Guided Reading List: Juvenile Fiction and Juvenile Nonfiction Z

This book list was created using Guided Reading Levels provided by Fountas & Pinnell, and children’s publishers such as ABDO Publishing, Capstone Press, Cavendish Square, Children’s Press, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Random House and Scholastic.

Please note in this book list you will find titles that are classified as Young Adult. A book is classified as Young Adult (YA) if it is written for a teen audience (typically ages 12-18), features a teenage protagonist, and deals with themes and concerns relevant to adolescence, such as finding one's place in the world, first experiences like love and responsibility, and navigating more mature topics like sexuality or independence. YA is an age-based category that encompasses various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery, rather than being a specific genre itself.


Updated September 24, 2025
S
Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian
Alexie, Sherman
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller--over 1 million copies sold!   A National Book Award winner A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the...
The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian
Alexie, Sherman
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller--over 1 million copies sold!   A National Book Award winner A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the...
Fever, 1793
Anderson, Laurie Halse.
Paper Book
An epidemic of fever sweeps through the streets of 1793 Philadelphia in this novel from Laurie Halse Anderson where "the plot rages like the epidemic itself" (The New York Times Book Review). During the summer of 1793, Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with...
Speak
Anderson, Laurie Halse
Paper Book
A special 20th anniversary edition of the groundbreaking National Book Award Finalist and Michael L. Printz Honor Book with more than 3.5 million copies sold. Speak is a bestselling modern classic about consent, healing, and finding your voice. "Speak up for yourself-...
Iveliz explains it all /
Arango, Andrea Beatriz,
Paper Book
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER * In this timely and moving novel in verse, a preteen girl navigates seventh grade while facing mental health challenges. A hopeful, poetic story about learning to advocate for the help and understanding you deserve. "Powerful." --Lisa Fipps,...
Something like home
Arango, Andrea Beatriz
Paper Book
The Pura Belpré Honor winning novel in verse, in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family . . . only for them to find family in each other along the way. From the Newbery Honor winning author of Iveliz Explains It All. "Trust me: this book will touch...
The witch's boy
Barnhill, Kelly Regan
Paper Book
From the Newbery-Medal winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon comes a spellbinding fantasy adventure spun around a haunting prophecy: The wrong boy will save your life, and you will save his. A Washington Post Best Book ★ A Kirkus Reviews...
Hitler Youth :
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell
Paper Book
Robert F. Sibert Award-winner Susan Campbell Bartoletti explores the riveting and often chilling story of Germany's powerful Hitler Youth groups.In her first full-length nonfiction title since winning the Robert F. Sibert Award, Susan Campbell Bartoletti explores the riveting and often chilling...
A new recruit
Beil, Michael D.
Paper Book
"With topical themes, high-speed action, and a neat resolution, this is likely to be a popular read. The emphasis on good character--especially compassion, courage, integrity, and discipline--is nice to see." --Kirkus "Quick and pulsepounding and the stakes are high." -...
Facing Frederick :
Bolden, Tonya
Paper Book
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) is best known for the telling of his own emancipation. But there is much more to Douglass's story than his time spent enslaved and his famous autobiography. Facing Frederick captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was....
Troublemaker /
Cho, John,
Paper Book
An instant New York Times bestseller! An Indiebound bestseller! An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book! Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan...
If a tree falls at lunch period
Choldenko, Gennifer
Paper Book
Kirsten's parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has fallen under the spell of the school's queen bee, Brianna. It seems like only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side.           ...
Catching fire
Collins, Suzanne.
Paper Book
Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy. Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh...
Catching fire /
Collins, Suzanne
Paper Book
Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy. Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh...
The Hunger Games
Collins, Suzanne
Paper Book
The first novel in the worldwide bestselling series by Suzanne Collins! Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . . In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve...
The Hunger Games
Collins, Suzanne
Paper Book
The first novel in the worldwide bestselling series by Suzanne Collins! Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . . In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve...
The Hunger Games
Collins, Suzanne
Paper Book
The first novel in the worldwide bestselling series by Suzanne Collins! Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . . In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve...
Mockingjay
Collins, Suzanne
Paper Book
The greatly anticipated final book in the New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest?Katniss Everdeen.The final book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins will have hearts...
Mockingjay
Collins, Suzanne.
CD
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss.Powerful and thrilling, this final book in The...
Violets are blue /
Dee, Barbara.
Paper Book
From the author of the acclaimed My Life in the Fish Tank and Maybe He Just Likes You comes a moving and relatable middle grade novel about secrets, family, and the power of forgiveness. Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup--special effect makeup, to be...
Nest
Ehrlich, Esther.
Paper Book
For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi "Chirp"...
Dress coded /
Firestone, Carrie
Paper Book
In this debut middle-grade girl-power friendship story, perfect for fans of Moxie, an eighth grader starts a podcast to protest the unfair dress code enforcement at her middle school and sparks a rebellion.   Molly Frost is FED UP... Because Olivia...
The inquisitor's tale, or, The three magical children and their holy dog
Gidwitz, Adam
Paper Book
A Newbery Honor Book Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award An exciting and hilarious medieval adventure from the bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm. Beautifully illustrated throughout by Hatem Aly! "A profound and ambitious tour de force....
The inquisitor's tale, or, the three magical children and their holy dog
Gidwitz, Adam.
Paper Book
A Newbery Honor Book Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award An exciting and hilarious medieval adventure from the bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm. Beautifully illustrated throughout by Hatem Aly! "A profound and ambitious tour de force....
Kid confident.
Glassman, Lenka
Paper Book
"Smart and essential!"--Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid series "They used to tell kids to chant 'sticks and stones' or 'just ignore it.' It didn't work. This book helps kids find the opposite approach: don't ignore it; understand it."--Tom Angleberger, Origami Yoda Some...
Among the hidden
Haddix, Margaret Peterson.
Paper Book
In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke, an illegal third child, has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family's farm in this start to the Shadow Children series from Margaret Peterson Haddix. Luke...
Island of whispers /
Hardinge, Frances
Paper Book
A remarkable and ultimately heartwarming story of grief, family, kindness, and being true to yourself. Multiple starred reviews and a rave from the New York Times Book Review, which praised it as "incredibly hopeful." Part gothic thriller and part...
Unraveller /
Hardinge, Frances.
Paper Book
Unraveller is a dark YA fantasy about learning to use your power and finding peace, from award-winning author Frances Hardinge. In a world where anyone can create a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them.
Wrecker /
Hiaasen, Carl
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Wrecker needs to deal with smugglers, grave robbers, and pooping iguanas--just as soon as he finishes Zoom school. Welcome to another wild adventure in Carl Hiaasen's Florida! Valdez Jones VIII calls himself Wrecker because his great...
The outsiders
Hinton, S. E.
Paper Book
Over 50 years of an iconic classic! This international bestseller and inspiration for a beloved movie is a heroic story of friendship and belonging. No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his...
The outsiders /
Hinton, S. E.
Paper Book
50 years of an iconic classic!The international bestseller and inspiration for a beloved movie--now with bonus content. This special edition of the groundbreaking novel contains- Never before seen photos and letters from the publisher's archives ...
Rumble fish
Hinton, S. E.
Paper Book
Stylistically superb. . . . This packs a punch that will leave readers of any age reeling - School Library Journal Sharper in focus and more mature in style than Hinton's The Outsiders - Booklist An ALA Best Books for Young Adults ...
Bumps in the night /
Howard, Amalie
Paper Book
The creepy middle grade debut from USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard in which a girl stays with her grandmother in Trinidad for the summer and discovers that she comes from a long line of powerful witches. "Filled with wonder, chills, excitement, and adventure....
Captain Skidmark dances with destiny /
Irwin, Jennifer A.,
Paper Book
This laugh-out-loud middle-grade novel follows thirteen-year-old Will- who hates hockey and loves dancing-as he navigates school, bullies, and his father's expectations. Will is a Canadian eighth grader who hates hockey-and he stinks at it, too. Will is bullied at school, doesn't...
Abraham Lincoln :
Kanefield, Teri,
Paper Book
The third installment of the Making of America series, Abraham Lincoln, tells of one of our most beloved presidents. Born in a cabin deep in the backwoods of Kentucky, growing up in a family considered "the poorest of the poor," Lincoln rose to become the sixteenth president of the United States. As...
To kill a mockingbird /
Lee, Harper
Paper Book
Look for The Land of Sweet Forever, a posthumous collection of newly discovered short stories and previously published essays and magazine pieces by Harper Lee, coming October 21, 2025. Voted America's Best-Loved Novel in PBS's The Great American Read Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize...
To kill a mockingbird /
Lee, Harper
Paper Book
The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made...
Cinder
Meyer, Marissa.
Paper Book
The first book in the #1New York Times-and USA Today-Bestselling Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer! See where the futuristic YA fairytale saga all began, with the tale of a teenage cyborg who must fight for Earth's survival against villains from outer space.
Cinder /
Meyer, Marissa
Paper Book
The first book in the #1New York Times-and USA Today-Bestselling Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer! See where the futuristic YA fairytale saga all began, with the tale of a teenage cyborg who must fight for Earth's survival against villains from outer space.
Holler of the fireflies /
Moore, David Barclay
Paper Book
A boy from the hood in Brooklyn travels to a STEM camp in an Appalachian holler for one epic, life-changing summer in this brilliant novel from the award-winning author of The Stars Beneath Our Feet. Javari knew that West Virginia would be different from his home in...
The greatest : Muhammad Ali
Myers, Walter Dean
Paper Book
An inspiring biography of Muhammad Ali from the legendary Walter Dean Myers, reissued under Scholastic Focus for a new generation.From his childhood in the segregated South to his final fight with Parkinson's disease, Muhammad Ali never backed down. He was banned from boxing during his prime because...
Remember this :
Polak, Monique
Paper Book
★ "The writing is fluid and easy to read, perfect for the middle school set...Polak's text explores memory from numerous angles and adapts its tone accordingly, from humorous to respectful and solemn when needed. The real-life examples are fascinating, and readers will come away with in...
The best Halloween ever
Robinson, Barbara
Paper Book
Lionsgate released a live action movie version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen and featuring actors Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Elizabeth Tabish, and Pete Holmes, now at a theater near you! The Herdmans are back so get ready for the Halloween of...
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows
Rowling, J. K.
CD
'His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the...
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows
Rowling, J. K.
Paper Book
We now present the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter. "As a farewell to the series, Deathly Hallows is everything fans of Harry Potter could hope for." -- Lev Grossman, Time
Impossible creatures /
Rundell, Katherine
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Two kids race to save the world's last magical place in the first book of a landmark new fantasy series, from "a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination." (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass) *This...
The Bletchley riddle
Sepetys, Ruta
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A thrilling mystery and collaboration between award-winning and bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin! This historical adventure follows two siblings at Bletchley Park, the home of WWII codebreakers, as they try to unravel a mystery surrounding...
The Bletchley Riddle
Sepetys, Ruta/ Sheinkin, Steve
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A thrilling mystery and collaboration between award-winning and bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin! This historical adventure follows two siblings at Bletchley Park, the home of WWII codebreakers, as they try to unravel a mystery surrounding...
Dead Wednesday
Spinelli, Jerry
Paper Book
Can playing dead bring you back to life? Maybe on Dead Wednesday... On this day the worlds of a shy boy and a gone girl collide, and the connection they make will change them both forever. A brilliant new novel from the Newbery Medal winner and author of the New York Times bestseller...
Dead Wednesday
Spinelli, Jerry
Paper Book
Can playing dead bring you back to life? Maybe on Dead Wednesday... On this day the worlds of a shy boy and a gone girl collide, and the connection they make will change them both forever. A brilliant new novel from the Newbery Medal winner and author of the New York Times bestseller...
Of mice and men
Steinbeck, John
Paper Book
A controversial tale of friendship and tragedy during the Great Depression "A thriller, a gripping tale . . . that you will not set down until it is finished. Steinbeck has touched the quick." --The New York Times John Steinbeck's classic novella follows an...
Of mice and men
Steinbeck, John
Paper Book
A controversial tale of friendship and tragedy during the Great Depression "A thriller, a gripping tale . . . that you will not set down until it is finished. Steinbeck has touched the quick." --The New York Times John Steinbeck's classic novella follows an...
The Hobbit
Tolkien, J. R. R.
CD
The original American full dramatization as broadcast on National Public Radio. Bilbo Baggins, a gentle hobbit who loves the comforts of home, reluctantly joins a company of dwarves on a journey to recover plundered gold from a fierce dragon. It's a tale of high adventure and astonishing courage-...
The hobbit, or, there and back again
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Paper Book
Sauron has returned. . . watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 on Prime Video. The journey through Middle-earth begins here with J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy. "A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled...
Mission: Arctic :
Weiss-Tuider, Katharina,
Paper Book
For kids 8 to 13, join the largest Arctic expedition ever undertaken--and discover the secrets hidden deep in the ice that reveal how one of the world's crucial ecosystems is changing. The Arctic is changing--fast. The once-frozen landscape is melting before our eyes, and the...
The time machine
Wells, H. G.
Paper Book
The revolutionary novel that catapulted readersinto the future, from the father of science fiction, H.G. Wells. "I've had a most amazing time...." So begins the Time Traveller's astonishing firsthand account of his journey eight hundred thousand years beyond his own...
Mid-Air /
Williams, Alicia,
Paper Book
Longlisted for the National Book Award A tender-souled boy reeling from the death of his best friend struggles to fit into a world that wants him to grow up tough and unfeeling in this stunning illustrated middle grade novel in verse "full of vulnerability and hope" (...
I am Malala : how one girl stood up for education and changed the world
Yousafzai, Malala
Paper Book
In this New York Times bestselling memoir, Malala Yousafzai--the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize--inspires young readers with her stunning story of resilience and power. I Am Malala. This is my story. Malala...
The book thief
Zusak, Markus.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME * A NEW YORK TIMES READER TOP 100 PICK FOR BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY * A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY The extraordinary, beloved novel about the...

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