Lately I have noticed in my quest for a good read that a good read is pretty hard to find. Really hard. Now before I begin I just want to say this. Romance is fine. But if every other young adult book is a teenage paranormal romance...
What do you do if that's not you're thing?
Now here's the thing.
Every other book isn't a teenage paranormal romance.
But...
If you googled young adult books or perused an online store or most recent teen books in a library one may think so.
Don't worry internet. The good books are still out there.
And I am going to show everyone how to find them.
Now my definition of a good book may be different from someone else's so let me list some of the key qualities for me.
- Adventure. :). A dragon thrown in their doesn't hurt ;).
- Mystery. I like to read a book that doesn't have an obvious ending.
- Strong heroines with good senses of humor. I love a funny heroine with strength. Be it the strong no nonsense fighter (like Korra :)) or the elegant queen who gives her enemies no ground.
- Guy characters that make sense and are NOT vampires.
- Food and Places! I love beautiful descriptions of food, scenery, and of clothes.
- Appropriate levels of romance. In other words there is actually a story other than the two characters relationship.
- Relatable villains! I love having to question if the bad guy is really bad and if the hero is right for opposing them. Thinking books internet. Thinking books...
If anyone likes some of the same things they are very much going to enjoy the books I am going to recommend.
Naturally since my favorite number is seven I will present seven of my favorite books, give a brief précis, say why it's good, and what age level it's probably best for.
Ready?
Why did I even ask :)?
1. Zarah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor Mbachu.
This has to be my favorite book.
Ever.
Here's why.
Zarah was born dada. This means to be born with vines growing in one's hair. In her village to be born dada means one will create havoc and be rebellious. Older legends say these people will be very wise. Whose right , whose wrong? Zarah's not all that sure about how she feels about herself. But when her only and bestest friend Dari gets hurt how she feels becomes inconsequential. She goes on a journey to save him. A journey that will change not only the outcome of both Zarah and Dari's lives but Zarah's understanding of herself.
Why is this good?
:):):). The summary I made up says it all but I can say more. First off it is an excellent piece of fiction for African American youth as it contains an all African cast who live in a fantastic intriguing world where plants and technology have bonded. That's right. People can grown PCs. If that's not cool, I really do not know what is.
Age Level?
EVERYONE. Seriously. Anyone can read it. If they are too young to read it can be read to them. This is a good book. There are no inappropriate moments for young people. While the adventure gets intense none is seriously hurt in a way that would harm the innocence of someone of a younger age.
2. The Menagerie Series by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland
Précis
Logan's just a normal kid. He misses his mom who left him and his dad all alone for reasons he can't understand. He's just moved to a brand new town called Xanadu. Yup Xanadu Wyoming. Other than having 0 friends and no mother he's good. But what do you call yourself when you see a griffin hiding under your bed hmm? Logan's thrilled! Okay and surprised and a little concerned but the baby griffin under his bed definitely means no harm. (Unless were talking about the refrigerator's health.) Logan just might finally get the adventure and friends he wanted in his quest to find this baby griffin's home. Then again he just might end up getting seriously hurt.
Why Is This Good?
It has griffins in it. It has griffins in it. It has griffins in it. And dragons. That's enough right? No? Okay here's more. This is a good refreshing story of adventure, teamwork, fantasy, and mystery. You like kitsune? Maybe you'll see one in here. There are all kinds of fabulous mythical creatures brought to life and my fellow fantasy fans will be in love.
Age Level?
Anyone can read and enjoy this book but truth be told it's suggested age group is pre teens. Of course younger people (1-6) will probably not have the patience. As for young adults I say whatever to the age rating. I am no longer a preteen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But what about the young adults who require something a little more serious? I've got just the thing.
3. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Précis
Here's heated. Lauren lives in a fairly peaceful walled town in a post apocalyptic world but is well aware that this peace cannot last. Break ins into other walled towns have been increasing but her attempts to prepare for inevitable disaster are meet with the chagrin of her family and friends. That's only one of Lauren's problems. She also feels other people's emotions and pain. This isn't such a good idea in a world full of suffering. Slowly yet quickly the world within the wall begins to crack. Grief. Devastation. Suffering. Change is the only everlasting thing in this world.
Why Is This Good?
Now I tried not to give away too much because so much happens in this book that the reader should discover unspoiled. This book depicts what an apocalypse leave the world like. More realistic than the glossy heroes in movies and their perfect and only slightly smudged love interests. This world is harsh but the reader will cheer for the practical minded Lauren to prevail. I want to say so much more. But I can only say this. This book opens ones eyes to the realistic falling apart of society and how prepared one may or may not be to face it.
Age Level
Adults only. Seriously. This book is all adult content. 18 and up only. There is serious violence and even some sexual activity.It's the type of book that slowly takes apart one's brain. (Like what Toni Morrison's works do . At least for me anyway.) It's good nevertheless and there's an important message to be had.
So what if one is not in the mood for lighthearted fantasy with some mystery? What if your a serious fantasier (It IS a work spell check. I just made it up. ) but aren't quite ready for the intense violence and imagery of Parable of the Sower? You're covered. :)
4. Justice and Her Brothers by Virginia Hamilton
Précis
Cream of the crop and Pickle. That's what Justice's older brother Thomas calls himself and his identical twin Levi. Pickle of course is Justice.Thomas has always set Justice apart from him and Levi and has an air that other young people clamor to. Justice can't help but dislike her older brother who seems intent on making everyday of her summer torture. Levi her gentle but weak brother is no protection from Thomas's anger. But what Justice and even Thomas doesn't know is she needs no protection. Thomas has gifts but so does she. And in the end she will be the one to save her brother's from themselves and make a good summer out of it. Snake races anyone?
Why Is This Good?
Meet the African American X men everyone. Justice the watcher. Levi the one born to suffer. and Thomas the magician. What those titles mean is a treat for the readers to discover as they read a tale of psychic prowess and coming of age. Anyone can read Justice and her brothers. Or have it read to them. It's a great sci fi for African American youth looking for heroes who match up with their mirrors. Can I just say this?
Justice will prevail.
(I always wanted to say that.)
So what do the readers have a taste for out there on the internet? More fiction?Why didn't you say so?
5. The Secret of Gumbo Grove by Elenora E. Tate
Précis
Raisin loves history and quite frankly she knows a lot more about it than her classmates and friends do. Some of them don't even recognize the names Sojourner Truth or Araminta (Harriet Tubman. Out of respect I call her by her name.). So when Raisin finds out about a graveyard full of important African American historical figures who crafted Gumbo Grove with their will and gave it so many benefits she's thrilled! She can't wait to learn more from the elderly Miss Effie who knows all about the lonely tombstones. But these graves are about to be disturbed in the name of progress. Raisin is dying to give them a chance to hear their stories and save their graves but most people it seems prefer the past right where it and is going. Buried and gone. Welcome to Raisin's summer full of good old fashioned fun , perseverance, and the need to know the past to move forward.
Why is This Good?
Raisin is a history loving girl and a really enjoyable heroine. I love how she fights to try and save the graves of Gumbo Grove and learn their stories. All the while Raisin has a typical summer too and her own problems getting grounded, having fun at fairs and pageants, and being with her friends. Whether it is being read to them or they are just reading. There is no intense imagery or violence but the story will grab you. I feel like rereading it now.
Age Level?
Everyone. There's no reason children of all ages couldn't enjoy it. There's no inappropriateness either. Of course younger children may just like it to be read to them. Really young children (tiny tiny people) will probably just take maybe a small paragraph before bed.
6. A Different Beat by Candy Dawson Boyd
Précis
Jessie is the same color as dark chocolate. Addie Mae Cooper is the same color as honey but super black as Jessie says. Jessie has enough problems without having to worry about how annoying the light skinned Addie Mae always seems to be trying to flash her black card. Like how to stay at the fabulous acting school her father just barely let her attend. If her grades drop she's done and so are her dreams of following her grandmother's footsteps and becoming an actress. To top it off she's unsure of how much her father likes her. Is Addie Mae the type of daughter he'd prefer? Can Jessie face her favorite grade school teacher who degraded her because of her skin color? Can she work through all the stress of growing up and still make her dreams come true? Or will she just end up falling flat?
Why is This Good?
I really love this book. Jessie is a relatable character and how the author writes it helps everyone realize we don't all walk to the same beat. How we came to dance to our particular tunes involves the story of our very lives. Making good friendships often involves understanding , although probably not stepping to, those different beats. The girls stories are revealed as they struggle thorough school, projects, home life, and inner reflection.
Age Level?
Pretty much anyone.
7. The book I publish in the future. Let's call it Coming Soon.
I'll keep you posted internet.
Thanks for reading everyone!
Works Cited
A Different Beat book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.in/Different-Beat-Candy-Dawson-Boyd/dp/0140365826.
Justice and Her Brothers book cover. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://charlotteslibrary.blogspot.com/2012/09/justice-and-her-brothers-by-virginia.html.
The Meangerie Book One book cover. Digital image. Goodreads.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15818029-the-menagerie.
Parable of the Sower book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Parable-Sower-Octavia-E-Butler/dp/0446675504.
The Secret of Gumbo Grove book cover. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.tower.com/secret-gumbo-grove-eleanora-e-tate-other/wapi/108799623.
Zarah the Windseeker book cover. Digital image. Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.amazon.com/Zahrah-Windseeker-Nnedi-Okorafor-Mbachu/dp/0547020287.
No comments:
Post a Comment