by Martha Brockenbrough

We all want our kids to read more, for a few reasons:

They’re quiet when they read (except when they’re on the flip-flip pages of Captain Underpants); they’re less likely to break things (same Captain Underpants issue); and it’s good for their brains, not only building vocabulary but also making them less gullible.

So what books are we loving lately around our house? That is, loving enough to steal from our kids? Here’s a list—and come back for more, as I’ll add to it as time goes by:

Teen Book Recommendations:

Four books for teens that moms will love.

Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork. This is the story of Marcelo, who has something like Asperger’s that lets him hear music no one else can hear. His father wants him to function in the real world, but Marcelo loves his special school and agrees to work in his father’s law firm so he can continue to go there. Along the way, though, his sense of right and wrong and where he belongs is challenged.

North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen. Terra is a beautiful, artistic teen with a massive port wine stain on her face and a painful secret at home. This is an elegant story of how she learns what love and beauty really is.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. Both boys and girls will love the story of Katniss, a scrappy 16-year-old old who’s forced to fight 23 other teens to the death in a televised contest. It’s impossible to put down, and you’ll want to race right out and get the sequel, Catching Fire.

Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver. Samantha Kingston wakes up on the last day of her life seven times—and sees how little changes can make big differences for everyone in your life.

For more great kids' books, check out Part I and Part II of Martha's book recommendations.