A Joint Project of
Genrefluent and the Center for Adolescent Reading

Busby, Cylin, ed First Kiss (Then Tell) Bloomsbury 2008

I found this book strange but amusing. I would recommend this book to any girl that I can think of. It was funny and sad, and the stories were all true confessions about the authors' first, best, and second kisses. So I will say that it was good. Though not enough that I would give it honorable mention. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Grace, 14

Brennan, Herbie Faerie Lord

This book was very well written although the plot seemed complex while reading the book I found it to simple toward the end. It's about a boy who must save the faerie world from a sickness that causes extremely fast aging and can't be stopped. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers but there might be better things out there to read. It is the final book in a series but you don't have to read the first three (I didn't). Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 3P Some Teen appeal. Tyler 15

Carranze, Maite War of the Witches Bloomsbury 2008

Anaid is such a high spirited girl even if she does not think of herself as one. the story keeps on running and kept me interested throughout the whole book. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Alejandra, 17

Cashore, Kristin Graceling Harcourt 2008

could not stop turning the pages and talking to myself about what would happen next. amazingly addictive, the characters keep you well occupied without a doubt. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 5P Everyone wants to read it. alejandra, 17

Cast, P. C. and Kristen Cast Chosen

A wonderful continuation of the series and a suspensful ending. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one night. I loved how I could see what was happening as I read. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Allyson, 17

Dickinson, Peter Angel Isle

This sequel was exelent. The main characters emotions were wonderfully done but other characters didn't give enough of what they thought about the main character. It also got slow in parts. It is about a girl who can sence magic and must use this to find the ropemaker so he can restore peace to her home. You do not need to read the first book to read this one. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Durbin, William The Winter War

I for one didn't know that Russia ever invaded Finland. I do now, 'The Winter War' is the story of how the Finns, outnumbered more than 10 to one, managed to hold the line against Russia's finest. Marco, the main character, is a polio ridden teenage boy who is prepared to fight for his country. This is a realistic war story told from the point of view of a teenager on the front, about cross country skiing through enemy lines, the characters who fight for their country, and the friendships that can form under fire. It's an okay book, but not as excellent as it could be, on the premise provided. Nominate? No. 3Q Readable. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Alice, 14

Ferris, Jean Twice Upon a Marigold Harcourt 2008

an amazingly funny book, highly awaited. jean ferris has left me wanting for more Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 5P Everyone wants to read it. alejandra, 16

Funke, Cornelia Inkdeath

Inkdeath was good, but it doesn't make sense unless you read the first two books {Inkspell and Inkheart}. There's not really much i can say on the book but it's about girl named Meggie and her father and they go into a fantasy novel. If you have read the other two books this book was better than Inkheart but not as good as Inkspell. The one thing i didn't really like was that my favorite character in the series just faded away in the end. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Brady, 12

Gabel, Claudia Friends Close, Enemies Closer Scholastic 2008

Great. Surprising. Good start. Good Ending. I loved this book because of the reality it shows about the popular side of highschool, and the hard part of realizing what you need to do to be happy. I recommend this novel to any girl who enjoys books about real life. Trust me, this book is better than the cover makes you think it to be. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Grace, 14

Gardner, Sally The Red Necklace Dial 2008

If you're looking for a mysterious, adventurous, slightly creepy, but fascinating read, The Red Necklace is an absolute must. The Red Necklace is set at the start of the French Revolution in, well, France. I found it a great historical novel as well as one for entertainment. I was taken through a wave of emotions while lost in the pages of The Red Necklace. I would be giggling here, then nearly in tears there, then shivering as a chill creeped throughout my body moments later. I also felt like family to all the principle characters, and really cared about their futures. One of the most compelling aspects of The Red Necklace was the last chapter. Where it ends, it seems as though there should be a sequal, for all the secrets are not yet revealed. But, Gardner ends with a line that hints towards The Red Necklace being a stand alone. I've debated with myself whether I want a sequal or not, and I've decided that the left-over mystery is simply captivating, and I wish it to remain. I enjoyed Gardner's writing style greatly, and I hope to read more of her stories. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 2P Only for special interest. Elle, 14
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 The Red Necklace manages to mix magicians, gypsies, and the french revolution into an amazing book that is thorougly entertaining. It's part historical fiction, part murder mystery, and part fantasy. The characters feel real (the villian is especially believable), the historical authenticity leaves nothing to be desired and the plot has enough twists to keep anyone satisfied. I would recommend 'The Red Necklace' to anyone who might show the slightest interest in historical fiction within a ten mile radius. It really is an amazing book. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Alice, 14

Golden, Christopher Poison Ink Delacorte 2008

I liked this novel very much. It was interesting and it was unique. The main character is a girl who has 4 best friends. All of them go to get a tattoo to symbolize their friendship, but Sammi, the main girl, backs out at the last moment. Her friends get the tats anyway, and disclude Sammi. Suddenly though they turn into your worst nightmare, beating Sammi to the point that she is hospitalized and in critical condition. After Sammi finds that the tattoos are the thing that is causing their attitudes, she tries to find a way to cure them, almost dying in the prosess. This book is a mysterious horror story that will keep me from getting a tattoo for a while! Bravo Christopher. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Grace, 14

Harris, Joanne Runemarks

This book was based of mythology and was well written from a literary standpoint but the plotline got strange in the end. I didn't like the way it came to the finish but the ending was excellent. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology and likes fantasy. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 3P Some Teen appeal. Tyler, 15
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'Runemarks' is what you might call the latest installment in the eternity long battle between order and chaos. Set a couple of hundred years after Ragnorak (the Old Norse battle between the Gods and Chaos) this is the story of Maddy Smith, a girl with a runemark on her palm, and her quest to find the Whisperer, and save the world. There's enough twists on the old legends that you can't perdict anything, which makes the book even more enjoyable. 'Runemarks' is one of those books where you get sucked in at the beginning, and can't get your mind out until the end. I was dreaming about the characters at night, I was so engrossed. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Alice, 14
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Harris, Joanne  Runemarks I read Runemarks awhile ago but it was really good. Runemarks is about a girl a forget her name, anyway she has a runemark which basically means your a witch. The girl uses her powers to get rid of the ocasional goblin infenstation. Then one day her friend one day her friend One eye talks her into going into the goblin home fortress. This book had some the best character development i have ever read. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Brady, 12

Hoffman, Mary Stravaganza City of Secrets

The fourth book in the stravaganza series is as compelling and interesting as all the others. It follows the adventures of a new stravagante named Matt and the on going battle of powers between the stravgante and the Di Chimici family. The thing i liked best about this one is that Matt seems a bit more human then the main characters of the past. He makes stupid mistakes like any one else, and you admire him for his efforts to fix them. The only thing that i didn't like as well, was that the story line was pretty easy to guess and it wasn't as suprising or complex as some. All in a all decent book however, i look forward to her next book.I wonder what the title of the next book will be? City of Ships? Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Logan, 15

Hood, Ann  How I Saved My Father's Life (And Ruined Everything Else) Scholastic 2008

I have read many books, and I can tell the difference between an incredible novel and a horrific one. Quite unfotunately, this book was more towards the latter. The main character, Maddy, is a young girl who beleives that she should become a saint because of her "powers." Maddy's parents get divorced and she despises her mother both because she won't let Maddy go to a ballet school and hour away from her new home, and because her mom let Maddy's father leave. This book was poorly written and I honestly did not want to continue reading. This authour could become well known someday, but it will not be because of this novel. Nominate? No. 2Q Needs more work. 1P Yech! Forced to read it. Grace, 14

Hyde, Catherine Ryan The Day I Killed James Random House Inc. 2008

I found myself reading this book not because I liked it, but because I was hoping that it would get better. No such luck. I'm not saying this was a bad book, but I am apparently just not into this author's way of writing. Honestly, I found the plot of a girl blaming herself for her boyfriends death overused, as well as ununique. I would only recommend this book to someone who may have gone through the same thing. But that may be just me. Grace 14

Jennings, Patrick  Barb and Dingbat's Crybaby Hotline Holiday House 2007

I honestly despised this book. I know that sounds unjust, but this book goes on and on about a boy who is constantly chasing girls and a compulsive liar who secretly likes him. This story was pointless and boring. I can't truthfully say this was a good book. Sorry Patrick. Nominate? No. 1Q How did it get published? 1P Yech! Forced to read it. Grace, 14

Kostick, Conor Saga Penguin 2008

A very in depth plotline with several twists and mysteries make this an excellent book. A teen goes with her gang to raid a "green level" mall (high class only) and gets caught. she and her friends are freed from jail by a pirate with duel rapiers and several magic spells. One problem, spells are fantasy. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Lanagan, Margo Tender Morsels Alfred A. Knopf Books 2008 - October

Margo Lanagan, well known short story author, should stick to short stories. This novel is a collection of short stories in chronological fashion set in the same world. The attempt at a novel created parts that were slow and unnecessary as well as the most boring plotline on the planet. The last few chapters were excellent but that was it. Nominate? No. 1Q How did it get published? 1P Yech! Forced to read it. Tyler, 15

Levine, Gail Carson  Ever

This book has the storyline and feel of an old Greek myth. Its part of its charm. I really like the gods that appear and the whole setting surrounding them. Kezi is cute to, but it kinda bugged me the only real thinking she did was nearer then end of the story. She has many good qualities, courage, kindness etc. but she kinda just goes along with everything like a doll. If I met a god and fell in love with him I would want to know a bit more about him and everything before letting him fly me off to where ever. I guess I am just from a different culture, but then again I would try to find away out of getting scarified way before she even considers the option of not dieing. I think though that her strength is just more hidden maybe. Not my fav Levine book but worth a look. Nominate? No. 3Q Readable. 5P Everyone wants to read it. Logan, 15

Lisle, Holly The Ruby Key

At first glance it seems as though 'The Ruby Key' is a childrens book. Well they do say to never judge a book by its cover. 'The Ruby Key' is one of those books. It is a fully drawn book with a complicated plot, and while it draws from fairy tale tradition, the book also creates an entirely new world. A world with it's own traditions, magics, and history. 'The Ruby Key' was immensely enjoyable. I can't wait for the rest of the series, (Moon & Sun is the title), I finished this one way to fast. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Alice, 14
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 The Ruby Key is about a girl who must find a child to save her family and village. With skill and knowledge on how to go on "moonroads" (basically teleportation) she moves quickly through the land in search of a child who has stayed hidden for over 100 years. This book had an excellent plot line and set up the next in the series perfectly. I loved this book and would nominate it for an award. However, if you look at word choice this book falls a bit short, said in particular is used way to often. I would recommend this book to any with imagination and those who like fantasy. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Mahy, Margaret Maddigan's Fantasia Margaret K. McElderry Books

This book was fun to read and had an interesting plot line. I didn't like the way the main character acted through some of the book. During certain times she fell way out of character in the authors attempt to make a complex storyline more complex. The story is about a girl who must help the Fantasia to find and bring back a solar panel so the city dose not run short on power. The most interesting part of the story is the two boys from the future helping her. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 3P Some Teen appeal. Tyle,r 15

Martin, Kelly I Know It's Over Random House 2008

I am harsh when I dislike a book. So.. to be honest, this novel gives me reason to say "No Comment." Nominate? No. 2Q Needs more work. 2P Only for special interest. Grace, 14

Martinez, A. Lee The Automatic Detective Tor 2008

This book is based in a giant, polluted, city where mutations, such as horns, are common. Robots with the "free will glitch" are also fairly common. Are hero is the only robot in the city designed to kill and he got the "free will glitch". One day he walks in on an assault to the dad of the family next door. The family requests he leave so he unwillingly dose. While he is leaving the little girl who has a psychic mutation gives him a picture. when he gets home the family is gone and he discovers a note on the back of the picture that says find us. This was an excellent si-fi mystery that any si-fi fan will love. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

McMann, Lisa Wake Simon & Schuster 2008 - March

I really liked this book because I can see in my head what is happening. I think middle school teens and adults would be interested in this book.Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Sadie, middle school student.

McNamee, Eoin City of Time

In this book time is running out. literally. If the main character doesn't go and find more time for the world time will run out and all will die. My main crit is the simplicity of the enemy. The plot line also needs to emphasis the major twists. Nominate? No. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Nix, Garth Superior Saturday Scholastic 2008

An excellent book with good character development and a most interesting plotline. I am reminded of C.S. Lewis when I read this as an amazing amount is shown in such a short time. Although a quick read I liked this book very well. It is about a boy who is turning into a lord. There is several worlds in this book although it takes place almost entirely in a world separate to ours. I would classify it as a si-fi fantasy. Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Pratchett, Terry Nation

When I first spotted this book I was excited and curious. The next Terry Pratchett book?! What else could be better? But then I realized something, it was a serious book. Well, as serious as u get with T.P but more so then the discworld series, which happens to be a fav of mine. So yes, you could say I had my doubts about what this book was going to be like. They got blown away, along with any of my old thoughts on the talent and capabilities of this author to write any type of book he dang well wants to. Not to harp on dicsworld of course, this is just a different type of book. It follows the trails and journey of a ship wrecked noble girl, and a native by the name of Mau. They both have lost everything in a giant wave that took out Mau's village and life before then, while also beaching or actually foresting, the Sweet Judy, the ship. As survivors of the wave slowly pull together into a mish match community, with Mau, not even a man in the old ways, leading them. This is a story about grumpy old ancestors, the impossible, beer, and what it means to be a man. Mostly though it is about the greatness that can be found inside a person if they only look. I loved this book because it is so different then what T.P usually writes, it made me think about all the what ifs and could bes. It is great, in the most heroic, strong and lasting sense of the word. Not reading it isn't an option.Would you nominate this book for an award: yes How much do you read?: I read all the time Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal email address: soccerplayagirl@gmail.comToday's date: 7/03/08I would also like to say: That the characters seem to be more people you have yet to meet then words on a page.I picked this book because (check as many as you like): Other I enjoy the author;s past workI got the book from: The Bistro  Nominate? Yes. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Logan, 15

Kiyuduki, Satoko Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro

This is a cute graphic novel about a girl named Kuro with a mysterious past and her travels as she walks her way through a long journey. It tells of how she grows a bit as a person and the people she touches on her travels. This is a short quick read that’s lots of fun, in a kind of gothic yet not quite way. A good comic for younger readers, 6th grade up. I would recommend it on a rainy day because it just fits the mood better and what else is there to do on rainy days if you don't feel like singing in the rain? Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 3P Some Teen appeal. Logan, 15

Vaupel, Robin Rules of the Universe by Austin W. Hale

I didn't like this book as the plot was based mainly around the main characters stupidity and selfishness when he is described to be Mr. Smart. It is about a boy who finds a star that can grant his wishes. 2Q Needs more work. 3P Some Teen appeal. Tyler, 15

Vivian, Siobhan A Little Friendly Advice Scholastic 2008

I read around 10 novels a week. Many are uncreative, boring, and poorly written. Though,when I read "A Little Friendly Advice" I found myself looking forward to each chapter. This story tells of a girl that needs to not ony find more about her family and friends, but herself as well. The author perfectly shows the veiwpoints of a troubled teen, and does so with humor, drama, and an excellent talent for writing. Nominate? No. 3Q Readable. 3P Some Teen appeal. Grace, 14

Werlin, Nancy Impossible

Impossible was a good book. It is about a 18 year old girl named Lucy. Lucy is a normal kid with foster parents except for the fact that her biological mother is a crazy homeless person that sings all day long. On her prom night she is raped and becomes pregnant. She then learns that all the girls in her have been cursed to get pregnant at 18 then go crazy after they give birth. Unless she can complete the three impossible tasks that are mentioned in her mother's song. There was one problem with the book, it never had a twist. Everything was exactly how it seemed. That may not a problem to some readers but it was to me. Nominate? Yes. 4Q Better than most. 4P Broad general teen appeal. Brady 12