Emerald House Rising

I read this back when it was first published as a teenager, and I enjoyed it as much as I did then. Jena Gemcutter, shy and afraid of causing offense or trouble, takes a surprise journey of self-discovery and magical abilities. Perhaps because I've been marginalized myself, I appreciated that the book doesn't end with her winning everything she wants, the way she wants. Jena is left with personal battles to wage and decisions to make, even while the main plot of the story has concluded. And so refreshing that her magic doesn't include romance! This is a true coming of age story, with politics and intuition playing a heavy part.