Teen Comments on Books Eligible for 2007 & 2008 Awards
Kingsley, Kaza Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye Firelight Press 2007
This book has many great qualities. Though fun and interesting, I think the big one is it’s uniqueness. Honesty, how many books out there detail the adventures of a kid with a glass eye and company? Erec's world is similar and strange at the same time. Many books take place in a different reality or world, but they seem to look a lot like each other. Not this world however. Creative and intriguing it leads reader down many funny and entertaining trains of thought. From underwear to chess-playing dragons, I can see younger readers of Harry Potter and Charlie Bone or Inkheart enjoying this tale of magic, monsters, and mazes. Nominate? yes. 3Q. 4P. Logan, 14
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This was a very creative book about a kid (Eric Rex)who's mother is being held hostage by a certain king Pluto in a magical country. The interisting thing about this book is that Kaza didn't try to make this book completely explainable. most authors try to relate their fiction to the real world-not that thats a bad thing-so much that it becomes less fiction like. I really liked how this book was completely "out there". I once heard a saying that the difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to make sence. Kaza completely dissaproves this statement. Basically, I just really liked it. Nominate? Yes. 4Q. 5P. Lewis, 13
Lawrence, Caroline The Sirens of Surrentum Roaring Brook Press 2006
'The Sirens of Surrentum' was okay, definantally not in my top 10 or even 50 books. The plot was alright, but fairly predictable if you read a lot of mysteries. The characters were 11 years old, but the subject matter was definantally for older audiences. It didn't seem to work that well, and all the characters seemed to be concerned with was love and romance, even the 11 year olds. I guess it may have been because it was set in the early Roman days, but still, it didn't appeal to me. If you like predictable mysteries, or young characters, or advanced subject matter, be my guest and read it, but if not, don't waste your time. Nominate? no. 2Q. 3P. Elle, 13
Mitchell, Todd The Traitor King Scholastic 2007
Have you ever wished that there was a fantastical secret surrounding your family? I know I have often. Well, that's what Darren and Jackie Mananann find while on summer vacation at their uncle Will's house. Every summer, Jackie, Darren, and their cousin, Kini, go on a treasure hunt organized by there uncle Will. But, when they arrive this year, Uncle Will is no where to be found. Does Uncle Will mean for the hunt to go on? And this time, is the treasure Will himself? And if so, why is this strange ghostly man following them everywhere they go? Soon, Darren and Jackie fall upon a mysterious yet miraculous secret their family has been trying to keep for centuries. And now, brother and sister must cross the boundary between two very differant worlds, and try to make a decision that will somehow make both worlds content. This was a very interesting book with characters that seemed fairly realistic and a plot line that kept you wondering 'what's going to happen next?'. It didn't wow me completely, but it was a good story all the same. Nominate?yes. 3Q. 4P. Elle, 13
This is an extension of the Silverwing-Firewing series, and I think it measured up in full. Set after the time of the dinosaurs (saurians) Darkwing is about the evolution of the bat species that we know today. Dusk is a seemingly mutant born bat, and has to struggle to be recognized among his colony. Also, the book is about a ferrit looking animal called Carnassial. He is a revolutionists in that he REALLY wants to eat meat so he ends up chasing the bat Dusk. Wants a copy of this book. Nominate?yes. 4Q. 5P. Lewis, 13
Rayban, Chloe My Life Starring Mum Bloomsbury 2006
I thought that though this book was interesting to read that it was too much like all the other stories, starting with the "my mom is a celebrity, you'll never beleive it," but i really enjoyed reading the story when i got into it. The fairly quick read was unique in the details even though the main idea overall was like many other books. Nominate? no. 2Q. 2P. Ellen, 12
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Scholastic 2007 - July
The long awaited conclusion to the Harry Potter series is fantastic. What more can I say about it? Voldemort takes over the wizarding world, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione looks for the remaining Horcruxes, and Ginny and others of the DA rebel against Snape and Death Eater control of Hogwarts. Harry eventually finds out about the Deathly Hallows, a legend among wizards, and what importance they may have to his fight against Voldemort. This seventh book brings up the question of who really is the master of death? And then goes on to answer it very well. I don't think that J.K. Rowling could have done any better with this conclusion, and can only hope that her writing career does not end with the Harry Potter saga. Thank you for a wonderful seven books. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 4P. Kirsten, 17
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This was the best Harry Potter book in the entire series, except for the third book. In this latest book, many questions and plot lines are answered and finished. I really liked how at the end it showed what happened in the continued life of Harry and his friends. Also, many of the characters in this book seem to grow up and make the storie much more interisting. Also, you start to see the other "dark" side of [spoilers deleted] So, in conclusion I thought that this book is suited for all age groups (except really little kids), and that it has more mystery and action than mostbooks that people read for just that reason. This was a great book. (Generic and obviosly opinionated statement) Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Lewis, 13
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It's Potty Wee Potter! This was probably the best book in the series, and it certainly went out with a bang. Harry and friends must find the Locket of Salazar Slytherin, the cup of Helga Hufflepuff, and the Lost Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw in order to defeat Voldemort. Along the way they discover the Deathly Hallows, secrets about Dumbledore's past and a lot about friendship, love, and courage. Go Snape! Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Robbie, 18
Selznick, Brian The Invention of Hugo Cabret Scholastic 2007
Brian Selznic is an amazing author. Not only does his story move along at a quick pace, but it doesn't move to fast that we miss plot. His full size pictures that dominate a good portion of the book are seamlessly sewn together in a manner that makes it more sophisticated than most books with pictures. With the amazing plot and the amazing pictures, this book could win the Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Medal all in one year. Since this book came out very recently, I cannot be sure of the popularity right now. But when it finally comes out of the gate, it will smash right through. I have read a lot of books, but this one, by far, is one of the very best. Everyone should read this book. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Josh, 13
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Although this book might have been good if I was about 7-9, but I really didn't like how there wasn't much of a plot line and the characters made some less than smart dicisions. Also, I didn't like how it was supposed to be his invention, but his dad found it and then the kid said it was his invention. In contrast, the pictures were very neat and they had a great effect on the story line of the book. Also, the black outlines were very classy. However, I think that the book was generaly not very good. 3Q. 3 Lewis 13
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It is a compelling book with a perfectly foreshadowed plot. The book is full of beautiful black and white pencil drawings. The main character Hugo is the runner of the clocks in a train station. He has one really big secret. He keeps a automaton in his workroom that was being repaired but never finished by his father(now passed away). The book is good for a suprisingly quick read! The amount of pictures helps move the story on quite nicely! Nominate? no. 3Q. 4P. Susan, 13
Shan, Darren The Demonata: Bec Little, Brown 2007
I really liked this book alot because it was just glutted with killing and action which I love! I would recommend this book for readers that are not grossed out at demons and blood. I was really disappointed at the end when Bec had went so far and did so much to close the hole and she [spoilers deleted] . Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Michael P., 15
Zuckerman, Linda A Taste for Rabbit Arthur A. Levine Books 2007 - October
Another talking animal book, but it was surprisingly good. It focuses on 2 main characters, Harry the fox, and Quentin the rabbit. The book is continually switching points of view, but not in a confusing way. Throughout the book, we're constantly viewing the decay of 2 different governments, and the heroes are deciding to join the rebels. This book is definitely on my top ten first novels list. I would like a copyof this book. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Andrea F., 14
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In this interisting, rather metaphoracal book, Harry the fox is sent out to find out whether rabbits are coherient. Along the way, he learns about a whole mysterious plot where his Brother Isaac comes out the winner. So, he and his rabbit friend, Quentin have to save the day. I usually like talking animal books (as long as they have a good plot line), and this one was no exception. As a matter of fact, I really liked how the characters develop along the story and how it kind of symbolizes our own problems. I would like this book when the season is over. Nominate? yes. 3Q. 4P. Lewis, 13
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I thought this book was very well written. This book, I would say, is a cross between action and mystery and it built up to the climax very well, though the climax seemed a tad short. There were many loose ends at the end of the book that were nicely wrapped up. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Kara D., 13
Grant, K.M. Blaze of Silver Walker & Company 2007
Blaze of Silver completes the de Granville Trilogy. It does the job quite well, tying up loose ends and making the reader happy with the ending. The main premise of the story is that Will is now taking part of the ransom for King Richard to Germany, but falls into trouble along the way because of the horrible plans of the Old Man of the Mountain, who will do everthing in his power to get revenge on Kamil. It does do a good job of completing the series, and readers of the first two books will hopefully enjoy it. I didn't so much, but that is due mainly to the fact that I don't agree with K.M. Grant's writing style, and that's completely my problem. Nominate? no. 3Q. 3P. Kirsten, 17
Moriarty, Jaclyn The Spellbook of Listen Taylor Arthur A. Levine Books Sept. 2007
The Zing family is special. In lieu of weekly dinners, they opt for weekly meetings out in the back garden shed to discuss the Zing Family Secret. Quirky, no? Three generations of characters span the story that starts when Listen Taylor finds a spell book and goes down a path to make vacuum cleaners break and people catch cold. The skill Moriarty employs to tease strands of story into shape is staggering. Having more than ten characters all come across as complete and multifaceted is no easy task. A difficult book to classify as hints of magic, big brother sci-fi, and suburbia all flavor this cocktail. I can't remember the last time I read a story that was this much fun or this captivating. A really fantastic read. Yes, this is a girl book. I can't see the relationship struggles selling big with the teenage boy crowd. Would recommend for high school libraries for mature content. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Kara L., 18