By Pat Kelly

I took an impromptu survey of middle school boys and girls, and the following books were suggested as first-rate gifts for a reader. All of these books are series, making the first book or the entire series an outstanding addition to a teen’s library. Phrases such as, “Intense,” “Keeps you reading,” and “Cliffhanger” were used to describe the reads, and all are suitable for guys OR gals.

1. Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant   by Veronica Roth

2. The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and The Kill Order   by James Dashner

3. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay   by Suzanne Collins

4.  The Shadow Club, The Shadow Club Rising        by Neil Shusterman

5.  Unwind, Unstrung, Unwholly, Unsouled       by Neil Shusterman