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. :)

A Heart Like Ringo Starr by Linda Oatman High

Faith is anything but normal, but normal is what she wants to be.  Awaiting a heart transplant, she is home-schooled and surrounded by family that knows the business of dying all too well.  They operate the funeral parlor below their home. When a neighbor dies his heart is given to Faith.  After recovery she is plopped into the life she always wanted.  But will school and a romance with her donor's cousin be too much?

This novel is written in prose and can be read quickly.  But it is deceptively simple - there is a real depth of sadness and hope.  It's the kind of book that you think about long after you've finished reading.

Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles

When Nate breaks his middle finger in gym class, it is splinted upright in a permanent insult.  Instead of being mortified, he is secretly empowered.  That angry middle finger appears in ten interconnected stories about relationships, family troubles, bullying and sexual orientation.

One of my favorite reads this summer!  The phrase "read between the lines" is more than an insult.  It's an invitation for deeper human contact.

The Geography Of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Two lonely teens meet in a stuck elevator during a blackout.  A true connection forms between Owen, who just moved to New York after his mother died, and Lucy, who is often left on her own while her parents travel.
When Lucy moves to Europe they communicate through postcards, and when Owen moves out west the connection slips a bit further.  Can the relationship survive the distance?

I enjoyed this light but layered story.  The main characters read as realistic, even if the plot is a little unbelievable.  This book should satisfy the read-in-bed-late-at -might cravings.

Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby

Quinn's boyfriend Trent died in a car accident.  His organs were donated, so Quinn sets out to find and meet the recipients.  When she meets Colton, who has Trent's heart, she is inexplicably drawn to him.  Their romance makes us wonder - does a heart know past loves?

This is a sweet and sad romantic story about love and loss and how to move on from tragedy.  Readers who like a little weeping with their relationships will appreciate Quinn's determination and loyalty, and Colton's hopeful outlook.

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick

Laureth's father taught her to look for recurring events, patterns, and numbers--a skill at which she's remarkably talented. Her secret: she is blind. When her father goes missing, Laureth and her brother are thrust into a mystery that takes them to New York where surviving will take all her skills.

I was ready to like this book; it's a very interesting premise of a blind girl who can see patterns.  The characters are engaging but the story is a bit weak.  The underlying plot involving coincidence and probability and history doesn't really go anywhere. Recommended as a quick mystery.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Like cats, dogs may have several lives.  Told through a dog's perspective, we follow one canine's birth and re-birth, from puppy through old age.  The dog has many experiences, not all good, and keeps his knowledge from life to life.  He questions his purpose - why is he fated to live and enjoy his work, his boy or family, only to do it again and again?

Cameron paints a vivid narration of life as a dog, a dog's motivation, a dog's worries and desires.  Through the dog the reader learns about human behavior as well.  Be sure to read this, as well as the sequel, A Dog's Journey.

In the Shadow Of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

It's 1918 in San Diego, influenza has become an epidemic.  Schools and public buildings are closed.  Citizens wear masks and try home remedies but the death toll climbs.  WWI rages in Europe, taking the young men.  Mary tries to adhere to her scientific principles, until the voice of a beloved childhood friend turned soldier speaks to her  - even though he is dead.

The setting of this story really comes alive through details like clothing and food.  The desperation and sadness of the time are very clear.  The story doesn't really resolve, and some of the characters are not developed, but this is still an interesting book worth reading.

The Here And Now by Ann Brashares

Prenna's world is about secrecy and conformity.  Her group behaves like a cult, but one with a terrible secret: they are travelers from the future.  The Twelve Rules are sometimes hard for Prenna to follow, but vital since close contact with the Time Natives, people born to current time, can cause diseases like the plagues they've escaped.  But Prenna doesn't trust the leaders, and finds herself drawn to Ethan, a time native who seems to know her.

This is a thrilling, hard-to-put-down story with elements of science fiction and romance.  Good surprises in the plot keep the ride exciting.

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

In the Community, where implanted computer chips have erased human emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network, Zoe starts to glitch or malfunction, and begins having her own thoughts and feelings. She soon discovers others who are unlinked, and the movement to overthrow the control over humanity.

This is the first book of a trilogy. It's a typical dystopian theme of a corrupt government controlling the people.  Evil science has morphed some teens with super powers. Even with the cliches, this is a fun series with lots of action and light romance.

For Real by Alison Cherry

Claire and Miranda are sisters who embark on an around-the-world race for a reality television show. Miranda was humiliated by her boyfriend, Claire wants to get closer to her sister, and Team Revenge is born.  When the producers switch the show from race to romance the sisters are separated and each must find their own way to manage the stress and emotions.

This is a very silly, very enjoyable book.  For fans of reality television, and for those of us who secretly enjoy it, For Real is a behind the scenes look at the drama behind the drama.  A perfect summer read.

Tangled Threads by Pegi Deitz Shea

Mai and her grandmother have survived war in Laos, the death of her parents and 10 years in a Thai refugee camp.  They are finally allowed to leave for America and join her uncle's family.  Mai is thrilled with her safe and comfortable American life, but often upset by her cousins' behavior, her uncle's new religion and her grandmother's complete dependence on her.  

Mai's descriptions of the rich Hmong culture and her conflicted emotions of America are easy to understand.  The characters seem natural and multi-layered, neither all good or all bad.  This is an excellent and modern immigrant story.

Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian

Jake regrets exposing his secret at a party.  When he holds an object, he can "tunnel" to the owner and see where and what the owner is doing.  When a government agency science team wants his help, he tries to put them off with misinformation.  But his family is in danger and Jake has to cooperate to protect them.  

This book has lots of action, angst-filled teens, creepy scientists and terrific characters.  The ending is a little rushed, but overall a solid story.

The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes

Hallie (Hallelujah) Calhoun is having a miserable time at her church's youth camping trip.  Her former friends taunt her about a recent incident, ruining her trip and her self-esteem.  She leaves the hike with two others and they become hopelessly lost.  Hallie must find her courage and her voice to, literally, save herself.

While there's nothing suspenseful or unique here, the misery of the lost teens comes through convincingly.  The ending wraps up too neatly, but most readers will be invested enough to keep reading to see the rescue, the aftermath and the changes in characters.