Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Allyson Healey isn’t very spontaneous. She generally follows the rules and done what is expected of her. On the European tour that was a graduation gift from her parents, she’s one of her tour guide’s favorite students. But a few days before she’s due to fly back home, she is convinced to skip out on seeing a professional Shakespeare production and instead attends an underground version of Twelfth Night. She is immediately intrigued by actor Willem (and, frankly, so are we). She’s even more intrigued when he invites her to go to Paris, just for a day. And that day winds up changing absolutely everything for Allyson. She has the most exceptional 24 hours that she has ever dreamed of having. But just as suddenly, Willem leaves her without word, and everything comes crashing down. Her adventure is over and she flies home to her family, her friends, and her own life . . . and she is completely alone. The kind of alone that prevents you from being with other people without hurting.

So, ultimately, she makes a choice. She returns to Europe and she is determined to find Willem and uncover some answers. Or maybe, she’s off to find herself.

This is a romance that goes far beyond tradition. It is hopeful and terrifying, and completely fulfilling. Keep your eye out for the sequel, Just One Year, available in October 2013.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

When you move around a lot and don't really want anyone to ask you questions about your life "before," or get to know you too well before you up and leave again, it could be a challenge or an opportunity. Mclean Sweet is determined to take advantage of her semi-nomadic life with her dad and create new opportunities in every down, including new names, new wardrobes, and new personalities along with new schools and new friends.

But in Lakeview, it all starts when Mclean just won't stay hidden. Usually she easily transforms into Beth or Eliza Sweet, but this time she's Mclean. And then there are these friends that are basically finding her, rather than the other way around. And Dave, with whom she discovers she can actually have honest conversations -- and maybe even an honest relationship?

Also, try Dessen's Along for the Ride for your cravings of not-quite-fluffy chick lit.

The Nannies by Melody Mayer

In the form of popular chick lit, The Nannies tells of three teenage girls from different backgrounds who all have their own reasons for wanting a job as a nanny in California. Kiley, Lydia, and Esme form a support system, helping each other through situations with boys, their families, and traumatic teenage life experiences. While some readers will enjoy the sights and brand name clothes of Hollywood, others will see right through the unsympathetic characters and fail to be drawn into their world.

The perspective of each girl is revealed in alternating chapters, creating a light and quick read, and those who liked the Au Pairs, or who want a nicer version of the Gossip Girls, might request The Nannies. The Nannies has broad appeal for high school girls.

Call number: YA MAYER (SERIES) (Teen Room)

This Book Isn't Fat, It's Fabulous by Nina Beck

Sometimes girls need their guilty pleasures, and this book could be one of them. There is something about this book that makes you want to keep reading without even coming up for air.

Riley Swain is fabulous. “Fabulous, in Riley-speak, is more than just what you wear, or who does your hair. Those things are obviously important, but fabulous is the way you hold yourself, the way you inspire others to treat you.” So, that’s better than being rich or beautiful, although she’s also both of those things. Riley thinks that her only real problem in life is that she’s in love with her best friend, and he’s the only boy just not that into her (and he’s not even gay). Her father thinks that her only real problem is that she’s overweight. So despite her boy troubles, she’s sent off to New Horizons Program for Young Ladies . . . also known as Fat Camp. Riley didn’t think she could be any more fabulous, but things can always get better.

The story is predictable, but the characters are fabulous. From the start, Riley is happy with who she is, despite what others think of her, but she also finds out how to be a better friend, and better to herself. This is a quick fun read, with a bit of a turn away from the typical girls-who-have-it-all. Recommended for high school girls. (Coming up next: This Girl Isn't Shy, She's Spectacular.)

Call number: YA BECK (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian