YA Books We Are Thankful For

I asked the teacher librarians of Merced Union High School District to share the YA books that they are thankful for.  Here is what they shared.  

Mr. Harding, AHS Teacher Librarian

I am grateful for The Fault in Our Stars because it was the first YA book I had ever read. It represented a shift in my thinking towards YA literature and was partially responsible for my desire to become a school librarian. I found Green's telling of the tragic but hopeful story of two teenagers with life threatening cancer to be emotionally stirring and thought provoking. In this super popular YA book, I discovered that young adults need stories like the ones John Green tells. I am grateful to The Fault in Our Stars because it opened my mind to new possibilities for my life and career and for the students whom I care so deeply about.

Mr. Doyle, ECHS Teacher Librarian

• The Giver was the first YA novel I read in library school. I am a science fiction fan and it was the perfect entree into YA books. And it's a brilliant story.
• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. It got totally overshadowed by Harry Potter, but I thought is was better. It's a thinking person's book.

Ms. Cook, BCHS Teacher Librarian

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was the first YA book I read as a BC librarian. I didn’t realize how amazing YA literature was, now I virtually never read anything else.

Mrs. Edwards, LHS Teacher Librarian

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. Although this wasn't the first YA I'd read, it was out of my comfort zone as far as style and subject. I thoroughly loved the series and loved the detail the author put into helping me get to know the characters.

Mrs. Woodall, GVHS Teacher Librarian

Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume.  This was probably the first YA book that I read as a kid.  I recall feeling like this was the first book that I read that just felt real.  It felt like the author wasn't talking down to me as a reader.  

All of these titles are available to check out from our library system. 

The MUHSD Teacher Librarians are also thankful for all of our student patrons.  We love helping connecting you with your learning needs.  Enjoy your break!