Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 & 2007Awards
Kuijer, Guus The Book of Everything 0439749182 Arthur A. Levine
Reader: Amanda L.
Age: 18
Title: The Book of Everything
Author: Guus Kuijer
My review: I found this book to be really strange. I think that I enjoyed it a lot, but yet I'm still undecided about whether I even liked it! It had that kind of effect on me. The actual story seemed as if it could've been written for a young child, though I know it wasn't. The writing was strange, the story was simple-and yet there was a certain complexity to it that I couldn't quite comprehend. I don't know why it came off as it did, it surprised me! I had a different kind of attachment to this character than I usually have with people in books. This child was different, special. I really enjoyed that he was such a different little boy, almost reminding me of myself actually. The shortness of the story was also striking. You don't often see a book that small for adults! And yet it was the perfect length. I think this book is worth reading, I would recommend it (and it's not like it takes a whole lot of time to read) But it is definately a story that takes a certain kind of mindset to enjoy.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 2P Only for special interest
Bright, J.E. Your Best Friend’s Boyfriend 0439791405 Scholastic
When I was younger, I used to love the choose your own adventure books and all of the odd twists and turns with the different endings that they had. They were always about space adventures or traveling the Amazon, so imagine my surprise when 10 years later I discover one about romance. The premise of the story leaves much to be desired, and a situation that I’d never find myself in, but the book was entertaining because so many of the twists and turns were improbable and flat out ridiculous. While this book was no adventure through space or the Amazon, it was neat and kooky in its own right. If you are looking for some mindless entertainment just read this book, who knows where your heart will take you. --Katherine, 17
Stine, R.L. Goosebumps Creepy Creatures 0439841240 GRAPHIX
I always loved Goosebumps and graphic novels, so the two together make a superb mix. The book is composed of three stories. The first was The Were Wolf of Fever Swamp. It was about a boy who moves to a town bordering a swamp in Florida and hears a mysterious howling outside of his home every night. I loved the art for the story and, while I wish that the tale had been longer, it worked. The same goes for the second story, The Scare Crow Walks at Midnight. It was beautifully illustrated and the story of scarecrows coming to life was also a touch creepy. The third story, The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena, is explained in the title. The third story’s art I didn’t enjoy; it was f8illed with too much heavy black, and had no contrasting grays or shading. At times the words got lost in the rest of the picture. This book would be perfect for elementary and younger middle school students. I hope that more graphic Goosebumps are written. - --Katherine, 17
Martin, George R.R. The Ice Dragon 0765316315 Tor Starscape
The Ice Dragon was a fairy tale about a little girl who was born in winter and loved it. She didn’t fit in and always looked forward to the winter seasons because then the Ice Dragon would emerge and she would have a companion who understood her. This was a cute story that can be read to young children, and is filled with beautiful illustrations. While the story was short and simple, it was still delicate with an elegance; it is a nice short read. --Katherine, 17
Yang, Gene Luen American Born Chinese 1596431520 First Second
Reader: Ceyi Ceyi L.
Age: 17
Title: American Born Chinese
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Publisher First Second
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: This book was a surprise for me. i am not familiar with the details of chinese culture, but this was a wake up call. the book begins with the monkey king and the self-inflicted trials he put himself through. the monkey seemed arrogant, and full of himself. anny i didn't know how he fit in: he was a mysterious, normal american. but then the surprise ending had me going-in hops up from the sofa, saying that it was the right thing to happpen, adn the best. thank you to the people who published this book- it is a very needed perice of fantasy.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
________ __________
American Born Chinese was a story about a Chinese American boy trying to fit in at school, a monkey wanting to be human, and a boy with an embarrassing cousin from China. The three stories were different, they came together to make a cleaver story. While I don’t have the issues of being a minority, the story is still cute and people can identify on some basic level with trying to fit in. Not only that, but I enjoyed the art as well. The pictures were clear and colorful as well as pleasing to the eye. I would suggest it to middle school children. --Katherine, 17
Sfar, Joann Klezmer 1596431989 First Second
Klezmer was a tale about a Jewish traveling musician who lost his troop, the woman who follows and sings with him through towns, a young Jewish boy who lost his faith, an Italian fiddler, and a gypsy whose name is derived from chocolate. It was a beautifully illustrated story filled with tragedy, humor, and distinctly different characters that are all rich and hold their own in the book. This graphic novel moved at a great pace, and was mesmerizing from the first page. I quickly read it the first time, then took a second perusal to savor the wonderful flavor of this vibrant story. While the first book of this series can stand alone, I can’t wait for the next in this beautiful new series. --Katherine, 17
Keiichi Sig’sawa Kino No Tabi 1598164554 Tokyopop
Kino No Tabi is about a young girl who leaves her home to travel on a talking motorcycle, that she calls Hermes, and visits different towns and countries staying in each for 3 days. On her travels she finds many interesting people, places, and revelas the eerie beauty of the world.
This book delves into many philosophical trains of thought and reveals insightful truths about mankind and intrinsic parts of our nature. The best part of the story is that it begins with a character that could be almost anyone who, as the tale unfolds, leaves readers to question themselves and grow. The first sentence and paradox encompasses the book and creates questions from the very beginning. “The world is not beautiful, therefore it is.” This great start sets up the book and, while this first book stands on its own, it also leaves room for the rest of the series. I cannot with to read the rest; it started with a bang and the remaining 7 books in the series will surly follow. --Katherine, 17
P.S. I want it!
__________ ___________ ___
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: Kino no Tabi
Author: Keiichi Sigsawa
My review: This book was not the best. But it was an interesting read. The actions, however unreal, were intreaging.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Westerfeld, Scott Blue Noon 0060519576 Eos
The third book in the Midnighters series has all of he excitement promised, and then some. In this riveting third novel the midnighters find their blue time coming during unexpected times of the day and realize that it signifies great changes in the way things used to be, and the creepy creatures they deal with are starting to get into the rest of the world. I loved this novel with its vivid characters and fascinating concepts; Scott Westerfeld truly is a master of his craft and continues to deliver great books. While this third novel could signal the end of this delightful series, I hope that it will continue on. Far too few science fiction novels are being written, but with the guarantied success of Scott Westerfeld’s writing perhaps more life will be breathed into this slowly dying genre and more of Mr. Westerfeld’s great quality works will be produced. --Katherine, 17
Tomlinson, Theresa The Moon Riders 0060847360 Eos
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: The Moon Riders
Author: Theresa Tomlinson
Pub. Date 2006
Galley Yes
My review: This book was intriging and well written. Some would say it has too much violnce, but I think it just makes the plot more exciting. I love the part when they rescue Iphigenia from being sacrificed. I also enjoyed the part when Myrina and Yildiz save the Queen from dying. I wish that, though, Tomi hadn't died, and I also thought Tomlinson had Myrin play stupid in the begining, even though she was fourteen, in the part "So we've got to leave it alone to have a rest before we come back again"
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Brian, Kate Private 1416918736 Simon Pulse
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: Private
Author: Kate Brian
Pub. Date 2006
Galley Yes
My review: This book, though somewhat gross for kids twelve and under, is intreuging and entertaining. I can't wait to read the sequel! I was left hanging in the end, though. And I didn't quite get the concept- is Ariana a ghost? Where did Thomas go? Is he a ghost, too? Are all the Billings Girls ghosts? Is Reed? Or was Ariana 'dissapering' just the candles going out?!
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Collins, Suzanne Gregor and the Marks of Secret 0439791456 Scholastic
This was another book in the Underland Chronicles, and had all of the exciting characters of the first books. It was filled with all of the expected thrills and craft, but managed to reach a depth that hasn’t been achieved in the first three books. It is a great read, and I would suggest it to science fiction and fantasy lovers. –Katherine, 17
____________ __________________
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: Middle school student
Title: Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Author: Suzanne Collins
Galley Yes
My review: I loved this book! I adore this series, it is a joy to read them. Collins better have several more books planned! I have absolutly no complaints. This book was as good or better than the first three. I have noticed that someone dies in every book- it couldn't be more obvious- and I think that is one thing that makes the books good. You have no clue to who will die. It makes the books exciting. I think that Theilia was a good character to have die, but poor hazard! Surly he will find a bond?! I'm awaiting the battle in the next book.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
_______ _________
Reader: Andrea F.
Age: 13
Title: Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher Scholastic Press
Pub. Date May 2006
Galley No
My review: I would definetly recommend this series to any of my friends. It has some of the greatest twists and turns of any book I've ever read. You think you know whats going to happen, but then it just throws you another curve. It's nice to read a unpredictable book for once.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Kaaberbol, Lene The Serpent Gift 0805077707 Henry Holt and Co.
Reader: AJ S.
Age: Middle school student r
Title: The Serpent Gift
Author: Lene Kaaberbol
Publisher Henry Holt and Co.
Pub. Date May 2006
Galley Yes
My review: The book The Serpent Gift is a strangly good book. It is from a series of books about a girl named Dina who has some interesting gifts. She always wanted to know who her father was. The book tells almost all.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Kaaberbol, Lene The Shamer's War 0805077715 Henry Holt
Reader: AJ S.
Age: Middle school student
Title: The Shamer's War
Author: Lene Kaaberbol
Publisher Henry Holt and Co.
Pub. Date September 2006
Galley Yes
My review: The sequel to The Serpent Gift it is another interestingly good book. It is the last in the wonderful series and is a good ending book.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Jones, Diana Wynne The Pinhoe Egg 0061131245 Greenwillow
Reader: AJ S.
Age: Middle school student
Title: The Pinhoe Egg
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Publisher Harper Collins Publishers
Pub. Date October 2006`
Galley Yes
My review: The Pinhoe Egg was a two stories in one book. Cat, the soon to be Chrestomanci, and Joe and Marianne Pinhoe. The book is a great book for fantasy readers, just a little lower level.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Harvey, Gill, Orphan of the Sun 1582346852 Bloomsbury
Reader: Deseray D.
Age: 15
Title: Orphan of the Sun
Author: Gill Harvey
My review: I really liked this book. I liked how the author wasn't bland with the details and the book flowed very well. There were some parts that probably could be edited out, but otherwise the story was pretty well written. I would recommend this book to anyone that is facinated with ancient Egypt and would like to know what it would be like to be a fifteen year old girl in Egypt.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 4Q Better than most
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Sakaki, Ichiro Scrapped Princess 1595329846 Tokyopop
Scrapped Princess had a great premise and the potential to be a great story, but sad to day, once beyond the prologue all hope is lost. Throughout the book there is a smattering of plot, but it’s difficult to untangle from the pointless fighting scenes that stretch for twenty pages, and the few illustrations throughout the book are at odds with the descriptions of the story, almost to the point of being contradictory. While the tale of a girl prophesized to bring the end to mankind sounds interesting enough, being written in 13 installments as a badly written novel simply isn’t worth while. While the comic series is great, the actual novel version leaves much to be desired. --Katherine, 17
Yamada, Keiko Versus vol. 1 1401210686 Cmx
Versus is the tale about a youth who is an amazing violinist with perfect technique, but he lacks the necessary passion and feeling in his music. He must win the Japanese national competition in order to escape from his abusive home and save his sister, but can he handle and learn from his new teacher enough to do it? This story was one that almost any good musician can relate to, the ability to interpret and bring life to their music that is, not the harsh family part. I loved this story not only for its great plot and premise, but also because of the art. The author of this manga is talented, especially considering how difficult it is to draw a person playing a violin. I loved this first book, and can’t wait to find out how the rest of the series unfolds.--Katherine, 17
Tenjho Tenge had the right balance of angst, romance, psycho, and generous helping of fighting. While I haven’t read any of the other books from the series, I was able to pick up this book and make quick work of understanding it. It is about a group of kids that make up a fighting club that is amazing, but with some major draw backs filled with secrets and the potential to destroy the world. (I’m not sure about how much is revealed in the first 6 books so I won’t elaborate.) This graphic novel was beautifully illustrated with compelling scenes and beautiful characters. I want to go and read on in the series, and perhaps find out how it started in the first 6 books. --Katherine, 17
Ruckdeschel, Liz and Sara James What if . . . Everyone Knew Your Name? 0385732961 Delacorte
I have always been a lover of choose your own adventure novels, but when I found some about teenagers, well, this was a new concept for me, and one I actually enjoyed. This particular novel is about a girl named Haley Miller who is new to a school, and the reader gets to decide who she’ll hang out with, what she’ll wear and do. The funniest part is that the stories all depend on what footwear you choose to wear. I had fun following different possibilities and paths in this book, and the surprises that came with every choice and flip of a page. I hope that teen adventures will soon be making a larger appearance in the choose you own adventure family. --Katherine, 17
Myrick, Leland Missouri Boy 1596431105 First Second
Missouri Boy was a story made up of different snatches of time, like memories that stay with you even when the rest of your childhood falls away. It gave a glimpse of a boy growing into manhood through bits of memory and left the reader satisfied at the end. The book was beautiful through its simplicity and colorful pages as well as this masterful storyteller. --Katherine, 17
O’Connor, George Journey into Mohawk Country 1596431067 First Second
This was a comic about an English man traveling with Native Americans over a trade route and his adventure along the way. The art was so expressive and comical that even after I finished the book I flipped through again just to see the different expressions and gestures in the art. Not only that, but the story itself was clearly well researched and had many little details that added authenticity to the tale. The only complaints that I have are the O’s being lowercase while all of the other letters were capitalized. The story would be a great read for middle and elementary school children to read about the Indians for a change of pace from the other boring reads. Its an entertaining account of history. --Katherine, 17