The Alex Awards, funded by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust and cosponsored by Booklist, honor the top 10 adult books for teenagers published during the previous year. Selected by a YALSA committee, the winning books represent the best, based on literary quality, readability, and appeal for readers ages 12 to18. Many of the titles are already available in audiocassette and CD formats. For more information on the award and a list of the 2004 committee members, visit http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/alex. —Stephanie Zvirin
Davis, Amanda. Wonder When You’ll Miss Me. Morrow, $24.95 (0-688-16781-0); HarperPerennial, paper, $12.95 (0-06-053426-5).
After she is sexually assaulted under the school bleachers, 16-year-old Faith runs away from home, accompanied by the Fat Girl, a taunting, imaginary former self. At the circus, Faith finds a safe haven and a healing environment.
Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Doubleday, $22.95 (0-385-50945-6).
In this acclaimed and engaging debut, Christopher, an autistic math whiz, takes his life too literally and can’t relate to others. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, he investigates the death of a neighbor’s dog and unravels secrets close to home.
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Riverhead, $24.95 (1-57322-245-3).
Set amid the destruction of contemporary Afghanistan, Hosseini’s first novel follows two boys, linked by love, lies, sacrifice, and betrayal, whose friendship endures despite their different life paths.
Niffenegger, Audrey. The Time Traveler’s Wife. MacAdam Cage, $25 (1-931561-46-X); Harvest, paper, $14 (0-156-02943-X).
In this arresting debut, Henry travels through time and space and meets his bride in all the stages of her life—from childhood to old age.
Packer, Z. Z. Drinking Coffee Elsewhere. Riverhead, $24.95 (1-57322-234-8); paper, $14 (1-57322-378-6).
The predominantly African American characters in Packer’s first collection of short fiction struggle to maintain their sense of self while they confront unexpected life events.
Roach, Mary. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. Norton, $23.95 (0-393-05093-9); paper, $13.95 (0-393-32482-6).
What happens to human cadavers when they fall into the hands of scientists and researchers? Salon columnist Roach explores this question in her funny, informative, highly original study.
Salzman, Mark. True Notebooks. Knopf, $24 (0-375-41308-1).
While teaching writing to 17-year-olds detained in Los Angeles Central Juvenile Hall, Salzman found himself surprised by the boys’ talent. The teens’ heartwarming, funny voices are included in his irresistible, provocative memoir.
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. Pantheon, $17.95 (0-375-42230-7).
In graphic-novel format, Satrapi describes her youth in revolutionary Iran. From the overthrow of the shah to the establishment of the new regime, she witnesses heartbreak and struggle as life changes in her country.
Winspear, Jacqueline. Maisie Dobbs. Soho, $24 (1-56947-330-7).
In post–World War I London, Maisie takes her first case as a private investigator and experiences flashbacks to her modest upbringing and doomed wartime romance. This unique historical mystery is the first in a proposed series.
Yates, Bart. Leave Myself Behind. Kensington, $23 (0-7582-1348-9); paper $15 (0-758-20349-7).
Secrets of the past and the present complicate 17-year-old Nick’s life after he falls in love with the boy next door. A psychologically complex and emotionally satisfying first novel.