Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood

Azalea feels her summer is ruined when she is sent to Paris Junction, Arkansas, to help take care of her Grandma Clark. Getting along with Grandma Clark is enough trouble, but then her Grandma insists on having extra help in the garden. Azalea will never make friends with grumpy Willis DeLoach or stuck up Melinda Bowman even if they have to work together. Surprisingly, Azalea does hit it off with Billy Wong, a Chinese American boy also new to the town. Together, Billy and Azalea explore Paris Junction and try to avoid the bully Willis. But the real trouble comes from the town prejudice that threatens Billy’s family and their store. The summer in Paris Junction is full of surprises for Azalea as she learns about friendship, loyalty, and family. Azalea’s coming of age is an interesting one that will connect with tween readers. Her experiences also cover an interesting period in the South as people of all types experienced and fought against prejudice. Recommended ages--10-13 years

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Sydney Stanford has always been invisible, eclipsed by her charismatic older brother. Even when Peyton becomes consumed by addiction and is sent to jail for crippling a boy in a drunk driving accident, Sydney's parents continue to focus all their attention on him. Feeling alone, Sydney struggles to find her place in a family that is falling apart.

When Sydney meets the Chatham family, they are a welcome contrast to her cold home life. Sydney is drawn to spunky Layla, whose bright personality demands attention. Layla hears the truth of Sydney's problems and stands by her. But it is Layla's older brother Mac whose attention and concern help Sydney know she isn't really invisible after all. Saint Anything is a story about realistic and difficult problems and how the power of friendship helps overcome those problems.

Recommended ages 13 and up

The Kidney Hypothetical by Lisa Yee

Higgs Boson Bing has it all--acceptance to Harvard, the school's cutest girlfriend, the top scores in his class, and only seven days left of high school. But when Higgs's girlfriend poses the hypothetical question of whether he would give her a kidney, his answer begins his downfall as King of Sally Ride High. Soon, slanderous posters of Higgs cover the walls, his best friend stops talking to him, and even Harvard hears rumors that Higgs cheated on his admissions application.

As his world crumbles, Higgs is drawn to a mysterious girl living in an abandoned Airstream camper. Monarch, as she calls herself, causes Higgs to question his life and future plans. Higgs's journey of self-discovery is wildly hilarious at times, but also poignant and thought-provoking. The Kidney Hypothetical is an entertaining story and a good read for any teens still trying to figure out where they are going in life.

Recommended ages--13 and up