There are lots of ways to improve your grammar, spelling, writing, and Language Arts grade. You could test yourself, have a friend quiz you, buy a grammar workbook, or ask your teacher for study advice. The best ever way of improving your English skills, though, is to read books! The more you read, the more information your brain will take in regarding proper grammar usage and correct spellings. Reading is also a great way to learn new words! Even without looking an unknown word up in the dictionary, you can guess from the context what the word might mean. You might have to try it out a few times to get it right, but it's a great way to learn new words without really studying.
What Books Should I Read?
Just about any type of book will help increase your knowledge, but, lucky for you, there are some fantastic young adult books out there. Here are a few popular ones that you might find interesting.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This atmospheric book about a group of teens who spend summers with their wealthy families on a beautiful private island is by turns fascinating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking. I highly recommend it for readers who are interested in taking on an immersive, emotional journey.
The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis
This magical series, written by the singer/songwriter of The Decembrists, is based on classic folk tales. The giant novels (great for readers who really want to sink their teeth into a series) feature two early adolescent main characters who find themselves embroiled in a fantastical struggle. Beautiful illustrations accompany the work.
Try this adventurous fantasy novel!Courtesy of HarperCollins
The Raven Boys Series by Maggie Stiefvater
These books are geared towards a mid-late teen audience. They are creepy, romantic, and tense. The characters in this series are well drawn and really stand out; you will be amazed at how attached you get to them. Very much recommended for those who like a bit of love, magic, and darkness in their reading material.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
This heartbreaking love story will bring you to tears. The book details the complex struggles that accompany depression and mental illness, and is a great read if you want to explore these issues.
Ready for a sad love story? Try this book!Courtesy of Penguin Books
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This is an oldie but a goodie. Children, teens, and adults have been enjoying this book for years and undoubtedly will for decades to come. It is the first book in a series, so if you like it there's more where that comes from. The book is a hilarious science fiction fantasy. It is intelligent, witty, and maybe one of the funniest stories ever.
This is just a list to get you started - there are countless well-written young adult books in every genre. You can even check out a few other kidzworld.com book reviews to help you find a book you'll really like. You might be surprised at how much reading novels can improve your understanding of the English language, and your teachers might be surprised by how much your writing improves once you get reading!
Have Your Say
What's your favorite novel? We'd love to hear your recommendations!
