Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi

After her parent’s divorce, Maddy moves from Boston with her mother and younger sister in with her grandmother in New Hampshire. Maddy is miserable in her new school, where she has been made an outcast from her first day by The Haters, the reigning group of teens. Maddy finds solace in her manga art and the game Fields of Fantasy. In Fields of Fantasy, Maddy creates a beautiful elf magician named Allora and in this virtual world Maddy can be anyone she wants to be. In Fields of Fantasy, she meets and befriends a young knight named Sir Leo and soon Maddy is spending most of her free time online with him. As Maddy blossoms and thrives in the online world, she begins to take control of her own happiness in the real world and starts to challenge The Haters power over the school.

Though fairly predicable, Mancusi has created an enjoyable story of a girl struggling to find her place in the world of high school- a story that will resonate with every teenage reader. Every girl will see something of herself or her situation in Maddy. Readers will guess the identity of Sir Leo long before Maddy does, but they will enjoy watching the virtual romance blossom into the real world. As Maddy stands up to The Haters, calls out her childish father, and finds her own strength she will discover kindred spirits and friends in unlikely places. Mancusi warns about the dangers of strangers online, but does so in a way that is not preachy or condescending. The beautiful cover art is certain to attract readers who will not be disappointed with this quick and engaging tale. Though a departure from her vampire series, The Blood Coven, fans will not be disappointed and Mancusi is likely to gain new followers.

Girl, Barely 15, Flirting for England by Sue Limb

When her teacher announces that there are more French boys than English boys participating in the pen pal program and a few English girls will need to have male pen pals, Jess quickly volunteers. With the help of her best mate Fred, Jess sends a slightly doctored photo to her new pen pal and hopes for the best. When Edouard arrives, however, Jess is disappointed. Edouard is small, mousy, and barely speaks English. When it becomes rumored that he has a crush on Jess, she fakes a relationship with Fred until the hot exchange student Gerard begins to make advances on her. The next day Gerard begins a relationship with her other best friend Flora, leaving Jess jealous and hurt- and she is not the only one. Girl, Barely 15, Flirting for England is the prequel to the series of Jess Jordan books. Like the previous installments, it is light-hearted and funny. Jess’ trademark humor and quick wit will appeal to many teenage girls.

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Sixteen-year-old Tessa has run out of time- the cancer that she has been battling for years has taken over her body and she has run out of medical options. After moping over her situation, Tessa decides to get back to the business of living and creates herself a list of things she wants to do before she dies- including having sex, doing something illegal, trying drugs, becoming famous, and falling in love. Tessa’s narration is powerful and heart wrenching. She struggles between being depressed about her situation, waiting passively for the inevitable, and going out living life on her terms. As she completes items on her list, she finds love and support from her best friend Zoey, her family, and her new boyfriend Adam. Downham has created a believable narrator who will speak to teen readers. Intense emotions and mature situations make this title better suited for older teens.

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy) by Richelle Mead

Rose has felt off since the fight with the Strigori that killed her friend Mason, so much so that she begins to see his ghost around campus. Mason’s ghost begins to affect Rose’s training at a time when the school needs her most.

The newest installment in the Vampire Academy series was slightly disappointing. Better editing should have caught repetitive explanations and incorrect character names. The story drags and is difficult to get into at first, but once the action and pacing pick up the novel is difficult to put down. The surprise ending will upset many fans, but will have them clamoring for the next installment.

Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer

When Phillipa sees the job posting seeking a nanny for ten-year-old twins that “must love black” she is intrigued. Phillipa does love black, so much so that it is the only color in her wardrobe- but don’t call her goth! Her new job at Chrysalis Cliff, a luxury spa and mansion, begins the same day as her father’s marriage and escaping a summer of newly wed love is extremely appealing to her. Rienne and Triste are nothing like the spoiled brats that Phillipa imagined. The girls are quiet, well mannered, intelligent, and extremely serious- so much so that fun is one of the “mandatory” items on the girls daily schedule. Phillipa quickly learns that the girls are also very isolated from their father, their only living parent, by the demands of his business partner. Providing the girls with the required fun, helping the girls reconnect with their father, and dealing with the hot gardener Geoff is a lot for her to tackle this summer.

McClymer has created a light-hearted teen romance that will attract those teen girls who love black. The tone bounces between light-hearted and serious and the pace moves at a way that will keep readers engaged throughout the story. Its predictability and abrupt happily-ever-after ending with a few loose ends may be a turn off for some readers. It is a shame that the description on the back of the book fails to do the book justice.

Look for Me By Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn

After years of moving around so often that she never has time to make friends, Cynda rebels when her mom and step-father announce they are moving to Italy. She goes to live in Maine with her father in order to reconnect with him and his new family. Cynda struggles with life in the isolated Inn until the mysterious Vincent Morthanos checks into the inn. Cynda is drawn to Vincent who appears to understand Cynda’s loneliness and isolation. Cynda learns the truth about him, but is unable to free herself from his grasp. It is only after Vincent begins to prey upon her five-year-old half-brother Todd that Cynda begins to fight back and with the help of her friend Will to destroy the centuries old vampire. Look for Me By Moonlight is predictable but fans of gothic novels and evil vampires will enjoy this quick read. Cynda and Todd’s insecurities are honest and will resonate with teens experiencing similar emotions and are the one of the strengths of the novel. The happily-ever-after ending comes a bit too quickly and easily. Teens looking for a vampire romance will be disappointed but those who are drawn to the horror side of vampires may be intrigued.