Teens

There is a new trend in books for the teen market. These books deal with issues of popularity and peer pressure, as well as taboo subjects such as sexuality. Although some of the books are considered too edgy by parents, their appeal is undeniable. The series books are particularly popular. If you have a teenage daughter, there is no doubt that you will hear of these books. It would serve you well to check out the books so you can determine if they are appropriate for your child. My daughter first introduced me to the new teen books. This month, she will share her thoughts and opinions about her personal favorites.

GOSSIP GIRL Series by Cecily von Ziegar

Gossip Girl is a very provocative novel series about the daily antics of a group of New York's teenage socialites. If you enjoy juicy scandals, ritzy private school drama, backstabbing friends, and risqué relationships, then you need to put this series on the top of your summer reading list. This series has an underlying mystery, which adds an interesting twist. No one knows the identity of the "real" Gossip Girl from gossipgirl.net. Gossip Girl explains the happenings in town on the website. She provides all the essential chitchat from Blair and Nate's unexpected reunion to Blair's best friend Serena's latest crush. With Gossip Girl, there's no need to miss out on the gossip even while you are working on a tan in St. Bart's!

Definitely check out this New York Times best-selling series. Designer clothing not included. This series is recommended only for high school age and up due to mature language and content. There are currently eight books in the series.

THE A LIST Series by Zoey Dean

When seventeen-year-old Anna Percy moves to Beverly Hills, California to live with her father, she has no idea what is in store when she befriends movie star Jackson Sharpe's daughter. Welcome Sam Sharpe and her posse. Sam's friend Cammie hates Anna for no good reason. By the third book, things get complicated when clueless Dee befriends Sam's twenty something stepmother. Everyone is fighting over boys, friends, and dysfunctional families. When lives are already topsy-turvy, Anna's free spirited alcoholic sister shows up, creating even more twists and turns. If you are interested in the catty behavior of L.A.'s ultra rich and glamorous "celebutantes," put down that strawberry smoothie and start reading. See you at the Polo Lounge!

As with Gossip Girl, this series is recommended only for high school age and up due to questionable language and a few mature situations. There are currently four books in the series.

THE CLIQUE Series by Lisi Harrison

Rich and popular seventh grader Massie Block is the leader of her clique, the "Pretty Committee," at Octavian County Day School for Girls. When her father's old college buddy and his family move into the Block family's guesthouse, Massie cannot fathom the thought of befriending their dorky daughter Claire. How would her three BFFs (Best Friends Forever) Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen react? This series portrays the classic mean girl situation with new and exciting twists. Full of boyfriend stealers, popularity contests, and fashions fresh off the runaway, these books scream scandal. But before you think best friends last forever, tune into the second and third books when front-runner Alicia decides to branch off and start a whole new social drama. When there is an opening in the clique, maybe Claire will fill the spot. But Massie isn't that desperate. Or is she? Pick up The Clique and find out!

This series is the perfect summer read for your beach bag. Don't forget the sunscreen! There is mature content and language in these books, which may not be appropriate for readers below high school level. There are currently three books in the series.

Sharon Scott's best-selling book for teens, How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed., empowers kids to stand out—not just fit in!

A follow-up book for teens, When to Say Yes! And Make More Friends, shows adolescents how to select and meet quality friends and, in general, feel good for doing and being good. Child Development

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