Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 Awards

 

Hill, Stuart The Cry of the Ice Mark

The Cry of the Icemark was a very interesting book. It involved many different species and characters, and had great world building. It is about a girl of 14 named Thirrin who, when her father goes off to battle against the vicious Polypontian empire, has to unite several species including vampires, were wolves, the kings of the wild, and the mighty snow leopards. Together, the alaince tries to push the huge empires armies back through the pass, but it looks as if this is impossible... Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Lewis, 13
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Fabulous book. All the sense of adventure and excitement you could ever want in a book. I loved it how Thirrin was right in there with the action, fighting with the soldiers for the freedom of Icemark. 5Q, 4P.

--Andrea, age 12.
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Wow. The main character, 14 year old Thirrin, becomes the Queen of small country of the Icemark. In the south, the enormous and invincable army of hte Empire makes ready to invade. Thirrin is then forced to forge allies from old enemies in order to build an army to pooose the empire. This book expresses the struggle between science and the unexplained, coming to the conclusion that just because something is unexplained, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Best of all, this message is not slapping the reader in the face, but flushed out between the action spots. I was amazed at the detailed, but not gory, battle scenes. They rival the best fantasy authors for manuvering. To top of the mix, Thirrin is ablaze with spunk, emotion, fighting spirit and internal conflict. Absolutly superb; I look forward to future books for Hill. Personally, I would boost the age level I would not feel comfortable giving this to a nine year old. --Kara, 16

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Hill, Stuart The Cry of the Icemark  Any individual who is capable of translating the text off a sheet of paper into a conscious adventure should read this book!!! This book should be the Quick Pick, the Teen Top Teen, and the Best Book of the Year. This novel epitomizes the incorporation of that which most readers enjoy: a fantasy in a separate world with magnificent and enchanting creatures, and a fierce fight for freedom that evokes feelings of another country’s similar quest. Icemark is the place to be and I can not wait to go again!!!!!!. --Tamarah, 17
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Yolen, Jane and Adam Stemple Pay the Piper:A Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tale

Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple weave a spellbinding and evocative story in "Pay the Piper", the first in their "Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tales" series. The story centers around the famed Pied Piper of Hamelin, and tells us in a series of his personal flashbacks how he came to be exiled to our world, as well as telling the story of fourteen year old Calcephony McCallan, as she tries to stop the Piper from taking the children fo her town to the world of Faerie.

Yolen and Stemple have conjured an imaginative twist on a fairy tale, and the characters that inhabit it are tangible and stimulating. In spite of the amazing writing and style of "Pay the Piper", the book still retains an ease of reading for children, young adults, and adults alike, and is very difficult to rip away from. --Robbie, 16

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Hmm, still thinking about this one. I'm scratching my head and wondering why the would call this a "rock'n'roll" fairy tale. First off, I think of rock as contreversal, new, and frankly ugly at times. The whole drug and sex scene of major rock stardom was not even addressed. The songs showed the expected angst, but not the flair. A "folk" tale would have been a better classification. I enjoyed the new take o the Pied Piper, but it seems that the authors sacrificed story for plot speed, and not very well done. I found myself flipping back to find details, only to realize they weren't there to find. Not all that great, but interesting. --Kara, 16

Mark, Jan Useful Idiots  

I found this book to be an enjoyable read even though the first 200 pgs were tedious to traverse and understand. The book takes place in the future in 2255. The author doesn’t give the reader the full details of the history of the future, which makes trying to comprehend the events exceptionally difficult until approximately page 180 where the still confounded history is beginning to be revealed. I almost gave up reading the book due to the vague references to the Anarchy time,  Comfort and Joy, anti-federalist subversions, etc. but my interest was caught by Parzio man and the close parallel of the novel’s setting to our world today and I felt that I had to forge on. I found the falling action to be very good but the ending to be completely unexpected and not quite as enjoyable as I thought that it would be. It left the reader with multiple loose ends rather like R. L. Stine and the Goosebumps series. When all is said and done, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sci-fi novel that makes them work to figure out the action.--Tamarah, 17

 

Carman, Patrick The Dark Hills Divide  This work of fantasy was fantastical! I enjoyed reading every moment of it. The twists, turns, and the unexpected kept the novel chugging on at a phantasmagoric pace! I immensely enjoyed how it showed the diagrams of the chess moves, allowing those individuals that are not very familiar with chess to visualize the action. I also loved how Patrick Carman personalized the animals in such a manner to match our preconceived notions of how the animals would act, for instance with Malcolm the rabbit. In the end, I would have to say that this was a marvelous read that could be nominated for all three awards: BBYA, Teen Top Ten, and Quick Picks.--Tamarah, 17  

 

Brennan, Herbie The Purple Emperor  This was an enjoyable read! I devoured the pages as I became ensnared in the tale of Henry, Pyrgus, and Blue as they struggled against the horrible odds to protect their country from the despicable Hairstreak and the demons, rather like a parallel to our fight against the terrorists.  It is a sequel to a previous work, Faerie Wars, but it is easily a stand alone novel. I strongly suggest this book to all readers.--Tamarah, 17

 

Kerr, P. B. Children of the Lamp  

Children of the Lamp, Kerr
Top 10, because I thought this book took you away into a land of magic
power, good and evil. I t was very fast paced. Non-stop adventure. So
if you want to take a trip to afar off land, open this book and read it
all the way through! -- Josh M., age 16, rating 4
*would like this book

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Top 10 because alot of action and adventure makes this a very good book
for teens. -- Tyler W., age 14, rating 5
*would like this book.
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Children of the Lamp This book was entertaining and was a fast read
because I couldn't put it down after I started it. The authors style
helped me understand what was going on and it was hard to predict what
was going to happen next. I definately feel this is one of the best
books I have ever read and I will vote for it for the Teen Top 10 and I
feel it should be considered for other awards as well. --Sharon, 17

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This novel raced around the world and in and out of history in a captivating and exciting way. This enjoyable work had the reader dreaming of the possibilities of being a djinn with all the wondrous acts and heroic adventures. The ending was a bit of a let down as it was the mature thing to do, but besides that fact, this book should still be on everyone’s wish list. --Tamarah, 17  

Trottier, Maxine. Sister to the Wolf.  This novel was a magnificent read!!! The reader was able to get inside the head and actions of the novel so completely that he/she felt that the plot was revolving around them. This story deals with the historic America through the eyes of a teenage girl and her Native American friend. This book should be read by all and should score in the top 10 of all the awards for the teenage genre. --Tamarah, 17

Bujor, Flavia The Prophecy of the Stones  This was a novel so enjoyable that I foresee it winning a spot in the hearts of all and in the top 10 of the BBYA, Teen Top Ten, and Quick Picks. Through the dream of a dying girl, the reader comes to examine their own life and where he/she fits into the grand scheme of things. This novel was able to connect to the reader so well because the author did a magnificent job with the characterization. This novel is simply amazing!!!!!! --Tamarah, 17

 

Lindskold, Jane The Buried Pyramid  This mystical and enchanting adventure was incredible!!! It had enough suspense and predictable events to keep the reader involved and lulled into a sense of being assured of the nest events. The book would then blind side the reader with a very intriguing and most pleasant turn of events. I simply loved the archaeology and ancient Egyptian aspects of the novel. I also liked how the tomb they saved was one which I am guessing, as it wasn’t named in the book, to be the tomb of King Tut, but correct me if I am wrong. All in all, I would strongly recommend this book to be read by all and to be awarded many awards, if it wasn’t too late. --Tamarah, 17

 

Rucker, Rudy Frek and the Elixir  

From suck-a-pillars (living vacuums) to sun surfing to the Plank Brain, Rucker's world is reminicent of Douglas Adams but without the satire. 5Q, 4P. -- Cordi, 17
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Loved it!!! Loved it!!! Loved it!!! This book was a stellar, astronomical, off the wall adventure!!!! It was gog (excellent)!!!! The made up words, concepts, and creatures blew my mind away!!!! I loved how there were the characters you adored and the ones that you absolutely abhorred, and then wanted to slap the other characters for dragging them along. The adventure was so realistic, vivid, and seemingly plausible that this book should be given the second (because Cry of the Icemark is first on my list) BBYA, Teen Top Ten, and Quick Picks awards!!!!! I am now going in search of other novels by this author!!!!! --Tamarah, 17  

Constable, Kate - The Waterless Sea

 This book was an enjoyable read. However, I do feel that having not read the Singer of All Songs did make the story a little bit more difficult to understand.  I loved the tale of magic, mystery, and intrigue, but the ending was a sad one.  I just hope that in the third novel, all of the questions and predictions of the reader will play out. --Tamarah, 17

 

D’Lacey, Chris - The Fire Within

 I loved the plot line of the story!!! The thought of each individual having their own personal dragon is very tantalizing!! I also enjoyed how the dragons were an aspect of the individual for whom they were made and then watching David come to accept his dragon. This was a magnificent work and I would recommend it to all. --Tamarah, 17

Reiche, Dietlof - Ghost Ship

This book was a very engaging adventure that ended halfway in the manner of which I thought that it would, which made it enjoyable to leave the reader half right. I also found the way in which the author wove the ancestors of the characters to be similar in nature to the focus people in today’s setting, to be most interesting. I think that this book is an exciting read and that everyone should read it. --Tamarah, 17

Collins, Suzanne Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (July 2005)

One of the best things about this series is that the author makes it so you don't have to read all the books if you don't want to. She explains everything really simply. This book has some of the best plot twists I've ever read.
I really like how Gregor's not a perfect angel or anything like that. He makes mistakes and he gets through it.
Susan Collin is one of the best writer's I've ever read. She really makes it possible for you to understand her characters. I'm really glad again that nobody's perfect in her books. When a persons perfect it just doesn't seem real.
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods is a book that really lets you get into it. Some books have a sheild around them that don't let you into the story. But this is definetly not one of them. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. -- Andrea F., Age 12

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This book is very interesting because you actually get into Gregor's life. This book is totally unpredictable. If someone told you the ending of the book before you started to read it you'd go 'Huh?". It's such an amazing, interesting book that makes you totally relate to Gregor. It gives you all the little details to make you feel like you're in Gregor's head. It should be nominated. 5Q, 4P. --Andrea, 12
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 This book was a fantastic read!!! Once again I am forced to express my lamentations at reading a subsequent novel in a series without reading the previous books. But, reading this book makes me want to go and devour the other books. This book was very exciting and sections of the prophecy were easy enough to keep the reader from feeling stupid and discouraged, while others were more challenging. I loved how this book was a type of satirical commentary on the possible disaster that our country creates in its pursuits of more advanced weapons. I give this book a two thumbs up, must read!!!! --Tamarah, 17

Flanagan, John. Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

 It was fun reading this book. There were points that I almost started laughing out loud, which I usually don’t. 4P Broad general teen appeal. 4Q Better than most. Jeffrey A. 17
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If you've ever read Lord of the Rings, and liked them, then I'm pretty sure you'd like this book. I like how Will is terrified, yet he finds the courage to do what needs to be done. I thought it was kind of slow in parts of the book. But they're important parts. A great adventure, where Will has to learn how to be a Ranger from someone that has terrified him most of his life. Overall, a great book. 4Q, 4P. --Andrea, age 12

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 Everyone should read this book!!! This novel was a vary captivating and enjoyable adventure!!! I loved reading about the trials and jubilations of Will as he progressed towards becoming a Ranger. I also loved learning the story of Will’s father at the end of the story. I think that Will’s father’s actions helped to show Will that even without knowing his father, he was still close to him, and most likely living up to his father’s expectations, through Will’s actions and choices. I simply cannot wait for the other books and Will’s continuation of training and self-discovery!!!! --Tamarah, 17

Provoost, Anne -In the Shadow of the Ark

Named a Best Book for Young Adults in 2005, this is still eligible for Teen Top Ten.

 I was not very pleased as I read this novel. I felt that it was to vague in several key situations that altered the thinking, feelings, and actions of the characters and the plot of the book. I had to re-read several passages to make sure that I understood them correctly. I also hated how the mean, selfish, vindictive characters won in the end, even though that was the wrong that the novel was trying to point out. When it is all said and done, I wouldn’t really recommend this novel to a person who I wasn’t sure would like this type of novel. --Tamarah, 17

 

 

Moore, John. Heroics for Beginners

Recommended – yes.  If you love reading a book that bashes the fantasy clichés, you’ll love this book. For ages 16 and up. Rating 4Q – 4P  --Megan, 17

 

Nix, Garth Drowned Wednesday

Kirsten, Age 16
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it? "Well, first read the first and second books. But a series where the center of the universe is this gigantic House controlled by seven 'Denizins' who each control one day of the week and who are all out to either kill or at least negotiate with our main character who turns out to be the heir of the House. Sound interesting yet?"
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. Honestly, the most compelling aspect of the book is that it is the third in the series.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15 16-17
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
It is a parallel universe in which we, and all worlds like us, are the parallel universe. While it has a strong fantasy element, it is well written.

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Being a huge Nix fan, I fully expected a great read; I wasn't disappointed. This is the book in the Keys ot the Kingdom series in which Arthur tries to sort out the corrupt hierarchy within the House or center of the universe. In the previous two, he has defeated Mister Monday and Grim Tuesday and restore parts one and two of the Will, left by the archetect ot govern the House. Breaking from the pattern arthur must now save Wednesday and reclaim part three of the Will by defeating the Pirate Feverfew. From start to finish, Arthur is disgruntled from the responsibility and injured, which bogged some of the action down. This book offered a more spontaneous aspect than the others, a more flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants angle. Pirates are always a cool addition too. I liked that not all the days are corrupt, but forced to follow the rules of the bad majority. Written a little simply, but the intergrity of the story is not comprimised. --Kara, 16

 

Funke, Cornelia Inkspell

Reader: Kirsten P.
Age: 17
Title: Inkspell
Author: Cornelia Funke
Galley No
My review: Somehow the ending of Inkspell is even more of a cliff-hanger than Inkheart. Hopefully the next book is more uplifting because no matter what happened in Inkspell, something worse was around the corner. A story so depressing isn't enjoyable to read, especially not for kids. Not recommended for anyone who isn't willing to wait for the next book.
Would you nominate this book for an award? No
QUALITY 2Q Needs more work
POPULARITY 3P Some Teen appeal
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Quick Picks because it's well-written and easy to understand. When
reading Inkspell, I felt like I was in a movie. I did not want to lay
it down. Everything is well described such as the characters and
places. --Stephany P., age 16, rating 5
*Would like this book
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Inkspell, Cornelia Funke
Top 10 because Cornelia Funke has done it again. She has written a
faulous novel with dtails, adventure, suspense and everything that you
want to read when you open a book. I just cannot get enough of her
books. I recommend all her novels to everybody! I also cannot wait to
see Inkheart and Inkspell as a motion picture. It's exciting to know
that those characters will come to life in a theatre. Adding on to
Cornelia Funke's creativity, I really loved the cover on the Advance
Reader's edition of Inkherat and Inkspell. Though I was disappointed on
the Publication of Inkhearts cover, because it didn't show you the
adventure that was waiting for you inside the book. Mrs. Funke, keep on
writing. You have a great, great talent.
Cinthia R, age 17, rating 5
*Would like this book.
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First name or initials: Kelli
Age: 13
Book Title: Inkspell
Author: Cornelia Funke
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults: undecided
Because: Although I thought that Inkspell, sequel to Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke was a fun, imaginative fantasy to read, it took me forever to finish it, which usually doesn't happen. Overall I really enjoyed this book for it's magical new setting (in the pages of Inkheart's story)and the continuing plot develops which made the book interesting. However, I don't think I would have known what was going on if i hadn't of read the first installment. I was confused at points because they mentioned things that I had totally forgoten in the first book. So although this is another wonderful addition to Cornelia Funke's growing list of published books, you may want to have read Inkheart recently, to make this one more enjoyable.
Quality Rating: 4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating: 4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: I also really like the fact that Cornelia Funke puts quotes from different books at the begining of each chapter... I always like looking at the quotes to see which ones I recognize.

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Cornelia Funke shows once again her impressive talent for creating frightening villians, charming heroes, and intricately elegnt stories in her new novel, "Inkspell", a sequel to the internationally bestselling "Inkheart". When Dustfinger finds a new reader-Orpheus-to read him into the 'Inkworld', Farid finds Meggie and coaxes her to read him into it as well. Of course, Resa and Mo follow, accompanied by Basta and the Magpie, Mortola. What follows is an epic adventure to rival the likes of Vergil and Homer, a love story to clash steel with the Likes of 'Romeo & Juliet', and a spellbinding fairy tale that will put 'the Velveteen Rabbit' and 'Snow White' to shame.

Cornelia Funkes characters, both returning and new, show an amazing amount of depth and personality. The main heroes are all commendable and brave, while the villains are terrible fiends. The locales that Ms Funke takes the reader to-such as The Wayless Wood and the Castle of Night-are beautiful and terrible, laughable and haunting. Everything in "Inkspell" seems real enough to actually be real, which is befitting of the stories nature. Perhaps the best part of "Inkspell" is the ending, which is unexpected, touching, and puzzling, among other things.

"Inkspell" is a wonderful fairy tale for a new generation of readers, and will gleam in hearts for many years to come. --Robbie, 16