Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 & 2007Awards
Moesta, Rebecca and Kevin J. Anderson Crystal Doors Little, Brown and Company 2006
I really loved this book, it was an exciting, entertaining read, perfect for summer. Anything told about the plot would probably reveal past what I'm supposed to tell, but I can say the main characters are cousins, named Gwen, and Vic. Crystal Doors, had marvelous characters, a superb setting that was richly described, and a wonderful plot. I'm running out of superlatives, which you need to describe this book, so I'll end by saying, it is a astounding read, and the sequels can't come fast enough. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Alice, 13
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Moesta, Rebecca and Kevin J. Anderson. Crystal Doors. Little, Brown and Company. Crystal Doors was a very interesting novel about two young teenage cousins, Gwen and Vic, and how they are mysteriously transported to the island of Elantya. In Elantya, Gwen and Vic find things they never thought could have existed, including clues to their mothers mysterious past. I enjoyed this book and will definitely read they next book. On a scale of one to ten I would rate this book at an eight and a half. Nominate? Yes. 4Q. 4P. Claire. 13
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Should be on Top 10 because it was very good and I hope that any kid would like to read this
book.
Kellie C. age 13, rating 4
Fourth World, Book One-Thompson
Would not nominate
When I first started reading Fourth World, I expected it to be a more mature, higher-level read. I didn’t really dislike it but the writing style wasn’t very descriptive and the characters had little personality. I would probably recommend the book to a younger reader or someone with a lower reading level. Another thing I didn’t like about the book was the “he said, she said, I said”. I like it when they use more descriptive terms because it gives the books more life.
Chris C.
17
2Q
2P
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Fourth World is the type of book that you want to pick up and
read to think outside of the box. This book keeps you waiting for
answers. Once those questions are answered you have to think about it.
It makes you have a glitch of what if this was true? Hopefully the rest
of the trilogy will be like that too. I also liked how they told the
story from Christie's point of view. I couldn't really imagine this
story making sense if it was told from the other characters points of
view.
Cinthia R. age 17. rating 4
*Would like this book.
De La Cruz, Melissa Blue Bloods
“Blue Bloods” was an interesting take on vampirism. It was the tale of a new vampire coming into a society with larger secrets then imagined before with secrets and corruption. I loved this intricately constructed book with intriguing characters and its interesting like to a past historical event. While the characters were a little too perfect, I still liked them even more for that quality. The only disappointment with the book was the ending, or better yet, the lack there of. It was abrupt and lacked finesse. Writers who have skill in their craft can usually wrap up a story and still leave enough that it lends itself to another book and the series continues, bust sadly this book was lacking such an ending. I felt cheated with only half a book. Mrs. De La Cruz has constructed a wonderful novel with clear, seemingly effortless skill (with the exception of all of the dropped brand names which I found rather annoying), which was sadly detracted from by the abrupt end. Regardless of the bad ending, I am looking forward to the next book, and if not for the bad ending, this book would have been a best book. --Katherine, 17
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In New York City, it's obvious who the movers and shakers of the city are. What's not so obvious is that many of these established families live more than the average nightlife: they're vampires. This new spin on vampires, or Blue Bloods, is brilliant; instead of living through the ages in the same body, Blue Bloods go through cycles of rebirth. They are still doomed to immortality within their memories of past lives but not in bodily form. The new angle on vampires is refreshing and intriguing. However, the plot seems to be a bit stretched out. The characters and events are well crafted, but sometimes it feels like it's losing momemtum. A sequel would be great; a bunch questions still need answers and a story like this is sure to snare readers. --Kara, age 17
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With an increasing trend towards horror in YA
literature, we've seen a plethora of vampire novels
recently. Some of the better ones include "Peeps" and
"Twilight". I am pleased to welcome "Blue Bloods" to
the list of good vampire novels lately.
The plot is similar to most vampire books. Vampires,
here known as Blue Bloods, are hidden from society,
and there is a ruling government. There is a set of
teenagers around whom the story revolves that not only
discover their heritage as vampires, but also an
ancient evil that could destroy the world. Naturally,
no one beleives them and they must single-handedly
save everyone from the threat. Luckily, the characters
are more original than the story. Set againt the
gritty backdrop of New York, the characters are real,
wry, and funny. Okay, perhaps a Texan belle and some
twins with incestual habits aren't exactly 'real', but
they're certainly interesting.
De La Cruz seamlessly blends several genres including
horror, fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction,
and general fiction. The end result is this
tantalizing piece of literature that luckily is
appatizing to humans and vampires alike.
~Robbie, 17
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Berryhill, Shane Chance Fortune and the Outlaws
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Chance Fortune and the Outlaws
Author: Shane Berryhill
Galley Yes
My review: This is a stereotypical book. Chance Fortune is a boy who wants to be a superhero, but he doesn't have superpowers. Therefore, the dean of the superhero school won't let him in, so he sneaks in under the guise of Chance Fortune, who has the superpower of unnaturally good luck. After that, he becomes the captain of a competing team and goes on to . . . well, you can guess. But stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason. It is an interesting read, although for younger teens.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
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In an ecletic blend of "Ender's Game", "Sky High", and
"Percy Jackson & the Olympians", Shane Berryhill gives
us a pseudo-thriller about Chance Fortune, superhero
extraordinaire--or something like that.
Josh Blevins has always wanted to be a superhero. So
when he applies to attend the world's foremost
superhero training school and gets rejected because he
lacks a power, he finds a way through the system and
changes his identity to Chance Fortune, who's
superpower is "Unnaturally good luck" (37). He teams
up with a random batch of other super-kids such as the
electrifying Shocker and the techno-whiz Space Cadet
and leads them in a competition between teams held
every year at the school.
Through judiscious use of foreshadowing, though,
Berryhill crushes an otherwise excellent story.
Throughout the novel, something strange is going on at
Burlington Academy. While that's all well and dandy,
the last thirty pages seem to be saying "I've promised
this, and I can't wait tuntil the next book to let it
out, even though I've already created an excellent
climax and wrapped things up for this volume." Add in
the atrociously crafted twist at the end, and I must
say that Berryhill's play at darker themes falls
short.
Still, "Chance Fortune and the Outlaws" has its merits
in places other than plot. The vast array of
superheroes created by Berryhill's extensive
imagination is colorful, ranging from the Viking like
Steel Valkyrie to the aptly names Block. The
villain-heroes are expertly crafted, and extremely
convincing in their evil and class-based biases. The
'good guys', while diverse to the point of absurdity
at the start, end up bonding and becoming a family
that has "a weapon more awesome than they could ever
dream of"(190)--friendship. The dialogue is
entertaining, and the diction is easy to read.
In conclusion, while "Chance Fortune" lacks in some
areas of the plot department, it gets off lucky and
still comes out above average due to the colorful
characters and lively bright spots in the others.
~Robert Johnston, Age 16
http://bookmobile.cjb.net
Cornish, D. M. The Monster Blood Tattoo: Foundling
It's a very original book with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I personally did not want to read it at first, but I decided to give it a try and I loved it!
I loved how original the idea for the book was. I also liked how the author really took his time writing the book so he could get it exactly how he wanted it.
It's one of the most original ideas for a book that I've ever come upon. Some books take a lot of different ideas from other books, and just make it how they want it. But this book was an actual idea from the author's mind. QUALITY = 5. POPULARITY = 4
Andrea F., age 13
Ulysses Moore: The Long-Lost Map
I found it to be a very good classic adventure book. I like how a lot of the time the kids have no idea what they're doing. I don't like how every book in this series take place in only one day. I hate it when author's do that. QUALITY = 3. POPULARITY = 3
Andrea F., age 13
Should be nominated.
This is a dramatic story about dealing with death, depression and relationships. I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to read a good story.
Kimberly S
16
5Q
4P
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Top 10 because it is a good novel of death and how to deal with the los
of your family. I could relate to why we ask the questions we ask.
-- Iman, age 15, rating 5
*would like this book
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Not nominated because it was a sad and boring book. It was hard to get
into and not for reluctant readers. I think the introduction could be
more interesting. It's a sad and boring start. It seems like a girly
book. -- Jesus A, age 15, rating 2
Stephenie Meyer has just cemented her place as oon of my new favorite authors. New Moon, the sequel to Twilight, is so incredivle I'm not sure I can accurately describe it, but I'll try. First off, I have to say that New Moon lives up to (possibly even surpasses) its predecessor in every way. The reader will cry, cheer, laugh, bite their fingernails -- basically do everything a good book is supposed to make a reader do. The plot lacks nothing in suspense or believability (which is an achievement, considering the subject matter) and after a while, the characters stop being characters in a novel and turn into people you know.
I was a little apprehensive when first starting Twilight almost a year ago. After all, I found most so-called "vampire romances" a little absurd and hard to relate to, having little experience with romance and even less with vampires. However, Twilight touched something in me; it evoked the realness of emotion that only the best fiction brings out. New Moon has that same quality.
It is the continuing story of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, but with a paranormal twist. I'll tell you right now it doesn't have the same ending (thank goodness) but it has all the angst and beauty of the classic.
This is the perfect book for anyone who loves the paranormal, is a romantic at heart, or just wants a book that will make them feel a rainbow of emotions.
New Moon just shot to the top of my list of "Best-Ever" books, and deserves every nomination or award it's eligible for.
P.S. Ms. Meyers: PLEASE hurry and write the next book; there are a bunch of ravenous teenage girls in Grand Junction, Colorado counting the days until we can get our hands on it. THANK YOU SO MUCH. -- Emily E., age 17. Review of the Week
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Reader: Amanda L.
Age: 18
Title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher Little Brown and Company
Pub. Date September 2006
My review: Once again, I was not disappointed by Meyer's writing. I was actually kind of shocked at the beginning. I couldn't believe what happened with Edward! But as the book went on, I could understand more of what Meyer was doing. I did find the lack of vampires throughout the middle of the book somewhat disappointing, but once again, writing it that way wasn't my call and I know that she did this only to help out the story. Really, if it were all a happy vampire love story, could it really be considered a story? So I did like it even though I did miss the Cullens throughout the story! They really are my favorite characters, I find them very fascinating and I missed them! It almost seemed absurd, a book full of vampires and werewolves. And yet, it was believable! I couldn't believe that I was so sucked into a story that was so unreal! And yet I was, and I think that it was definately the best fantasy book (or books, including Twilight as well) that I've read in a long time. I really did love the part in Italy, I found that to be the most compelling part of the book. And as I read through that part, I found that everything really had been leading up to that and there really was a reason for everything that had happened! It was really quite dramatic to discover this, but I really enjoyed that feeling that even the lack of vampires had a purpose at this point. Overall, I found this book to be quite compelling and was not able to put it down. I really am attached to the characters now and I want more of them!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
After reading “Twilight” I thought that it would be almost impossible for Ms. Meyer to top that book, and was pleasantly surprised by the beautifully written book that is so clearly of the style of Stephanie Meyer. Right from the start, the story had a fragile quality when dealing with a love that shouldn’t have ever been, yet was filled with an almost innocent beauty. The story also dealt with many of the abstract ideas that teenagers face in their lives; life and its worth, the soul, love, and dealing with love when it doesn’t workout. I was captured within this book’s pages from the moment I began reading, unable to put it down until I reached the last page, and it left me still craving more. This tale of vampires, werewolves, and romance is one that shall last for much time to come. The only regret I have is that I didn’t read it more slowly and savor the book, as well that I didn’t wait to read this book until the third was published. --Katherine, 17
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It used to be that when people thought "vampire" they thought "Silver Kiss", and when they thought "werewolf", they thought "Blood and Chocolate". This is no longer true. Stephanie Meyer, in the sequel to her New York Times bestseller "Twilght", crafts an evocative piece of literature well rooted in Western Mythology that will become synonymous with both.
"New Moon" once again puts us in the shoes of Bella Swan, the girl who loves the vampire Edward Cullen. However, things go slightly awry when the Cullens abruptly leave Forks. Bella is faced with the loss of her true love, and how she deals with it is the main focus of the book. However, it also deals with her relationship with young Jacob Black and the secrets of the Quiluete tribe, and later introduces the reader to the frightening Volturi, a sort of royal vampire family.
Perhaps the only problem that I had with "Twilight" was that Bella wasn't developed enough. "New Moon" fiexes this. Bella grows exponentially as a character, and she becomes an intricate character with complex emotions and feelings. Nothing else needs to be critiqued, because everything is excellent. The plot, while a bit bland for the middle stretch, is done well, and there is no down-time.
Bravo to Meyer, queen of vampires!
~Robert, age 17
http://bookmobile.cjb.net
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New Moon, Meyer, Stephanie
Would nominated
This book was very good, full of love and action, just the way I like them. Your vampire love stories are one of a kind. I would recommend this book to teens of any age and Goths. Coolest book I’ve ever read.
Jessica S
15
5Q
5P
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This book almost made me cry. I hope someday to have a relationship like theirs. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I t was absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. The story flows amazingly well and you never want to stop reading. I honestly hope she continues this story in many novels to come. 5Q, 3P. Joshua W., 16
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This book is very compelling. It was so good that I read it twice. It s a love story where Bella Swan falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. Her best friend is a werewolf. There s a breakup, a friend helping a friend and a sister s vision that makes this an exciting and great book for anyone. 5Q,5P. - John H., 16.
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I thought this was a really good book. There were parts I couldn’t put the book down. It’s good because it’s a little bit of love story mixed with a lot of action. Plus it’s not every day you read about a girl who falls in love with a vampire. You never know what is going to happen next. I would recommend this book to somebody who likes to read a lot because it’s that good. 5Q, 5 P. -- Brandon W., 17
Shan, Darren Lord of the Shadows
Lord of the Shadows, Shan
Should be nominated.
I love this book and all vampire books. What made this book interesting was all the action and finding out Darren is going to kill his nephew. Exciting!
Jessica S
15
5Q
5P
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Should be nominated.
The title suited the book well because it is mainly about what is to become of the world in 10 to 20 years from now. This book is heart-pounding, page-turning action, death and suspense that will keep the reader reading. I thin that it was a great book and more people should read and enjoy it like I did.
James G
17
5Q
4P
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Printz, because it is part of a great series and it always has something
exciting going on. -- Jesus A. age 15, rating 5
*would like this book
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Printz Award, because it's so good that I wanted the book to go on.
--Chris R., age 13, rating 5
*would like this book
Reader: Armondo Age: 14 Today's Date: 6/20/06
Rooftop is about two cousins who both end up in a drug rehab center.
They have not seen each other for years. One is a dealer and the other
is a user of weed. The finally see each other and begin to talk about
getting together with their parents at a party sponsored by the rehab
center. Then the dealer cousin sees a kid who owes him money. The two
cousins chase the kid up onto the rooftop where the dealer threatens to
beat up the kid. He then pulls something out and holds it up. People
are running up the stairs and we hear shots fired. If you want to know
what happens next you must read Rooftop.
Note: The author's writing style appeals to adolescents - it was hard
to put the book down. The author's knowledge of drugs and rehab was
accurate therefore you could learn from the book. The author's stand
was neutral so I didn't feel judged.
I would nominate this book for an award.
I give it a 5Q for quality and a 4P for popularity.
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Top 10 because this book relates to many kids that live in the projects
or the gheto. It might help them realize their problems and how to get
around them or fix them. -- NIck C., age 17, rating 5
*would like this book
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: Enthusiasm
Author: Polly Shulman
Publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons
Pub. Date Feb. 2006
Galley Yes
My review: I'm so glad I picked this up! Enthusiasm is the story of two best friends Julie and Ashleigh who try to navigate the complexities of Jane Austen, romance, and friendship. Ashleigh is the type to pick up an interest, obsses about it during every waking hour (draging Julie along with her), abruptly switch interests, and start the whole process over again. When Ashleigh discovers Jane Austen, Julie's favorite writer, they go crash an all boys prep-school Cotillon. They hope to find dream guys and a night of romance, and unbelievably they do. However, they both seem to be enchanted by the same boy. Usually I'm not a big fan of chick-lit or Jane Austen, but I really enjoyed this. A quick, quaint story that appeals to the romantic in every teen girl with dancing, poetry, chocolate turkeys, and plenty of romantic strife. Plenty of laugh out loud moments that add to the likability of the book. Great for high schoolers, both the book-crazed and fickle readers.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
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Enthusiasm is a book that inspires bouncing at all of its best parts. I would give you a few examples, but there are too many and I can't pick my favorite (the "Pancakes of Anguish" maybe?). Anyway, Enthusiasm is about two best friends, Julie and Ashleigh. Ashleigh has a tendency to get overtly enthusiastic about things sometimes and Jane Austen is her latest craze. Julie isn't sure what to think of this. On one hand, Ashleigh has finally discovered something which Julie already enjoys; on the other, Ashleigh is now convinced that the only way the girls will find True Love, is to crash the Columbus Cotillion at Forefield Academy, the local all-boys prep school. Oh, dear. What follows is slightly predictable, but in such a way that the reader wants to jump for joy and giggle when their predictions come true - at least, that's what I did. Actually, I was surprised at how much giggling I did. Schulman has created some very funny, engaging characters and put them into some very funny (if awkward) situations. Overall, Enthusiasm was romantic, charming and witty. Jane Austen would most definitely approve. -- Emily E., age 17
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The cover tempted me and reflected the contents. The book was good. It was very funny and nice to read. The most compelling aspect was the characters. They stood out against each other well. For ages 12-15. 3Qm 4P. --Shanna S., age 16
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This is one of the best friend/ teen romance books I've read in a while. It was light and fun to read. It was relevant to real life and you couldn't predict what would happen next. For ages 12-15. 4Q, 4P. --Lauren H. age 15
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It's a great best friend and romance, that is so fun and funny. Definetly read it!. The most compelling aspecst was the relationship between Parr and Julia the great great enthusiast, and intrigued "what will happen next?" For ages 12-15. 4Q4P. -- Donna B., age 15
McGhee, Alison - All Rivers Flow to the Sea
I didn't like how it kept repeating the same thing over and over. -- Sarah F., age 14
Zahn, Timothy - Outbound Flight
If you like any kind of sci-fi, Timothy Zahn is excellent! This book is better than some of the movies. Thrawn (main character) is a genius. He completely outsmarts everyone around them without them even knowing about it. Great action, suspense, and well pagec. For ages 14 and up. 5Q, 3P. -- Michael H., age 17.
Headley, Justina Chen Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies) 
Truth: Patty Ho is a hapa, which is a term for a person who is half-white and half-Asian. Of course, her mother is 100% Taiwanese and wants her daughter to find a nice boy. By nice, of course, she means Taiwanese. Then, Patty must be friends with him for a long time to make sure he's a "Good One". Naturally, when the fortune-telling Bellybutton Grandma forsees that Patty will hook up with a white guy, it's off to Stanford Math Camp for Patty. There she meets Jasmine, a "buildering nymphomaniac", and Stu, who could quite possibly be Patty's first case of "yellow fever". However, when her Mama comes and turns into the Dragon Lady with the "mother of all lectures: You Shame Family Honor," Patty digs deep within herself and discovers that she is a "hot mama hapa".
Truth: Justina Chen Headley is amazing. Patty Ho is a masterpiece, and I swear that there were times when I thought that Headley had her daughter writing for her, because Patty Ho is real, fresh, and full of life, not to mention a good dose of sarcasm and wit. From the very first page, where Ho is bemoaning her status as "disrespectful daughter", the reader is in love with the brave, funny and powerful girl who transforms into so much more.
Truth: It's a hit. Go out and read "Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies)", and see for yourself that Headley's masterpiece will soon be shoving "Maximum Ride", "Eldest", and "Hoot" off those bestseller lists...or at least out of kids' hearts.
~Robert Johnston
Age 17
http://bookmobile.cjb.net Review of the Week
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Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies)
Author: Justina Chen Headley
Publisher Little, Brown and Co.
Pub. Date Apr. 2006
Galley No
My review: Basically, Patty Ho must learn to deal with living in two worlds: that of her very Chinese mom and the rest white Washington state. Being a bi-racial kid myself, I found many of the scenarios very familiar (eating nasty soup, math camp, and lectures.), but for me it's not a big deal. I like the empowered message, but this is akward teenage transformation book. Many laugh out loud funny moments lighten the mood set by the heavier family concepts. The most interesting thing discussed here for me was the absent Dad issue; that was excellent. A good read for teens searching for themselves.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
It is a funny story where a girl named Jaz is always in the wrong place at the wrong time, while [indecipherable] stumbles upon a mystery she sets out to solve. The most compelling aspect of the book was the characters and the clues but how it wasn't revealed until the character figures it out. 4Q, 3P -- Ashlie, 14
Turner, Megan Whalen The King of Attolia
The cover tempted me because it gives the feeling that the king is being controlled and I wanted to know why. The book has everything from deceit to medieval politics to assassinations and everything in between. The most compelling aspect is that the kking reveals little and I want to learn more. 4Q, 4p - Hamilton, 14
Cree, Ronald Desert Blood 10pm/9c
Reader : Eden
Age 16
Did the cover tempt you to pick up the book or turn you off? Did it reflect the contents?
The cover tempted me to pick it up because im into crime books and it looked like it had to do with a crime.
Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it?
It's very suspenseful, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book.
It was a crime book. I love reading and watching crime shows and the fact that the kid solved the case and the fact that he was on top of every clue was a key thing.
5Q Hard to imagine a better book
4P Broad general teen appeal
The book itself was very interesting. The author also was amazing at writing this book.
Giles, Gail What Happened to Cass McBride?
Genre: YA, Suspense
Brief Summary: Cass McBride is an all-American girl. The daughter of a rich salesman, Cass knows how to get what she wants. However, after the suicide of his brother, Kyle Kirby plans a revenge on Cass that will change her life, and his.
Review: One of my darkest fears is being buried alive, unfortunate because it is growing to be a common occurrence in books, movies, and television (Kill Bill II and CSI). Thus, this short and suspenseful novel, creeped me out. The book is more than just a story to keep me up at night. What Happened to Cass McBride? is an brief look at high school politics, psychological motivations, and abusive family relationships. The families in the book mirror each other and both contain a parent whose love is wanes and ebbs with the child’s actions. Giles does an amazing job at getting the reader into the character’s head, the book is written from the point of views of Kyle, Cass, and the police investigating the kidnapping, and the reader grows sympathetic to both Kyle and Cass. In fact, the only two bad people to come out of the novel are Kyle’s mother and Cass’s father.
Final Verdict: The book walks the line between suspense and family drama beautifully, and Giles crafts a story that is hard to put down. This short read is recommended, as it contains elements to entice most teens. --Cordi, 18
Davidson, Ellen Dee Stolen Voices
Reader: Erik H.
Age: 12
Title: Stolen Voices
Author: Ellen Dee Davidson
Publisher Lobster Press
Pub. Date 2005
My review: This book is great!!!This is the first good book I've read in along time!I love how ellen captures the idea of fantasy and realism.I would recomand this book totally all the way!It's like finding $1000 on the ground, or staying at five star hotel!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
_________ __________
“Stolen Voices” is a lost like a penguin; cool on the outside, but it just doesn’t fly. This is the typical story of a flawed utopian society with a different setting, much like “The Giver” and “True Sight.” The idea behind the book was centered around sound and the power of speech, which I must admit was neat, but even with the great storyline there wasn’t much umph to fulfill the book’s potential. Perhaps if it had been longer with more depth it would have been a better book. I had high hopes that this book would be great, but was disappointed and found it lacking instead. I loved the idea, but sadly htat was all it was, a great idea without real form. ---???
____________ _____________
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Distopia. Stolen Voices is another in the line of dystopian society sci-fi novels. Now I have nothing against the genre, some of my favorite novels are from this genre (think The Giver and The Diary of Pelly D), however I was apathetic to Stolen Voices. I found nothing in the book to distinguish it from the myriad of others – a difficult task. I also wanted to hit the main character over the head 90% of the novel, including the end. The plot was transparent and common.
Final Verdict: With a forgettable story, unsympathetic characters, and transparent plot, skip Stolen Voices and instead pick up The Giver or The Diary of Pelly D. --Cordi, 18
______ ____ _______
Reader: Jessica
Age: 12
Title: Stolen Voices
Author: Ellen Dee Davidson
My review: I would totally recommend this book! Stolen Voices is a really fast read. The main character is really interesting and the ending is suprising!!!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Ranfulo, The Joker
Genre: YA, Drama, Retelling
Now, I realize that I have just finished a two month intensive study on Hamlet, and thus I probably got more out of this book that many others my age, but I really liked this book. Ranfulo has taken Shakespeare’s Hamlet, transplanted it to Australia, cut it up into little pieces, and glued it back together again. While Ranfulo has taken a few liberties with characters and storylines – Matt/Hamlet’s father is not dead, but instead a depressed alcoholic and there is no Horatio – The Joker keeps to the essence of Hamlet. I would love to see another review on this book from someone who has not read Hamlet, just to see what they think, although I doubt that is his target audience.
Final Verdict: Enthralling, a must for students who dislike Shakespeare’s language, but love the plots. Also great for anyone who likes dark or experimental fiction. -- Cordi, 18
Reader: Elle
Age: 13
Title: Wish Rider
Author: Patrick Jennings
Publisher: Harper Collins Childrens Bks
Publication date: 2006
Galley: Yes
My review:: Wish Riders was an okay book as far as I'm concerned. I liked the idea of magical horses and of orphans, but together they just didn't seem to fit. All the elements seperate from each other were stellar ideas - like as I just said horses, orphans, run-aways, adventure, and some romance. I enjoyed sections of the book, but it seemed like it took Dusty forever to leave the logging camp. After a while they story seemed old and like I'd already read it. One thing that I really liked ws the sign of the sea gull throughout the book. It sort of drew everything together. I liked the characters, and thought that I could relate with Dusty (Edith). Overall this was an average book. On a Scale from 1-10, 10 beting the best, I would rate Wish Riders a 6.
Would you nominate this book for an award: no
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
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I really loved this book. I would summarize it by just saying Wish Riders is a great book. It s about animals and the great depression. I would recommend this book to ally my family and friends that like to read. Should nominate, 4Q, 4P. --Tanner P., 13. Wants book.
