This list reminded me of

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

I tried reading this book once but I didn't really care for it, though I'm not sure why since it seems like the type of book I would like. Any kids out there who read this and liked it?

It fits in the coming of age genre, but as the author is British I guess it doesn't qualify as American Literature? Not quite sure how to define American Literature. If the author is American? That the book is set in America? Either? Not sure this even matters as at least half of the teacher recommendations were books I wouldn't classify as American Literature.