Adult Fiction for Teens

While I primarily read YA fiction these days I do enjoy some adult fiction every once in a while. This feature looks at some of the adult fiction I am reading and examine its appeal for those who prefer Young Adult literature

House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's -- not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect -- can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. (amazon)

House Rules is a great for teens who enjoy reading YA issue fiction where a character or family struggle to overcome something difficult. Those interested in quirky and sarcastic characters will also find something to love in the voice of Jacob. For teens wanting to explore topics not often found in YA fiction, House Rules provides interesting insight into both Asperger’s and forensic science. Finally, Picoult easy writing style also make a novel this size accessible for teens, even of a slightly younger age.

YA Connection: Silent to the Bone by E.L.Konigsburg