Books in Kimani Tru series

When an American Idol-like competition comes to Atlanta, Kalia and Mariama Jefferson (sisters who couldn't be more different) stop arguing long enough to agree on one thing: Kalia has to try out. A senior at a prestigious performing arts high school, Kalia has a shot at making her dream come true. And with sixteen-year-old Mariama cheering her on, Kalia sings her heart out, eager to beat thousands of other hopefuls. But when Kalia makes the top twenty, the competition really begins—on stage and at home. Suddenly, Kalia and Mariama are up against each other. And there's only one way to win .

From best friend to frenemy to flat-out enemyFor her Sweet 16, Jordan Wright gets rid of the frizzy hair, the conservative clothes, and finally likes the hip new girl smiling in the mirror. So when she hears about an open casting call for the hottest rapper's new video, she has the confidence to go for it. She and her best friend, Adrienne, try out with hundreds of hopefuls, but only Jordan makes it. Adrienne seems fine with it. But when Jordan starts getting some serious attention, Adrienne turns into a hater. And after Jordan has an innocent in-the-hall conversation with Adrienne's ex-boyfriend—they dated for one week, like four years ago!—Adrienne plots to ruin Jordan's life by spreading rumors, writing stuff on the bathroom walls and telling Jordan she'd be better off dead. Suddenly Jordan's popularity is fading. Forget sweet sixteen. She soon discovers that what she needs most is to find the strength to be herself.

The Culture ClubFirst, Issa Mazumder's nerdy boyfriend dumps her for popular Latina princess Cat Morena—as if Cat even likes him. She just hates Issa. And for good reason: Issa finds out that her mother not only has been dating Cat's dad, but is going to marry him. That means they're moving into Cat's huge house. And not only is Issa's stepsister-to-be a total beyotch, she has no respect for Issa's Indian and African-American heritage. But Issa gets some tough advice: if she wants Cat Morena to welcome her traditions, Issa had better learn how to salsa in a sari.

From zero to heroWhat's cool at Eric Posey's high school? A player's swagger, a baller's style, and game enough to catch every girl. Unfortunately, Eric is seriously uncool—unlike his popular sister, Kenya, who sings like an angel. But forget the choir; Kenya wants the fabulous life—bad boys and fly girls. A chance encounter with Fiasco, one of the hottest rappers around, gives Eric entrée into the world of the "Dirty Jersey" crew, where he's introduced to everyone and everything. Suddenly, Eric is cool and has access to anything he's ever wanted. Never mind that Fiasco isn't exactly a good guy— so what? But so what has a price. And Fiasco has just named it: Kenya.

Prom night is finally here. Three girls will find that the biggest night of high school can also be the most surprising . Haute Date by Dona Sarkar Ashmita Montague has fallen for the perfect prom dress—but it's way over her budget. How can she impress the school's star athlete while wearing her mom's hand-me-down Indian wedding dress? Then she gets creative and decides to revamp the dress with the help of her best friend Sebastian. A sudden unexpected chemistry takes Ash by surprise and makes her wonder if it's time to make some major alterations to her love life, too . Save the Last Dance by Caridad Ferrer Peyton Chaffee's wealthy parents won't believe she's serious about becoming a chef until she proves herself by working in the kitchen for a prestigious event on prom night. They disapprove of her culinary ambitions and her boyfriend, Eddie. Is she ready to sacrifice one unforgettable night for a chance that could change her entire future? Prom and Circumstance by Deidre Berry Everyone knows that popular, pampered Aubrey Garrett is a shoo-in for prom queen. So, self-professed nerd Deanna Parker takes her own nomination as a joke. But with the entire school dividing into Team Aubrey or Team Deanna, competition is getting fierce fast, and there's more at stake for each girl than just a glittering crown.

Holidays mean family, friends, presents—and extra doses of drama! But for three girls, the one gift they weren't expecting may be everything they ever hoped for Shopping for My Boyfriend by Earl Sewell When Jeremy, Anna's longtime crush, asks her to be his girlfriend, it's a yuletide surprise she never saw coming. And in order to get him the perfect gift, she will have to do a total 180 from shy girl to outrageous reality-show contestant. But to discover what Jeremy truly desires for Christmas, Anna will have to get close and risk her heart . My Only Wish by Caridad Ferrer Claudia Abreu knew her family was doing more than hiding presents and heating up Cuban cider for her holiday homecoming. Just her luck—her childhood friend, who has been invited as her New Year's Eve party date, is athletic and popular pretty much everything she's not. But David Levy hopes he finally has the chance to show Claudia that they really do have enough in common to make both of their dreams come true together. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Deidre Berry Bree Calloway's holiday is off to one very un-merry start. First, her boyfriend, Lance, is keeping secrets. Second, getting the lead in The Nutcracker means facing off with a dance-diva-from-hell. And third, the chemistry between Bree and her know-it-all ballet partner, David, is sparking way too hot. Now Bree has one chance to straighten out this tangled tinsel—and make her Christmas truly bright.

America's Next Top DesignerFashionista with the fiercest style sense and head-turning clothes? That's Angela Jenkins. Even though her cutting-edge designs and graphic legwear sometimes draw criticism from her peers, Angela knows that one day she will be a top designer, and her best friend at Kressler High, Adrian Gomez, is her biggest supporter. But at fifteen, how is anyone (like the extremely cute JaRoli Spencer) supposed to check her out when she's stuck working at her family's Caribbean-style restaurant all the time? The answer: getting elected director of her school's holiday fashion show.But Angela's got designer-clad competition: the very popular Karen Frasier, who has it all—including JaRoli. So when Shayla Mercer, the girl with the toughest street rep, offers to make sure Angela wins—for a fee—Angela says yes. And she learns that the price of popularity can be too high.

Sixteen-year-old Jasmine Richardson has a love for music.When she gets on the turntables, her gift for spinning andrhyming earn her admiration and respect. She's also talentedacademically, but her parents disapprove of their daughter'shobby, hoping it's a phase she's going through. Still, Jasminefinds it hard to deny the joy and freedom she feels when she'splaying music that makes people smile and dance.After a local contest, Jasmine attracts the interest of somemusic-industry honchos. Then the attitudes of the peoplearound her seem to change and she's forced to face sometough situations. Suddenly it becomes harder for her to tellwho's really happy for her and who's totally a fake. But whenthe music is in your heart, and your talent shines bright,sometimes all you can do is spin it like that.