A Joint Project of
Genrefluent and the Center for Adolescent Reading

Aronzo, Aranzi The Bad Book Vertical 2007

I think this was a really different kind of a book. The characters really kept my attention. I think this is the new comic for me. I would say my favorite character is the bad guy. I like his appearance the most. Nominate? no. 4Q.4P. Rzbo Pjsumf, 17
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I found this book to be very weird. There were a couple of pages here and there that were humorous, but for the most part I just didn’t get it. I did however like how he used an actual puppet for some of the pictures and I found those parts to be more humorous. I was glad to see that he was not soft on some of his humor either. 3Q. 3P. Wjmmjbn Dbojfm 17

Aronzo, Aranzi The Cute Book

I did not find this book very interesting because I am not the person to make cute stuff animals for my clothing purposes. This would be a good book for younger ladies though not teenagers. The only thing that I would recommend for them to keep doing for their books, would be taking the pictures of the real stuff animals, it adds more cuteness to the book. Nominate? no. 2Q. 2P. Wjmmjbn Dbojfjm, 17

Britain, Kristen The High King's Tomb

Karigan grows even more in this book. Kristen really delves into the characters and brings out their thoughts and personalities. This story has made me wish the book had never ended. I can't wait for the next one. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Allyson, 16

Cowan, Shannon Tin Angel Lobster Press 2007

Tin Angel was a very interesting book about a girl named Ronnie who was accused of murder at age fourteen. However, after telling you Ronnie was accused of murder the book goes back to when she was thirteen and had barely met the man she was accused of murdering. This book was very interesting, but it was kind of hard to stay intersted in it because it was written in a rather unexciting tone. I would recommend this book to many people. Nominate? no. 4Q. 4P. Claire, 14

DeVita, James The Silenced 2007 - June

I generally like futuristic books where the world is controlled by a Supreme Dictator, but The Silenced was disappointing. It basically took the idea of Communism with the same setting, added a resistance with a name from a resistance in World War II in Germany, and added a few ideas from Fahrenheit 451. Nothing original in the plot, the supposed shocking betrayal not surprising, overall a boring book. Nominate? no. 2Q. 2P. Andrea F., 14

Dingle, Adrian The Periodic Table: Elements with Style

I always got A’s in science but never knew my periodic table of elements. This book was useful and I liked. Plus, they look like little Chinese people and that is also cool! Thank you for this book. Nominate? yes 5Q. 5P. Jptivb Gsjfstpo, 15

Draper, Sharon M. November Blues

Draper, Sharon M. November Blues I think November Blues is the best book I have read at my stay at DYC. This book is very close to real life. One of my best friends had at baby at sixteen and I’m definitely am going to recommend this book to her or any other teen. I liked the book very much and I would read it again. It’s a great read. Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Kelly 15
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Draper, Sharon M. November Blues I liked this book because it is kind of a mystery but more of a drama book. I think anyone who has lost a loved one should read this book. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 5P Everyone wants to read it. --Kelsey, 17
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I liked this book because it was vary suspenseful. I think that girls would like this book the most. Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. --Jessie, 16
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This book was perfect! I enjoyed reading every page, every word. It kept me in suspense the whole time, I never knew what to expect and I love those unpredictable types of books. This book is great for people, girls and boys, that need to be educated on using protection no matter what the situation Is. This book gives you reality about teen pregnancy in a way that young adults can relate to. I give this book two thumbs up. This book shows many different emotions that are good to know and learn, like heart warming relationship between mother and daughter and good relationships between friends and boyfriends/girlfriends. This book can teach anyone about the main qualities to life in a newer way that most will understand. I hope many learn and love this book the way I do! Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Cjfssb Dbwjt, 14
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This a good book about a girl named November who is 16 and accidently gets pregnant by her boyfriend who was killed in an accident. She has a tough decision to make when everybody finds out because Josh her boyfriend, that died, parents want to take custody of the baby when it’s born and would pay in full for her collage. She can’t decide if she wants to or not. I liked the book because I have a son and found I had the same problem when I was 12, and I found that I and November both made the same decision in the end. Nominate? yes 4Q. 4P. Sbzeff Nvoo, 14
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It was an ok book but it didn’t catch my attention that well. Nominate? no 2Q. 2P. Jpio Lfbiz, 15

Grandits, John Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems

The poems in this book are good poems. If you like poems, you will like this book. This book will change a bad mood into a good mood. Nominate? yes 4Q. 4P. Jptivb Gsjfstpo, 15
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If you like poems this is a book you should read. It’s a bunch of poems about different stuff. It’s a good book you should read. Nominate: No. 3Q. 2P. Nbubtib Tipnqtpo

Hautman, Pete and Mary Logue The Blood Water Mysteries: Skullduggery Penguin Group 2007

I loved this book. It was really exciting how the people in the book solved the mysteries. It’s funny and a little scary, but it is a book I recommend to kids and adults. Please write another book to the blood waters mysteries. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Tzmfs Sudomfz, 16

Helfer, Andrew and Randy DuBurke Malcolm X Hill and Wang 2006 - November

This is a graphic novel version of Malcolm X's biography. Very good for young teen readers who want to know more about him, but their parents won't let them read the real autobiography for reasons of language. Nominate? no. 3P. 4Q. Andrea F., 14
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I would say this book is a very good read!!!...If u like 2 read bout black history and all the struggles we had back n the early 1900’s or if u would like 2 learn more bout Malcolm’s history of his personal life and how he was assassinated at a mid age because of who he was and cause his speeches he made….. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 3P Some Teen appeal. Zack 17

Hoffman, Mary The Falconer's Knot Bloomsbury 2007

A classic murder mystery, with a cliched story line, but still a great read. That basically sums up the book, but you'd probably like to know more about it than just that bare information, so here goes. This book is set in medieval Italy-a thrilling place for a romance/murder story. There are several main characters, almost too many for my liking; Chiara, a commoner; Silvano, a wealthy son; Isabella, an unhappy wife; and many other characters that hop around in the book. (Hint: use the character guide in the back of the book) One think I really liked about this book was how all the differant plot lines fit together in the end. Anyways, after Chiara's parents die, her brother decides to send her to a convent against her will. Silvano is suddenly accused of a murder he didn't commit, and is secretly sent to a friary where he seeks safety. As it turns out, the friary and convent are right next-door. (How handy!) That's sort of a dead giveaway for what happens in that story line. But, a sudden twist occurs when another murder is commited at the Friary, and all fingers point to Silvano. Can Silvano, with the help of Chiara, Isabella, and Brother Anselmo, find the real culprit in time? I didn't feel as if I knew the murderer well enough, and the clues were so obscure. Definantly not up to Agatha Christie's expertise, but still good all the same. I'd like a copy of this! Nominate? yes. 4Q. 3P. Elle, 13

Kikuchi, Hideyuki and Saiko Takaki Vampire Hunter D Digital Manga Publishing 2007

This book is hot and futureistect and sorta like post apocalistic time with a hot half vampire who kills the baddies. T Rocks 2 no end Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. DeDe, 12

Lamba, Marie What I Meant Random House 2007

This is a nice little book. In the book there is a terrible mean aunt. I think the author did a very good job showing how mean the aunt could be. The poor daughter could do nothing but get blamed over and over again for things she didn't do. This book has a lot of very good characters. Each one has its own personality. They all have just enough parts of there own in the book, it is wonderful. 4Q. 5P. Susan, 14

Lane, Dakota The Secret Life of IT Girls

It was very interesting, kind of like being on my space and reading the drama of girls and their friends , sex, and relationships. 3Q. 3P. Cpej Csbjh, 16

Richman, Josh and Anish Sheth  What’s Your Poo Telling You?

I enjoyed this book very much. But I do believe that only particular people who have a sense of humor about their poo would actually read it. I loved how they added some humor to the book with word humor and picture humor and I enjoyed the straight forward facts about our poo. I’ve learned more about my poo then I ever thought I would. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 3P. Wjmmjbn Dbojfjm, 17

Shaw, Susan Safe Penguin: Dutton 2007

i can really relate to tracey whitch is the main character in the book Safe. i have been in her exact situation. i have been raped and i had felt that i had to push all of my friends away. at the end or at least close to the end she starts to believe in her self once again. i haven't even got to the point that she is at right now. I REALLY WANT THIS BOOK!!! Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. A., 16

Shusterman, Neal Unwind Simon & Schuster 2007

This book takes place in the future. There has been a second civil war this one was between the people who believed in abortion and the ones who didn't. To end this war the Bill of life was created. The Bill of life states that from the date of conception to the childes thirteenth birthday the child cannot be harmed. However once the child is thirteen he can be unwound. Being unwound means you are taken into surgery and taken apart piece by piece. The story has three main characters Connor, Risa, and Lev. Connor is being unwound for his bad behavior. Risa is being unwound to save the orphanage she lives at some money. Lev's unwinding has been planed since birth as part of his family's religion. When the three of them meat it they have to rely on each other to survive. This book was fantastic i could not put it down. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. --Brady, 12
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Unwind is set in the future, 50 or 60 years. It is set about 30 years after a second civil war in the U.S., called the Heartland War. The two opponents were the pro-life and the pro-choice armies. A compromise was settled upon called the Bill of Life that satisfied both armies that stated from the time of conception to the age of 13, life is sacred. However, from the age of 13 to 18 the parents of a child may choose to retroactively abort a child, on the condition that the child's life doesn't "technically" end. The process is called unwinding. Scientists have developed a method of using almost every single body part in the human body, so "technically" when a person is unwound, they don't die. They just change. "Like water changing into ice." as one minor character so eloquently put it. Unwinding is now a common, accepted practice among society. One of the creepiest books I've read in a long time. This isn't a horror book, but I'm more scared of the possibilty that society could become that. I really enjoyed how the author didn't explain everything at once, and in the process tell you all this background history that you didn't want to know. He kind of just jumps right in, but you don't feel lost. He does explain things when it's actually important for you to know them. I would love to have the book club's copy of this book. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 4P. Andrea F., 14

Storrie, Paul D. and Thomas Yeates Robin Hood Outlaw of Sherwood Forest

This book is now one of my favorite books. The reason why is because I like Robin Hood a lot and he is one of my “forest” heroes. Thank you for this book. Nominate? yes. 5Q. 5P. Jptivb Gsjfstpo, 15

Weaver, Will Defect

An excellent story about love and acceptance. This story brings forth everyones fear of not being accepted and gives an encouraging story about an ugly angel.
Would you nominate this book for an award? yes. Quality 5Q Hard to imagine a better bookPopularity 4P Broad general teen appeal.
Allyson, 16

Wells, Rosemary Red Moon at Sharpsburg Penguin: Viking 2007

I did enjoy this book, which was about a teenage girl living during the Civil War. However, one element of this book I didn't like, and that was the main character. She seemed really immature and I was actually under the false impression she was around nine or ten when she was actually thirteen or fourteen. The other characters in the book were good, and I did like the story, however I would really only recommend this book to people who really enojoy Civil War fiction because it is really hard to relate to the main character. Nominate? no. 3Q. 3P. Claire, 14

Westerfeld, Scott Extras

This is the fourth book in the Uglies series, and it was a good addition. It introduces some new characters. It is set three years after the last book. Nobody is 'pretty' anymore (they are all in their right mind), but they do have a reputation economy, where everyone is trying to become as famous as they can. Aya tries to get famous by hanging out with this group of girls who do radical things like riding on top or trains at very high speeds. But they discover what they think are bombs hidden away in a cave and things get more complicated and adventurous. it was a very nice follow up to the three first books, and I especially enjoyed all the new characters. Would you nominate this book for an award? no.Quality 4Q Better than mostPopularity. 5P Everyone wants to read it. Kara D., 14
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All those hooked on the Uglies trilogy, you will not be disappointed with Extras. To those of you out there who have not read the first three, you can still read Extras without reading the others. That's why it's to good! It certainly helps to read the other books (a lot more things connect) but it's not nessesary. When I read the galley for the first chapter, I was really disappointed that Tally wasn't there. I lovvvvvvve Tally. But the new heroine, Ava, seemed intrigueing as well though. And she is- a strong, adventures, lovable girl. (Tally fans: I can't tell you exactly what happens, but read it, and I PROMISE you'll have a pleasant surprise!) The whole world has changed since Tally's time. Everything's based on status, and how famous you are, instead of your beauty. Everyone owns hover-cams to tape what they do, people would do almost anything to be in the top 1,000. Aya is stuck in the 400,000's, she's just an extra in the community. But, when Aya meets a group of girls who pull absolutaly wild stunts but never tape them, her view of the community is altered. And, she falls upon a mystery along the way. Absolutally loved it! It's my second favorite in the four books! Excellent, excellent excellent! Nominate? yes. 5Q. 4P. Elle 13
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EXTRAS is the fourth book in the UGLIES trilogy. Read that sentence again. Good. This book stars a different main character, takes place three years later, and on a different continent, to boot. That being said, I read it anyway. Not because I wasn't hesitant, but because Scott Westerfeld is incapable of writing a bad book. Slightly-less-than-amazing, yes. But bad, no.Anyway, Extras is about Aya Fuse, who lives somewhere in Asia three years after Tally recused [San] Diego and all of humanity with the mind-rain. Aya's city runs on the reputation economy, which basically states that the more famous you are the more stuff you get from the hole in the wall. Aya is determined to get famous by "kicking" a killer story to her feed. In the course of this, she discovers first a clique of girls with dangerous tendencies, then a plot to destroy the world, then...well, I'll let you read the book.The characters are good. All the main characters are likable. Tally does have a small role in this book, which was nice, but I couldn't help but laugh when Aya says at the end of the chapters that "This is *my* story!" The plot is disjointed, but in the same way as the other books, so it works. It's fast paced and hectic the whole way through, with some great twists and turns. Totally bubbly-making.Scott Westerfeld is not able to write a bad book. So pick this up, even though you are scared. Trust me, it's not an extra book. Nomiante? yes 5Q 5P Robbie 18

Aronson, Sarah Head Case Roaring Brook

One too many drinks and Frank Marder's life is forever changed. Coming home he gets in a car crash...killing his girlfriend, his friend, and Frank...is paralyzed from the neck down. A senior in high school and his entire life is in the toilet...to him. Hes being villafied on a blog website by every one in the town for killing two inocent people, he can no longer do anything a noraml kid can do: he has to be cleaned, fed, and put to bed. Even his family secrets of unfaithfullness begin to show because of what has happened to him. But there seems to be one person who titled "Anonymous" feels that Frank should not be condemed for something he also paid for. Sarah Aronson has a great theme for her first book but althoguh very interesting the story is slow and the point made at the conclusion is not very overwhelming which it should be with a story of this magnitude. Hazel, 15
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Frank is a head. He wasn't always a head, though. He used to be a normal teenager. Until one night he was driving his girlfriend home from a party. In his drunken stupor, he hits a man and a tree. The man and Frank's girlfriend get lucky and die. Frank is paralyzed from the neck down. Thus, he is a head. The book centers around Frank struggling to come to terms with his disability. He's pretty apathetic and unlikable for most of the book, but who wouldn't be? It was really surprising how this book made me stop and think. *I* can feed myself. I never have to worry that a bite of lasagna isn't going to be balanced with the right amount of cheese and meat and pasta. I can read a newspaper without asking someone to turn the page. Frank can't. The book also talks about www.quadkingonthenet.com, which is supposedly a site someone set up to talk about the case. Most people think Frank should go to jail. Everyone except Anonymous. And who Anonymous is happens to be a great ending to this novel. However, I looked up the site online, and it didn't exist. So maybe when the book comes out there will be one? Either way, this novel is amazing and a really good book for getting people to realize how lucky they are. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Robbie J. 18
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It was an excellent book. It’s funny yet dramatic. I would recommend it to everyone. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. --William, 15
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This novel did not spark any special interest to me. This book was good for a person with a keen interest to a second man’s point of view. Nominate? no. 3Q. 3P. Hsfh Npobtu, 16

Barkley, Brad and Heather Hepler Dream Factory Penguin: Dutton 2007

Take TWILIGHT, THE NANNY DIARIES, and Disney, put them together, and what have you got? Probably something resembling DREAM FACTORY. The basic plot is that the character actors at Disney World have gone on strike for dental benefits, so Disney gets a bunch of teenagers, stuffs them in a hotel as a dorm, and has them do the work all summer. The two main characters are Ella, who is playing Cinderella because the dresses and shoes fit; and Luke, who is playing Dale. As in "Chip and". The book is about their struggles with their future and with each other. The book itself is a cool concept, but some of the Disney facts were incorrect (I checked), and I'll bet that Disney doesn't know about this book, otherwise they'd sue, because Disney does stuff like that. Either way, it's a cool backdrop for the story, and it works fairly well. There aren't any twists or mysteries or anything complicated in any way, but that's okay. The plot is a bit cliche, with nothing setting it apart and a bad pacing that goes too slowly. The characters are good, as the main two are easy to relate to, or at the very least the one of the gender of the reader. All the rest are just extras to pull the story along. The book is for someone above GOSSIP GIRL but not yet ready for TWILIGHT in complexity, which puts it at a good place for an audience. Overall, DREAM FACTORY was not a great book, but it is certainly one that will be read. Nominate? no. 3Q 4P Robbie 18

Cast, P. C. and Kristen Cast Betrayed

An excelent addition to the house of night series. This book is full of twists and turns. I would recomend reading the first book before reading this one. I can't wait for the third book. Nominate? yes 4Q. 3P. Allyson, 16
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i liked marked and i diffently liked betrayed and can't wait to read the next book i also hope that other people liked this book as much as i did. Nominate? yes 5Q 4P Kelly, 17

Cohn, Rachel and David Levithan Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's first book together, NICK & NORAH'S INFINTE PLAYLIST was amazing. And it made lots of money. So they made this book, called NAOMI AND ELY'S NO KISS LIST, which has a similar title, as a follow up, hoping IT would make lots of money. Sadly, it is not as amazing as their first pair up. So, this book is not INFINITE PLAYLIST. Then why, I ask, does a minor character spend exactly 18 pages describing a playlist he makes? For that matter, why does a minor character narrate 18 pages? All the minor characters have at least one chapter, at most 2. The two main characters have more, but that is not a good thing because the two main characters are unlikeable. One is selfish and the other uses little pictures like a HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN story. They are both depressed. The book is like one angsty teen soap opera scene after another. Only wait...the characters are in college. The plot is convoluted and contrived, a total opposite of the last book, which would be a smart move, only it doesn't work here because the reader won't care. There are also little threads of plotlines running through the whole thing, such as Robin-guy and Robin-girl and their crisis, and Bruce the First's crushing break-up with Naomi AFTER Bruce the Second kisses Ely. This book is sadly lacking in every department and I hope that Cohn and Levithan take a minute to think about where they went wrong. It shouldn't be too difficult to figure it out. no 1 3 Robbie 18

Kikuchi, Hideyuki and Saiko Takaki Vampire Hunter D Digital Manga Publishing 2007

This book is hot and futureistect and sorta like post apocalistic time with a hot half vampire who kills the baddies. T Rocks 2 no end Nominate? yes 5Q. 5P. DeDe, 12

Marsden, John While I Live Scholastic 2007

I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to get into but I had to read it for a book report that was due. After I got through the begging of it, It got really intresting. I really like how it shows that not all teenagers have the perfect life. I'm glad that it protrays how some teenagers do have to deal with what adults have to deal with wether the adults in your like admit it or not. I think it is cool how it also doesn't like some fairy tale story in which evreything is perfect and they live happily ever after. My favortie thing in the book is on page 132 paragraph two.(if you really want to know what it says read the book yourself) But I really like the modo of what is said in that part of the book. I just wanted to say thank you! Nominate? yes 4Q. 5P. Katelyn K., 14

Moore, Perry Hero Hyperion 2007

Perry Moore's debut novel, Hero, is an excellent addition to the fairly disparate super hero genre of young adult fiction. It's also probably the only GLBT book for teens that I have ever read that would probably be enjoyed by non-GLBT teenage boys. The story is about Thom Creed, whose father Hal was once the famous Major Might. 'Course, that was before Major Might lost his hand and destroyed a tower with thousands of people in it to save the world from utter destruction. In fact, that action led to jurisdiction that outlawed non-superpowered heroes from entering the League of Heroes. Naturally, Hal dislikes all superpowered heroes...almost as much as he hates faggots (his words, not mine). Thom is haunted by his mother's mysterious disappearance when he was young as well as the reputation over his father's head. Oh, and he's gay, but that's not really important. What is important is that he is a healer and empath who tries out to join the League of Heroes and gets onto a tryout team with Ruth, an eighty-something chain-smoking oracle, and other colorful characters. What ensues is funny, heartbreaking, romantic, action-packed, and amazing. Moore's writing style is reminiscent of his movie roots as a screenwriter and producer. The story is fast paced and lively, with primary action carried by dialogue and many of the characters' feelings easily readable. The result is poignant at times and straight-forward at others, with direct cuts from one time and locale to the next. This is good, because the book is already over 400 pages, which is a good sized novel for many teens to digest. The plot at first seems cliche and superficial, but by the end of the book there are several threads to the mystery which all tie together in surprising ways. There are twists to be had at every corner and little snippets from earlier in the story will come back to haunt the reader. The characters are colorful and lively, but not to the point of being charicatures. These are real people with real problems and emotions, and sometimes superpowers aren't enough. Death is a force in this novel, and its irreversible nature is an underlying theme. Overall, Hero is definitely one of the best action books of the year, and will be enjoyed by all people, whether they be straight, gay, heroes, or normal people. Nominate? yes 5Q 4P Robbie, 18
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Thom Creed decides his ex-superhero father has enough on his plate already, with most of the world hating him and his wife had left him. So Thom doesn't tell his dad that A. He's gay, B. He might possibly have superpowers, and C. That the League of Justice, the same superhero alliance that kicked his father out has officially invited Thom to try out. Hilarious, addictive, and filled with realistically awkward moments, Hero is definitely worth reading. On a scale of 1-10, 9 1/2. I would like the book club's copy of this book. Nominate? yes 4Q 4P.-- Andrea, 14
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Hero is about a Thom, who lives in a world with superheroes. Thom finds that he has some powers himself but has to keep this secret from his father. The plot of the bok is difficult to describe because the plot is very winding. It picks up something new here and lets you forget about something else. I didn't feel thought that this book left me with any questions though. I loved seeing all the superheroes and their powers in this book. Also, Thom is gay, but I really hope that doesn't keep anybody from reading this book. Nominate? yes 4Q 3P. --Kara D, 13

St. James, James Freak Show Penguin: Dutton

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's...SUPERFREAK! Ok, well, actually, it's Billy Bloom, but he really is a superfreak, at least since he moved to Florida. His new school is preppy beyond all belief, swarming with Fighting Manatees and Bible Belles and Shadow Kids. Oh my! Anyway, Billy's story is segmented into three seperate "books" in this novel. The first book tells of Billy's struggles as he acclimates himself to a red state. The second books tells of his recovery after a gay bashing and a friendship with a football star, and the third tells of his running for homecoming queen. Oh yeah, did I forget? Billy is a drag queen. And he's FABULOUS! The whole book is funny and irreverent. Billy is so enraptured with himself and his fashion that it becomes funny. Sort of an in-joke with the reader. Nobody is like this. Which is, of course, what all the other characters think, too... It was interesting that the first chunk was only set-up for the second chunk, which is later shown to just be set-up for the last third of the book, where plot actually happens. However, the plotless prancing that happens in the first half of the book is just as entertaining ad the actual story that kicks in later. Overall, a really good "gay book", and a sweet story, but definitely not for everyone. yes 4 3 Robbie J. 18