[LM_NET] Target--High interest books for YA reluctant readers

[Joanne Khoury <joeyk@MINDSPRING.COM>]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on fiction for reluctant readers from 
the 11-14 year old age range. I I am ordering books for next year and would love 
your input. I am especially looking for books that might appeal to 8th grade boys 
(or both boys and girls). Teachers have been pleading that I try to include more 
books that deal with the pressures of growing up in today's society, particularly 
in urban areas. Topics such as peer-pressure, friendship, broken homes, abuse (the 
kids are really interested in this topic), sports, self-esteem, dealing with the 
death of friends, not fitting in, and whatever else you might suggest seem to be 
popular among these teens. My school is culturally and economically diverse, with a 
large Hispanic, West Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and  African American 
population. We have students who live in the nearby Projects as well as students 
whose parents own their own businesses. Many of the students are first generation 
Ame!
 ricans. 

I find that it is much more difficult to find high interest books for the boys. If 
possible, I'd like to get them interested in books that deal with topics other than 
sports, but if you know of a top-notch sports book that touches on other important 
themes, I'd be interested. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.


Joanne Khoury 
Teacher-Librarian
IS 10 JHS 
Queens, New York 11103
joeyk@mindspring.com

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