of boredom for our kids.  As a latchkey kid myself, back in the eighties and nineties, I thrived on summer reading lists.  My mom would take me to our small-town library on the first Saturday of summer break, and I’d fill my arms with as many toppling piles of books as I could hold.  And while she and my dad were working and my brother was out playing street hockey all day, I was traveling Middle Earth, roaming the woods with Anne-with-an-E, and disappearing through the back of a wardrobe to explore Narnia.  I lived dozens of lifetimes in those books, and I grew to value summer reading lists from my teachers, librarians, and other friends as if they were nuggets of gold.

Here are a few books that have gotten my kids hooked on reading over the years.  Once they get started on a series or fall in love with an author, your next problem becomes how to get their noses out of their books so they can do the dishes or come to dinner.

 

 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

For ages: 10-12

Themes of friendship, courage, coming-of-age

If you want your younger kids to learn about Greek mythology, introduce them to Percy Jackson.  My son is a veritable expert after devouring this series and everything else Rick Riordan has written.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson, a good-hearted kid who struggles in school.  When his mother sends him to Camp Half Blood, a camp for demigods, he learns that he is actually the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea.  He and his new friends, a satyr and the daughter of Athena, embark on a dangerous journey to recover Zeus’ master bolt and prevent war amongst the gods.

 

 

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

For ages: 10-12

Full disclosure, I have not read this series myself.  However, my son raves about them and has given me full details of every dragon race, their strengths and weaknesses, their friends and enemies, et al.  The book contains epic battles, a crazy queen, long-standing feuds, and, of course, dragons.  Who doesn’t love dragons?

 

 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

For ages: 10-12+

Themes of friendship, magic, coming of age, and overcoming adversity.

This was my go-to book for kids who “didn’t like reading.”  My philosophy on that, by the way, is that every child is a reader – they just haven’t found the right book yet.  Well, in all cases, this was the book to make readers out of the anti-readers.  This is the story of Harry Potter, a young man living in terrible circumstances who discovers that he is, in fact, a wizard.  The book follows his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his friendship with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and his conflict with the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.  There are seven books in the series, so this is definitely one to introduce your kids to.

 

 

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

For ages: 12-14

Themes of pride, selfishness, forgiveness, religion, the struggle to become an artist.

From the author of Anne of Green Gables, this is the story of Emily Starr, a bold, creative, candid young lady whose father dies of consumption, leaving her to live with her snobby relatives at New Moon Farm.  This is a darker tale than the Anne series, but L.M. Montgomery admitted that this was the most autobiographical of all her works.  Emily is a writer, and this book shines a light on the sometimes complicated life that can create, especially when those around you don’t understand the world of an artist.  There are three books in this series.

 

 

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

For ages: 12-14

Themes of heroism, good versus evil.

The Book of Three is the story of Taran, assistant pig-keeper, and his unlikely quest to become a hero.  It is the first in a five-part series, two of which are Newbery Medal winners for “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”  In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated fantasy series for kids.

 

 

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

For ages: 12-14

Themes of friendship, family, and overcoming all odds for those you love.

Follow the adventures of Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin as they travel through space to find her father and bring him home.  With the help of supernatural beings, they discover deep truths about the universe.  If your child falls in love with this book, there are four others in the series: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and Many Waters.

 

 

The Giver by Lois Lowry

For ages: 14-16

Themes of individuality, freedom, and the value of memories.

In The Giver, society has taken away pain and suffering by creating “Sameness,” which removes emotion, color, and memories from the minds of citizens.  12-year-old Jonas is chosen to take on the role of Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the memories of life before Sameness.  The memories are transferred from the current Receiver, also known as The Giver.  Jonas must learn to accept the memories with all their pain and loss, as well as joy and life like he has never seen.  This book is a wonderful exploration of good and evil and their balance in this universe.  This dystopian novel explores deep, philosophical concepts about life and livingness.

 

 

The Daybreakers by Louis L’Amour

For ages: 16-18

Themes of justice, honor, family.

Tyrel Sackett is a magnet for trouble, but he was practically born with a pistol in his hand – so he can take care of himself.  When he is forced to kill a man in Tennessee, he must travel west to meet his brother Orrin, and together the Sackett family brings law and order from Santa Fe to Montana.  For those who love good, old-fashioned cowboys and stories about the American West, you can’t go wrong with Louis L’Amour.

 

 

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

For ages: 16-18

Themes of love, old age, community.

Yes, this book is about a grumpy old man.  No, it is not a particularly thrilling plot.  There is no teen drama, romance, or coming-of-age.  So why would I recommend this book for teens?  Because it is about the inexplicability of true love.  Not love when it is easy, lit by the flames of youth, blazing in with passion – no, this is about love that is forever, love that matters even when they are gone.  This book is true and real and it is about all the ups and downs of life, yet it is told with a delightful sense of humor.  My daughter read it when she was about 16, and she loved it.

 

 

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

For ages: 16-18

The Host is a science fiction romance novel written by the author of the Twilight series.  It takes place on an apocalyptic earth, when parasitic aliens have taken over the minds and bodies of humans.  Melanie Stryder is occupied by Wanderer, the alien “soul” who is surprised to find her host unwilling to give up her body.  Melanie fills Wanderer’s mind with yearning for a man she has never met, and together they set off to find the man they both love.

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction ranging from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. She is currently writing a dystopian novel for teens. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim both online and in the Writers of the Future contest.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post 10 Books to Get Your Kids Addicted to Reading This Summer appeared first on D.N. Moore.

During my teenage years, I was raised by a single mother.  Not only was she a “strong female lead” in the story of her life, she taught me to be one, as well.  And although I am quite a traditional woman, and I believe my job is to support my husband in every way I can (and I love that role), I equally love the modern idea that women are not judged for being career-driven and independent.  I have played many roles besides wife and mother – teacher, beekeeper, construction superintendent, entrepreneur – and I tackled each chapter of my life with a sense of adventure and delight.  Many of the books I recommend in this article helped shape me into the woman I am today, and I loved sharing them with my daughters, both of whom have grown up to be bold, headstrong, self-reliant, and certain of what they know is right.  Here are my top young adult books with strong female leads.

 

 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

For ages: 10-12

Themes of: Independence and friendship.

After having a falling-out with her best friend, 12-year-old Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes from someone who seems to know all about her – even things that haven’t happened yet.  When the notes tell her someone is about to die, she has to figure out how to save them.  This is a great story for younger audiences, full of mystery and intrigue, but it also covers the importance of friendship and the complexities of growing up.  If you love books that are mostly about real life but have a touch of magic, you will not be disappointed.

 

 

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

For ages: 10-12

Themes of hard work, self-reliance, friendship and family

12-year-old Caddie Woodlawn is not a typical pioneer girl.  Rather than cook and sew, she’d rather hunt, plow, and play with her Indian friends.  None of the women in her life understand her, but she doesn’t care.  She’s brave and adventurous and full of spirit.  A delightful historical fiction novel set in the 1860’s on the American frontier.

 

 

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by e.l. konigsburg

For ages: 10-13

Themes of family, friendship, independence, achieving one’s dreams.

12-year-old Claudia Kincaid decides to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation by running away from home.  While on a school field trip, she and her younger brother Jamie disappear and take residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  After the adventure of living in an art museum wears off, Claudia learns that she doesn’t feel any different as a result of running away.  She also discovers a statue so beautiful that she must know its creator – but the only information about it is its owner, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

 

 

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

For ages: 12-14

Themes of self-reliance, perseverance and survival.

Island of the Blue Dolphins takes place in the mid-1800’s and is loosely based on a true story.  A Native American girl named Karana is separated from her people and lives alone on an island for 18 years.  She must learn skills traditionally reserved for men – hunting, fishing, making spears and canoes.  This is a story of resilience and survival that you will never forget.

 

 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

For ages: 12-14

Themes of responsibility, wisdom, and adjusting to change.

16-year-old Kit leaves her home in Barbados to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins in Connecticut.  The year is 1687, and Kit struggles to adjust to her new Puritan community, which frowns on her headstrong manner.  After getting in trouble for reenacting a scene from the Bible, Kit flees to the woods and meets Hannah Tupper, a kind, gentle woman who has been outcast because she is a Quaker and has been rumored a witch.  This is a coming-of-age tale like no other, as Kit grows up in the shadows of the “mob mentality” and must remain true to herself in spite of it.

 

 

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

For ages: 12-14

Themes of immortality, civilization vs. nature, coming of age.

It is the year 1880 and 10-year-old Winnie Foster wants nothing more than to get away from her overbearing family.  While exploring in the woods, she runs into a young man drinking from a small spring.  He says his name is Jesse Tuck and he is 107 years old, although he quickly changes that to 17.  When Winnie tries to drink from the same spring, Jesse stops her, and she learns that the spring creates immortality.  Winnie befriends the rest of the Tuck family, who wish they could grow old and die.  This book is a children’s classic and deals with the subject of immortality in unique and beautiful ways.

 

 

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

For ages: 12-14

Themes of integrity, imagination, kindness, individuality, coming of age.

This is the story of 11-year-old Anne Shirley, an orphan who gets mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert at their home on Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century.  While she is overjoyed to have a new family, they thought they were getting a boy to help Matthew around the farm.  Although they try to send her back, no one can resist the unique, imaginative, loquacious Anne Shirley.  Anne of Green Gables has sold more than 50 million copies since its publication and has been translated into 36 languages, and it is the first of many sequels which cover the life of Anne as she becomes a woman.  It is beautifully written, and it takes place during more innocent times when morals and integrity were the woof and warp of everyday life.  You’ll never look at life quite the same after reading it.

 

 

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

For ages: 13-16

Themes of family, friendship and survival.

When life in her Inuit village becomes dangerous to her, 13-year-old Julie escapes to the Arctic tundra and lives with a pack of wolves.  Readers of wilderness adventure books like My Side of the Mountain will love this book.  One caveat: there are some mature topics covered, as Julie is forcibly married at age 13 (the tribe’s tradition) and runs away when her husband assaults her.  It is not terribly graphic, but the subject matter has been considered controversial.

 

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

For ages: 13-16

Themes of survival and integrity.

16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take the place of her younger sister in the 74th Hunger Games, an annual pageant in which teens are selected by lottery to fight each other to the death, much like the gladiators of ancient Rome.  This is a dystopian novel full of conflict, hard choices, and impossible situations.  It contains action, clean romance, and is quite a page-turner.  I don’t think I have ever met a teenager who didn’t love this book.

 

 

A Little Princess by France Hodgson Burnett

For ages: 13-16

Themes of integrity, maintaining hope in times of adversity, and the power of imagination to get one through hard times.

Sara Crewe is a British girl living in India with her father, a wealthy widower who adores his daughter and showers her with gifts.  When her father goes overseas to fight, Sara is sent to a boarding school in England, where she draws the ire of the envious headmistress, Miss Minchin.  Soon her father is reported dead, his fortune is seized, and Sarah finds herself penniless and must become a servant to Miss Minchin.  Despite adversity, Sara remains true to herself as her imagination keeps her spirits up.  This is a beautiful story of integrity and courage.  Although the content is fine for younger audiences, it does have a fairly hefty vocabulary as it was written in 1905.

 

 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

For ages: 13-16

Themes of family, friendship, morality, love, coming of age.

Little Women is the story of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – and their journey from childhood to womanhood.  There are many layers to this book, and although Jo March is the most headstrong of her sisters, each of the women in this book have their own trials and tribulations as they learn to navigate life.  It is a beautiful tale of family, friendship, love, and growing up.

 

 

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

For ages: 15-17

Themes of love, friendship, coming of age.

17-tear-old Bella Swan moves from her mother’s home in Phoenix, Arizona, to live with her father in Forks, Washington.  While adapting to a new school and trying to make friends, Bella meets the strange and alluring Cullen family.  She is particularly drawn to Edward Cullen, who has a perplexing aversion to her.  This is a unique love story between a vampire and a human, but it is rather mild as far as vampire stories go.  The romance aspect of the book is tastefully done, the author being a practicing Mormon, and promiscuity or premarital sex is nonexistent in this series.  Full of conflict, most teens will love this page-turner of a book.

 

 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

For ages: 16-18

Themes of love and hate, social classes vs. individuality, independence.

Jane Eyre, an orphan, endures loneliness and cruelty as she is raised in the heartless home of her aunt.  The experience shapes her character, making her tough and independent, which proves useful when she becomes a governess for the dark and mysterious Mr. Rochester.  As they develop feelings for each other, she discovers a dark secret from his past which forces her to make a decision – follow her convictions and leave him, or follow her heart and stay?  Although this is a love story, it is also a dark mystery, with twists and turns that I never saw coming.  Not only is this a fascinating story, it is also full of thought-provoking moral and philosophical questions perfect for older teens.

 

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. She is currently writing a dystopian novel for teens. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim both online and in the Writers of the Future contest.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

The post Top Young Adult Books with Strong Female Leads appeared first on D.N. Moore.

Who doesn’t love a good adventure?  Whether conquering the high seas, climbing the highest peak of the Alps, or trying to survive alone in the woods, most boys and girls crave a bold undertaking at some point – and they love reading about it.  For a list of adventure books to get the adrenaline pumping, here are my top ten middle-grade and young-adult books for adventurous souls (no spoilers).

 

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Ages: 12-16

Themes of: courage, solitude, survival skills, coming of age

My Side of the Mountain is the story of 12-year-old Sam Gribley, who leaves his cramped home in New York City to seek independence in the Catskill Mountains.  He fends for himself in the wilderness, surviving the winter alone at his great-grandfather’s abandoned farm.  He learns to fish, trap animals, forage for edible plants, and make deerskin clothing.  He befriends a falcon he names Frightful, who proves to be a very good hunter.  For anyone who’s ever built a treehouse, been in Scouts, or simply loves the ruggedness of camping or being in nature, you won’t stop turning pages until the last word.

 

Holes by Louis Sachar

Ages 10-14

Themes of: friendship, justice, destiny, masculinity

When 14-year-old Stanley Yelnats is unjustly accused of stealing a pair of shoes, he is sent to Camp Green Lake, a correctional facility for teens in Texas.  He and his new friends are made to dig holes endlessly, leaving the desert landscape looking like Swiss cheese.  Ostensibly this is to “build character,” but there is a more sinister reason behind the digging, driven by the Warden at Camp Green Lake.  Stanley battles injustice, bad luck, and venomous lizards, and eventually he must venture into the desert alone to save his friend Zero.  Their subsequent adventure leads Stanely to uncover the truth about his family’s bad luck curse, and to finally take his fate into his own hands.  Holes is a fast-paced, easy read that has a “tall tale” feel to it, many layers to the plot, and characters with whom you’ll wish you were friends.

 

Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman

Ages 12-16

Themes of: courage, man vs. nature, maturity, and masculinity

16-year-old Rudi Matt is determined to pay tribute to his father, who died attempting to conquer the Citadel, the highest peak of the Alps.  Rudi takes his father’s red shirt as a flag and climbs the very mountain that killed his father.  This is a story of toughness and grit, in which a boy becomes a man.  It’s a real page-turner.

 

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Ages: 12-14

Themes of: courage, integrity, standing up for what is right.

13-year-old Charlotte Doyle is accused and convicted of murder aboard the Seahawk, a ship captained by a tyrant, in the year 1832.  This is her account of what actually happened.  With a strong female lead, a fabulous character curve, and a plot so fast-paced you won’t be able to put it down, it is one of my favorite historical fiction books for Middle School.  (As a side note, most books by Avi are wonderful.)

 

 

Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry

Ages: 12-14

Themes of: survival, courage, overcoming all odds to survive

Call it Courage is the story of young Maftu, a Polynesian boy who is afraid of the sea.  Being that he is the son of the great Chief of Hikeuru, a tribe that worships courage, he must face his fear by taking off in a canoe on his own.  He learns his own resiliency as he fights to survive the elements that killed his own mother.  This is a great coming-of-age tale and also gives great insight into other cultures.

 

 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Ages: 13-16

Themes of: courage, friendship, heroism, loyalty

One of the greatest fantasy novels of all time (in my humble opinion) is the story of Bilbo Baggins, who wants nothing to do with adventures but ends up journeying through the wilderness, to the elven land Rivendell, and across the Misty Mountains, facing goblins, wolves, a giant spider, the creature Gollum, and the dragon Smaug.  I have seen many students fall in love with fantasy because of this book.

 

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

Ages: 12-14

Themes of: survival, overcoming adversity, ignoring prejudices, the true meaning of friendship

The Cay is the story of 11-year-old Phillip, who survives a shipwreck in the Caribbean caused by a torpedo blast during World War II.  The incident leaves him blind.  He is saved by Timothy, an older black man from Curacao, and the two must stay alive on an uninhabited Cay (a tiny island) with the hopes they will soon be rescued.  Readers will need help understanding some of the island dialect, the West Indies’ religion known as voodoo, and the backdrop of World War II, but this is a wonderful story of survival and friendship.

 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Ages: 12-14

Themes of: imagination, friendship, honesty, coming of age

Tom Sawyer is a mischievous young boy living with his Aunt Polly on the banks of the Mississippi River.  After getting in trouble for fighting and skipping school, Tom is made to whitewash a fence.  However, he convinces the neighborhood boys that he has been given a great honor, and he tricks them into finishing the work for him and giving him gifts in exchange for the honor of doing the chore.  This is a great set-up for the rest of the book, in which Tom falls in love with Becky Thatcher, meets Huckleberry Finn, and gets into all kinds of trouble.  When he and Huck witness a murder, they try to hide it, but that only leads to more trouble.  This is one of the most beloved pieces of American literature for children.

 

The Odyssey by Homer

Ages: 16-18

Themes of: courage, honor, hospitality, loyalty

The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the Greek slave Homer around 700 BC, and it is one of the oldest pieces of literature still read today.  It is the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his journey home after the Trojan War.  He encounters many dangers, but he never wavers in his loyalty to his wife and family back home, and he does whatever it takes to get back to them.  I recommend that students read this with a study guide or in a seminar, in order to gain a full understanding of the time period and the meaning of these passages.  I consider this an essential piece of literature for any High School reading program.

 

Beowulf

Ages: 16-18

Themes of: good conquering evil; bravery; loyalty; helping one’s neighbor

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem set in the 6th century AD.  It is the tale of the Gothic hero Beowulf, who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, against the evil monster Grendel.  Readers will need to understand the backdrop of old Scandinavian paganism and culture.  Even though this is advanced literature and will require extensive use of a dictionary and time spent researching, I would still call it a page-turner.  It is one of the most translated works of Old English literature.

 

This list is by no means complete, but it’s something to get you started, and hopefully nurture adventurous readers’ craving for adrenaline.  As always, I would love your feedback on this reading list.

 

Happy reading!

 

ML,

D

 

D.N. Moore is an author of Young Adult fiction. She particularly loves speculative fiction from fantasy to paranormal, but she will read or write in any genre. She is currently writing a dystopian novel for teens. Her previous works include Ballad of the Dead: A Modern Fairy Tale and The Blandford Fly and Other Tales, and they have received critical acclaim both online and in contests such as Writers of the Future.

Her writing has been described as “lyrical,” “chilling,” and has been praised for its diverse themes, page-turner plots, and relatable characters. She has been compared to Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik and her work is loved by teens and adults alike.

As a former teacher and a mother, she loves starting and nurturing the reading “bug” in children and young adults.  Her blog offers suggested reading to teens, teachers, and parents, with a focus on quality literature and age-appropriate themes.  Sign up for her newsletter here to be notified of new reading lists as they come out.

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