Summer reading has just launched at the library -- school is out, and our readers finally have a chance to pick up a book that hasn't been assigned to them, and simply enjoy the stories that unfold. Every year, our staff try to point our summer readers to titles that will stay with them long after the summer has passed, often drawing from our own reading histories to guide them toward authors and works that are something spectacular. This month's author has been publishing teen fiction for over twenty years, and she still has a knack for writing realistic fiction that teens can relate to. Her name is Sarah Dessen, and if you haven't read her books, take note.
Earlier this year, Dessen was granted the Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors an author for their significant contribution to literature written for young adults. Her books focus on overcoming the aftermath of a tragedy, abandonment, even domestic violence, and the journey of working toward self acceptance. Her characters are intelligent and complex, and despite generally serious underlying themes, she delivers her stories with a lightness and humor that is perfect for summer.
Interested in finding out more? Check out our Sarah Dessen favorites below!
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