Read Outside Your Comfort Zone Challenge: Recommendations?

Just over a week ago I posted about the "Read Outside Your Comfort Zone" Challenge I'm hosting this year. The goal is to stretch your reading limits a little bit and try something new! Anyway, I came up with several categories of books that aren't my typical reads, including vampire books, non-fiction, adult fiction, PoC novels, and very light/fluffy contemp YA.

Well, since then I keep thinking of more types of books I tend not to read (I never really realized I limited myself quite this much until I actually thought about it!) Here are some new groups I'm adding to my list:

- Short stories. I generally steer clear of anthologies of short stories, as they've always seemed a little too - well, short - for my tastes. But I'm willing to try some more!

- Graphic novels. I'm not too familiar with what's out there in this category. I've heard the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman is good, so I might try that one.

- Novels in verse. I know some YA readers love these but reading an entire story in poetry form (poetry that doesn't rhyme, either) has always seemed a little strange to me. But the premises of some of these novels sound so fabulous that I think I shouldn't let something like its format stand in the way.

- Books with male protagonists. These are few and far between in YA anyway, but though I do prefer a female protag I know I should give these more of a chance!

- Middle grade novels. I don't tend to read these anymore, but sometimes I think I'm missing out on some great stories because of it.

- Sci-fi. Traditional sci-fi usually just plain doesn't interest me, and often requires a level of scientific or technical understanding that I don't have. But are there any YA sci-fi books that aren't quite so demanding, or are a little bit different? I'm thinking of trying Across the Universe by Beth Revis, because that seems to be a real combination of genres and has already gotten lots of positive reviews.

So, fearless readers — are there any books you absolutely love and think I should read that fall into any of the above (bolded) categories? Have a graphic novel you hold dear or a novel in verse you've fallen in love with? Is there a sci-fi or middle grade novel you want to rave about? Tell me what I'm missing out on here!

And of course I am still looking for courageous souls to join me in this challenge! You can read all about it and sign up by either clicking the challenge tab at the top of the page or going to the original post HERE. There are all sorts of levels so you can choose whichever you feel up to. I would love to have some company as I brave my reading limits, and then at the end get your thoughts on what it was like to try something new! :D