Popular (2015 Winner Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults)

Van Wagenen, M. (2015). Popular. NY: Penguin

This funny and touching story tells the true life story of author Maya Van Wagenen as she tries to survive her middle school years. Seeing herself as a social outcast, Maya decides to use a self-help book from the 1950s: Teenage Popularity Guide by Betty Cornell. Maya is completely dedicated to following all of Betty's tips, even if it means more embarrassment for her. The book includes real photographs of Maya and her family as she is going through this particular time in life. Young girls will find this book hilarious as well as helpful as they too might be experiencing some of the same feelings Maya had during middle school.

I'll Give You the Sun (2015 Printz Award Winner)

Nelson, J. (2014). I'll give you the sun. NY: Penguin

Jandy Nelson uses a distinctive and unique writing style in this breathtaking novel. Here she tells the story of fraternal twins Noah and Jude who do everything together, until they hit puberty and things start to change. Nelson writes the story from both teens perspectives, with one telling the story of when they are early teenagers, and the other telling the story when they are in their older teen years. This style of writing comes together beautifully to tell the whole story of this crucial developmental time in their lives.Noah and Jude find themselves competing for the same things: boys, school, and the affection and attention of their parents. This causes them to grow farther and farther apart. When a tragedy strikes the family, readers will be able to relate to the twins' emotions, and their relationship as siblings.

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir (2015 Top Ten Quick Picks)

Prince, L. (2014). Tomboy: A graphic memoir. San Francisco, CA: Zest Books

This graphic novel tells the story of author Liz Prince's childhood and how she grew up as a tomboy. The story tells how she struggled to fit in with other kids her age, seeing as how she wasn't a girly girl, and she wasn't one of the guys either. This novel shows young readers that it's ok if you don't fit in and you don't have to conform to what the "norm" is. It teaches them that what's most important is that they are happy with who they are. This will also make a good read for parents who are trying to understand what they're child might be going through that doesn't dress the way they may particularly like. The true story being told through comic strips makes this book appealing to young readers of different ages.

The Crossover (2015 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults)

Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Josh and Jordan Bell are twin brothers who have played basketball together for years. As they enter junior high school, they encounter many changes that puts a strain on their relationship. The story is told through the eyes of Josh as he depicts the many emotions he goes through as his relationships with his brother and parents weaken due to different obstacles he is facing. When the family is pushed to the point of having to come together and be strong, Josh realizes the importance of family and begins to work hard to make his relationships strong again. The author does a great job of describing real situations that real families face every single day. Young adults and adults will be able to relate and enjoy this story from beginning to end.

The Fault in Our Stars

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. NY: Penguin

Hazel is a sixteen year old living with cancer that has spread to her lungs. After attending a support group, she meets a young boy named Augustus who has lost one of his legs to cancer. The two strike up a quick friendship and decide to read each others favorite books. Augustus becomes frustrated with the way Hazel's favorite novel, An Imperial Infliction, ends and decides to track down the author. After meeting the author and being disappointed to see how he truly acts, Augustus' health begins to decline so they return home. Augustus confesses his love for Hazel and after he passes away, Hazel finds out that Augustus was in the process of writing a sequel to her favorite novel. This young adult novel will make you smile and then make you cry. A wonderful book to teach young readers what true love is and how it can be exhibited no matter what your circumstances may be.

When You Reach Me

Stead, R. (2010). When you reach me. NY: Random House

This story is told through the words of the protagonist, Miranda. A homeless man, who is always laughing, lives on the corner of Miranda's street. The main soon starts to send Miranda letters. The first three were instructions to Miranda to write down future events. In the beginning, Miranda is unaware of who is sending the letters, but becomes intrigued in what they are saying. It is later revealed that the homeless man is actually a time traveler that was sent to save a life. The theme of friendship is prevalent throughout the book as Miranda both loses and gains new friends.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

Black, H. (2013). The coldest girl in coldtown. NY: Little, Brown, and Company

Fans of paranormal novels will love this book. Seventeen year old Tana wakes up from a party and discovers that everyone in attendance has been slaughtered by vampires. She soon finds her ex-boyfriend, Aidan, alive and chained, along with another vampire that does not wish to kill his victims. Tana realizes that Aidan has been bitten, which means that he carries the vampire curse inside him. With vampires still on the hunt, Tana has to quickly think of a plan to get all three of them out of this cold town. Black does a great job with developing the main characters. Tana is a determined and strong character who never gives up, while Gavriel is mysterious and helpful. Readers will definitely love the suspense of the book, as well as seeing Tana and Gavriel's relationship bloom.