by Casey Jorristma and Renae Hurtman
In a world where school libraries are transforming into tech-heavy learning commons, it has become more challenging to promote a love of reading in our students. At Grand Rapids Christian High School, we have worked with intentionality to cultivate a space that celebrates both modern technology and the timeless joy of getting lost in a book. We’ve handpicked a list of fiction titles we feel will help “restart” your students’ love of reading.
Adventure
Alone, by Megan E. Freeman
Aladdin, 2021
Age Range: Middle–High School
Synopsis: For fans of a classic tale of survival, Alone is an excellent option. It is the story of a girl and her dog who find themselves suddenly and completely alone in their hometown, forced to figure out how to live without electricity or adults. Written in verse, this book is an accessible read both for students who frequently consume books and for those who read less often.
Fantasy
Mistborn (Series), by Brandon Sanderson
Tor Fantasy, 2006–2022
Age Range: High School
Synopsis: Fantasy is the most popular genre in our library, making it hard to pick just one book to recommend. However, in the past few years, one of the most popular authors has been Brandon Sanderson. Some of his books can feel intimidating at over a thousand pages, but the Mistborn series is a great place to start for anyone wanting to get into fantasy. With its fast-paced story and unique magic structure, readers will be hooked.
Romance
Better Than the Movies, by Lynn Painter
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021
Age Range: High School
Synopsis: Romance can be a tricky genre to navigate in a Christian school setting, but this book is the perfect balance of fluffy teenage romance and positive messaging. The fast pace, the references to classic rom-coms, and the favored tropes make Better Than the Movies the perfect choice for a high schooler interested in the romance genre.
Realistic Fiction
Orbiting Jupiter, by Gary D. Schmidt
Clarion Books, 2015
Age Range: Middle–High School
Synopsis: We recommend this book to just about everyone who wanders into our learning commons. It is a tender coming-of-age story about the growing friendship between Jack and his foster brother, Joseph. At the same time beautiful and devastating, Orbiting Jupiter is a simple story that proves that a quick read can still be profound. If students want to continue the story, they can read Jupiter Rising to see what happens next.
Historical Fiction
The Bletchley Riddle, by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Viking Books for Young Readers, 2024
Age Range: Middle–High School
Synopsis: In a library where there is no shortage of historical fiction books about World War II, The Bletchley Riddle stands out. The story follows two quarrelsome siblings as they navigate the realities of living under the ever-present threat of the German invasion of England. While one sibling works tirelessly to crack the Enigma cipher, the other is intent on solving a mysterious family disappearance. This book will keep students guessing along with the characters.
[This is only part of the article. Want to read more online? Subscribe to the website by choosing Log In from the menu above, and then Register. It's free]Casey Jorritsma and Renae Hurtman oversee all learning commons operations at Grand Rapids Christian High School, including technology, library books, textbooks, and learning materials. They share a great love of reading and enjoy “talking books” with their high school students.
