Do you need a book recommendation? Check out the 2023-2024 South Carolina Book Award Nominees. The links below take you to the SCASL website (SC Association of School Librarians) where you can view book trailers, summaries, and activity guides for the nominated books. You can even view nominations for previous years. The important thing to remember is to choose books to read that you like. You don't have to pick from this list.
Novels listed here are appropriate for students in grades 6-8. Visit the SC Junior Book Award page to learn more about each book and to see if one of these books is right for you.
Novels listed here are appropriate for students in grades 9-12. Visit the SC YA Book Award page to learn more about each book and to see if one of these books is right for you.
Let them choose. When teens feel in control of their reading selections, they are more likely to enjoy and continue reading.
Talk about books. Talk with your teen about what they are reading. Many junior and YA books deal with common issues teens face. Use these opportunities to discuss how the characters responded to challenges and what you may have done differently in the situation.
Set the example. Let your teen see you read. Show how you value reading by your actions. Discuss what your read. You may be reading newspaper articles, nonfiction books, magazine articles, sports reports, etc. All reading is good reading. Teens need to know reading includes other types of texts in addition to novels.
Read first. Set the expectation that reading comes first before gaming, streaming, or posting. Use parental controls to set limits on devices and monitor screen time.
Read together. Join or create your own book club with your teen, or join a local book club of parents and teens. Pick books together. Read and discuss. In no time your teen will be graduating. Use this summer to bond over books!