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2012 YALSA Top Ten Teen Nominations

From YALSA:
The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in sixteen school and public libraries around the country.
The Young Adult Library Services Association is a wonderful organization. And one of the fun and useful things they do every year is sponsor a Teen's Choice List. The 2012 Voting takes place between August 13th to September 13th, but we have the 24 nominated books listed here -- with the usual award and reading information. If you want to vote, or want more information on YALSA or this program, go here: 2012 Teens’ Top Ten Nominations

We've listed the books by reading level.


bookcover of Page by Paige by Laura Lee GulledgePAGE BY PAIGE
by Laura Lee Gulledge

Paige Turner's life is uprooted and overturned when her family moves to Brooklyn from rural Virginia. Using her sketchbook she tries to make sense of this 'new world'.

Word Count: 8,718
Page Count: 192
Accelerated Reading level: 3.0 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 147931


bookcover of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAYBETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY
by Ruta Sepetys

**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly
**Starred Review** School Library Journal
**Starred Review** Booklist
15 year-old Lina, her mother, and brother are sent to Siberia. Only her secretly created art and the hope that one day she might be be reunited with her father keeps her going. (YA)

Word Count: 64,750
Page Count: 368
Accelerated Reading level: 3.6 / points: 9.0
AR quiz: 142569


bookcover of ALL GOOD CHILDREN by Catherine AustenALL GOOD CHILDREN
by Catherine Austen

Max, his sister Ally and their mother return home to Middleton to find Ally’s classmates acting strange. Turns out that the government has created a “vaccine” that makes kids so much easier to live with and teach. Now the decision Max's family has to make is go along with the rest of the parents or flee.

Really enjoyed this book and can't understand why it hasn't gotten wider press. ALL GOOD CHILDREN is not an action-driven dystopia. Instead it's a great book with good world building and characters.

Word Count: 73,559
Page Count: 312
Accelerated Reading level: 4.1 / points: 10.0
AR quiz: 147391


bookcover of All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle ZevinALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE
(Birthright #1)
by Gabrielle Zevin

**Starred Review** Booklist
In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, takes it all in stride until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame.

Word Count: 90,447
Page Count: 368
Accelerated Reading level: 4.4 / points: 13.0
AR quiz: 146009
Lexile: HL
Because It Is My Blood (September 18, 2012)
(Birthright #2)



bookcover of Scarlet by A. C. GaughenSCARLET
by A. C. Gaughen

Will Scarlett is one of the Merry Men, Robin Hood’s legendary band of thieves, but what few people know is that Will Scarlett is actually...a girl! Disguised as a boy to escape from her past, Scarlett robs from the rich and gives to the poor. When an old enemy of Scarlett’s appears, she must choose: Keep her identity hidden? Or keep the people of Nottingham safe?

Word Count: 70,771
Page Count: 304
Accelerated Reading level: 4.4 / points: 10.0
AR quiz: 151137


bookcover of Shine By Lauren MyracleSHINE
By Lauren Myracle

When her best friend falls victim to a horrible hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover the culprits in her backwoods town in North Carolina.

Word Count: 78,687
Page Count: 376

Accelerated Reading level: 4.4 / points: 11.0
AR quiz: 143631
Lexile: HL


bookcover of How to Save a Life by Sara ZarrHOW TO SAVE A LIFE
by Sara Zarr

**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly
**Starred Review** School Library Journal
**Starred Review** Booklist
A year after Jill’s father dies, her mother decides to adopt a baby Mandy’s been living in different places, but now that she’s pregnant, she wants to make sure her baby has the love and support she never did. A story of two girls dealing with grief, new life, and everything in between when their paths cross.

Word Count: 86,114
Page Count: 352
Accelerated Reading level: 4.4 / points: 12.0
AR quiz: 147220
Lexile: HL


bookcover of Tempest by Julie CrossTEMPEST
by Julie Cross

**Starred Review** Kirkus

Jackson is a typical college kid until the day his girlfriend, Holly, is shot. Jackson decides he must use his one incredible gift, the ability to time travel. He goes back in time two years, trying to discover a way to alter the future so that Holly lives. The future is full of uncertainty and the past is full of betrayal- is there anyone Jackson can trust?

Word Count: 97,574
Page Count: 352
Accelerated Reading level: 4.6 / points: 14.0
AR quiz: 148730


bookcover of HOURGLASS by Myra McEntireHOURGLASS
by Myra McEntire

Emerson Cole sees dead people- ghosts from the past blending in with her surroundings. When a new consultant from a secretive organization shows up at her door to try to cure her, everything changes. But diving into the world of the mysterious Hourglass Society proves to be dangerous as the past merges with the present.

Word Count: 84,556
Page Count: 416
Accelerated Reading level: 4.6 / points: 12.0
AR quiz: 144263


bookcover of A Monster Calls by Patrick NessA MONSTER CALLS
by Patrick Ness

**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly
**Starred Review** School Library Journal
**Starred Review** Booklist
Conor's sleep isn't what it used to be. His mother is deathly sick from chemo and now it seems there's a monster that wants to chat him up.

A very different book from Ness. And I have to say that it caught me entirely off-guard. The beginning led me to think this was going to be a middle-grade sort of book. But that was just the author being sneaking. Very moving. Definitely going to need tissues with this one. Thought provoking and recommended.

Word Count: 33,446
Page Count: 224
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 5.0
AR Quiz: 147163


bookcover of DIVERGENTDIVERGENT

(Divergent #1)
by Veronica Roth

**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

Abnegation (selfless), Erudite (intelligence), Candor (honesty), Amity (peace), or Dauntless (brave): where would you fit? Beatrice lives in a society where she must choose either to remain with her family’s faction or set off towards independence and her beliefs. And what happens when the unity between these factions begins to fall apart?

Divergent is a fast-paced romance-driven read. Told in First Person, readers who liked Hunger Games and are tolerant of long drawn out romances are likely to find it just as interesting. Upon reading book#2 we've had to back off of our hardy recommendation. Indulgent Insurgent requires quite a bit of 'suspension of disbelief'. But still a fun summer-read type of book.

Some language, some sexual content, some romance (a note I add for some guys who asked me to add notes about such things).

Word Count: 105,143
Page Count: 576
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 16.0
AR quiz: 144400
Lexile: HL700L
--sample pages available
--audio available
--other reviews available

Insurgent
(Divergent #2)
Word Count: 106,028
Page Count: 544
Accelerated Reading level: 5.0 / points: 16.0
AR quiz: 151402



bookcover of LEGEND by Marie LuLEGEND
(Legend #1)
by Marie Lu

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Word Count: 75,464
Page Count: 336
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 11.0
AR quiz: 148251
Prodigy
(Legend #2)



bookcover of WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by Sarah DessenWHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE
by Sarah Dessen

Ever since Mclean’s parents divorced, she has lived in four towns in two years – each time taking on a new persona. Mclean expects to leave Lakeview in six months, but soon finds that she doesn’t want to – she just wants to be herself.

Word Count: 105,444
Page Count: 432
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 16.0
AR quiz: 143325
Lexile: HL760L


bookcover of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth RevisACROSS THE UNIVERSE
(Across the Universe #1)
by Beth Revis

**Starred Review** Kirkus
Scifi based, the action takes place on a colossally large spaceship without FLT travel. Important people are frozen. The rest of the ship has citizens that carry on with agriculture and what-not in depressing circumstances. Wasn't supposed to be like that but something went wrong a few generations back... but what?

This one has a bit of romance, some adventure, and some good mysteries to solve. Across the Universe was a good read. A Million Suns did not please as many people.

Word Count: 98,469
Page Count: 416
Accelerated Reading level: 4.9 / points: 15.0
AR quiz: 142333
Lexile: HL

A Million Suns
(Across the Universe #2)
Word Count: 95,579Page Count: 400
Accelerated Reading level: 5.1 / points: 14.0
AR quiz: 148963
Shades of Earth (January 15, 2013)
(Across the Universe #3)



bookcover of THIS DARK ENDEAVOR by Kenneth OppelTHIS DARK ENDEAVOR: THE APPRENTICESHIP OF VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
by Kenneth Oppel

**Starred Review** Horn
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

In this prequel to Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is on a dark quest to save his twin’s life. With help from his best friend Henry and his lovely cousin Elizabeth, the three go on a quest to concoct the mythical Elixir of Life. How far is he willing to go to save his twin?

Word Count: 74,594
Page Count: 320
Accelerated Reading level: 4.9 / points: 11.0
AR quiz: 145776
Lexile: 690L


bookcover of ASHES by Ilsa Bick ASHES
(Ashes Trilogy #1)
by Ilsa Bick

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons when an electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

Really liked this book. It's a quick fun adventure read at first, and then it slows in the second half and becomes more of a sinister mystery story. If you can handle the change in plot direction, Ashes has a lot to offer. Can't wait for #2.
Word Count: 104,605
Page Count: 480
Accelerated Reading level: 5.0 / points: 16.0
AR quiz: 146122

Shadows (September 25, 2012)
(Ashes Trilogy #2)



bookcover of ABANDON by Meg CabotABANDON
(Abandon Trilogy #1)
by Meg Cabot

Pierce has experienced death before and barely escaped. When she moves from her old town to a town called Isla Huesos - Island of Bones - for a new start, she realizes that death wants her back. Can she escape death once again? (YA)

Word Count: 77,989
Page Count: 320
Accelerated Reading level: 5.1 / points: 12.0
AR quiz: 143876
Lexile: 770L


bookcover of Where She Went by by Gayle FormanWHERE SHE WENT(book#1, see IF I STAY)by Gayle Forman
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

This sequel to Gayle Forman’s If I Stay is narrated by Adam, Mia’s ex-boyfriend. Shortly after the devastating accident that killed Mia’s family, the talented cellist moves to New York, where an accidental meeting brings them back together.

Word Count: 55,415Page Count: 288
Accelerated Reading level: 5.1 / points: 8.0
AR quiz: 143768
Lexile: 800L


bookcover of WITHER by Lauren DeStefanoWITHER
(The Chemical Garden #1)
by Lauren DeStefano
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

Wither is a strong, engaging book, but guys should know that it leans a bit towards chicklit. Fever does not advance the storyline much, but expands upon the disaster that is Rhine's world. Romance dominated. Adult situations, but nothing graphic. Creepy.
Word Count: 87,411
Page Count: 384
Accelerated Reading level: 5.2 / points: 13.0
AR quiz: 143644

Fever
(The Chemical Garden #2)
Word Count: 81,066
Page Count: 352
Accelerated Reading level: 5.1 / points: 12.0
AR quiz: 150965



bookcover of EONA by Alison GoodmanEONA: The Last Dragoneye
(Eon #2)
by Alison Goodman

As the battle for ultimate control of her home draws near, Eona finds herself waging an internal battle that might cause more damage than the war threatening to break out across the kingdom.(YA)

Page Count: 637
Accelerated Reading level: 5.4 / points: 25.0
AR quiz: 143199
lexile: 740L
  • Publisher: Firebird
  • ISBN-10: 014242093X

EON: Dragoneye Reborn
(Eon #1)
Word Count: 134,943
Page Count: 576
Accelerated Reading level: 5.5 / points: 21.0
AR quiz: 126998
Lexile: 750L



bookcover of Green's Fault in Our StarsTHE FAULT IN OUR STARS
by John Green

**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** SchoolLibraryJournal
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

(older YA)

Word Count: 65752
Page Count: 336
Accelerated Reading level: 5.5/ points: 10.0
AR quiz: 148461


bookcover of by Maggie StiefvaterTHE SCORPIO RACES
by Maggie Stiefvater

**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly
**Starred Review** School Library Journal
**Starred Review** Booklist
**Starred Review** Horn
Every November, the beaches of Thisby come alive with the Scorpio Races. The water horses are vicious, the terrain is treacherous, and death is likely, but the reward can be beyond anything you could imagine. Puck Connolly is racing for her family, Sean Kendrick for his passion—but only one can win The Scorpio Races.

Fabulous, classically told story. Moody setting. You end the book feeling as if you were raised on the island.

Word Count: 110,085
Page Count: 416
Accelerated Reading level: 5.5 / points: 17.0
AR quiz: 147559
Lexile: 840L


bookcover of MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDRENMISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
by Ransom Riggs

When Jacob was little, his grandfather would tell him stories of the fantastical children’s home where he grew up and the seemingly magical kids who lived there with him. When his grandfather is killed, Jacob sets out to find the home where these children lived, unearthing a magical secret and uncovering his true heritage.

Word Count: 84,898
Page Count: 352
Accelerated Reading level: 5.7 / points: 13.0
AR quiz: 145802
Lexile: 890L


bookcover of CINDERCINDER
by Marissa Meyer

**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

A futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella, Cinder, a cyborg and talented mechanic, lives with her cruel stepmother and two stepsisters in the plague-ridden New Beijing. Soon after meeting Prince Kai, Cinder must find the truths of her past.

Word Count: 87,661
Page Count: 400
Accelerated Reading level 5.8 / points: 14.0
AR quiz: 148727

 compiled by Pam