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FERAL NIGHTS by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Werecat Yoshi, Werepossum Clyde, and human Aimee set out to find Yoshi's sister after Clyde's best friend is killed, and in the process they learn of a greater plot to kidnap the were-species and must work together to all come out alive. This spin-off of the TANTALIZE series is witty and full of great characters. The plot and world make the reader believe that other species walk among us and that it would be fun to get to know them. An adventurous YA. (Candlewick, 2013)

THE 5TH WAVE by Rick Yancey
After millions of humans are killed in the first through fourth waves of the alien attacks, Cassie is torn away from her brother but once she learns the truth of who the aliens are, she sets out to rescue him and runs into Evan and Ben, two guys who may help -- or hinder -- her cause. This alien invasion story has the feel of THE HOST meets THE WALKING DEAD. It is dark, gritty, and has characters struggling to survive and understand what is happening to their planet. The multiple povs work well, and this YA has guy and girl appeal. (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2013)

MIND GAMES by Kiersten White
Sisters Annie and Fia both swear to keep each other safe after their parents die, but when a school offers blind Annie a chance to see, they both enroll and are subjected to the whims of a man who uses their psychic talents against his foes -- and each other. The alternating povs and shifts in time give the reader a full picture of the sisters and how they came to be in their present circumstances. Interesting characters are introduced, but their full motives are unclear and keep the reader guessing. A sequel is inevitable. (HarperTeen, 2013)

THE PROGRAM by Suzanne Young
In the near future, suicide is a teen epidemic and 17-year-old Sloand has already lost her brother to it; when she starts to show signs of depression Sloane is ushered into The Program, a place that cures teens of their sadness by supressing their memories, but she doesn't want to forget her boyfriend James no matter how effective The Program might be. This book is somewhat predictable and ends with a clear sequel in mind, but will appeal to fans of DELIRIUM and MATCHED who want to see lovers forced apart "for their own good," and then try to follow their hearts back together again. An easy to read YA. (Simon Pulse, 2013)

WHEN WE WAKE by Karen Healy
One hundred years after she's shot and killed, 16-year-old Tegan is reawoken from a cryogenic freeze in 2128 where she learns the truth behind the science of her second life. Tegan's voice is easy to follow, and the plot and writing flow nicely. The idea of cryogenics and teens coming back years later is not new, but the Australian future and political and environmental issues are interesting to read. (Little, Brown, 2013)

IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters
In 1918, Mary Shelley Black's mother is dead, father is in jail, and best friend is leaving for the war in Europe; when he dies and she can see his spirit, Mary has a reason to outlive the Spanish Influenza while she learns the truth of his death. This is a great historical novel, and good ghost story. The details of the influenza epidemic are palpable, and the desperate nature of the times is well told. The ghost story isn't particularly new or scary, but it adds to the work of Spiritualism at the time. (Amulet, 2013)

DEAD RIVER by Cyn Balog
Kiandra reluctantly agrees to spend the weekend on Dead River with her boyfriend and best friend, and once there she is haunted by ghosts of the river and learns that her deceased mother may be near. This darkly atmospheric ghost story has a hint of paranormal romance and a nice parallel to the river Styx. I rarely think novels should have been longer than they were, but I wouldn't have minded 20 more pages or so to really delve into the "rules" of the ghost world a bit more. The epilogue left me smiling. (Delacorte, 2013)

ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor is the new girl, big with bright red hair and totally noticeable; Park is from the neighborhood, half Korean half white and often overlooked; the two meet on the school bus and despite teasing from their peers and hardships from their families, they know they are perfect for each other and meant to be. This gentle romance is full of on-point feelings and descriptions of first love, including the highs and the lows, the pure energy and self-doubt. It is also full of some harsh realities that make it recommended for mature teen readers. (St. Martin's, 2013)

TEENS HAVE STYLE! FASHION PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG ADULTS AT THE LIBRARY by Sharon Snow and Yvonne Reed
***VOYA REVIEW COMING SOON!***

WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL by Cheryl Strayed
After her mother dies of cancer at age 45, devastated 22-year-old Cheryl considers hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and four years later she actually does it, losing toenails, making friends, and learning what she really needs in order to be happy and rebuild her life. This memoir is one backpackers, hikers, and those who have experienced great loss may all especially enjoy -- though the excellent writing and amazing setting make this a great read for anybody. Cheryl's journey is physical and emotional, quiet and loud, and one the reader roots for her to complete. (Knopf, 2012)

52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER by Jessica Brody
Lexington Larabee, the daughter of a super rich but distant businessman, expects her $25 million dollar trust fund on her eighteenth birthday, but instead her father tells her that in order to overcome her bratty, troublesome image she must complete 52 weeks of "menial" jobs in the real world or else she can say goodbye to her check. It was hard to like any of the characters for the first few chapters since Lexington is a bratty snob and her father is a loveless workaholic, but as the story progressed Lex grew on me and I enjoyed following along with her antics and quest for a connection with her father, whether she knew she was seeking it or not. (Square Fish, 2012)