It’s difficult today to find a well-written book for teens that isn’t full of dark and frightening characters and images. But the following five titles are written by top authors and offer excellent writing and great plot lines. Books make excellent gifts for teens and you’ll want to put these on your list if you have a teenaged reader in the family.
The Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George
You’ll remember Elizabeth George as an adult mystery writer. She has many books to her credit including the very popular Inspector Lynley series. This is her first attempt at young adult speculative fiction. The setting is Whidbey Island, Washington. The main character is Becca, a young girl on the run with her mother and living under an assumed identity. And, well, she is different. She can “hear” the thoughts of others.
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis by Sharon Ledwith
In this first of a series, you’ll meet five eighth grade students in big trouble. After an “epic” food fight in the school cafeteria choose to take a working punishment rather than be suspended. Their job is to clean up an old, overgrown garden. While working they discover an ancient arch which sends them back into history with missions to accomplish.
A great read.
This is a fantasy tale retold using the Brothers Grimm story of the Goose Girl. Princess Alyrra is soon to be married. Her father has arranged her wedding with the Prince of a neighboring kingdom. Alyrra is both frightened and intrigued. Before she knows it, she’s in the middle of sorcery and political intrigue that could cost her Prince his life. The story is written in first person present tense. It’s a thriller.
