The Reader's Shelf—In the Children's Room: YA Reads for Adults

The popularity of the Harry Potter series with adult readers show that grown-ups can find much to enjoy in teen and children's stories. The fast-paced plots, heartfelt emotions, and engaging characters routinely found in this literature make these novels easy to suggest to adults searching for something different and captivating.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick. 2007. ISBN 978-0-7636-3987-7. pap. $9.99) is destined to become a timeless classic—as beloved as the treasured The Velveteen Rabbit. This touching story stars Edward Tulane, a selfish toy rabbit who learns about love after he falls overboard during a trip with his original owner. After being rescued, Edward begins an arduous journey from one owner to another, learning to love more than himself. Bagram Ibatoulline's exquisite illustrations enhance this unforgettable tale.

Readers in the mood for romance laced with horror may find much to enjoy in Geraldine McCaughrean's The White Darkness (HarperTempest. 2007. ISBN 978-0-06-089035-3. $16.99). Fourteen-year-old, hearing-impaired, and bespectacled Symone accompanies her brilliant Uncle Victor on a journey to Antarctica, where her uncle pursues a mad plan to disprove a fellow scientist's Hollow Earth theory. Symone must discover her own way through the lies swirling around her like white snow. As fellow travelers begin to fall sick and die, Symone's hope and comfort is found in the romantic ghost of a polar explorer.

Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan (Atheneum. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4169-2743-3. $15.99) tells the story of Jake and Edward, two brothers who develop a special bond the moment Jake first gazes into his younger brother's beautiful blue eyes. Edward is the heart of his family until his untimely death at age eight. His parents make the difficult decision to donate his organs. As they learn the stories of each recipient, they learn how to move on with their lives again.

Fans of Meg Cabot or Paula Marantz Cohen's adult titles might want to consider the irresistible appeal of YA chick lit. In Melissa Kantor's humorous and charming Confessions of A Not It Girl (Hyperion. 2006. ISBN 978-0-7868-1808-2. pap. $8.99), high school senior Jan Miller tries to balance her desire to be popular with her longing to be her own person; her best friend is the most beautiful, popular girl in school; and there is a seemingly unattainable love interest. Jane careens through one embarrassing situation after another. In the end, with a little help from her friends and loving parents, Jan lands on her feet.

Magic, myth, and mayhem merge in The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer (Simon Pulse: S. & S. 2007. ISBN 978-0-689-86746-0. pap. $9.99). Young Jack, bard-in-training, is kidnapped and enslaved by a wild band of Viking raiders and must outwit his captors to save both himself and his sister. The Vikings' half-troll queen orders Jack on a quest to Troll-land, where he battles giant spiders, troll-bears, and a protective mother dragon to find the magical well that will restore the queen's beauty. Steeped in Norse mythology, this fantasy features grand themes: growing up, overcoming odds, and choosing good over evil.

In Tyrell (PUSH: Scholastic. 2007. ISBN 978-0-439-83880-1. pap. $7.99), Coe Booth tells the story of a 15-year-old boy who can't catch a break. Living in a shelter in the South Bronx, Tyrell relies on his girlfriend's financial support while he tries to get his family out of their slump. He doesn't want to resort to a life of crime, but everything in his world is leading him in that direction. Tyrell's gritty tale is made all the more vivid by Booth's realistic language and riveting storytelling style.

Regency romance fans willing to dabble in fantasy should consider Sorcery and Cecelia; or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer (Magic Carpet Bks: Harcourt Children's. 2004. ISBN 978-0-15-205300-0. pap. $6.95). Two well-bred young ladies in a magic-practicing Regency England must battle evil wizards alongside two intriguing young gentlemen. Their story is a winning combination of wit, adventure, magic, and romance.

Four young sisters raised by their scatterbrained father feature in Jeanne Birdsall's classic The Penderwicks (Yearling. 2007. ISBN 978-0-440-42047-7. pap. $6.50). Also making an appearance are a lonely young boy and a dependable yet dopey dog. Birdsall excels in developing characters, and her motley crew grows and develops in intriguing ways in this deeply enjoyable story of family and friendship.