What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

David Drucker is a socially awkward genius who usually keeps to himself. He keeps a notebook to remind him who to trust and how to act in different situations. Kit Lowell is a popular, but insecure girl dealing with the recent death of her father. To avoid the pressure of her friends, Kit joins David at his lunch table. Slowly, the two teenagers develop a friendship and both their lives are changed. They each learn what it truly means to be a friend.

This is one of my new favorites. Both Kit and David are delightful characters that I wish I could know in real life. Their experiences and reactions are very relatable while still being unique and entertaining. What to Say Next is a perfect read to develop empathy--both for those with social struggles and for those dealing with grief. It will appeal to teens, but could be a good one for adult audiences as well. A feel good story about friendship with additional depth and life lessons. I highly recommend What to Say Next.

Recommended ages--13 and up

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Sophie and Agatha are an unlikely pair in the town of Gavaldon. While Sophie dreams of being taken by the Schoolmaster to the School of Good and Evil, Agatha is content with their normal, little town. But when the Schoolmaster does come and Agatha interferes, Sophie’s plans and dreams are turned upside down. Sophie is put in the School for Evil and Agatha ends up in the School for Good. As everything unravels, each girl will be tested in ways she never imagined.

With a traditional fairytale setting, The School for Good and Evil attacks all our ‘happily ever after’ stereotypes. It is a story about identity and friendship and what good and evil really mean. This book is great for fairytale lovers, but the suspense will capture adventure readers as well.

Recommended ages--10-14 years old

We Are the Perfect Girl by Ariel Kaplan

Ariel Kaplan creates wonderfully clever and quirky teen characters that confront the worst of teen angst without being annoying. In this modern twist on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac, we have two best friends: Aphra Brown, the bold and outspoken one with a face she is sure no one can love, and Bethany Newman, heartbreakingly beautiful but painfully shy. Together, they try to win over Greg D’Agostino, the school heartthrob who has a lot more depth than either girl expected. However, while helping her best friend, Aphra finds herself losing her heart to her best friend’s boyfriend.

The surface story in We Are the Perfect Girl is funny and light, but the story also covers some deeper issues. Aphra’s struggles cover first love, self-esteem struggles, family conflict, and the true meaning of friendship. All those elements combine with some truly hilarious scenes and wonderfully witty dialogue to make a very enjoyable read. No sex and very little profanity is just an added bonus.

Recommended ages--13 and up