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
From Fever 1793 "Where's Polly?" I asked as I dropped the bucket down the well. "Did you pass by the blacksmith's? "I spoke with her mother, with Mistress Logan," Mother answered softly, looking at her neat rows of carrots. "And?" I waved a mosquito away from my...
Speak /
Anderson, Laurie Halse
Paper Book
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--we want to know what you have to say."...
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...
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....
The tornado /
Burt, Jake
Paper Book
"One of the best stories about bullying for middle grades. Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review Bell Kirby is an expert at systems, whether he's designing the world's most elaborate habitat for his pet chinchilla, re-creating Leonardo da...
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...
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...
Los juegos del hambre /
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.
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...
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....
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
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...
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 ...
What were the Salem Witch Trials? /
Holub, Joan.
Paper Book
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...
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...
When forests burn :
Marrin, Albert
Paper Book
A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire, from a National Book Award finalist. Perfect for young fans of disaster stories and national history. A...
Cinder
Meyer, Marissa
Paper Book
Soon to be adapted into major motion picture! The first book in the #1 New York Times- and USA Today-Bestselling Lunar Chronicles series by the "Queen of fairytale retellings," Marissa Meyer! See where the futuristic YA fairytale saga all began, with the tale of a teenage...
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.
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
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
It all comes down to this - a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do youlisten to...
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 Jules Verne prophecy /
Schwarz, Larry
Paper Book
An Edgar Award Finalist for Best Juvenile Mystery A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year When a mysterious book by the legendary writer Jules Verne falls into the hands of three unlikely friends, it sets off a treasure hunt like no other--get ready for...
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...
Rain is not my Indian name
Smith, Cynthia Leitich
Paper Book
In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith tells the story of a teenage girl who must face down her grief and reclaim her place in the world with the help of her intertribal community. It's been six months since Cassidy Rain...
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, in a deluxe centennial edition   Over seventy-five years since its first publication, Steinbeck's tale of commitment, loneliness, hope, and loss remains one of America's most widely read and taught...
0101817503994
STE
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.
Paper Book
The stirring adventure that begins The Lord of the Rings, the greatest fantasy epic of all time When Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves embark upon a dangerous quest to reclaim the hoard of gold stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug, Gandalf the wizard suggests an...
The hobbit, or, There and back again /
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Paper Book
The stirring adventure that begins The Lord of the Rings, the greatest fantasy epic of all time When Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves embark upon a dangerous quest to reclaim the hoard of gold stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug, Gandalf the wizard suggests an...
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
When the Time Traveller courageously stepped out of his machine for the first time, he found himself in the year 802,700--and everything has changed. In another, more utopian age, creatures seemed to dwell together in perfect harmony. The Time Traveller thought he could study these marvelous beings-...
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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