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Book Recommendations ← Back to All Pages

Kim Andrews

Advanced Reading Selections

These book titles are tried and true.  I've read them and have fallen in love with them.  Please keep in mind that this list is designed for the advanced reader - a reader who loves words and eats books for breakfast, lunch and dinner!  As with most advanced book lists, the content of these books is mature.  If ever you don't feel comfortable with a book's content, put it down.  If you'd like to talk about any of these books, come find me.  I'm can talk about these jewels forever! 

Title Written for: Mrs. Andrews' comments

The Book Thief

By: Mark Zusak

 Those who love historical fiction and a cleverly designed narrator This is my all-time favorite novel.  Zusak's writing style is superb and the plot will keep you hooked.  I love the narrator: Death, himself.  Don't be discouraged by the prologue - it's a bit dense but it'll all make sense in the end.  Speaking of the end, make sure you have a box of tissues on hand.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Those who like historical fiction and are looking for a new type of plot structure.  Honestly, this book will probably appeal more to girls, but boys, don't be afraid to try it! This book is told through a series of letters, which I love.  It's set during post-WWII and celebrates a love of reading and community amongst readers. 

 The Sledding Hill

By Chris Crutcher

  All you sarcastic, witty adolescents out there who like to challenge authority and don't necessarily think that adults have all the answers (gasp!).  This book features another interesting narrator, a dead one.  It's a story about book banning, a collision between church and state, and a boy who won't be told what to do.

 The Secret Life of Bees

By Sue Monk Kidd

    This is one of those great novels that speaks to the greater good that can be found in humanity.  It's a tear-jerker and heart-warmer in one.  And, after you finish the book, see the movie.  It one of few that actually comes close to measuring up to the movie.

 What is the What

By: Dave Eggers

  Looking for a non-fiction?  Look no further.  Though labeled a "novel", it is a biography based on a young man's actual childhood memories (they had to call it a novel because some of the memories are from the main character's early childhood, and can't be depended upon as 100% accurate.  One of the things I hate most is when you are reading a great book that you don't want to end, and you fly through it and it's over in a blink of an eye.  This book isn't like that.  It took a long time for me to read, but captivated my attention throughout.  It's a great eye-opener about the genocide and civil war that plagued Sudan.

 The Help

By Kathryn Stockett

  Probably more of a "girl book", this book is a historical fiction that makes us ask important questions about the origins of racism, and how far we've really come today.  I love books with alternating narrators, and the author did a fantastic job with this one.  She created authentic voices and makes it impossible to choose a favorite.
 Water for Elephants  Anyone who loves a little fun and excitment, and loves the circus!  I loved the tone of this book.  It was light and airy, almost magical.  I suppose that had something to do with the setting: a historical traveling circus.  The end of this novel is quite touching. 
 Lord of the Flies  A classic novel for all advanced readers to enjoy.  This one's got a large dose of action, conflict and symbolism.  A plane full of children crashes on a deserted island.  What happens next is up to the leader that emerges.  I first read this story as a high school freshman, and LOVED it!

 A Tale of Two Cities

By Charles Dickens

 Not for the fair-weather reader, this book will challenge you on all fronts.  I have to admit, the first time I read this classic, I used an accompanying CliffNotes.     I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this novel!  It's my absolute favorite from classic literature.  A sweeping historical fiction, the novel leaves you with a profound message about the meaning of life.
     
     
     
     
     

Reading Recommendations for Everyone!

We've all been there.  A teacher (or parent) says, "READ!", but you'd rather eat fried words (yes, that's a literary reference from your childhood).  It's not that you hate reading, it's just that it's been awhile since you've been gotten excited about it, and you are starting to wonder if there are any good ones left out there to read.  Fear not!  When Mrs. Andrews says, "READ!", she does so with the understanding that there are some students that need a little guidance, a little support, and a good recommendation.  These books are a few of my favorites.  They generally appeal to most everyone.  Even they most relunctant readers have found some motivation hidden within these pages.

Title Written for: Mrs. Andrews' thoughts:

The Hunger Games (and Catching Fire and Mockingjay)

By: Suzanne Collins

 Those who crave suspense, action and a book that you just can't put down.  This book was written for boys and girls alike.  I know I get accused of having too many "favorites", but this one is on that list.  The description of this futuristic world is enticing, and the plot moves as the speed of light!  Collins is so creative!

Elephant Run

By: Roland Smith

 Those who like historical fiction or high action This was my Caudill a few years ago, and I loved it.  It's one of those that I wouldn't normally pick up, but I'm glad I did!

Life as We Knew It

 This is book is science fiction and drama/suspense wrapped up in a neat little book. Told in diary form, this book tells of one girl's experience as the world's very existance is challenged with a giant meteor knocks the moon off it's gravitational rotation (or something like that, I can't remember the exact terminalogy).  By the way, this book is part of a trilogy, but I found the next two just a little depressing for my taste.
 Ties that Bind, Ties that Break Admittedly a "girl book", this story is for those who like fiesty main characters and historical fiction.  I loved this book.  Though it is not widely known, I think it's got all the makings of a YA cultural, historical fiction classic.  Includes a wealth of information about Chinese culture and the practice of foot binding.

 Tuck Everlasting

By Natalie Babbit

 It's a love story, it's fantasy, it's a classic!   Though not a fan of fantasy, I love this story of a girl that stumbles upon a fountain that brings everlasting life and the family that drank from it.  Should she?