Vampires and werewolves and ghosts…oh my!

Do you need a break from bloodsucking love stories, ghostly friends or hairy man-wolves?  If you are between the ages of 9 to 99, then I have some suggestions for good teen/young adult books that may kick-start and inspire your imagination in a new way.

A Year Down Under, A Long Way from Chicago, and A Season of Gifts all by Richard Peck.

These books tell the story of Grandma Dowdel and the families she meets. Full of humor and satisfying endings, these books are truly books that should not be overlooked by any age reader!

Cabin on Trouble Creek and Oregon Bound by Jean Van Leeuwen

Cabin on Trouble Creek tells the true story of 2 brothers in the middle 1800s left alone for a winter on the new homestead. Their story of survival is sure to be of interest to many readers!

Oregon Bound tells a fictionalized story of a young girl traveling in a covered wagon with her family in the 1800s.  She is a plucky girl who helps her family and others through the long trek.

Faith, Hope, and Ivy Jean by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Two girls in high school in our modern times participate in a switch.  They spend 2 weeks going to school and living in opposite types of families., alternating in the city and in a small mountain town.  Well written and full of wonderful characters, both good and bad.

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan

A young girl living in Africa with her parents faces illness, death and ruthless relatives. This book is a can’t miss!

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman

It is Gold Rush!!  How Lucy finds a way to accept moving to a place with no school, no library and nothing but dust and noise is delightful.

Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli
I had never heard of the Italian immigrants who settle in Florida and Louisiana until I picked up this book.  It is a book about acceptance of others and the surprising kindness of people.

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli

This book is fascinating as it tells the story of life in China when young girls were forced to have their feet bound.  This was considered beautiful to the people in that era.  This story is touching, sad, and wonderful!

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can’t Have by Allen Zadoff

This book tells the story of an overweight high school boy trying to find his place in the world.  He is funny and smart.  He is asked to join the football team and becomes a hero for a while!  Read this book to discover just what can happen the “fat kid” in high school!

Another Shore by Nancy Bond

One of my all time favorites that tells of a young girl visiting a reenactment museum who finds herself caught in the past.

Wintergirls, Speak, Prom, and Fever 1793 all  by Laurie Halse Anderson
This is one of my favorite Young Adult authors.  All of these books deal with real life problems in a way that reaches all ages.  These books, in turn, cover young girls dealing with eating disorders, assaults, dating, and the Plague.