"Wake" by Lisa McMann

Dreaming can be pretty amazing. What do they mean? Where they come from? How do you interpret them? 17 year-old Janie is ready to dream on her own. Ever since she was a little girl, she gets sucked into other people's dreams when they fall asleep around her. Watching other peoples' fantasies and nightmares can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Janie knows her special power is unique, and she's forced to keep this secret to herself. That is, until people in their dreams start reaching out to her to save them. Janie can tell her friend Cabel is in need of serious help, but does she want to get involved? This is a first novel for Lisa McMann, but the 2nd installment in the series, Fade, is already set for publication on February 10, 2009.

Best of all, Lisa McMann is hosting a special essay contest for teens aged 14-18 to help them fund their dreams. The grand prize is $1,000! Check out Lisa's website for details: http://lisamcmann.com/

"Life Sucks" by Jessica Abel

Life really sucks for Dave. He works nights at an L.A. convenience store. Years ago, his boss, Radu, bit Dave and turned him into a vampire - enslaving Dave to an eternity of mean customers and rotating hot dogs. Dave is too much of a wuss to kill his own victims, so he drinks plasma from the blood bank to stay alive. But when creepy vampire Wes goes after Dave's crush, will Dave find the courage to fight for the girl? Super cool illustrations, a great read for any goth vampire.

"Beneath My Mother's Feet" by Amjed Qamar

14-year-old Nazia is a good daughter. She does well in school and enjoys time with her friends in Kararchi, Pakistan. Her entire world is turned upside down when her father becomes injured and can no longer work. When the family is evicted for not paying rent, Nazia’s mother pulls her out of school so she can help earn money by cleaning houses. Embarrassed by the social stigma of being a maid, Nazia misses her classes, friends and teachers. She faces a personal struggle between wanting to support and help her family, and desiring a better future for herself. This book has wonderful descriptions of life in modern day Pakistan.

"Blankets" by Craig Thompson

There is something satisfying about finishing a 582 page book in 2 days. I love graphic novels! This is Craig Thompson's autobiography about growing up in a strict, Christian home in rural Wisconsin. He meets Raina, and immediately falls in love. He's feeling conflicted about his new feelings and the teachings of his church. Craig's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and the scenes in the Wisconsin snow are magical and surreal. Craig and Raina's love story is beautifully told, but not sappy, and I only wish I had read this book years ago.

"Outside Beauty" by Cynthia Kadohata

Helen Kimura is a gorgeous woman. Men are immediately attracted to her and easily fall in love. Helen is mom to 4 girls - Shelby, Maddie, Lakey, and Marilyn. The girls may have different fathers, but they all adore their mother and soak up her advice on beauty and men. One phone call threatens to split up the girls and send them each to live with their father. They are determined to stay together, and will go to great lengths to remain a family.

"The Missing Girl" By Norma Fox Mazer

There are five girls in the Herbert family, and they depend on one another when their parents fail to do so. Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy and Autumn. This story is told in alternating chapters, with each girl giving her perspective on their lives and daily activities. What the girls don't realize is that a local man has been following them, and is obsessed. His daily life begins to revolve around them and their activities. What starts as an innocent story about schoolgirls quickly turns into a psychological thriller, as the stalker does the unthinkable and changes the lives of the girls forever.

"Alive and Well In Prague, New York" by Daphne Grab

Matisse misses life in New York City after she and her family move to Prague, a small town in upstate New York. Classmates at her new high school aren't cultured, don't appreciate the fine arts, and act like a bunch of hicks. Matisse's mother is a painter, and her father was a famous sculptor. They led successful careers in the big city, until Matisse's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and symptoms finally prevented him from working. Life in Prague is supposed to be easier on his disease and the family, but Matisse struggles with coming to terms with her dad's condition, and the effect on the family.

"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow

This book has it all - computers, video games, hacking. I'm not into any of these, but I still LOVED this book! San Francisco - terrorists blow up the Bay Bridge. People are scared, and the government starts using high-tech surveillance to "protect" its citizens. Marcus and his friends discover this new system isn't foolproof and innocent people are being interrogated and held prisoner. There is excellent discussion on security versus civil liberties, as well as romance, raving and gadgets galore. Scott Westerfield described it best - “A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion.” One of the best books I've read this year, and I don't even like science-fiction!

"Living Dead Girl" by Elizabeth Scott

I read this book in one day; it was impossible to put down. This story is every parent's worst nightmare. Alice was abducted by Ray when she was 10 years old, and for the last 5 years has been terrified for her life and that of her family. Ray subjects Alice to obey his every command, and Alice has to numb herself to be able to cope with her situation. Ray is damaged from emotional abuse from his own mother. Ray is evil to the core and his relationship with Alice sent shivers down my spine. I cringed when Alice is forced to do the unthinkable. Mature subject matter.

"Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go" by Dale Basye

Marlo Fauster is a troublemaker and this time she's really done it. After a shoplifting spree at a local mall, Marlo and her brother Milton die in a horrific marshmallow explosion, and are sent to Heck - where the bad kids go. Heck is actually a reform school, filled with mischievous children. Milton is mortified, he's always followed the rules, he should not be held captive in this limbo. Life in heck is horrible and the creepy principal and teachers are determined to keep it that way. Evil bullies, cold liver and bathroom bile will gross you out and make you squirm. The dead biology teacher has students dissect her own body in class, ewwww! This is Mr. Basye's first book, 8 others are scheduled for the series, one for each level of heck!

"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: Stories About Falling Out of Love" by Niki Burnham, Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins & Lynda Sandoval

Have you had your heart broken, stomped on, destroyed by someone you love? This book is all about the break-up, the absolutely devastating point at which you realize it's over, and how hard it can be to move on. Four different authors contribute to this unique book - and each one's story is heart wrenching. #1 - Toby gets dumped by his hot girlfriend Amber, because he's not ready for sex. #2 - Goth girl Dee gets revenge on her ex, Rick, after finding out he's only after one thing. #3 - Lisa's boyfriend tries unsuccessfully to change her into something she's not. #4 - Lesbian Mia has her heart broken after falling for a straight girl. Kinda steamy, good for 9th and up.

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

I think I'm the last librarian on the planet to read this book, and it was remarkably better than I was expecting! Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington and is immediately smitten with Edward Cullen, her gorgeous lab partner, who leads a mysterious life outside of high school. Friends and family warn her that he's bad news and Bella soon discovers for herself that Edward is more dangerous than he seems, and less human. This vampire has stolen Bella's heart and their love story will make you shiver with terror and excitement! "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" continue the story of Bella and Edward, and the movie version of Twilight will be released this November -- can't wait!

"Chanda's Wars" by Allan Stratton

Chanda is ready to risk it all to keep her two younger siblings - Iris and Soly - safe from harm. Their mother died 6 months ago of AIDS, and Chanda is learning it's difficult to raise children in Africa, especially since civil war has broken out. They take a trip to visit relatives in a remote village, and get trapped there when rebel forces start to attack. General Mandiki is stealing children to recruit them for his army. Will they ever be able to return home?

"Stuck in the Middle: Seventeen Comics from an Unpleasant Age" edited by Ariel Schrag

17 professional comics confess their painful memories from their time in middle school. From the inside cover - "Have you ever been called one of the following - Freak, Loser, Weirdo, Alien, Sucker, Slut, Skank, New Girl, Goth Boy, Crater Face? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have experienced the joys of middle school." These stories can help you feel that you're not alone, and most everyone has awkward moments and tries to fit in. Some stories made me crack up, others made me sad...but everyone has to go through it, whether you like it or not! Some "mature" situations and language, be warned.

"Tweak: Growing up on Methamphetamines" by Nic Sheff

Oprah let me know about this one. She had both Nic and his dad on her show to talk about how drugs can tear a family apart. Nic grew up privileged in San Francisco, with all opportunities available to him. He took his first drink at age 11, and quickly started a downward spiral into deep addiction. This book is dark and gave me the creeps. No details are left out, so I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with a queasy stomach, methamphetamines are not pretty. It really showcased the struggle of overcoming an addiction and how easy it can be to relapse. Nic's dad wrote his own memoir as well called "Beautiful Boy."

"Story of a Girl" by Sara Zarr

Deanna Lambert's got a bad reputation. Her dad caught her having sex in a car when she has 13, and her supposed boyfriend, Tommy, let the entire world know about it. She tries to start over, but her small town won't let her forget it. Her family life is a mess -- her dad can't seem to get past the incident, her mom is a working zombie, and her older brother Darren had to move back home when his girlfriend got pregnant. Deanna's story is really powerful and I thought this was one of the best books I'd read in a while. Good for 9th grade and up.

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card

Ender Wiggin is an extraordinary game player. His brain is so sharp and brilliant that he's been chosen to attend a prestigious Battle School, where students are trained in military combat. It's the future, and planet Earth is preparing for an invasion against the buggers - alien lifeforms that are determined to destroy our planet. Using high tech computer games to simulate fights and battles proves to be intense and exhausting. Every move Ender makes must be perfect, the future of the universe depends on it! Great science fiction writing.

"Three Little Words - A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Ashley's mother is declared unfit for parenting, and Ashley and her younger brother Luke are taken into state custody for their own protection. Over a period of 9 years, Ashley lives in 14 different foster homes, including one so abusive it made national headlines. All Ashley wants is to be loved and wanted by a family. After finally being adopted by the Courters, Ashley must find her place and identity in a new family and learn to trust those around her. A wonderful story of overcoming hardship and tackling adversity. If you liked "A Child Called It," by Dave Pelzer, this book is for you!

"Waiting for Normal" by Leslie Connor

Addie would give anything for a normal house to live in. Instead, she is trapped living in an old trailer in New York with her dysfunctional mom - Mommers. Addie wants to live with her step-dad, Dwight, and her younger half-sisters, but unfortunately she's stuck.

Her mom is driving her crazy! All she does is chat on the Internet, watch court TV and disappear for days on end. Addie has to be the responsible one - doing the dishes, cooking and cleaning. It's totally not fair.

She learns to cope by practicing the flute, playing with her hamster, and making friends with her neighbors at the convenience store. Dyslexia plagues Addie's schoolwork, but she manages to cope and remain optimistic about her living situation. I fell in love with Addie's character and her determination! Great for 4th-8th grades.

"Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

Imagine a world where everyone is born an Ugly. Then, when you turn 16, you undergo a radical operation to turn you into a Pretty. No flaws, perfect body, easy life....or so it seems. Tally meets a new friend Shay, who is determined not to have this surgery and encourages Tally to run away with her. The authorities catch up with them and force Tally to make a difficult decision - keeping her best friend or being an Ugly forever. Scott Westerfeld says he was inspired by reading "Liking What You See: A Documentary" by Ted Chiang. King County Library System has this story in a collection called Stories of Your Life and Others.

"The Librarian of Basra" by Jeanette Winter

The librarian of Basra is a woman named Alia Muhammad Baker. When war breaks out, Alia is worried that the library will be destroyed. In this true story, the Iraqi government is unwilling to help Alia protect the books, so she takes matters into her own hands, saving over 30,000 books from a fire that ultimately destroyed the city's library. Beautiful pictures illustrate the fear of war and the power of the human spirit. This story was first reported in the New York Times in 2003.

"Son of the Mob" by Gordon Korman

Vince Luca's finally gotten Angela to go out with him. They're at the beach, things are going well, and Vince heads for the trunk of his car for a blanket. Something's not right. Inside the trunk is Jimmy the Rat, bound and gagged and barely alive. This is what happens when your dad's the powerful head of organized crime.

Vince Luca just wants to be normal at his high school. Good luck. People are scared of his dad, and should be if they want to keep all their limbs!

Vince falls for a new girl, Kendra. She's got it all, looks, brains, personality. Only problem is her dad. He's an FBI agent out to get Vince's father.

"The Day I Killed James" by Catherine Ryan Hyde

17-year-old Theresa is absolutely devastated when her boyfriend Randy dumps her. Theresa's next door neighbor James, is into motorcycles and his muscles. He's been in love with Theresa forever. Trying to make Randy jealous, Theresa brings James to a party as her date - but James learns he's only a boy toy. Theresa is horrified to find out that James ran his motorcycle off a cliff after leaving the party. Consumed by guilt, she flees town, shaves her head, and tries to start her life over. If you like Lurlene McDaniel's books, you'll love this one!

"The Ashleys" by Melissa de la Cruz

Miss Gamble's Preparatory School for Girls is one of the most prestigious prep schools in San Francisco. For years, 3 snobby Ashleys have made Lauren's life miserable with teasing and taunting. Even so, Lauren wants desperately to get into their popular clique. Lauren's dad becomes a multi-millionaire and the Ashleys suddenly take notice of Lauren's fashion makeover. Bentleys, Chanel, private jets, chauffeurs -- these girls know how to spend money, and lots of it! Good for 6th grade and up.

"The Opposite of Invisible" by Liz Gallagher

Alice has been best friends with Jewel (guy) for a long time. They do everything together - drink lattes, art projects and hang out all the time. Alice ends up ditching Jewel to go to the big Halloween party with Simon, one of the popular jocks at school. Their dating totally ruins their friendship and puts Alice in a new social status at school. Alice has to figure out which guy is best for her to date. Alice lives over in Fremont, so it's fun to follow the characters around Seattle.

"Mister Monday" by Garth Nix

This is the first book in Nix's new series - "The Keys to the Kingdom." After nearly dying from a bad asthma attack, 7th grader Arthur is saved by a key shaped like a minute hand of a clock. Mister Monday is on a mission to get the key back. Arthur must venture inside a mysterious mansion, in which doors open onto alternate realms. The prophecy of The Will must be fulfilled and Arthur has been chosen to determine the fate of the universe. This is a great book for any fantasy lover - suspenseful and creepy!

"Always Running - La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A." by Luis J. Rodriguez

This powerful memoir recounts Rodriguez's youth as a gang banger in the barrios of East L.A. in the early 1960's. He served time in prison for attempted murder, had near-death experiences involving crack and heroin, and witnessed the premature death of many friends and neighbors. His language is raw and powerful, this autobiography was written to help deter his own son from following in his gang footsteps. Rodriguez found support within his community, and was able to break free of his gang activity. He is now a leading Chicano author. "Always Running" won a Carl Sandburg Literary Award, and was a New York Times Notable Book. In 1999 the American Library Association called Always Running one of the 100 most censored books in the United States.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is keeping a diary. But it's really more of a journal, cause Greg wouldn't be caught dead in middle school with a diary. Greg's into weight lifting, video games, cartooning, and hanging out with his weirdo best friend, Rowley. This quirky book is pretty funny and has lots of tips on how to avoid getting your butt kicked by big 8th graders.

"Companions of the Night" by Vivian Vande Velde

Kerry sneaks out of her house to rescue her younger brother's stuffed bear, which he'd left at the local laundromat. She stumbles across a hostage situation and helps the imprisoned man escape, only to discover he's a vampire. Now Kerry finds herself hostage and her family has gone missing. Every choice Kerry makes either leads her one step closer to finding her missing family, or being turned into a vampire herself.

"10th Grade" by Joseph Weisberg

Jeremy is in 10th grade and has a pretty normal life. But what's normal for your sophomore year in high school? He plays sports, hangs out with the smokers during lunch, and has a huge crush on the most popular girl in high school, Rene Shopmaker. Jeremy's vivid imagination has Rene falling madly in love with him, and his fellow students ooh-ing and aah-ing at his superior athletic ability and masculine charm. Follow Jeremy as he navigates the social hierarchy of high school and finds his identity as well as a date for prom. Strong language, adult situations, best for upper high school.

"Parrotfish" by Ellen Wittlinger

Angela knows that she's always been a boy, and now it's time to let everyone else know. Angela comes out as a transgendered, changing her name to Grady, cutting her hair, and dressing in male clothing. Grady's new identity suits him well, but people in his life are having a harder time adjusting. Friends at school don't always know the best way to react, and some are outright homophobic and hostile. Grady's family is confused, but supportive, and Grady keeps busy helping his dad with their overboard Christmas decorations and the arrival of his newest cousin. This book is great for building awareness around transgendered issues, and provides valuable resources for any questioning teenagers.

"Baby" by Joseph Monninger

Baby has been shuffled through numerous foster homes due to her mother’s alcoholism and neglect. The latest family, the Potters, are old hippies who race sled dogs. Baby finds herself torn between her freedom on the streets and the unconditional support she receives from the Potters. She gains self-confidence from racing the dogs, and she develops a close friendship with the littlest pup, Laika. This book is great for animal lovers, and demonstrates how teens can make difficult life decisions with the support of adults. Little hint of drugs and alcohol. The voice in Baby's head is realistic, I liked this book! Recommended for 7th and up.

"The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain" by Peter Sis

Illustrator Peter Sis grew up behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Communists take control of the whole country, telling people what they can learn in school, and limiting freedom of speech, including art! Peter draws in secret, and is inspired by Western imagery (the Beatles, blue jeans, Coca-Cola). He dreams of a day where he can draw in freedom. Caldecott Honor Book 2008. Recommended for 6th grade and up. Great for school projects.

"The Au Pairs: Crazy Hot" by Melissa de la Cruz

This is the 4th installment in the Au Pairs series. After summer plans go awry, three college girlfriends meet up in the Hamptons for a summer of romance, fashion and nanny duties. Eliza is busy opening her posh boutique and deciding if her boyfriend, Jeremy, is “the one.” Jacqui is swept off her feet by a charming photographer who promises her a lucrative modeling contract. Sensible Mara keeps occupied by watching the kids, and working on her debut blog. The plot is easy to follow and there is decent character description. While their luxurious lives may not be realistic or totally convincing, this makes for an easy beach read. Similar to the Gossip Girls series with high-roller lifestyle, but there's no violence, hint of sex, but nothing graphic. Recommended for 9th and up.

"Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

A meteor has hit the moon, causing earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunamis all over Earth. Miranda and her family must prepare for the unknown, stockpiling food, wood and supplies. Many neighbors move away as dust clouds take over the skies and frost comes early destroying the hopes of growing food. Miranda's diary recounts how her family sticks together and bonds in close quarters, and how life as they knew it, is changed forever. Powerful book - well written. Good for middle school and up.

"Echoes of the White Giraffe" by Sook Nyul Choi

Southern Korea's Pusan is home to many refugees from the Korean War, including 15-year-old Sookan. Sookan misses her old life in Seoul, and is anxiously awaiting news about her missing father and older brothers. To pass the time, she buries herself in her studies, and starts a forbidden friendship with a fellow choir member. This book chronicles her daily life as a refugee and how she copes with society's expectations of young Korean women. Very touching, coming-of-age, clean story. Recommended for 6th grade and up. This book is the sequel to "Year of Impossible Goodbyes."

"Kit's Wilderness" by David Almond

Kit Carlson and his family move to Stoneygate so his parents can help take care of his aging grandfather. Kit meets John Askew at school and is lured into a creepy game of Death. After school, a group of kids climb into an old mining pit. John Askew spins a knife, whoever it points at, they must die. The dead must remain in the pit, while the others wait outside for the dead to come back. This game becomes too real for Kit Carlson. Ghosts from mining disasters start to haunt Kit, in his dreams and while he's awake. This book spooked me out - big time. If you liked this book, you might also like "Skellig," written by the same author, David Almond.

"Home of the Brave" by Katherine Applegate

Kek's village in Sudan was destroyed and he gets sent to Minneapolis to live with his aunt and cousin. Life in America is hard for Kek to adjust to. He's never seen snow, ridden a bus, or seen a washing machine. To make matters worse, his mom is missing and he can't locate her in any of the refugee camps. He makes friends with a neighborhood foster kid, who helps show him how things work and helps him learn English. In Sudan, Kek used to help his father herd their cattle. In America, he makes a new friend, Gol, who helps him adjust to his new reality in America.

"Re-Gifters" by Mike Carey

Jen Dik Seong (her friends call her "Dixie") is getting ready to enter the biggest hapkido tournament in LA's Koreatown. Dixie is fiesty! Practicing this martial art gives her courage to cope with life in high school. She needs this strength to deal with her traditional parents, her crush, Adam, and some of the rough characters in her neighborhood. A surprise gift makes Dixie realize she is capable of independence and standing up for herself. Girl power!

"Peak" by Roland Smith

14 year old Peak Marcello loves rock climbing. But after getting arrested for climbing a New York skyscraper, he finds himself facing a stint in juvenile detention. His long-lost father, famous mountaineer, Josh, shows up at court and saves him from doing time. The trade-off? Peak must leave the country and accompany his dad to the top of the world, Mount Everest. The conditions are treacherous and put Peak's climbing skills to the test. Is reaching the summit in Peak's future? Excellent adventure! Great for middle and high school.

"Before I Die" by Jenny Downham

16 year old Tessa gets the news that she's terminally ill and only has 6 months left to live. She creates a mental list of everything she wants to do before she dies. Number one is having sex. Tessa's friend Zoey is her accomplice, and Tessa's supportive family tries to understand her persistance for finishing the list. This is a beautifully written book about what it means to be alive, and ultimately facing the reality of death. Recommended for high school.