BOOK CLUB PANIC

[penmage]

I'm suddenly having a panic attack. My teen book club is meeting this weekend, and I haven't picked the next book for us to read, and suddenly I'm riddled with panic. I haven't read enough books. I don't own enough books! What do I pick?

You know and I know I've read a billion books, but suddenly I can't think of anything and everything I think about seems wrong. Getting a second opinion would help, I think.

Here's my criterion: the age group is 11-14, girls. They're all really strong readers. The book we pick should be high level, but free of any content parents might find objectionable, what with me being married to the rabbi and all that. No sex, no major profanity.

Our previous reads have been The Shadow Thieves by Anne Ursu and Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.

I'd like to read with them something that they probably haven't already read, so I'd prefer a newer title--also because it will be easier for them to find copies of a book that's newer on the market.

PLEASE TO GIVE ME SUGGESTIONS.

Comments

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

If this isn't disgusting, my Posse of Princesses? I've had a couple of people say they've taught it to sixth graders--it has plenty of romance, but no objectionable content.

If that's repulsive (and I apologize) Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay? Durst's Out of the Wild? (As I recall, there wasn't anything older teen in it.)

[penmage.livejournal.com]

It's not disgusting :). I quite enjoyed Posse--I was thrilled to get a review copy for the Cybils, and I've since moved it downstairs into my lending library. I think my girls would really like it.

My only concern with it, unfortunately, is availability. I've been kind of hinting to some of the moms that it wouldn't be a terrible idea for them to lay down the cash and buy the books, but so far they only seem to be hitting up the library, which doesn't have a hugely massive selection.

I actually had some problems with the first book we read--some of the girls had trouble getting copies, and so they didn't read it in time. I'm kind of peeved that this has to be taken into consideration, but it does.

Into the Wild is a very interesting thought, though--that book might be perfect for the age group, and I know our library has several copies.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Excellent--and thanks for the kind words!