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SALT LAKE CITY -- Working at a city library brings all kinds of joy to my life. One of the perks of my job is recommending books for people of all ages, whether they are young children beginning to read or adults looking for something new. However, even the best of jobs can be a little difficult sometimes.
One of the most challenging tasks I encounter is trying to find books that will capture the attention of teenage boys without dissuading them from reading. If you are a parent looking for a book that will interest your son, there is good news: I have surveyed many teenage boys and compiled a list of five books that are likely to capture a young adventurous mind.
1) "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen is a writer of many modern classics. Published in 1987, this novel follows the journey of a young man named Brian. He is the lone survivor of a horrible plane crash who learns to survive in a wilderness for 54 days after his plane crashes.
This Newbery winner has the adventurous feeling of "Robinson Crusoe" or "Swiss Family Robinson" written in beautiful poetic style that is modern and doesn't overwhelm the reader with too much description. "Hatchet" is a great coming-of-age story that will help any reader to find peace within themselves while facing the dangers and tragedies of life.
2) "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card
Orson Scott Card is well known for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy, and his novel "Ender's Game" has won the Hugo and Nebula Awards. "Ender's Game" takes place in a distant future in which Earth has been attacked by aliens twice and has nearly been wiped out. To prevent the end of humanity, the government creates a special program that breeds genius children to become commanders in the military.
One child genius is Ender Wiggin, who is 6 years old at the beginning of the novel and the only one in his family qualified to enter the program. As he progresses through the program, Ender is forced into a quick journey into adulthood as he experiences isolation and abuse while at the same time discovering what is morally right and wrong.
The story does contain violence and other adult themes; therefore, I strongly recommend that the reader be in his/her later teens before reading it.
3) "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
Jean Craighead George is a familiar author in young adult literature. One of her most well-known books is "My Side of the Mountain." This novel follows Sam Gribly, who decides he can no longer live with his family in New York, so he runs away. He finds himself learning to survive in the mountains, where his adventurous spirit thrives as he lives with wild animals and becomes one with nature.
Written in the late 1960s, this book is an ALA notable book and the recipient of a Newbery Honor. It is written beautifully and inspires the adventurous soul within each of us.
4) "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
Christopher Paolini wrote "Eragon" at the age of 15, not realizing how popular his intense fantasy book would become among teenagers everywhere. Fans of "Star Wars," "Lord of the Rings" and other fantasy novels will enjoy the adventure that Paolini tells.
Eragon is a young boy who has his life completely change overnight when he discovers a rare dragon egg while hunting in nearby mountains. Soon orphaned and friendless, he commences on a journey with his dragon, destined to change the course of mankind. Throughout this journey, Eragon not only discovers his hidden powers, but his identity and, most of all, love, ultimately engaging in a battle against the evil king and his dragon warriors.
5) "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Jules Verne
This classic adventure was written in 1863, when many wonders of technology were unheard of and many advances in various fields in earth science had yet to be discovered. In this short novel, Jules Verne explores the theory of the existence of a hidden world through the adventure of a lifetime.
The main character, Axel, has a crazy uncle who discovered an ancient book that tells of a wondrous world beneath the crust of the earth. In a time when exploration is booming, the uncle goes on a journey to prove to the scientific world that the center of the earth does indeed exist. Axel is the reluctant unbelieving companion on the expedition, but he soon proves his worth as they face multiple dangers and harrowing experiences.
Lauren Zachary is a recent college graduate from Southern Utah University with an English degree. She works at a local city library.
