The Outsiders
This was one of my favorite books that we read as a class in middle school. It had romance, brotherhood, and tough life stories. My favorite character of the story was Johnny because even though his life wasn't the best, he didn't take it out on others, and it ended with him sacrificing his life to save others.
Lesson Idea: Have the students write an acrostic poem about their favorite character
Author Website: S.E. Hinton
The Upside of Unrequited
This was one of the first books I read growing up depicted a romance that included a plus-size girl, who didn't change herself, and still found love. It gave me hope for my own future. I love everything about it!
Lesson Idea: Have students write their own story that has a main character that's "outside of norm"
Author Website: Becky Albertalli / Instagram / Twitter
YouTube: Read Aloud
Unwind
This was one of my favorite summer reading stories. Reading it re-sparked my live for dystopian novels. The book made me really think about the just how far the government could possibly go. My favorite character is Risa because of her resilience.
Lesson Idea: Students can write a story about the crime they think would get them unwound and the adventure they go on to escape it.
Author Website: Neal Shusterman / Instagram
YouTube: Read Aloud
I Am Number Four
I Am Number Four was my gateway into Syfy Fantasy. It has a lot of twists and turns and overall is a really good book series. My favorite character is Bernie, Johns loyal four legged companion, who has some tricks up his sleeve. If you're a fan of fast pace, action packed, and science fiction, then this is the book for you.
Lesson Idea: Students can research different ways electricity helps the human body
Author Website: Jobie Hughes / Twitter
YouTube: Read Aloud
The City of Ember
I remember this book being one of the first chapter books in elementary school that my teacher read aloud to us, every time leaving us wanting more and more. This books is truly something and keeps the reader begging for more. We as a class were able to relate to the characters, since they were around our age, and the decisions they made. My favorite character is was Doon, since he was the courageous and sometimes outwardly caring love interest of Lina. He stuck with her no matter what.
Lesson Idea: Students can create their own utopia and come up with an energy source.
Author Website: Jeanne DuPrau
YouTube: Read Aloud
Michael Vey
The Michael Vey series has a very special place in my heart. It's action packed, has romance, and can sometimes leave you in tears. The books also touches on normal teenage situations while their in the middle of life or death missions. My favorite character is Michael because he reminds me of Thor with the way ne navigates his powers.
Lesson Idea: Students can create their own electrically powered superhero
Author Website: Richard Paul Evans / Instagram / Twitter
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