READING SUGGESTIONS

for

Teens and Parents

If you are fond of one of the following classics, you may be interested in a “modern” teen-friendly re-mix! I would encourage reading the classic and the teen read for a compare-and-contrast discussion with your teenager.

These books are currently in print and available at book stores and libraries for you to enjoy reading and discussing with your teenager.  Since you’ve shared “Harry Potter”, it is time to try a different approach to literature discussions in your home!

CLASSIC             TEEN READ

Huckleberry Finn –In Finn by Matthew Olshan, Chloe runs away with her grandparent’s maid to start a new life.

Greek Gods –The Lightening Thief by Rick Riodan finds the Gods alive and well with Percy Jackson in the midst of one of the arguments.  Can a war on Mount Olympus be avoided?

Sense and Sensibility –The Dashwood Sister’s Secrets of Love is the tale of three teenage girls who are forced to move to a small country town after the death of their wealthy father.

Cyrano de Bergerac –Flavor of the Week by Tucker Shaw has chubby Cyril in the kitchen cooking up some plans to help his friend Nick with the lovely Rose.

Legend of King Arthur-Avalon High by Meg Cabot finds Ellie in a new school where things are not as they seem and the parallels between the Legend and Avalon are apparent.

Romeo and Juliet – In Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper, Romiette and Julio have to find their own way to prove their love in the midst of families who oppose their relationship.

Rapunzel, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty –Egerton Hall Trilogy by Adele Geras involves the lives of three girls who are former roommates at Egerton Hall School.  (Julia’s comments: The Tower Room is not great; Pictures of the Night is good for mystery lovers and Watching the Roses are the three in the series).

Medusa myth - Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman finds a young man’s life changed as he begins to absorb the powers of his neighbor

Midsummer Night’s Dream –This Must Be Love by Tui T. Sutherland is a retelling written in emails, notes and IM; both hilarious and magical.

Pied Piper – Pay the Piper: A Rock and Roll Fairy Tale by Jane Yolen describes Callie interviewing the cool hypnotic members of the popular band Brass Rat but wondering why all the children are disappearing.

I welcome your suggestions and tips for encouraging reading and discussing literature within your family.  READING fluency and comprehension are crucial to the academic success of our students.

Keep reading and talking books-

Julia.