Teen stories through diaries, email and letters
Whether novels told through letters or journals of real people, these books may inspire teens to write their own stories.
This booklist was contributed by Appleton Public Library Reference and Information Services Staff, 11/06
Write me a letter
13 little blue envelopes by Maureen Johnson(1993)When seventeen-year-old Ginny receives a packet of mysterious envelopes from her favorite aunt, she leaves New Jersey to criss-cross Europe on a sort of scavenger hunt that transforms her life.
Bloodline: A novel by Kate Cary(2005)In this story told primarily through journal entries, a British soldier in World War I makes the horrifying discovery that his regiment commander is descended from Count Dracula.
Hang on in there, Shelley by Kate Saksena(2003)Shelley's just turned fourteen, but her life has turned upside down. When her mother lost her last job, she also lost their home. Shelley begins writing to Ziggy, the lead singer in her favorite band, Arctic 2000. Ziggy "speaks" to her with his lyrics, so she chooses him to confide in, as she's afraid to keep a diary in case her mother reads it: a lot of what she needs to write about is her mother's drinking problem. She's elated when she receives a postcard from him in reply: from Italy no less! Inspired and encouraged, she continues her correspondence, telling Ziggy about her growing problems with her mother, as well as trouble with some girls at school. And Ziggy always answers, usually with the phrase "Hang on in there, Shelley," but sometimes with something more, just enough so she knows he's listening, and he cares. A strong and endearing character, Shelley shines through the situations she's faced with and comes out on top.Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Keep in touch : letters, notes, and more from The sisterhood of the traveling pants by Ann Brashares(2005)Companion to the film The sisterhood of the traveling pants.
The murder of Bindy MacKenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty(2006)Class brain Bindy Mackenzie has alienated her entire high school but when she realizes someone is trying to kill her, she has to make friends in order to get help.
The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky(1999)Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is navigating through the strange worlds of love, drugs, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and dealing with the loss of a good friend and his favorite aunt.
The year of secret assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty(2004)Three female students from Ashbury High write to three male students from rival Brookfield High as part of a pen pal program, leading to romance, humiliation, revenge plots, and war between the schools.
