Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern

Another novel about a girl who just doesn't fit in. But, no really, Jessie doesn't fit in at all: she's obsessed with math and pretty much likes to study, period; she makes her own skirts, has enough to wear a different one every day, and sometimes they have themes, like fabric with pencils and rulers appropriate for the first day of school; she has a budding rock star brother which only helps to make her look more lame; and her best friends have suddenly become completely different people. When Dottie Bell starts striking up conversations with her in study hall, Jessie is terrified for her struggling reputation because Dottie is definitely uncool. But, of course, Jessie is intrigued by Dottie's personality and interests, and since her own life and relationships are a mess, she finally decides to join in a social gathering with Dottie and her group of friends: Dungeons and Dragons, a role-playing game for true geeks, according to everyone who isn't a geek. What Jessie finds among this new group of friends is pure joy, confidence, and a complete disruption of stereotypes.

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder stays true to a teenager's heart and is never too serious or predictable. Recommended to all readers, though the romantic situations might appeal more to girls.
Call number: YA HALPERN (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian