Are you looking to get your teen into reading? Holiday reads make great
stocking stuffers and help to keep your students busy and brainy over
the festive break. The key to getting students hooked on books is to find
the genre that suits them best. Try anime books, magazine or ‘how
to’ manuals to get them reading.
Reading improves their general knowledge, their language skills and their
communication skills. The more they read, the faster they read and this
is a huge advantage during exam time. Reading also broadens the vocabulary
and this helps your student to express themselves succinctly.
Here is a list of some of the most popular books for teens. They include
some anime/manga options for those who are reticent to read.
Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (anime)
Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, explore the art of alchemy to
change their natural world. Now they are locked in a race to find the
ultimate weapon of alchemy, the philosopher’s stone, with enemies
who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Socrates in Love by Koi Suru (manga)
The all-time best-selling book in Japan,
Socrates in Love is about a romance between an average high school guy and a breathtakingly
beautiful girl. Their romance is cut short when she is diagnosed with
leukemia. Socrates is a heartwarming story of love, devotion and loss.
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay follow the life of Katniss
Everdeen, the spirited young protector of the freedom of the people of
Panem. She fights to protect her loved ones and free the people of Panem
from the oppressors in the Capitol.
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
This book follows the Shadowhunters; warriors tasked with ridding the earth
of demons. After witnessing a murder, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn
into the world of the Shadowhunters in this gripping thriller.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This classic is now a major motion picture series, but still has the power
to enchant. This is the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his big adventure with
Gandalf the wizard as he leave the comfort of the Shire to wreck vengeance
on the dragon Smaug.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky
Charlie is a geek and being shy doesn’t help him to fit in either.
As he takes up his usual position on the sidelines of life, he meets some
fellow wallflowers who help to teach him about love, life, first kisses
and the perfect song.
The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone is wise beyond his years when it comes to
facts and figures, but he has no aptitude for human emotions and can’t
stand the color yellow. Christopher’s autism is both a blessing
and a curse, but he managers to navigate through a complex world. When
the neighbor’s dog is killed, Christopher uses his unique talents
and way of looking at the world to solve the crime. It’s a funny,
poignant book that you will love.
