So, as of March 20th, it is now officially spring and maybe soon the temperatures in the northeast will catch up as well! With a new season comes new reads. Be sure to put daylight savings time to use each night and capture some of the extra sunlight to catch up on this month's great new books.

Don't miss out on WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson, the harrowing tale of two best friends and their battle with anorexia. Fantasy fans will not want to miss MAX, the fifth installment in James Patterson's Maximum Ride series, or Carrie Ryan's debut novel, THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, a thoroughly gripping tale of survival and humanity. Top those titles off with PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles, a modern and urban spin on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, and you've got quite the reading list ahead of you.

SOMETHING, MAYBE puts an original and hilarious twist on the typical teen romance. As Hannah finds herself torn between "the jock" and "the intellect," she must also deal with the interesting lifestyles of her mom and dad. To find out more about this satisfying, romantic coming-of-age story, check out our review and an excerpt. Find out more about the author, Elizabeth Scott, in our interview, which includes a discussion about the book and her upcoming tour.

A unique and inspiring tale, MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD by Francisco X. Stork takes us on the poignant journey of a teen boy with an autistic disability as he transitions from a somewhat sheltered life to one in which he is forced to face the "real world." To browse through this standout novel, click here and read our review. Find out about the research and thought behind the book in our interview with the author.

In SAME DIFFERENCE, Emily decides to take art classes in the city in her quest for a new and exciting change this summer but is struggling to find her identity, caught between a suburb where everyone tries to fit in and a city where everyone wants to be unique. To get a head start on Siobhan Vivian's summer story, read a review and an excerpt, along with our interview.

In February we announced the finalists for the Children’s Book Council’s 2009 Teen Choice Book Award. The five books that were chosen most frequently by our readers as their favorites of 2008 were AIRHEAD by Meg Cabot, BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer, THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, LOCK AND KEY by Sarah Dessen and PAPER TOWNS by John Green. Now it's time to make your voices be heard again. Click here to vote for your favorite book, author and illustrator of 2008. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 12th during Children’s Book Week.

Congratulations to the 10 winners of our ABSOLUTELY MAYBE giveaway! Looking for the next contest? Enter our Grab Bag of Books contest for your chance to win new books and one of our signature Teenreads.com bags. This month's titles include DARK GUARDIAN #1: MOONLIGHT by Rachel Hawthorne, INK EXCHANGE by Melissa Marr, NEED by Carrie Jones and STARGAZER by Claudia Gray. And don't forget about the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers. Get those creative juices flowing and send in your entries!

We have added to our Ultimate Teen Reading List to reflect those books that have been released since our last update in October 2008. Our most recent additions are CHAINS, CHASING LINCOLN’S KILLER, THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, MAXIMUM RIDE #5: MAX, NEED, WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED and WINTERGIRLS.

For more great reads, check out our Cool New Books and New in Paperback features, along with our reviews, which now include both manga and graphic novel titles.

We're sure many of you already know this, but in case you didn't, Twilight is now available on DVD. There are lots of cool extras here --- including audio commentary with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and deleted and extended scenes --- so don't miss it.

Happy reading...and viewing!

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

-Click here to read an excerpt from WINTERGIRLS.

-Click here to read an excerpt from MAXIMUM RIDE #5: MAX.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH.

Elizabeth Scott is the author of the acclaimed novels for teens BLOOM, PERFECT YOU, STEALING HEAVEN, LIVING DEAD GIRL and the newly released SOMETHING, MAYBE. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Alexis Burling, Scott discusses how her main character, Hannah, deals with her less-than-ideal family life, and elaborates on the book's theme of failure and the difficulties of picking yourself back up again. She also comments on today's hyper-sexualized society and the treatment of celebrities in the public eye, and shares details about her upcoming tour and the three books she'll be publishing in 2010.

SOMETHING, MAYBE by Elizabeth Scott (Fiction)
Hannah's got her hands full with her embarrassing parents, and after getting the wrong kind of attention for far too long, she's learned to stay out of sight.

Of course, that isn't helping her get gorgeous, confident Josh, who Hannah knows is her soul mate. Between figuring out a way to get Josh's attention, dealing with her parents, and wondering why she can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn, Hannah feels like she's going crazy. She's determined to get what she wants...only what she wants may not be what she needs.

-Click here to read an excerpt from SOMETHING, MAYBE.
-Click here to read our interview with Elizabeth Scott.
-Click here to read Elizabeth Scott's bio.
-Visit Elizabeth Scott's official website, www.ElizabethWrites.com.

Francisco X. Stork is the author of three young adult titles: THE WAY OF THE JAGUAR, BEHIND THE EYES and the newly released MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Alexis Burling, Stork explains what inspired his main character's unique attributes and discusses the research he conducted in order to accurately paint a portrait of a young man suffering from a developmental disorder. He also elaborates on the concept of "large talk," sheds light on the sound advice given to Marcelo about "hearing the right note" and shares details about his next project due in stores next spring.

MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD by Francisco X. Stork (Fiction)
Marcelo Sandoval hears music that nobody else can hear --- part of an autism-like condition that no doctor has been able to identify. But his father has never fully believed in the music or Marcelo’s differences, and he challenges Marcelo to work in the mailroom of his law firm for the summer…to join the “real world.”

There Marcelo meets Jasmine, his beautiful and surprising co-worker, and Wendell, the son of another partner in the firm. He learns about competition and jealousy, anger and desire. But it’s a picture he finds in a file --- a picture of a girl with half a face --- that truly connects him with the real world: its suffering, its injustice and what he can do to fight.

Reminiscent of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME in the intensity and purity of its voice, this extraordinary novel is a love story, legal drama and a celebration of the music each of us hears inside.

-Click here to read an excerpt from MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD.
-Click here to read our interview with Francisco X. Stork.
-Click here to read Francisco X. Stork’s bio.

Inspired by her own high school experiences, Siobhan Vivian's second novel, SAME DIFFERENCE, revolves around a 16-year-old girl struggling to define herself during a summer away from home. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Kristi Olson, Vivian elaborates on some of the book's main themes --- like the quest for self-discovery and how that search affects already well-established relationships --- and explains what draws her to write about friendships between girls. She also reveals some of the real-life counterparts to her characters, gives insight into her research and writing process, and shares details about her current project due out next year.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it; Brittany is the hottest girl in school and she knows it. When the two find themselves lab partners, they end up learning an entirely unexpected lesson in chemistry. But will they pass or fail this test? Find out in this passionate, urban tale of star-crossed lovers.

The Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers (formerly the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award) is open to all high school students across the country. Each participant may submit a total of three poems, essays or stories on any subject, as long as their fiction and creative nonfiction submission does not exceed 2,500 words. The deadline for entering this annual contest is June 1st.

March's roundup of Cool New Books includes WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson, the haunting story of a friendship frozen between life and death; MAX, the fifth installment in James Patterson's high-flying Maximum Ride series; THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, a post-apocalyptic love story from debut author Carrie Ryan set in our world after a devastating virus spreads that causes the dead to walk and eat the living; SURFACE TENSION, Brent Runyon's remarkable portrait of a boy at four distinct points in his life that literally shows readers his coming-of-age; and CITY OF GLASS, the final installment in Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments trilogy, in which the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down their father.

Teenreads.com Reviews:

EVERMORE: The Immortals, Book 1 by Alyson Noël (Paranormal Romance)
Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom's life changes forever after the car accident that kills her entire family. Actually, the accident kills her too, but for some reason she returns to her battered body. Now she can see other people's auras, read their thoughts and predict events, plus she shares conversations with her dead sister every day. But then the new guy shows up at school. Damen is not only gorgeous, but there's something strange about him. Who is this intriguing young man, and is he good or evil? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

PARTIES & POTIONS by Sarah Mlynowski (Fiction)
When teen witch Rachel Weinstein agrees to attend witch school with her little witch sister, Miri, she discovers a whole new world of witch parties and studly/nice young warlocks. But she's torn when she finds out she will have her own Samsorta, a major party on the order of a bat mitzvah for witches. After all, she can't even tell her boyfriend Raf who she really is, much less invite him to a witch party. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

ALLIGATOR BAYOU by Donna Jo Napoli (Historical Fiction)
The swamp and slaughterhouse near Calogero "Calo" Scalise's Tallulah, Louisiana home are frightening places. Alligators, panthers and cottonmouth snakes lurk nearby, waiting to pounce. Even scarier are the two-legged white predators who use the Jim Crow laws to create a climate of fear and oppression for blacks and Italian immigrants like Calo. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL by Justina Chen Headley (Fiction)
Justina Chen Headley's powerfully moving third novel is a thought-provoking addition to young adult literature that will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, readers who are looking for a sophisticated exploration of such issues as identity, family dynamics and relationships. NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL follows a young woman's quest to find love, fulfillment and the true meaning of beauty. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

WHEREVER NINA LIES by Lynn Weingarten (Mystery)
Ellie has wondered about her missing sister Nina for exactly the two years since Nina disappeared. People like her best friend Amanda want her to move on and forget, but she can't. She thinks about Nina every single day, especially when some sisters come into the coffee shop where she works in Edgebridge, IL. Then she finds a drawing made by her talented artist sister in a thrift store box, and her adventure begins. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.

DEEPER by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams (Mystery/Adventure)
In this long-awaited sequel to TUNNELS, 14-year-old Will Burrows finally reunites with his best friend, Chester, and long-lost brother Cal. But that's about the only good news. The three are now banished from the Colony, heading down to the dangerous Deeps. Will is determined to find his missing father, but in the chaotic war zone of the Deeps, mere survival becomes the first priority. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

FLYGIRL by Sherri L. Smith (Historical Fiction)
Ida Mae Jones wants to fly. Growing up as the daughter of a crop duster, she is introduced to planes at a young age. There is no other feeling more magical than soaring through the sky. But can Ida Mae fulfill her dream of being a pilot when she's a black woman in the 1940s? When she learns of the special Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program created during World War II, Ida Mae is determined to join --- even if it means lying about who she really is. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.

EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD by Lisa Levchuk (Fiction)
The only good thing about having a mother with cancer is that people are willing to let you get away with pretty much anything. But there's one thing Edna is fairly certain even she can't get away with --- her burgeoning romance with Mr. Howland, her fourth-period Ceramics teacher. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

BEYOND THE SMOKE by Terry W. Burns (Western)
When Bryan Wheeler's parents are killed by Comanche raiders, he wonders how he will survive without them. With a few supplies, two guns and his mother's Bible, he sets out to create a new life for himself in the western wilderness. But enemies lurk in the West, forcing Bryan to make difficult choices to survive. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

-Click here to read our Teenreads.com reviews.

Graphic Novel Reviews:

ALL-STAR SUPERMAN written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant
Grant Morrison’s ALL-STAR SUPERMAN is the epitome of DC’s All-Star imprint, breathing new life into America’s most famed superhero with an innovative spin on classic moments and brand new feats. Reviewed by William Jones.

FUZZ & PLUCK: SPLITSVILLE by Ted Stearn
FUZZ & PLUCK: SPLITSVILLE calls to mind the best qualities of the Sunday funnies in a collection of tales about an insecure teddy bear and an overly aggressive chicken without feathers, who find themselves on separate paths after suffering misfortune in the workforce. Reviewed by William Jones.

JOKER written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo
The Joker has been mysteriously released from Arkham Asylum, and he's none too happy about what's happened to his Gotham City rackets while he's been "away." What follows is a harrowing night of revenge, murder and manic crime as only The Joker can deliver it, as he brutally takes back his stolen assets from The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face, Killer Croc and others. Reviewed by William Jones.

Manga Reviews:

AKIHABARA@DEEP, Volume 1 written by Ira Ishida and illustrated by Makoto Akane
Springing from a novel of the same name by Ira Ishida, the adventures of the infamous hacker Page and the tech startup Akihabara@DEEP are well worth checking out if you are interested in otaku culture or find yourself sympathetic to the otaku cause. Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

GODCHILD, Volumes 1-8 by Kaori Yuki
In 19th-century England, Earl Cain Hargreaves is rumored to be a harbinger of death. Everywhere he goes, misfortune and bloodshed seem to follow. In GODCHILD, the continuation of THE CAIN SAGA, Cain and his few allies face off against his father's evil organization. Stunning in its beautiful artwork and plot twists alike, GODCHILD is a must-have for anyone desiring true Gothic horror. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

YOZAKURA QUARTET, Volume 1 by Suzuhito Yasuda
Hime is a superheroine. Ao can read minds. Kotoha can conjure up anything with the right word. And Akina...well, he’s just a regular guy, surrounded by three supergirls. Together, they protect the town of Sakurashin. But that’s not easy, as the town faces demon dogs and other supernatural threats. Reviewed by J. Rentilly.

-Click here to read all our graphic novel and manga reviews.


Recent Bookreporter.com Titles Perfect for Teens:

HANDLE WITH CARE by Jodi Picoult (Fiction)
A family is torn apart by the very thing they most desired: a baby. This child, so wanted, has a disease so debilitating that the mother is convinced to bring a malpractice suit. But who can say whether they would have been better off had the child not been born? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

-Click here to read an excerpt from HANDLE WITH CARE.

PICKING COTTON: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, with Erin Torneo (Memoir)
Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment. Her positive identification of Ronald Cotton as her attacker was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After 11 years, Ronald was allowed to take a DNA test that proved his innocence. He was released, after serving more than a decade in prison for a crime he never committed. Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face --- and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives. Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol.

-Click here to read an excerpt from PICKING COTTON.

HANDS OF MY FATHER: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love by Myron Uhlberg (Memoir)
By turns heart-tugging and hilarious, Myron Uhlberg's memoir tells the story of growing up as the hearing son of deaf parents --- and his life in a world that he found unaccountably beautiful, even as he longed to escape it. HANDS OF MY FATHER is filled with stories about growing up not just as the child of two deaf people but as a book-loving, mischief-making, tree-climbing kid during the remarkably eventful period that spanned the Depression, the War and the early 1950s. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.

-Click here to read an excerpt from HANDS OF MY FATHER.

THE LOCAL NEWS by Miriam Gershow (Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Lydia Pasternak watches her family implode after her older brother, Danny, vanishes. Against a backdrop of surreal police and parent interaction, media coverage and peer attention, Lydia struggles to find her place in a world that makes even less sense than usual, in a finely wrought and quietly devastating story. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

-Click here to read the Bookreporter.com titles perfect for teens.

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