Sandy's Best of 2010: Young Adult

It is that exciting time of year when everyone has to boil down 2010, separate the wheat from the chaff, the men from the boys, the winners from the losers. I find it entertaining to look back at where I've been and relive some of the finer moments in my reading experiences over the last twelve months and approximately 140 books. I've decided to break down my lists in categories based on my reading preferences (Young Adult, Non-Fiction, Audiobooks, Literary Fiction) over the next four days. If I would have read perhaps a dozen more graphic novels, I would have added a category for that as well. Maybe next year!

A few disclaimers...I rarely read things the year they are published. It takes me ages to catch up with the hip and the happening, and self-consciously feel I am often the last to read a viral sensation. So what you will see this week are my favorite books that could have been published this year or a hundred years ago.

When I sifted through my books and ratings last year, I had a horrible time narrowing them down to ten. This year it was not too difficult. I do consider my reads to be of very high quality, so maybe I'm just getting pickier?

I don't consider myself to be an expert on Young Adult novels, however I did read enough of them this year to be able to legitimately discuss them. One of my biggest pet peeves are YA novels that talk down to the reader, and seem to assume this age group can't handle good literature and smart prose. I don't want it sugar-coated. I found three that stood out among the crowd:

1. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver



A page-turning hybrid of Mean Girls and Groundhog Day, this book examines the consequences of bad teenage behavior. It is terrifying, thought-provoking, and provides very insightful lessons on friendship, bullying, underage drinking, and the price of belonging to the in crowd. I dare you to put it down once you start, and I dare you to try to stop thinking about it after you've finished.

The best part? It has been optioned for a movie.












2. If You Come Softly - Jacqueline Woodson



I could easily place every book I've ever read of Jacqueline Woodson's on a best list, because she is simply a phenomenal writer. But this particular novel is one that has been burned into my memory. It hits on all the topics...bi-racial relationships, gay/lesbian relationships, children coping with divorced parents, and more. But Woodson handles it so gently and deftly, it never feels contrived or preachy. Just one warning...bring your tissues.





3. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak



At the time I wrote this post, I still had not been able to translate my thoughts into the form of a review. I'm sure I will get to it before this publishes, but in my head right now, it almost defies description. To understand WWII through the eyes of a young girl, a girl who loves books and seeks refuge in them, is a precious premise. To see the devastation of the war on a group of quirky, lovable German villagers is heartbreaking but sadly realistic.

Can someone please tell me how on earth this is YA? It is a tough subject for teens (or anyone), but I would let my kids read it because it is handled tactfully. That is not my point. My point is that this book is perfect in every way a WWII novel should be. To have it stuck on a YA shelf does it an injustice.



Stay tuned tomorrow for my three best Non-Fiction reads of 2010!