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2008 Cybils Finalists The Cybils are awards that are given to books based on both their literary merit and appeal to readers.  Books are nominated on the Cybils website, then narrowed down by a panel of judges to the list of fabulous finalists. Here are the finalists in the Young Adult catagories with the descriptions from the Cybils website: YA fiction: Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway Audrey started it by breaking up with Evan, but when he releases a hit song about her things quickly spiral out of control in this fresh, funny novel by Robin Benway. Audrey's distinct, snarky voice and her passion for music immediately sucked me in to the story. Lots of musical details and a cast of well-developed supporting characters flesh out the book. This is a fun read, but it also takes a look at the flip side of being a celebrity - maybe being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be! --Abby Johnson, Abby (the) Librarian   The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E Lockhart The summer before her sophomore year, Frankie Landau-Banks blossomed. Upon her return to prep school, she finds that she is suddenly one of the most sought-after girls on campus. E. Lockhart has written a novel that is an utter joy to read. Not only is her prose delicious, playful, and lovely, but she created a completely irresistible character and a completely irresistible storyline, complete with a secret society, first love, and the discovery of the delights to be found in the novels of P.G. Wodehouse. Viva La Frankie! --Leila Roy, Bookshelves of Doom   I know It's Over by C. K. Kelly Martin Nick is sixteen and still in love with Sasha when she tells him she thinks they need a break, still in love with her weeks later when she tells him she's pregnant. In her debut novel, C. K. Kelly Martin writes with precision and honesty about an emotional subject: first love. I Know It's Over traces the arc of Nick's relationship with Sasha from the beginning through the end. But this is not just another story about a guy in love or teen pregnancy; it's a novel in which every detail feels so real and true that you could swear that Nick, Sasha, their family, and friends all actually exist. --Trisha Murakami, The YA YA YAs   Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die. I counted. It happened on the Jellicoe Road." Thus begins the beautiful and haunting novel, Jellicoe Road, by Australian author Melina Marchetta. The narrative hooked me with the prologue and while I'll be the first to admit that the novel had its challenging moments--it's not a straightforward novel; it weaves two stories together--I never once considered abandoning it. It's intricately and exquisitely written. It's bittersweet, tragic, beautiful, and redemptive. A true must-read in my opinion. --Becky Laney, Becky's Book Reviews   Sweethearts by Sara Zarr Jenna has left behind a painful childhood. With her mother's remarriage and subsequent move, she's reinvented herself. Then her grade-school friend, who Jenna thought was dead, shows up at her high school. This novel's crisp focus on the relationship between Jenna and the ghost from her past gives this story heart and soul. It will have readers wondering how the traumas of their young childhoods affect who they are today--and how much any of us are capable of helping the people who have touched our lives the most. --Kate Fall, Author 2 Author   Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher In this beautifully crafted piece of historical fiction about a Chicago taxi dancer in the 1940s, Christine Fletcher brings to life the shady world of a girl who is paid to dance with lonely strangers. Getting to know spirited Ruby was a pleasure, and the gorgeous use of language and 1940s slang in Ruby's authentic voice made this book truly captivating. The experience of being immersed in the vividly captured setting, accompanied by characters that feel like real people, is one that shouldn't be missed. --Jocelyn Pearce, Teen Book Review   Thaw by Monica Roe Temporarily paralyzed by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, popular jock Dane is sent to a rehabilitation center in Florida, where he's forced to change his icy exterior while breaking down physical and emotional walls. Though instantly filled with dislike for this exasperating main character, the incredibly powerful themes of love, patience, and honesty had me hooked from the very beginning, both on the plot and on Dane. --Amanda Snow, A Patchwork of Books     YA Graphic Novels: Emiko Superstar by Mariko Tamaki illustrated by Steve Ralston Teenaged Emiko's summer goes from babysitting and ice cream shop jobs to nights spent with underground art "freaks" and fabulous creativity. But is this world she loves built entirely on a lie? Slightly gritty but warm, this will inspire anyone who has ever not quite fit in.   Kin: Good Neighbors, book 1 by Holly Black illustrated by Ted Naifeh When Rue discovers she's half-faerie, she is confronted with a choice: in the coming war between the faerie world and humanity, where should her allegiance lie? This atmospheric murder mystery/gothic fantasy is only the beginning of Rue's story.   Life Sucks by Jessica Abel and Gabe Soria illustrated by Warren Pleese This funny, believable, and ultimately, pretty sweet graphic novel swipes at popular notions of romantic vamp culture, mashing the myth into the mundane with hilarious results.   Skim written and illustrated by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki Atmospheric and intimate at the same time, this debut graphic novel about an angsty teen avoids the usual cliches through sheer sympathy and grace and the beautiful art lends it an unusual delicacy.    Three Shadows written and illustrated by Cyril Pedrosa When death stalks a child, the boy's father does whatever he can to fight this tragic fate. A mesmerizing and ultimately heart wrenching look at how human beings deal with loss. http://www.tscpl.org/teens/comments/2008_cybils_finalists/