Paper Towns by John Green

Another winner from one of our favorite authors! Green has an unusual knack for portraying realistic experiences and honest dialogue among his characters - and making it both profound and amusing. Set in Orlando, Florida, it is the story of the enigmatic Margo Roth Spiegelman, as told by her classmate Quentin, who worships her from afar. When Margo goes missing again in senior year, it is up to Quentin to unravel the mystery and find her.

Artichoke's Heart: a novel by Suzanne Supplee

This was one of the most charming books I've read this year! The story is set in Spring Hill, Tennessee and features the smart and funny Rosemary Goode - a self-conscious, overweight teen whose single mother owns Heavenly Hair, the most popular and gossipy beauty salon in town. The plot is a thoughtful and humorous look at Rosemary's senior year of high school as her social life and figure transform.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

An update on the Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lovers theme, this novel is told in the alternating voices of Brittany Ellis,a rich, blonde suburbanite who seems to be perfect and Alejandro Fuentes, a rough, poor gang member, trying to keep his family safe. This unlikely pair are forced together as chemistry partners for a project. Set in the burbs of Chicago, the trials and tribulations of this sympathetic couple makes a read that you just can't put down.

Nation of Amor Book Trailer

A Nation of Amor by Christopher McConnell

Set in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, the story begins in the 1960's with the Matos brothers, Angel, Bobo and Reynaldo. Frustrated with the way the Puerto Rican community is treated, the brothers form the Latin Kings street gang as a way to protect their people. McConnell, a native of Chicago's West side, vividly captures the dialogue and culture of the street. Told in alternating narratives by several main characters, the story paints a realistic portrait of tough choices, politics, corruption, gentrification and the immigrant experience.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

On a summer trip to visit her long absent father, seventeen-year-old Kristina, a dutiful young girl and straight-A student, is introduced to meth aka crank. She immediately gets caught up in the unfamiliar yet captivating lifestyle of a crank addict and develops and alter ego - Bree. Once Kristina "shakes hands with the monster" her alter ego of Bree begins to take over, sending her life spiraling out of control, with devastating consequences. Hopkins, a former poet, writes the novel in free verse which gives the story even more impact. Hopkins also writes a short author's note to the reader, revealing that the story references her own struggle to save her daughter from "the monster."

I'm Down: a Memoir by Mishna Wolff

Mishna Wolff presents her amusing, bittersweet memoir about growing up with a divorced, white father who truly believes he is a black man, and begins a crusade to make his daughter "down." A sensitive, hilarious and hip story about an awkward white girl's struggle to fit in, in a working-class black neighborhood. Readers will relate to the author's challenge to develop her own identity in the midst of being pushed and prodded by her father and others to be what they want her to be. A highly recommended read.