Top Ten List of my favorite young adult boooks

Top Ten Lists:

My list: I'm with TK. I'm ready for an extended reading break. As a grandmother, I pulled out the books that made it through countless moves in various stages of abuse and many bookshelf cullings. These are the books that I can't wait to read to my grand-daughter.

• Any of Silverstein, but Where the Sidewalk Ends wins (2 copies-because my son and my daughter fought over it at bedtime)
• Courage of Sarah Nobel* by Dalgleish (because bravery comes is small bodies)
• Wrinkle in Time* by L'Engle (because love of family conquers all)
• Light in the Forest by Richter (because love overcomes culture clash)
• Isle of the Blue Dolphin* by O'Dell (because perseverance wins)
• From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by Konisburg (because you can puzzle anything out--even if you're young, awkward and trying to grow up)
• Enchantress from the Stars* by Engdahl (because an anthropologist will sacrifice her life for others to keep a society's innocence)
• Number the Stars* by Lowry (because a young girl can make a difference against atrocity and war)
• 21 Balloons* by du Bois (technology can be wonderful and stem from creativity) or Gilgamesh or Beowulf or the Iliad (because no story can out do the ones that survive centuries)

Enchantress from the Stars was a Newbery Award honorable mention in 1971. Remembering it--reminded me so much of the movie Avatar. Bodies changed to walk among the natives, willingness to risk all for another society, and acceptance of the adopted society over the cavalier attitude of her fellow scientists etc. Humm, James Cameron is my age. I wonder if he read this book!

*recognized by the Newbery Award committee.