The Magician’s Elephant
By Kate DiCamillo
Recommended for: Both boys and girls, ages 10 and up for discussion of death and a rather gloomy atmosphere.
One word summary: Somber.
The Decoding of Lana Morris
By Laura & Tom McNeal
Recommended for: Ages 16 and up for frank sexual discussion and general maturity level of themes and tone. The story features a female protagonist and romantic elements, but the overall strength of writing and complexity of the characters should make this book appealing to boys as well as girls.
One Word Summary: Esoteric.
Dark Water
By Laura McNeal
Recommended for: Ages 15 and Up for mild teen sexuality. The female main character and romantic plot line will likely make this work best suited to young women.
One Word Summary: Ferocious.
Okay For Now
By Gary D. Schmidt
Recommended for: Grades 7-11 (particularly boys)
One Word Summary: Earnest.
Don’t Stop Now
By Julie Halpern
Recommended for: Mainly girls, aged 16 and Up for tastefully handled teen sexuality and frank sexual discussions. The story is narrated by a girl and contains a love story, but she leans towards tomboyishness and the romance is neither gushy nor sentimental, so male readers shouldn’t be excluded from this one.
One Word Summary: Naturalistic.
The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
Recommended for: Boys and girls, ages 13 and up.
One Word Summary: Luminous.
© Jordan B. Nielsen, 2012
The Apothecary
By Maile Meloy
Recommended for: Fantasy and adventure fans of all ages and genders, colors and creeds (so long as they be over the age of 10). This one is an across the board crowd-pleaser.
One Word Summary: Intoxicating.
Every Day
By David Levithan
Recommended for: Boys and girls, ages 12 and up
One Word Summary: Compelling.
Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
Recommended for: Ages 9 and Up for emotionally mature subject matter. A broad range of characters and general relatability should make this book appealing to both boys and girls.
One Word Summary: Flawless.
