“Harry Potter.” “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “War and Peace.” These books are all classics that almost everyone has heard of, and many have read.
There are so many amazing books in this world. Unfortunately, a lot of them haven’t been discovered by enough people. They have gone unnoticed, even after the hard work the authors have put in to get published. It’s important to give recognition to the books and authors that deserve it. Here are a few books that every kid, tween and teen should be reading; especially in the time of the Coronavirus when lots of us have extra time to read and have fun.
1: The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer
Like most, you probably haven’t heard of this book. It’s about three kids whose lives intersect at a Youth Scrabble Tournament. At first, for them, it’s simply a game. However, they soon learn there’s a whole lot more at stake for each and every one of them. It’s truly a fantastic book filled with laugh-out-loud humor, intense action and heartfelt moments. It may not be known by many across the globe, but it is most definitely an amazing book. The ways the characters deal with friendship and family are inspiring, making this book a relatable read for any kid or tween.
2: Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt
This book has a really unique prose poetry form. Kevin has a reputation for bullying. After his brother gives him a notebook, he can’t stop writing poems. So he becomes The Rhyme Schemer and bullies with poetry. All goes well for Kevin, but only until his arch enemy, Robin, finds out that Kevin is The Rhyme Schemer, steals his notebook and continuously sabotages him. Kevin realizes that being a bully just causes more problems and that he has to change. This is an incredibly lyrical book that can help anyone become who they are.
3: Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Despite the devastating falling of the twin towers on September 11, 2001, this book is not very well-known. It follows four kids who all experience the same chaos and confusion about the incident, with lots of description and heartwarming detail. It’s amazing and relatable for anyone who enjoys history or for people who were there at the scene. It describes all the distress that came with the catastrophe, which is important to make sure people feel understood. This novel is definitely one that I will cherish forever and look through many times.
With the virus spreading and everyone staying home, let these new and interesting books help you shape your new way of life. Keep their messages in mind: stay close to your family and not only adapt to the change, help the change. Let this confusing time help you think in a different way and realize that the world isn’t perfect, but everyone—front line workers and citizens alike—can try to make it better.
Don’t rush straight to the bestsellers list when you’re looking for something new. Look at all of the other books that might be just as good or even better.
