The American Library Association annually awards the “Alex” to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The books are not necessarily easy reading, and often include coming of age themes, dysfunctional families, and sometimes aliens. Among this year’s winners is Brewster by Mark Slouka.
Winners for 2013 included some of my favorites. Recommend them to your favorite teen or read them yourself, if you haven’t already. You can find my reviews by typing in the title to the “Search” on this website.
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
- Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
- Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Among this year’s winners, two have gone on my reading list:
- Relish by Lucy Knisley – a graphic novel telling the author’s life around food, complete with family recipes.
- The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence – a boy’s adventure after he is hit on the head by a meteorite.
The No Charge Book Bunch 
Thank you for this list!! The biggest challenge with a teen boy who doesn’t like horror/supernatural is finding those bridge books between YA and Adult. I will look further at these ones for sure.
Glad you can use it. Sometimes I prefer reading young adult books too.