Young Adult Books, Titles A-L

Young Adult Books,
Titles A-L

THE ADVENTURES OF BLUE AVENGER by Norma Howe (Holt, 1999). When David decides to take on the name "Blue Adventure," he's well equipped to romance his lady, reunite her with her father, break up pee wee mischief, and -- above all -- find the secret recipe to non-weeping lemon meringue. Is it real, or is Blue living a comic book life? We're not sure. But it's definitely a funny and thoughtful story. Ages 10-up.

THE AFTERLIFE by Gary Soto (Harcourt, 2003). In this sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet story, Chuy is murdered, stabbed with a knife only to find…not an end, but a new beginning. As a ghostly being, he visits family and friends. He finds the young man he could've been and maybe even true love. This isn't a story of "too late." It's one of "just in time." Ages 12-up.

AIRFIELD by Jeanette Ingold (Harcourt, 1999). This historical novel is set during the dangerous infancy of aviation. Beatty hangs out there because her uncle is the field manager and because it's her chance to see her father fly in and out. Moss, with his mechanical interests, joins her there. Who could guess that one night they may be the difference between a safe landing and a fiery crash for Beatty's father? Ages 12-up.

ALT ED by Catherine Atkins (Putnam, 2003). An unlikely group of five students from every strata of high school society find themselves forced into really communicating with one another, getting beyond how the outside world sees them and, in turn, changing how they see themselves. Sort of like The Breakfast Club, only more resonate, more real, and much more moving. Ages 12-up.

THE AMAZON PAPERS by Beverly Keller (Harcourt, 1996). When her mother leaves town, Iris, 15, twice falls in love, has an adventure with a one-time enemy, and does some serious damage to the family car. Strong, funny voice. Ages 10-up.

ANYONE BUT YOU by Lara M. Zeises (Delacorte, 2005). It's one hot summer. Seattle's planning to spend her early vacation days hanging out with her stepbrothers--Jesse and Critter. But it's too hot for Sea to skate, too hot for Critter to chase girls, and responsible Jesse is busy working. Layla, the boys' mom, is working all the time, too, and Sea's dad took off six years ago. That leaves step-siblings-turned-best-friends Sea and Critter to venture to a swimming pool in an nearby upscale town. It's there that Critter falls for a pretty life guard, and before long, Sea's spending all of her time with a skater boy who's on the rebound and just visiting for the summer. Neither Critter nor Sea is happy, though both struggle with why, and then Sea's dad reappears, even further confusing the roles of friendship, love, and family. Ages 12-up. More on this title from Cynsations; read The Story Behind The Story from Lara M. Zeises.

ARMAGEDDON SUMMER by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville (Harcourt, 1998). Marina, 14, and Jed, 16, are brought to a mountaintop gathering of the Believers, their parents' religious cult, to face what they have been told will be the end of the world. While they share first love and try to determine their own beliefs, once thing is certain: their world will never be the same. Ages 12-up.

BACKWATER by Joan Bauer (Putnam, 1999). Ivy, 16, is a historian in a family of super lawyers. A misfit of sorts. But not the only one in the family line. This look at personality, expectation, and family is often humorous, sometimes insightful, and succeeds both as a character study and a wilderness adventure. Ages 12-up.

BATTLE DRESS by Amy Efaw (HarperCollins 2000). Andi Davis struggles through the six weeks of "Beast," cadet basic training at the United States Military Academy. A fascinating glimpse into the culture of West Point, by a 1989 graduate. Ages 12-up.

bookjacket BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT by Laura Bowers (Harcourt, 2007). What a down-home, whole-heart story! It’s about a strong girl bolstered by love, shaking off lies, and finding the courage to take chances. It’s about the wrong dream, the right guy, righteous gossip, and the power of a good spa treatment. Funny, aching, and authentic. Ages 10-up. Read The Story Behind the Story from Laura Bowers.

BLOODLINE, by Katy Moran (Candlewick, 2009). In this historical fantasy, Moran takes us back to seventh century Britain, where petty kings vie for control over the island. Caught in the middle is Essa, son of Cai, a wandering scop (and more), who abandoned him to a village that's now in the sights of two warlords. As armies approach, Essa undertakes a journey to save those he loves, unsure who he can really trust, always wondering why his father abandoned him and the truth about his mother and who he really is. BLOODLINE is a sophisticated and thoroughly enjoyable and thrilling adventure -- a story of warring kingdoms, an epic quest, and a touch of elf-magic. Through elegant prose, Moran compellingly and convincingly draws the reader into Essa's story and the mists of Dark Age Britain. Ages 12-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith.

Boy Proof by Cecil Castelucci BOY PROOF by Cecil Castellucci (Candlewick, 2005). Victoria insists on being called "Egg" in honor of her favorite sci fi heroine, pushes herself to be just as superheroic, and distances from peers, especially boys, who might try to define her in their terms. But she can't accomplish her goals--as a photographer, a scholar, even as a Vampire and Bat Wing apprentice--without reaching out and opening up to the real-world people around her. Ages 12-up. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. More on this title from Cynsations; read The Story Behind The Story from Cecil Castelucci.

THE BOYFRIEND LIST (15 guys, 11 shrink appointments, 4 ceramic frogs and me, ruby oliver) by E. Lockhart (Delacorte, 2005). Everybody's dumped Ruby—her boyfriend, her best friend, and all of the rest of her friends. She's a leper at Tate Prep and the subject of unflattering scribbles on the bathroom wall. After a few panic attacks, Ruby's parents whisk her to Dr. Z. Their visits prompt Ruby to compile a boyfriend list, the first draft of which falls into the wrong hands. Ages 12-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. More on this title from Cynsations; read The Story Behind The Story from E. Lockhart.

Breaking Rank by Kristin Randle BREAKING RANK by Kristen D. Randle (Morrow, 1999). Casey, 17, agrees to tutor Baby (Thomas), despite the warnings of her friends and parents about his membership in a secret society called the Clan. The Clan is not a gang in the everyday sense, but definitely adheres to its own path, philosophy, and dress code -- at the expense of keeping company with outsiders. In this twist on Romeo and Juliet, the two teens delve into philosophy and their own feelings to create a love. Ages 12-up.

BREATHING UNDERWATER by Alex Flinn (HarperCollins, 2001). It wasn't long ago that Nick and Caitlin were in love. How did they end up in court with a restraining order being issued against him? In this first person narrative, Nick tells the story himself. It's certainly rare—perhaps unprecedented—to read of an abusive relationship from the perspective of the abuser. In this case, it's also illuminating. Ages 12-up. Read The Stories Behind The Stories: Alex Flinn on BREATHING UNDERWATER and BREAKING POINT.

bookjacket BROTHERS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER CRIMINAL MINDS by April Lurie (Delacorte, 2007). April Lundquist lives in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, a quiet neighborhood where the streets are clean and safe. Sure, three murderers live on her block, but they're just mafia hit men. Problems start when April's older brother begins to date the daughter of a mobster and when one of the neighbors has a business proposition... In this novel set in the late 1970s, author April Lurie evokes the classic feeling of the decade of disco in a humorous and touching story based in part on her own teen years. Ages 10-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith. Read The Story Behind The Story from April Lurie.

BURGER WUSS by M.T. Anderson (Candlewick, 1999). Anthony has a bit of a problem with assertiveness. But when his girlfriend Diana mashes with Turner who then cruelly rejects her, the war is on. In a comedic tale of spurred love, revenge, and special sauce, Anthony is a hero for the mass marketing era. One of the funniest books ever. Ages 12-up.

CANDLE IN THE WIND by Maureen Wartski (Ballantine, 1995). When he approaches a house to ask to use the phone because his car has stalled, Harry Mizuno is shot by an elderly white man who claims he looked like an intruder. His sister Terri is left to try to help her family and navigate the subsequent chaos in her small Massachusetts town. Ages 14-up.

THE CHOSEN ONE by Carol Lynch Williams (St. Martin's Press, 2009). Thirteen year old Kyra has twenty brothers and sisters, three mothers, and one father. She lives with her loving family in the remote compound of a reclusive polygamous religious sect called "The Chosen."

But she remembers better days, when the Chosen were allowed to leave the compound and allowed to read works of fiction. Always wary of falling into the trap of sinfulness, she nevertheless periodically sneaks away to visit the local library bookmobile; arranges secret trysts with Joshua, the boy she thinks she's in love with; and wonders whether outside medical care would help with her mother's difficult pregnancy.

When The Prophet declares he has seen a vision she must become her uncle's (her father's sixty year old brother) seventh wife, her questioning begins in earnest and she realizes she will have to choose between a hateful marriage and leaving all that she loves behind.

THE CHOSEN ONE is a compelling, finely-wrought, exquisitely written tale of one girl's difficult journey and struggles with temptation, hypocrisy, and group thought control. Throughout, Kyra is fully realized and three-dimensional. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. Ages 12-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith.

The Color of Absence

THE COLOR OF ABSENCE: 12 STORIES ABOUT LOSS AND HOPE edited by James Howe (Atheneum, 2001). Our pick: "Summer of Love" by Annette Curtis Klause, especially wonderful for those of you who enjoyed THE SILVER KISS. Other contributors: Avi; C.B. Christiansen; James Howe; Angela Johnson; Norma Fox Mazer; Walter Dean Myers; Naomi Shihab Nye; Michael J. Rosen; Roderick Townley; Virginia Euwer Wolff; and Jacqueline Woodson with Chris Lynch (as co-authors). Ages 12-up.

COMFORT by Carolee Dean (Houghton Mifflin, 2002). Kenny Willson wants out of Comfort, Texas—away from his alcoholic ex-con daddy, away from his controlling mama, away from everybody except Cindy. Despite her bullying boyfriend, she introduces Kenny to poetry competitions and shows him something that might be love. But not everything is what it appears to be in Comfort, though the search for familiarity and quest to break free rages on. Ages 12-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. More on this title from Cynsations.

CONDITIONS OF LOVE by Ruth Pennebaker (Holt, 1999). Sarah, 14, is a sometimes humorous, sometimes insightful, always compelling protagonist. She's struggling to deal with the death of her at first idealized (but humanly flawed) father, the distance between her and her mother, the strain of her best friend's family, and the ordinarily bizzare social world of school. With intelligent, biting wit, Pennebaker brings characters to life. Ages 12-up.

DANCING IN RED SHOES WILL KILL YOU by Dorian Cirrone (HarperCollins, 2005). Kayla is one of the strongest dancers at her performing arts school, but there's just one problem. Or, well, two. Kayla's busty—in a double D/needs-to-wear-three-bras kind of way—and the world of ballet has a very specific body type preference. Will she get surgery? Push back against societal expectations? Find relief in the company of the cute new guy or find out that he's really somehow sinister? Ages 12-up. Read The Story Behind The Story from Dorian Cirrone.

DANCING ON THE EDGE by Han Nolan (Harcourt, 1997). Since her unconventional birth, grandmother Gigi has been telling Miracle that she's special, like Miracle's father is special. But after he "melts," Miracle tries to reach him, only hurting herself in the process. Ages 12-up.

DEFINE NORMAL by Julie Anne Peters (Little Brown, 2000). What could Antonio the priss and Jazz the punk possibly have to talk about? When they're paired in peer counseling, it looks like nothing at first. Could Antonio's falling-apart mother and Jazz's hyper achieving mother bring them together? (Well, of course, but getting there is worth the trip and, just when readers think they've got the story all figured out, Peters will surprise them.) Funny, smart, realistic, and sensitive, this novel is comfortably contemporary and edgy all at the same time. Ages 12-up.

DON'T THINK TWICE by Ruth Pennebaker (Holt, 1996). It's 1967, and seventeen-year-old Anne finds herself someplace she never would've expected--at a home for unwed mothers. The story focuses on Anne's relationships with the other girls. A searing, stereotype shattering book. A great read for thoughtful teens (and grown-ups). Ages 12-up.

DON'T YOU DARE READ THIS, MRS. DUNPHREY by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Simon & Schuster, 1996). In this compelling, journal-format novel, Tish Bonner reveals how her family life is slowly unravelling. With money scarce and her little brother sick, Tish desperately needs help. But will she ever be able to trust an adult enough to turn to her for help? Ages 12-up.

A DOOR NEAR HERE by Heather Quarles (Delacorte, 1998). Katherine's alcoholic mother is lost to her bed, leaving Katherine to manage the house and take care of her siblings. As pressures mount, little sister Alisa turns to her belief in Narnia. When she's missing, where can Katherine turn to find her? An unusually positive book with relationship to its Christian theme, compelling plot and writing. Winner of the Delacorte Press Prize. Ages 12-up.

DRUMS, GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE by Jordan Sonnenblick (Scholastic, 2004). Thirteen-year-old Steven's life is all about playing drums for the All-Star Jazz Band, worshipping queen bee Renee Albert, and enduring the annoying attentions of his baby brother Jeffrey. But then Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, and everything changes--the family routine, family finances, parent-son relationships, even Steven's popularity at school. Funny and touching, this tremendous debut novel is a story of life and death, loves lost and found, and an affecting inner journey. It doesn't miss a beat. Ages 10-up. CYALR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. Read The Story Behind The Story from Jordan Sonnenblick.

EDITH SHAY by A. LaFaye (Simon & Schuster, 2000). Set in 1865 Chicago, this is the story of Katherine Lunden who through hard-scrabble jobs, perseverence, and the helping hands of a couple of generous souls is a small town girl creates who a life for herself under the name Edith Shay. Hard to resist for midwesterns and anyone whose mother never wanted them to leave home. Ages 10-up.

EMPRESS OF THE WORLD by Sara Ryan (Viking, 2001). Nicola Lancaster finds friendship and first love with a beautiful (eyes, hair, soul) girl named Battle in this non-preachy, stereotype-busting book featuring unapologetically smart kids at a summer program for gifted youth. This first novel features great voice and memorable characters. Ages 12-up.

Eternal ETERNAL by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2009). At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl’s soul and plan the Master’s fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating points of view, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous and darkly hilarious love story for the ages. Ages 14-up. (Gothic fantasy).

bookjac EVA UNDERGROUND by Dandi Daley Mackall (Harcourt, 2006). It's the late 70's and Eva Lott's senior year of high school. She'd rather be home in Chicago than spending it in police-state Communist Poland. But her father is on a mission. Supposedly, he's there to teach, but he's really there to provide assistance with the anti-communist underground movement. The hardships and shortages that are a fact of life behind the Iron Curtain are bad enough, but it's worse knowing Big Brother is watching. Still, Eva begins to build a relationship with Tomek, one of her father's students, and with Poland as well. But even this is shattered when her father is deported and Eva must figure out how to survive behind on her own. This novel provides a engrossing and sometimes chilling look into life in a totalitarian state, as Eva and her father struggle to make friends and learn a strange and foreign culture. With well-developed characters and plot, it's is much more than a social studies lesson, however. Mackall makes the struggles of daily life and against the police state apparatus in Communist Poland come alive. Ages 12-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith. Read The Story Behind The Story from Dandi Daley Mackall.

EVERY TIME A RAINBOW DIES by Rita Williams-Garcia (HarperCollins, 2001). Thulani, a 16 year old Jamaican who lives in Brooklyn with his brother and sister-in-law, has yet to come to terms with the death (some years ago) of his mother. One night, while maintaining his dovecote, he witnesses a rape from the roof of his brownstone. He rescues the girl — Ysa — and takes her to her home. Though initially rebuffed by her, he continues to reach out to her and, slowly, she reciprocates and both begin to heal. Ages 14-up.

FAR FROM XANADU by Julie Anne Peters (Little Brown, 2005). Between working out, playing softball, and keeping up the plumbing business her dad left behind, Mike's days in Coalton, Kansas are if not full, at least familiar. Then one day, she walks into class. Xanadu. The most beautiful, smart-ass, conflicted girl in the world. Mike falls fast, and the two seem to connect. Only problem? Mike's gay and Xanadu's...not. A story of family, friendship, and unrequinted love. Barriers that can be broken and those that should be respected. Ages 12-up. More on this title at Cynsations; read The Story Behind the Story from Julie Anne Peters.

bookjack FAT KID RULES THE WORLD by K.L. Going (Putnam, 2003). This strong, sometimes funny, often touching teen novel is the story of Troy Billings—an overweight and emotionally isolated guy whose life seems worthless until he meets quasi-homeless guitar master Curt. In no time, Troy finds himself the socially recovering drummer in Curt's new punk rock band. Problem is, Troy can't play the drums and Curt, well, he might just need rescuing, too. Outstanding voice and sense of place. Highly memorable characters. A tour de force for the fat kid in all of us. Ages 12-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Read The Story Behind The Story from K.L. Going.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE: A MYSTERY IN POEMS by Mel Glenn (Morrow, 1999). A mystery told in free verse, alternating points of view about the death of Hudson Landing's own Kristen Clarke and resulting suspicions about Kwame. Touches on a variety of themes, including racism and classism. Sure to be a big hit with teen and other thoughtful readers. Ages 12-up.

THE FRIENDS by Kazumi Yumoto, translated by Cathy Hirano (Farrar, 1996). Kiyama and his friends, Kawabe and Yamashita, become fascinated by the subject of death and study an old man in their neighborhood. Ages 12-up.

GEOGRAPHY CLUB by Brent Hartinger (HarperCollins, 2003). Russel Middlebrook has a secret from even his best friends at high school, that he's gay. But an online chat offers an opportunity to meet up with another gay teen--who ends up being one of the best-looking athletes in school. These two cautiously connect with peers and then seek a place to be themselves, a place where they can talk, a place where people understand. Starting a gay-straight alliance seems too risky at first, so they form the "Geography Club" instead. Witty, smart, touching, even romantic--this debut novel signals an author to watch and applaud. Ages 12-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Read The Story Behind The Story from Brent Hartinger. Look for the sequel THE ORDER OF THE POISON OAK (HarperCollins, 2004).

GETTING THE GIRL by Markus Zusak (Arthur A. Levine Books, Scholastic, 2003). Cameron Wolfe, who his brother Rube calls "a bit of a lonely bastard" wanders through the pages of this book, introducing us to his Australian family: his overbearing dad; his resilient mother, his football-playing brother, Steven; his "Romeo" brother, Rube; and his sympathetic sister, Sarah; and to Octavia, first as Rube's girlfriend, and then as his own. Told in an elliptical and enigmatic voice, Cameron emerges from under his family's shadow (especially his brothers') to finally see the shadow that he casts himself. Ages 13-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Review by Frances Hill.

bookjacket GOOD GIRLS by Laura Ruby (HarperTempest, 2006). Sixteen year old "good girl" Aubrey is humiliated when a photograph (by an anonymous photographer) of her and Luke DeSalvio, in flagrante delicto, is e-mailed around their school. Still, she manages to find the inner strength to carry on as she is shunned by family, friends, and classmates and starts hanging around with the school "bad girl." This novel is at once funny, poignant, and thought-provoking as it explores young love, relationships, and what it means to be a "good girl" or "bad." Ages 12-up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith. Read The Story Behind the Story from Laura Ruby.

HANGING ONTO MAX by Margaret Bechard (Roaring Brook, 2002). Sam is trying to balance a distant dad, a new girlfriend, studying for the SATs, and being full-time, primary caregiver for his his baby, Max. A realistic and compelling look at life as a teen dad. Ages 14-up.

HARD LOVE by Ellen Wittlinger (Simon & Schuster, 1999). John's zine, Bananafish, is his outlet of choice and when he becomes friends with Marisol, the witty author of another zine (Escape Velocity), those feelings quickly grow into more. At least on John's end. Marisol, however, is a very out young lesbian. As they both struggle with intimacy and understanding problems with their parents, the two grow into best friends. But how will Marisol deal with John's more romantic feelings? A book that sounds and looks hip, told in John's strong voice. Ages 12-up.

HOPE WAS HERE by Joan Bauer (Putnam, 2000). Hope and her aunt Addie leave New York City for small-town Wisconsin to work at a café for a man who is dying of leukemia. But this same man squares off to run for mayor, and Hope finds romance, a father figure, and more hope than she expected. Ages 10-up.

THE HOUSE YOU PASS ALONG THE WAY by Jacqueline Woodson (Bantam, 1997). Staggerlee has always known she's different, not just because her mother is white and her father is African American, not just because of her civil rights champion grandparents. When her adopted cousin Tyler, who calls herself "Trout" comes to visit, will Staggerlee better come to terms with questions of sexuality and identity? Ages 12-up.

HOW I SPENT MY LAST NIGHT ON EARTH by Todd Strasser (Simon & Schuster, 1998). It's (maybe) the end of the world as Legs knows it. Forget full moons. The students at Time Zone High get really crazy when a government denied 'net rumor proclaims an incoming asteroid may mean the last day for planet Earth. Cliques scatter and desires zing in the most unexpected directions. But will this ultra brainy beauty find out what she's missing from the skull-ring-wearing, motorcycle-riding, talks-in-riddles Andros Bliss? A smart, funny romance, right on mark for the turn of the century. Ages 10-up.

HOW NOT TO BE POPULAR by Jennifer Ziegler (Delacorte 2008). Sugar Magnolia ("Maggie") Dempsey's parents, aging hippies, never stay in one place more than a few months and she's getting sick of it. When her parents decide to move from Portland, Oregon, to Austin, Texas, Maggie's had it. She's tired of losing friends and boyfriends and hurting so much when it comes time to leave (again). So she hits on a plan: she will be the antithesis of "popular," thereby driving away anyone who might befriend her. Naturally, there are complications... HOW NOT TO BE POPULAR offers a hilarious take on popularity and fitting in. The novel is laugh-out-loud funny and offers well-drawn characters in convincing relationships as it builds to a sweet and satisfying conclusion. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith. Read The Story Behind The Story from Jennifer Zielger.

I AM THE WALLPAPER by Mark Peter Hughes (Delacorte Press, 2005). Floey's nothing but "the wallpaper" compared to her sister Lilian who "always had to be the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral." But all that's over now, at least if Floey herself has anything to say about it. New Floey, future Floey is on the rise, no matter the resulting friendship fallouts, family turmoils, and revelations of her private life on the Internet. At turns tender and comedic, Floey is ultimately a heroine to cheer. Ages 10-up. More on this title from Cynsations.

JOHN RILEY'S DAUGHTER by Kezi Matthews (Cricket, 2000). Following the death of her mother, Memphis was dropped off at her grandmother's house. The supposedly temporary stay became permanent when her father didn't return for her and, later, increasingly suspenseful after the disappearance of her mentally disabled aunt. This stunning first novel is set in South Carolina during the 1970s. Ages 10-up.

Jumped JUMPED by Rita Williams-Garcia (Harper Teen, 2009). Williams-Garcia presents a day in the life of three girls in an inner city high school: belligerent, basketball jock Dominique; flirtatious, outgoing, and clueless Trina; and cell-phone addict Leticia. When Leticia overhears Dominique swearing to "kick [Trina's] ass" after school that day (a threat to which Trina is oblivious), Leticia must decide whether, and to what extent, to get involved: should she help, warn her, or just stay out of the way? Ages 14-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith. Read The Story Behind The Story from Rita Williams-Garcia.

Grail Keeper KEEPER OF THE GRAIL (The Youngest Templar, Book 1) by Michael Spradlin (Putnam, 2008). Fifteen-year-old Tristan is an orphan abandoned as a baby at a Cistercian monastery in England. Having no other prospects, when a noble Knight Templar named Sir Thomas offers to take him into service, he accepts. But Sir Thomas is on his way to the Holy Land with Richard the Lionheart, where the Templars are to defend the stronghold of Acre. As the city is about to fall, Sir Thomas reveals to Tristan that the Templars are the keepers of the greatest artifact in Christendom--the Holy Grail. And he, Tristan must now spirit it out of the city to England and keep it out of the hands of the Saracens. Together with the archer Robard and the mysterious Maryam, Tristan escapes treachery and death, but perhaps not the high seas... A rousing adventure, KEEPER OF THE GRAIL is a fast-paced tale that provides a new take on the stuff of legends. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith.

KEEPER OF THE NIGHT by Kimberly Willis Holt (Henry Holt, 2003). Written by a National Book Award winner, this newest novel, told in swift, one-page chapters that closely resemble prose poems, takes a look at the life of a family that has been thrown into chaos by the mother's suicide. Holt set this novel on the island of Guam where she lived as a child. Reading this book is like being there. The prose is lush, the characters are deeply-wrought, and the story is electric. Ages 12-up. Recommendation by Kathi Appelt.

KEEPING YOU A SECRET by Julie Anne Peters (Little Brown, 2003). Holland has the "right-track" life everybody, including her mother, approves of--right down to the expected boyfriend. But when she falls in love with Cece, Holland learns for the first time what living really is. Romantic yet realistic, this story of first true love is a compelling, can't-put-it-down read. Ages 14-up.

bookjacket KING DORK by Frank Portman (Delacorte, 2006). Tom Henderson, more commonly known as "Chi-Mo" to others and to himself as "King Dork," is, well, a guitar-playing dork trying to form a band with his best friend. When his English teacher assigns CATCHER IN THE RYE, Tom discovers a copy his deceased father had when he was a teen. The copy is marked up with mysterious messages, and Tom finds himself more or less obsessed with decoding the thing (in part because he's never felt any connection to the man, and in part because he is, after all, a complete dork). This leads him to read more books his father left behind and also to the mystery of how his father really died, as well as some insights into "attracting semi-hot girls." Hilarious. Ages 14-up. Recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith.

KISSING TENNESSEE AND OTHER STORIES FROM THE STARDUST DANCE by Kathi Appelt (Harcourt, 2000). It's a night to remember as Dogwood Junior High is transformed. In nine short stories, Appelt takes readers to stories of tragedy and charm, romance and intrigue. To say too much is to spoil the unravelings, but rest assured that this YA collection is a gem! Appelt is a noted children's picture book author, and this is her first, exciting foray into fiction for older readers. Ages 12-up.

bookjacket LAST DANCE ON HOLLADAY STREET by Elisa Carbone (Knopf, 2005). It's 1878, and young Eva, 13, has lost Daddy Walter to tetanus and Mama Kate to consumption. All she has left is a name and address that lead her to Holladay Street, a half sister, and a biological mother from a house of ill repute. Desperate and indebted, Eva tries to make due as a dance-hall girl, which is still better than working upstairs. But is this the life Daddy Walter and Mama Kate would've wanted? A tender, thoughtful story of perseverence and loyalty. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Ages 10-up. Read The Story Behind The Story from Elisa Carbone.

LEAVING FISHERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Simon & Schuster, 1997). Dory's loneliness at her new school makes her especially grateful for the attention and flattery of a new (and sudden) group of friends. She quickly discovers they all belong to a religious group known as the Fishers of Men and just as quickly finds herself becoming a member. But as time goes by, she finds the warmth and friendship dissipating as the group wants more and more from her — her time, her money, her complete devotion. This is a searing, intensely personal look at one girl being lured into a cult and finding her way out of it. Ages 12-up.

LUCAS by Kevin Brooks (Chicken House, 2003). Caitlin, the waiflike protagonist, wanders around her island home like an uneasy ghost in one memorable summer when she abandons her child self and falls in love with a beautiful boy named Lucas. Lucas is a traveler, a charismatic gypsy who charms and intrigues some, and enrages others, who becomes the target for the evil coiled and waiting to strike. Caitlin's family and friends and the islanders that she has known all her life are all pulled together, inevitably, it seems, toward the cataclysmic ending. A painful and powerful story, not one to miss. Ages 14-up.

LUNA by Julie Anne Peters (Little Brown, 2004). It seems like forever that Regan has been keeping the secret that her brother Liam is really Luna, is really a girl instead. After years of struggle, Luna's ready to start taking steps—small then tremendous—to make her inside reality an outside reality. But will Regan lose herself in trying to be the best confidante, the best sibling she can? A breakthrough book about two siblings, one transgendered and one sacrificing much of herself out of love. Ages 12-up. Read The Story Behind The Story from Julie Anne Peters.