On the Hunt for the PERFECT Book – Need Your Recommendations
Okay, folks. I am on the hunt for the PERFECT book. I have been put to a challenge. See, I had a conversation last week with a fourteen-year-old girl who says she HATES to read. It’s boring, she says. She would rather do anything else than read. I told her that I would find the perfect book for her. She has since asked me twice if I have found this perfect book yet and is waiting for my recommendation. I fear that I will give her the wrong book and she’ll come back to me and say, “Yep, I was right. Reading is just as boring as I thought.”
So I need your help! When questioning her, I learned that she likes short books. Big books are too intimidating and take too long to read. She never finishes them. She does not like fantasy, paranormal, or science-fiction. She says that she would prefer realistic fiction. The book also needs to be fairly clean without an excess of sex and language.
What book recommendations do you have for me? I want to help her find the perfect book! I shall return and report what I chose and how she felt about it. Thanks!
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Tags:
 |
| or | 
|
Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.
The Nancy Drew books are such a classic and I would think be spellbinding yet clean. If that series skews a little too young, maybe the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books? My younger sister absolutely loved those growing up and they have strong female friendships.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:20 amGive her Carrie by Stephen King. Short, creatively written, and perfectly depicts the high school horror of mean girls getting what’s coming to them.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:21 amHow about My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:22 amWell, Hunger Games is still my top recommendation, even though it has touches of science fiction. If she really wants realistic fiction, I would go for “I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You” by Ally Carter or maybe “Pants on Fire” by Meg Cabot. Ally Carter is absolutely squeaky clean, and Meg Cabot has mild swearing with sexual tension, but not sexual content.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:23 amBoth of those are kind of romance-y titles, though, which I’m not sure is what she likes…do you know movies or TV shows that she enjoys? That would really help.
Wow – ask and I shall receive in like five minutes. Thanks ladies! Will jot all these titles down. And Cherylynne – that is a brilliant idea to ask her what shows she enjoys. I didn’t even think about asking her that. Will do that.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:27 amHunger Games?
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:29 amFind out what she likes to DO and get her a book about that.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:29 amUsually when I come across people that think they don’t like to read, I make them give Harry Potter a go.
Since she isn’t a fantasy fan, maybe The Truth About Forever or Just Listen, both by Sarah Dessen?
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:32 amA few suggestions:
Janette Rallison books, my favorite is Just One Wish
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:40 amRules by Cynthia Lord
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (this is bit SF but short and very easy reading)
Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis
The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman
My go to is always Watership Down, by Richard Adams.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:41 amI understand exactly how this girl feels. That’s exactly the way I was until I read Harry Potter and then Twilight. I’m just not sure if the books that worked for me will work for her. What are her interests? I definitely feel that a good story vs. good prose would be the way to go for her because that’s how I was. Once I started to like reading, then I started to explore the books with good prose.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:55 amThe Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride, captivating, regular YA, not much if any language (it doesn’t stand out), some references to sex, but no actual sex.
Only a little over 200 pages and quick easy read.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:17 amHilarious series by Louise Rennison: the first book is called “Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging”. The second book is: “On The Bright Side, I’m Now The Girlfriend of A Sex God”. The third title is “Knocked Out by my Nunga Nungas”, and the fourth one is “Dancing in my Nuddy Pants”.
It’s written in a diary-style and is Georgia Nicolson’s story of teenage-hood, boys, and friendship. I read it when I was about 15 or 16 and it was hilarious.
They discuss all things relating to teenage girls, including kissing, underwear, sex, friendship. But at the same time it’s a very honest narrative.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:17 amI really enjoyed After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick, and read it before realizing that the book Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie actually precedes it– realistic fiction with a heavy twist of a child character being diagnosed with cancer, but a really uplifting tone to the writing. Fast read, emotionally compelling and clean writing.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:19 am-Dawn/morninglight mama
http://www.5minutesforbooks.com
The Karma Club by Jessica Brody… though it might be a little old for a 14 year old. Depends on the kid.
That’s a tough job you’ve given yourself, Natasha! I’ve been trying to come up with one for a 14 (almost 15) year old boy who absolutely does not love to read…. it’s tough!
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:29 amI just came across one that I would certainly put in the running! I just did the review on my blog (for the second time) and I still am amazed at how many times I have recommended this book in the last week and a half! The book is Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
Good luck with this one.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:34 amYou Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. It’s not long (I read it twice in one sitting!), it’s well written, and has just enough magic to keep it exciting and interesting!
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:40 amSorry…I don’t know why the first word of the book title got cut off!
It’s
WHEN You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
…but I’m sure you probably figured that out on your own!
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:45 amShort, realistic fiction that is mostly clean:
1. Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper (has never failed me!)
2. Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
3. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (might be a little bit more YA due to subject matter but a fave for girls who don’t like reading!)
4. Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia (reads like a movie script!)
5. Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LeFleur (I cried and cried!)
What books have she tried and didn’t like and why? That’s usually what I ask students.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:51 amAlso,
Here is a list of books that I read in order to try and pick last year’s Newbery Award. The ones that are in bold are more YA. I can talk about any of them she might want to know more about!
http://www.thebrainlair.com/2010/01/sunday-salon-are-you-my-newbery-final.html
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:54 amIf I Stay by Gayle Forman
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:56 amHarry Potter. The first book I short but boy dies it get you hooked. This series got my mom (over 50) into reading.
on July 15th, 2010 at 11:59 amhard nut! great recommendations above. from my bookselling days, I always recommended any book by Sarah Dessen. awesome realistic fiction and your friend can watch the movie incorporating two of her books. (can’t remember the name, Mandy Moore starred in it) Sarah was a trendsetter in interactive websites/blogs, etc. can’t wait to see what you pick and how your friend reviews it!
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:01 pmIf I’m thinking realism, I’d go with The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 about a black family from Michigan who go down south to visit family and end up in the violence of the Civil Rights Movement. Written by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Or there’s also Parvana’s Journey, by Deborah Ellis. It’s about a young girl made a refugee by war in Afghanistan. She sets out with a friend and a baby to find her way in the war torn country.
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:01 pmWhen You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:08 pmWar Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
If I Stay by…?
How about the PJ Sugar Series by Susan May Warren:
Nothing But Trouble
Double Trouble
Licensed for Trouble
They have it all, romance, suspense, and are laugh out loud funny!
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pmHow about the PJ Sugar Series by Susan May Warren:
Nothing But Trouble
Double Trouble
Licensed for Trouble
They have it all, romance, suspense, and are laugh out loud funny!
Suitable for a teen too!!
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:24 pmI agree with the Ally Carter girls’ spy school suggestion. Also, the Louise Rennison British school girl books. Or even some of Meg Cabot’s books, The Princess Diaries and her other short series (a little supernatural but not overwhelming). Oh, I have one more suggestion – it’s kind of a middle school theme, but is a different sort of book – told in notes and emails and messages – lots of color and not very long – MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF by Jennifer Holm. Really different but good.
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:28 pmI know she said she doesn’t like sci-fi, but I really would recommend The Hunger Games. I have yet to meet someone that didn’t love it.
Also, Janette Rallison’s books are fun, fast reads. I really liked Fame, Glory and Other Things on my To-Do List. Or perhaps Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard.
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:31 pmIt’s already been said (a couple of times) but I’ll reinforce the suggestion of going with any Nancy Drew novel.
As I read the terms and qualifiers of what the perfect book could be – I immediately thought of Nancy Drew. It fits every condition perfectly.
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:35 pmI’m currently reading THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD by Donna Freitas. It’s fun, realistic, clean – but there is still tension as the heroine navigates her first experiences with boys. Here’s the link to the description: http://us.macmillan.com/thepossibilitiesofsainthood
on July 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pmNancy Drew all the way. Or how about Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely?
on July 15th, 2010 at 1:19 pmHow about something like the Dork Diaries or The Popularity Papers, something that’s almost a graphic novel. I think they might be for a slightly younger audience though, especially The Popularity Papers. Because of their format they are quick to read and short!
on July 15th, 2010 at 1:25 pmI had a handful of reluctant readers this past year and they all claimed the same thing as your girl: books are boring, i hate to read, i never finish a book. Blah, blah, blah.
What they ended up devouring (two different girls, two different preferences) were
Rotten School Series
and the other girl loved everything by Hailey Abbot specifically Forbidden Boy. (I believe that the most in sexuality is kissing.)
I would be worried about My Sister’s Keeper and even Hunger Games. Both are good, mind you. But long with small print. Oh, Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are both good. I saw those up there as well.
on July 15th, 2010 at 2:03 pmShe sounds a bit jaded-she might like From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It’s meant for younger but it is short but riveting. Good luck!
on July 15th, 2010 at 2:30 pmThank you, thank you, thank you for all of your book recommendations. There are a lot on here that I have read but SO many that I haven’t even heard of. Wonderful!
on July 15th, 2010 at 3:41 pmWhat about Pretty Little Liars? If she likes the first one…there are 7 more and she may be watching the television show now too!
Of course when I was her age my pick was “Are You There God It’s Me Margaret?” My, books have changed for teens!
But, I did read it over and over.
on July 15th, 2010 at 3:50 pmNatasha, give her THE OUTSIDERS. Short, beautiful read. Hard not to fall for Ponyboy, Soda, Johnny and the rest.
on July 15th, 2010 at 3:52 pmHave you lloked at the book list on Http://SqueakyCleanReads.com ? Some great ones there she might get into that change her mind about reading.
on July 15th, 2010 at 3:58 pmAngie — She’ll probably study The Outsiders in school. Probably not a good idea.
Michelle — I remember reading “From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”. I ordered it out of a Scholastic catalogue at school. It’s awesome — they hide in the museum after-hours to solve a mystery.
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:10 pmHmm…14 is a tough age. No fantasy, paranormal, or otherwise? That’s tough! I’m better with the kids that are a bit older, and without having more information about her, I think I better sit back and see what everyone else says for someone that young.
Too bad you can’t introduce this next generation to the Harry Potter books, since they really weren’t in on those. I’ll step back and see what you come up with! Sorry. Not much help here.
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:35 pm*I second the call for her favorite TV shows. A kid watching Gossip Girl is probably not going to have the same taste in books as a kid watching the Disney Channel shows…
Here’s my list:
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:38 pmBorn Confused by E.L. Konigsburg
Burning Up by Caroline B. Cooney
Homecoming and Dicey’s Song by Cynthia Voigt
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Oops, messed up on my list – Born Confused is by Tanuja Desai Hidier, and I meant to also include A View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:41 pmThere was a book I read called “Wait Till Helen Comes” by Mary Downing Hahn. It’s a short ghost story that’s from 1989. I think that depending on what she likes mystery, horror or suspense try her on short stories or “The Scarlet Pimpernel” by Baroness Orczy is simple enough to read.
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:49 pmThe Black Stallion by Walter Farley
National Velvet
I don’t remember who wrote National Velvet; sorry. Both books may be a bit dated, but so is Nancy Drew.
on July 15th, 2010 at 4:50 pmDoes she like mysteries? The Westing Game is a very short read, and very mysterious. An older one, but a good one.
on July 15th, 2010 at 5:31 pmI am not a huge YA fan, so I really can’t help. Good luck though!
on July 15th, 2010 at 8:08 pmBad Kitty by Michelle Jaffe is a very quick read – fun murder mystery where the mystery takes back seat to Jasmine avoiding her perfect cousin Alyson and flirting with the really cute guy she just met. I really enjoyed the book. It’s a fun story and the characters are great.
on July 15th, 2010 at 8:21 pmThis is a tough job…
I wanna say A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly or The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. Both are great books, but I think both are a little longer. Then I wanted to say Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going, but I’m not sure how clean it is.
So maybe Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff…it’s a pretty slim book that I really loved, and it’s a verse novel which could make it more approachable. Or maybe Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty which is a hilarious book that I devoured in one sittting. I think it was all written in notes and e-mails and letters from imaginary funny societies to the main character. It’s a great book – not too heavy, not too light, not too long, laught out loud funny, and if I remember right, it’s pretty clean, too.
Good luck! Looking forward to hearing how she likes whatever you end up picking! =)
on July 15th, 2010 at 9:15 pmIf she has a soft heart, have her try a Lurlene McDaniel book!! There’s surely one in this author’s collection that will move her. And if she is moved, there are many more to read!!
on July 15th, 2010 at 9:30 pmWow, that’s a tough thing to figure out.
I too would recommend The Hunger Games. I too would love to know what she enjoys watching on TV.
I seldom read anything that’s not paranormal/fantasy.
A good contemporary author that I just love is Simone Elkeles. Perfect Chemistry was awesome. But her books might be a too mature for her at only 14.
Good luck! Keep us updated!
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:22 pmMy cousin who is that age really likes Nicholas Sparks.
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:29 pmIf you think a funny book would appeal to her, how about “The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin” by Josh Berk? It was just released earlier this year. The protagonist of this book is an hearing impaired high-schooler. I reviewed it on my blog a few months ago and also, right now my 14-yo who doesn’t like to read is currently enjoying it!
on July 15th, 2010 at 10:33 pmThe librarian in me is saying to stick with something popular, rather than a classic, and something fast-paced. The Hunger Games would be a great choice, but if she’s against the whole fantasy thing, Sarah Dessen is great for realistic fiction.
on July 16th, 2010 at 7:04 amWhen I was 14 (not too long ago
), I LOVED Sarah Dessen’s books. They aren’t too long, really hit home for teenage girls, and seem very grown up, although they’re not difficult reads. I also second (or third?) the recommendation for Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Another easy-to-relate-to book.
on July 16th, 2010 at 7:45 amANYTHING by Joan Bauer, but especially Hope was Here. Her books have strong female characters, who are typically mid-teens, and are great moralistic stories. The text is not difficult, and morality is of high standard.
on July 16th, 2010 at 8:23 amI am wondering if she would like Twenty Boy Summer? I recently finished it and as the two main charters are 15, I think maybe it would be close to something she would like. Its about a summer vacation and there are boys and sorry to say, a little sex – but it is a very small part of the book.
on July 16th, 2010 at 4:51 pmOh, man. How about something by Karen Hesse, Brooklyn Bridge or a verse novel like Out of the Dust. Or Karen Cushman, Catherine, Called Birdy or, as others have suggested The Outsiders?
on July 16th, 2010 at 5:34 pmTangled by Carolyn Mackler
on July 16th, 2010 at 9:24 pmIncorrigible Children of Ashton Place and the Mysterious Howling
Hmmmm – Do I know this 14 yr old girl??? What about “Artichoke’s Heart” that we read for book club? Loved “Once Was Lost” by Sara Zarr too. Very appropriate/clean for teens. I also really liked “My Fair Godmother” by Janette Rallison although it would fall under the Fantasy category.
on July 17th, 2010 at 12:17 amOldie but ALWAYS goodie — Judy Blume!
on July 17th, 2010 at 2:41 pmThis could be tough. How about something by Melina Marchetta, eg Looking for Alibrandi or Jellicoe Road?
Good luck!
on July 18th, 2010 at 9:48 amWhoa! I return from a short camping trip to find so many recommendations! I love it!!
So I saw my 14 year old friend today at church. FIRST thing she asks is “Do you have a book recommendation for me?!” I asked her if she liked mysteries, and she said “they could be okay but PLEASE, NOT Nancy Drew! Ugh.” Guess that throws that recommendation out the window.
Asked her what her favorite TV show and she simply couldn’t give me an answer. Had to ask her sister and she said Say Yes to the Dress on TLC and other similar fashion shows. She doesn’t have a favorite movie. This is HARD! I look forward to going through all of these book recs. Thanks. And keep them coming!
on July 18th, 2010 at 3:19 pmShe likes fashion — how about Devil Wears Prada? I haven’t read that so am not sure if it’s appropriate for a 14-year-old, but it might be a good choice if she likes fashion.
Another good read is To Kill a Mockingbird — it seems to grab anyone at any age!
on July 18th, 2010 at 3:26 pmI feel like Peter Abraham’s Echo Falls Mystery series gets seriously overlooked. If this girl is from a smallish town/suburb then I couldn’t recommend this series more. I’m an adult male who spent many years in a small town and it is right on. Also, it’s really classic in YA mystery style but very modern at the same time. Main character is 13 year old Ingrid and I thought that she was very authentic and “real” without being obnoxious. You can’t be Nancy Drew now. Life just isn’t like that so how can you relate. Kids who are not yet into the magic of becoming a character in a book need someone more like them.
on July 18th, 2010 at 4:12 pmThe only books I’ve read that had fashion as a main point were the first few books of Melissa de la Cruz’s Blue Bloods series. Although it’s a vampire series but heavy in the up scale New York society type.
If I think of anything else I’ll come back.
on July 18th, 2010 at 10:48 pmViolet on The Runway by Melissa Walker (three book series)
Airhead by Meg Cabot (although I was not a fan of the next two books – my DD, who is 14, loved them)
Both of these are short and fast reads and parts of a series so there are more if she likes the first!
Gimme a Call by Sarah Mylanowski – some fashion, some romance and a great read
Great mystery – The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci – very suspenseful!
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson – short, realistic and just a wonderful read
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
on July 19th, 2010 at 8:13 amTypically I’d recommend “The Book Theif” but it is quite large and I know that she’s not looking for something large… so I’d have to suggest “Anne of Green Gables” – such a great read
on July 19th, 2010 at 8:54 amWow!
I have to say that Jodi Picoult and Stephen King probably do not fall into the “clean read” category, though I know many teens read them. Much YA is pretty explicit as well, so just because it’s YA doesn’t mean it’s age-appropriate.
I have to say that I 10th the Hunger Games recommendation. It really is a great read.
My 11 1/2 year old just read Alice in Wonderland. It’s short, and I was surprised that she liked it so much, because I remember finding it a bit obtuse at time. But she said it’s creative and imaginative.
I did listen to the Suite Scarlett audiobook that we got at BookBloggerCon and liked it a lot. I have the second book waiting for me, but haven’t read it yet. As I recall, there was a mild swear word used a couple of times, and some talk about teen sexual kind of subjects, but for a high schooler, even one looking for a clean read, I think it might be okay. I’m holding off on letting my middle schooler read it, but I think it reads like a classic style book.
The Penderwicks is one of my all-time faves, and I think that would be my recommendation — fun, adventurous, realistic, and clean. I think that it holds wide appeal from age 8 on up through teens (especially a teen who didn’t read much)
on July 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pmI agree with The Penderwicks. But they aren’t OMG amazing but good middle school reads.
on July 19th, 2010 at 7:12 pmMy three picks are: The Very Worst Thing by Torey Hayden…Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech…and Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. I use all 3 in my classroom every year. I have yet to find a student that dislikes these stories. They are all contemporary and are fast reads!
on July 20th, 2010 at 10:25 pmThe Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. Lockhart
on July 27th, 2010 at 2:33 pmHmmm…I wonder if she’d enjoy I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.
on July 27th, 2010 at 5:53 pmHmmm…I wonder if she’d enjoy I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.
I really enjoyed that book recently.
Ang (www.boundtogetherforgood.blogspot.com)
on July 27th, 2010 at 5:54 pmOur teenage babysitter loves manga books. Unfortunately she’s on an extended vacation so I’m not sure which manga books she likes the best.
I loved reading gothic and historical romance books at that age — Victoria Holt, Daphne du Maurier, Phyllis Whitney. Christian romances as well by Lori Wick, Janette Oke – later Beverly Lewis…as a teen I also remember liking Christy by Catherine Marshall.
on August 13th, 2010 at 10:33 pm