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"To Kill a Mockingbird" is one book she recommended everyone should read. In addition, Russell recommended a variety of books, including classics, such as John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," and plays, including "Romeo and Juliet."
" 'The Great Gatsby' is also a beneficial book," Russell said. "It's very reflective of an important era in history. I think high schoolers find it a fun read and still learn a lot from it."
Also on this English teacher's recommendation list were two books that deviate from the stereotypical high school reading list norm.
"I would recommend 'Huck Finn,' even though it is banned in a lot of places," Russell said. "I think Mark Twain's satire in this book is often misunderstood. Really, it's not intended to be read like Tom Sawyer. If given a chance, this book really makes you think."
A Kurt Vonnegut book also made Russell's list. "Students should be exposed to all kinds of literature, but 'Cat's Cradle' is different from a lot of books they will read in class," she said.
Nell Redhage, librarian and director of the Washington Public Library, also contributed some young adult suggestions.
"Beyond the classics, there are some great young adult books out there," Redhage said. "Chris Crutcher writes the best YA stuff I think is out there. I would say for teens' character development, (Crutcher's) 'Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes' is a great choice."
This Washington librarian had many other great recommendations on hand.
"I'm also going to suggest Terry Trueman's books," Redhage said. " 'Stuck in Neutral' is all about a young man who has cerebral palsy, and is almost completely a vegetable, except for his mind, which is in great shape." After finishing the book, Redhage explained, she had an entirely different perspective on how people with such disabilities should be treated.
She also said 'Cruise Control,' the next book in Trueman's series, also is worth reading. "You can really learn a lot from Trueman's novels," she said.
Redhage also had much to say for the historical fiction genre. "If a person wants to read historical fiction, I always recommend, particularly to girls, the Ann Rinaldi books," she said. Redhage explained that Rinaldi uses factual settings, circumstances and characters, but then "places her fictionalized character in the midst of all that," she said. "Ann Rinaldi writes great stories, and you learn a lot about history at the same time."
Although not found in the young adult section of the library, Redhage said 'The Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil,' by Deborah Rodriguez, would also be of interests to teens.
"'The Kabul Beauty School' gives a really candid perspective about women's lives in Afghanistan," she said.
Rodriguez's book is a story of a Michigan hairdresser who travels to Afghanistan and sets up a beauty school.
"The trials and tribulations she had to go through" to make the beauty school successful make this novel a rewarding read, Redhage said. "If you're looking to get a true perspective on what's actually going on for people in that area, you should read this book."
Whether it's the classics or more modern literature, it is not so much about what you read, but if you read.
Ruth McInnis, Washington Public Library's children's librarian, shared that opinion.
"A lot of teens get out of the habit of reading when they get to be busy with school and other activities," McInnis said. "We've built up a great variety and selection of young adult titles-something for just about everyone out there. I'd just like to encourage all teens to come in and check out all the great books on our shelves."
