California Young Reader Medal 2012-2013
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
Sixteen-year-old Ethan Wate is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena Duchannes moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. Little does he know that Lena is hiding a secret curse. Eventually, Lena introduces him to the world of “Casters,” a magical underground society existing in the shadows of their town. Relying on the connection between them, Ethan and Lena work together to defeat the dark forces planning to claim Lena on her 16thbirthday.
Matched by Ally Condie 
In a futuristic society, 17-year-old Cassia has all her choices made for her – what to read, what to watch and who to marry. Cassia is pleasantly surprised that her friend Xander is chosen as her marriage Match. But when she enters Xander’s data into the system, his face disappears and for a split second, the face of Ky, an Aberration, appears. Cassia’s not sure who she is supposed to be with now. Ky is prohibited from Matching, but Cassia begins to have feelings for him. Slowly Cassia goes down a path of rebellion against the Society and craves running outdoors, reading forbidden poetry and most of all, Ky. However, the Society will not take rebellion lightly.
The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt
Although they have never gotten along well, 17-year-old Levi is relieved when his older brother Boaz, an ex-Marine, returns from war in the Middle East. Immediately, Levi realizes that Boaz has changed. When Boaz leaves again on a walking trip from Boston to Washington, D.C., Levi follows him, hoping to learn why Boaz is completely withdrawn and to bring him home once again. Readers will walk alongside Levi on this emotional journey that “grabs and doesn’t let go” (KIRK). Award-winning author Reinhardt achingly illustrates the psychological effects of war on a family.
