Tag: young adult fiction

by Associate Librarian Leah Boyden

Earlier this year I took a course on engaging teens within libraries. As a lover and reader of young adult material and former middle school teacher, this task was right up my alley. A former student of mine encouraged me to write a blog post for the library and because of their encouragement I signed up!

The major assignment of the course was a reading project that involved reading, rating, and critiquing twenty-two young adult texts from various award-winning lists and differing criteria. Formats included physical books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more. Our professor outlined certain criteria we had to meet, with some free choice aspects as well. The award-winning lists and criteria list from the assignment are listed at the end of this post.

While this assignment was lengthy and involved procrastination on my end, I loved it. It pushed me to read out of my comfort zone and explore new genres. I read my first ever graphic novel because of this assignment! It also gave me personal recommendations that I have suggested to teen patrons, teen volunteers, and some of my coworkers in the library. This project has sparked a lot of good (and fun) conversations. Instead of sharing my entire seventeen-page paper with you, I will share my top read from this assignment. This book ended up being one of my top favorite reads of 2024. 

The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna Ho, New York, Harper Teen, 2022, 448 pages | Book | Libby Audiobook

Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Literature Awards Young Adult category

Summary

This novel is rich in content and discusses mental health, suicide, racism, family, cultural expectations, personal narratives, stereotypes, high school, and more. May (Maybelline) is a Chinese Taiwanese American high school student. She faces many challenges in her life, especially after her brother dies by suicide. This is a story of owning your narrative and speaking your truth. 

Critical Evaluation

This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. I am still in awe of this writing and this story months after reading it. I have recommended this book to so many people and have looked for other works by this author as well. The way the author portrays the heartbreak and emotions in this story is so raw. I felt like I lost Danny. I felt like I was in high school again and could hear myself at the train tracks with May. This award is meant to highlight the experiences and cultures of Asian and Pacific Americans and this book is the rightful recipient. This book has so many strengths, as I have mentioned. I think this book would appeal to teens for many reasons – content, relatability, and more. This book could also fit under the May is National Mental Health Awareness Month book list. This was the best book I read from this assignment!

Cover Art

This book cover is simply stunning. Teens would definitely be drawn to choose this book solely because of the cover. The use of color, light, text, and pictures leave the viewer with so many questions that need answering. Teens will be drawn to the beauty and curiosity that this cover displays. 

Awards List

• Michael L. Printz Award Winners
• Margaret A. Edwards Award
• YALSA’s Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
• Banned Books 
• YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
• Indigenous Reads Rising 
• YALSA Excellence in Non-fiction 
• Manga 
• Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
• Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Literature Awards Young Adult category
• May is National Mental Health Awareness Month  
• Historical Fiction
• Buckeye Children & Teen Book Award 
• Classic Revisited 

If you’ve made it to this point, thank you for reading along! I encourage you to diversify your reading list by checking out some of the above lists and the titles within them.