Triple Teen Tome Time

You know I like to read teen and young readers now and again... to break up my reading, (I'm wicked intense about it, so it's a nice deviation, and I'm also a teacher and like to read what the kids are reading, {or have to read!})

In the last month or so I have read 3 young readers/teen books that I'd like to share.

The first one I read on suggestion of a sixth grader who had chosen it as a book report topic, the second I read out of pure peer pressure, (pressure being from young and adult alike!) And the third is a classic that I had never read before.

Rules, Cynthia Lord's debut novel is a significant glimpse into twelve year old Catherine's life. Catherine's brother, David, has autism and that fact affects Catherine (and the whole family,) in what Catherine feels is an abnormal way.

David needs rules. He likes them. He craves them. But the irony here is that so does Catherine. She needs them for David. And she needs them for herself.

The beauty of this book is that it shows that Catherine's life really is normal. Because normal is what we are. What we experience.

This is a great read for anyone who has experienced autism in any way.

And the peer pressure book, what else could it be? Twilight. Another debut novel by a new author, Stephanie Meyer. I didn't have any intention or desire to read the first book in this series, but I did become intrigued and gave in.

So, here's the deal with Twilight.

It's definitely a teen book. And it's well written on a teen level. That's a good thing. There's a real need for good quality teen books that are interesting and relevant.

Within the first few pages we already see the strength of Bella, and her determination to be who she is. "No one was going to bite (her.)"

Bella is the perfect heroine. A super role model for teenage girls. She is strong, determined, brave, and curious, while also being confused, fallible, anxious, and HUMAN.

Finally, another series book, the first of Madeleine L'Engle's Titles in Time Quintet, A Wrinkle in Time.

A tween book from the past about the future, A Wrinkle in Time chronicles the adventure of Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend, Calvin through space and time to save the universe and the Murrys' father who is caught somewhere in time.

The complicated series of events on the adventure result in an other-wordly, peaceful conclusion that brings this story to a quiet end.

All three books are great reads for different reasons. And Twilight is up for grabs if anyone would like it!

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