suggested by Margery Peterson, children's literature enthusiast

To educate my writing, I've read nearly100 contemporary young adult books. I'm happy to share the most compelling books with high school-age male protagonists.

All so intelligent and readable, I believe these books would captivate any teen.

Feed
written by M.T. Anderson

Edgy romance in hyper-computerized future where teens get computer chips implanted so they don't have to think. Ads run through their head 24/7. (Okay, not too different from now.)

The 1984 of this generation. Fascinating, suspenseful.

Former chief of Dutton Books delcared this book the best she'd ever read.

Absolutely, Positively Not
written by David LaRochelle

Kid in average middle class family comes to grips with being gay. Compassionate, real and funny.

And from one of our own. It's here!

Monster
written by Walter Dean Myers

Gritty tale of a teen accused of murder seeing his trial unfold as a movie—written, directed and starring himself. According to Myers, the plot shows steps that lead someone from innocence to unconscionable acts. Disturbing, inspiring.

Not As Crazy As I Seem
written by George Harrar

Life seen through the eyes of a teen coping with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), how it developed, how he tames it. Funny, real, insightful.

GEEKS: How Two Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho
written by Jon Katz

Non-fiction that reads like fiction. Two brainy, rebellious, underprivileged class geeks find respect in a privileged world that honors knowledge of all things computer. Real.

Godless
written by Pete Hautman

National Book Award winner about a teen rebelling against organized religion who creates a new religion worshipping the town's water tower. Compelling teen topic.

The Gospel According to Larry
written by Janet Tashjian

Plight of idealistic loner trying to remain anonymous after his website ranting against consumerism makes him a national prophet. Covers a lot of issues.

how i live now
written by Meg Rosoff

Teenage girl from New York is visiting male cousins in England when terrorists strike and war breaks out. Riveting.

Teen Angst? Naaah...
written by Ned Vizzini

Bright high school kid attending New York's public gifted high school writes essays on life and getting into college. Funny and real.

Son of the Mob
written by Gordan Korman

Adventures of a wholesome teen whose dad just happens to be a mob boss.

Allusions of murder and mayhem, but not a single swear word in the whole book. Fun read.