Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers is a book list created annually by the Young Adult Library Services Association. The list identifies fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels that may encourage teenagers who dislike reading to read.
Researchers, educators, librarians, parents, and teenagers have used the list to identify books reluctant young adult readers may enjoy.
Criteria
When selecting books for the Quick Picks list, the judges consider:
- Physical appearance (e.g., the cover, print style, format, and artwork/illustrations)
- Writing style
For fiction novels, judges consider whether the book has:
- High interest "hook" in first 10 pages
- Well-defined characters
- Sufficient plot to sustain interest
- Plot lines developed through dialogue and action
- Familiar themes with emotional appeal for teenagers
- Believable treatment
- Single point of view
- Touches of humor when appropriate
- Chronological order
For informational books, judges consider the accuracy and objectivity of the book, as well as whether technical language is well-defined.
Recipients
References

