Cubanita by Gaby Triana

Isabel Diaz is looking forward to starting college in Michigan in the fall- far far away from her mother, who is always pressuring her to embrace her Cuban heritage. A summer romance with an older man causes more conflict in Isabel's life.

Cute story with an interesting look into the Cuban culture. While the story is largely predictible, it is an enjoyable read. Isabel's struggles with the traditional values of her mother and her desire to become her own person will be familiar to most readers. Though there is no glossary, most of the Spanish is understandable in context, though it may be slightly frustrating for non-Spanish speakers are first.

Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List by Janette Rallison

Jessica is determined to become a Hollywood star- which is difficult considering she lives in Three Forks, New Mexico, and this year's school play is being canceled due to lack of funds. When Jessica learns that the new guy is school is really the son of a famous actor, she realizes that she was meant to be discovered and this years play must go on. To save the school play, Jessica reveals Jordan's real identity to the drama teacher and promises that Jordan will try-out for a part in the play. Soon Jordan's secret is out, and Jessica's relationship with him is damaged. Jessica starts out as a self-absorbed, manipulative brat but she grows through the story and learns that fame comes at a large cost- and one that she is not ready to make. The story has plenty of fun and funny moments- particularly the production of West Side Story, where just about everything goes wrong. Girls who are looking for a quick, light-hearted, fun, and clean novel should give this a try.

Confessions of a Teen Nanny by Victoria Ashton

Sixteen-year-old Adrienne Lewis is hired by the Warner family to fill in as a nanny for their genius eight-year-old daughter Emma, until the new nanny arrives. What Adrienne thinks will be two weeks until easy money becomes more and more difficult as Mrs Warner becomes more and more demanding and the new nanny is delayed. Then there is Cameron, Emma's seventeen-year-old half-sister who goes to school with Adrienne's best friend Liz. Cameron, known for her wild partying and expensive shopping, begins to include Adrienne and Liz in her escapades. Although the lesson of the story is a familiar one (don't get sucked in by money and fame and fail to see the real person), the story is told in an hot and fun way that will definitely appeal to those who like books such as The Gossip Girls, The Au Pairs, or even the adult title, The Nanny Diaries. The ending cliff-hanger works as a set up for a sequel, which will be published in March 06.

Holiday Princess by Meg Cabot

Celebrate the winter holidays with Princess Mia and her friends. Includes holiday etiquette, Hanukkah traditions, ancient holiday practices, Christmas celebrations around the world, Kwanzaa celebrations, Chinese New Year and New Years celebrations. Fun holiday guide that will help get everyone into the winter holiday spirit. Chesley Mclaren's illustration are simple and are great with Cabot's short entries

Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger

Sandpiper Hollow Ragsdale has a bad reputation, she's had dozens of boyfriends and doesn't know what she ever saw in any of them. When Derek, one of Sandy's exes, starts harassing her, a mysterious boy named Walker comes to her rescue. Sandy and Walker's lives become entwined and they are forced to confront the pains in their past.

This novel certainly doesn't shy away from the tough issues, which may make the book inappropriate for some. Sandpiper's narration alternates with her own autobiographical poetry, modeled after some of the great classics. Her voice is sharp and very real, as she struggles to overcome the mistakes of her past and how that corresponds to the person she wants to be and is starting to become. The book tackles the notion that oral sex is not really sex in a great way. Truly well-written with real and interesting characters. Definately a great read!

You are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! by Fiona Rosenbloom

Stacy Friedman is getting ready for one of the most important events of her life- her bat mitzvah! All she wants is the perfect dress, her friends by her side, and her crush Andy Goldfarb to dance with her. Stacy's plans, however, quickly fall apart, as her mom makes her purchase the most hideous dress, her mitzvahs are not going well, and a huge fight with her best friend results in a disinvitation to the bat mitzvah.

Interesting look at a Jewish practice I was largely unfamiliar with- though I have to say that I'm not sure how true to Jewish culture the book was (I'm pretty sure calling someone on your cell phone in the middle of your Bat Mitzvah would be frowned upon!). Fiona's character, however, was funny. I enjoyed the craziness of her preparations and the drama in her young life. A quick read, with enjoyable characters, and several laugh-out-loud moments.

Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You

Sixteen-year-old Kayla, a ballet dancer with very large breasts, and her sister Paterson, an artist, are both helped and hindered by classmates as they confront sexism, conformity, and censorship at their high school for the arts while still managing to maintain their sense of humor.

This is a cute, light read. It was difficult to get into at first, but once I did I really enjoyed Kayla's voice. Her struggles with her large chest size and her desire to be a prima ballerina were very real and honest. The whole red shoes subplot was never really fully developed, and Gray's character never fully developed for me. I enjoyed Paterson's subplot regarding her senior portfolio project and would have liked to have seen more of that, and less of the red shoes. The ending was largely predictible, but the book was enjoyable nonetheless.

Over and Over You by Amy McAuley

Seventeen-year-old Penny Fitzsimmon's life dramatically changes following a psychic's reading. The psychic tells her that she has loved the same boy for the last thousand years. Almost immediately, Penny begins to have disturbing dreams featuring herself, her best friend Diana, and the same unidentified guy. Each dream ends in catastrophe, where Diana and the guy end up dead. Penny struggles to connect her past lives before the cycle of her past repeats itself.

While the story may seem a bit far-fetched to some, those with an interest in reincarnation will enjoy it. More serious issues, such as Penny's feeling regarding her parents divorce and the re-establishment of a relationship with her father are glossed over. Penny's character rings true and her relationships with her friends is realistic. Penny's previous lives are interesting characters, though the flashbacks are difficult to get used to at first. A light and enjoyable read.

Shelf Life by Robert Corbet

An assortment of teens working in a supermarket cope with health and family problems, future hopes and dreams, the complications of on-the-job romances, and the challenges of customer service.

There are so many characters appearing and disappearing in this book that it is extremely difficult to keep them, and their individual stories straight. There is very minimal resolution for the character's stories. Short chapters and the constant jumping around make the book read quickly.