Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — Sometimes it can feel like teenagers live in a totally different world (we all remember the peril of navigating that strange land of school, friends, acne, clothes and self-discovery — it’s a weird one). One way to bridge the gap between your world and hers is to meet over books.
Reading with a teenage daughter is a great way to find common ground and help her along the way. In an article titled, “10 Tips for Bonding with Your Teenage Daughter,” author Jennifer Metz wrote, “If you and your teen like to read, this is a great way to spend time together. This gives you and your daughter something special from the rest of the family.”
Books are a great vehicle for forming memories and relationships (that’s why book clubs are so popular). Books also help us understand the world around us and ourselves. Reading the same book with your teen and talking about it along the way can be a priceless strategy for staying close, discussing life and keeping communication lines open. Plus it’s a whole lot of fun.
Here are six suggestions of young adult books that you and your daughter can enjoy together.
1. “Dot to Dot” by Kit Bakke
Dot is a young teen who has just witnessed the death of her free-spirited mother. Reeling from the tragedy, Dot is forced to travel to England with her rough-around-the-edges Aunt Tab, who insists that the trip will bring comfort and understanding. While traipsing through England, Dot — full name Dorothy Mary-Jane — discovers the story behind her unique name and a lot about her mother and herself.
This adorable story of strength and self-discovery is loaded with quiet wisdom and solid life advice. Bakke’s commentary on loss, life and love is touching and enjoyable and her plot carefully crafted. A great read for moms and daughters.
2. “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli
This short novel is a powerful celebration of non-conformity and being true to ourselves. Stargirl, the new girl at Mica High, is anything but normal, which is exactly why Leo falls for her. But when the majority of the student body turns against her, shunning her for all the things that make her special, Leo has to decide if love or popularity is more important.
A quick and satisfying read from Newberry medalist Jerry Spinelli that will have you both celebrating everything different about yourselves and those around you.
3. “The Hourglass Door” by Lisa Mangum
Abby, a senior in high school, has a normal, predictable life: good friends, reliable boyfriend and college applications in the mail. But all her normalcy is interrupted when mysterious, gorgeous and Italian Dante shows up. He’s unlike anyone she has ever met, but as Abby is swept up in his love, she is also pulled into his world of danger and time travel, one filled with secrets that reach all the way back to the 16th century.
An intoxicating read with solid characters and beautifully vivid writing, this book is an exciting, hard-to-put-down read from local author Lisa Mangum. And it’s a trilogy, so you can enjoy the romance three times over.
4. “Entwined” by Heather Dixon
If you and your daughter enjoy tales of royalty, romance, dancing in fancy dresses and magic, then this fairy tale retelling is perfect. Local author Heather Dixon expertly brings to life the Grimm story of “The Worn Out Dancing Shoes,” with thrilling twists, gorgeous descriptions and intriguing suspense.
Azalea is the oldest of 12 daughters and heir to her father’s throne. Shortly after the death of her mother, she and her sisters discover a secret passageway to an enchanted pavilion under the castle where they can dance all night. The mysterious Keeper allows them to pass through, but his intentions may be less than honorable, especially where gorgeous Azalea is concerned.
5. “A Northern Light” by Jennifer Donnelly
Mattie Gokey is a 16-year-old with aspirations of college and becoming a writer. Words are her escape from her rough life as the daughter of a poor farmer in 1906. She dreams of finishing high school and going on to college in New York, but has little hope of seeing those dreams come to life. After taking a job at a local hotel, a young woman hands Mattie a bundle of letters and asks her to destroy them. Later when the woman is found murdered, Mattie discovers the letters still in her pocket.
This heartwarming tale of a young girl who is able to rise above her bleak situation in life is one every girl, young or old, can relate to and enjoy. Inspired by a real-life murder of a young woman in 1906, this book is gracefully written and well researched. And Mattie is a character to love and admire.
6. "The Raging Quiet" by Sherryl Jordan
As a new bride, Marnie moves to the small fishing hamlet Tocurra. But when her new husband falls off the roof and dies two days after they arrive, she is left to fend for herself. With only the help of the village priest, Marnie scrapes by.
One night she takes in a young man who is known around the village as a dangerous madman. Marnie discovers he is not mad but deaf. Together they create a system of hand-words and soon Raven has lost all his madness. Their friendship bloosoms into love and soon their realtionship attracts the unwanted attention of critical neighbors. The villagers are sure Marnie could only have helped Raven by means of witchcraft.
This beautiful story of a young woman with remarkable courage is perfect for reading with your daughter. The romance is incredibly sweet, the writing vivid and the characters unforgettable.
Book calendar
- Utah State Poetry Society: Annual Poetry Festival, April 20-21, Hilton Salt Lake City Airport, 5151 Wiley Post Way. More information is available on the society's website.
- Westminster College: Hosting event with author Martha Silano, "What the Truth Tastes Like," April 20, 7 p.m., in the Dumke Student Theatre, 1840 S. 1300 East, (801) 832-2376
- The King's English Bookshop: Hosting several author events, including "Afternoon of Local Intrigue," featuring three mystery authors, April 21, 3 p.m. Visit the shop's website for more information about many more events.
- Weller Book Works: Hosting several events, including kid's story times. Visit the store's website for all the details.
- Provo City Library: Hosting the Provo Children's Book Festival, May 12, with events, activities and authors. See the website for all the information.
- Thomas R. Williams: Author of "The Adventures of Dod" is offering a free 500-word essay contest for kids K-12. Go to the author's website for details on how to enter.
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Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children. Her bi-weekly column, Book Matters, appears on ksl.com. She also contributes a monthly book club segment to Studio 5. For more book fun, visit book-matters.com*
