Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - OPTIONAL

Angelini, Josephine Starcrossed, 310 p. HarperCollins, JUNE 2011.  $17.99.  Language: R (60+ swears, 0 ‘f’); other content: G (mild violence).  Helen is always happiest when she plays second fiddle to the beautiful, talented people around her.  She would prefer to pass through life unnoticed and underappreciated – except for by her best friend Claire, who always has had Helen’s best interests at heart.  When Lucas Delos arrives in town, however, it is hate at first sight – literally.  Helen flies at him and tires to choke him to death right there in full view of everyone.  And Lucas and his whole family hate Helen right back.  Until one dramatic day when the curse is broken and Helen is free to love Lucas, meet his family and they all try to figure out how Helen could exist in the first place – and keep her from being killed by the rest of Lucas’ extended family – all of the direct descendants from the Greek Gods.  Dang – if it weren’t for the high swear word quotient, I would heartily recommend this for middle schools too.  This is definitely not The Lightning Thief, but so, so wickedly good.  If you decide to buy this one, make sure you also get Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton, too.  HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher