Teen Shelf Help

A guide to help teens and their guardians find the books that are right for them.

Excitement and the thrill of the chase are the name of the game for these books. Guardians are always encouraged to review the books to help teens find out if they're the right fit!

The Compound by S. A. Bodeen
ISBN: 9780312578602
Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy. No amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, only his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day. As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary--and their sanity--Eli can't help but wonder if he'd rather take his chances outside. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they safe--really?

Is this book right for me?

A suspenseful thriller with a real life monster. The story is compelling and gradually builds momentum. Great for those who don't normally like to read as well as those interested in apocalyptic fiction!

This read has a hint of science fiction and is about surviving a psychopathic character. There is some violence because of this as well as some profanity.

Accelerated Reader: Upper Middle Grades, 6+ (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 570L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 7+ (School Library Journal)
Ages 12+ (Kirkus Review)
Ages 12+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12+ (Plugged In)

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
ISBN: 9780689840920
This award-winning contemporary classic is the survival story with which all others are compared--and a page-turning, heart-stopping adventure, recipient of the Newbery Honor. Hatchet has also been nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read. Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, haunted by his secret knowledge of his mother's infidelity, is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father for the first time since the divorce. When the plane crashes, killing the pilot, the sole survivor is Brian. He is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present. At first consumed by despair and self-pity, Brian slowly learns survival skills--how to make a shelter for himself, how to hunt and fish and forage for food, how to make a fire--and even finds the courage to start over from scratch when a tornado ravages his campsite. When Brian is finally rescued after fifty-four days in the wild, he emerges from his ordeal with new patience and maturity, and a greater understanding of himself and his parents.

Is this book right for me?

An action-packed survival story that is an intense, fast, and exciting read. It is atmospheric, making the reader experience feelings, emotions, and moods. Great for fans of the I Survived series!

This compelling read depicts wilderness survival, featuring violence as the main character fights to survive. It also explores how challenges inspire courage, strength, resilience, and growth. It touches on attempted suicide and parental infidelity.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 1020L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 8-12 (School Library Journal)
Ages 11-13 (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 11+ (Common Sense Media)
Ages 12+ (Plugged In)

There Will Be Bears by Ryan Gebhart
ISBN: 9780763665210
Thirteen-year-old Tyson loves hanging out with his roughneck Grandpa Gene, who's a lot more fun than Tyson's ex-best friend, Brighton. These days, Bright just wants to be seen with the cool jocks who make fun of Tyson's Taylor Swift obsession and dorky ways. So when Grandpa Gene has to move to a nursing home that can manage his kidney disease, Tyson feels like he's losing his only friend. Not only that, but Tyson was counting on Grandpa Gene to take him on his first big hunt. So in defiance of Mom and Dad's strict orders, and despite reports of a scary, stalking, man-eating grizzly named Sandy, the two sneak off to the Grand Tetons. Yes, there will be action, like shooting and dressing a six-hundred-pound elk. Is Tyson tough enough? There will be heart-pounding suspense: is Grandpa Gene too sick to handle the hunt, miles away from help? And, oh yes, there will be bears. . . .

Is this book right for me?

This debut novel is an angst-filled, character-driven adventure bursting with suspense, quirky moments, and bear encounters. Perfect for fans of thrilling, heartfelt stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!

This adventurous read has moments of tension and violence as well as occasional salty language and adolescent innuendo. While honesty is emphasized, the lies about the secret hunting trip are downplayed. It also touches on family struggles and health issues, which might be intense for some readers.

Accelerated Reader: Middle Grades, 4-8 (Novelist) │ Lexile Measure: 640L (Novelist)

Suggested for:

Grades 5-8 (Booklist)
Grades 5-7 (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)
Grades 5-8 (School Library Journal)
Ages 10+ (Publishers Weekly)
Ages 12-14 (Kirkus Reviews)