Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 & 2007Awards
Voigt, Cynthia Bad Girls, Bad Girls, Whatcha Gonna Do?
Reader: Ellen A.
Age: middle school student
Title: Bad Girls, Bad Girls, whatcha gonna do?
Author: Cynthia Voigt
Galley Yes
My review: This book is OK. It was pretty boreing and uninteresting- a little more action would help. And puh-leeze. Is there some hidden message in the title, because Mikey and Margalo don't seem very bad to me. But the parts that were interesting brought color to the book, like when Margalo's money was stollen. And when Mikey was kicked off the tennis team. And the gossip and rumors.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
Brian, Kate Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys
Normally I detest stories about teen and their romance lives, but this book was a exception. Life with 7 hot guys is a story that I haven’t come across before, and I found it rather novel. This tale was humorous and filled with entertaining situations. I would like to read a second book dealing with Megan. This book is pretty much the same type of novel that people read for the fun of it and then don’t give it a second thought, some light reading. I can see teenage girls loving it. –Katherine, 17
_________ _________Reader: Robert J.
Age: 17
Title: Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: Robbie Johnston's Guide to Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys Observation 1: Megan Meade is used to moving. After all, she's an army brat. However, when her parents get stationed in South Korea, she decides to stay in the states to finish her junior and senior years of high school. Thus, her parents send her to live with their friends John and Regina McGowan. And their seven sons. Sean, Evan, Finn, Miller, Doug, Caleb and Ian at first seem more than Megan can handle. After all, Sean is only a twenty-year old with a motorcycle. Evan is dating Megan's soccer rival, Hailey. Finn always locks himself in his art shed, while Doug is a total pain. Of course, Doug's twin, Miller, has Asperger's syndrome. And Megan knew Caleb and Ian were little beasts the moment they went through her stuff. The only problem? Evan has had a visit form the Abercrombie God. Or maybe he just *is* the Abercrombie God. Naturally, Megan feels out of place in all this male-ness. However, Megan struggles to fit in and find her place among the McGowans, and she eventually finds a family she never really had. Observation 2: Megan Meade is an awesome character. Megan plays soccer, so she isn't the overly girly-fashion-boys-OMG-no-he-didn't-yes-he-did-like-no-way type of girl. However, it is obvious from the start that she is uncomfortable with her new situation. Megan is a strong, funny character with a nice sense of who she is and how she fits into the world around her. Some of her inner monologues are just really funny. I do have a slight hesitation with her, though, because she tends to not notice a few things here and there, but since her world has just been thrown upside down I forgive her. Observation 3: The plot of this book is refreshing and interesting. This book is not your average "fashion" novel like the It Girl or the Dating Game. It deals with a real girl with real problems. Definitely a departure for Kate Brian. There are a few twists placed at proper locations. However, the ending irks me a lot. At the end of the novel, Megan has for the most part stopped being interested in one boy and fallen for another one who has reciprocated. However, at the very end Brian makes it seem like Megan could still be interested in the jerk. I dislike this. I do not think that Megan would make such a stupid mistake. Eh, my ending is better, so I'll just pretend that that last page was torn out. Observation 4: Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys is a great book. It has a great plot, a great protagonist, and a great idea. There are a few *minor* flaws, but overall the book is an excellent addition to anyone's reading selection.
Would you nominate this book for an award? Yes
QUALITY 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
POPULARITY 5P Everyone wants to read it
This girl, Thyme, is pressuring herself to be part of the top twenty smartest kids in her school, so she steals her friend's Ritalian to help her study. Eventually, she starts dealling other prescription drugs to her friends(and not so friends). At times this book didn't seem realistic. Some things seemed like they were too easy. I thought there should have been more description after the climax. I liked the plot in the story, and wouldn't really consider the book poorley written, but some parts of the book, like describing how the drugs affects herself, were just thin. There needed to be more. Overall though, I really did enjoy this book. Don't think I didn't. It was really interesting how ticky Thyme had to be to get the drugs she wanted. Nominate? No. 3Q. 4P. Kara D. 13
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Rx is the story of a girl who gets sucked into selling prescription drugs to her schoolmates. At least, that's what the back of this galley said. Actually, it is about a girl who is very knowledgeable about prescription drugs and is convinced that she has ADHD. This book went no where and about half of the way through I threw it down in disgust and went to take a Zoloft to make me feel better (kidding). 3 Q, 4P. --Robbie, 17
_________ ___________ ________
Reader: Kara L.
Age: 18
Title: Rx
Author: Tracy Lynn
Publisher Simon Pulse
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: When Thyme discovers the magic one Ritalin pill can do for her study regime, she doesn't hesitate to integrate it into her life. Pushing, dealing, and occasionally stealing the drugs she bargains with becomes a normality. As an academically motivated student, it was quite the eye-opener to glimpse the world of performance enhancement in the classroom. I doubt as many as this novel portrays use regularly, but I'm not surprised some desperate students might latch onto drugs as a quick fix. Rx is an easy, quick read with raw characters. Shows the unsavory aspect of the student psyche with unflinching honesty.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
Whitcomb, Laura A Certain Slant of Light
This tale of two ghosts falling in love definitely deserves to be on the list of teen’s top ten. It was written with an elegance that leaves me envious. Laura Whitcomb has a firm grasp of her craft and is able to create a strange new world in a familiar reality. She has vivid characters that draw you through the plot and are human through and through exploring metaphysical ideas and fulfill philosophical definitions of man. The plot and writing style seem simplistic, yet after reflection a complexity is revealed that requires further thought. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance, or just good writing. Even now, a few days after I read this book, I’m still in awe trying to further pick apart the pieces. The first time I read the book I couldn’t put it down, and I suspect the same will occur when I go for a second read. --Katherine, 17
Drrenkar, Zoran Tell Me What You See
I love German literature. It always manages to hang in the balance between dark and morbid, and happily ever after. It is so much better then the cheery American tales and achieves a depth in children’s literature that is difficult to find. It has a flavor all its own, and there is no guarantee of a happy ending. This tale is about a girl who goes to visit her father’s grave and ends up finding a strange plant that will change her life. Suddenly she finds herself with amazing powers and her ex-boyfriend stalking her. I loved this story and five it 2 thumbs up. Translated from German, the language of the story was a bit weak, butt the tale was rich enough to compensate for any short falls. --Katherine, 17
I loved the premise of Only Human. It takes place in a scientific compound where human genes are spliced with that of another animal to make stronger better humans. In this particular story a group of children from Fourth World (the splicing facility) go in search of the “missing Link” between animals and human intelligence (which is a yeti in the Himalayas). The story took 2/3d’s of the book just to get to the meat of the piece. I liked the characters and the overall tale, but it just moved too slowly. I can see milddle school children enjoying this book. --Katherine, 17
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Only Human is an ok book about a half human and half dolphin. I only read half the book, but it was good. I quit to read another book, but look forward to reading the rest later. It was adventurous and each chapter kept you wanting more. This book would be enjoyable for anyone. 4Q, 4P. -- Kasey M, age 16.
Justin Somper has managed to ride the wave of the current obsession with pirates, vampires, and twins, except unlike everyone else who uses one of these fads, he used all three. This charming tale is about a talented set of twins who are split apart and taken upon two separate pirate ships, one is normal, but the second is inhabited by vampires. I can see younger children enjoying this tale, and I hope to read more of this promising new series. --Katherine, 17
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Reader: Joshua S
Age: 18
Title: Vampirates
Author: Justin Somper
Publisher: simon & Shuster
Publication date: 2004
Galley: Yes
My review:: The cover tempted me as did the title. I love pirates and vampires so it was catchy to me. The author took an image that makes you feel like you are there. The pirate academy is a new and intriguing idea. This book grabs the reader so you can't put it down until you are finished. It was well written.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Moriarty, Jaclyn The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie
I would not recommend this book because of its diary form. Because of the diarly form, I couldn't even finish the book. It was pretty distracting for me.
JakeR.
15
1Q
2P
Firebirds Rising Ed. by Sharyn November
Yes it should be nominated. It is a hard read for lower level readers. It’s an anthology of original science fiction and fantasy. I like this book and its inventive stories.
James G.
17
3Q
3P
Should be nominated
I really liked this book. The author accurately describes how the characters had to sneak around without being captured by Spanish soldiers. This causes one character to loose all hope. This is also one of those books that makes you want to read more to find out what happens next, and makes you think if things in the book are going to get better or worse as it goes.
John B.
17
4Q
5P
Reader: Robert Johnston
Age: 17
Title: The End
Author: Lemony Snicket
Publisher Scholastic
Pub. Date 2006
Galley No
My review: THE END by Lemony Snicket After nine years, the final enstallment of A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS has been released. We've been through thirteen books, an autobiography, a collection of letters, a movie, postcards, puzzles, and numerous other spin-offs, and it all comes down to this one book. In some ways, Lemony Snicket lets his fans down. In others, he does not. In THE END, the Baudelaires are washed up on an island in the middle of the ocean. Soon after, they discover Olaf and Kit Snicket also ashore. However, they are banished by the islanders. They soon learn more about their parents' lives and work. The Medusoid Mycelium gets out, and the Baudelaires save themselves from it, but are not able to save anyone else. THE END does not give very much new information about VFD. Actually, we learn almsot nothing about it. All of the mysteries revealed in THE END are about the Baudelaire Parents, which is fitting considering the ending (which I'm not giving away). However, it would be nice if we had learned more about VFD, sicne it's been driving the series since book the fifth. The characters are the same as always, but we get to see the Baudelaires mature quite a bit, and we also see a different side of Olaf, which is nice. In all, if you've read the others, read THE END, but don't start the whole series just for this one book.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 4P Broad general teen appeal
______ _______
For being the last book in the Unfortunate Events series, I did not think that this book summed up all of the plot lines in the book well enough. Although, it was a really good book (except for all of the definitions) and I actually kind of liked the ending. The three Baudelairs were not acting as smart as usual, but when they got stuck on an abandoned island with their nemesis count Olaf, the kids desplayed a remarkable ammount of ingenuity. Should be nominated. 4Q, 3P. Lewis, 13
Shan, Darren
Sons of Destiny 0316156299
Would nominate
I am sad this is the last book, but it was as eventful and captivating as the rest. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves stories about vampires with lots of action. This book will open peoples eyes to a whole new world. “We live amungst you” and “we walk amugst you”.
Jessica S
15
5Q
5P
Pierce, Tamora Beka Cooper: Terrier
The cover was a really good reflection of what the book was like. The most compelling aspect was the fact that the main character could speak with ghosts. Never before has Tamora Pierce included such an edgy twist to law enforcement. This book is as good if not better than Pierce's other works.--5 Q, 4P. Melissa C., 16.
__________ __________ ______
Alice K.
Age
13
I loved this book, anything Pierce writes is great but this was even better. The journal format is an interesting experiment, this is her first time trying it, and it worked out well. The same applies to the first person narrative. Pierce as always, completely sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. With some great surprising plot twists and memorable characters, who wouldn’t want to read it?
Yes
5Q 4P
Westerfeld, Scott The Last Days
Westerfeld, Scott The Last Days I absolutely loved this book. It was a great addition to Peeps and I hope all Peeps fans get a chance to read it. Eventhough the author switched characters this book was very good. READ IT! All you people who dislike vampire novels might even enjoy the sci-fi that was incorporated in this book. You don't have to read Peeps for this book to make total sense, but it's good to read it to have a background on the subject. Nominate? yes 5Q 5P Deseray, 16
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This book was excellent. Scott Westerfeld is an amazing author with stories that are vivid and draw a person in from the first page, and this story was no different. This sequel to the book Peeps delved deeper into the world that was first revealed in Peeps, and faced the war that was coming. The Last Days stood on its own and fulfilled my high expectations following the amazing tale of Peeps with its own style and flair. Every chapter was tied to a music group, and worked with the story. In fact the music band that the book took place with sounded so compelling that I wish I could hear it. At first when I began to read the story I was disappointed because it wasn’t filled with descriptions of parasites and the same characters as the first book, but then I realized that these are two separate stories bound by a common theme. I loved it, and if I could still nominate for bes5t books, this one would be at the top of my list. –Katherine, 17
___________ __________
Reader: Robert J.
Age: 17
Title: The Last Days
Author: Westerfeld
Galley: No
My review: In the apocalypse begun in PEEPS, Moz is walking down the street when a raving lunatic is throwing her stuff out the window. He goes to rescue a guitar, and meets Pearl. Together, they get a band together. However, their lead singer, Minerva, is a Peep. And her singing summons giant worms from under the ground.
In all honesty, I was reluctant to pick this book up. This is not because of Scott Westerfeld's writing, which is always excellent, but because I wanted to hear about Cal and Lace. The Last Days start off slowly, but it gets better after about fifty pages. The pacing seems really off, and most of the plot is shoved into the second half of the book, while the first half is a carefully measured crawl into intrigue.
The characters are okay. Since the point of view switches through five people, it is hard to get a really good feel for any one of them. However, since they all play into each other's stories, it is important to get all the different views.
The plot itself is ingenious. Westerfeld brings in a new twist to the Peeps, and it ties things up nicely. It ties up so well, that I think there will not be a third entry (which is odd, since he usually does trilogies).
THE LAST DAYS are worth picking up if you read PEEPS (which you should do, if you haven't). However, it is not as good as its predecessor.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date: 10.30.2006
Reader: Robert J.
Age: 17
Title: Wide Awake
Author: David Levithan
Galley: No
My review:: Wide Awake is the story of Duncan, a gay Jew in a time where the first gay president may well be elected. It follows his politcal struggle and his personal struggles with his friends and family.
The story is unrealistic and slow. While the idea was interesting, it was poorly executed. The execution was sloppy and character exposition was nil.
In all, It's not David Levithan's best work.
Would you nominate this book for an award: no
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
Today's date: 10.30.2006
Hearn, Julie Minister’s Daughter
Should not be nominated
I did not finish this book because it was boring and needs more action.
Jessica S
2Q
1P
Price, Charlie Dead Connection
Reader: Deseray D.
Age: 15
Title: Dead Connection
Author: Charlie Price
My review:: This book was terrible. The story drags on and it doesn't seem to connect anywhere. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Would you nominate this book for an award: no
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it
Reader: Deseray D.
Age: 15
Title: Night Wood
Author: Patricia Windsor
My review:: This was a pretty well-written horror book. It draws you in right at the beginnig. At the beginning though, there were a couple of things that should have been left out. For example the part about them going to detention, I think the reader could get what happens on that part in fewer words. Overall this book had great detail, though alittle graphic, but great. I would recommend this book to all horror fans.
Would you nominate this book for an award: no
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
Mack, Tracy & Michael Citrin Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars: the Fall of the Amazing Zalindas
Reader: Alice K.
Age: 13
Title: Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars; the Fall of the Amazing Zalindas
Author: Tracy Mack & Michael Citrin
My review:: This was an okay book, not quite classic quality though. The characters were great, the setting seemed real, there was a good plot. Something however is missing. My only theroy at this point is that it isn't as wonderful as the original Holmes novels, when you've read those, the books a bit of a letdown. On it's own it would be a better book.
Would you nominate this book for an award: no
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
Today's date: 11/1/06
Carr, Dennis and Elise Welcome to Wahoo
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: Welcome to Wahoo
Author: Dennis Carr Elise Carr
Galley: Yes
My review: Funny!!! Kinda easy to predict but with fun twists and turns! You can really fell what the main character is feeling and cheer for her when she wins and cry with her when she's down. Welcome to Wahoo folks!
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date: 11/01/06
I would also like to say: What a great summer read! Has broad interest for all girls who have ever been called a brat (most of us).
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: fangs4freaks
Author: Serena Robar
Galley: Yes
My review:: Watch out Dracula! Colby Blanchard is now the coolest vamp in town! I like the balance of romance, mystery and creative humor. Thousand of great ideas line these bloodsucking pages, from steel brace fangs to beach bunny half bloods.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
Today's date: 11/01/06
I would also like to say: Though i haven't read the first book (braced2bite) i could still follow the story line which was nice.
Rayban, Chloe My Life Starring Mum 1582347131
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: My Life Starring Mum
Author: Chloe Rayban
Galley: Yes
My review:: Every girl ,when about 6 or 7,always wants to be a diva. Some even get a fuzzy pink costum and prance around in it for a day or two. Now, what if your Mum was the rich, famous, and pink rock star? Welcome to the life of Hollywood Bliss Winterman, Holly to her friends and English teach
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Today's date: 11/01/06
I would also like to say: I really like how, like all of us, Holly wants to please her Mom, but she has the sense and respet of other people to draw the line.
Nimmo, Jenny The Chestnut Soldier
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: The Chestnut Soldier
Author: Jenny Nemo
Galley: Yes
My review:: I really liked The Chestnut Soldier because of the characters. They aren't perfect and make mistakes like us. Nia and Gwyn are trying to help in that classic good vs. evil battle, and some things go wrong and that endears them to the reader. Though really for a bit younger readers then Charlie Bone, The Chestnut Soldier is a great read.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some Teen appeal
Today's date: November 7,2006
I would also like to say: This book would be a great way to introduce younger readers to the fantasy and magic they will find in more advanced books.
Cushman, Karen The Loud Silence of Francine Green
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: The Loud Silence of Francine Green
Author: Karen Cushman
Galley: Yes
My review:: In The Loud Silence of Francine Green I learned so much about 1949. Also about Francine. I was mad at people with her, and missed friends with her. At the end i was proud of her for making a stand. It took 15 min. after finishing the book to realize i could not call her up and chat. Though defiantly a new scene from Karen Cushman's other books, I think we have a winner here!
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 7,2006
I would also like to say: It really is too bad that all history can't be presented in an interesting and funny way like this!
Harmon, Michael Skate See additional comments
Skate, Harmon
Would nominate this book.
I like this book because of its realness. The character in this book has real life emotions. It also shows how you can get caught up in the system. It shows how a teen can react in a situation where they are going down the wrong path and how they can change there ways for the better.
Jon W.
17
5Q
5P
_____ ________
Skate, Harmon
Should be nominated.
This was a great book that related to kids living in the ghetto. It shows how a kid can put his family before his judgement and how two kids can make bad decisions for good reasons.
Justin S.
17
5Q
5P
___________ ______
Skate, Harmon
Should be nominated
Skate was a very good book. It is about a kid named Ian who goes to school and has to take care of his brother because his mother is a coke head and never home. When Ian is at school he is taunted by coaches and other students. He gets in trouble because of a conflict with a teacher and fears the authorities will arrest him. Who will take care of his brother? His solution is to run away with him and search for their dad. This book was hard to put down because of all the action. I would recommend it to anyone.
Nate H
17
4Q
4P
This is an excellent book. I like how they all come together as a team. I also like the fantasy of having special powers. I had a hard time putting this book down. I would recommend this book to young adults who like fantasy.5Q, 4P. --Trey O., 16
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True Talents, Lubar
Would nominate
Unlike most books, this one starts off fast and it kept my interest through the whole book. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life and I would rececommend it to all fantasy readers.
Aaron H.
17
5Q
5P
__________ ________
Should be nominated
This book is really good. As soon as I started to read it I found it kind of boring, but I kept reading it because I was told never give up on a book before the 2nd or 3rd chapter. It really caught my interest and got me hooked. It has good details. This one of the best books I have ever read and I’m glad I did.
Andria C
17
4Q
4P
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True Talents Lubar, David Starscape 2007 - March This book was pretty good but it seemed a little too easy for the characters to accomplish their goal. There weren’t any apparent conflicts that made the story believable and suspenseful. I would add that there were too many coincidences. It is written for immature readers (6-8 grades). 3Q 1P Joshua W age 16
Booth, Coe Tyrell Tyrell is a young boy having a rough life trying to take care of his mom and little brother Troy. He doesn’t have a job. He has no money, and is in love with a girl, Novisha. Novisha does her best to help Tyrell with food. He thinks up a plan and he decides to try it hoping not to get caught by the police and end up in prison like his dad. Nominate? yes. 5Q 5P. Jptivb Oseba, 15
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Well this is a good book that makes me want to read and not stop cause I can relate on every level. I really don't want to get into very much detail and spoil the great book, but Coe Booth knew what she was doing when she wrote the book. I now have a favorite author and a favorite book. Nominate? yes. 5Q 5P Ufe Xbef Ipxbse, 16
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I really liked this book because this 15 year old boy is trying to get by in life living in the projects. I really liked this book because I can relate to it. My mom always makes me take care of everything and be more responsible for everything. I liked this book mostly because Tyrell was extremely mature, even more mature than his mom. 5 5 Tanner H 15
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Booth, Coe Tyrell Scholastic 2006 - October Tyrell’s dad’s in jail and his family gets moved to government housing. He feels responsible for his mom and brother. He also has a girl friends who’s pretty smart. She expects a lot from him. Someone is stalking his girl friend and he feels responsible for that too. Tyrell is only 15 but really smart. I would recommend this book to very teenager. What makes this book good is how Tyrell is young and the things he has to go through to keep his family together. The most compelling aspect of this book is the tone the author uses in it. Would like this book. yes 5 5 Eduardo A 17
________ _______
Should be nominated.
Tyrell is about a 15-year-old boy who grows up in New York City. Tyrell has a younger brother and mother who he has to support. His father is locked up for the third time and Tyrell is pretty much the man of the house if they had a house. Tyrell’s family has to live in a sheltering system that is pretty nasty. This kid has had one rough life, but makes the best out of it. I liked this book so much I couldn’t put it down and I would recommend it to anyone.
Nate H
16
5Q
5P
_________ ________
Tyrell, Coe Booth
Would nominate this book.
This book is a really good book. Coe Booth needs to make a secont book about what happens to Tyrell’s little brother. I think the book is good because you can picture in your mind everything that happened like a movie.
Ben C.
15
5Q
5P
Marsden, John The Dead of Night
Should be nominated
This book is a good book I recommend to anyone. It is a page turner. It starts out a little boring but then the action rises all through. It’s about these kids who go camping and when they go back to their houses no one is there. There has been an invasion. They then have to go out looking for their friends and family. The book is all about survival and bravery.
Ben C
16
4Q
3P
__________ ____
Dead of Night, Marsden
Would not nominate this book
I did not like this book at all because I couldn’t get into it. I read five chapters and then couldn’t force myself to read anymore. It was boring. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I just have one question, what was the author thinking when he wrote this book.
Nate H
17
1Q
1P
Hobbs, Will. Crossing the Wire.
Crossing the Wire, Hobbs
Would nominate this book
I liked this book because it painted a picture in you mind and made you think. I could relate to this book because I’ve been in trouble when I had to find a way to come up with money for my family. I would recommend this book to other teens who are in trouble or are having a bad life so far. I wish I owned this book on the outs.
Tanner P
12
5Q
4P
*would like this book
Playing the Field, Bildner
Would nominate.
I would recommend this book to teens in the big cities because it sounds so much like those I know. The story was very interesting to me and fun to read. I like books that are real to life and this one was. I would like a copy of this book on the outs, because I have some friends that would enjoy it too.
Tanner P
13
5Q
5P
*Would like this book
_________ ________
Bildner, Phil Playing the Field
Should be nominated
I really enjoyed this book. It was great. The most compelling aspect of it is how a boy she liked lied about her being lesbian so she could play guys baseball. She ends up getting stuck into having to loose a friend or playing baseball. I would really recommend this book to anybody.
Natassia H
13
4Q
4P
_______ ______
Playing the Field, Phil Bildner
Would not nominate this book
Playing the Field is about a girl named Darcy Miller who wanted to play on the boys baseball team. Her principal, who happens to be dating her mother won’t allow her to. The principals’ son lies and tells him she’s a lesbian and she should be allowed to play. Darcy’s gay guy friend tries to put this to a stop. This is a very compelling book and I would recommend it to most teens.
Nate H.
16
4Q
3P
Cohn, Rachel and David Levithan Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Reader: Logan R.
Age: 13
Title: Nick & Norahs Infinite Playlist
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Galley: Yes
My review:: This book is the best romance for teens I have ever read. I started reading it before bed, thinking only to read the first chapter. I look over at the clock in what felt like a few seconds to see a red 1:14am looking back at me. Need I say more? Nick is the perfect guy for Norah and she is for him. You know this but do they? And what if they screw it up? The Romance of the Century.
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: The setting is well done and might freak out a few goody goods, but it fits in with the book. Rock on!
Hill, Stuart Blade of Fire Chicken House 2007
I thought that "Blade of fire" was a much better book than it's predecessor, The Cry of the Icemark for many reasons. First of all, the main character was different, instead of Thirrin, it was her crippled son Charlemagne, and instead of staying in the Icemark, Charlemagne went to many different lands to once again gather allies in hopes of driving off the Polypontian Empire. Also, in this book you get a much closer look at the Vampiric majesty's personalaties. Only this time, the Empire has a new weapon. The "Sky Navy", a huge fleet of floating ships that can ruin entire cities in an instant. Noone knows if the Icemark will survive this battle. The only thing that made me mad about both books is that archers and catapults always won out against gunners and heavy cannons. Other than that, it was a great book. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 4P. Lewis, 13.
_______ __________
Reader Alice
Age 13
Title Blade of Fire
Author Stuart Hill
My review: This sequel to 'Cry of the Icemark' is great! There are tons of wonderful characters, delightful plot turns and lots of wonderful dialouge. Sharey (Charlemange)is the main character, with his lame leg he can never be a warrior like the rest of his family. Becuase of this, when Scipio Bellorum strikes again, he sent off with the refugees to the southern continent. There he must try to raise allies to fund off the pending attack of thr Polyponition Empire. Can he do it, save his country and learn to fight? You'll have to see.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity 4P Broad general teen appeal
I would also like to say I want the galley after it's published please.
Miller, Kirsten Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City
Reader Logan
Age 13
Title Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City
Author Kirsten Miller
Galley No
My review: Who is Kiki Strike? Evil or victim of evil? Good girl who just happens to be able to kick your butt or adventuress on a mission? You decide. But you sure you start reading this book in the morning, or when you have lots of time. It will hook you and you will suffer withdrawals if you put it down. Never has the world been introduced to this much adventure, mystery and thrill. I feel like I know all the Irregulars personally and can’t wait till their next adventure. Now ever time I walk past a manhole in the street, I wonder if a slight blond girl and friends are running around under me. Watch out world, Kiki Strike is coming.
Would you nominate this book for an award yes
Quality 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity 3P Some Teen appeal
email address claudiaragr@aol.com
Today's date November 28,2006
I would also like to say This a very different book, in more ways then one. This only makes it better and I have a feeling it will also make it widely known.
Zahn, Timothy Dragon and Herdsman
While Dragon and Herdsman is the 4th Dragon Back novel, it fails to become boring. This excellent saga continues with our young hero, Jack Morgan, and his trusty K’da warrior, Draycos, going in search to avenge Draycos’s race, and find themselves on another planet with a great surprise. They have found more of the K’da, except that they aren’t the noble beasts that were expected, rather they are stupid and no more than beasts to be herded.
Timothy Zahn is a master of his craft and he never fails to excite. Each story is beautifully woven with originality and twists in wonderful worlds. The characters have a vibrancy and life that very few authors are able to create. I applaud another great tale and anxiously await the next. –Katherine, 17
Reader: Deseray
Age: 16
Title: The Girls
Author: Lori Lansens
My review: This book was an ok book. I really couldn't get into it so I didn't finish it. I would recommend this book to people who are fascinated with twins, and who are willing to get past the first 100 pages.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 3Q Readable
POPULARITY 2P Only for special interest
Valdes-Rodrigez, Alisa Haters Little Brown Company
I liked this book because it is about a girl who had a lot of different problems. On top of that, she had to change her whole life around when she and her dad had to moved to California. It had good climax points. I liked the main character, because she wasn’t afraid to be herself and work toward her dreams and goals.
*I would like a copy of this book.
Andria C
16
4Q
4P
_________ _________
This book was good, very good. I liked the way the story was told by first person, it was great. I liked the plot of the story. I also really liked how the author put a twist to the story by giving the main character a sixth sense. Tanner H., 15
Voake, Steve The Dreamwalker's Child
Reader: Lewis
Age: 13
Title: Dreamwalker's Child, the
Author: Steve Voake
Galley: Yes
My review:: This is the most interisting plot line for a story that I have ever read. It incorporates another world where people are alot smaller. A boy gets sent to the smaller world, and now he gets to drive various bugs! Although it seems way unreal, most teens would love this book and won't be able to put it down.
Would you nominate this book for an award: yes
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Today's date: 1/23/07