The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch
ages 14+

When Alex's mother suddenly dies, she is left to live with her wealthy Grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. Little does she know, but she is a member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's exclusive debutante society. The members of the Magnolia League are all beautiful, wealthy, and powerful women. But at what cost? Will Alex discover the secret to their world before she becomes entangled in it?

While this book is a real page-turner, it has some references to drugs (Alex grew up in a commune/pot farm) and sex. Hoo-doo also figures prominently in the novel as it is the main source of the Magnolia League's power and beauty. Although Katie Crouch creates memorable characters and a heart thumping story, I would encourage parents to peruse this novel before allowing their young adults to dive into it.

Ida B

by Katherine Hannigan
Ages 10+

Ida B is a happy girl living on her parent's farm and being home schooled.  She loves the land and talks with everything all living things daily.  Then, her mother is diagnosed with cancer and everything begins to change.  Ida is forced to attend public school and refuses to like her teacher or make friends.  Her father has to sell some of their land.  Her mother and father have been acting different and breaking promises they made with her.  Ida B has to find her way through all the changes that are happening to her.

The book is written from the perspective of Ida B.  When Ida B's life starts to fall apart, you feel her frustration and how she acts out is typical of child behavior.  I recommend this book to families who are experiencing illness in their families  It could help understand everyone's perspective and how to help people work out things during this difficult time.

Specials

by Scott Westerfeld
Ages: 13+
Tally is now one of them, a special.  She was now supreme hunting and fighting machine, engineered to bring the uglies down and pretties stupid.  Tally's memories keep haunting her and tries to forget everything.  Until she's is offered a chance to permanently end the New Smoke, can her memories help her guide her to make the right choice. 

This was the third and finally series by Westerfeld.  It started with the Uglies, then the Pretties, and ended with the Specials.  It was a good book.  I loved the first book, second was good sequel, the third book made the story a little long for me.  I was glad it ended and no more twists at the end.  The series does address the themes of what beauty really means.  He creates a fascinating world of what agency really is.