Need titles for theme on teenagers in literature

[krasnerm]

Hello,

I'm building a reading unit for high school juniors and seniors based on the theme of teenagers in literature. I'm looking for a few novels, perhaps some short stories as well. I'd like to begin the unit with Catcher in the Rye, and build towards some more contemporary portraits. The works must be English in origin. Thanks for your ideas!

[OULGOUT]

Dear Klasnerm,
I read your request in the forum about short stories and novels for teenagers, and I think I can help you with a nice story of mine, which I've recently written for my students in high school. My short story is entitled "begging for love"; it tackles many social issues related to teenagers, especially the misarable. If you are interested in investing the story in your teaching creer, please send me your e-mail to send you the story to read it and provide your feedback.

[kelby_lake]

Bonjour Tristesse. It's only 100 pages and the main character is a 17 year old girl. It was written by an 18 year old and caused a scandal in France.

[Manchegan]

Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man...huh. I expected to rattle off a few but can't actually think of any others...

[Desolation]

A Clockwork Orange

[prendrelemick]

Tom Jones
White Teeth
Diary of Adrian Mole
Oliver twist.

[susan_p]

Tom Jones
White Teeth
Diary of Adrian Mole
Oliver twist.

I loved Adrian Mole when I was younger, but I'd say that's more of a light, fun read as opposed to something meant for classroom study, no?

Here are a few suggestions from me too, off the top of my head:

- The Outsiders / S.E. Hinton
- various Jane Austen novels - might be interesting to see how different life and expectations were for teens back then!
- Lord of the Flies (the kids ranged from quite young to early/mid teens, I think)
- Girl with a Pearl Earring (Tracy Chevalier) - 16 y/o girl in mid-1600s Holland
Another thing you could do is introduce them to books that some famous authors enjoyed when they were teens themselves. You can use Infloox.com or maybe even Barnes & Noble (where they put their "about the author" interviews) for this - eg: there were several books by Samuel Richardson that Austen loved when she was younger (check http://www.infloox.com/influence?id=4042bd09). Maybe your students could do a study on this?

[k.brignell]

I loved 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green

[mal4mac]

Two books that I have read in the last year that I would recommend literate teenagers to read are "Nicholas Nickleby" (Dickens) and "The Cossacks" (Tolstoy). The heroes of both are at the stage of finding their first real (if extreme!) job(s). Both give great accounts of heroic characters taking on the adult world in a mature fashion for the first time.

[Adagio]

When you say English origin I guess you mean the English Language. I'd say have a look at The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. It gives a very powerful and fragmented portrait of teenagers.

[David R]

Ok,

These aren't canonical titles but they are contemporary. Clive Barker's Abarat, books 1+2. And Neil Gaiman's Stardust. Both books about teenagers and aimed at teenagers.

Hope that's helpful.