Top Ten Tuesday {10}

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books You Believe Should Be Required Reading For Teens :

1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - Yes, the entire series. So many people love the movies, so why not get them to love the books, too? Let's be honest - as great as the flicks are, the books are always better. Plus, this series proves that reading IS fun.

2. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler - Despite those who think that, perhaps, the title is a bit too loose, shall we say, this book is phenomenal. Teens mess up. Teens make mistakes, and teens cope with trauma in different ways. This book is hard-hitting and well-written.

3. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - I said I hated contemps until I read this book, then I realized I had to take it back. The story has depth, the characters ring true and the heart-wrenching story lingers long after.

4. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - There are a ton of obtuse classics out there that just kill me with their lack of relevance to our day in age. This is NOT one of those books. If there are any of you who haven't read this book, you are missing out.

5. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult - This is not marketed for a younger audience, and a lot of the author's work escapes me to this day, but this book is powerful, heartbreaking and real. I highly recommend this to both YA and adult readers.

6. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle - Whether you're religious or not, I'm sure you know the story of Noah's Ark. I don't love too many of her books, but the blend of history, sci-fi, romance and family makes this book powerful for all ages - especially teens.

7. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - We all know of my love of animals. This book merges the pure soul of an unbiased dog with the values of family, love, humour and a true account of the oddity that is human life. I can't recommend this book enough to teens.

8. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls - I'm a huge fan of memoirs, but this one stands apart. The story of a girl growing up in a family with different dreams and lower means, this book is about coming to terms with your own identity and growing up to be your best despite what stands in your way.

9. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - I remember when I first read this book. I thought it was horrifying, fascinating, incredible, powerful and it left me speechless. The writing is brilliant and the soul of the story leaps from the pages.

10. Watership Down by Richard Adams - Don't let the premise or the length of this book fool you. Though nearly 500 pages in length, each page resonates with meaning, and the theme of man's destructive impact on nature, the importance of friendship, teamwork and perseverance and the value of family makes this a must read for teens.