Among Others (Jo Walton)

This is a lovely and touching story about a troubled teen girl finding her way in an uncomfortable world. She has escaped from her mad, magical mother in Wales to live with a father she never met in England and is sent to a posh boarding school, where she has trouble fitting in. Her lifeline is books, particularly SF and fantasy books, and they help her keep herself grounded and find others she can belong with. The magic and the fairies in the story are unusual and entirely convincing, as is her struggles with friendships, boys, teachers, and the health issues she's been left with due to her battle with her mother. I especially enjoyed it because I've read most, though not nearly all, of the books she refers to on practically every page, and could compare my opinions with hers. Recommended.