Keeping Corner, by Kashmira Sheth

In 1917, 12 year-old Leela's husband is killed by a snake. And while she has never lived with her husband, she is condemned by custom to spend the rest of her life as a shunned widow, starting with a full year of seclusion. Set amidst real political events shaking India at the time, this semi-biographical tribute to the author's great-aunt creates an interesting setting for ordinary adolescent yearnings in extraordinary circumstances.

While the story can get a bit sluggish and repetitive, the setting makes for interesting reading. This is no milestone piece or even a particularly original story, but for a reader unfamiliar with Indian rural culture (i.e., most of us!) this is a decent read. The political angle works less well as it never fully integrates with Leela's search, despite the author's intent.

Love Me Tender, by Audrey Couloumbis

When Elvira's Dad leaves the family to take part in an Elvis impersonation contest in Las Vegas, Mom decides to pack up the family to visit Grandmother. The Grandmother is getting on a bit in years and has a tendency to set the house on fire, but otherwise people mostly just sit around and chat.

A strikingly dull book (which I should have expected since her much more critically-acclaimed novel Bringing Up Baby was similar). Couloumbis does not really have much interest in plot. Instead, her characters mostly sit around and chat. This might make for realism and decent character development, but not for an entertaining read.

The London Eye Mystery, by Siobhan Dowd

When Salim, Kat and Ted's cousin, passes through London on his way to relocate to New York, he begs for a chance to take a ride on the Eye. His cousins take him and the adventure begins when Salim disappears! The adults are unable to figure out what happened, but Ted is on the case. This is all the more surprising as Ted has trouble communicating (he has symptoms that resemble Asperger's Syndrome). But Ted has a sharp mind for details and gradually he unravels what happened to Salim.

I'm reading this in flight to London, so it is strangely appropriate. However, I wouldn't consider the story to be anything spectacular. Dowd does a nice job of creating Ted's unique voice, but the mystery itself is not developed well and the story's pacing is too slow.

[Additional note: while at the Eye's gift shop later in the week, I noticed that they are carrying this book for sale. Cute tie-in!]

Primavera, by Mary Jane Beaufrand

Flora will never have the marital bliss of her sister Domenica or even her mother's affection, but unlike her sister or mother, she enjoys the freedom to come and go around her family's estate Pazzi Palazzo. It is the late 15th century and the setting is Florence. Two of the world's most powerful families (the Pazzi and the Medici) are locked in a bloody conflict that is tearing the city - and Flora's future -- apart. In the chaos that ensues, Flora has to find the strength to survive and help the few people that she can.

Historical novels are drab affairs and ones that are based on true events even more so, but this one actually works as both a bit of stirring action-adventure and as coming-of-age story. There are no deep sentiments here and the too-good-to-be-true ending grates at me a bit, but the novel is still excellent summer reading. So, if you need some period escapist lit, this one is for you!

Lessons from a Dead Girl, by Jo Knowles

When Leah Green dies, Laine begins the process of coming to terms with the legacy of her friendship with Leah. Because this was a "friendship" only to outside eyes. Even in public, Leah teased and humiliated Laine. But it was what Leah did to Laine in the "doll closet" that was the most sinister. In shocking detail, Knowles dissects the nature of an abusive relationship between two alleged BFFs.

This qualifies as a good read, but an extremely upsetting story. The "ick" factor is quite high. For this reason, it won't make my list of books I'm going to re-read any time soon. However, the story is an important one and Knowles's writing is sharp and intelligent. If you have the stomach for it, this is well worth cracking open.

You Know Where To Find Me, by Rachel Cohn

Laura and Miles were cousins, and as close as they could be. And while they appeared to share nothing in common (Laura was petite and popular; Miles overweight and a loner), they were very close. As they grew up and transitioned from fantasy play in the tree house to abusing prescription pain killers, they maintained their tight bond. Laura was always the one who had it together, so when it is Laura who kills herself, no one can believe it. And Miles who has the most trouble struggling to survive without her lifeline.

A bit of a departure for Cohn, this downer novel suffers from a dead plot (pun intended). The theme is grief, but you have probably never seen the phases of sorrow depicted as dull as this. Virtually nothing happens in this story and saddling the plot with an unsympathetic heroine does not really help things along. Give this a pass!

Undercover, by Beth Kephart

Elisa is not the type of girl you notice. She stays out of sight and keeps a low profile. But her way with words makes her useful to lovelorn boys who take the love poems she ghostwrites for them to win the hearts of their girlfriends. But one of her clients (Theo) is special and different, and the poems she writes for him to give to his Lila mean more to her than they could ever mean to Lila or Theo. More inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac than copied, this lyrical love story celebrates the strength to rise out of the shadows and seize the day.

Beautifully written, albeit prone to more than a few digressions, this is a strong YA debut from an author who carved out her credentials in the adult market. There are times when this novel drifts away from the YA world, but Kephart shows much more talent than your usual crossover author. Recommended.

The Canning Season, by Polly Horvath

When Ratchet's mom sends her to Maine for the summer to live with her two maiden "aunts" Tilly and Penpen, no one knows quite what to expect. Certainly not bears and blueberries and phones that you can't ring out on! But as one could expect in a story like this, there are lots of adventures to be had. There are also plenty of surprises in trademark Horvath style with strong quirky characters.

I'm a big fan of Horvath's Everything on a Waffle, which I felt was a clever book that combined life advice with decent recipes. As I noted above, this is a similarly quirky and fun novel. It's not quite as memorable, but it's still a good read.

101 Ways To Dance, by Kathy Stinson

In this slim collection of short stories, we get a variety of topics but all of them deal with teen sexuality in one way or another. Many of the ideas are quite original: sexual desire between kids with Downs Syndrome or kids who are dying of cancer. Some of the stories deal with forbidden topics (like incest). All of the stories address the conflict between physiological desire and parental/adult disapproval. So, as a unifying concept, sex works.

The stories themselves are rough. Some of them are certainly better than others, but none of them really moved me in a significant way. Beyond the yearning and the poignancy of young lust and love, the characters come across as surprisingly flat. Much credit can be given to Stinson for creating so many unique and original stories about sex (while avoiding all the usual stuff), but the stories needed more development and polish. Promising concept but a disappointment.

A Little Friendly Advice, by Siobhan Vivian

At Ruby's 16th birthday, her long-absent Dad suddenly shows up. Ruby is not so pleased to see him again and runs out of her own party screaming. Her friends come after her and offer their support and advice on how to deal with the situation, just as they have always done in the past. However, this time, Ruby begins to realize that the help of friends is not always given without strings attached or some degree of self-interest. And that may pose dangers.

There is some excellent writing going on here, in terms of voice and characterization. Vivian has a good ear for dialog and the action feels very realistic. But the story is a mess. It was a good 80 pages or more before I could truly figure out what the story was even about (I don't read blurbs before I start reading the book). And it floats rather aimlessly about. Yes, there is an ending and a fairly normal narrative, but there is also so much noise and distraction going on that you don't get a story so much as a slice of life. Good writing is not just about capturing people, it's about telling a story -- Vivian needs to do that.

Girl, Going on 17, Pants on Fire, by Sue Limb

In this third book in the series, Jess now has to juggle her boyfriend troubles, an evil substitute teacher, perpetual tardiness, and taking her granny to the doctor's office without underpants. There's a barely-English-literate Japanese boyfriend for Jess's mother and a variety show for good measure. Much hilarity ensues.

The first book in the series was funny, albeit a bit silly at times, but it is harder to accept the proposition that Jess is still so immature yet now actually 17 years old. She always seemed a bit babyish, but now she seems to act like a tween (at best!). I've noted before that British YA seems to be a bit less mature than American. This is a classic example. Sadly, Limb's little franchise is losing steam.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary E. Pearson

In the near future, antibiotics have lost their effectiveness, traditional agriculture has been taken over by genetic modification, and medicine has advanced to Frankenstein levels. Yet teenagers are still teenagers and Jenna, having woken a two-year coma after an accident, is searching for the meaning of her life. Her searches bring her far more than she could have expected and soon Jenna must confront questions about parental love gone amok, the meaning of the soul, and what quality of life truly means.

While bearing a superficial resemblance to Haddix's novel, Double Identity, this is a very different novel, and one which is far removed from Pearson's over-lauded A Room on Lorelei Street. The writing can get a bit turgid at times, but there are some fascinating themes raised here (warning: mandatory book review assignment material!). I'd recommend this book simply to give you a chance to read one of the more fascinatingly original YA novels written this year.

Camp Rules, by Jordan Roter

When Penny's parents decide to surprise her on her 16th birthday by sending her to camp for the summer, they don't realize that you can't just start going to camp at 16. It's something that you have to start doing at 8 and grow into. Worse, because of Fern Lake Camp's rules, Penny's been promoted to the elite Bunk One (where the oldest and most-privileged campers are). This doesn't sit well with some of her bunk mates and things get off to a rocky start. Gradually, Penny wins them over and discovers the fun she's been missing.

A lightweight and brisk read. The dialogue sounds authentic (or at least obnoxious enough to my crotchety ears to be authentic!) and the characters have good distinct personalities. But the plot is essentially non-existent. If you like to sit around and listen to a lot of goffy gossip, this could be fun, but I would think that going to camp this summer for real would be a lot more fun than living vicariously through these hijinx.

The Shakeress, by Kimberley Heuston

In the late 1820s, tragedy strikes Naomi's family as her parents and younger brother are killed in a fire. Like a period melodrama, they are sent to live in the uncaring arms of Aunt Thankful, but Naomi comes to realize that their salvation lies with joining the Shakers. And while that provides comfort, it only temporarily delays Naomi's own realization that her place lies elsewhere. Through years of searching, Naomi attempts to find that place for herself.

An unusual historical novel and an even more unusual YA story, Heuston walks a fine line between historical accuracy and anachronistic feminine empowerment, but the result is a beautiful piece that is true to both history and character. Nice period details and a heroine who is both strong and believable. As one reviewer noted, the writing also beautifully depicts the spiritual dimension of Naomi's search. That's icing on the cake in the remarkable work.

The Talented Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker

In this sequel, Clementine is still getting in trouble and having trouble paying attention. Third grade is doing a Talent-palooza and everyone has something to perform except Clementine. But just as the big show cames, Clementine and her teachers discover her hidden talent (and it isn't getting in trouble).

For younger readers, this continues to be a really strong series (in the tradition of Ramona or Judy Moody). It's funny for both younger and older readers, with a gentle and kind world view. For whenever you need a break from the dreariness of YA or adult novels and just want a laugh, Clementine does it for me!

Sweethearts, by Sara Zarr

In this beautiful and poignant story, Jenna has to confront her past when her childhood sweetheart Cameron returns from the dead and shows up at her school in her senior year. Her friends and boyfriend assume that Cameron and Jenna have a romantic thing going on, but it is much more complicated than that. While never able to adequately explain their emotions, Jenna and Cameron both learn a great deal about themselves and their relationships with others through the experience.

A surprisingly spare yet emotionally intense novel. The beginning and end are notably outstanding. Zarr's previous Story of a Girl was a great (albeit mildly flawed) book, but she is building up her talents. In this case, I found the middle section a bit dull and lacking direction, but the bookends make up for it quite adequately. Anyone who isn't crying through the last chapter has a heart of stone. Highly recommended.

The Girlfriend Project, by Robin Friedman

Reed Walton is a senior and has always been a bit of an outcast, the kind of guy who Marsha Peterson laughed at in freshman year when he asked her out on a date. But Reed has grown two inches over the summer, gotten contacts, and lost his braces. Now he's ready to find his first girlfriend. And with some help from his best friends Ronnie and Lonnie he's having more success than he ever thought possible. Reed has gotten used to his loser-dork status, so the discovery that his new self turns heads is quite a surprise. Moreover, he finds that getting a date is not only no longer a problem, but that he has to pry them away. Now, if he could only get the girl of his dreams!

The strength of this story is the way it brings up so many familiar discussions about dating (the types of questions we have all discussed at one time or another), exploring the unbalanced rituals of the process and exploring what it really is all about. As an actual story, the plot drags a bit at the end but it does pull a last minute satisfying conclusion.

It's also a bit hard for me to relate to the story as I was never much of a casual dater as a teen (although ironically I did a bit much more recently as an adult). But I suspect that for those who have gone through the whole dating scene, there's plenty to recognize here.

Perfect You, by Elizabeth Scott

Kate's life is falling apart. Her father has quit his job to sell stupid vitamins at the mall. As a result, her family is falling into debt, her parents are fighting, everyone at school is making fun of her, and she has to work with her Dad while he does nothing to stop the decline. Worse still, he best friend is not really speaking to her anymore. To make life even more complicated, there's a guy she doesn't like (or maybe she does!) who may like her (but he probably doesn't!). Kate is convinced that no matter how hard she tries to make things work out, that they just won't. And it's not worth trying. This attitude in turn basically creates self-fulfilling prophecies, but she is blind to that effect.

While the characters feel very realistic in their flaws, this does not make them particularly likable protagonists. I would hope that readers will see how destructive and arrogant the depicted behaviors are. I would hope that readers would draw the conclusion that these are not lives to emulate. But I'm not convinced that they will. And having such an anti-hero at the center of the story makes this a hard read.

Peeled, by Joan Bauer

Hildy has a talent for investigative journalism (much like her deceased father). When strange events start to happen in her sleepy Upstate New York apple-growing town, she knows something is rotten to the core. The arrival of ghosts, psychics, and real-estate developers adds no comfort. But what can you do about it when you are just working on a school newspaper?

Most of Bauer's stories are the same (hard-working teen outsmarts corrupt elders and usually gets a boyfriend in the process). All that changes from novel to novel is the overallarea of interest (waiting on tables, growing squashes, selling shoes, etc.). This recent novel is particularly reminescent of Hope Was Here. Why mess with success? And, admittedly, Peeled is a satisfying story. So, file this in the Guilty Pleasures category. If you like her other stories, you'll like this one. But if you've never read anything by her before, start with Hope Was Here or Squashed instead.

The Girl I Wanted To Be, by Sarah Grace McCandless

Presley (named after Elvis) has always idolized her Aunt Betsi, even though Betsi is only a few years older and has more than a few noticeable flaws (alcoholism most noticeably). But in this period coming-of-age novel, Presley comes to realize that the adults around her have much bigger issues than she does. As she witnesses the collapse of her perfect world, she gains appreciation for her own strength.

No one can deny that this is an unusual YA novel, focusing far more on the adults than the kids, and playing around with the narrative to shift the usual dramatic arc (conclusions coming first, timelines rejigged, etc.). The book gets high marks for originality and even for writing. However, I found it to still be a hard book to engage me. The characters did not appeal and I felt like they were keeping me at arm's length. I just didn't care. I realize that that is a particularly personal reaction and others may find this to be absolutely fantastic.