Looking for a book that's *not* set in NY for a change?
Author/teacher Veronica Goldbach-- who was also a good friend of mine in high school-- just came out with her debut novel "Deep in the Heart of High School," which Kirkus calls "enjoyable and notable for its Texas milieu." I have not read it yet because I want to buy it at one of her book signings, but it sounds like the kind of book I would enjoy tremendously.
For a peek at the book, here's her TV interview yesterday morning: