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From the author of Ella Enchanted, this is another novel set in a mythical kingdom, featuring a young girl whose strength of character and inner beauty save the land that she loves. Abandoned at birth, the homely foundling, Aza, is raised by kindly innkeepers until at 15, she is invited to accompany a visiting duchess to the wedding of the king. Shortly after their arrival at the castle, the new queen, Ivi, discovers that Aza can "throw" her beautiful voice. She persuades the young girl to become her lady-in-waiting so that her own lack of singing ability is not discovered by her new countrymen. This deceit troubles Aza but the growing affection between her and young Prince Igori makes her unwilling to jeopardize her place at court by confessing her wrongdoing. Instead, the queen betrays Aza, accusing her of initiating the subterfuge. Right at this time, Aza discovers an evil spirit in a mirror who can make her beautiful. This transformation may be the key to her escape from punishment or it may lead her to betrayal of all whom she holds dear. Her decision leads to a satisfactory "happily ever after" ending. Grades 6 and older will enjoy this fast-paced fantasy. 
This stream-of-conscious and coming of age novel is narrated by fifteen-year-old “Charlie” in a series of letters to an anonymous friend from 1991-1992. In one of the first letters, Charlie writes about his family—mother, father, brother, and sister; and he especially writes about his deceased Aunt Helen. Charlie is not really the type to “fit in.” In other words, he’s a wallflower. As Charlie enters the world of high school, he makes friends with a group of seniors. His new friends, stepsiblings, Patrick and Sam pry Charlie out of his shell. He experiments with illicit drugs, chain smoking, alcohol, and sex. Charlie’s unrequited love for Sam, one of his best friends, is both heartbreaking and realistic. Through all of his experiences, Charlie finds himself and finally lets the truth about his Aunt Helen surface. Due to illicit drug use, sexual matters, and memories of childhood molestation, this excellent book is recommended for grades 9-12. 
This 2007 Prinz Award winner is the first graphic novel to be awarded the prize for excellence in literature written for young adults. Three stories are woven into one in this beautifully illustrated work. The first story tells of Jin Wang, the only Chinese-American in his new school who wants desperately to fit in. The second tells the traditional Chinese fable of the Monkey King who wants to be rid of his humble roots and become a god. The third tells of Danny's Chinese cousin Chin-Kee's (a negatively portrayed Chinese stereotype) visit to America and it's disasterous effects. These three tales all show characters wanting to be someone other than who they are, with which most teens will be able to identify. At the end, the parallel stories become one with an unexpected twist. This book is easy to read and will appeal to those teens that enjoy the reading the graphic novel format and to all readers wishing they could be someone else. Recommended for grades 6 and up. 
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