Laughing Out Loud
Teen Books for Every Mood

The Darien Library is excited to recommend the following books from our Summer 2006 Laughing Out Loud brochure for summer reading.

- We encourage all middle school and high school students to participate in the Library's online summer reading program LOL beginning June 19 (And all these books count toward club totals).
- Participants will be entered in a drawing to win a DIGITAL CAMERA. Watch the teen site for more details.

beyond belief - fantasy and science fiction

Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley
Bella steps into her own fairytale when she learns she is the daughter of a knight.

Darkhenge by Catherine Fisher
Rob's work on an archaeological dig leads to surprising answers about his sister's mysterious illness.

An Exchange of Gifts by Anne McCaffrey
Meanne flees her family's expectations to discover her own strengths.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey
Alfred attempts to regain the sword of King Arthur.

Happy Kid! by Gail Gauthier
Kyle discovers his self help book has a mind of its own.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
After learning he is Poseidon's son, Percy goes to summer camp for Greek gods.

The Wall and the Wing by Laura Ruby
In New York City in the distant future, one girl discovers her special talent; becoming invisible.

Water Mirror by Kai Meyer
In Venice, the city's ancient protections are failing; can three orphans save their city from invading armies?

past tense - historical fiction

Black Storm Comin' by Diana Lee Wilson
A fast-paced tale of the Pony Express.

Second Sight by Gary Blackwood
An alternative look at Lincoln's assassination; fiction with a twist of fact.

extraordinary lives - Non-fiction

Children of the Great Depression by Russell Freedman
A photoessay of children during an extraordinary period of American history.

Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzanne Jurmain
An account of a Connecticut girls' school brave enough to desegregate in 1831.

In Your Face: Facts About Your Face by Donna Jackson
What's so special about your face? Discover the science behind facial features.

Inside Delta Force by Eric Haney
Written by a member of the U.S. army strike force, this tell-all describes the inner workings of training and missions.

what it takes
- realistic fiction

Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Ellie's new Maryland high school seems to have much in common with King Arthur's legendary court... or is it all just in her imagination?

Born to Rock by Gordon Korman
Young Republican Leo is shocked to find out his father is the lead singer of a heavy metal band.

Click Here to Find out How I Survived 7th Grade by Denise Vega
Erin's blog is private...until it ends up on the school's website.

Inventing Elliot by Graham Gardner
Elliot wants to blend in at school, but he attracts the attention of the Guardians gang.

My Almost Epic Summer by Adele Griffin
14-year-old Irene wants a sensational summer, but ends up babysitting instead.

Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time by Lisa Yee
Stanford doesn't fail on the basketball court, just in English class. To continue playing, he'll need to change his losing streak.
Two cousins in Regency England fight to keep the balance of power among London’s wizards.

racing the clock
sports and adventure fiction

Crackback by John Coy
Fighting his father, his coach, and his best friend, Miles questions his love of football.

First Boy by Gary Schmidt
A farm boy becomes a pawn in a senatorial race; can he unravel the mystery before politics ruins his life?

Hit the Road by Caroline Cooney
Brittany's roadtrip promises adventures around every corner.

Runner by Carl Deuker
Chance accepts a delivery job to pay the rent, but he may be delivering his own death warrant.

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Jack abandons soccer for swordfighting and the chance to stay one step ahead of his enemies.