The Merchant of Venice: Graphic Novel

This graphic novel version of Shakespeare's play is condensed. Bassanio is vying for the affection of Portia. In order to marry her, his friend Antonio lends him money; however when the deal goes sour, Antonio's life is in danger. Can Bassanio marry Portia, and keep his friend alive?!

The Boxer and the Spy

Terry and his best friend (and not-so-secret crush) Abby are horrified when their friend Jason is found dead on the beach in their hometown. Pronounced a suicide, the adults claim Jason's death was related to steroids; something Terry and Abby are certain the shy Jason would never touch. Taking matter into their own hands, the two fifteen year olds and some friends take on the case. Alternate chapters focus on Terry's boxing under the direction of local gym owner, George. Little does Terry know that boxing will come in handy in both the gym and in cracking the case!

Ten Cents A Dance

This book is about Ruby, a fifteen year old girl growing up in the Great Depression. Her father deceased, and her mother unable to find work due to illness, Ruby leaves school to work in a factory. At a local dance she meets badboy Paulie, who tips her off on how to make more money: dancing, one of Ruby's favorite pastimes. Except that this isn't dancing swing with her friends, but dancing with unknown men, at night. The job is not considered "respectable," so Ruby must hide her work from her mother. And, her relationship with Paulie.

The Brothers Torres

This is the tale of Frankie Towers, a teen growing up in NM. While Steve, his older brother, is popular, adored by girls, and a star soccer player, Frankie mostly works at the family restaurant and blows things up with his best friend Zach.
Things change when Frankie enters 10th grade; his brother starts hanging out with the tough crowd more, and comes home less (if at all). This leads Frankie to popularity (and a hott, awesome girlfriend). However, Mr. & Mrs. Towers keep questioning Frankie about Steve, instead of asking Steve himself.

With popularity comes haters: for Steve it is the rich kid in town, Dalton, who wants to beat him up and get the girl. How far do you go to be popular, to be in charge, to be tough?

The Day I Killed James

Theresa wants to get back at Randy, her boyfriend, for another "break" in their relationship. James, her older neighbor whose been in love with her for years, seems like a good chance-he's in the military, good looking and drives a motor cycle.
Except that Randy tries to get Theresa back at the party. And then James drive his motorcycle over a cliff.
Theresa never meant to hurt James. And now James is gone forever.

Buried

Claudine has long buried her own needs and dreams to cover for her alcoholic mother. She protects herself with careful planning and constant control. Order is her weapon. After her mother disappears-another alcoholic binge?-and 17 year old Claudine finds herself all alone, a much darker reality emerges from beneath years of angry denial and enabling behavior. And as the truth comes closer to the surface, Claudine must dig for the answers she's always worked so hard to cover up.

Song of the Sparrow

A twist on the Arthurian legend of The Lady of Shalott, this novel focuses on the imagined life of Elaine of Ascolat. At 16, she lives with her father and brothers in a military camp. Her secret love is for Lancelot, but the appearance of Gwynivere seems to ruin any chances Elaine may have for true love. And then Arthur's army is called to action, and Elaine fears for the safety of all whom she loves....

Witch Child

The contents of this book are the diary of Mary Newbury, a teenage girl living in England with her grandmother in the 1600s. In 1659 her grandmother was hung, accused of being a witch; a mysterious woman gives Mary Puritan clothing and has her leave for America with a group of Puritans. However, the same threat which her grandmother faced sets upon Mary: she must choose to either marry a minister, or flee, to escape the accusation and fate of a witch.

Wake

Janie has the ability to go inside the dreams of others. But the novelty has worn off, and at seventeen she'd just like to keep to herself. Usually the dreams are just annoying, the naked dreams, falling, or sex dreams.
Until she winds up in a nightmare where she isn't just an audience member, but a player.

The House of Djinn

Mumtaz has spent the last ten years living with her father's family; it was ten years ago that her mother, Shabanu, staged her own death for the daughter's safety.
Mumtaz has only her grandfather Baba and cousin for support; with Baba's sudden death secrets are revealed and life is about to change for Mumtaz: Her cousin Jameel, her best friend, is to be her husband in an arranged marriage, and the tribal leader! Jameel and Mumtaz must decide whether the good of the family is worth their personal dreams.

Ink Exchange

Unknown to the human world, there is a fight for power among those of the Faery Court and the Dark Court.
Human Leslie knows nothing of the struggle, but spies a beautiful tattoo she can't pass up; the seventeen year old is certain that the tattoo will signify the changes she wishes for her life.
However, the tattoo brings changes Leslie never imagined: she becomes tied to dark leader Irial, and is drawn deeper into the Faery world. Leslie can't resist, but is not safe, either.

Legacy: A Private Novel

Cheyenne Martin's death leaves an opening for a new leader of Billings Hall. The position falls to Reed, now the most powerful girl at Easton Academy. Access to everyone, including alumni, Reed's top spot is a blessing and a curse: all three leaders before her had nasty endings, and history tends to repeat itself at Easton Academy.

Thoureau at Walden

Have you read Henry David Thoreau's Walden? John Porcellino has reconstructed the famous work into a graphic novel, with bright, simple images and few words.

All We Know of Heaven

Based on the true story, this novel tells the horrifying tale of two girls who were BFFs. One day inattention on an icy road leaves one injured and in a comma, and the other dead. One family mourns while the other prays for recovery-until doctors discover that there has been a terrible case of mistaken identity: the girl who lived was not whom they thought.

Airhead

Social outcast Emerson Watts accompanies her sister to a store grand opening, but not willingly. So things become out of control when an accident leaves Em in the body of teen model Nikki Howard.
Em's life is changed forever, and her old problems are nowhere near what she's dealing with now!

Genius Squad

Sequel to Evil Genius finds Cadel hiding from the imprisoned Prosper English and searching for a home where he can belong (and have access to all the technology he desires!) No one seems to want him, except for the Genius Squad, whom he's not sure he can trust. And then the 24/7 surveillance of Cadel is threatened when Prosper English breaks out of jail.

The Compound

Fifteen year old Eli and his family have lived in the compound his father built for six years. Life as they knew it is gone forever after nuclear war engulfed the world. Eli feels guilty to be alive because his twin brother didn't make it into the safety of the compound. And then he discovers that his father has lied a few things.... Is it safe to be in the compound, or is father lying about more than he'll admit?

The Road of Bones

Yuri is taught in school that the revolution was good for his nation. However, he learns that the government does not look out for the people. A few wrong words have him branded an "enemy of the state," and Yuri must flee to try to save himself from the horrible fate waiting for those who resist.

The Off Season

Follow up to Dairy Queen, we find narrator D. J. making decent grades, helping out on her family's farm, and playing on the high school football team as the first female linebacker in Wisconsin. However, things don't stay well for long: her friendship with Brian, the rival high school quarterback, is strained by articles in People magazine. D.J.'s best friend runs away. Then her bother injures himself on the football field, and refuses to respond to anyone. D.J. stays with him in the hospital, and accompanies him to rehabilitation.

The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine

Sometimes Dylan feels he can't control his life. His mom split for another man, and his father is a workaholic. His older, perfect brother is a pothead. And his best friend Angie, (a girl), is going to remain just a friend.
Angie forces him to be part of her new movie, set in Greenwich Village. And soon Dylan has got to make some changes, and step into the spotlight.

Newes From The Dead

This is a tale about the 1650 hanging of Anne Green. Falsely accused of murdering her own child, who was actually stillborn, Anne is convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Except that the hanging doesn't kill her.
Told from dual perspectives, medical student Robert Matthews, who has a stuttering problem, notices her movements in the beginning stages of her autopsy. Can he save Anne?
The novel offers insight into the growing medical field, as well as political life of Oxford, England in 1650.

The Pretty One

Megan is not beautiful like her older sister, starlet Lucy; hiding in the shadows was her option at their performing arts high school. Then after a freak accident, Megan's face is re-constructed by plastic surgeons-and she's even more beautiful than Lucy!
Suddenly, Megan is The Pretty One, fighting off boys (including her best friend Simon), and her sister for the lead in the play. Directed by Drew, a theater guy she's loved forever, Megan has competition for his affections from Lucy as well.

Peeled

Hildy is a high school newspaper reporter, just waiting for her chance to prove herself. However, the only story making headlines in town are the ghostly occurrences and visions. Hildy is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, not just the rumors!

Fairest

Aza has a beautiful singing voice, and the ability to "throw" her voice so that the singing can sound as though it came from another location. However, she is not considered beautiful, a trait as necessary in her kingdom as singing. Hidden in her parent's inn, Aza is discovered by the new queen. Forced under threat to assist the queen, Aza must use her talents; until she is discovered and must flee for safety.
An unlikely friendship, magic, and adventure, Aza must overcome her fears to help save herself, and the kingdom she loves so much.

X in Flight

X, short for Xenos, is 17 and a golfer. His mother thinks he's bound for fame, but X isn't so sure; he wants to stand out, but he's not sure that the gold course is the stage for him. One night he discovers that he has the ability to fly; and wonders if he is an angel, a superhero? And what is the point of his power?

Saint Iggy

Iggy comes from a family who have made bad decisions, but he doesn't follow in his drug-addict parents footsteps. At 16 he is still a freshman, having been left back twice, and suspended numerous times. Suspended again, his principle urges him to do more, and turn his life around. Iggy's only friend is a guy named Mo, who has some problems of his own. Iggy sets out to find the answers he needs, and a path that will get him out of his hopeless situation.

Mercy On These Teenage Chimps

Ronnie and Joey, good friends, think that puberty is more like becoming a monkey than turning into a man; hair, sweat and a new interest in girls ascend upon them when they turn 13. Despite their jokes, Joey is offended when his coach calls him a monkey in front of the beautiful and talented Jessica. He escapes alone to his tree house, and Ronnie knows that it's up to him to make the situation right.

Iron Man: Teen Novelization

Have you seen the new Iron Man movie? Want to learn more about the comic book hero??
Tony Stark, billionaire and genius, is kidnapped and ordered to build a weapon capable of mass destruction. Instead Stark builds himself a set of armor to escape. Once home, he finds out that his invention is part of a plot to destroy the world; he then becomes Iron Man, and vows to protect.

The Found, Book 1

Jonah and his pal Chip are adopted, but never made a big deal out of it, until now. They receive several bizarre letters, and then discover a plot that involves the FBI, randomly appearing and disappearing planes and people, and a smuggling operation. Can Jonah and Chip, along with the help of Jonah's sister Katherine, solve the mystery?

The Joys of Love

Elizabeth is 20 years old in 1946, and finally pursuing her dream. Working as an apprentice actress over the summer, Elizabeth finds something else to love: Kurt, the theater's director. Then she discovers that Kurt is not whom she thought. This semi-autobiographical piece offers discovery of self, as well as love.

The Streets of Babel

What would it be like to live with bio-terrorism? This book explores that terrifying possibility.
Similar, sudden deaths occur in a Jersey suburb which make the government investigate. A 16 year old computer-genius/U.S. spy discovers terrorist activities while working undercover in Pakistan. What is "Red Vinegar," and can the victims be forewarned?

The Red Necklace

Set in Paris in 1789, the tale centers on a gypsy boy named Yann Margoza. Using his talents of mind-reading and being able to throw his voice, Yann works for a magician. On the night of his employer's final performance, he meets Sido, a beautiful heiress.
During the French Revolution, the unlikely pair maintain their bond, even though it means Yann must face an evil man, Count Kalliovski, to secure Sido's safety.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye

Indigo Skye is 18 and happy-she loves her job as a waitress, her kooky family, and her cute boyfriend. Things are perfectly normal until a customer leaves her a 2.5 million-dollar tip. Will everything change for Indigo, as everyone warns her, or will she be able to stay true to herself, despite the new wealth?

Sunrise Over Fallujah

Robin Perry decides to enlist in the Army after the 9/11 attacks, despite his parent's wishes that he attend college after high school. Assigned to a Civil Affairs unit in Iraq, "Birdy," (as his unit members call him), realizes that there are many gray areas in war. He's not sure how the situation in Iraq could ever be brought to peace. And Birdy's safety is threatened with every mission.

Itch

Known as Itch, Delores Colchester must move from Florida to an Ohio trailer park when her grandfather dies. Missing her grandfather is bad enough, but fitting into a new school doesn't make life any easier for Itch. Until she becomes friends with popular girl Gwen-who has dark secrets behind her perfect, baton-twirling exterior.

The Year Nick McGowan Came To Stay

Rachel is 17, the girl who knows where she's going, and has it all together. That is until the cutest guy in school, Nick, moves into her house (what was her dad thinking?!) Nick and Rachel don't see eye to eye, and Rachel is sure that things will only get worse. But her best friend Zoe thinks 'lurve' is in the air....

As Phoebe and her clique of privileged girlfriends get ready to graduate from eighth grade, a financial scandal threatens her family's security--as well as Phoebe's social status--but ultimately it teaches her the real meaning of friendship.

How to be Bad

Jesse, Vicks, and Mel decide to take a road trip to visit Vicks's boyfriend who is in college in Miami. Jesse and Vicks have been friends for ages, but now there is a wedge between them. Jesse is a devout Christian who frowns on drinking and premarital sex; her unmarried mother calls her Goody Two-shoes and Vicks is getting fed up with her friend's attitude. In fact, this is a large focal point of the story, and readers are sometimes left to wonder why they are still best friends, and when and how Jesse became so religious. Mel is a wealthy newcomer who has offered to pay for the trip, hoping to be accepted by them. Once they get into the car, fighting takes over. Through confrontations with one another, with boys, and with family, the teens work through the issues they are facing and learn the importance of relying on friends.

Smiles to Go

Will Tuppence's life has always been ruled by science and common sense but in ninth grade, shaken up by the discovery that protons decay, he begins to see the entire world differently and gains new perspective on his relationships with his little sister and two closest friends.

Suck It Up

After graduating from the International Vampire League, a scrawny, teenaged vampire named Morning is given the chance to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a superhero when he embarks on a League mission to become the first vampire to reveal his identity to humans and to demonstrate how peacefully-evolved, blood-substitute-drinking vampires can use their powers to help humanity.

Maus is a two-part graphic account of survival of the Holocaust. Written and illustrated by the survivor's son, the characters are identified by nationality as mice, cats, frogs and dogs. Art Spiegelman describes in detail the early life of his parents, their torture as the Nazis took control, and finally their freedom. Along with the loss of friends and family, the horrors of the Holocaust left their marks on Spiegelman's father for the rest of his life.

Rumble Fish

Rusty James is a tough kid, the toughest of all the Junior high kids at his school. But is being tough enough? From the wrong side of the tracks, longing for the gangs which have broken up, still fighting...Rusty has few people he can depend on. His hopes, and fears, are all betrayed within a two day period; will he end up just like his dreamy, tough older brother, or will the biggest fight of his life be the end?
Fans of The Outsiders, the first published work by S. E. Hinton are sure to love this fast paced, quick read!

The Wild Girls

Twelve year-old Joan leaves her home in Conneticut for California when her father is re-located. There she meets a girl called Fox; together the two create a story that is part fiction, part truth. When the story wins a prize, the girls are invited to attend a youth writing program. Imagination and the truth of adults play an active role in their writings, and their lives.

Persepolis

This is the true story of Marji, an Iranian girl who grows up during revolution and war. A descendant of the last Emperor of Iran, Marjane Satrapi grows up with some privileges, such as education and her father's Cadillac, but events in her homeland constantly squash her freedoms. The graphic novel depicts the adventurous, intelligent Satrapi from age 9 to 14; the author and illustrator looks back on the normal trials of youth, along with that of war and regime.

On the last day of seventh grade, Tracy is brutally attacked by an older boy she knows. From that day on she has trouble believing she is safe. Tracy stays indoors for almost the entire summer, unable to face unknown horrors. Going to a her therapist doesn't help her. Tracy does find some relief when she practices the piano, and soon music becomes the center of her life. She thinks that she can push people away and just play her piano. She soon realizes that friends can sometimes help you get through horrible events. This is a quick read and very hard to put down.

Saving Juliet

Mimi Wallingford is an actress, but not by choice. Forced to star as Juliet in her family's New York theater, she must deal with her guilt-giving mother, panic attacks, and Troy Summer, the teen heart-throb co-star who disses her and then dates her understudy. Then, after a huge fight with her mother on closing night, Mimi and Troy wind up in Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's most famous play. Mimi meets Juliet, and decides that she must help the doomed character; for in Juliet, Mimi sees the same problems, and the chance to make a change for the better! Shakespeare-land is full of surprises, familiar characters and adventure!

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale

Melkora is a medieval Irish princess. She grows up privlidged, but is forced to run away from home when a Norse ruler propositions her father for her hand in marriage. While trying to escape, Mel is kidnapped by slavetraders. She never speaks, thus making her mysterious to her captors - and this becomes her once chance for survival.

the sweet, terrible, glourious year I truly, completely lost it

This is a chick-lit book any girl can enjoy! Aussie teen Gemma Stone faces a lot this year: her sister has turned into a bridezilla, her best friend convinces her that the only way to get her crush to notice her is by joining the school play (even though Gemma is known for puking while public speaking). And the town low-life keeps popping up wherever she is! Will Gemma be able to maintain her sanity?? Or will she totally lose it?! Very funny!