Classic Young Adult Titles

March 08, 2013

I always thought that a "classic" was just required reading for English Lit Class, but actually there are some really great books for teens that are considered classics… Some of the books have turned into school book lists, while others can still be enjoyed without it being required reading. I enjoyed many different types of books, even if they were required reading.
 
Two books that I really enjoyed that were required reading when I was in high school were The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. After we finished reading both of these books, we were able to watch the movies. I love The Outsiders because my favorite character, Ponyboy, goes on the run with his friend Johnny. To Kill a Mockingbird transports me back in time to the 1930s. I loved how Atticus had a sense of fairness for all. 
 
Some other books that I really enjoyed that were not required reading were A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Missouri’s own Mark Twain. These books took me to different times and worlds. After reading A Wrinkle in Time, I realized I had learned about physics through this book. I loved how I felt like I traveled to strange worlds and met new races of people. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer made me want to visit Hannibal, MO, which I did.
 
I hope you enjoy my recommendations if you haven’t had a chance to read them. You can find these books or movies based on the books in our catalog. 
April E.
Raytown Branch