Although this blogs is targeted to middle graders (ages 8-12), we want to keep kids reading well into their teen years as well. Growing out of the Suggested Reads for Middle Graders list, these books are ones that are more appropriate for teens. Some caution is still in order, though, as what is appropriate for a 16 year old, may not be what you want your freshly minted 13 year old teen reading. That is, if you can, or want, to stop them. Teenagehood is hard for kids, worse for parents, and I’m thankful that Dark Omen hasn’t yet reached the teen years (although Worm Burner (age 8) proudly proclaimed he didn’t have to wear his jacket yesterday because he was “nearly” a teenager. Nice try.) As you can see from the list, nearly all teen books are well below the appropriate reading level for teens. Sigh.
Details, details: I have not reviewed these books. If the books listed below are a series, I’ve indicated that, but only given the first book. I’ve given reading levels and age appropriate ratings, where available from Common Sense Media. You can download and print the list.
Yay! I love these book documents you make us! 🙂
I'm glad you're finding them useful! I'm squirreling this one away for future use for my boys.
Hi, Susan! I have an award for you at my blog today. 🙂
Mrs. Quinn,
Your site rocks! Thanks for the list! now i know what to look for!
Romil – thanks for stopping by! I am glad the site meets with your approval. Now, young man, get thee to the list for Middle Graders, as I do not think you have yet become a teen.
Susan-
What is your opinion on age appropriateness of Chris Crutcher books like Srayong Fat for Sarah Byrnes? My daughter is reading it in 6th grade, but Amazon reviews recommend his stuff for somewhat older kids.
Thanks!
Stacy from Some Novel Ideas blog
Susan-
I really botched the typing of that title, didn't I? I meant Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes.
Stacy 🙂
@Stacy The RL of Staying Fat is 5.2, but the book is listed as Upper Grades (grades 9-12) with this description:
"The daily class discussions about the nature of man, the existence of God, abortion, organized religion, suicide, and other contemporary issues serve as a backdrop for a high-school senior's attempt to answer a friend's dramatic cry for help."
Not having read it, I think there are definitely some heavy topics there. Crutcher's The Sledding Hill, which talks about anorexia and cutting, was rated 12+ by CommonSenseMedia. But those kinds of topics, for my kids would be more 14+ territory. Again, your mileage may vary with your kids, which is why it's important to have content advisories – then you can judge for yourself.
I'll put out a tweet and see if anyone knows of a good review for content.
@Stacy Here's a review for Staying Fat! But it doesn't help much in the sensitive topics arena.
My son is reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes as an English class read. He is in 10th grade. He is enjoying the book.
I have Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes in my grade 9 classroom library. I have met grade 8 readers that can handle it, and the occasional grade 7 reader. I haven't read it for a while, but there is a part of the book that describes a horrific act of child abuse that may be too much for younger/sensitive readers. Some scenes take place in the protagonist's "Contemporary American Thought" class, and some of the information in those scenes may go over the heads of younger readers.
When it comes to content in YA literature, I always keep in mind that most of my students play video games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. They watch Robot Chicken and Family Guy on TV. They're exposed to all sorts of questionable content. At least when they are exposed to this content in English class, they have to think about it, write about it, and discuss it with an adult.