Hero Book Picks for Teens
Each month (February to April 2008), we’re choosing three of our favorite books about heroes and encouraging you to read at least one. Click on each entry to find it in the catalog.
What did you think?
After you’ve read one of these books, chime in on our blog.
More Favorites
See our list of additional great hero books.
The Hobbit (February)
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Teen Fiction/Tolkien, J.R.R.
One small hobbit reluctantly leaves his comfortable home for a dangerous adventure with dwarves, treasure, and a very large dragon and, much to everyone’s surprise, finds himself a hero.
Usagi Yojimbo (February)
By Stan Sakai
Teen Graphic Novels/Sakai, Stan
A masterless rabbit samurai wandering across war-ravaged 17th century Japan lends his sword and strength to help a variety of people in need.
Wabi: A Hero’s Tale (February)
By Joseph Bruchac
Teen Fiction/Bruchac, Joseph
Wabi, born an owl but having the ability to understand humans and even turn into a human, overcomes many seemingly impossible challenges as he attempts to save all he loves from evil.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (March)
by J.K. Rowling
Juvenile Science Fiction/Fantasy/J Rowling
Harry, Hermione, and Ron face huge obstacles when they leave school and attempt to carry out Dumbledore’s task of finding Voldemort’s Horcruxes to ensure his defeat in this stunning final book of the series.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (March)
by J.K. Rowling
Juvenile Science Fiction/Fantasy/J Rowling
Danger surrounds Harry during his third year at school after Sirius Black, the traitorous criminal accused of killing Harry’s parents, disappears from prison and seems to be targeting Harry, even inside seemingly safe Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (March)
by J.K. Rowling
Juvenile Science Fiction/Fantasy/J Rowling
As Harry’s eleventh birthday approaches, he discovers he’s a wizard and escapes his odious relatives to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about transfiguration, Quidditch, and the evil Lord Voldemort
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 (April)
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Teen Fiction/Curtis, Christopher Paul
In the summer of 1963, the “Weird Watson” family from Michigan drives to their grandmother‘s home in the deep South to keep their oldest son out of trouble, but a horrible event tests the family‘s strength.
The Book Thief (April)
Teen Fiction/Zusak, Markus
Death narrates the hazards and triumphs of everyday existence in Nazi Germany in this award-winning book about a resilient girl.
The Hero and the Crown (April)
by Robin McKinley
Teen Fiction/McKinley, Robin
Aerin, the daughter of the king and his disliked witch wife, discovers her purpose when she learns to defeat small dragons plaguing the ordinary people in her kingdom.
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