Blue Girl

This YA novel by the writer known as the father of urban fantasy is set in Newford, the fictional location of many of Charles de Lint's fantasy novels for adults. Imogene is a tough, independent-minded teenager who's just arrived in the city of Newford. Although immediately shunned by the popular crowd, she's managed to make two friends: Maxine, a somewhat straitlaced smart girl who's similarly outcast; and Adrian, the ghost of a nerdy boy who died in a mishap caused by the cheerfully amoral, prankish fairies who live in the high school. Adrian, who's desperate for Imogene to like him, tries in vain to convince her that fairies are real; but while Imogene's prepared to believe in ghosts, her credulity is already stretched to its limits. Adrian asks the fairies to help him open Imogene's eyes, but unfortunately, Imogene's new enlightenment comes with a potentially devastating price. While targeted toward a younger audience, fans of de Lint's adult works will enjoy this addition to Newford lore, and will be pleased by the cameo appearances of characters from several previous novels.