Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 & 2007Awards
Kampung Boy was an adorable story about a little boy growing up in the agricultural/ tin town of Kampung in South Asia. The story was short with humorous stories and pictures full of expression. It’s of little surprise that this book is such a hit in Asia. I cannot wait to read the next book and suspect that it would be perfect for young children to explore different cultures and ways of life. Kampung Boy was a pleasant read if someone would like a short light hearted comic book. --Katherine, 17
Reader Alice K.
Age 13
Title Wintersmith
Author Terry Pratchett
My review: I really loved the first two books in this series (The Wee Free Men, and Hat Full of Sky) and this was not let down. Tiffany is back, she's a better character than ever before and just as cool. Granny Weatherwax and all the other witches play a part as well as the Nac Mac Feegle clan. I really love the twists on old stories that Pratchett always includes, along with the serious bit that come along ever so often. The begining is just a bit confusing as it starts a while ahead of the body of the book, but everything ties in with plenty of jokes to smooth things over.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date 11-2-06
I would also like to say Pratchett Rocks!!!!!!!!
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Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: Wintersmith
Author: Terry Pratchett
Galley: Yes
My review:: Tiffany Aching is all grown up now, and grown up a very good witch. She even has a young man! So, can she still have hilarious adventure with the stake of the world in the balance with little blue men who curse a lot? Of course! I think this is the most addicting book of all of the series. All the characters are textured and colored like different pieces of art. In the case of the Wee Free Men they are literally colored. There is just the right amount of magic and mystery, but all of it is twisted and hit to form an adventure unlike any other. The Wintersmith makes us pity, fear, love and hate him. After finishing the book I felt lucky to be a human, lucky to be what the Wintersmith wanted so much to be. Oh, and lucky to be able to read.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date: November 12,2006
I would also like to say: I'm Aching for the next book if there is one!
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Wintersmith was another Tiffany Aching story. It had the necessary wee blue men, odd logic, and was chalk full of the unusual humor that Terry Pratchett is known for. This time Tiffany finds herself in a Morris dance, the dance that signifies the changing of the seasons, and ends up in the center of winter’s romance and love. Tiffany soon discovers her face on snow flakes and her name frosted in windows and must bring an end to the winter season. This book had all of the expected humor and interesting an round of cheese, yet this book did not go beyond any of Terry Pratchett’s other work, it was just another Tiffany Aching adventure. The story fulfilled all of the criteria for a Terry Pratchett book, but lacked a flair that would make it better or different from any of Terry Pratchett’s other work. --Katherine, 17
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Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Wintersmith
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher Harper Tempest
Pub. Date 9/26/06
Galley Yes
My review: Tiffany Aching continues to be a wonderfully headstrong teenage witch, only now she has danced with the Wintersmith (the elemental who controls winter itself) and he has a crush on her. It might be sweet to have your face on all of the snowflakes that fall out of the sky, but when glaciers with your shape start roming the seas, there might be a problem. Not to mention, you have traded places with the Summer Lady, and she is never supposed to walk during the winter. And now the Nac Mac Feegles are back, determined to protect her. Is there anything worse than a bunch of little blue men interfering with one's love life? Unfortunately, yes, but you have to read to the book to find out how. Hilarious with Pratchett's usual style, a must-read for his fans and anyone else.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Larklight was an original book in a sea of publications that are basically the same. Take the Victorian era, throw it into space with some fascinating creatures and a hob knob house called Larklight and you have the setting for the story. Two children, Art and Myrtle Mumby, fond themselves on an adventure to save the universe from, spiders? They go off and find interesting friends on their way. The story was fascinating with its ingenuity and creative plot and setting. This blatantly British tale is both humerous and well written, a definite best book. I admire the authors ability to come up with a story so different in this world full of common cliché, that I hope Mr. Reeve will continue coming up with more stories. I also enjoyed the illustrations, but was disappointed when I discovered that they were absent after the first few pages, but the blank spaces for other possible illustrations gave me hope. Larklight was an excellent read that I would suggest to people who appreciate outside of the box stories. --Katherine, 17
Imagine the brilliant Artemis Fowl without the fantasy, or Orson Scott Card’s genius Bean, take that brilliance and you have Cadel Piggott, a young mastermind who was hacking computers and causing mayhem by age seven.
The book Evil Genius was about an adopted boy who met his real father, an evil genius, and learned to grow from there. The boy was able to manipulate the people around himself, and his ability to do so was incubated and encouraged by his father. At 14 he went to a university, one that catered to geniuses, and taught them how to conquer a world being evil.
I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up all night finishing it because the story was so riveting. I loved this book not only because I could identify with the main character on a basic level, but also because the author clearly knew what she was talking about when it came to the math and science as well as the other details throughout the book, and the characters were actually interesting! The plot was woven by a master, each string tied perfectly to the next without the reader realizing until the end the entire brilliance of the tale. While some of the smaller twists and turns were predictable, the story itself was not. I must admit that after reading the back of the book I had set low expectations for the story, but was pleasantly surprised and interested from the first chapter. I hope that Catherine Jinks will continue writing. --Katherine, 17
Fisher, Catherine Day of the Scarab
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Day of the Scarab
Author: Catherine Fisher
Galley Yes
My review: "Day of the Scarab" concludes a series that, to a book, was exciting and interesting to read but left the reader wanting more at the end. The stories are always good and intriging, but the endings don't finish the book. While annoying, this isn't a reason not to read the book. Fans of Egyption mythology will enjoy "Day of the Scarab."
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Martinez, A. Lee In the Company of Ogres
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: In the company of Ogres
Author: A. Lee Martinez
Galley Yes
My review: Never-Dead-Ned, the main character, can't die. Or more specifically, he can't stay dead. At the beginning of "In the Company of Ogres", Ned has died 48 times, only to be brought to life each time by a lady in red. Why she bothers doing so is a huge twist, and fun to read. "Ogres" is fun to read, period. It is maybe even better than "Gil's All-Fright Diner", Martinez's first book. Recommended for all those who like ogres and Amazons trying to kill each other.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Moranville, Sharelle Byars A Higher Geometry
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 18
Title: A Higher Geometry
Author: Sharelle Byars Moranville
Publisher Henry Holt and Co.
Pub. Date May 2006
Galley Yes
My review: The 1950s setting of a gender scripted society serves as the perfect backdrop for the story of Anna Conway. Mathmatics comes naturally to Anna; the only problem is math is a boys game, secretarial skills are what is expected. The prose is beautiful and expresses how beautiful mathmatics can be through Anna's eyes , instead of the confusion and frustration I usually see. This inspired my to read other novels by Moranville, and even made me look forward to pre-calculus for a while. A truly beautiful story rivaled only by the grace of Moranville's writing.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
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Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: A Higher Geometry
Author: Shanelle Byars Moranville
Galley Yes
My review: In the 1950's, girls weren't pushed to become mathmaticians. In farming communitees, they were expected to become mothers and wives. If they had to do something else, they could learn how to type and go marry the boss. So for a girl in a farming community who is not just good, but really good at math, it is a struggle she will face her entire life. Add to that a new boyfriend who wishes for intimacy outside of what is socially acceptable and a beloved grandmother's death, and there is a huge story almost anyone can find something to identify with.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Moore, John Bad Prince Charlie
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Bad Prince Charlie
Author: John Moore
Galley Yes
My review: John Moore writes wonderful retellings of fairy tales, and has now proved that he can do the same with Shakespere. "Bad Prince Charlie" is a retelling of Hamlet, and it is so neat. The writing is superb and hilarious. Moore manages to tie everything together at the end of the book in a surprising fashion. Anyone who likes Terry Prachett will love "Bad Prince Charlie". Anyone who likes Shakespere will like "Bad Prince Charlie" (if they don't hate it). Just about anyone should enjoy "Bad Prince Charlie".
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Teen review of the week
_________ __________
I love John Moore, or more correctly, his writing. It has a sense of the ridiculous and he mocks the hypocrisies of society, a touch like Terry Prachett, only better. Then at one point in the story when a thought progression reminded me of one Tiffinay Aching in Little Blue Men might have, low and behold a foot note appeared (something Terry Prachett does all the time), however, I am getting ahead of myself. While John Moore s writing can be likened to Terry Prachett s, he does have his won distinct style that I adore reading. He is an author with a great sense of humor that becomes quite apparent in his writing.
Bad Prince Charlie is about an illegitimate son who takes up the thrown to be a horrible leader and make it easier for a neighboring land to take over. As a result he ends up taking his crush, a beautiful maiden, as prisoner, tries to end corruption in his land, feed his people as well as making life all around better for the commoners, and manages to get wrapped up in a plot to find a WMD (weapon of magical destruction). Not bad for a guy who didn t want the thrown to begin with. If you like a humorous story, Bad Prince Charlie is the book for you. I ended up laughing out loud to an unwilling crowd who is probably still questioning my sanity to this day. If you too laugh out loud, I'd suggest reading this book in private. -- Katherine, 18
Klein, Lisa Ophelia Bloomsbury 2006
Anyone who loves Shakespeare, or is even interested in 17th century life, you'll inhale this book. 'Ophelia' is a piece of neoclassic literature, (which there seems to be a growing amount of lately). It's a retelling of Hamlet, except this time we get to hear Ophelia's point of view. The basic storyline is this; Ophelia is of low birth, but her father lands a position in the castle. Upon her arrival, Ophelia is fascinated with 14-year-old Prince Hamlet. But, he thinks her just a little girl of 8 years. As Ophelia grows, she is chosen as a lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and, Hamlet relizes she's become a beautiful young woman. This is soon followed by a secret romance between Hamlet and Ophelia, and Shakespeare's classic tragady that will leave you heartbroken-until the surprise at the end, added in by author Lisa Klein. I was particularly interested in this story because I wrote a poem about Ophelia a few years ago, but I didn't really know much about her. This book helped me understand her story before I decide to conquer Shakespeare's original 'Hamlet'. (By the way, you don't have to know the storyline of 'Hamlet' to read this.) I was very satisfied with Ophelia. Her courage and strength as a heroine is a blessed change compared to the pathetic females I've recently read on. I was also inspired by the romance throughout the story, and the concise but lovely descrptions and figurative language. I would definantly recommend this book, to guys as well as girls, (although I confess, boys, you may not fully understand Ophelia) This is in my top 20 that I've read this year! I'm looking forward to more by Lisa Klein. Nominate? yes. 5Q 4P Elle, 13
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Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Ophelia
Author: Lisa Klein
Galley Yes
My review: This version of Hamlet is only slightly less depressing then the original, at least until the very end. Told from Ophelia's point of view, we not only hear the story of Hamlet, we also get a lesson on how hard life was for women in the dog-eat-dog world of court politics. Without a protector, a woman had no standing. Ophelia, one of the queen's lady's in waiting, has the love and protection of the prince, but they can't tell anyone because she is of too low birth. Her brother and father think of her only as a way to further their own ambitions, and she easily falls into love with Hamlet, ignoring other love right in from of her face. The conflicts therein lead to an interesting story line, but the author's habit of using past tense for past events and present tense for something currently happening is confusing (it doesn't seem like it would be, but it is). Literary buffs should think about reading this, if only to get it from the woman's point of view.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Sutherland, Tui T. Avatars-So This Is How It Ends
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Avatars-So This Is How It Ends
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Galley Yes
My review: As a both pre- and post-apocolytic world book, "Avatars" immediately grabs the readers attention. Five characters are described in different instances of their lives, with mysterious beings commenting on what is happening. Eventually, "extraction" occurs. Something happens around all the characters. All human life is gone, all buildings crumbling, the subway systems of New York submerged in water, in seconds. One moment, people are there; the next, no one. All five slowly make their way to New York City, only two of them together, to what purpose, only one of them knows. That purpose and what has happened is sure to shock and thrill all readers. Ms. Sutherland keeps readers on their toes to the climax. I cannot wait for the next book, and can only pray that it comes soon.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Stewart, Trenton Lee The Mysterious Benedict Society
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Galley Yes
My review: Four children gather from around a city: the clever one, the smart one, the engineer, and, well, we're not quite sure what the last one does. All four pass a series of tests given by a mysterious society promising opportunities for gifted children. Then they meet a Mr. Benedict and go off on a secret mission to save the world. Sounds good? You have no idea. Mr. Stewart creates a world where television and radio transports secret messages that control our minds, and where only children can save us. Anyone who has ever wanted to save the world, but not been entirely sure that they could actually do so, should read "The Mysterious Benedict Society."
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
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Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Publisher Little, Rock and Company
Pub. Date ???
Galley Yes
My review: This book was exciting, captivating, adventurous and had a wonderful, magnificent plot. I enjoyed reading this book a ton- at first I had thought it was going to be about children learning at an advaced school. Boy, was I wrong! I had thought it was going to be boring at first-it turned out to be quite the opposite. Thrilling,this action-packed book would be a great series opener. It demands a sequal!
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Sharp North
Author: Patrick Cave
Publisher Atheneum
Pub. Date 2004
Galley No
My review: Sharp North should be a good book. It has all the elements: a good plot, interesting characters, a good almost-apocolytic world. The only item missing is good writing. Now, the writing is fairly good, but not quite good enough to make this a great book. It takes too long for the main character to get anywhere. The foreshadowing is overdone-the reader knows what the surprise is before it is revealed. And then the ending is not very conclusive (my personal pet peeve). Sharp North is alright for a light read, but nothing more.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Reader Robert J.
Age 17
Title Born to Rock
Author Gordan Korman
Galley Yes
My review: This book is great. It starts off slow, but once you get into it it is very difficult to get out of. Leo Caraway is a Young Republican on the fast track to Harvard. However, his scholarship is soon taken away for a minor infraction he didn't commit. It is then that he learns that his long lost father is none other than King Maggot, leader of the 1980s punk band Purge. What follows is a quest where Leo gets to know his father, and also gets to know himself. The characters are great. They are real and vivacious. Leo is excellent, and while he seems very positive as to where he is going in the beginning, he soon begins to question everything he has ever beleived.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 4Q Better than most
Popularity 3P Some Teen appeal
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Reader: Kelli K.
Age: 14
"Born to Rock" by Gordon Korman is one young conservative's story of how he went from President of the Young Republican's club in his high school to being a roadie for his biological father's punk band, Purge, two almost polar things for one person to be doing.
Being rather obsessed with music myself, I found this book to be a hilarious tale of discovering ones family and self, incorporated with the drama and excitement of life on a concert tour. The humorous comparisons of an uptight, bland conservative with a wild, reckless punk rock fan added to the book, showing just how different the two worlds are. Anyone who finds the world of commercial music an interesting one will take great pleasure in reading this short book.
Quality Rating: 4 -Better than most.
Popularity Rating: 4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
Reader: Kelli K.
Age: 14
I have always been a fan of Stephen King- He is one of the only authors that can kick start my imagination into creating something truly frightening. In his latest novel, Cell, a phenomenon known to the few survivors as "The Pulse" turns civilized, regular people into flesh hungry "phone crazies." Their only purpose is to rip people not infected by the pulse limb from limb- at least for a time. After creating mass chaos, people realize the phone crazies are evolving into much more than mindless zombies- they begin gathering, and creating what almost seems to be a leaderless army. Stephen King follows Clayton Riddell in his search to find his son amid the blood and carnage that has taken the place of order and individual thought in this world of cellular dependency.
Not only has King created something truly thought provoking, but something morbidly graphic and terrifying that relates to present day with painful clarity. Anyone who enjoys King's bloody and all too humiliating scenarios he puts his unfortunate characters through will quickly devour this novel.
Quality Rating: 4 -Better than most.
Popularity Rating: 5 - Everyone wants to read it.
Winterson, Jeanette Tanglewreck
Tanglewreck is a wonder to behold. It’s a tale that upturns the laws of physics and time itself. I loved this story filled with people who love underground, quantum leaps, black holes, and so much more. The writing style was fairly simplistic, and the manner of speaking for the Throwbacks (the people who lived underground) was flat out annoying, but the overall story was a treasure. The author is clearly well read on quantum theory, but then she turns it all on its head and takes the bits she likes; that is the most endearing quality of the book. It becomes fun picking out the original inspiration and then identifying how Jeanette Winderson made it her own. Perhaps there were too many ideas being crammed into one book, butt at least it never got boring. I hope that there will be a sequel, and that Jeanette Winterson continues write. --Katherine, 17
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Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: Tanglewreck
Author: Jeanette Winterson
Galley Yes
My review: Tanglewreck deals with the fluid yet ridgid element of time. Most people have said how time "flies", but in this world, time is tearing. Time is a commodity in the 24th century, and it is running out. Silver, a twelve-year-old girl is the only one who will decide the course of the future. The story Winterson crafts is wholy unique and intelligent, not dumbing the quantum physics aspect down for YA readers. A refreshing story for readers who enjoy sci-fi, and having their brains played with a bit. An adventure that is far from ordinary that questions who the bad guys really are. Great!
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
__________ __________
Would like this book to be nominated for Printz Award.
This book is a book that I think everyone would like because it includes real history and fun fantasy.
Nick C
17
5
Would like this book.
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Would not nominate this book.
I think this book could have been better. The beginning was a bit slow paced. It didn’t catch my interest until about the middle of the book. Once I got in to it, I just could not put it down. However, the ending could have been better.
Aaron H
17
4Q
4P
Grey, Christopher Leonardo's Shadow Simon & Schuster 2006 - October
Leonardo's Shadow is a very good book on the life of Leonardo Di Vinci, told through his servent, Giacomo's, eyes. Di Vinci has been working on his famous painting, The Last Supper, for over two years, but hasn't put a drop of paint on the wall where it's to be painted. Giacomo, and everyone else it seems, are fed up with Di Vinci's slow progress. Rumors are circling that the Duke may be inviting Michelangelo to come and finish it for him. But, Giacomo has more pressing matters to think about. He was found by Di Vinci as a young boy, and has lived with him ever since. But, who are his real parents? And, why were a medallion, ring, and cross found in his bag when Di Vinci found him? And why won't Di Vinci teach him how to paint? This was a very enjoyable read. It has all kinds of twists and surprises all throughout the book. I would be positive one thing would be true, and then it ended up being the exact opposite. This is a great one for all historical fiction lovers! Nominate? yes. 3Q 4P. Elle, 13
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Leonardo's Shadow was a pretty good book. It is a story about a guy who appears to have stolen something but forgets why. He ends up working for Da Vinci and they don't get along for awhile. I would recommend this book for anyone who is fascinated with the works of Da Vinci. 4Q, 4P. --Deseray, 16
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Reader: Kara L.
Age: 17
Title: Leonardo's Shadow
Author: Christopher Grey
Publisher Anthem Books
Pub. Date Oct. 2006
Galley Yes
My review: This is an account of what Leonardo's household during the 1490's, specifically while he paints "The Last Supper." I liked the witty narration of the main character 15-year-old Giacomo; very spunky and frank. Giacomo is a character that both boys and girls will like and relate to, especially late middle school and early high school students. Certain plot twists include searching for Giacomo's heritage, the Pope, Alchemy, painting, Milan, and of course flying. A real adventure romp.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal