022: 10 Top Books for your Classroom Library

Today on the podcast, Brynn Allison of The Literary Maven shares her top ten current book recommendations to hook reluctant readers. 

For example... 

FORGED BY FIRE (TRILOGY), BY SHARON M. DRAPER

If you're going to add only one of these books to your reading library, this just might be it. It's Brynn's top recommendation. With its amazing first chapter that was originally written to stand alone as a short story, you can hook readers instantly. Read it aloud and put it on your shelf, then watch how quickly your struggling readers (and all the rest of your students) line up for it. 

Great for: Everyone! 

ON THE COME UP, BY HANNAH WEYER 

In this novel, a young woman gets pregnant. This is the story of how she deals with it. Though she makes mistakes, she also makes good choices. She's strong and driven, a real and honest protagonist that makes a good role model for students who may be facing difficult realities and struggling with their own choices.  You can read Brynn's full review here. 

Great for: Young women who could use a strong and realistic role model. This also makes a great next read for students who have fallen for The Hate U Give. 

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT (SERIES), BY SUSAN BETH PFEFFER

If the moon got out of whack, what might happen? This post-apocalyptic series follows life on earth in a fairly realistic scenario, following along as characters deal with the way the world is changing. You can read Brynn's full review here. 

Great for: Keeping students reading, since they can move on to the next in the series after the first book. 

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO (SERIES), BY PATRICK NESS

Also set in the ever-popular post-apocalyptic world, this novel follows the story of Todd, who grows up in a town with only men. Then one day he finds a girl, Viola, and together they start a revolution. You can read Brynn's full review here. 

Great for: Another solid series, giving students a lot to love once they get hooked on the first book.

CINDER (THE LUNAR CHRONICLES SERIES), BY MARISSA MEYER

This intriguing twist on a popular fairy tale is full of surprises. Who would have expected to find futuristic features like androids and life on the moon in a retelling of Cinderella? You can read Brynn's full review here. 

Great for: These books are long and big. And there are a lot of them. Share a bit in class and then see who is ready for months of joyful reading.  

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