Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling- no spoilers

yes, I've read it. No- I'm not going to ruin it for you and tell you what happens. I am going to say that I am very sad that the story of Harry Potter has come to an end but at least the last book was true to the series- I laughed, I cried, and I'm going to go back and read it again at a slower pace where I can truely immerse myself in the magic that is J.K. Rowling.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Life for sixteen-year-old Annabel is complicated. After watching her parents struggle with her old sisters, Annabel is determined to keep them happy, especially her mother; even if it means doing things she doesn't really want to do. Life gets worse when Annabel suddenly finds herself friendless and isolated from her peers. She finds an ally in Owen, a fellow outcast, whose honesty and passion for music helps her face the trauma in her life and allows her to finally be honest with the people around her. In a way, this book reminded me a lot of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Sarah Dessen is great at creating complex, honest and fresh characters, and Annabel is no exception. Her story is compelling and difficult to put down. Fans of Sarah Dessen will certainly enjoy this novel.

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

During a routine sports physical, senior Ben Wolf learns that he has an aggressive form of cancer- one that even if he seeks treatment the odds of survival are not good. Ben decides to tell no one, refuse treatment, and live the remainder of his life as normal as possible. He decides that instead of running cross country again this year (and possibly winning the state championship) he is going to go out for the football team. He is determined to connect with Dallas Suzuki, the girl of his dreams. He insists that his teachers give him the most information possible (and insists that it be accurate information) so he becomes a pain in several teacher's sides. As Ben goes through the year, he grows and learns and realizes what a terrible secret it is to keep from his friends and family. Chris Crutcher is a genius and his books always pack a punch- and this is no exception. Deadline contains everything from abuse, sex, death, and censorship issues all in one book- without being preachy or over the top. Ben is a strongly likeable character who connects immediately with readers. A moving book that is sure to appeal to a variety of teens.

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Jean Honeychurch has been followed by misfortune since the moment of her birth, hence her nickname Jinx. To escape drama back home, Jean is moving to New York to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins, where she is hoping to escape her bad luck. Jinx's cousin Tory is not at all welcoming, especially when she realizes that Jinx has the family power that she dreams of getting- at any cost. Will Jinx be able to use her powers to save her own life? A far cry from her chick lit, Jinx is a combination of paranormal witchcraft and horror, with a tough of romance. Not as strong as some of her earlier works, but an improvement over some of her recent chick lit offerings. Jinx is a likeable character whose insecurities and self-doubt will resonate with many teen girls. Fans of supernatural novels, especially witchcraft, will want to give this work a try.

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & The Olympians)

After receiving a distress call from Grover, Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia set off to rescue their friend. They discover that Grover has found two new half-bloods, however, they have also been discovered by the Titan Lord Kronos. In a battle to rescue the two half-blood children, the group is joined by the goddess Artemis and her Hunters and Annabeth is lost. Artemis leaves her Hunters at Camp Half Blood and sets out on a hunt. When it is discovered that Artemis has gone missing, a group of Hunters and Half-Blood campers set out on a quest to rescue the goddess. Percy, unwanted on the quest, is determined to join in hopes of rescuing his friend Annabeth. Riordan continues Percy Jackson's adventures with as much style and flair as the previous installments. Packed with humor and adventure, this book is sure to please fans of previous installments.

Wuthering High: A Bard Academy Novel by Cara Lockwood

When Miranda runs up her step-mother's credit cards and smashes her father's car, her parents ship her off to Bard Academy, a boarding school for troubled youth on an island in Maine. Miranda immediately realizes that Bard Academy is a strange place. She begins to have horrible nightmares and notices that there are some interesting parallels to classic literature. Things start to look up for Miranda when Ryan Kent, a hot boy from her old school, turns up at Bard. Ryan's attentions, however, soon make Miranda the target of the popular girls. An interesting blend of genres- literary, paranormal, romance, with a little bit of mystery and gothic elements. This book has something for every reader and it will keep you guessing all the way through.

Thrill Ride by Rachel Hawthorne

When Megan takes a job at an amusement park far away from home hoping to escape the drama of her sister's wedding plans. What she doesn't count on, however, is her boyfriend Nick's attitude about their three month separation. While Megan's job as Gretel in the gift shop isn't everything she dreamed, she is making new friends and enjoying her summer, even though she battles homesickness. When Nick shows up unexpectedly, Megan's summer changes dramatically. A predictable yet sweet romance full of twists and turns. Megan is a likeable narrator and her situation will resonate with many teen girls.