Award-Winning Books for Teens and Young Adults

Markus Zusak

In Nazi Germany, Liesel Meminger, a foster girl outside Munich, finds solace in stealing books during the chaos of World War II. With her foster father's help, she learns to read and shares her stolen treasures with neighbors and a Jewish man hidden in her basement. Through hauntingly beautiful prose, Markus Zusak's novel explores the power of books to nourish the soul in the darkest of times. The story, praised as life-changing, captures the resilience and humanity that endures amid tragedy.

SUZANNE COLLINS

This Special Edition of The Hunger Games offers an in-depth interview with author Suzanne Collins, a look at the series' creation, and a conversation with Walter Dean Myers on writing about war. The book delves into the dystopian world of Panem, where the Capitol controls twelve districts by forcing them to send teenagers to fight to the death in the annual Hunger Games. Protagonist Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her sister, navigating the deadly competition with her instinct for survival while grappling with moral dilemmas. The book explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the struggle for humanity in a brutal society.

Khaled Hosseini

In 1975 Afghanistan, twelve-year-old Amir seeks to win a kite-fighting tournament with the help of his loyal friend Hassan. Tragedy strikes, altering their lives. As the family flees to America due to the Russian invasion, Amir grapples with the need for redemption, leading him back to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Jo Walton

Fifteen-year-old Morwenna, living in Wales, faces tragedy when a magical battle leaves her disabled and her sister dead. Fleeing to England to live with her estranged father, she finds solace in books and magic. However, danger looms as her dark magic-wielding mother hunts her down, threatening her newfound refuge.