Life in Outer Space
Shy film-geek Sam is totally cool with his low-key life hanging out with his nerdy friends, working haphazardly on his screenplay, and playing a little World of Warcraft.  All he wants to do is get by until graduation. When cute, quirky new girl Camilla moves to  Sam’s small Australian town, he ignores her, knowing that as the daughter of a famous music critic and a girl who has lived all over the world, Camilla will quickly be absorbed into the popular crowd.  Camilla, however, has different plans—plans that include spending time with whomever she wants, like sincere, kind Sam and his friends.This charming story is like a modern YA-lit version of a John Hughes movie—funny, sweet, gentle, awkward, and filled with an endearing cast of odd ducks. Although there is a little teenage drinking in this book (the drinking age in Australia is 16), this title is safe and satisfying in its depictions of friendship and first love. A great choice for those who wish to end their summers with a lighthearted romantic comedy. Grades 8-10. --Candice Mack