Read Outside the Box: Great Teen Books for Adult Readers

Yes, grown-ups there is more to teen literature than supernatural love triangles!

From the sparking wit of Elizabeth Bennett to the quiet strength of Jane Eyre,more contemporary heroines include Stephanie Plum, Sookie Stackhouse, and Anita Blake and the host of female detectives who investigate crime while balancing a business and/or caring for their familes. Strong female protagonists have a long standing history in literature.

Teen literature has some strong and appealing heroines. They do not define their identity based on their romantic relationships. They know what they want and will fight to protect what they feel is important.

Cashore, Kristin, Graceling

This is book one in a series. Other titles include Fire and Bitterblue (to be released in 2012.)

Set in a fantasy world that will remind readers of old Europe, this is the story of Katsa. She is a "Graceling," a human who is cursed or blessed with one specific talent. Gracelings are marked by having two different eye colors. Katsa has always believed that killing was her grace. She works for her uncle the King as his torturer. Katsa becomes involved in a new mission where she discovers her grace might be something different. This is a beautifully written book  with a complex plot that will entertain adults as well as teen readers. Fantasy fans and fans of the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin will want to give this a try!

Collins, Suzanne, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 13 of Panem (a dystopian America). Every year the state sponsors the Hunger Games- a brutal survival competition. A boy and girl are chosen from each of the 13 districts to participate. Katniss has become the family provider after the death of her father and she is a skilled hunter. On the day of the Hunger Games selection, Katniss’ younger sister is chosen. Katniss steps in and take her place and Peeta, the baker’s son is chosen to be her partner. They travel to the Capitol where the games are held. The rules of the game is simple- the last one left alive is the winner.This series is being hailed as the next Harry Potter- a book with cross generational appeal. The movie will be released in March 2012. If you read anything on this list- this is it!

Roth, Veronica, Divergent.

This is supposed to be the first book in series and book two, Insurgent, is due out in May 2012.

Beatrice Prior lives in a post apocalyptic Chicago where the population has been divided into five factions, Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) in the attempt to form a "perfect society." Children are allowed to choose to which faction they will belong. Beatrice’s family is part of Abengation, but Beatrice chooses Dauntless and she leave her family behind and enters a new society. Her quick decision is more complicated than it appears, and so is Beatrice, For those who have read The Hunger Games try this one next!     

Librarian’s Note: I have read all these books and enjoyed them. They have great characterizations, interesting plots, lots of grey areas and moral ambiguity. The characters may be young, but the story lines appeal to readers of great books regardless of age.