YA Novels I've Enjoyed Recently

I haven't done one of these posts in a while so thought I'd do one now, although I have a list of things to do a mile long before I head out tomorrow on Amtrak. I'm going to Central Washington to talk with students about reading and writing. Wheeee - can't wait! And my first Amtrak trip too! The trip through the Columbia River Gorge is supposed to be beautiful!

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

This is the follow-up to her best-selling novel If I Stay and wow, what an amazing read. Fans of If I Stay are going to LOVE this one.

"It's been three years since the devastating accident... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future and each other." To be released April 5, 2011.

Take Me There by Carolee Dean

What can I say, I'm a sucker for bad boy books. I loved all the characters in the book. They were done extremely well and Dylan's voice grabbed me from the get-go, and I so wanted Dylan to beat the odds.

"Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him--but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance to be with her. But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He's on the run and in search of answers--answers to questions he wishes he'd never asked." Available Now!

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

I'm so thrilled to see all of the fantastic reviews of this book that have popped up since it was released a week ago. I've been a fan of this book for a long, LONG time, before it had a cute boy on a cover and hearts at the beginning of every chapter.

"In this sweet story of first love, Lindsey Leavit seamlessly balances heartfelt family moments, spot-on sarcastic humor, and a budding young romance." Available now!

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus

I was so excited to read this, and it did not disappoint. Kim's verse is beautiful and the story is one that touches your heart and makes you feel for all of the characters involved. All of the photography references worked so well in the story and added a nice dimension to the poems.

"Sixteen-year-old Liz Grayson is photogirl--sharp, focused and ready to take the world by storm with her camera. But Liz's entire life is called into question when her brother is accused of a crime. Even worse? The accuser is Liz's best friend." Available now.

I have more, but that's all I have time for now. What have you read lately that you've enjoyed?