Undertow by Michael Buckley

When the Alphas, a race of undersea-dwelling creatures, occupy the beach at Coney Island, life changes dramatically for Lyric Walker.  The community is polarized into violent warring factions, some of her friends have disappeared, and her mother has been hiding her true identity.  Then the new principal coerces Lyric to team with one of the Alphas, which brings danger directly into her family.
This story has a lot going for it: romance, danger, villains, heroes and secrets.  Some of the characters and subplots feel cliche, like the different Alpha species and the reaction to school integration.  But there is enough interesting story development to keep the pages turning, plus a set-up ending for the next installment.

The Improbable Theory Of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher

Straight-arrow Ana and geeky gamer Zak are complete opposites, thrown together at a quiz bowl championship. They spend a hectic night trying to rescue Ana's brother who has snuck out to attend a sci-fi fan convention.  Holy mix-ups and misadventures! Of course, by the end of the night the teens dislike turns to like.

I enjoyed this look at a sci-fi convention.  An understanding of the pop and television references is helpful.  A light, fun story.

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest

Best friends in 5th grade, May and Libby created the comic Princess X.  May was the writer and Libby was the artist.  When Libby and her mother die in a car accident May's world turns gray and dull.  Now 16, May starts seeing Princess X stickers around town, which lead her to a web comic featuring the characters she helped create.  Thus begins the quest to discover who has resurrected Princess X.

This very original story also features excellent drawings of the comic series.  There is plenty of action and suspense, with a tidy ending.

The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

When Adam falls for a girl in his OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) support group, it sparks his desire to get better and be "normal". He struggles with compulsive rituals and anxiety, increasingly about his mother, whose own strange behavior in escalating.  The support group decides to take superhero names and naturally Adam chooses Batman to pair with his love, Robin.  As Robin improves Adam spirals out of control. Will he be able to let her go for her own good?

The story provides a window into the world of mental illness. Although Adam's inner thoughts are intense and realistic,  he and his support group friends are able to find humor in their situation.  You won't be able to put this down!

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Bee is an orphan with a startling diamond-shaped birthmark on her face.  She lives a rough existence working in a traveling carnival.  Pauline is her protector and guardian, shielding her from the nasty owner who wants to put Bee on display as a freak.  When Pauline is sent away, Bee runs off and settles in a cozy house with two strange older women that only Bee can see.

This is a beautifully written story with a fierce main character.  Bee is so interesting, honest and resourceful that we never pity her and her hardships. A bit of magic lifts the story to another level.

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Twig is the baker's daughter in a small town with a fantastical legend: the Sidwell monster that swoops around at night.  The monster is actually Twig's older brother James, hidden away for years, the victim of a witch's curse.  Lonely Twig must keep the family secret, which isolates her from others.  When a new family moves in, and James becomes frustrated and reckless, Twig must decide whether to honor her family or seek her own happiness.

Alice Hoffman creates an entirely believable story with a touch of magic. The setting and characters are so compelling - I was sad to finish it. :)