International Books for Teens

Even though we live in a global society, many teens in the U.S. don’t get a lot of exposure to other countries and cultures. As a result, we tend to see and judge the world through the prism of our own culture. Reading international books will challenge teens to complicate and deepen their worldview. In this episode, you’ll hear about books in a range of genres that give teens insight into the social and political conditions young people face around the globe. Together they offer a sustained look at war, poverty, and the struggle for human rights, but they also speak volumes about ordinary people and their capacity for hope and resilience.

After listening to this episode, be sure to print out this list of recommended titles to take to the library or book seller.

Books featured in this episode:

• That Mad Game: Growing Up in a War Zone: An Anthology of Essays from Around the Globe edited by J.L. Powers (Cinco Puntos Press, 2012)
• Beyond Bullets: A Photo Journal of Afghanistan by Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter (Annick Press, 2011)
• Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Through a Never-Ending War by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books, 2012)
• War Brothers: The Graphic Novel by Sharon E. McKay & Daniel LaFrance (Annick Press, 2013)
• The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara & Susan McClelland (Annick Press, 2008)
• Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan (Putnam, 2013)
• The Glass Collector by Anna Perera (Albert Whitman, 2011)
• Zahra’s Paradise by Amir & Khalil (First Second, 2012)
• How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden (DC Comics, 2010)