Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2006 Awards
Calhoun, Dia The Phoenix Dance
This book was very good. Thereare various situations going on which
makes it interesting. Plus it has a good message at the end, if you
really think.The situations that were involved were,first, Phoenix had
always dreamed of being a shoemaker. Then one day she looked at the
window of the royal shoemaker's window and saw that there was an opening
to be the apprentice of the shoemaker. She trys out and succeeds. There
so much more that happens with dragons and wizards. I don't want to ruin
the excitement of this book for anyone but what I will say is I liked
this book so much that I am now reading another book by the same author. Rating..5
-- Casandra W., Age 16
Would like the book
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The magic and background the author has in it. If you like fairy tales this one is the 12 dancing princesses in a cooler version. 5P, 4Q. -- Heather, age 16
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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? "This book is a tale of a girl who is bi-polar in a Middle-Ages-like time who happens to coincide with the fairy tale of the 12 dancing princesses. It makes for an interesting read."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The twist of the tale of the 12 dancing princesses was definitely the most intriging part of the book.
If you were disappointed with the book, why? To understand that the main character was afflicted with a bi-polar disease, I had to read the author's note at the end so it was somewhat confusing.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15 16-17
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
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Kara
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? Interesting retelling of Grimm's Twelve Dancing Princesses. Nice drama with Bipolar disorder.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. Pheonxs's battle with her sickness and the choice of persueing a cure.
If you were disappointed with the book, why? A little slow, but not bad.
Did you finish the book? Yes
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
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Cordi, Age 17
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. I did like Phoenix's struggle with her disease, being seduced by the Kingdom of Brilliance, and not wanting to spend her life in emotional limbo. I also enjoyed the parallels drawn between the story of the dancing princesses and bipolar disease.
I really don't know why I wasn't overjoyed at this book. Typically I love fantasy and fairy-tale retellings, but for some reason The Phoenix Dance just failed to capture me. I do believe the main character had something to do with it, I could not identify with her at all.
Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
P (Popularity) rating: 3P Some teen appeal
Dunkle, Clare B. In the Coils of the Snake
This is the last book in The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy, and I'm very happy about how it all ended. The first book was wonderful, new, and thrilling, but the second was a bit lack-luster. I'm pleased to say that book three is unpredictable and just as magical as the first. Now, on to plot. A situation similar to Laurie and Jo is a big part of the story, meaning two people who the reader thinks should end up together, but don't. When all the players are teamed up though, the end result is different, not bad. (Jo and Professor Baher). Miranda has been reaised since infancy by the Goblin King to become the perfect King's Wife of the next goblin king Marak Catspaw. Miranda deeply loves the Goblin King, simply Marak to her, and can't wait until she finally gets to go to the caves with him. All goes according to plan until a large band of elves, previously thought to be extinct, pays the new king a visit. To create an alliance, the Leader of the Elves offeres Catspaw something he can't refuse: an elf bride. (Elf brides are the optimal choice for the future king's magic.) The rest of the story tells all about what Life Miranda is now facing. Spledid, I would give this a spot in the Teen Top Ten. --Kara, 16
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It was a good story that had me stuck in it. She is a
perfect writer and should write more books like this one. -- Julian H., age 17, rating 5
*would like this book
Shusterman, Neal The Schwa Was Here
It cannot be set aside. It begins with a fun hook, and gradually evolves into an exciting read. Both are excellent and the entire book is amazing. Incredible! Exciting and memorable. 5Q, 4P. – Alex, 16
Perez, Marlene Unexpected Development
Would recommend to a friend. [The most compelling aspect was] when the main character started falling for her twin brother’s best friend. 2Q, 3P. –Marlene, 16
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I know the cover is a little scary, but it explains the problems some teens go through with a love story entwined. [The most compelling aspect was that] it was like you were in the book. It was missing an ending. 3Q, 4P. Izzy, 12
Blacker, Terence Boy 2 Girl
What starts as a harmless joke to get back at a few girls ends up turning into one hilarious ordeal for four teenage boys. Matthew Burton's newly orphaned cousin Sam has just moved into town, and as an initiation test, Matthew's gang makes hiom dress up as a girl for a week. But it turns out that Sam is a better girl than anyone could have expected, even his father, who has come to London to reclaim his son, unbeknownst to Sam.
The plot of Boy2Girl is deceptively simple at first, but halfway through the book things thicken into an intriguing suspense that builds until the climax. The characters in this book all have things that define them, from the principal who has what I call a stress disorder to the girlfriend of Crash, who speaks in the incorrect tense. Still, the story is not overshadowed by the characters, and still maintains its dignity.
I would recommend Boy2Girl for a reluctant reader, male or felame, or anyone who just wants a good laugh. ~ Robert, 16
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Probably the most compelling fact was that this boy named Sam turned himself into a girl. It was a pretty interesting read. It was just something new I was reading but the format of the book, I thought was awesome. 4Q, 3P. –Brittany, 15 _____________________________________________________________________________
It is a good book, with very good poems. The poems are very easy to understand. I liked that the poem have Spanish and English together. 3Q, 3P. –Lizbeth, 16 __ __
I liked that the poems mixed English and Spanish but some didn’t make sense. 3Q, 3P. –Juan, 18
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? "Blood Red Horse is one of the best historical fictions I've ever read. The horse is not just there, but he is special and changes all of the characters around him into someone better, for whatever reason, and that is neat. Normally, animals aren't given that kind of power."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The reader really gets to know the characters. We are in their minds for about ten years and we get to watch them grow up.
If you were disappointed with the book, why? Being very nit-picky, the only problem with this book is that the end seemed rushed. However, that is a very small detail and does detract from the overall story.
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
For being a historical fiction book, the reader is neither bombarded with facts nor left completely out of the loop with regard to the time period. Events just happen without needing any further explanation from the auther while the author does help the reader understand the time period itself. Even without the fantastic plot, it's well written.
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This is a great look at the lives of the men who fought the crusades and the reasoning of the kings to go to war. It is also a must for any horse lover, the central plot line is around a red horse named Hossanna, who greatly impacts the lives of those around her.
The plot was wonderful. Grant weaves an intriging tale of the crusades, that finds right and wrong in both sides of the battles. The use of Hossana (the horse) as a central point to all the stories surrounding her is masterfully done, leaving the reader waiting impatientlly for the next book.
This book appeals to a wide range of backgrounds, unlike many other books concerning the crusades. It does not condone the actions of either side, and displays the battling religions in such a way that even an athiest like myself can relate to and understand. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 5P Everyone wants to read it. -- Cordi, Age 17
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It was just really well written and exciting. It kept me interested. I really enjoyed it. I loved the horse and the whole adventure. 4Q, 5P. –Brittany, 15
Kara, 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? If you're into fantasy, here's a tale that snags the reader into a fresh, new, tale about Ireland, fairys, and what happens when this world and the extraordinary world of faerie collide.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. How all the elements of the adventure will play out. The reader is never sure if good will really win this time. Beautiful and a treat among all the formulated fantasies.
All age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15 16-17 18 up
Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Melling completely imerses the reader in a modern tale steeped in old Irish lore that enchants to the last word.
Additional Comments I can't wait for the next book!
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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? "It's a modern fairy tale that somehow manages to put the fairy world and ours on a first name basis. And of course it is romantic. When a fairy king kidnaps a mortal girl, there has to be romance, right?"
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. It is good fantasy and that's about it.
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: 3P Some teen appeal
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This book is an awesome fantasy thriller that flys you away to a new believable world where the main character is spirited away to Faerie. 4Q, 4P. Natasha, 15
Riordan, Rick The Lightning Thief
Kelli, Age: 13
Book Title: The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults: yes
Because: The Lightning Thief By Rick Riordan is certainly a great find for any reader who enjoys subconsiously learning things while enjoying a fast-paced, origional and all around entertaining story. Rick Riordan's funny yet informative style of writing Pulls you into Percy Jackson's world, Where gods and goddesses watch over Modern day America, and mythical monsters run around all over the place, looking for demigods like Percy to destroy. This book not only will entertain you for a few good hours, but it will also teach you a little about ancient greek mythology- This book definitely deserves teen top 10
Quality Rating: 5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating: 4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
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This book is absolutely hilarious and I loved how Riordan translated Greek myths into modern-day stories. It was so funny (Chapter 2 is titled “Three Old Ladies Knit the Socks of Death.” Very funny and well written. 4Q, 4P. –Emily, 16
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If you like Greek mythology this is such an awesome book. I really love the modern day and Greek mythology makes it really cool. I really love Percy’s quest, because when he faces the monsters he has to remember everything he’s ever learned about Greek mythology. I also really love the relationship Percy has with his dad. It just makes sense. It’s a really funny exciting, awesome book that never lets you pit it down for one second. 5Q, 4P. – Andrea, 12
Sonnenblick, Jordan Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie
The characters are very real and react like most of us would in the situations. It’s funny but very sad at the same time. The main character is a real hero. He gives up things that most people wouldn’t. Not only does the character grow, but it’s a very real story. 4Q, 4P. –Kirsten, 16.
Candy is an amazing real life story of a girl and a guy. The most compelling aspect of the book was how the girl, Candy, handled her problem. This book is just an amazing story of how you can change your life. 5Q, 4P. --Baylee, 14 -- -- The main character seemed too shallow. It gave you a view into the world of sex and drugs, and how hart it is to pull yourself out of itl. I was slightly disappointed; if I was the main character, I wouldn’t of gone near the girl he did because she was really creepy. It bothered me that the main character only talked about Candy’s appearance. 3Q, 4P. –Kelli
Sleator, William The Last Universe
Kara, 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? Quantum Physics that are simply explained, if not understood. Real brain-tingling read. I'm not a big Sci-Fi fan, but I liked this.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. Gary's race against time, infinite universes, and sickness. Suspense and magical science.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15
Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
P (Popularity) rating: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Serious, but enjoyable, science fiction is hard to find. The mix of story uncertainty and suspence pulls the reader through a quantom mind trip to the last page.
Additional Comments: Sickness puts the fear in anyone. The use of it here is impressive and right. One's personal demon to wrestle while others can only stand by and pray.
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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? "It is quantum physics but 1) the author explains it, and 2) it still has a (fairly good) plot. I think it may be the only book with a plot which has explained the quantum theory in an understandable format."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. It's both informative and entertaining.
Did you finish the book? Yes
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
While being instructional, it still has characters you can identify with and a hair-raising plot.
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The most compelling aspect is the physics part and how the quantum world goes to the macro world. I wish it would have gone more in depth. 4Q, 3P. –Tamarah, 17
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Similar to Michael Crichton’s “real” science fiction, but with a Stephen King sense of menace. Also, for anyone who is interested uin quantum physics, this is for you! I think this book was so creepy because it could happen in the real world. Loved the book, loved the ending. 4Q, 2P. –Emily, 16.
Velde, Vivian Vande Now You See It...
It's fast paced and exciting.3 Q, 4P. -- Michael, 16
Adlington, L.J. The Diary of Pelly D
Quick Picks because it wasn't what I was expecting. It
was good to start out but got boring when it was talking about the
diary. Other kids might like it. -- Zach N., age 15, rating 3
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The Diary of Pelly D tells of a construction worker who finds the diary of Pelly D and finds out, through the diary, what happened to the people of this town. Over all, this is a great book. –Ben, 12
Wiles, Deborah Each Little Bird That Sings
[The most compelling aspect of the book] describes Comfort’s struggles with her friendship declaration and you actually get into the book. The book was disappointing because everything goes sooo slowly, and it just focuses on like one week of her life. You can’t really get into the bookl. 3 Q, 3P. –Andrea, 12
Moore, John The Unhandsome Prince
An interesting turn on the frog prince and several other fairy talkes rolled into one. The whole tale rolled into one good ending. It's well written and ties fairy tales up with a creativity difficult to match. 4Q, 4P. -- Katherine, 17
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Caroline, a young beauty from a small town, has just found the enchanted frog in the swamp and kissed him. The only problem is that Prince Hal is 'a great guy', and 'cute...sort of', not handsome. So Caroline and and apprentice sorceress escort Hal back to his kingdom, in the hopes of finding someone more handsome to marry for Caroline. Of course, along the way, they deal with magic swords, royal debt, a planned holocaust of the Jews, and a ritual that requires the loss of Rapunzel's virginity.
John Moore, author of "Heroics for Beginners", has woven another fantasy story with another twist. While the book was written for adults - which is shows through its lewd and sometimes controversial humor - "The Unhandsome Prince" would most likely appeal more to young adults, mostly due to the young heroines and the easy to follow plot structure. Mind, there is nothing wrong with either of those elemnts, as the characters are both vivid and remarkably funny, and the plot is enchanting, to say the least.
I would urge fans of fantasy or fairy tales to read this book, as well as those who don't like fairy tales for some reason, since it appeals in many different ways. ~Robbie, 16
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If you like your fairy tales hilarious and somewhat twisted, this is for you. If fairy tales happened in the real world, this is how they would turn out. It is maybe not appropriate for younger readers. 4Q, 3P. -–Emily, 16.
Excellent fantasy/ fairy tale retelling. The main character’s growth over the course of the story was interesting and compelling. The beginning was a little slow, but otherwise wonderful. 4Q, 3P. – Emily, 16.
A nice read-by-the-pool book. A novel about standing up to your parents to do what you want. 4Q, 3P. –Cordi, 17
Malkin, Nina 6X: The Uncensored Confessions
It is similar to an MTV special. The characters are wonderfully compelling and individual. Each had high and low points. It is similar to others, not wonderfully original. 3Q, 3P. –Cordi, 17
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? "How many girls are proud of being 'boy proof'? Then agian, how many girls shave their heads, dye their eyebrows orange, wear a white cloak all the time, and even change their name in order to emulate their favorite movie character? Not many. However, how many girls go through life altering (or at least life changing) decisions in about the same time that they meet a special boy? Most of us."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. While being about a very different kind of person, the book still manages to tap something that all teens growing up go through.
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 typical teen coming of age story with an atypical teen. It helps reinforce the belief that everyone goes through puberty and has problems with it.
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It is about a young girl who is obsessed with a movie, then falls for an amazing guy and she basically finds herself in the end. {The most compelling aspect is] how she can walk around in a cloak with orange eyebrows and a shaved head without even being fazed. It went through the troubles of an unpopular girl, and it kept me going.l 4Q,4P. – Izzy, 12
Thompson, Kate The Fourth World
The most compelling aspect is the subject matter of an energy crisis and genetic engineering. It spent too much time on their journey and didn’t go in depth enough in the genetic engineering. 3Q, 3P. –Tamarah, 17
Meyer, L. A. Under the Jolly Roger
Katherine, 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? "It's a fun easy book to read."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. That it's so creative.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: under 12 - 15
Check one Q (Quality) rating:4Q Readable
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 4P Some teen appeal
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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? "After you've read the other two books, this book is such a treat. The main character is absolutely human and so makes assumptions and mistakes and aspires to something. It's definitly an enjoyable read."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The fact that the main character is a girl in the 19th century who does things like go into the Navy and run her own business.
If you were disappointed with the book, why? Meyer's ending is no more complete than the other two books and it is annoying.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17
Check one Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
Check one P (Popularity) rating: 3P Some teen appeal
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It is funny, captivating, and witty. It is a blast. I love the adventurous aspects and Jacky’s take on things. It should be nominated because it is funny, engaging, and complexl. 5Q, 5P. –Tamarah, 17
Cordi, Age 17
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it? The Naming is a grand fantasy reministent of Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings. The author has obviously been absorbed into the world she has created. And this is part of what makes the novel so wonderful. The reader also becomes absorbed. The Naming tells of MFHI, a slave girl who discovers she is one of the great Bards - a group of leaders similar to the Jedi, who try to keep the balance between dark and light. The tale told is a common one, but Croggon puts in new twists and a new world to make the story seem new. Now though, readers must wait for the second.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The story. While fantasy novels set in our world are very popular - see Harry Potter - midevil fantasy is still the prevallent form. And for those who loved the Tolkein books, or the movies, The Naming provides another great fantasy trilogy.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17 18 up
Q (Quality) rating: 4Q Better than most
P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
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I'm itching for the second book! The writing used here is unique and beautiful, perfectly suited for fantasy. Croggon has also written poetry and it really shows. The Main character lacks nothing. She's female, tough, mysterious, smart, and along for the ride with the reader. I definitly enjoyed this. It was nice to have a character whose internal and externally struggles have the same weight in importance. An epic that reminded me strongly of Tolkien's trilogy. Mearad is a slave of Gillman's Cot and is rescued by the magical nd mysterious Cadvan. As she continues journeying with him, she begins to learn more and more about Bards, people who are masterful in magic and music. She also follows the threads of her own identity, which quickly becomes more complicated than expected. Great, another vote the Top Ten. -- Kara, 16
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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? "This book is fantasy with a strong heroine. It is reminiscient of J.R.R. Tolkein, but the plot is new and exciting."
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The strong female character.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 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 an epic fantasy story. The characters are enjoyable and believable and the plot is new and yet continues in the style of other epic storys.
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If you like fantasy, quests, and treks (?), it is fantastic!!! It seems like a real universe. It is complex, realistic. The reader gets to know the characters and it is a blast!! – 5Q, 5P. –Tamarah
Pierce, Tamora The Will of the Empress
It is fast paced, in depth, and wonderous!!! 5Q, 5P – Tamarah
Yancey, Richard The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (October 2005)
The plot line of an ancient sect that is descended from the knights of the round table to protect excalibur is fantastic. I was disappointed in the simplicity and some of the predictability. 4Q, 5P. –Tamarah, 17
Picoult, Jodi My Sister’s Keeper
I loved this book, despite the fact that it was a little depressing and at times made me want to cry. Still, it perfectly captures the essence of being a teenager and wanting to find out who you truly are. 5 - One of the best books I ever read 5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday. --Andrea, age15
Crutcher, Chris The Sledding Hill
First name or initials Angela Age 16 Book Title The Sledding Hill Author Chris Crutcher Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults undecided Because This is a book about a friendship between two boys. One of them dies and then becomes like a guardian angel to the other boy. There is a very evil Christian minister who wants to baptize the living boy. They all get involved in a book ban controversy involving a book by the author himself. What is good about this book is the friendship between the boys. What is bad about the book is that it preaches, and preaches, and preaches, with so many characters making speeches about the same thing. I am completely against censorship but if I wanted to listen to speeches I would watch C-SPAN which I don't. Quality Rating 3 - OK Popularity Rating 3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
Lockhart, R. The Boyfriend List
This book is very funny, and the girl Ruby is a funny narrator. It kept me turning the pages from beginning to end,and told important truths about what it is like to be a teen girl. I don't know if boys will like it, but girls should definitely read it. Quality Rating 4 - Pretty good. Popularity Rating 4 - Lots of people will want to read it. -- Angela, 16