If you are a teen seeking a good book to read over the summer, this list has a few meaningful books that you might want to consider before making your trip to the bookstore.

You Don’t Have to Learn the Hard Way Making by J.R. Parrish:

“In the book, self-made millionaire J.R. Parrish gives the advice that he wishes someone would have given him when he was graduating.

“As a graduate entering the real world during a tough economic time, I found this book to be both comforting and inspiring. While its content is informative, Parrish dishes it out in kind, graceful manner. The road ahead of graduates can seem long and daunting, but Parrish does his part to make the journey easier. It’s always nice to hear it from someone who has already been there and done that, especially if they’ve done it all exceptionally well.” Anonymous.

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate:

“A very uplifting story about overcoming adversity, believing in oneself, and the power of cooperation.” Lina Crowell.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock:

“A very satisfying story told with wit and humor in which a teenage girl comes to realize what is important to her and to see herself as an individual in her own right rather than the person other people want her to be,” Lina Crowell.

Graceling by  Kristin Cashore:

“Features a strong and independent heroine who not only cherishes her own freedom, but also seeks to inspire other young girls to stand up and speak out for themselves,” Lina Crowell.

Jakeman by Deborah Ellis:

“It’s a work of fiction about an 11 year-old boy, his 16 year-old sister and other kids just like them - in foster care because their sole parent is incarcerated. This is a topic I wouldn’t normally pick up, but it was written with humor which doesn’t detract from the underlying message that foster kids are treated differently - sometimes badly & generally unfairly - by adults who are supposed to help them. While it doesn’t get into the nitty gritty of foster care, young readers will identify with the escapism Jake employs to as his main coping mechanism. The ending is a happy one, where Jake plans to pursue his dream of being a comic book artist.” Carolyn Aversano.

Strays by Ron Koertge:

“A teen boy is suddenly orphaned - both parents killed in a car crash. It is a story of his personal development not just the loss of his parents & ending up in a foster family, but learning to like & understand himself.” Carolyn Aversano.

A series of dragon books by Derek Hart: Secret of the Dragons Eye and Secret of the Dragons Breath are the first two that are published:

“A combination of discovery and intrigue that takes place during WWII with 3 teens and a dragon named Thaddeus who go through a myriad of adventures in Cornwall, England. These books are going to be made into movies and video games. I am sure teens would take to these books and get an introduction to what people in Hollywood are saying is the next ‘Harry Potter’” Jodi Braun.

The Road by Cormack McCarthy:

“This is a meaningful and inspiring book.  High school teems would do well to endure the darkness and sadness that runs throughout the book the find the hope, love and power of perseverance that comes through at the end.  It is a powerful book that everyone should read,” Ann Ewing.

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane:

“Eight-grader Molly lost her dad in a car accident but she manages to
find her own strength and connections through a special skill her
taught her: the knuckleball. In this genuine and moving books which
will appeal to boys and girls, Molly joins the boys’ baseball team as
the pitcher in an effort to reconnect with her dad and his favorite
past time.” Mary Talalay.

Rules by Cynthia Lord:

“Catherine wants to fit in but she has a brother David with autism and
her family focuses all of their attention on him. This book is a
loving and often humorous snapshot of the life of a big sister with a
special little brother. Catherine tries to help and protect David by
writing rules for social interaction (“Keep your pants on in public”
and “Late doesn’t mean not coming”) which seem to morph into her own
rules for coping with friends and family.” Mary Talalay.

Scat by Carl Hiaasen:

“A mean teacher goes missing on a field trip, setting off a chain
reaction of twists and turns perpetrated by an eclectic cast of
characters. In true Carl Hiaasen style, Scat is set in Florida and has
environmental conservation themes woven throughout the book. Clear
your calendars for this title because, once you pick it up, it’s
impossible to put down.” Mary Talalay.

Edward’s Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan:

“Jake’s younger brother Edward has a gift for baseball, making people
laugh and being keenly observant. Edward can call a fly ball before
all of his teammates even see it, and can throw an unhittable
knuckleball. Edward has an unfortunate bicycle accident which enables
Jake to see what Edward’s true gift really is.  Have tissues handy for
this touching and uplifting story.” Mary Talalay.

Greatest Salesman in the World, by Og Mandino:

“It’s a powerful story about overcoming adversity to achieve your goals, and the self affirmations at the end have helped make me achieve my goals, and become the person I am today.” Sid Savara.

9 of 1: A Window to the World by Oliver Chin:

“Given the headlines of continued troubles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and also America, teens can encounter valuable perspectives in this graphic novel whose themes remain all too relevant to today’s youth.” Anonymous

How To Buy a Love of Reading by Tanya Egan Gibson: (www.howtobuyaloveofreading.com)

“In Tanya Egan Gibson’s debut novel ‘How to Buy a Love of Reading’ Carley Wells is a teen who not only doesn’t have a favorite book, but never even met one she liked.  Carley’s nouveau riche parents decide to fix the problem by commissioning an author to write a book just for their daughter, one she’ll have to love.

“‘How to Buy a Love of Reading’ is a witty, poignant metafictional book that reminds us about the power of stories—those we love, those we want to believe in, and those that teach us about ourselves. Says Booklist: ‘brimming with literary allusions, commentary on the rich and famous, and the necessary ingredients for a successful novel, Gibson’s ingenious debut succeeds on many levels.’” Tala Oszkay.

Night by Elie Wiesel:

“I found myself drawn to this intense book.  I believe anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the main themes of this book (inhumanity toward other humans, importance of father/son bonds, and maintaining faith) should consider reading ‘Night’.  Since reading the book, my sons actually realize that they have nothing to complain about because their lives could be so much worse.” Anonymous.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie:

“One of the most practical books for personal success in general and success with relationships in specific is How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. OK, so it was written a long time ago. But even today I’ll find it in the top 100 of all Amazon sales. Why? Because it teaches us stuff that we all ought to know, but don’t. And it teaches us through intriguing people stories. I’m now reading a biography of Warren Buffett, the world’s greatest investor and one of the wealthiest (and brilliant) men in America. When Buffett was a teen, he read - no, he studied - Carnegie’s book, testing its principles with his relationships to discover that they really worked. I was in a technology conference recently and someone asked the 300 attendees, ‘How many of you have ever read -How to Win Friends and Influence People?-’ Almost everyone raised their hands. Techies. Amazing. Read it this summer to sharpen your people skills and you’ll likely reflect on its principles the rest of your life. This article has been referred to as life changing.” Steve Miller.