I admit it, I am a sucker for young adult fiction. I enjoy a good teen book. Ann Brashares wrote a series of four books about four friends, and there are now two movies made from those books.

I am, of course, talking about the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.

Four friends share a magical pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly. The four books chronicle their friendship over four summers.

Publisher's Weekly describes the first book here:
A pair of jeans purchased at a thrift store is the unlikely bond that keeps four best friends emotionally connected during the first summer that they spend physically apart. This clever (if initially hokey-sounding) premise sets the course for four intertwined, compelling coming-of-age stories. Carmen doesn't think much of the pants she buys for $3.49, until she and her pals discover their magical quality. The jeans which fit each girl perfectly despite their very different body types serve as a surrogate friend for Tibby, Carmen, Lena and Bridget as they wrestle with new issues of first love, jealousy, fear and sadness in the months before their junior year of high school. Each girl has a turn with the pants, then sends them on to the next person in the rotation; by summer's end, when the friends are reunited, the jeans will be the symbol of what the girls have experienced.

As far as teen books go, I would say these were quite enjoyable; however, I believe they're best for older teens. Sex is a part of the story, albeit tamely told; protective parents need to be aware of its presence.

If you'd like to learn more about them, visit the author's website.

I can't say too much without giving away the book; suffice it to say that author Kate DiCamillo has written just as delightful a book as ever! It has a bit of "Velveteen Rabbit" flavor, and yet, not. It's a great story that warmed my heart. My 12-year-old daughter loves this book as well.

To purchase the book, click here.

The synopsis on Amazon.com from School Library Journal:
Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, is the main character in this thoughtful tale by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2006). Edward is dearly loved by a young girl named Abilene. One day he is lost over the side of a boat. His journey leads him to a older couple who dress him like a girl rabbit, a hobo and his dog, a young girl and her brother and, finally, to a doll shop. Along the way, Edward learns to love the people he encounters. He also learns that family members can be cruel to one another; that hobos have family that they love dearly and don't want to forget; that no matter how much you love someone, she may still die; and that no matter what happens in life, never give up on love. Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey infuses each character that Edward encounters with a unique accent and aura, and accurately portrays their emotions. A beautifully crafted telling.–Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

This book is appropriate for ages 8-12, but adults can appreciate its undertones as well.

Author's website: www.katedicamillo.com