Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Imagine "Grease" meets "West Side Story" and you've got Perfect Chemistry. Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes and Brittany Ellis are both quite perplexed when they are forced to be chemistry partners. He is a Mexican gangbanger with tattoos and a bad reputation. She is the white head cheerleader with a serious need for perfection.

Alex has Brittany pegged as a bimbo with too much money and not enough sense. After being challenged in a bet, Alex starts to put the moves on Brittany. With her relationship with high school football star Colin in the dumps, she doesn't mind playing with Alex's head a little. Neither of them expects the reaction that they create.

Being forced to spend time together working on their project gives them a chance to catch a glimpse into each others' lives. What they find out about each other not only gives them insight in to the other person's behavior, but it also gives them insight into their own lives. Things start to heat up in their private lives with an escalation that can't be missed.

Something in the way this book is written just absolutely sucks you in. The characters are very likable and relatable, while maintaining their believability. A big selling point is that this book is writen about a sunject that many teens can relate to. Gangs are a prevalent problem, but a "necessary" one for many teens looking to protect themselves and their families. This story takes a hard look at the reality of the danger, but also the hope that is always present no matter how hard the situation.