HIGH SCHOOL READING LISTS
1.
Persistence/perseverance
After the War by Carol Matas
Having survived Nazi concentration camps, Ruth Mendenberg faces another challenge - leading others on a
dangerous journey to Palestine.
The Brave by Robert Lipsyte
Sonny left the reservation to become a boxer in New York City. His success will be limited without
necessary training and self-discipline.
I Want to Buy a Vowel by John Welter
Alfredo knows that his success will depend on learning to speak English so television programs become his
means to that end.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Necessary Roughness by Marie Lee
Chan Jung Kim's Korean-American family moves from LA to a small town in Minnesota where AsianAmericans are rare in this story of assimilation and change.
Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez
This series of vignettes set in the California Central Valley of California follows the difficulties of Manny
Hernandez and his family in maintaining their integrity and cultural honor despite harsh social conditions.
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
An already troubled family flounders when an attempt is made to return their beloved adopted Native
American daughter back to her tribe.
Runs With Horses by Brian Burks
A Native American boy is determined to help save his people from being subdued by the U. S. Army in the
late 1800's.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
1
Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
A young man comes of age as he tries to make it on the basketball courts of an inner city. His greatest
opponent is himself.
The Thief by Megan Turner
All Gen has to do in return for being released from prison is use his skills as a master thief to steal a special
stone for the magus in this witty and suspenseful fantasy adventure.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
2
2.
Managing impulsivity
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
When Dirk settles with the past, he stops struggling with who he is and becomes able to accept love and the
future.
The Brave by Robert Lipsyte
Sonny left the reservation to become a boxer in New York City. His success will be limited without
necessary training and self-discipline.
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
This medieval maiden is not content with womanly tasks like embroidery and is aghast at the thought of a
pre-arranged marriage. Her journal reveals her romantic notions and gives a sardonic look at life in a castle.
Driver's Ed by Caroline Cooney
A prank leads to tragedy when teens steal a stop sign.
Fade by Robert Cormier
Paul is not sure that his supernatural ability is a blessing or a curse. Be careful what you wish for.
Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
Chris McCandless went to Alaska looking for adventure and a chance to prove himself, but his lack of
information and poor planning lead to his death.
Jumping the Nail by Eve Bunting
A teenage girl, being stressed by her boyfriend and her family, watches friends challenging their very lives
at the ocean cliff in this novel of adolescent peer pressure.
River Runs Through It by Norman MacLean
Fly-fishing for trout in Montana is the setting for a father and his sons to learn about life and each other.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
A young man comes of age as he tries to make it on the basketball courts of an inner city. His greatest
opponent is himself.
3
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Caitlin and Victoria seem unlikely friends who only share summers, but what summers they are! After
coping with all of the changes and challenges of adolescence, their paths diverge in adulthood.
4
3.
Listening with understanding and empathy
At Risk by Alice Hoffman
How can it be possible that young Amanda is dying of AIDS? The effects of this devastating news on her
family is told with sensitivity.
Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic
Kovic relates his experiences in the Vietnam War and its emotional and physical scars in this
autobiography.
The Car by Gary Paulsen
A teenager expected adventure when he headed westward in his self-made car but discovers more than he
expected when two Vietnam vets take over as tour guides.
Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Hannah reluctantly participates in a Passover and is swept back in time to 1942. She experiences the
journey to the Nazi death camps and learns the value of remembering.
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Recent historical events are reflected uniquely from the point of view of a mentally slow man.
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
A unique relationship develops between a boy of unusual height and a librarian who becomes devoted to
him in this fascinating novel.
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The friendship of four Chinese women and the effects of their lives upon their daughters.
Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
Two Chinese-American sisters have personal revelations as they learn the details of their mother's tragic and
abused past.
Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld
It's normal to worry, right? Don't all teenagers worry about parents, friends and boy friends? But Lisa
worries that she is going crazy and no one will listen.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
5
Passage to India by E. M. Forster
A social misunderstanding results in a confrontation between Indian and British cultural values in this
classic novel.
Plague Year by Stephanie Tolan
When the new boy at school becomes the object of hate, David cannot help but become involved.
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A twin brother and sister examine their past and its effect on their lives in this novel set in South Caroline
and New York City.
River Runs Through It by Norman MacLean
Fly-fishing for trout in Montana is the setting for a father and his sons to learn about life and each other.
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
A Baltimore family seems to be happy until a tragedy occurs and 17-year-old Ian teen's feels guilty of
causing a suicide.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers
When Jimmy Little is surprised by a visit from his long-imprisoned father and embarks on a trip with him,
he has to sort out the meanings of love , loyalty, and trust.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Caitlin and Victoria seem unlikely friends who only share summers, but what summers they are! After
coping with all of the changes and challenges of adolescence, their paths diverge in adulthood.
Year Without Michael by Susan Beth Pfeffer
When brother Michael disappears, Jody's family must cope with devastating emotional trauma.
6
4.
Flexibility of thinking
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
The cultural disuption and geographical relocation of island populations due to atomic bomb testing in
Pacific islands is depicted in this story.
Deliver Us From Evie by M. E. Kerr
When his sister Evie falls in love with the "wrong" type of person, Parr's conservative farm community has
to come to terms with an unsettling issue.
Don't Care High by Gordon Korman
Apathy rules at a high school, so an imaginative student invents the ultimately cool dude who becomes the
model of school pride.
Eva by Peter Dickinson
Ethical questions are raised when an injured girl's memory and brain patterns are copied into a healthy
chimpanzee in this provocative story.
Fade by Robert Cormier
Paul is not sure that his supernatural ability is a blessing or a curse. Be careful what you wish for.
Fell Down by M. E. Kerr
An unusual mystery that began a generation ago impacts Fell after the death of his friend.
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Recent historical events are reflected uniquely from the point of view of a mentally slow man.
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
A young boy spends the summer on his cousin's farm and has some unusual times for sure!
Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The destruction of rainforest environments may be the cause of deadly viral infections.
I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier
Non-linear thinking ability is required for this novel about Adam's journeys which aren't always
geographical. When you can trust no one, you stand alone.
Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
Chris McCandless went to Alaska looking for adventure and a chance to prove himself, but his lack of
information and poor planning lead to his death.
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
This riveting account of a mountain-climbing disaster in 1996 is told with breath-taking precision by a
surviver.
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The friendship of four Chinese women and the effects of their lives upon their daughters.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Necessary Roughness by Marie Lee
Chan Jung Kim's Korean-American family moves from LA to a small town in Minnesota where AsianAmericans are rare in this story of assimilation and change.
Passage to India by E. M. Forster
7
A social misunderstanding results in a confrontation between Indian and British cultural values in this
classic novel.
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A twin brother and sister examine their past and its effect on their lives in this novel set in South Caroline
and New York City.
Roughing It by Mark Twain
Mark Twain recalls his years in the Old West in these tales told with humor and satire.
Runs With Horses by Brian Burks
A Native American boy is determined to help save his people from being subdued by the U. S. Army in the
late 1800's.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
The Starlite Drive-In by Marjorie Reynolds
Callie discovers and is torn between the complexities of the adults in her twelve-year-old world during the
summer of 1956 - her embittered father, her agoraphobic mother and the handsome stranger who enters their lives.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
8
5.
Metacognition
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Simple rules that are simply stated offer a guide for a better life.
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
When Dirk settles with the past, he stops struggling with who he is and becomes able to accept love and the
future.
Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic
Kovic relates his experiences in the Vietnam War and its emotional and physical scars in this
autobiography.
Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Hannah reluctantly participates in a Passover and is swept back in time to 1942. She experiences the
journey to the Nazi death camps and learns the value of remembering.
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
Ellen tries to find a place she can find contentment after the deaths of her parents.
Eva by Peter Dickinson
Ethical questions are raised when an injured girl's memory and brain patterns are copied into a healthy
chimpanzee in this provocative story.
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richie enlists in the army and finds himself assigned to Vietnam and its sights and sounds of war.
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
A unique relationship develops between a boy of unusual height and a librarian who becomes devoted to
him in this fascinating novel.
Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
In these personal essays, Lindbergh examines the contrasts between the life she leads and the life she has
idealized.
I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier
Non-linear thinking ability is required for this novel about Adam's journeys which aren't always
geographical. When you can trust no one, you stand alone.
Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld
It's normal to worry, right? Don't all teenagers worry about parents, friends and boy friends? But Lisa
worries that she is going crazy and no one will listen.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
Steve York has problems. Maybe this time he can figure out his life and make peace with his disappointed
father.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
9
Subtitled Being the Story of the Enlistment and due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First
Minnesota Volunteers, this is the extraordinary account of 15-year-old Charley's horrific Civil War experiences.
Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers
When Jimmy Little is surprised by a visit from his long-imprisoned father and embarks on a trip with him,
he has to sort out the meanings of love , loyalty, and trust.
The Starlite Drive-In by Marjorie Reynolds
Callie discovers and is torn between the complexities of the adults in her twelve-year-old world during the
summer of 1956 - her embittered father, her agoraphobic mother and the handsome stranger who enters their lives.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
10
6.
Checking for accuracy and precision
At Risk by Alice Hoffman
How can it be possible that young Amanda is dying of AIDS? The effects of this devastating news on her
family is told with sensitivity.
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
The cultural disuption and geographical relocation of island populations due to atomic bomb testing in
Pacific islands is depicted in this story.
Fell Down by M. E. Kerr
An unusual mystery that began a generation ago impacts Fell after the death of his friend.
Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The destruction of rainforest environments may be the cause of deadly viral infections.
I Want to Buy a Vowel by John Welter
Alfredo knows that his success will depend on learning to speak English so television programs become his
means to that end.
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
A Baltimore family seems to be happy until a tragedy occurs and 17-year-old Ian teen's feels guilty of
causing a suicide.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers
When Jimmy Little is surprised by a visit from his long-imprisoned father and embarks on a trip with him,
he has to sort out the meanings of love , loyalty, and trust.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
The Wave by Todd Strasser
Based on a true incident, this book recounts the story of a social experiment that was conducted in a
California high school and its powerful effects.
11
Wolf by the Ears by Anne Rinaldi
Harriet is the daughter of Sally Hemings and rumor is that none other than Thomas Jefferson is her father.
Should she try to "pass" as white or remain loyal to her maternal heritage?
12
7.
Questioning and problem posing
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
This collection of short stories about young athletes struggling with their athletic feats and issues of life that
go beyond the games.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
Taylor has left her all-too-predictably dull life in Kentucky and finds herself in Tucson. She gets the
adventure she longed for in the form of Central American refugees and a small child who needs her.
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
The cultural disuption and geographical relocation of island populations due to atomic bomb testing in
Pacific islands is depicted in this story.
Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic
Kovic relates his experiences in the Vietnam War and its emotional and physical scars in this
autobiography.
Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron
An unsuccessful slave rebellion in the American South that took place in 1831 is the basis for this historical
novel.
Doom Stone by Paul Zindel
During a visit to mysterious Stonehenge, an American teenager is caught in a deadly situation.
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
Ellen tries to find a place she can find contentment after the deaths of her parents.
Fell Down by M. E. Kerr
An unusual mystery that began a generation ago impacts Fell after the death of his friend.
Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The destruction of rainforest environments may be the cause of deadly viral infections.
Jumping the Nail by Eve Bunting
A teenage girl, being stressed by her boyfriend and her family, watches friends challenging their very lives
at the ocean cliff in this novel of adolescent peer pressure.
13
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Necessary Roughness by Marie Lee
Chan Jung Kim's Korean-American family moves from LA to a small town in Minnesota where AsianAmericans are rare in this story of assimilation and change.
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
An already troubled family flounders when an attempt is made to return their beloved adopted Native
American daughter back to her tribe.
Plague Year by Stephanie Tolan
When the new boy at school becomes the object of hate, David cannot help but become involved.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
A Baltimore family seems to be happy until a tragedy occurs and 17-year-old Ian teen's feels guilty of
causing a suicide.
Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
A young man comes of age as he tries to make it on the basketball courts of an inner city. His greatest
opponent is himself.
The Starlite Drive-In by Marjorie Reynolds
Callie discovers and is torn between the complexities of the adults in her twelve-year-old world during the
summer of 1956 - her embittered father, her agoraphobic mother and the handsome stranger who enters their lives.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Caitlin and Victoria seem unlikely friends who only share summers, but what summers they are! After
coping with all of the changes and challenges of adolescence, their paths diverge in adulthood.
14
Sword in the Stone by T. H. White
The fantasy story of Wart, the boy who becomes king, is told with humor and wit in this Arthurian legend.
When She Hollers by Cynthia Voigt
A young victim of sexual abuse is able to overcome her feelings of shame to finally fight back for her
survival.
Year Without Michael by Susan Beth Pfeffer
When brother Michael disappears, Jody's family must cope with devastating emotional trauma.
15
8.
Drawing on past knowledge/application to new situations
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Simple rules that are simply stated offer a guide for a better life.
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
These recollections of growing up poor in Ireland are told matter-of-factly by a boy and are at once both
heart-rending and hilarious.
The Car by Gary Paulsen
A teenager expected adventure when he headed westward in his self-made car but discovers more than he
expected when two Vietnam vets take over as tour guides.
Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron
An unsuccessful slave rebellion in the American South that took place in 1831 is the basis for this historical
novel.
Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Hannah reluctantly participates in a Passover and is swept back in time to 1942. She experiences the
journey to the Nazi death camps and learns the value of remembering.
Doom Stone by Paul Zindel
During a visit to mysterious Stonehenge, an American teenager is caught in a deadly situation.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jonas has been chosen to be given the powerful responsibility of receiving and keeping all the memories
from the past.
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The friendship of four Chinese women and the effects of their lives upon their daughters.
Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
Two Chinese-American sisters have personal revelations as they learn the details of their mother's tragic and
abused past.
16
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
When shipwrecked English school boys try to construct their own society on an island, it soon becomes
uncivilized terror.
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A twin brother and sister examine their past and its effect on their lives in this novel set in South Caroline
and New York City.
Runs With Horses by Brian Burks
A Native American boy is determined to help save his people from being subdued by the U. S. Army in the
late 1800's.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers
When Jimmy Little is surprised by a visit from his long-imprisoned father and embarks on a trip with him,
he has to sort out the meanings of love , loyalty, and trust.
The Thief by Megan Turner
All Gen has to do in return for being released from prison is use his skills as a master thief to steal a special
stone for the magus in this witty and suspenseful fantasy adventure.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
17
9.
Precision of language and thought
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
These recollections of growing up poor in Ireland are told matter-of-factly by a boy and are at once both
heart-rending and hilarious.
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
This medieval maiden is not content with womanly tasks like embroidery and is aghast at the thought of a
pre-arranged marriage. Her journal reveals her romantic notions and gives a sardonic look at life in a castle.
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richie enlists in the army and finds himself assigned to Vietnam and its sights and sounds of war.
Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
In these personal essays, Lindbergh examines the contrasts between the life she leads and the life she has
idealized.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jonas has been chosen to be given the powerful responsibility of receiving and keeping all the memories
from the past.
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
A young boy spends the summer on his cousin's farm and has some unusual times for sure!
I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier
Non-linear thinking ability is required for this novel about Adam's journeys which aren't always
geographical. When you can trust no one, you stand alone.
I Want to Buy a Vowel by John Welter
Alfredo knows that his success will depend on learning to speak English so television programs become his
means to that end.
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The friendship of four Chinese women and the effects of their lives upon their daughters.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
The world in this sci-fi novel is different from ours .... or is it a vision of the consequences of today's
political, economic and spiritual ills?
Passage to India by E. M. Forster
A social misunderstanding results in a confrontation between Indian and British cultural values in this
classic novel.
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A twin brother and sister examine their past and its effect on their lives in this novel set in South Caroline
and New York City.
Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley
This sophisticated retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale displays an marvelous use of language.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
18
10.
Using all the senses
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
These recollections of growing up poor in Ireland are told matter-of-factly by a boy and are at once both
heart-rending and hilarious.
Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic
Kovic relates his experiences in the Vietnam War and its emotional and physical scars in this
autobiography.
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richie enlists in the army and finds himself assigned to Vietnam and its sights and sounds of war.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
This riveting account of a mountain-climbing disaster in 1996 is told with breath-taking precision by a
surviver.
Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld
It's normal to worry, right? Don't all teenagers worry about parents, friends and boy friends? But Lisa
worries that she is going crazy and no one will listen.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley
This sophisticated retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale displays an marvelous use of language.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
19
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
Subtitled Being the Story of the Enlistment and due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First
Minnesota Volunteers, this is the extraordinary account of 15-year-old Charley's horrific Civil War experiences.
The Thief by Megan Turner
All Gen has to do in return for being released from prison is use his skills as a master thief to steal a special
stone for the magus in this witty and suspenseful fantasy adventure.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
20
11.
Ingenuity, creativity, originality, insight
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
When Dirk settles with the past, he stops struggling with who he is and becomes able to accept love and the
future.
Don't Care High by Gordon Korman
Apathy rules at a high school, so an imaginative student invents the ultimately cool dude who becomes the
model of school pride.
Doom Stone by Paul Zindel
During a visit to mysterious Stonehenge, an American teenager is caught in a deadly situation.
Eva by Peter Dickinson
Ethical questions are raised when an injured girl's memory and brain patterns are copied into a healthy
chimpanzee in this provocative story.
Fade by Robert Cormier
Paul is not sure that his supernatural ability is a blessing or a curse. Be careful what you wish for.
Fell Down by M. E. Kerr
An unusual mystery that began a generation ago impacts Fell after the death of his friend.
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Recent historical events are reflected uniquely from the point of view of a mentally slow man.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
A young boy spends the summer on his cousin's farm and has some unusual times for sure!
I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier
Non-linear thinking ability is required for this novel about Adam's journeys which aren't always
geographical. When you can trust no one, you stand alone.
Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
The life of young Jack Crabbe and his resourcefulness in both the white and Cheyenne world is portrayed in
this novel of the Old West. (humor)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
When shipwrecked English school boys try to construct their own society on an island, it soon becomes
uncivilized terror.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
An already troubled family flounders when an attempt is made to return their beloved adopted Native
American daughter back to her tribe.
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
Steve York has problems. Maybe this time he can figure out his life and make peace with his disappointed
father.
21
Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley
This sophisticated retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale displays an marvelous use of language.
Roughing It by Mark Twain
Mark Twain recalls his years in the Old West in these tales told with humor and satire.
Sword in the Stone by T. H. White
The fantasy story of Wart, the boy who becomes king, is told with humor and wit in this Arthurian legend.
The Thief by Megan Turner
All Gen has to do in return for being released from prison is use his skills as a master thief to steal a special
stone for the magus in this witty and suspenseful fantasy adventure.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
22
12.
Wonderment, inquisitiveness, curiosity
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
This medieval maiden is not content with womanly tasks like embroidery and is aghast at the thought of a
pre-arranged marriage. Her journal reveals her romantic notions and gives a sardonic look at life in a castle.
Eva by Peter Dickinson
Ethical questions are raised when an injured girl's memory and brain patterns are copied into a healthy
chimpanzee in this provocative story.
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
A unique relationship develops between a boy of unusual height and a librarian who becomes devoted to
him in this fascinating novel.
Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
In these personal essays, Lindbergh examines the contrasts between the life she leads and the life she has
idealized.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jonas has been chosen to be given the powerful responsibility of receiving and keeping all the memories
from the past.
Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
Two Chinese-American sisters have personal revelations as they learn the details of their mother's tragic and
abused past.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
Subtitled Being the Story of the Enlistment and due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First
Minnesota Volunteers, this is the extraordinary account of 15-year-old Charley's horrific Civil War experiences.
Sword in the Stone by T. H. White
The fantasy story of Wart, the boy who becomes king, is told with humor and wit in this Arthurian legend.
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Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
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13. Responsible Risk-taking
After the War by Carol Matas
Having survived Nazi concentration camps, Ruth Mendenberg faces another challenge - leading others on a
dangerous journey to Palestine.
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
When Dirk settles with the past, he stops struggling with who he is and becomes able to accept love and the
future.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
Taylor has left her all-too-predictably dull life in Kentucky and finds herself in Tucson. She gets the
adventure she longed for in the form of Central American refugees and a small child who needs her.
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
The cultural disuption and geographical relocation of island populations due to atomic bomb testing in
Pacific islands is depicted in this story.
The Car by Gary Paulsen
A teenager expected adventure when he headed westward in his self-made car but discovers more than he
expected when two Vietnam vets take over as tour guides.
Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron
An unsuccessful slave rebellion in the American South that took place in 1831 is the basis for this historical
novel.
Deliver Us From Evie by M. E. Kerr
When his sister Evie falls in love with the "wrong" type of person, Parr's conservative farm community has
to come to terms with an unsettling issue.
Doom Stone by Paul Zindel
During a visit to mysterious Stonehenge, an American teenager is caught in a deadly situation.
Eva by Peter Dickinson
Ethical questions are raised when an injured girl's memory and brain patterns are copied into a healthy
chimpanzee in this provocative story.
Fade by Robert Cormier
Paul is not sure that his supernatural ability is a blessing or a curse. Be careful what you wish for.
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Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richie enlists in the army and finds himself assigned to Vietnam and its sights and sounds of war.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
Chris McCandless went to Alaska looking for adventure and a chance to prove himself, but his lack of
information and poor planning lead to his death.
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
This riveting account of a mountain-climbing disaster in 1996 is told with breath-taking precision by a
surviver.
Jumping the Nail by Eve Bunting
A teenage girl, being stressed by her boyfriend and her family, watches friends challenging their very lives
at the ocean cliff in this novel of adolescent peer pressure.
Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan
Two Chinese-American sisters have personal revelations as they learn the details of their mother's tragic and
abused past.
Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
The life of young Jack Crabbe and his resourcefulness in both the white and Cheyenne world is portrayed in
this novel of the Old West. (humor)
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
The world in this sci-fi novel is different from ours .... or is it a vision of the consequences of today's
political, economic and spiritual ills?
Plague Year by Stephanie Tolan
When the new boy at school becomes the object of hate, David cannot help but become involved.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Runs With Horses by Brian Burks
A Native American boy is determined to help save his people from being subdued by the U. S. Army in the
late 1800's.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sabriel crosses through the Gates of Hell into a mystical world of secrets, love, magic, and evil to find her
necromancer father only to find that she must take over his life's work.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
Subtitled Being the Story of the Enlistment and due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First
Minnesota Volunteers, this is the extraordinary account of 15-year-old Charley's horrific Civil War experiences.
Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers
When Jimmy Little is surprised by a visit from his long-imprisoned father and embarks on a trip with him,
he has to sort out the meanings of love , loyalty, and trust.
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The Starlite Drive-In by Marjorie Reynolds
Callie discovers and is torn between the complexities of the adults in her twelve-year-old world during the
summer of 1956 - her embittered father, her agoraphobic mother and the handsome stranger who enters their lives.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Caitlin and Victoria seem unlikely friends who only share summers, but what summers they are! After
coping with all of the changes and challenges of adolescence, their paths diverge in adulthood.
Sword in the Stone by T. H. White
The fantasy story of Wart, the boy who becomes king, is told with humor and wit in this Arthurian legend.
The Thief by Megan Turner
All Gen has to do in return for being released from prison is use his skills as a master thief to steal a special
stone for the magus in this witty and suspenseful fantasy adventure.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
When She Hollers by Cynthia Voigt
A young victim of sexual abuse is able to overcome her feelings of shame to finally fight back for her
survival.
Wolf by the Ears by Anne Rinaldi
Harriet is the daughter of Sally Hemings and rumor is that none other than Thomas Jefferson is her father.
Should she try to "pass" as white or remain loyal to her maternal heritage?
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14.
Displaying a sense of humor
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Simple rules that are simply stated offer a guide for a better life.
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
These recollections of growing up poor in Ireland are told matter-of-factly by a boy and are at once both
heart-rending and hilarious.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
Taylor has left her all-too-predictably dull life in Kentucky and finds herself in Tucson. She gets the
adventure she longed for in the form of Central American refugees and a small child who needs her.
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
This medieval maiden is not content with womanly tasks like embroidery and is aghast at the thought of a
pre-arranged marriage. Her journal reveals her romantic notions and gives a sardonic look at life in a castle.
Don't Care High by Gordon Korman
Apathy rules at a high school, so an imaginative student invents the ultimately cool dude who becomes the
model of school pride.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
A young boy spends the summer on his cousin's farm and has some unusual times for sure!
I Want to Buy a Vowel by John Welter
Alfredo knows that his success will depend on learning to speak English so television programs become his
means to that end.
Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson
Autobiographical account of Jackson's hilarious adventures of raising four children and various pets in a
large house while becoming an author.
Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
The life of young Jack Crabbe and his resourcefulness in both the white and Cheyenne world is portrayed in
this novel of the Old West. (humor)
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Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
Steve York has problems. Maybe this time he can figure out his life and make peace with his disappointed
father.
Roughing It by Mark Twain
Mark Twain recalls his years in the Old West in these tales told with humor and satire.
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
A boy runs away from home where he feels unloved and unwanted to face life on the streets in this novel of
his many misadventures.
Sword in the Stone by T. H. White
The fantasy story of Wart, the boy who becomes king, is told with humor and wit in this Arthurian legend.
29
15.
Interdependent Thinking
After the War by Carol Matas
Having survived Nazi concentration camps, Ruth Mendenberg faces another challenge - leading others on a
dangerous journey to Palestine.
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Simple rules that are simply stated offer a guide for a better life.
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
These recollections of growing up poor in Ireland are told matter-of-factly by a boy and are at once both
heart-rending and hilarious.
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
This collection of short stories about young athletes struggling with their athletic feats and issues of life that
go beyond the games.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
Taylor has left her all-too-predictably dull life in Kentucky and finds herself in Tucson. She gets the
adventure she longed for in the form of Central American refugees and a small child who needs her.
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
The cultural disuption and geographical relocation of island populations due to atomic bomb testing in
Pacific islands is depicted in this story.
Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron
An unsuccessful slave rebellion in the American South that took place in 1831 is the basis for this historical
novel.
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Richie enlists in the army and finds himself assigned to Vietnam and its sights and sounds of war.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The destruction of rainforest environments may be the cause of deadly viral infections.
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
This riveting account of a mountain-climbing disaster in 1996 is told with breath-taking precision by a
surviver.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
When shipwrecked English school boys try to construct their own society on an island, it soon becomes
uncivilized terror.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
The world in this sci-fi novel is different from ours .... or is it a vision of the consequences of today's
political, economic and spiritual ills?
Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez
This series of vignettes set in the California Central Valley of California follows the difficulties of Manny
Hernandez and his family in maintaining their integrity and cultural honor despite harsh social conditions.
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
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An already troubled family flounders when an attempt is made to return their beloved adopted Native
American daughter back to her tribe.
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
A twin brother and sister examine their past and its effect on their lives in this novel set in South Caroline
and New York City.
Runs With Horses by Brian Burks
A Native American boy is determined to help save his people from being subdued by the U. S. Army in the
late 1800's.
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Old grudges and continuing prejudices trouble a town in this murder mystery set in Washington State.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
31
16.
Humility of continuous learning
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Simple rules that are simply stated offer a guide for a better life.
At Risk by Alice Hoffman
How can it be possible that young Amanda is dying of AIDS? The effects of this devastating news on her
family is told with sensitivity.
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
This collection of short stories about young athletes struggling with their athletic feats and issues of life that
go beyond the games.
Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic
Kovic relates his experiences in the Vietnam War and its emotional and physical scars in this
autobiography.
The Brave by Robert Lipsyte
Sonny left the reservation to become a boxer in New York City. His success will be limited without
necessary training and self-discipline.
The Car by Gary Paulsen
A teenager expected adventure when he headed westward in his self-made car but discovers more than he
expected when two Vietnam vets take over as tour guides.
Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Hannah reluctantly participates in a Passover and is swept back in time to 1942. She experiences the
journey to the Nazi death camps and learns the value of remembering.
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Recent historical events are reflected uniquely from the point of view of a mentally slow man.
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
A unique relationship develops between a boy of unusual height and a librarian who becomes devoted to
him in this fascinating novel.
Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Nhamo escapes in a canoe from an arranged marriage to a cruel man who has three wives and draws
strength from spirits and ancestors on her journey to freedom.
32
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jonas has been chosen to be given the powerful responsibility of receiving and keeping all the memories
from the past.
I Want to Buy a Vowel by John Welter
Alfredo knows that his success will depend on learning to speak English so television programs become his
means to that end.
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The friendship of four Chinese women and the effects of their lives upon their daughters.
Murphy's Boy by Tori Hayden
Another moving story by Hayden in which an adult struggles and ultimately succeeds making contact with a
child who's been forsaken by traditional therapies.
Necessary Roughness by Marie Lee
Chan Jung Kim's Korean-American family moves from LA to a small town in Minnesota where AsianAmericans are rare in this story of assimilation and change.
Passage to India by E. M. Forster
A social misunderstanding results in a confrontation between Indian and British cultural values in this
classic novel.
River Runs Through It by Norman MacLean
Fly-fishing for trout in Montana is the setting for a father and his sons to learn about life and each other.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
This is the amazing true adventure of Lewis and Clark on their epic journey across the unknown continent
full of historical detail, geography, biography.
The Wave by Todd Strasser
Based on a true incident, this book recounts the story of a social experiment that was conducted in a
California high school and its powerful effects.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Persig
A man and his son embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip during which he tries to save his son's sanity
and discover the meaning of life.
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