Adding a classroom library to my classroom was one of my best strategies I’ve used to promote literacy and connect with students about the books I was reading. It doesn’t matter how big or small your classroom library is! Even a few books on a shelf is incredibly powerful to foster a community of readers. I created a post about how to find inexpensive books to create your library on my own blog here, but popular titles are always changing. Here is a list of popular titles that I am loving right now in no particular order.
The Battle of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Fans of The Hunger Games trilogy will love the prequel The Battle of Songbirds and Snakes. Getting to know Coriolanus Snow as the protagonist of this novel is such a strange, yet rewarding experience. The supporting characters are also incredibly well developed (Hello, Lucy Gray!) and the overall theme of The Hunger Games series shines through this installment as well. In my opinion, this book was a little slow to get started, but keep going! It’s worth every minute.
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
No Samantha in Secondary list is complete without an offering from Tiffany D. Jackson. She is, hands down, one of my favorite YA authors and Grown does not disappoint. Based on real life events (as most of Jackson’s novels are), Grown shows the less glamorous side of the music industry and explores the complexities of relationships. The themes of this novel are quite sophisticated, so I save this recommendation for my more mature readers.
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow will take you on a ride from start to finish. Doctorow explores issues surrounding technology and privacy in a way that is understandable, especially for those who may not have much experience (or even be very interested) in the topic. Recommend to fans of 1984 and Brave New World.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
This gripping, complex tale of a young girl who goes searching for her sister’s killer is one of my recent favorite reads. Like Grown, I reserve this title for my more mature readers, but it is a story I won’t soon forget. I wrote an entire blog about this novel, so if you’re interested in a more in-depth review, click here.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
This novel, written in verse, has gotten well-deserved praise from every book lover I know and was even Good Reads‘ YA Novel of the Year for 2020. Acevedo, a slam poet herself, shares a touching story of a young girl in Harlem. Xiomara Batista is a character you won’t soon forget as you follow her journey to finding her voice.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
This powerhouse novel (also written in verse) will send you running to find more novels by the incredibly talented Jason Reynolds. In this offering, teenage Will takes the elevator ride of his life as he leaves his apartment to seek revenge on his brother’s killer. This is a very quick read, but the story will stay with you for years to come. Recommend to your most reluctant readers. You’ll hook them!
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
This novel is a bit different than my usual recommendations, but I enjoyed the layered plot. Dill is a protagonist that is easy to connect with and Zentner’s writing is worth the addition to any classroom library. This story raises complex questions while inviting readers to connect deeply with the main characters. Your students will definitely relate.
The Grace Year by Kim Ligget
Many say this story is a mix between The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies and I tend to agree. This stunning offering from Kim Ligget is probably my most-recommended title. The pace of the novel is excellent, the writing is exquisite, and the deep dive into complex themes gives this book something for everyone. I can guarantee you’ll see this on the big screen one day!
A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney
A fun dive into an Alice in Wonderland inspired fantasy. Action, romance, and expert world-building are all included. This is definitely one to put on your list.
Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
This book tackles tough topics in a very sophisticated way. It’s heartfelt, funny, and has a plot you and your students won’t soon forget. It definitely deserves a spot in all classroom libraries.
Do you have a favorite YA read that you would recommend teachers keep in their classroom libraries? Comment below or check us out on Instagram or Facebook to share your ideas. If you’re looking for more book reviews, you can check out all of my offerings on my own blog here.
