"The Disenchantments" by Nina LaCour

“We felt so small with the city lights stretching forever below us, and we yelled at the top of our lungs because we were just these small humans but we felt more longing than could ever fit inside us.”

Colby and Bev have made plans to travel to Europe after graduating from high school. College can wait for a year, exploring the world and doing their own thing is more important. Bev is the lead singer of a band with her girlfriends Alexa and Meg. They call themselves the Disenchantments. They are super loud, somewhat talented and love to rock out and get crazy.

The band decides to embark on an epic road trip for a west coast tour before Colby and Bev leave for their trip. Colby borrows his uncle’s beloved VW van, named Melinda, and they hit the road, ready for adventure. But when Bev confesses she got accepted, and is going to college, Colby is left heartbroken, and without a plan for his future. Colby has been in love with Bev for years, but their relationship has never gone beyond friendship.

Without Bev in his future, Colby must find his own personality and rely on his own strengths to empower himself. In the meantime, he's busy playing stagehand to the band, and the token male in their artistic collaboration. The excitment of the road trip, the thrill of live music and the reality of high school graduation all come together to make the Disenchantments an enjoyable ride.

LaCour's characters are honest, powerful and on the cusp on adulthood, embracing what life experiences have to offer them. Some f-bombs, sexual situations, some alcohol, probably best for 8th and up. Highly recommended.

"Geography Club" by Brent Hartinger

Russel feels like the only gay student at his high school. Well, he’s pretty sure he’s gay, but he’s never dated or kissed a guy before. He’s a pretty average guy, has friends, gets good grades, and has a decent social life. But if anyone knew he was gay, he knows his reputation would be ruined. So he keeps this secret to himself, and even goes on dates with girls to avoid questions about his sexuality. One night Russel goes online in a chat room, and discovers he’s not the only gay student at his school. Turns out that Kevin, the star baseball player, is also in the closet, and Russel learns that other gay students feel just as isolated as he does.

How can they hang out together and talk about these issues without being discovered? Start an after-school club that sounds so boring and lame that no one would ever want to join. That is how the Geography Club got founded. Meeting after school, the group members learn about each other, and start to realize how important it is to be true to yourself and be honest with your friends.

This is a great GBLT novel about discovering yourself, appropriate for 8th grade and up.

"Unlocked" by Ryan G. Van Cleave

This is a unique novel-in-verse, good for fans of Ellen Hopkins work. At school, Andy is known as the janitor's son, which doesn't lend much to his reputation, which is already non-existant. Andy befriends Blake, another loner, and he's happy to have company at lunch at after school. Rumors start that Blake is keeping a gun in his locker, and Andy's not sure what to believe. Are the rumors true? And if Blake is planning some sort of violence, should Andy keep the secret?

"Like Mandarin" by Kirsten Hubbard

Have you ever been envious of a classmate? Grace Carpenter isn't quite envious; she is infatuated with Mandarin Ramey, an upperclassman at her high school. Mandarin is feisty, popular with the boys, and not afraid to show her independence. She's definitely got herself a reputation in their small, Wyoming town. And reputation is something Grace is lacking. Grace excels at her classes, is tired of her old friends, and her mom and sister are too busy doing the beauty pageant circuit to pay much attention to her. Grace is dying for more excitement in her boring life, and she's convinced Mandarin can provide it. The two girls are paired up for a school project, and they form an unlikely friendship, surprising everyone. But when Mandarin starts showing Grace how people really are, Grace isn't sure she's ready for all the drama.

"Exposed" by Kimberly Marcus

Liz is a high school senior, and has special talent when it comes to photography. Her eye is able to capture intimate moments and her teachers think she has potential for a future at art school. Kate and Liz have been best friends for years. Liz is the photographer, and Kate is the dancer. Their friendship comes to an abrupt halt when Kate accuses Liz's brother of a heinous crime. Liz is torn between mourning the loss of her best friend, supporting her traumatized family, and deciding who is telling the truth. This book is a novel-in-verse, reads very smoothly and poetically, and I finished it in about 2 hours. "Exposed" is a wonderful read-a-like for fans of Ellen Hopkins or Laurie Halse Anderson. Mature subject matter.

"Stranded" by J.T. Dutton

Kelly Marie is forced to move back to her mom's hometown of Heaven, Iowa. Adjustment is not as easy as she would like. Her Nana is obsessed with keeping a clean house, and Kelly is forced to share a bedroom with her bible-loving cousin, Natalie. The town of Heaven is so rural, Kelly is worried she may die of boredom. Police discover a dead infant who was abandoned in local fields, and Natalie suspects her own mom may know more about the scandal than she's letting on.

"And Then I Found Out the Truth" by Jennifer Sturman

Delia's mom has been busy trying to save the environment down in Antarctica. But the big oil companies aren't fond of her attempts, and will stop at nothing to shut her up, including murder! Delia gets word that her mom is living underground in Argentina, where she's protected by a bodyguard, and safe...at least for the time being. Delia's been sent to New York City to live with her aunts, and is attending a very prestigious, private school. And there is a new boy around, Quinn, who turns out to be a romantic interest. Delia is ready to do some undercover work of her own to help her mom out, and put the criminals away. But things get complex, when she discovers Quinn's own step dad may be in on the plot to kill her mom. Going to Argentina seems like the only viable option to save her from danger...but will they be able to get there in time? This is the sequel to "And Then Everything Unraveled."

"Twilight : The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1" by Stephenie Meyer

For those who are looking for more "Twilight," here you go! This is the first volume in a new graphic novel series by Stephenie Meyer. Illustrated by Young Kim

"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.

"Love You Hate You Miss You" by Elizabeth Scott

Amy was the only one to survive the car crash. She was the one who made them leave the party. She was the one who told Julia to drive. Amy feels responsible for killing her best friend.

Amy and Julia were inseparable. Julia was one of those amazing people. She had the best attitude, the coolest outfits and knew of all the great parties. They were a perfectly matched team and no one will ever be able to replace her.

Amy's parents made her go to rehab to deal with her alcohol problems. Her perfect parents are trying to be loving and encouraging, but Amy is frustrated by their attentive support.

Surviving high school without Julia is going to be impossible. Everyone knows about her drinking problems and what she did to her best friend.

How can you apologize to someone when they're no longer here?

"A Map of the Known World" by Lisa Ann Sandell

Cora's older brother Nate was killed in a car accident, and her grieving family is falling apart. The teachers and students at Nate's old high school take pity on her and she is losing her best friend to the popular crowd. But art class is her escape. Cora has a passion is for making maps -- maps of places she's been and where she wants to go. Her parents don't approve of Cora hanging out with Damian. He was her brother's best friend, and was riding with him during the accident. But Damian seems sincere, so Cora continues to see him behind her parents' back. Her art teacher encourages her to apply for an art program in London and life appears to be improving. As their romance blossoms, Cora learns of a sensitive side of her brother she didn't know existed.

"13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen receives a mysterious package of cassette tapes. Upon listening to the first tape, he discovers that they are from his classmate, Hannah Baker, who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah narrates her life at high school, revealing 13 people who influenced her, and how she came to the conclusion to take her own life.

Clay and Hannah went to school together, worked together at the movie theatre and even had the potential for romantic involvement. As Clay listens to Hannah's story, he is devastated to learn about her true feelings and inner turmoil. Hannah wants all 13 people to listen to her, and gives detailed instructions on retracing her steps in the time before her death.

The Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. If you need to talk to someone about suicide, you can call 1-800-suicide or visit http://www.hopeline.com/

"The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks" by E. Lockhart

Frankie didn't plan on becoming a criminal mastermind, it just sort of happened...She used to be part of the geek squad, complete with debate club, and awkward, nerdy friends. But something changes her sophomore year, and she finds herself dating gorgeous senior, Matthew Livingstone. Alabaster Preparatory Academy has a long standing tradition, a secret society called the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. It's been around for decades and Frankie's own father was part of this good old boys club. This exclusive fraternity is known for throwing the best parties and masterminding the most elaborate pranks the school has ever seen. The only problem is that it's a brotherhood, which means no girls allowed. Frankie doesn't like to be excluded, and she's used to getting her way. Her feminine competitive nature comes out and Frankie's determined to get into this inner circle, even if it comes with the risk of getting suspended!!

"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.

"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.

"What Happened to Cass McBride?" by Gail Giles

Cass McBride leads the perfect life. She's gorgeous, a straight A student and the most popular girl at her high school. Dating the football star, she is well on her way to becoming homecoming queen. David Kirby, on the other hand, is a notorious loser. What happened to Cass McBride? She has been kidnapped and buried alive by Kyle Kirby, who holds her personally responsible for his brother's untimely death. The next 48 hours are crucial for Cass. Her father has taught her well in the art of negotiations. But will her smooth talking skills be enough to be able to convince Kyle to let her go? You can read this thrilling book in one sitting. But I strongly advise you if you're at all claustrophobic, to read it an big, open space with all the lights on. Recommended for 8th 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."

"Now You See Her" by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard usually writes for adults. Years ago she had a big hit as an Oprah book club selection for "Deep End of the Ocean," which got made into a so-so movie starring Michelle Pfieffer. This is Jacquelyn's first try at writing a book especially for teens, and I think it's excellent.

Hope Shay is a drama queen. She has spent her childhood in auditions and being dragged around by her obnoxious stage mom. She gets the opportunity to attend the pretigious Starwood Academy for gifted actors. Unfortunately for Hope, she is the only girl with talent in school. Fellow students don't appreciate her acting ability until one day her teacher casts her in the lead of Juliet opposite her very own Romeo, Logan Rose. Hope and Logan start a steamy love affair while practicing their lines. All is good in the world until Logan unleashes his idea - "It would be so easy, Hope. We could get one of those voice-disguising things and use a disposable cell phone... and after the drop, I'll just be the one who finds you. You wouldn't be hurt...if we had, like, twenty thousand dollars stashed away, it would be so much easier....what would you say your parents think you're worth?" Logan and Hope plot the ultimate theatrical performance, Hope's kidnapping. All is going according to plan, until a plot twists dumps this novel inside out. I was blindsighted, intrigued and kept on the edge of my seat as the storyline unfolded....You gotta read it to find out!