Without Annette

In her first book for teens, Mason (the Dog and His Girl Mysteries series) takes on peer pressure, same-sex relationships, and being a fish out of water. Josie and Annette have been dating since they were 12, and although nearly everyone in their Minnesota town accepts their relationship, Josie decides that they should apply to Brookwood Academy in Connecticut for their sophomore year. The idea is to get Annette away from her alcoholic mother, but the school isn't the refuge Josie pictured. Annette insists on keeping their relationship a secret, and she focuses her energy on being accepted by her roommate, Becca, one of the school's social elites, or "Soleets." Frustrated by Annette's increasing distance, Josie makes friends with the guys, joining them in exploring the steam tunnels below campus. Josie is an engaging narrator whose loneliness and worry are well drawn. The plot%E2%80%94which includes a lost-and-found shrunken head%E2%80%94gets rather elaborate, and Annette's difficulties trying to fit in are tied to a heavy dose of prep school stereotypes, but it's rewarding to watch Josie start to make decisions for herself. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (May)