Top Ten Books I'd Keep In My Classroom

It's always so hard for me to choose a topic during these freebie weeks. This week was "School Freebie" since, ya know, school is once again in session. I chose a topic that The Broke and the Bookish actually gave for a suggestion and that's Top Ten Books I'd Keep In My Classroom If I Were A Teacher. I tried to choose a bit of a variety, and I tried to choose books I think would inspire high school kids to read more. For the sake of wider variety, I didn't pick more than one book from the same author.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This is such a gorgeous novel, and it reads rather quickly. I adored this book in high school as much as I do now.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - I actually read this one my freshman year of college, and, of course, enjoyed it a lot! I'd never even heard of it before that. This is a classic YA novel and I'd want my students to at least have the option to read it and know what it is.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - This is the best college-set book I've ever read. I think it does a good job of capturing the uncertainty and discovering-yourself part of college. It would be good for the high school students who are planning to attend college. Also, it's just a really fantastic book.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Of course I'd keep my favorite book of all-time in my library! Hopefully students would be able to escape into this world & these characters the same way I did when I was in high school.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - While I actually prefer The Infernal Devices over this series, I think City of Bones would have wider appeal to people who haven't read any Cassandra Clare before. City of Bones is the type of book that gets teens excited about books. And I think of all the books I've selected, this one would attract the biggest male audience.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - I'm fairly certain that this is the first classic novel I truly enjoyed, and so I think it's a good place for teens to start reading classics.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - This is a quick and impactful read, and I believe everyone on the planet would gain something from reading this novel.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - I don't have a logical explanation for this selection. I just love it and I think other teens will too.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - This is an incredible novel that many teens will most likely be able to relate to, about friendship and romance and social anxiety. Also, it's a lot of fun!!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - The writing style in this book is so different than pretty much every other YA book on the shelves. Also, it's fun and exciting and addicting, and I think high school students would really love discovering this book.