Dear SLJ,

Would it be so hard to break down your Best of 2006 list by age group?

That minor quibble aside, I continue to say YAY! for End-of-Year lists, though I still don't understand what the deal is with Saint Iggy and Firestorm.

Here are the Best of for Grades 9-up choices:

ANDERSON, M. T. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume I: The Pox Party. -- La la laaa, M. T. Anderson, you are the greatest...  (There are more lyrics, but I refuse to sing them in public.)

GARDEN, Nancy. Endgame. -- Been meaning to read it.

GOING, K. L. Saint Iggy. -- Already said it.

LYGA, Barry. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. -- I understand why so many people loved it.  I just... didn't.

WERLIN, Nancy. The Rules of Survival. -- I finally read this one. It was, not surprisingly, super.

ZUSAK, Markus. The Book Thief. -- Yeah, yeah.  I'll get to it.

The Best of for Grades 8-up choices:

BROOKS, Kevin. The Road of the Dead. -- Planning on it.

DRAPER, Sharon M. Copper Sun. -- Not sure if I can handle it.

FROST, Helen. The Braid. -- On my list.

JOHNSON, Harriet McBryde. Accidents of Nature. -- Missed this one, too.

KLASS, David. Firestorm. -- Um, yuck.

SHUSTERMAN, Neal. Everlost. -- Also on my list.

Also be sure to scroll down for a list of recommended Adult Books for Teens.

(Link via Fuse#8)