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Actually, all this talk about great TV, books and movies is making me want to play hooky, Ferris Bueller-style. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

If you didn't know, I live to read Whitney Matheson's Pop Candy blog at USA Today (in fact, you could say her work over there inspired me to start Mom & Pop Culture.)

Right now, in her fabulous Pop Candy fashion, Ms. Matheson is posting a beyond-thorough entertainment-themed High School Survival Guide, with lists of books, TV shows and movies that she finds get right to the heart of the high school experience.

Here's the book list. Some of my favorites from the list include: King Dork, by Frank Portman; The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castelluci, and Harry Potter. On my to-read list are The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie; Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, by Rachel Cohn and Dan Levithan (soon to be a movie) and I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle.

I would also add to the book list:

Kate Brian's Private series  -- Reed Brennan's problems at an elite boarding school make everyday high school stuff seem like cake. The eighth book, Revelation, just came out this week.

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinnelli -- A beautifully told tale about the virtue of nonconformity.

Avalon High, by Meg Cabot -- A whimsical saga about Elina, who discovers some of her classmates are reincarnations of Arthurian legends. (Bonus: The story continues in manga form.)

Lord of the Flies, by William Golding -- Assigned reading you can actually really get into. Creepy, scary stuff, but sometimes high school really did feel like that messed-up island.

Hairstyles of the Damned, by Joe Meno -- Admittedly, I have a soft spot for this one because Meno grew up in my Chicago neighborhood, and references the very mall and mini-golf course-arcade where my friends and I hung out. But following his character Brian through the lofty ups and stomach-wrenching downs of high school makes for a great teen and adult read.

Here's the movie list. I have to say, I've seen -- and loved -- almost every movie on this rundown so I won't rehash the list here. Let's just say that 90 percent of the movies contained within have infinite rewatch value, especially the John Hughes stuff -- Molly Ringwald's a heroine for the ages and Ferris Bueller's Day Off is appealing whether you sit in a classroom or work in an office. (I really like what Whitney says, "For instance, even though I've seen Say Anything ... at least 72 times, I'll still stop if I spot it on cable. And anything with Molly Ringwald? You bet. When I'm 87, I probably won't be tired of these films, either.") (FYI to parents: Some of the choices are R-rated, so check them out before renting.)

A few additions, just because:

Weird Science -- A fantastic John Hughes comedy (full of inneundo and raunch; you've been warned) about two high school brains turned mad scientists who create the ideal woman.

Some Kind of Wonderful -- Another John Hughes high school flick not mentioned in Whitney's list. A definite must-see, even if it does't feature Molly Ringwald.

Pump Up the Volume -- Definitely only for older kids, this film from Christian Slater's heyday actually teaches some great lessons about free speech and finding your voice, though it definitely earns its R rating.

School Ties -- Heady drama with powerful messages. Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon star.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- Still my favorite of the Potter movies. I can't explain it, but -- despite the magical setting and different cast -- this one still gives me that same bubbling-over feeling of watching The Breakfast Club.

Grease -- Even if you're not much for musicals, how can you resist the songs in this one?

Footloose -- Kevin Bacon's legendary dance numbers? Timeless. Small town rebellion? Equally enduring.

The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer -- An older film starring Cary Grant and Shirley Temple. He's a rogue bachelor and she's a high school girl with a hopeless crush (c'mon, it's Cary Grant.)

Better Off Dead -- Classic John Cusack. A dark comedy that makes me laugh out loud every time I see it, and I've seen it a lot.

Teen Wolf -- Michael J. Fox faces a fate worse than puberty: Werewolf-dom.

Back to the Future -- Continuing the Michael J. Fox theme, I guess, this more time travel than high school but the movie packs in more priceless teen moments than I can count. McFly!

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure -- Another high school-time travel hybrid, but who wouldn't wish for a history project like this? Plus, it gets credit for one of my all-time favorite movie mantras: "Be excellent to each other." Words to live by.


And, the TV list. For this one, I really don't have much to add, since it includes some of my all-time favorites: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars, Freaks and Geeks, The Wonder Years and The Gilmore Girls. I'm currently watching the new 90210, even though I never got into the original. I'm also delving into The OC on hulu.com.

What I would add (not much):

Head of the Class -- I have a faint memory of liking this show quite a bit as a pre-high schooler. Anyone else remember it?

Saved By the Bell -- Don't get me wrong... It's not necessarily great television, but it's perfect fluff taken in small doses.


What school- or teen-centric books, TV and movies would you recommend to teens? What are some of your teens' favorite books, shows and movies?