Overdone in YA

Recently I read a blog, a popular blog, but I can't seem to remember which one. Anyway on the blog they had people submitting their lists of what they think is overdone in YA lit. I decided to write my own list after stumbling upon one of those in the current book I am reading.

1) Fencing. I have a friend, one friend, that did fence in high school, but she is the only person I have ever met that even had the option to do so. Whatever happened to soccer and volleyball?

2) Boarding Schools. Do you know anybody that actually went to boarding school? I don't. Maybe Catholic School but definitely not boarding school.

3) A girl falling in love with a guy that is not human. Switch it up. I think that is why I like Beautiful Creatures so much. The girl is the supernatural not the boy. Take note.

4) A girl falling in love with a guy that is not human and if they consummate their relationship something horrible will happen. The Immortal Series, Hush Hush, Haunting Emma, I can keep going, but you get the point. It has been done and it has been done well so move on.

5) Absent parents Though, I admit I fall into this category. However, in reality my parents were a huge part of my teenage years they were huge pains in my ass actually. I'm sure most teenagers would agree to this.

6) Love triangles when it is obvious who the girl is going to pick in the end. Boring and aggravating.

7) Damsel in Distress. I don't know if you've noticed but it is 2011. Girls are strong and independent they don't need a guy to save them every five seconds. If you want a little damsel in distress fine, but don't let that define who the girl is.

8) Red Hair. Is red the new blonde?

9) Series. Whatever happened to stand alone books? I admit that I wrote a series myself and I do love series, but having to wait up to a year for the next installment, well to be honest, it sucks. I read so many other books in between by the time the next book comes out I have a hard time remembering what I read in the first book.

10) Lab Partners. I don't think I even need to elaborate. I'm sure you all can name at least five books where the lead character falls for her lab partner.

I'm sure I can think of more but these are the ones that have been standing out the most to me. Do you agree with my list? Are these ten overdone? Do you have any to add to the list? I would love to hear your thoughts.