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...
The witch's boy
Barnhill, Kelly Regan
Ebook
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 Best Children...
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....
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...
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
CD
Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy. FORMAT: 9 CDs, Unabridged NARRATOR: Carolyn McCormick Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory...
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.
Paper Book
Powerful and haunting, the thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins' groundbreaking Hunger games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena...
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 exact. When she...
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...
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.
Ebook
From the author of The Outsiders: This novel about two brothers in a tough world "packs a punch that will leave readers of any age reeling" (School Library Journal).   An ALA Best Book for Young Adults A School Library Journal Best Book of...
What were the Salem witch trials?
Holub, Joan
Paper Book
Something wicked was brewing in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It started when two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, began having hysterical fits. Soon after, other local girls claimed they were being pricked with pins. With no scientific explanation available, the residents...
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....
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...
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...
Cinder
Meyer, Marissa
CD
A wicked mash-up of fairy tale and Terminator -- set in a Star Wars kind of world -- CINDER is a fresh and fiercely ingenious futuristic retelling of Cinderella, from a stunning new talent. A wicked mash-up of fairy tale and Terminator- set in a Star Wars...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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, or, There and back again
Tolkein, 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
Tolkein, 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 time machine /
Wells, H. G.
Paper Book
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells is a classic science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through time. As the Time Traveller explores the future, he encounters dystopian societies and grapples with the profound implications of human evolution.   ...
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 Yousafzai was...
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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