What it is for teens:
A group of booklists for teens out there who need a good book, but aren’t sure what to read next.
What it is for grown-ups:
A website featuring out of the ordinary booklists for teens, written by Jennifer Hubert (that’s me!) and designed by Andrew Mutch that has been an online presence since 1998. In May 2007, Andrew transformed the original website into a blog, where teens can respond to reviews and add their own thoughts. Reading Rants also exists as a book for adult professionals who work with teens. Visit Amazon to order a copy.
What it ain’t and never will be:
A source for adults who work with teens where they can find complete book ordering information or age level book recommendations. I believe that teens can and should read anything that they want to or feel that they are ready for, and I don’t want to influence that intuition by recommending books by age level. I know parents, teachers and librarians read this site and enjoy it and I am SO grateful that they do and that they pass it along to their teens, but this site is FOR TEENS. It is written TO TEENS. So adult readers, please don’t ask me for age-level lists. Teen readers, you can ask me anything you want, except…(see below).
A book report service for teens who haven’t read the book by the night before the report is due and think that I will dash off a quick summary for them. Please don’t ask me.
Where do you get your suggestions?
These suggestions are just books that I love, both as a librarian and a teen — because I read some of these books when I was a teen! I would also like to take suggestions for books and book list ideas from teens who read this blog. You can leave your suggestions and opinions through the comments section anywhere on the site.
*Please note that I do not review self published works in either paper or electronic form. I am a member of Netgalley, and am open to review requests of  e-books from that site.*
Why are you posting these lists?
Because I love working with teenagers and I love it when they find a book that speaks to them.
Because I love being the person responsible for giving a teen a book that speaks to them.
Because I LOVE Young Adult literature, and I LOVE being a librarian. (I know, it’s kind of geeky, but I don’t even care, I LOVE it!)
Because I think the level of teen literature has not only risen to rival literature that is written for adults, but has, in many cases, surpassed it in quality and scope.
Because some of my most favorite authors, like Emily Frank, Libba Bray, Adam Rapp, Jason Reynolds, Laurie Halse Anderson, David Levithan, Blake Nelson, Sharon G. Flake, Rita Williams-Garcia and Julie Berry use their amazing talent to write for a teen audience, and wouldn’t I hate like heck to miss one single word of their amazing stuff?
A Final Note to my Readers — Not all of these titles will necessarily be found in the Young Adult or Teen section of your local library or bookstore. That’s okay, as a teen, you know what adult books you like. You’re not just limited to the Teen section. Browse around! Help your parents figure out what to read next.
My bio: All the secrets are revealed here!
Congrats on 10 years
The new look is excellent, and I second Susan’s congratulations!
I always check you site before I read a YA book!
I love the new look! Great job…your reviews are always right on 😀
cool new look. i find most of the teen books i read on here.
I found this website by accidentally stumbling across it when I was surfing the web and have to say that it is incredible. I enjoy reading books and haven’t been able to find many books until now. I suggest reading Bottled up by Jaye Murray. Also books by the authors Sarah Dessen or Ellen Hopkins.
I’ve been a fan since the beginning – LOVE the new site!
Have been using this site for 5 years and it has proved to be a super source for teachers to meet the needs of students- Now I need a favor- my grandson is on a gifted IEP and the teacher has run out of Reading Material for Him he is in 5th grade- need help and ideas thanks
Hi Doug,
Try http://tweendom.blogspot.com/
good luck and thanks!
Most of the books I read is on this website and it is always so helpful.
THANX! 🙂
Jen,
Congratulations on your FIRST 10 years! Long live young adult literature!
I am a high school English teacher and was told of your site from our local librarian in town. What a great resource! Every Friday my students and I do a reader’s workshop, where we talk about great books and spend some time reading. I will definitely show them this site next week! Thanks for all of the great info 🙂
Ok, I have fallen in love with your blog…I am a youth lib at a publi library, and I love your booklists! Congrats on the wonderful work!
I am 15 and a huge geek for books. I was running out, and am so glad that I found this site. Keep it up 😀
This website is so awesome!I wanted something new to read really badly, so, me being a library addict,went on my library’s young adult page and searched around for links to book recommendation sites. I checked all of them, and Reading Rants is absolutely the best. Thanks for putting up such great reviews! 🙂
Jen moderated a YA book discussion at Bookfest this year and was terrific. So glad I was able to participate and meet in person the person who writes on this wonderful blog. It is full of treasures!
omgosh! i love it !!! i have been trying to find a website like this since i started to read adult authors lol i was like 9! now i can find teen books that i LOVE!
You’re providing a great service to YA librarians, teachers and parents. But most of all TEENS! Brava!
And, of course, you are a blessing to authors who are seeking reviews, like me:-)) My novel, I Was Shipwrecked on the Andrea Doria! The Titanic of the 1950s is on its way. Thank you for the possibilities.
Nice post
My most remembered books from my teen years were To Kill A Mockingbird and Dracula, though I was an avid reader. I loved Robert Heinlein but most of those are dated now. One of my favorites from the eighth grade was Jim Briger by Shannon Garst.
Your site is AWESOME. It is the water filled oasis when I am in a reading drought. Thanks for what you do.
If you haven’t read I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest, I recommend you do so soon!