Martin, Rafe Birdwing

While it is fairly mainstream fantasy, it feels slightly different. More sophisticated? It continues on The Seven Swans by Hans Christian Anderson on a story line that I at least never had wondered about. It reads really well. There are a few twists at the end, as well as throughout the story. It has a good grip on mainstream fantasy, but also feels different enough to make it distincive.
~Robert
Age 16
http://www.bookmobile.cjb.net
______ ______ ___

Quick Picks because it wa a well-paced book. I have read other versions
of this legend but I don't think I have heard the real version.
Birdwing was a good story that really lets you get an insight to what
Ardwin is feeling and doing. rating 4. --Cinthia R., age 17

*Would like this book.

Smith, Greg Leitich Tofu & T.Rex

It's a nice break from the angsty fiction of Harry Potter and Inheritence. It's pretty darn funny. 4Q, 3P
~Robert
Age 16
http://www.bookmobile.cjb.net

Meyer, Carolyn Marie, Dancing

It is a ballet and art adventure. The most compelling aspect was the way the author describes how a dancer feels when she performs. It was captivating.4Q, 4P -- Heather, 16

Shull, Megan Amazing Grace

It's a really good book and it's a book that really shows what it's like to be a teenager. The most compelling aspect is how she isn't a diva and how she adjusts to the culture fast. It shows no matter your status in life a teenager will still be a teenager. 4Q, 4P -- Lucero, 16

 

Zahn, Timothy Night Train to Rigel

It is a marvelous science fiction novel with unexpected twists and turns. It was the first book that I never knew what was going to happen next. It is wonderfully written. A book with twists and turns that are unexpected with hints of loose ends that finally come together perfectly in the end. 5Q, 4P -- Katherine, 16

Riordan, Rick The Sea of Monsters

Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rich Riordan
Galley Yes
My review: "The Sea of Monsters" is just as good as its predessor book "The Lightning Theif." The writing is engaging, and the story is still a wonderful mixture of Greek mythology and modern "reality". Not to mention the end is well done to lead to another book, not a cliff-hanger. Recommended for anyone who loves Greek mythology.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
____ ____ _____

In this similarly fashioned sequel to "The Lightning
Thief", Riordan returns to the story of Percy Jackson,
normal teenager who has to deal with all the normal
stuff. Oh, yeah--he's the son of Poseidon, too.

The plot of "The Sea of Monsters" picks up roughly
where it left off in the last installment. Percy's
friend Grover is off searching for the god Pan, and
Percy's off to seventh grade until he returns to Camp
Half-Blood for the summer. After some trials, however,
it turns out the camp is in trouble! Percy, along with
Annabeth and his new friend, Tyson, must rescure
Grover and find the only magical artifact that can
save the camp armed with only a thermos, some
multivitamins and his trusty ballpoint pen.

Of course, the characters and dialogue are as juicy as
ever, and the chapter titles are better than before,
with phrases such as "We Ride the Taxi of Eternal
Torment." Percy was a little rusty on his Greek
Mythology, but he got lucky enough, and it's not a big
problem. There is a slight drag after the climax, but
the last chapter builds to a riveting conclusion that
has be ripping my hair out in shreds for the next
book.

While it doesn't stand alone, "The Sea of Monsters" is
as good if not better than "The Lightning Thief", and
it is well worth the time it will take to read them
both.

~Robbie
Age 16
bookmobile.cjb.net

Dowswell, Paul Powder Monkey

Reader Alice K.
Age 13
Title Powder Monkey
Author Dowswell (first name under sticker)
My review: First of all, I'm not generally atracted to historical fiction, but this one looked interesting. My original doubts as to whether I was ever going to enjoy this book were cleared up within the first two pages. After that i could hardly put it down, the excitment, the adventure! Characters are absolutely wonderful, as are the setting and storytelling method. (I really like first person.) It was a bit confusing in parts and a bit serious for my tastes, but Powder Monkey was a wonderful book.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 4Q Better than most
Popularity 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date 11-2-06
I would also like to say It's alot like some of my FAVORITE pirate movies.
_________ _______

Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: Powder Monkey
Author: Paul Dowswell
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing, Children's Books, USA
Pub. Date New york, NY, 2005
My review: I liked this book-the battle scenes were filled with terrorizing, gory description. I was amazed at the number of deaths. However, from the cover and paragragh on the back, I would have expected more from this book. Though the storms and battles were exciting, the rest of the book wasn't very catching reading material. Though it was an easy read, it took me a while to finish this book because it did not capture my intrest or attention very well. but the book was still somewhat enjoyable, full of utmost sorrow and reallality.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal

_____ ______

If you love books about ships and pirates and everything related to them. It is a compelling story about a young boy and all he has to go throught with the seas. It is very well written and I loved it. The most comp[elling aspect of the book is the fact that Sam is so young and he is going through all that. It was amazing. It felt as if you could get into Sam's head. It was so well written and the story was great. You could really get into it and it was wonderful. It was just a very good story. P4, Q 4 --Brittany, 17

 

Clugston-Major, Chynna Queen Bee

It's funny and understandable. --Brianna, 14

McNeil, J. D. The Last Codfish

It was good and I like the friendship between Tut and Alex with Tut being mute and Alex loving to talk. It makes the story really cool. The most compelling aspect was the fact that Tut is scared of talking. I thought that was kind of funny but you could relate to him and his thoughts very good. It was a neat story that made your heart go out to Tut and you could relate to him. I really enjoyed it and was pleased with how it was written. QUALITY = 4, POPULARITY = 4 --Brittany, age 16

Kantor, Melissa If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? (Hyperion)

If I have a wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?, Mellisa kenter
This book is a really really good book. I could not put it down. This is the first book that Ii have read that had me hooked. I would recommend this book for more teens to read it. What makes this book dgood is the feeling of knowing or relating to the characters in it. I actually felt like I was in the story.
Nick C
17
5Q
5P
______________ _____________

Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: If I Have A Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?
Author: Melissa Kantor
Publisher Hyperion Books
Pub. Date New York, NY.
Galley Yes
My review: This book was utterly romantic, It was interesting to see that Lucy's idea of fun was different from Connor's, and that her idea of fashion was way different then Jessica's and Madison's. I liked how she ended up likeing her stepmother and stepsisters in the end. That was a good note to end on. I also liked how Melissa Cantor tweaked the Cinderella Story and had Lucy end up with a different Prince charming then she thought she would, and that she still ended up with Jessica and Madison as friends. I would nominate this book for any award! It was an exciting book that grabbed my attention and interest.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
------ -------- --------

Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: If I Have a Wicked Stepmother Where's My Prince?
Author: Melissa Kantor
Publisher Hyperion
Pub. Date 2005
Galley No
My review: Melissa Kantor likens the story of sophmore Lucy with Cinderella in this teen girl book. Being a fan of Cinderella, it was fun to see the story as it would occur in modern, if not real, life. The difficulties of settling into a new place, new school, new house and new family are simply part of everyday life for Lucy, until Conner, the high school hot shot comes into her life. Kantor conveys plenty of raw emotions that make the reader sympathize with the main character, even if her parents aren't divorced. The plot was a bit predictable, but it is Cinderella, if from a different light. And yes, this qualifies as chick-lit; defintily meant for girl readers in middle and high school and not beyond that.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
______ ____ __

First name or initials: Logan
Age: 13
Book Title: If i have a wicked stepmorther where's my prince?
Author: Melissa Kantor
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults: yes
Because: This book is not your average fairy tale. For one the main character pretty much solves her own problems with the help of Prince Charming. [spoiler deleted]
Quality Rating: 5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating: 3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: It is a great story of a girl like any other girl getting the happy ending, which is something we all want.

_______ ________

It's a modern day Cinderella story with good characters and it is well written. It really shows the views of Lucy and how she reacacts to each situation. The most compelling aspect was the fact that Lucy becomes popular real fast and her love of basketball and art. I like the fact that her "prince" wasn't who you expected it to be. It was a good story that had present day appeal. I lake modern day fairy tale type books and it was real good. QUALITY = 4, POPULARITY = 4 (turned in on a paper form - if you wrote this review please let Di know)

Gravelle, Karen The Driving Book

Explains the rules of driving in a fun way. The most compelling aspect was the cartoons. 4Q, 4P -- Kattia, 16