Beastly by Alex Flinn

Handsome, arrogant Kyle has been turned into a beast by a witch. He has two years to make someone love him for who he is or he will remain a beast forever. Yes, it's the story of Beauty and the Beast set in modern day New York City. Kyle is a major jerk in his old life, but his transformation to a more sensitive, self-actualized person is surprisingly believable. Of course, there's a bookish girl in this story, one whom Kyle at first looks down on, but later comes to love. In some ways it's predictable, but that didn't bother me at all. It's a fun romance for fairy tale fans, and since it's told from the point of view of the beast, it may attract some guy readers as well. The best part of the book is the chat sessions from Kyle's online support group where you meet others who have mysteriously transformed, including a frog prince and the Little Mermaid. A fun read for 7th-10th graders.