Other Teen Books

These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling

Official Description / Back cover: "Hannah's a witch, but not the kind you're thinking of. She's the real deal, an Elemental with the power to control fire, earth, water, and air. But even though she lives in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic is a secret she has to keep to herself. If she's ever caught using it in front of a Reg (non-witch), she could lose it. For good. So, Hannah spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend (and fellow Elemental Witch) Veronica, hanging out with her best friend, and working at the Fly by Night Cauldron selling candles and crystals to tourists, goths, and local Wiccans. But when a terrifying blood ritual interrupts the end-of-school-year bonfire and evidence of dark magic begins to appear all over Salem, Hannah's sure it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch. However her coven seems less than convinced, forcing Hannah to team up with the last person she wants to see: Veronica. With everything she loves on the line, Hannah will have to test the limits of her power if she's going to save her coven."

Personal book review: A fast-paced LGBTQ Fantasy, Hannah – high school senior, Elemental Witch, and firm lesbian – finds herself caught in a tangle of trouble, dealing with a devastating breakup and falling for a new girl just as something darker enters into their lives in Salem, MA. These witches don't burn, but someone is clearly trying to kill her friends, family, coven, and ex-girlfriend, and the suspect list is high. Rumors of Blood Witches and talk of the equally lethal non-magic Witch Hunters abound, and when rumor and talk gives way to awful truth... Well, the price was paid and war is coming. But this coven won't break.

Where I found it: My father read and loved it, so then I read it and had the above reaction.

Why I am highlighting it: Show me a teen who does not like love-triangles, mysteries, high school social drama, deadly magic and a gripping, original plot all wrapped up in a thrill-ride of a story. If one element does not draw a reader then the others will (and I point to myself as an example, since love-triangles and high school social drama are not my cauldron of brew). Better yet, the book has a direct sequel in This Coven Won't Break.

Peril at End House: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie

Official Description / Back cover: "In this official authorized edition from the Queen of Mystery, a young woman who has recently survived a series of very close calls appears to be the target of a dedicated killer—and it’s up to Hercule Poirot to save her life. On holiday on the Cornish Riviera, Hercule Poirot is alarmed to hear pretty Nick Buckley describe her recent “accidental brushes with death.” First, on a treacherous Cornish hillside, the brakes on her car failed. Then, on a coastal path, a falling boulder missed her by inches. Later, an oil painting fell and almost crushed her in bed."

Where I found it: Everywhere, for Dame Agatha Christie is a titan of the Mystery genre

Why I am highlighting it: Because how else is one supposed to get teens excited about reading a new genre besides recommending the very best there is? Also, Poirot books tend to be more accessible to younger readers than Sherlock Holmes, and Peril at End House is marked as suitable for ages 13 and up.

King of Shadows by Susan Cooper

Official Description / Back cover: " Only in the world of the theater can Nat Field find an escape from the tragedies that have shadowed his young life. So he is thrilled when he is chosen to join an American drama troupe traveling to London to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in a new replica of the famous Globe theater.
Shortly after arriving in England, Nat goes to bed ill and awakens transported back in time four hundred years -- to another London, and another production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Amid the bustle and excitement of an Elizabethan theatrical production, Nat finds the warm, nurturing father figure missing from his life -- in none other than William Shakespeare himself. Does Nat have to remain trapped in the past forever, or give up the friendship he's so longed for in his own time?"

Where I found it: In the school library where I work.

Why I am highlighting it: Because it is a highly acclaimed book by a bestselling author that blends theater and history fiction with just a touch of Fantasy (i.e. time travel), bringing times, plays, and historical characters to life. Also, the sixth graders at my school enjoy it.