500 Great Books for Teens

April 1, 2007
Silvey has put together contemporary and classic adult and YA titles that meet her criteria for exemplary writing and wide appeal. Familiar groupings such as "Fantasy," "Historical Fiction," and "Mystery" accompany newer subject areas such as "Many Cultures, Many Realities," "Edgy, Trendsetting Novels," and "Politics and Social Conscience." Nonfiction titles, such as "Into Thin Air" and "Young Men and Fire", are included in the "Adventure and Survival" category, and a unique chapter called "Information" contains books such as "Undaunted Courage, Nickel and Dimed", and "Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science". All Printz Award-winners and honor books are included, as well as some Newberys, Pulitzers, National Book Awards, and other noteworthy winners. In a conversational tone, Silvey introduces each chapter, noting characteristics of the genre followed by a two- or three-paragraph description of each book briefly outlining the plot and other elements such as writing style, themes, and significance to young adult literature. Silvey's classics include "Hound of the Baskervilles, Our Town", and "To Kill a Mockingbird", but librarians will agree she has a pulse on contemporary titles that will endure, such as "The Da Vinci Code, Looking for Alaska, I Am the Messenger", and "A Certain Slant of Light". Extras include a time line, geographical location for settings, additional titles for each subject area, and a list of recommended audiobooks."Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.