Page 2 2005 Teen Comments on Books Eligible for Awards
Ehrenhaft, Daniel. 10 Things to Do Before I Die
This book was meandering, boring, lacked a climax, and was all around yucky. Just when the story appeared to be picking up a bit, the author would launch into a 3 page spiel about the doughnut shaped universe theory and other topic like that which bore no relevancy to the story. The plot had the potential to be good, but was written pretty rottenly. This was definitely not a Teen Top Ten. The characters were shabby and not very well developed. I found myself forgetting what the story line was at times. Yuck. --Rachel, 14 years old
-- --
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: 10 Things to do Before I Die
Author: Daniel Ehrenhart
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no undecided
Because: This book was fast and furious. I loved that the plot moved quickly and never left me bored. I did find, however, that the author went too deeply into descriptions of people and would describe a minor character or their actions in several paragraphs. The book did offer a good message and was interesting to read.
Quality Rating:3 - OK
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
------
The book, 10 Things to do Before I Die was very entertaining. I could not put it down. In it, a young adolescent finally lives for the first time when he thinks he only has 24 hours left to do so. Unfortunately, this book could have been better if it hadn't wandered so much into the swirling vortex in the character's head, and the doughnut shaped universe philosophy. Still a good book. Quick pick, but not a best. Robbie, 15
Yee, Lisa. Millicent Min Girl Genius
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: Millicent Min Girl Genius
Author: Lisa Yee
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: At first glance, Millicent Min Girl Genius appears to be a charming and easy read for middle school aged readers, what it provides is a book that appeals to no audience. In Millicent Min, the plot fits right along with a middle school aged person, school, first boyfriends, and sports. It is written, however, using words that only a well-studied SAT linguist could understand. As such, a typical middle schooler would miss important meanings due to their wordy encryption. This book is a complete waste of time and should just have been kept by the author as a warm-up novel.
Quality Rating:1 - Yecch! Force read only.
Popularity Rating:1 - Nobody in their right mind will ever read it
Dessen, Sarah. The Truth About Forever
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 Truth About Forever is a teen romance novel. Be warned right now that they do drugs and sex is dicussed. If this bothers you, don't read it, however, if you can stand some sex, drugs, and rock and roll, give The Truth About Forever a try. the story focuses on Macy - a high school girl whose life has been ruled by routine and lists since the death of her father. The Truth About Forever is about comming to terms with death and guilt, and learning to trust and let go a little to let people in.
Describe the most compelling aspect of the book. Macy's mother. She grows almost as much as Macy in this book, and begins to heal from her husband's death.
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: 3P Some teen appeal
--- ---- ----- ----- ---
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults: no
Because: The plot itself was believable, but offered no incentive to continue reading. Within the first one hundred pages of the book, the entire plot, including the ending, could be guessed with ease. The other main problem was that this book encourages teen drinking. In the story the main character begins as uptight and in unhappy relationships with everyone. It is only after she begins to drink and party every night that all these relationships work themselves out, and she begins to grow as a person.Quality Rating:1 - Yecch! Force read only
Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
Collins, Pat Lowery. The Fattening Hut
In The Fattening Hut, Pat Lowery Collins explores foreign coming of age customs. In this book she provides an account of Helen who has been deemed ready to marry, but it still very much a child. She tells of the practices of fattening and of female circumcision through a convincing and interesting plot, and uses surprisingly believable and lovable characters. At the end of the story I found myself wanting to know what happens to Helen in her new life. The only drawbacks were that the pages were set in poem like fashion, which I found distracting, and that the customs were not fully explained, and I found myself researching them outside the book to understand the book. Quality Rating 4, Popularity Rating 3. Ellington, 15
Frost, Helen. Spinning Through the Universe
This was a book written in poetic form. I didn't find that this book was that great. The poems were telling a story of a classroom and some didn't flow together. I don't think this should be a best book. --Karlie,14
Winkler, David. The Return of Calico Bright
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: The Return of Calico Bright
Author: David Winkler
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:undecided
Because: The Return of Calico Bright has been one of the most intriguing books I have read. At the beginning of the story you are introduced to a girl named Calico. Calico is a high school Junior who struggles with the issues of her weight and popularity. Because of this I immediately thought this would be another one of those;girl loses weight and suddenly everything is perfect and everyone likes her; sort of books. I was highly impressed however on how the story strayed from this. All sorts of unexpected elements were added, and the plot grew more and more complex. The story, however, moves quite slowly and is at times uninteresting, but overall, this is a good read.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it. 3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
Falcone, L.M. The Mysterious Mummer
my name is Andrew I'm 13 and in 8th grade. I would like to report on the book "The Mysterious Mummer" writen by L.M. Falcone.I didn't like it untill I was getting t0wards the end. Then it got really exciting, and I would like to nominate this book. I would recommend this book to other readers.
Manning, Sarra, Guitar Girl
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: Guitar Girl
Author: Sarra Manning
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: I thought this book had a really great idea. It was about the rise and fall of a teen rock band. I found the story intriguing and well paced. I didn’t however like the ending, or in this case, lack thereof. This book starts with a lawsuit, which prompts the telling of the story. In the “end” of the book, this lawsuit is still left unsettled and you have no idea what happened or will happen to any of the characters. This was to bad, because it had enormous potential to be a best book.
Quality Rating:3 - OK
Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
-------
This book was great until I reached the ending. However, I would say that this book should be on the best books list. A girl and her friends make a band together. This book tells the story of their journeys through music.- -Karlie,14
Vizzini, Ned. Be More Chill
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: Be More Chill
Author: Ned Vizzini
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: I really hated this book. While the fact that they had computers in their brains instructing them on how to be cool was intriguing, this book was less interesting than a teen romance novel. It seemed to me that it was nothing more than a teenage boy's recordings of lust, embarrassing moments, and lovesick thoughts about a girl he could only have if he were "cooler." This book was a complete waste of time and gave me back nothing for the hour or two I invested to read it.
Quality Rating:1 - Yecch! Force read only.
Popularity Rating:1 - Nobody in their right mind will ever read it
I loved this book! It is extremely well written and provides a unique perspective on everyday teen life. I found thee flash-forwards to the future a great addition to the story; you did not have to wonder, and it fit all the pieces together for a very smootyh, well thought out plot. This technique gives you an incredible insight into characterŐs lives and makes them appear all the more real; a wonderful read and a Teen Top 10. --Rachel, 14 years old.
===
First name or initials: Ellington
Age: 15
Book Title: Leap Day
Author: Wendy Mass
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: Leap Day is now one of my favorite books. From the beginning, Wendy Mass offered an intriguing yet light-hearted plot and believable, lovable characters. Leap Day is a coming-of-age story, but it finally offers the teenage initiations and rituals that the teens of today can relate to. The best perk of the book was that after every chapter, all parties involved in the chapter would give their point of view about the events, and the future outcome would be told. This book truly is a great entertaining read and offers considerably enjoyable substance.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: *I would love to own a copy of this book!
Kurtz, Jane The Feverbird's Claw
The Feverbird's Claw is an ok book. I couldn't relate with the main character. In the beginning she is very uppity and she changes too late. Things are suggested, then later mentioned as fact. Other than that, a good book. Kirsten, 15?