| Adult Books for Teens Jul 20th 2011, 10:02 Every year the American Library Association honors ten books written for adults but that have special appeal for teens. These books receive the coveted Alex Award and young adult librarians help encourage teens to read these books. Here is a quick pick list of adult books with teen appeal. All of the books listed have received the Alex Award. For a more comprehensive list of adult books that teens love, check out some of the past and current Alex Award winners. 
Little, Brown Narrated in the voice of five year old Jack, readers are drawn into his 11x11 room that he occupies with Ma and never leaves. Ma builds a life for Jack inside Room playing games, telling stories, making puppets, and doing exercises. Each night she puts Jack to bed in the Wardrobe when “Old Nick†visits. It isn’t until Jack and Ma attempt to escape to the outside world that Jack realizes there is another world beyond his Room. Suspenseful, nail-biting, and heartbreaking, this novel by acclaimed author Emma Donoghue tells a disturbing story about a woman’s abduction and her strength in providing a safe world for her little boy. Recommended for ages 12-18. (Little, Brown, 2010. ISBN: 9780316098335) 
Pantheon Books This childhood memoir by Marjane Satrapi is a compelling read about growing up in Iran during the reign of the Shah and experiencing the dramatic changes brought about because of the Islamic revolution. Told in black and white graphic novel format, this clever book appeals to adults and teens who are interested in learning how one child viewed a revolution and the changes it brought to her modern family. Recommended for ages 12-18 (Pantheon, 2004. ISBN: 9780375714573) 
William Morrow Multiple award winning author Nick Gaiman introduces readers to African myth by creating a unique story about a man who learns he is the son of the trickster god, Anansi. Charlie Nancy lives in London attending to the same old routine of work and spending time with his fiancé. When he tries to make contact with his father to invite him to the wedding, he learns his father is dead and that he has a brother named Spider. As Charlie unravels the reality of who is father is,  his brother seeks to take over Charlie’s life. What use to be a dull life is now an exciting game of getting even. This quirky and humorous story is a rare mix of family, fantasy, and myth. Recommended for ages 12-18. (William Morrow, 2006. ISBN: 9780060515188) 
Riverhead Books Amir and Hassan were boyhood companions living in Kabul, Afghanistan. Amir, the son of businessman, desperately wants his father’s attention and can’t understand his father’s affection for the servant boy, Hassan. When Amir commits an act of betrayal towards Hassan he is burdened with guilt, but immigrates to America before he can make amends. Now a successful novelist living in America, Amir is given the opportunity to redeem himself when he is called upon to return to Afghanistan and save Hassan’s son from the Taliban. Debut novelist Khaled Hosseini writes a deeply moving story about redemption while giving readers a detailed look at Afghan history and culture. Recommended for ages 14-18. (Riverhead Books, 2004. ISBN: 9781594480003) 
Plume Based on the famous painting by Vermeer, author Tracy Chevalier takes the scant details of the painter’s life and creates a tightly woven historical novel about the servant girl who inspired one of his masterpieces. Sixteen year old Griet is from an impoverished family and gratefully seizes the opportunity to work in the Vermeer household. Set in 17th century Netherlands in a distinctive class system, this story follows the relationship of an emotionally distant Vermeer, a most observant servant girl, and the tension that inspired one of his most well known paintings. Recommended for ages 14-18. (Plume, 2005. ISBN: 9780452287020)   | |
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