By an Advanced Reader, I’m talking about a young adult in late junior high through highschool who is able to appreciate (and handle) literature that pushes a bit deeper. Some of this literature is appropriate for younger readers, but I believe it grows more meaningful with age. I have endeavored to keep this a fairly clean list and to note any objectionable content.
- 5-Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
- 4-To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- 5-Autobiography by John G. Paton
- A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
- Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
- 5-Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
- The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis
- 3-Jacob I have Loved by Katherine Paterson
Popular author Katherine Paterson takes an engaging look at some of life’s complexities, including sibling rivalry, puberty, and faith. Although written for a sixth grade or above reading level, I believe this book fits more into the ‘Advanced Reader’ category because of its content: as part of the main character’s physical maturation, she deals with new physical/sexual attractions that seem to her to be confusing and uncontrollable. Also, although based very solidly in Christian-religious culture, the main character ultimately rejects her faith, feeling that she is predestined to be hated by God. These themes are worth a bit more mature reader’s time and thought, but may prove difficult for a younger reader to deal with. I really appreciated her portrayal of the main character’s parents, specifically their marriage. Included some mildly profane language. - 3-Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Well written, clean glimpse into some of the history surrounding Japanese-American persecution in WWII. - 3-I’ll Watch The Moon by Ann Tatlock
A good contemporary-Christian work set in the WWII era that examines the pain and suffering we experience in a sinful world–and maintains that God rules over all. Especially interesting (to me) inclusion of the widespread fear and anguish of the time caused by polio. - 4-Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall
I’d heard the title before, but only just read the book recently. I was pleasantly surprised! It’s a long book–but chock full of history: it’s a slightly fictionalized account of a real event. Plus, it offers a very historical perspective on patriotism and family…one very far removed from our current culture! Not all of it’s good–I, for instance, was a bit dismayed at the way the family is prioritized. However, all events in the book are presented in a family-friendly manner without minimizing their depth or significance, which I appreciated.
