Some of the best books I read in the past year were books for teens. Seriously, some of these books just blew me away. (Okay, J.K. Rowling has been blowing us all away for years, but you probably know about her.) So I thought I’d share the love and give you the low down on the fabulous books beyond the Harry Potter universe. 

 

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

This book takes place in a Victorian girl’s boarding school and seamlessly weaves elements of gothic paranormal with backstabbing girl politics. If you thought Voldemort was evil, wait till you get a load of these rich girls. Beautifully written and completely engrossing. Give this series a try.

 

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Sure the movie was okay. But just okay. It lacked the taut suspense and claustrophobic fear of the book. Like all great post-apocalyptic fiction, this book is gritty and grim, but still retains the hope that basic human goodness will get us through the tough times. 

 

Good Ghouls Guide to Getting Even by Julie Kenner

Blood sucking monsters, petty cheerleaders, and hunky guys. Isn’t that what high school is all about? This book is both fun and funny. Sure it lacks the earnest romanticism of Twilight, but Kenner handles the highs and lows of battling the undead while beefing up your college applications with grace. It’s a teen vampire book with (pardon the pun) bite!