Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 & 2007Awards
“Elsewhere” is by far one of the best books I have read this year. It deals with death and aging in a humorous and rather pleasing way. Most other books that deal with the topic of death are depressing and leave the reader felling bogged down and hopeless, but this book left me with a sense of acceptance and faith that when I die it wont have to be a bad thing. I loved the concept of living backwards after a person dies, and how even if life is short it’s still ok because the length of life doesn’t matter, rather the way its lived is what makes the difference. This book touched me in a way that very few have been able to in the past. It would be a travesty if this book didn’t make teen top ten, and didn’t find the popularity it deserved. “Elsewhere” is a book that deserves to be around for quite some time to come with its endearing characters and great story line. Gabrielle Zevin, I admire your work and hope that you will continue writing in the future. --Katherine, 17 ????
_________ _________
First name or initials: Logan
Age: 13
Book Title: Elsewhere
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults: yes
Because: I think that this book makes you think about death, but in the best possible way. It is funny and the main character is intriguing and believable.
Quality Rating: 5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating: 4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: The idea behind this book is new and creative. A cruise ship to the afterworld? Top points for thinking!
Reiss, Kathryn Blackthorn Winter
Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: Blackthorn Winter
Author: Kathryn Reiss
Publisher Harcourt Books
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: I loved this book! Kateryn Reiss has great word choice. This book had an awesome plot! I enjoyed fiting the clues together and guessing at the murder. Once I found out-once the book told me- Everything fit and made so much sence. Hearing voices wasn't just in her head, soon they were in my head, too!I couldn't put it down.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Blackthorn Winter, Reiss
Would nominate.
I would recommend this book to any teen who wants to read a good book. What makes this book good is that like most other books it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It also is a very suspenseful book with a story that interests you throughout the whole book. Things happen that are totally unexpected, making it extremely hard to put down. I think even adults would like this book.
Echo P
17
4Q
5P
__________ _________
Reader: John H. Age: 16 Today 's Date: 6/23/06
Title: Blackthorn Winter Author: Kathryn Reiss Publisher: Harcourt
Pub Date: Jan 2006
When I started reading this book I was like, "so what." Then I was
getting into the book because the author wrote as if she were in it.
The book is based on a young girl who didn't know all about her past.
In a small town called Blackthorn there was a murder. The lady murdered
was this girls mom 's best friend. So, when I found out who killed the
woman I was practically in shock because I never figured out that it was
that person. All in all I found this book interesting and how the
author writes is truly amazing.
I would nominate this book for an award.
I give it a 5Q for quality and a 5P for popularity.
Sokoloff, Alexandra The Harrowing
Take 5 misfit college students, a lonely old college campus, add a weji board attached to a scary spirit and you have The Harrowing. This book actually scared me while I read it. Perhaps that was due to the fact that it was midnight and raining at the time, but also the story itself and how it dealt with the psychological aspects of what was occurring throughout the story that will suck you in then spit you out. If you want a good ghost story the Harrowing is it; full of spooky happenings and mysterious ties. The novel is so well written that I was surprised to discover that it was Alexandra Sokoloff’s first novel. I look forward to future stories by this promising new author. --Katherine, 17
____________ ___________
Reader: Kara
Age: 17
Title: The Harrowing
Author: Alexandra Sokoloff
Publisher St. Martin's Press
Pub. Date Nov. 2006
Galley Yes
My review: In The Harrowing, Sokoloff takes overused scenarios typical of so many ghost stories and manages to combine them with new twists on the traditional and a fresh style of writing to make a great ghost-suspense. The setting is an old dorm during Thanksgiving weekend where all but five of the students leave. And out come the Ouija Board, and guess what? They do make contact. The somewhat formulaic quality to the plot is similar to a screen play, but the characters are developed well enough to make it clearly a novel. Sokoloff's screen writing experience is evident by the books non-stop pacing and good forward momentum. It grabs the reader's interest and refuses to let go. Recommended for readers above age 15 and for reluctant readers. Really enjoyed the argument of wether demons come from within us or without us. Wish that this psychological aspect of the story had been explored more; the argument didn't feel resolved.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Stone, Tanya Lee A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl
This book is an awesome read for teenagers because you can’t put it down once you start reading it. There is a lot of action. You can visualize everything that happens to the girls in this book. I would recommend this book to girls. Should be nominated. 3Q 4P. Natasha E, age 13
________ ______
I thought the book made a good point on how most guys think if they’re hot they can get into all the girls pants and do what they want. Then they just up and leave you. I would recommend this book to all teenage girls. Should be nominated. 5Q 4P Marcella M., age 16
_______ ________
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl
Author: Tanya Lee Stone
Publisher Random House
Pub. Date Feb. 14, 2006
Galley Yes
My review: Unique not only in writing style, Stone shows the good and bad of dating. In this case three high school girls, Josie, a freshman, Nicolette, a junior, and Aviva, a Senior, all date the same bad boy. Their experiences with him do differ, but they all hurt. The personal growth is the biggest gain for these girls. Stone's prose is so effective in relating the core of the issues and not dwelling on the insignificant. However, not being a big dater, the little support group that forms in the wake of the nameless bad boy didn't resonate that much with me. Niether did the personal growth thing. The nameless boy doesn't seem very human, mostly just lusty. Definitly teen chick-lit for older girls; there are a few graphic scenes. Enjoyed the style emensely, but not so much the subject.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
___ _____
A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl, Stone
Would not nominate.
I liked this book because it uses teen’s aspect very well, but I don’t like it because it doesn’t describe places and characters very well. I didn’t like the ending either.
Jon W.
17
3Q
3P
Reader: Andrea F.
Age: 13
Title: blood red horse
Author: K. M. Grant
Publisher Walker & Company
Pub. Date 2004
Galley No
My review: Blood red horse is a wonderful historical fiction novel, and it is so well written, that you start to love Hosanna as much as Will. I think I liked the ending the best, because it had such a good twist. I'm not gonna tell what it is though, because it will spoil the book.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Sharon Draper's Copper Sun tells a riveting story of an African girl , named Amari , living in Africa who has everything going her way. She's engaged to the most handsome man in the village , her father is a chief , and she loves her family. It seems that nothing could go wrong until white-skinned strangers arrive in seemingly good intentions of making friends and trading. When there is a bursting sound of a gun shot and everything turns into a chaotic mess of smoke and dust as everyone in the village , very young or old , is killed and all the young adults are rounded up for capture. Amari is in pure shock and horror as she is chained and realizes her entire family was just slaughtered. Amari goes through being beaten , raped , fed very little , being constantly chained and living in waste in a hull of a ship. Although she feels like dying , instead of enduring this misery , with encouragement from a mew found mother , on the voyage , she some how finds the courage to carry on.
This is an extremely powerful story of courage and trust that is sure to have readers of any kind wanting it.
By: Hazel, 15
_______
Reader: Andrea F.
Age: 13
Title: Copper Sun
Author: Sharon Draper
Publisher Aladdin Paperbacks
Pub. Date January 2006
Galley Yes
My review: Copper Sun is a historical fiction book that gives you all the insights of what it was like to live as a slave. Amari is captured as a slave in Africa after her family is brutally murdered. This story is set long before the Civil War happened, so Amari has no hope of being freed. This book tells gives you all the details, and doesn't glaze over anything. It was nice to read an honest book for once.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Wolfson, Jill What I Call Life
Reader: Andrea F.
Age: 13
Title: What I Call Life
Author: Jill Wolfson
Publisher Henry Holt & Company
Pub. Date 2005
Galley No
My review: What I Call Life gives you a great insight what it's like to live in the foster care system. When Cal first arrives at the Pumpkin House, she thinks she's gonna be gone in a couple of hours. But, obviously, she's not. Cal learn's a lot from the Knitting Lady and all her friends. She basically learns a lot about life.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Durrant, Lynda My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier
My Last Skirt by Lynda Durrant tells the true story of a girl, Jeannie Hodgers, who living in Ireland converts her identity to male to watch sheep for the needed money. When her father dies suddenly her and her brother leave for America to make their own way. Jeannie maintains her male identity and eventually becomes a well paid store keeper while her brother, living with her, remains lower on the social ladder and jealous. Once her brother reveals her identity to her employer she leaves with her money to join the army. She lives through the civil war risking life and limb for her friends and fighting side by side of the men facing inconceivable horrors of war. A very good story that will be enjoyed by historical non-fiction lovers. Although it seemed slow and unclear in the beginning it picks up and unfortunately ends abruptly.
By: Hazel G.
______ ____ _
Jennie Hodgers was a real person. This gripping first person narrative tells the story of her life while she was enlisted in the 25th Illinois regiment in the Civl War. This heroic, brave, and powerful woman stands as a testimony to the rich history of America.
The plot is based off of Jennie Hodgers' actualy encounters in the Civil War. It is crafted perfectly, and while it is technically fiction, it portrays the truth very well. While there are moments when the battle tactics and other things may get in the way of the story, they are rare and short.
In all, this book is a wonderful one, filled with historical importance and real emotions. It made me cry. It'll make you cry.
~Robbie, 17
http://bookmobile.cjb.net
Gresh, Lois H. The Unauthorized Ultimate Eragon Guide
You'd think that *anything* "Eragon" would have to be good, right? Wrong! This book is not, and that is probably because it is hardly about "Eragon" at all!
Some of the topics that The Unauthorized Ultimate Eragon Guide covers are elves, dragons, and herbalists. However, instead of going off of Paolini's concepts, the author talks about, for example, dragons in ancient mythology, which is all fine and dandy, but it has NOTHING to do with Eragon. The section on Magic and Witches covers mostly the wicca religion, and has almost nothing about the Ancient Language or other forms of Magic in Ergaon's world.
Perhaps the worst section is the one on elves. Many fantasy buffs will, if they read this book, be outside Gresh's house one morning with signs that say "Eragon is NOT an elf!" or "Elves are NOT Gnomes!", because Gresh somehow decides that Eragon is an elf and that Elves are gnomes.
Please, instead of reading this horrible testiment to the wonderful books of Paolini, go see the movie instead.
~Robbie, 17
http://bookmobile.cjb.net
Yourgrau, Barry Another Nasty Book
“Another Nasty Book” might find appeal with 10 year olds who read books like “Captain Underpants.” It was too young for older readers. A tale about a boy who ears candy, fights with a hockey stick, talks to dentures, and is looking for his mother trying to find fairyland, is a bunch of pre-adolescent ridiculousness that few teens would appreciate. The writing style itself was underdeveloped and, even if it wasn’t, severely lacking. Even though the story is a dud, I must admit that I rather enjoyed the art throughout the book and the intriguing touches on some of the pages like rips and smudges (the only part of the book that kept me reading it). Perhaps this book would find appeal with a younger audience, but I’m at a loss as to why they even published this book. The series should have stopped after the first.
“Clabbernappers” is a book that reminds me of others I read in elementary school: tales of hidden worlds in chests and behind forgotten doors with adventure and places where the impossible occurs. The book had a would that was centered around chess and was entertaining with creative creatures and cute little poems sprinkled throughout the story. This book is an endearing tale younger children would enjoy filled with excitement and an enjoyable hero who is both polite and witty; a cowboy filled with personality. Throughout the book names and phrases rhymed and by the end of the book I was content with the charming adventure. While I doubt broad appeal would be found with a teenage audience, younger children would appreciate it. “Clabbernappers” was an all around enjoyable tale that parents would enjoy sharing with their children.--??? (Katherine?, Cordi?)
I admire a writer who can write a series of short stories that has something for everyone and a wide variety of tales; Margo Lanagan is such a writer. While I didn’t enjoy all of the stories in “White Time,” some of them did hold appeal for me, especially the first tale about time travel. Sadly I could not nominate this book for teen top ten because the stories were too short, and while I found some of them to be great, the vast majority of the short stories held no appeal for me. As is the case with most compilations of short stories, none of the tales had the depth that I would have preferred, and overall I was disappointed with the book because it felt incomplete with only partial appeal. While “White Time” was not a bad book, it just wasn’t too particularly thrilling, and I was rather disappointed as is usually the case with short stories. -- Katherine, 17
Solitaire, Jenna The Keeper of the Winds ( Tor)
This book really draws the reader in. I thought that the best part was the wording. It really brought out the every day struggles of teenage life as well as the struggle between good and evil. 5Q, 4P. -- Heather Z., age 18
Novik Naomi His Majesty's Dragon (Random) additonal comments
"Holy Napoleonic Dragons, Batman!" Okay, so that's strange even for a Robin-ism, but it translates surprisingly well into a novel.
The setting is England during the Napoleonic Wars and the historical accuracy is pretty impressive with one exception - Dragons. Admittedly, that's a pretty big exception, but Novik makes it fit right in. Her addition of the Aerial Corps (a fancy name for Dragon Riders) makes sense in terms of battle strategies, social structuring, and the overall feel of the time.
Though His Majesty's Dragon didn't always capture my attention completely. I enjoyed it a great deal, especially the characters of Temeraire, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. -- Emily E., age 17
------ ----- ---
Reader: Michael H.
Age: 17
Title: His Majesty's Dragon
Author: Naomi Novik
My review: His Majesty's Dragon is an incredible book! The premise of the book makes perfect sense, the writing style is excellent, and it has the perfect mix of adventure, humor, and mystery. The pacing is excellent, too; the author intersperses just enough excitement in the perfect places so that the reader never gets bored. I would recommend this book to any reader who has the smallest interest in fantasy or adventure.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
____ ____
Alex H.
Age: 17
Title: His Majesty's Dragon
Author: Naomi Novik
Galley Yes
My review: This was an amazing book. It blended the Napoleonic wars with dragons in a perfectly believable world. The uncofortable circumstances of the main character, a navy sea captain, as he is forced into the aerial corps, are wonderfully expressed. The combination of action and mystery gave this remarkable book excellent pacing. It was so good, I was even able to get my dad hooked on it!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
______ _____ ____
The book is very well written. It pulls the readers in. Also it (in a way) addresses every day problems. The most compelling aspect of this book is the emotion felt in it. I am a fantasy person but lately have had a hard time finding books as well written as this. I am very eager to read the next two books of this series, Throne of Jade and Black Powder War. I can't wait to read them. 5Q, 5P. -- Heather Z., age 18
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher Harper Collins Pub.
Pub. Date Sep. 19, 2006
Galley Yes
My review: Gail Carson Levine once again works her own kind of magic in drawing the reader in with a magnificent lead character, a unorthodoxed villian, and a writing style that takes a traditional story line and transforms it into something completly original. Being a huge fan of fairy tales, Grimm especially, I loved all of the small details that colored the book. Even though I've read numerous versions of Snow White, Levine is so subtle in concocting the story parallels that it didn't dawn on me that this was a retelling until embarassingly late in the book. And for those of us who were enchanted by the characters and story of Ella Enchanted, this story takes place in the same world in the kingdom of Ayortha (Arieda's native country). It's nice to see glimpses of Ella's story intertwine with Ada's. The concept of a country seeped in song is original and refreshing. Levine adeptly weaves a story that readers of all ages will enjoy.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Teen Review of the Week
___________ _______
Reader Elle
Age 12
Title Fairest
Author Gail Carson Levine
Publisher HarperCollins
Publication date 2006
My review: Fairest was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. The story line was so compelling and you never knew what was going to happen next. I could totally relate to the main character, Ava, because she seemed so realistic. One unique thing about Fairest is that the main character isn't beautiful, like in so many books these days. When the characters are so beautiful, I feel that it's impossible to feel a part of their life and story -- you can't step into the book and feel their emotions. This book had all the elements that I enjoy in a story -- dangerous adventure, fantastical creatures, a bit of humor, and the perfect touch of romance. I would recommend this book to really anyone who eats up fantasy stories. Excellent writing, Ms. Levine!
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 4Q Better than most
Popularity 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date November 25, 2006
I would also like to say Compared to Ella Enchanted, Fairest was just as good!
___________ ___________
When I was younger two of my favorite books were Ella enchanted and the two Princesses of Bamarre; and unlike my beloved Grimm’s fairy tales, these stories have happy endings. As time has passed these books still retain a place with my favorites; now Fairest will join their ranks. This was the story of Snow White, but Gail Levine wrote the book so well that I didn’t even notice it until more than half way through. This particular story was about a girl with a most amazing singing voice who was able to toss her voice about, but rather then being a ravishing beauty, she was dull looking, almost to the point of being ugly. Through the book she discovers true beauty, love, kindness, and a magical mirror. Another aspect of the story I enjoyed was that it took place in the land of Ayortha, a place mentioned in Ella Enchanted, but was still its own story. I love Gail Carson Levine’s fairy tales and desperately hope that she continues to write more. –Katherine, 17
__________ __________
Reader Logan R.
Age 13
Title Fairest
Author Gail Carson Levine
Galley Yes
My review: This is an amazing spin on the tale of snow white. What if snow white hated how she looked? What if she had a magical voice? And what if she was on an adventure in the land of Ayortha? Welcome to the story of Aza. The reader is instantly attached to her because we know how she feels. Everyone has had a day where they feel ugly. Aza also is good and kind with all the qualities of everyone's best friend. Her adventures are filled with beauty's power, bad and good. We cheer when she truly accomplishes her journey by seeing the beauty in herself.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 4Q Better than most
Popularity 5P Everyone wants to read it
Today's date November 13,2006
I would also like to say This is the book for every teenage girl who has had a bad hair day!
_________ ________
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: Middle school student
Title: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Galley Yes
My review: Because I loved Ella Enchanted, I adored this book. Just like Ella was a Cinderella story, this was obviously based on a version of Snow White. In my opinion, Ella Enchanted will be the best book Levine makes, however I found this book 'Enchanting' all the same. A Beauty and the Beast story might be a good addition. I want more!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
---------- ---------
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher Harper Collins
Pub. Date 9/19/06
Galley Yes
My review: Set in the neighboring land of "Ella Enchanted"'s Kyrria, Ayortha, "Fairest" is another retold fairy tale. Well, truely it is another story with elements of a fairy tale woven in. Ava is not beautiful, and that is especially hard in Ayortha, a land where beauty is especially appreciated. But her voice, the standard of Ayorthan culture, more than makes up for lack of physical beauty. By a string of events, Ava goes to to royal palace for the king's wedding and ends up as the new queen's lady in waiting. But the new queen requires falsehood from her, and that leads to twists and turns unimaginable. "Fairest" is a wonderful novel, continuing the tradition of "Ella Enchanted". All fans of Ms. Levine will enjoy this newest offering.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
______________ __________
Reader: Robert J. (http://bookmobile.cjb.net)
Age: 17
Title: Fairest
Author: Gail Caron Levine
Galley Yes
My review: ELLA ENCHANTED was an amazing book, hailed far and wise as such, and won many awards. Since then, Gail Caron Levine has cranked out several books, including THE WISH, THE FAIRY'S MISTAKE, and CINDERELLIS AND THE GLASS HILL. However, none of them were as inspired as ELLA. Until now. FAIREST is loosely based off of the tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (also known as Snowdrop or Ashputtel). It takes place in thge kingdom of Ayortha, which many readers of ELLA will remember. Ironically, the main character, Aza, is the older, adopted sister of Areida, also from ELLA. Anyway, Aza lives with her adoptive family at their inn, the Featherbed. She views herself as extremely ugly, for instead of the dark skin of Ayorthans, her skin is fair, and her hair is raven black, and her lips are blood red. However, in a twist of fate, Aza is invited by a duchess to attend the King's royal wedding! This starts a chain of events that will lead Aza to finding not only a family, but also true beauty. Aza is a great heroine. She has bouts where her self esteem are lacking, but it works to her advantage by giving her some sort of motivation. The concept of illusing(basically ventriliquilism) is neat, since no one else can do it. Aza is very brave and exceedingly sharp, as well as likeable. THe other characters are also rendered well. Prince Ijori is every bit the prince Charming, and Queen Ivi is terrifying in her rages and deceptively sweet when she wants to be. The story is good, original, and funny. I did not enjoy, however, the Snow White aspect. THe story was going along quite fine until the last portion, when Levine suddenly seemed to realise that she needed to add something similar to Snow White because that's what she had decided to do, even though it was out of place. I think that the book was good enough and if she had left out the Snow White portions it would still have been a good book. They simply feel too out of place in the story which was so original. Other than that little gripe, though, there is nothing about FAIREST that isn't top-notch, and y'all should certainly go read it!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Reader: Robbie J.
Age: 17
Title: Getting It
Author: Alex Sanchez
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date 2006
Galley Yes
My review: Carlos has a crush on Roxy. Roxy doesn't have a crush on Carlos. Carlos, deciding he needs to "get it" at the urging of his friends, recruits Sal, the school's gay guy, to give him a makeover ala "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy". Carlos eventually gets a hookup with Roxy, finds out she's a shallow girl with promiscuous habits, and falls for a girl named Espie, who has helped Carlos and Sal start a Gay-Straight Alliance at their school, as part of Sal's agreement with Carlos was that Carlos would help to start it. In the beginning, Carlos is a shallow-minded jerk who also is a slob and hangs out with trash. He stays that way for most of the book, actually. About the lsat thirty pages he changes into a kinda good guy and you can start to like him. The other characters don't really matter much. Sal, the gay dude, is not the one telling the story, and he really doesn't come into it much. The plot is a coming of age story about how Carlos decides that sex isn't all that's important and learns to be a better person. That's about it. It's pretty one-dimensional. While it is quick and easy to read, nothing in it really stands out. While not bad, you would be better off spending your time on something other than GETTING IT.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 2P Only for special interest
Specials Westerfeld, Scott Simon & Schuster 2006 the cover was the least of my worries, but it allowed me to see clearly what the author detailed. I would recommend this book to a friend. The most compelling part of this book was when Tally looses one love and relearns how to be herself again. 5Q 5Q Shadow, 18
_________ ________
Specials is a smashing good end to the phenomenal Uglies series. In this final volume Tally Youngblood finds herself as a special, a ruthless fighting machine with the sole purpose tramping down disorder in her town, but when she is given the opportunity to follow and reveal the new smoke, she is faced with a difficult decision over whether or not to destroy them.
Scott Westerfeld has managed the impossible yet again by creating a novel that captures readers from the first page and keeps them to the very last, and still leaves them yearning for more, and its little surprise. With a scarily beautiful, corrupt, world and strong characters its easy to get lost in the story. From the beginning readers are swept along on the journey and can never guess what is coming next. Mr. Westerfelsd is a master of his craft and untouchable with his great writing. The Uglies trilogy should be a hit with people of all ages, and remain as a must read. --Katherine, 17
_____________ ___
Reader: Robbie J.
Age: 17
Title: Specials
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: The book that many have been anticipating is here. The final installment in Scott Westefeld's UNGLIES trilogy, Specials is everything that readers have come to expect from Westerfeld...with a few unfortunate mistakes. Specials picks up roughly where Pretties left off, with Tally Youngblood getting turned into a feared Special, aka cruel pretty. However, this also screws with Tally's brain, and now sahe's a less compelling protaganist. For the majority of the book, Tally is (unbeknownst to her) plagued by anger and frustration issues stemming from the rewiring of her brain done when she became special. It's okay, though, because leter in the book it serves as an important motivation for Tally, and she progresses rather far in the later parts of the book. Almost all the characters from previous books are minor or mentioned only in passing. Dr. Cable, villain of villains, has only two small scenes. Shay, while having a larger role, is disconnected from Tally due to their special brains which disallow them from feeling. Zane and David are both only small cameos, but Andrew Simpson Smith makes a return. You know, that dude who was marginally pivotal for like thirty pages in PRETTIES? The village with the little men? Ah, yes, you remember now. It's okay, though, because the plot is excellent, a prime example of why Westerfeld is amazing and you should bow down to him. The New Smoke has now joined forces with a pretty city, Diego. Tally, as a member of Special Circumstances, is dispatched to stop the New Smoke, but ends up starting a war and changing the world forever. Everyday stuff for her, really. However, while small portions near the beginning drag slightly, most of the book is filled with heart-pounding action scenes including(in my own words) "espcape from the sticky goo of doom", "high tech meets bows and arrows", and "lets board a helicopter from our hoverboard and hope we don't die". So, in all, SPECIALS lacks a bit of character development in favor of an excellent plot, but since all the characters are returning from previous novels, that's a good trade off. Bravo to Scott Westerfeld.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Koss, Amy Goldman Side Effects
Side Effects, Amy Koss
Should nominate
Side Effects is very a very sarcastic book that could make you laugh or cry. Side Effects is about a 15-year old girl named Izzy who finds out she has cancer. She goes through some very hard times, but tries to make the best of it. The most compelling aspect of this book would have to be Izzy’s struggle to live. I would recommend this book to any teen.
*I would like to have a copy of the book for myself.
Nate H
17
4Q
4P
___________ ___
Side Effects, Amy Goldman Koss
The book should be nominated. It made me feel good and made me think about respecting my life. I can relate to lzzy because she doesn’t care what people say about her. All in all I liked the book and recommend this book to teens—it will make you think.
Luis P
15
4Q
5P
_________ _____________
Side Effects, Goldman
Would nominate.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! This book is a wonderful book that consists of “on the edge of your seat” story. It’s well written, easy to read and hard to put down. I enjoyed this book especially the happy ending. I was kind of disappointed because the book went too fast!
Echo P
17
5Q
5P
_____ __________
Reader: Andrea F.
Age: 13
Title: Side Effects
Author: Amy Goldman Kosa
Publisher Roaring Brook
Pub. Date September 2006
Galley Yes
My review: This is one of the few good cancer stories in the world. It's actually a funny cancer book. This is from the person who has cancer point of view instead of from the little sister or big brothers point of view. This isn't the story of her battle with cancer,or a journey of self-discovery, it's just her trying to survive the chemo and the cancer.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
_________ _______
Reader: Robbie J.
Age: 17
Title: SIDE EFFECTS
Author: Amy Goldman Koss
Publisher Roaring Brook
Galley Yes
My review: REVIEW: SIDE EFFECTS BY AMY GOLDMAN KOSS Isabelle wakes up one morning with swollen throat glands. After a doctor's visit, it is discovered that she has stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a kind of cancer. SIDE EFFECTS is about Izzy's struggle to survive amidst a crumbling life. So, a cancer story. She dies, and before that there's lots of angst and woe, right? WRONG! SIDE EFFECTS, which is based off the author's experieince with a loved one's battle, is different. Izzy does not die from the lymphoma (you find that out from the very beginning), for one. Moreover, Izzy is a defiant spirit, and for much of the book she is vibrant and alaive and just plain FUNNY! She has a quirky attitude and a devil-may-care outlook on life that nis very refreshing. The book is paced quite well. At about 140 pages, you won't get bored. Even if it were three times as long, I doubt I would have cared, as it's just such a fresh new look and so entertaining. This is a book that you won't want to put down. And I can't say I blame you.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
____ ____ ____
Genre: YA, Drama, Comedy
Brief Summary: Fourteen year old Izzy lives through hell after being diagnosed with lymphoma in this surprisingly funny short novel.Review: Side Effects is a beautifully written story about fourteen-year-old Izzy’s experience with lymphoma and chemotherapy. Koss set out to write a funny story about the tragedy of cancer in the young, and she has succeeded beyond expectation. Side Effects is genuinely funny – my favorite scene was the stop at the grocery store after she was administered medical marijuana – without loosing the sense of hopefulness and seriousness one expects in a story of this type. The novel deals not only with the reaction of a teen with cancer, but also with the effect of the illness on friends and family. The ending focuses towards the future without being overly sentimental.
Final Verdict: Wonderful, and unlike any that came before, Koss has written a novel that should certainly be a contender for BBYA and TTT. --Cordi, 18
Singleton, Linda Joy Sword Play
Reader: Christopher R. Age: 13 Today 's Date: 6/30/06 I could not stay with this because it was hard to follow. The words
were unfamiliar to me. I would not nominate this book for an award.
I give this book a 2Q for quality and a 4P for popularity.
Richardson, E. E. The Intruders
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: The Intruders
Author: E.E. Richardson
Publisher Delacorte Press
Pub. Date Aug. 8, 2006
Galley Yes
My review: I was looking for a chilling story, and E.E. Richardson's story of a newly merged "family" coming to live in an old, unsettling house certainly delivered. In a strange way, it reminded me of what the Bradys would have been like if they were A) not unreasonalbly agreeable to one another, B)lived in a haunted house, and C) English. Richardson uses the mental aspect of fear and ghost as much as the physically jarring. The flash of a face in the mirror is just as scary as a grasping hand. However, the ending was predictable. A great scary-story with a mediocre ending.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal