There are so many great YA books published each year that they can't all possibly get the buzz they deserve. Which is why Kelly of YAnnabe devised this one-day blog blitz to highlight our favorite YA titles that need a little more buzz. Check out her round-up of the Best YA You Haven't Read for bloggers' picks and lists of books that deserve a second look.
Let me paint you a picture:
The Hunger Games is entered in 3,943 Library Thing libraries and has over 29,000 ratings on Good Reads.
Twilight is entered in over 26,000 LT libraries and has over 265,000 ratings on Good Reads.
In comparison, each of the books I'm highlighting today appear in fewer than 500 LT libraries and have fewer than 1,000 ratings on Good Reads. I think they deserve a little extra buzz. If you're looking for a good book to read, do check out My Favorite YA Books You Haven't Read:
Girl, Hero by Carrie Jones. Looking for a YA heroine who's not your typical YA heroine? If you're in the mood for something a little different, give Girl, Hero a try.
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce. This fun paranormal romance didn't get nearly the attention I think it deserved. I loved it! If you're in the mood for a feel-good romance with snappy writing, pick up As You Wish.
Good Enough by Paula Yoo. This was one of my favorite books of 2008. Fun and humorous with a lot of heart. If you're looking for a pick-me-up, grab Good Enough.
Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher. This was on our Cybils shortlist the year I was on the YA panel, but I still think it deserves more buzz. If you're looking for historical fiction that you can really sink your teeth into, try Ten Cents a Dance.
Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick. Jordan Sonnenblick always makes me laugh and his stories have a lot of heart. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud and cry buckets, pick up Notes from the Midnight Driver.
Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier. Hidier's writing brings Dimple's Indian-American experience to live and it'll pull you right in to the story. If you're looking for a vibrant book, check out Born Confused.
Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger. This is a story about star-crossed love and finding yourself and your talents. If you're looking for a love story that's not a love story and if you love zines or if you've never heard of zines, try Hard Love.
Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff. I loved this book when I was a teen and the trilogy has recently been completed with True Believer and (finally!) This Full House. If you like novels in verse and are looking for a truly inspiring heroine, pick up Make Lemonade (and then the sequels!).
Donorboy by Brendan Halpin. An Alex-award-winning book about a girl going to live with her sperm donor father after her two moms are killed in an accident. If you're looking for something compelling and a little different, Donorboy, told through emails, transcripts, notes, etc. may be right up your alley.
Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt. If you're looking to start a great fantasy series rife with political intrigue and a well-developed fantasy kingdom, pick up Jackaroo and start Cynthia Voigt's Kingdom novels.
And what are your favorite YA books that haven't gotten the buzz they deserve? Head over to Kelly's blog to join in the discussion or leave your picks in the comments!