You Against Me (413 pages)

Jenny Downham (the author of the outstanding book Before I Die) has written a book that was not at all what I expected. I loved her first book, but thought this was going to be a book about teen sex. Yuch. It isn't. Mikey's sister has been assaulted. They are part of a poor family, and the boy who assaulted her is from a very prominent, wealthy family. Mikey wants revenge, and he sets out with his buddy to get it. And when he goes to the mansion where a welcome home party is being held for the boy who committed the assault on his sister, he meets the boy's sister, Ellie. They become friends, and eventually more than that. Mikey cares deeply for Ellie, but he also loves his sister and sees what an emotional impact this has had on her. The book is about loyalty, love, and having the courage to stand up for what is right. It's a winner!