The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson has just learned that he is a demi-god, the son of a mortal and a Greek God. Percy, however, is not just the son of any Greek God, but the son of Posidon, one of the "big three"- who have promised not to have any children. As Percy discovers the truth about himself, he is cast into the middle of a battle between the Gods over a missing thunderbolt. Percy soon finds himself on a quest to retrieve the missing bolt with his friends Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth, a daughter of Athena. The group is attacked by monsters and tricked by the Gods throughout their adventure. A likeable collection of misfit characters on an exciting adventure full of mythology, mystery, and humor. The fast-paced adventure will find fans among those who enjoy the Harry Potter series, the Alex Rider adventures, and the Artemis Fowl books.

High School Bites (The Lucy Chronicles) by Liza Conrad

Lucy Hellenberg's life is complicated- her mother died and her eccentric father has refused to leave the house ever since. To further complicate her life, Lucy has just learned that she is a descendent of Lucy in Bram Stoker's Dracula, descended from a long line of women who fight Dracula, and her on-again, off-again boyfriend is a decendent of a Dracula and is in the process of becoming a vampire. With the help of her best friends Mina and Mark, and a group of ecclectic misfits including her father, the family cat, and her English teacher, Lucy hatches a plot to end the battle with Dracula once and for all. A quick read that is sure to be popular with fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While the story is lacking in some depth, fans of vampire fiction will enjoy the fun storyline and interesting characters.

Dancing Queen by Erin Downing

Seventeen-year-old Olivia has the chance of a lifetime, an opportunity to escape her life in Ann Arbor, MI to intern at the hottest tv music station in London. Her arrival in London is not quite what she expects but Olivia learns to deal with obnoxious roommates and difficult bosses, and searches for love- enjoying the attention of A-list celebrity Josh Cameron but realizing he may not be the one. Another light, fun romance from Simon Pulse. Olivia is a likeable character whose interest in music will connect with many teens (though most probably won't recognize many of the titles). Music flows throughout the book- including each chapter being the title of a famous 80s song.

Backstage Pass (The Hollywood Sisters) by Mary Wilcox

Jessica's sister is the beautiful and talented Eva Ortiz one of the stars of TV's Two Sisters. Shy and quiet Jessica is very close to her sister and supportive of the career that has uprooted her life. When a series of unflattering and untrue articles about her sister begin appearing in the tabloids, Jessica begins to investigate the set, cast and crew to determine who is spreading the lies about her sister. The first in the new The Hollywood Sisters series is a light, quick, mystery full of pop culture and girl power. A fun story will humor, strong characters, and intrigue that will appeal to girls looking for a fun read or a light-hearted mystery.

The Runaway Princess by Kate Coombs

Fifteen-year-old Princess Meg is furious when she finds out that her father has created a contest in which her hand in marriage and half the kingdom will be the prize to the Prince that can defeat a dragon, a witch, and a group of bandits. She is even unhappier when she learns that until the contest is complete, she will be locked in the castle tower with only her embroidery which she hates and books on royal weddings to occupy her time. Never one to give up without a fight, Meg enlists the help of her friend Cam, her maid, and her guard to escape the tower and foil the contest in any way that she can. This is not your average fairy tale and I loved it! Meg is far from your helpless damesel in distress but a strong and fiercely independent Princess who can take care of herself and save her kingdom. Great characters, lots of action and humor make this a quick and enjoyable read that is difficult to put down. Readers will be looking for more adventures of Meg and her friends.

Girl in Development by Jordan Roter

Following her high school graduation, Samantha's rich uncle gets her an internship at a major film development company in California. Funky, bookworm Sam appreciates the gesture but isn't sure this is going to be her cup of tea- especially since she has not seen her uncle or her cousin Kate since she was six-years-old. As the summer progresses, Sam learns a lot about herself, the Hollywood lifestyle, and discovers that her cousin Kate isn't the spoiled brat that she seems to be. This title is more than just another light, trendy, teen fluff. The characters are well rounded and full of depth- more than their initial stereotypes. The unexpected friendship that develops between Kate and Sam is honest and real- neither girl tries to change the other. The results of her relationship with older, more experienced Matt Sullivan, however, will be visible to readers for miles. A fun coming of age story that will appeal to a variety of teen girls- especially for those looking for more than the average teen fluff. Parents will find little to object to in this tale as well.

Exposure by Patricia Murdoch

Julie dreads going to school because her classmate Dana bullies and torments her at every possible occasion. When Julie learns of incriminating and embarrassing photos of Dana, drunk and half-naked at a party, she jumps at the chance to seek revenge against the girl who has made her life miserable. Following the Orca Soundings tradition, this title is a fast-paced, quick read. Julie, like Dana, is a highly unlikeable character and is so focused on her revenge that she loses sight of the important things. The moral of the story (revenge is not always sweet) is obvious and has been done before.

Stuffed by Eric Walters

After watching a documentary on the fast food giant Frankie's in health class, Ian and his friends are disturbed by what they learn. While working on a project for his computer science project on e-mail as a tool for mass communication, Ian gets an idea to arrange a boycott of Frankie's through email blasts. Soon Ian's message is spreading through the internet like wildfire and Frankie's is scrambling to stop the protest. Another fast-paced quick read from the Orca Soundings series. This title will appeal to teens love of technology and demonstrates teen empowerment, taking on corporate America and making a difference.

Exit Point by Laura Langston

After sixteen-year-old Logan dies in a car crash, he learns that he checked out years before his time, escaping the tough things that he would have to experience over the next couple of years, including saving his sister from their abusive uncle. Logan is given a chance to help protect his sister from the after life, but how can he stop his uncle if he is dead? This addition to the Orca Soundings series is a fast-paced quick read that will tug on your heart strings. Logan's desperation to save his younger sister and his regret for checking out on his life early is heart-felt and honest.

Frogs & French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski

Rachel's mother has finally relented and is allowing Rachel's younger sister Miri to practice magic, and she has even resumed practicing magic herself. Having two practicing witches in her life complicates things in ways that Rachel could never have imagined. Miri sets out to save the world and accidentally transports cows to the school gym. Her mom begins dating again and begins using magic short cuts constantly. With two out of control witches on her hand, will Rachel be able to save her family and the senior prom? As fun and fresh as Bras & Broomsticks. A light and quick read that will keep readers laughing to the end. A third book is scheduled to be released in 2007.

She's Got the Beat by Nancy Krulik

Miranda left her small Texas town to attend college in Austin and is at first overwhelmed by life in the big city. Miranda is determined to break out of her small town girl mold and finds herself taking up drum lessons. A natural at the drums, Miranda soon finds herself filling in for a drummer in a local band and crushing on the band's bassist. A cute, quick read but light on the comedy part of the "romantic comedy" genre. Miranda is likeable and her journey to discover herself and shake the small town girl mold is realistic and honest.