(1) Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray (2011)
Source Text: Hamlet by William Shakespeare (1603)
Description: The novel artfully brings Hamlet into the 21st century, complete with social media and celebrity references. The novel tells Shakespeare’s classic in the voice of Ophelia. Through this story, readers learn the story of Hamlet and get greater insight into one of Shakespeare’s most alluring protagonists. Even if you are very familiar with the story, Falling for Hamlet is a must read.
(2) Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (2011)
Source Text: Lysistrata by Aristophanes (411 BC)
Description: Lysistrata is staged in an intra-school war between the football team and the soccer team. The novel is a fanciful retelling of Aristophanes’s bawdy classic with a heaping dose of heart and female empowerment.
(3) Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (2007)
Source Text: Romanian Mythology of Strigoi and Moroi
Description: The story follows Rose, a dhampir (half-human, half-vampire), who is sworn to protect Lisa, one of the world’s most precious Moroi (vampires). The story delves into vampiric, forbidden love much better than other YA series that shall remain nameless and will keep you coming back for the entire series.
(4) A Midsummer’s Nightmare by Kody Keplinger (2012)
Source Text: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1605)
Description: The story follows Whitley whose misadventures in love and friendship lead to her winding up in a forest with three other companions. Keplinger’s novel is a hilarious retelling of Midsummer with enough heart to lead you all the way around the forest.
(5) Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (2005)
Source Text: Greek Mythology
Description: The series is a wild and exciting ride that will give YA readers a gambit of information about the Greek Gods and Goddesses. Follow Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, and his best friends, a satyr and the daughter of Athena, a they save the world time and time again.
(6) Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (1997)
Source Text: Cinderella
Description: Like the movie, the novel is a delightful tale with a strong protagonist and inventive characters. Despite telling a well-known tale, Ella Enchanted is an exciting read that is full of surprises.
(7) Geek Charming by Robin Palmer (2009)
Source Text: ”The Frog Prince; or, Iron Henry” written down by The Brothers Grimm (1812)
Description: The story is a delightful retelling of the “Frog Prince” story with teen socialite Dylan Shoenfield and Josh Rosen (no relation to UCLA QB) as her frog. The story is a perfect beach read: light and entertaining.
(8) Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (2010)
Source Text: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (1597)
Description: “R” is a zombie who, forgoing all rationality, falls for Julie- a human. Marion gives “R” a sardonic tone that will emit laughs from readers. But, the story forgoes the charm of its Shakespearean predecessor. If you are looking for an unlikely love story that bite back (literally), then check out Warm Bodies.
(9) Abandon by Meg Cabot (2009)
Source Text: Persephone Myth
Description: This modern retelling of the Persephone myth is a great introduction for YA readers of the tip of the Greek God iceberg. However multiple passages in the middle of the narrative are drawn-out, which make the story unevenly paced. But, Cabot’s gift of storytelling will make you eagerly return for the sequel.
(10) The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan (2010)
Source Text: Egyptian Mythology
Description: This YA trilogy is an exciting narrative that teaches YA readers about pharaohs like Ramses the Great and Narmer. While it is wonderful to read about Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, who are often ignored in Western Literatures, the book’s overall dramatic through line is not exciting enough to sustain readership throughout the series. But, the first book in the series is worth a read.