by Skyanne Fisher

Created on: July 07, 2009

Summer is here. Finally. For your average teen, that means more time to hang out with friends, party, or just chill out by the pool. For your avid reader, it means an unlimited time to read and explore with new books.

Anyone can suggestion the popular summer reads - Twilight, Harry Potter, Gossip Girl, etc - but chances are, most teens have read those by now. Below are some books that I, as an avid teen reader, have greatly enjoyed and recommend for any summer day.

1.) Evernight series by Claudia Gray. If you enjoy vampire books but are looking for something with a little more depth than Twilight, this is your book. It's of mystery, romance, drama, and action that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

2.) Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott. Most of Scott's novels, with the exception of Living Dead Girl, would make great summer reads. They all have quirky characters and plots that will carry into another world. I chose Something, Maybe specifically due to it's light-hearted nature and plot but Bloom and Perfect You are also highly recommended.

3.) Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs. This is a fun book about a girl who finds out she's a descendent of Greek Gods. It's full of humor and makes for a quick summer read.

4.) A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell. This is a much more serious book than the other books on the list but it's a book I think everyone should read. There is some humor included and deals with the subjects of love and loss.

5.) The Elite series by Jennifer Banash. This series is like a more sophsticated version of Gossip Girl. Even the super-rich and snobby characters have depth and it isn't as full of sex and drugs as Gossip Girl. The third (and possibly final) book, Simply Irresistible, just came out early July.

6.) Willow by Julia Hoban. Like A Map of the Known World, Willow is a little on the serious side but it is a truly amazing book. I've yet to see anyone say differently. It deals with subjects like love, cutting, loss, and family. Extremely recommended.

7.) Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee. This is the summer read for anyone who has ever had doubts about their weight or how they look. The characters are so realistic and the plot is original. It will make for fast read but will also make you think.

8.) Frenemies by Alexa Young. This is almost on the same page as The Elite except that it focuses on two girls who were best friends until one summer. It's such a fun novel and the sequel, Faketastic, is already out.

9.) Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen. This is Sarah's newest book, just released this past month, and it's the perfect summer read. It takes place during one summer when the main character's life changes. Fans of Sarah Dessen will love this, as will anyone else.

10.) The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan. This is a debut novel but you would never tell. It's fast-paced, dramatic, and has some of the best characters I've ever seen. Most people would love it, I'm sure, but it's especially good for those who don't like girly books.

If you're still looking for more books, be sure to check out sites like Teens Read Too, The Story Siren, Book Chic Club, Shooting Stars Mag, Harmony Book Reviews, and many others who post reviews almost daily.

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