Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 Awards
Hartinger, Brent. The Order of the Poison Oak
When I first picked up "The Order of the Poison Oak" by Brent Hartinger, I suspected I wouldn't understand it, since it is a sequel to "Geography Club". I was wrong, however. I honestly couldn't tell that the book wasn't a one-shot, it stood alone so well.
So, Russel is gay, but he's tired of being 'The Gay
Guy', so he and his best friends decide to become camp
counselors for the summer. What follows is just a
series of trials and tribulations as Russel gets to
know his campers, the other counselors, and himself.
Perhaps what made 'Poison Oak' so enrapturing was that
the characters seemed so lifelike. While reading it,
several times I thought that I could picture my
friends and I saying exactly the same things. "The
Order of the Poison Oak" is a must read for anyone,
even if they aren't gay. --Robbie, 16
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The Order of the Poison Oak (Brent Hartinger) was a wonderful book. A gay teenager, his bi friend, and his straight friend all go to be counselors together at a summer camp. The first group of kids that come through are burn-survivors. The plot flowed well; there was some add-on bits at the end, but it worked with the rest of the book and didn't feel like an add-on. It carried messages that everyone can relate to; from romance to true courage. I think it could be a Teen Top 10. --Kirsten, 15
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The Order of the Poison Oak , Brent Hartinger
Top ten because I agree with the book. I know how it feels to have to hide your true self and the book expressed that perfectly.
Matt M., age 17, rating 4
*would like to have this book.
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The Order of the Poisen Oak, Hartinger Quick Picks because it is a book that you could pick up or check out and read in a couple hours. Its easy, fun, and a good book. Eddie H., age 14, rating 4
Fusco, Kimberly Newton. Tending to Grace
Review: I enjoyed this book and the writing style employed within. While there is little plot or action, the lyrical writing is beautiful and powerful. Tending To Grace is not a book for everyone or every mood. It seems best for a teenager feeling a little out of sorts or sad. Best book: Probably not --Cordi, 16
Far From Xanadu by Julie Ann Peters
Hazel
Age: 15
Title: Far From Xanadu
Author: Julie Ann Peters
Publisher little , brown and company
Pub. Date may 2005
My review: Far from Xanadu is the story of a girl named Mike Szabo who being a juinor in high school is trying to cope with her Dad's suicide and her homosexuality.Her troubles deepen when a incredible beautiful girl comes to the little town Coalton.Mike falls hopelessly in love but can not find the time or the courage to tell her how she feels about her dealing with her seeming careless older brother , her over-wieght Mom who never speaks her or goes outside , her chances for a softball camp that can be paid for by the communities helping hand , and her Dad's old business plumbing.A very complex story/plot is revealed in the end only to show the true characters of everybody in the story.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
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This is about a gay girl named Mike who’s father killed himself. Mike starts to fall in love with the new girl Xanadu. However, Mike already has a girl friend. You really must read it to see how it all gets sorted out. It was so real to life that I just had to keep reading. I would recommend this book to teenage girls. 5Q, 4P -- Shelbi F 16
Reader: Nick C. Age: 17 Today 's Date: 6/27/06
Title: Far From Xanadu Author: Julie Peters Pub Date: 2005
The book, Far From Xanadu, is a really great book about a girl named
Mike who lives in a small city in the middle of nowhere. She meets a
new girl named Xanadu, who moved from a big city. Mike falls in love
with her but the new girl is not a lesbian. The new girl falls in love
with a guy at the school but she knows how Mike feels about her. She
plays with Mike and makes her feel like she likes her back. Mike
finally realizes it and it hurts her really bad. This book talks about
issues with homosexuality and how some relationships just aren't meant
to be. That's why I thought this book was great. Julie Peters really
understands teenagers and that is why her books are so good to read.
I would nominate this book for an award.
I give this book a 5Q for quality and a 3P for popularity.
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I loved this book, but thought it fell just slightly short of Luna. The main character, Mike, is the only lesbian living in her small town. She is a rocking softball player and an okay student with a horrible family life. Since her father's suicide a few years ago, nothing is the same. Her lazy no-good brother hates her, and her morbidly obese mother pretends Mike doesn't exist. Mike spends her days lifting weights and hanging out with the only other openly gay person in the town, Jude. All this changes when Xanadu moves to town. This book juggles numerous connecting storylines with ease. Mike's infatuation with Xanadu, Xanadu's seedy past and greatest guilt, Jude's online love affair, Mike's family life, all are interconnected and beautifully woven together. Far from Xanadu is a book you read over and over again, whether your gay or strait, because it speaks to something within you. Best Book: Yes! --Cordi, 16
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"Far From Xanadu" by Julie Anne Peters is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The characters are real to life, and easy to relate to. Mike, the tomboy heroine who stuggles with finding herself, Xanadu, the untouchable goddess who enraptures Mike, Jamie, the hilarious cheerleader-all seem real enopugh to touch. Whether these are fictional characters or not, everyone knows them, because they are real. The story is a wonderful and heart-wrenching piece of art, crafted by that sorceress of words, Jule Anne Peters, in which Mike Szabo falls in love with the new girl in town...but she's straight. In doing so, Mike unleashes a barrage of hidden emotions inside herself. She struggles with her deceased father, the mother she doesn't communicate with, the brother who neglects her, and most importantly-the girl who holds the key to her heart. In doing so, Mike ultimately revleas herself to have one of the best fighting spirits that are so uncommon in heroines today. In reading this book, it really brought me closer to real people-everyone has those secrets thay can't talk about. This book should most definetely be nominated for several awards, including Printz, Best Books for Young Adults, and others. I look forward to the next piece of perfection from this wonderful novelist.~Robert, 15
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Kirsten, Age 16
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it? "In a world where homosexuals are acknowlaged and almost accepted, there are books coming out from the gay or lesbian points of view. This is one of the few books with a lesbian main character. It deals with what this girl goes through but the fact that she is lesbian is not the main point of the story. It is extremly good and opens up a path of thought."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. It is a normal coming of age story with a lesbian main character.
Did you finish the book? Yes
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
It's a well written book about troubles that all teens face from a completely different perspective than 'normal'.
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Far From Xanadu, Peters
Would nominate. I think this book was very good! It showed alot of feelings that teens often show. I can relate to the book becasue I know how it feels to love someone and not have them love you back. I would recommend this book to all teens! It shows alot of good feeling.
Jolene T.
17
3Q
4P
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Far From Xanadu, peters
Would nominate.
This book is terrific. The girl in this book is a lot like me. Most girls could relate to this book. It is about a relationship between family and friends. It is a sad yet reassuring book. No matter what happens, it always makes the best of it.
Stephanie A
16
4Q
4P
Cirrone, Dorian. Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You
Kara, Age 17
Did the cover tempt you to pick up the book or turn you off? Did it reflect the contents? The cover accurately portrays the main character's struggle to fit into the world of ballet with her body shape.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it? The plot is nothing special, a moral slaps you in the face about five times, and the characters are illogical and sporadic, but its funny. Everyone needs laughs, and this short book is a laugh riot.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The main character must decide which is more important: her double d breasts or a chancy ballet career. A very girl oriented book, perhaps a bit too much. Hard to relate to if you don't have a big cup size or a promising career in ballet. Humour works well as fiction spackle in this book.
If you were disappointed with the book, why? Honestly, how much of life can possibly revolve around her breasts? Everything, evidently. After a while this became very tedious to read through.
Did you finish the book? Yes
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17 18 up
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 3P Some teen appeal
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I would like to say that I had something good to say about Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You by Dorian Cirrone, but I don't. The first thing that grinds nerves about this book is that it uses terms that most people wouldn't know unless they were ballet dancers, such as "arabesque". The next area where this book falls whort is in the characters, which are poorly developed and unrealistic. There are no physical descriptions of the characters, and only a smidgeon of development throughout the book. The story is imaginative, but it comes up with the short straw, mostly because it lags towards the end. It wasn't easy to identify with the characters, and the writing was redundant. Overall, I would recommend you to sopend your time reading something else.~Robert, 15
Stone, Jeff. Tiger: The Five Ancestors, Book One
The Five Ancestors, Book One: Tiger by Jeff Stone is interesting. Take Power Rangers, add one part Buddhist Monks, one part 1650s China, one part animals, and make them 11-13. It was a good book, but not a Best Book. Perhaps a Quick Pick. The characters, while supposed to contain certain personalities, aren't very convincing of having them. The reactions to things also aren't very beleivable. It is still a good book, and definetly worth the time to read, though.~Robbie, 15
Standiford, Natalie. The Dating Game
Top 10 because this book was for those teen girls who are girly and love
the whole school thing. -- Shelly R., age 17, rating 4
*Would like this book.
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While "The Dating Game" by Natalie Standiford is probably aimed at young females, it is a good enough book to get some recognition from males. Unfortunetly, it suffers slightly from a cliche plot, as well as a plethora of underage smoking, dddrinking, and sex. Still, it is highly entertaining, and offers good insight into the minds of teenage girls. While I wouldn't rush out and buy it, I definetly would recommend it as a quick and easy read for a rainy day.--Robbie, 15
Kessler, Christina. Our Secret, Siri Aang
Our Secret, Siri aang, Kessler Should not be nominated because it was boring. I disliked the topic because it appears to promote dishonesty. Ramar, age 17, rating 1
First name or initials: Samantha Age: 14 Book Title: Shrimp Author: Rachel Cohn Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes Because: Its funny,lighthearted,and is by one of the greatest authors that ever lived!!! Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday. (Optional) I also want you to know...: Pop Princess and Gingerbread are just as good.
Denenberg, Barry. Pandora of Athens
First name or initials: R.F.F Age: 13 Book Title: Pandora of Athens Author: Barry Denenberg Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes Because: Because it teaches about history in something teens find atractive and not boring. Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good. Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
Codell, Esme Raji. Diary of a Fairy Godmother
Amanda Age: 16 Book Title: Diary of a Fairy Godmother Author: Esme Raji Codell Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes Because: I thought it was a really good rewrite of all of the classic fairy tales. It included explanatory stories about Goldilocks, Cinderella, Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and lots more. I loved the way it smoothly worked all of these into the story without forcing them. The plot itself was really good too. This book, though obviously for kids, was an excellent book and I really enjoyed it. Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good. Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
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"Diary of a Fairy Godmother" is getting mixed reviews from me. I liked this book for several reasons, most notably the chapter titles, which featured such puns as "Old Devil Moon" and "Honey Moon". The characters were fresh, but their names got annoying. Names like Lemon Droppings and Frantic Search just tend to get annoying after awhile, even if they are funny to begin with. The story is certainly fresh-a young witch decides to become a fairy godmother-but it lacked a certain cohesive element, and if the book had been much longer I would have lost interest. The whole book seemed more of a joke than a novel for actual reading, like something to give to someone just coming out of picture books. Another factor that held this bok down was the ending. The book has no real climax, but it is easy to tell where the ending should go: right after the main character's huge revelation about life. This is not the case, however, and the book drags on for another fifteen pages, being extremely boring and wordy, like the last ten or so pages were just for the added length. All in all, it is not a bad book, but definetly not a book I would read again or recommend extremely high, unless the person I was recommending to was a reluctant reader. ~Robbie, 15
Patterson, James Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
The first thing that comes to mind is the similarities between this
and the show "Dark Angel". A little too much for me to believe the
author used completly original ideas. (But which came first? His
previous books or the tv show?) Patterson also directly addressed the
reader with confidence, taking a risk, but did it well. I was very
impressed with the way he told the story. Moving on, I enjoyed the
idea of like beings coming together out of love, not just likeness.
All the characters were so well portrayed they took on their own
demeanor and were wonderfully consistent. no reash decisions that go
against the character but work for the story. The plot seemed a little
to stretched in some places; like they wanted to drag it out as long as
possible. Very annoying. The tension of the story never slacked
though. So many unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book! -- Kara, 16
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It is as funny as Terry Pratchett, as exciting as any other James Patterson book, and with a Garth Nix sci-fi twist. It is very fast-paced; you'll want to sneak a flachlihgt into your bedroom so you can read into the night without your parents yelling at you. 4Q, 4P. -- Emily, 16
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This book was a wonderful read. Most regrettably and yet not so, I had previously read When the Wind Blows which deals with the exact same main characters, but has a completely different chain of events, other characters, and other outcomes. I know that they are both meant to be kept in mind as being separate entities, I cannot forget the amazing search for the truth of When the Wind Blows. In a comparison between the two, When the Wind Blows wins hands down in my mind. However, I felt that this was a good read in itself and would recommend it to anyone who has not read When the Wind Blows nor The Lake House. I believe that this book should win some awards, but should not be the best. --Tamarah, 17
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Maximum Ride, Patterson should be a top ten because it is not only a teen book, I think it is for adults
too. This book is very adventurous and packed with action. --Greg M., age 13, rating 5
*would like this book
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As much as I would like to just say that "Maximum Ride:The Angel Experiemnt" is by James Patterson and get it over with, even THAT extreme compliment wouldn't describe this work of perfection well enough. Mr. Patterson has outdone himself (yet again), but this is his first novel for young adults, and it sparkles. The main character, Max -Maximum Ride- is beleivable and realistic. These are things that would be running through a typical teenager's head, if the typical teenager was leading a flock of six children who could fly and trying to escape an evil establishment called The School. The other characters -Fang, Angel, Iggy, Gasman, and Nudge- are just as wonderful, each painting a vivid picture as unique and individual as the dialogue in this book. While the chapters are unusually short, this only adds to the book, as you can just read a chapter and put the book down when you need to do something slightly less important than James Patterson, such as eating or sleeping. While this book is completely fiction, it has characteristic of science-fiction, mystery, and even a little romance, and it is a wonderful book no matter what genre you are interested in. If I haven't convinced you to go out and read this book yet, here's the best reason I've got: it's by James Patterson. ~Robert/Robbie/Rob, 15 (16 on Tuesday)
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Maximum Ride, Patterson Top 10 because it teaches people to never say no to their dream or what you want in life. It is the best book I've read for teens. Andrew W., age 17, rating 5 * Would like this book
MacCullough, Carolyn Stealing Henry
First name or initials: Amanda Age: 16 Book Title: Stealing Henry Author: Carolyn MacCullough Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:undecided Because: I never was able to get very far in this book because I just can't stand reading present tense. It seemed like for a person who enjoys or at least has no problem with present tense, it would be really good. I just don't like reading that style, but for those who do, I would recommend it. Quality Rating:3 - OK Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it