2005 ALA Best Books for Young Adults (Part 1)
Discover the top 2005 ALA Best Books for Young Adults (Part 1) – a curated list of must-read titles for teens and young readers. Find your next favorite book today!
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Sign of the Qin
by Laura Geringer
In long-ago China, Prince Zong, the mortal young Starlord chosen to save humankind from destruction, joins the twin outlaws, White Streak and Black Whirlwind, to fight the Lord of the Dead and his demon hordes.
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Doing It
by Melvin Burgess
Three teenage friends, Dino, Jonathon, and Ben, confront the confusions, fears, and joys of adolescent male sexuality.
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Bucking the Sarge
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Luther T. Farrell has got to get out of Flint, Michigan. As his best friend Sparky says, "Flint's nothing but the Titanic." And his mother, a.k.a. the Sarge, says, "Take my advice and stay off the sucker path." The Sarge milked the system to build an empire of slum housing and group homes. Luther's just one of the many people trapped in the Sarge's Evil Empire--but he's about to bust out. If Luther wins the science fair this year, he'll be on track for college and a future as America's best-known and best-loved philosopher. All he's got to do is beat his arch rival Shayla Patrick, the beautiful daughter of Flint's finest undertaker--and the love of Luther's life. Sparky's escape plans involve a pit bull named Poofy and the world's scariest rat. Oh, and Luther. Add to the mix Chester X., Luther's mysterious roommate; Dontay Gaddy, a lawyer whose phone number is 1-800-SUE'M ALL; and Darnell Dixon, the Sarge's go-to guy who knows how to break all the rules. "Bucking the Sarge" is a story that only Christopher Paul Curtis could tell. Once again the Newbery Award-winning author of "Bud, Not Buddy" and "The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963" gives us a whole new angle on life and a world full of unforgettable and hilarious characters. Readers will root for Luther and Sparky every step of the way. Praise for "The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963": "An exceptional first novel."--"Publishers Weekly," Starred "Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit."--"School Library Journal," Starred Praise for "Bud, Not Buddy": "Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud." --"School Library Journal," Starred "From the Hardcover edition."
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Eagle Strike
by Anthony Horowitz
After a chance encounter with assassin Yassen Gregorovich in the South of France, teenage spy Alex Rider investigates international pop star and philanthropist Damian Cray whose new video game venture hides sinister motives involving Air Force One, nuclear missiles, and the international drug trade.
