TV Tie-ins
Even as the internet and other technologies take up more of teen's lives, television remains a constant presence. Readalikes can be a good "in" to expand reading horizons. (And with the continuing writer's strike, this may be a good substitute for actual TV shows!)
There are actually TV-tie ins and novelizations of such shows as High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and the Simpsons, and fans of these shows may enjoy reading about their favorite characters.
Alive: the Story of the Andes Survivors
Age Level: 16-18
For Lost fans.
This plane crash adventure story concerns the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the mountains. Forced to do whatever they needed to survive, they turn to cannibalism to stay alive. This ultimate story of survival is still compelling several years later.
The Big Empty
Age Level: 12-14
For Lost fans.
Like Lost, in this dystopian series, there are a few people left to start a new society. In this case, after a virus kills of much of the population, the survivors are under a military dictatorship, and also like Lost, weird experiments are going on.
Friday Night Lights : A Town a Team and a Dream
Age Level: 16-18
For Friday Night Lights fans.
This non-fiction account of a West Texas town's obsession with high school football was the basis of the movie and the television show. Journalist Bissinger captures small town and high school life.
Knights of the Hill Country
Age Level: 14-16
For Friday Night Lights fans.
This book about an Oklahoma high school football team is perfect for sports loving guys. The sports scenes are vivid as is the depiction of a small town where the high school sports team is the center of the universe.
The Notebook Girls : Four Friends, One Diary
Age Level: 16-18
For Gossip Girl and The Hills fans.
The real life diaries of four elite New York teenagers show that the teen chick lit books are more real than many adults want to imagine. These four girls show their vulnerabilities, their mistakes, and real experiences.
Better than Yesterday
Age Level: 14-16
For Gossip Girl and The Hills fans.
Four friends in an elite bording school learn the truths about each other. Scheider wrote this when she was in high school herself, but it's a much better read than many other "post Gossip Girl" books.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Age Level: 16-18
For CSI and Bones fans.
A most fascinating read about what happens to bodies donated to science. Those who love the mysteries solved because of a body's clues will find this a gruesome but amusing book.
The Christopher Killer: Forensic Mystery #1
Age Level: 14-16
For CSI and Bones fans.
Cameryn's father is the county coroner, which means Cameryn gets to serve as his intern. She gets more involved in an investigation, while the story grows more implausible but more fast paced. The first in a series.
JLA: The Ultimate Guide to the Justice League of America
Age Level: 9-12
For Heroes fans.
Part of DK's set of ultimate superhero guides, this volume concerns the superhero team the Justice League, compelte with backstories,trivia, and big beautiful pictures.
Runaways, Vol. 1
Age Level: 12-14
For Heroes fans.
Six teenage friends discover that their parents have superpowers, but they're using them for evil, not good! Can they work together to defeat their parents
The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
Age Level: 16-18
For Survivor fans.
This compilation of the worst-case scenario books that were all the rage in the late 90's was just released, but will be all new for today's teens. Learn how to avoid an animal attack, or survive an avalanche.
Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083
Age Level: 14-16
For Survivor fans.
In the future, reality tv is not only entertainment but education as well. Several teenagers go to Antarctica to relive the Scott expedition. Is the danger real or for television?
Hardwear: Jewelry from a Toolbox
Age Level: 14-16
For Project Runway fans.
Like the style challenges on Project Runway, this book takes unusual objects (things found in a hardware store, like washers, bolts, etc.) and turns them into attractive jewelry. Even beginners will find projects in the book at their level.
Breakfast at Bloomingdales
Age Level: 14-16
For Project Runway fans.
All Cat wants to do is design a clothing line for Bloomingdales. So with nothing more than a dream, a sewing machine and a little bit of money, she heads to New York. The story is completely implausible, but a great fairy tale nonetheless.
