Smile by Raina Telgemeier

This autobiographical graphic novel is about a pre-teen girl, Raina, who trips and falls and winds up with horrible dental troubles. Her front teeth are pushed up into her gums and she endures years of braces and dental procedures to get her smile looking good again. Along the way she struggles with friendships and cliques and making friends that support her rather than bring her down. Kids will relate to Raina's struggles, and the fact that it all really happened to the author makes it even more interesting. It's quick and easy to read and the illustrations really fit the mood of the story. It will not take any convincing to get girls (4th-6th grade) reading Smile.

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

This was a fun summer read about a teenager who gets the opportunity to change the course of her life. Devi, a high school senior, has spent the last four years dating Bryan at the exclusion of studying or keeping up with other friendships. When they break up she is devastated and wishes she could go back in time and change her behavior. When her cell phone falls into a mall fountain she gets her wish--she is only able to call one number--her own. When her 14-year-old self answers she realizes it is her chance to do things differently. The rest of the book is fun, if a bit predictable. Unlike many YA books, this one is wholesome and clean and would be a great choice for middle school girls who want a glimpse of high school life.