Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summer is a great time of year to catch up on reading. Here at the Ad Council, our staff has read many books over the years that helped inspire us to get involved in the field of public service. As part of our recurring series called ?Books that Inspire,? our summer interns put together a list of books that have inspired them to want to make the world a better place.
We had a fun time compiling some favorite books from our tween years, and wanted to share them with you. These stories cover topics like friendship, acceptance and loyalty ? messages that still resonate with us today. So next time you find yourself looking for a new book to read, look no further than our list of our favorite tween novels!
For an added inspiration: check out our ?
Book People Unite? PSA from our
reading campaign.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (age 9 ? 11)
By C.S. Lewis
In this captivating tale, four siblings discover a wardrobe that leads them to a mystical land filled with different animals and an evil witch. In their struggle to help good prevail, they must overcome many temptations. After the siblings come to his aid, the true king of the country makes them kings and queens. The story demonstrates that the right decision may not always be the easiest, but is worth it in the end. Alexis is so glad her grade school librarian recommended this entertaining story.
Holes (age 10 ? 13)
By Louis Sachar
When Camille?s fifth grade class read this Newberry Award-winning novel as a reading assignment, she recalls everyone loving this book. Holes tell the story of Stanley Yelnats, a young boy who was wrongly accused of stealing a pair of shoes, and is punished by being sent away to Camp Greek Lake Correctional facility. There he meets new friends, who help him as he uncovers a family secret. This books touches on topics like friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Holes is an essential novel for any tween reader.
Esperanza Rising (age 11 ? 13)
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Esperanza grows up in a family of fortune, shielded from the world?s harsh reality. In a change of events, her family is forced to leave home and work at a labor camp where they suffer financial struggles and poor working conditions. In spite of losing her belongings, Esperanza is able to find happiness, showing that the material possessions do not guarantee happiness; but family and love do. Alexis remembers fighting to stay awake as a child so that she could keep reading this book and later even passing it on to her mom to enjoy.
The Giver (age 11 ?15)
By Lois Lowry
The story focuses on a young boy growing up in a town that knows no sadness or pain because they expunge any suffering. The boy is chosen to inherit all the negative memories of the town, which leads him to despise the place. Eventually, he escapes to save a young child who is soon to be ?released? from the town, for he has brought suffering through his illness. The story teaches that through pain, we also are able to recognize joy.
Elsewhere (age 12 ? 15)
By Gabrielle Zevin
After being killed, Elizabeth Hall is forced to adjust to her afterlife. Initially, she obsesses over the things she no longer has, but eventually she meets friends and becomes happy. When the time comes to leave Elsewhere, she is able to reflect on the new life she made for herself. Elsewhere is a story of accepting what you don?t have and still being able to find happiness. Alexis vividly remembers getting lost in the story?s joys and sadness as she read.
Ella Enchanted (10 ? 13)
Gail Carson Levine
Ella Enchanted is an empowering and inspiring character for anyone who has ever faced adversity in their life. At birth, Ella is given the gift of obedience from a well-meaning fairy, but she can never disobey a direct order given to her. Instead of letting this curse ruin her life, she learns to help others and learns to understand her mysterious gift. This novel is about love, friendship, and acceptance.
About the Authors
Alexis Giua is working at the Ad Council as a PR/Social Media summer intern. She is currently enrolled at Penn State University and is majoring in Public Relations and Spanish.
Camille Mola is the PR/Social Media intern at the Ad Council this summer, and is also a rising senior at Penn State University studying public relations.
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Books That Inspire: Tween Edition appeared first on
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