Top 100 YA Novels (#55-51)

#55 Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta (2003)
[132 points - 3 #1s, 3 #2s, 1 #3, 3 #4s, 2 #5s, 3 #6s, 1 #7, 3 #8s, 1 #9, 4 #10]

"Spellbinding. With its witty one liners, and hysterical poignant moments, this book makes me want to eat it up." Carla Black, The Crooked Shelf

Francesca battles her mother Mia constantly over what's best for her. All Francesca wants is her old friends and her old school, but instead Mia sends her to St Sebastian's, an all-boys' school that has just opened its doors to girls. Now Francesca's surrounded by hundreds of boys, with only a few other girls for company. All of them weirdos - or worse.

Then one day, Mia is too depressed to get out of bed. One day turns into months and as her family begins to fall apart, Francesca realizes that without her mother's high spirits she hardly knows who she is. But she doesn't yet realize that she's more like Mia than she thinks. With a little unlikely help from St Sebastian's, she just might be able to save her family, her friends, and especially herself. MelinaMarchetta.com.au

Marchetta's second novel, Saving Francesca was a long wait for the author's fans, eleven years separated it from her debut Looking for Alibrandi. Like its predecessor, Saving Francesca won the Children’s Book Council Award Book of the Year (Older Readers) the most prestigious YA award in Australia. Since its original publication Saving Francesca has been translated and/or published in 8 countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, The Netherlands, UK and USA.

• To visit the author’s website click here.
• Teaching Notes.

#54 Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (2009)
[139 points - 1 #1, 3 #2s, 5 #3s, 3 #4s, 2 #5s, 3 #6s, 1 #7, 3 #8s, 1 #9, 4 #10s]

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. BeccaFitzpatrick.com

Hush, Hush is Fitzpatrick's debut work. She started writing it after her husband gifted her writing lessons. The novel was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Series.

• To visit the author’s website click here.
• Becca Fitzpatrick‘s Twitter.

#53 The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (1973)
[138 points - 3 #1s, 4 #2s, 2 #3s, 3 #4s, 3 #5s, 2 #6s, 1 #7, 1 #9, 1 #10]

“ Will Stanton is arguably one of my favourite heroes, and this book is Cooper's finest hour. It's certainly, for me, one of the best 'coming-of-age' books I've ever read, and I think teaches a lot about the loneliness of taking on adult responsibility before you are ready.” Lucy Coats, YA author

On his 11th birthday, Will Stanton learns that he is the last born of the Old Ones. At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid in the final battle between the Dark and Light. Goodreads

This Newbery Honor awardee for 1974 is the second title in the Dark is Rising series.



#52 Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (1986)
[138 points - 4 #1s, 4 #2s, 3 #3s, 1 #4, 4 #6s, 1 #8, 3 #9s, 2 #10s]

"Okay, it's true, I was in love with Howl.” Margie Stohl, YA author

Diana Wynne Jones' funniest and most popular novels. In the land of Ingary, where seven league boots and cloaks of invisibility do exist, Sophie Hatter catches the unwelcome attention of the Witch of the Waste and is put under a spell. Deciding she has nothing more to lose, she makes her way to the moving castle that hovers on the hills above Market Chipping. But the castle belongs to the dreaded Wizard Howl whose appetite, they say, is satisfied only by the souls of young girls! There she meets Michael, Howl's apprentice, and Calcifer the Fire Demon, with whom she agrees a pact. But Sophie isn't the only one under a curse - her entanglements with Calcifer, Howl, and Michael, and her quest to break her curse is both gripping - and howlingly funny! Amazon.co.uk

• To visit the author’s official website click here.

#51 Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (2000)
[139 points - 4 #1s, 2 #2s, 2 #3s, 2 #4s, 4 #5s, 3 #6s, 2 #8s, 2 #9s, 2 #10s]

"Stargirl warms my heart. The writing is spare and lovely. " Keri Adams, Librarian

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. Goodreads

Stargirl was nominated for the South Carolina Book Award for Young Adult Book Award and the Grand Canyon Reader Award for Teen Book.

• To visit the author’s website click here.
• Study Guide questions