2006 Teen Comments page 7

Dunkle, Clare B. Close Kin

Quick picks because the book was ok, but it could have been better with
more action. However, I did enjoy reading it.
Sam C., age 15, rating 4

Schreiber, Ellen Kissing Coffins

Kissing Coffins, Ellen Schreiber
Should be nominated.
Kissing Coffins was the best vampire book I have ever read. I am just like Raven in the book, an outcast Goth. What makes it good is all the action, the love and the spookiness it contains. I can’t wait to read the next one you publish.
Jessica S
15
5Q
5P
*Would love to have this book.
___ __

Kissing Coffins, Ellen Schreiber
Kissing Coffins is a good book because it has romance, tragedy, and mystery in it. It’s a good book for all kids, even adults. Once you start reading, you can’t put it down. The plot, theme and characters make this a great book.
Andria C
17
4Q
5P
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Vampire Kisses 2-Kissing Coffins; Ellen Schreiber
This book should be nominated. It is a good story for people into vampires or teen love stories. What makes it good is how the author makes you laugh and smile but at the same time leaving you in suspense with a good type of scary. I recommend this book to all people.
James G
17
5Q
4P
_______ _______
Top 10 because I like reading books about vampires.
Steven G., age 14, rating 5
*would like this book.

.--- ---- ---

Kissing Coffins, Scheriber
Top 10, because I was drawn into the book and didn't want to put it down.
Summer M
14
5
Would like this book.

Roth, Matthue Never Mind the Goldbergs

Top 10, I think its good because it tells of the life most teenage kids go through. Then shows what every kid wants.
Eric S., age 14, rating 4
Would like this book

DuPrau, Jeanne Car Trouble

Printz Award, the beginning makes you laugh. Stu is my favorite
character because he is so laid back and funny. -- Eric S., age 14, rating 5
*would like this book
____ __

Quick Picks because I can relate it. It is about real life happenings. -- Stephen T., age 17, rating 5
*Would like this book.

Hearn, Julie The Minister's Daughter

Quick Picks because it took a little work to get into it. It wasn't my
favorite, but others might like it. -- Zach N., age 15, rating 2

Ryan, Darlene Rules for Life

Kirsten , Age 16
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults undecided
While it is a good book with a wonderful moral and a great ending, I don't know if it is good enough to be one of the Best Books.
Quality Rating 4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating 4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
___ _____

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? The family thing is something like a balancing act. You get and you give, but how far will that go? This nails tough situations that everyone can relate to, like who do you choose to love and who are you obligated to love.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. Izzy (Isabelle) is just starting to get used to living without her mom, when her father decides he wants to get married again. Dealing with making a new life with this new, 'better' family is both difficuly and touching.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 14-15 16-17 18 up
Q (Quality) rating: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
P (Popularity) rating: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Family can be the closest most loved people, but they can also hurt you the most. The frank style makes every character and their interactions with one another realistic and touching.
One of the most honest, touching books that everyone can realate to. This family conundrum never comes with rules, and this story about Izzy and her family tells this perfectly.

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 Sisters Grimm is a light read. A nice quick book for reading inbetween novels for lit class. It is written for a younger audience - sixth through ninth grade probably - but The Sisters Grimm is an amusing to read.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. I did not find a terribly compelling part of the book. While it was enjoyable to read, and a nice break from my large textbooks, the novel employs a plot that has already been used many times and run-of-the-mill characters. There is the crazy old woman, the strong, silent, mysterious servant, the cocky boy (actually there are two of those), the reluctant hero, and the ditzy and crazy little sister, who is smarter than she looks. Over all the novel is bland, intersperced with typical satirical humor. Enjoyable, but nothing special.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: Under12 12-13 14-15
Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
P (Popularity) rating: 3P Some teen appeal

This was a really good book. I didn't want to put it down becasue the author made it really fun to read. She had 13 envelopes and had to do what was on each one before she could open another envelope. she always had fun things to do although she thought that they were hard. she always had fun. she also foun out things that she hadn't ever found out since her aunt ran away. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read adventures.
Kimberly S
16
Would nominate for an award
4Q
4P
______________ ____________

Reader:          Ellen A.
Age:          middle school student
Title:          13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author:          Maureen Johnson
Pub. Date          2005
Galley          No
My review:          This book was highly enjoyable. Full of adventure, mistake, and a high schooler's misery, you just never wan't to put it down. I have no complaints-this book was well written. I really liked how her backpack was stollen, and how Johnson had Ginny deal with whatever was going on. It stopped the rythm of the story for somthing up-beat.
Would you nominate this book for an award?          Yes
QUALITY          4Q Better than most
POPULARITY          4P Broad general teen appeal
___________ __________

Quick Picks because the end is unexpected. It is an enjoyable, easy read. --Adam S., age 16. rating 4
___ ___ ____ ___

Top 10 because teenage girls can really relate to this book.
Cinthia R., age 16. rating 3
_________ ________

13 Little Envelopes, Maureen Johnson
Would nominate.
I liked this book because it is an adventure for Virginia as she opens the envelopes to find out what to do next. I would recommend this book to younger teens that are interested in adventures and struggles. Adults that like Soaps might enjoy this book also.
Felecia D
14
5Q
4P

In the tradition of Julie Anne Peters and Brent
Hartinger, David LaRochelle delivers a witty debut
novel about a teenager who is struggling with his
sexuality.

The plot of the book is relatively simple. Steven is
absolutely, positively NOT gay. He tries to prove this
to himself in any way possible, from collecting
lengerie advertisements to snapping a rubber band on
his wrist. Eventually he comes to terms with his
sexuality and has to figure out how to tell his family
and friends.

This book is poignant and fluffy. The reading level is
low enough that it will appeal to reluctant readers,
but the humor keeps it enjoyable for readers of all
levels. Some of the jokes are real to life, and you'll
find youself nodding while you laugh.

Still, the topic of Absolutely, Positively NOT is one
that is serious. With the recent outburt of L.G.B.T.
books that cover a wide variety of topics, I welcome
this new edition.

---- ---

Quick Picks because I can relate to him. He was in denial of his feeling, but he finally decides to "come out." I relate to that but on a different subject.
Matt M., age 17, rating 4
*would like this book.

Jesse, Age 14
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 very interesting and entertaining. Once you pick it up, it is hard to put down.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. I enjoyed how it was set up and how it was told.
Check 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
Looking for Alaska is a novel written by John Green that portrays the lives of students who attend a boarding school. They are away from home for most of the year but still attend classes. Throughout Miles Halter's experiences, we learn that life is very important. When he meets this girl named Alaska, ... [spoiler deleted ]Looking for Alaska tells the stories of student’s lives and what they do away from home. It also tells the meaning of life and why you should not blame yourself completely for so incidents.

Picoult, Jodi My Sister’s Keeper

Paul, Age 14
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 a great book that shows a view of the most controversial issues in today's society.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. The most compelliing aspect was the issues it dicussed. A teen suing her parents for rights to her own body makes an interesting topic.
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
The plot and theme were amazing and totally new. The characters were amazingly lifelike.

Tyler, Age 15
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
If yes, what would you say to convince him or her to read it? I would recommend this book because it has good lesons to be learned in it. It also is based on sports which my friends enjoy.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. I like that fact that the girl in the book keeps on playing baseball even after all the stuff she went through.
Check all age ranges of readers suited for this book: 12-13 14-15
Q (Quality) rating: 3Q Readable
P (Popularity) rating: 3P Some teen appeal

Time Tripper, Stefan Petrucha
Would not nominate.
I only read about 15 pages of this book because it took too long to get to the point. It was slow for my kind of taste. I like non-stop action.
Steven M.
15
3Q
3P