"How to Rock Braces and Glasses" by Meg Haston

I had both braces and glasses in middle school, so was totally drawn into the title. Not that I rocked them, by any means. :-)

Kacey Simon says what's on her mind, even if people don't want to hear it. Her harsh critiques have made her a social butterfly at Marquette Middle School. Her popularity soars with her outrageous newscaster skills, and she's always surrounded by friends. But when she gets an eye infection, her contacts are taken away and replaced with new glasses. To make matters worse, her mom surprises her with a trip to the orthodontist, who puts on new braces. Getting used to metal in her mouth, Kacey struggles to overcome a new lisp. She realizes how her honesty towards others may have hurt some feelings. Her friends don't seem supportive to her situation, so Kacey starts hanging out with a new crowd, and even finds her voice as the singer for a new band. This is a hilarious look at overcoming puberty's challenges and making the best of a bad situation.

"The Carrie Diaries" by Candace Bushnell

How did Carrie Bradshaw end up a sex columnist in New York City? For all those Sex and the City fans, this is the story of Carrie as a high school senior, written for a teen audience. She is navigating her way through the high school social scene, dodging clique drama, and developing her independent, fiesty spirit. Carrie is already practicing the art of juggling boyfriends -- Sebastian, the gorgeous bad boy, and George, the intellectual, older man. Struggling with what to do with her life after college, she flounders between pursuing science and is also drawn to creative writing. There is a healthy dose of fashion and style, and of course sex. But more conversation about, than actual deeds, Carrie is still a virgin. Lots of drinking. Lots. Good for older teens.

"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.

"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.

"Plain Janes" by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

After a major terrorist attack (9/11?) , Jane's parents move her to suburbia to attend a new high school. Jane meets 3 other girls named Jane in the cafeteria and they form a secret club called the P.L.A.I.N.--People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. they create stellar art projects and have the city stumped as to who's behind these installations. Cool illustrations. reminded me of "Ghost World."