Thread: any good (very) young adult novels?

If we're talking 16-ish (not what I'd think of as very young lit) I recommend "Songs of Earth and Power" by Greg Bear. The actual plot is a pretty typical rags-to-supernatural-riches story, but it weaves in a lot of cool philosophy and human greats such as Mozart, Coleridge and Jesus. But these characters aren't introduced in an alternate-reality way, rather their true existences (what we think of as true) is shown as something that actually supports Bear's alternate-reality. It's almost like he poses a creation myth, then uses real history and human myth to show that it's true. Step aside Hubbard!

edit: rereading posts regarding Christianity- the role of Jesus in "Songs" isn't really central, and he's not shown in a degrading or insulting way, but his role is a very mortal one and not one in which he achieves his actual destiny. To a Christian I don't think his portrayal would be offensive, but it may come uncomfortably close to the line.

thanks for the edit, I try not to get too close to the line where my faith is concerned. if you have any other suggetions though, I am all ears!

See my post about Edward Tulane? It'll make you cry! (not the post...)

I don't think the Hobbit has any wizards or demons, and it is a really good one. I don't even like fantasy and I LOVED the Hobbit. If you like fantasy, you might enjoy science fiction. The Uglies series is an excellent science fiction series for teenagers (and anyone else for that matter). The only iffy thing is that they say cr*p several times....

I have read the Hobbit. It took me a while, but i read it. I kinda thought it was a slow read. I don't mind long book, but Tolkien would start acting ADD and go into detail about things that have nothing what-so-ever to do with the story line. I did enjoy it though, but I don't think I'll read it again any time soon.

Originally Posted by The Blue Pencil

I don't think the Hobbit has any wizards or demons, and it is a really good one. I don't even like fantasy and I LOVED the Hobbit. If you like fantasy, you might enjoy science fiction. The Uglies series is an excellent science fiction series for teenagers (and anyone else for that matter). The only iffy thing is that they say cr*p several times....

My sister reminded me of another good fantasy for young adults that she read, it's The Last Unicorn. She says she only remembers a few uses of the d word. It's a classic.

sounds like something I've heard of before.... I'll check it out!

Ooh, Shadow beat me to it. The Hunger Games was a REALLY good read. It's fairly violent in spots but it is about survival so it's appropriate.

Almost all the books I read as a young adult were fantasy or horror related, but Louis Sachar's "Holes" was very good and I don't remember anything inappropriate about it. I still have my copy of "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine, which is a twist on the classic Cinderella story. I loved Kat's recommendation of "Dealing with Dragons"...that series was adorable.

This website looks like a good reference point for your search: ALA | Best Books for Young Adults

I have read holes! I loved the way the whole thing tied in the end. Ella Enchanted was good too. I'll check out the link! thanks!!!