Page 7 Teen Comments on Books Eligible for Awards

Top 10, I like war books and this one was pretty good. I have not read one like this before and it had some good vocabulary in it. James S., age 17, rating 4 *Would like a copy of this book.

Woods, Brenda Emako Blue

" I liked this book because it made me think about my life on the 'outs' with my friends and me." --Brandon L., Age 13, Rating 3 Yes, I would like this book. __ __

Printz Award because this book was really good. It shows how life can be tough growing up in bad parts, but they still have dreams. --Ashley J., age 16. Rating 5 *Would like this book. __ __ Printz Award, because this book was off the hook. It was one of the best books I've read since I've been in here. I could relate to what has happened cause I've lost a lot of friends and family like that. I feel a lot of the juveniles that come in here could. I really think this book deserves a Printz Award and I also think that the library here in Detention should get more books by this author. Juveniles that don't even like reading thought that this book was real good. -- Nicole, age 17, rating 5 *Would like this book. __ __ Top Ten, I think this is a great book for teens especially. I love the story and I like how the story is told from all characters point of view. -- Aaron D., age 14, rating 4 *Would like a copy of this book.

de Lint, Charles. The Blue Girl

An extremely well put together story complete with ghosts, teenage drama, and emotional strife, this book could not have been done any other way. No author could piece the numerous plots contained in the small packaging of the covers better than DeLint. His illustartion of a teen in a new school and her problems with making friends and keeping out of trouble while entwining a mystical element complete with the local ghost and the girl's imaginary friend. The darkness comes for this girl and her childhood must come back to save her from the evil that wishes to take her. I enjoyed readin this book, rather short it was thorough and complete in all th different plots. -- Hillary, 17 __ __

Wow! This is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. I love the way de Lint merges reality and fantasy so seamlessly to create this world just beyond ours. The story is fast paced and the solution so unexpected, I couldn't put it down. I also liked that the romance was off to the side, not front and center, leaving my attention on the story. One of the Best. Best Book: Yes -- Cordi, age . Wants book.

-- --

The Blue Girl showed an amazing amount of depth and feeling to it. It is Dark, urban fantasy, but it is also about growing up and friendship. The bond between the characters is excellent, and the reader can get a feel for who these people are. I liked this book because it blurred the edges of what is fantasy and what is realistic fiction. It had elements of both, though as the book progresses, it was definetly the former. This book is a good read, and should be on everyone's must-read list. --Robbie, 15

Petersen, P. J. and Ivy Ruckman - rob&sara.com

Top 10 because I was able to relate to this book easily. Even thought I expected Sara and Rob to fall in love at the end, sometimbes it's better just to be best friends. I also think that it was really nice and smart for Rob and Sara to share their e-mails with us. They should keep it up and keep on writing books about emails and internet related topics. More and more teens of all ages are using the internet and it would be really exciting to know more about people that have had almost the same experiences. Cinthia, R, age 16, rating 4 *Would like this book

__ __

Top 10 because it was a book that made me feel good inside and it was interesting. I didn't want to put this book down for more than a second. --Shelbi F., age 13, rating5 *Would like this book. ---- Teen top 10. I think this book is probably the 1st or 2nd best book I've ever read. It kept me wanting to read more and it was interesting. Ian S. age 15 rating 5 *would like this book. __ __

Top 10. It was one of the best books I have read. I liked how they set up the book and how they always keep you guessing about what will happen next. --Kasey, age 16. rating 5 *would like this book

Krulik, Nancy E. Love and Sk8

This book took a total 360 degree turn. This story was mainly based on a relationship between two totally different kinds of people- a skater and a "rich snob." Towards the end of the book the story took a 180 degree twist and then later on it took another 180 twist. There was a total spin around on the story. I absolutely loved this book. It really deserves a place on the best books list.-- Karlie, 14

Napoli, Donna Jo. Bound

"Bound" by Donna Jo Napoli had both good and bad points. The story was a fresh retelling of the classic Cinderella, but the writing style was balnd and lackluster. The characters, while interesting, weren't developed enough, as I felt no compassion of Xing Xing (the main character) and no hatred towards the stepmother, whose real name is never mentioned. While Xing Xing apparently wears a stunningly beautiful gown and cloak to the festival, there is little to no description of it, a waste of a good page long explanation of grandeur. Also, while I realize that not every retelling must adhere strictly to the original, there was a long tangent that served almost no purpose overall to the story that lasted about five chapters. Add in the fact that the prince is only met in the last chapter of the book and that there really is no explanation (he comes, she sees him, thinks him not special, and decides to marry him), and "Bound" comes up short of anything spectaclar. A good read, but not great. ~Robert, 15 --- -

I have a great love for fairy tale retellings, especially Cinderella stories. This short book by Napoli, who wrote another of my favorite retellings, Zel, returns to the roots of Cinderella, an ancient Chinese story. The novel is short, and richly embeded with Chinese tradition and myth. My only dislike for the book flows from its quick arrival of the prince and fast marriage, however that has always been my least favorite part of the Cinderella tales. Best Book: Maybe --Cordi __ __

I just finished reading "Bound" by Donna Jo Napoli. It is an okay book. I didn't really like it though because there are to many Cinderella stories out there. The only thing that was really different was the ending and the Chinese beliefs of ancestors and spirits. I don't think it would be one of the best books of the year and it didn't make my top ten list either. --Tabytha, age 17

Bass, L. G. Sign of the Qin

"A classic fantasy that I think should get an award. I love Kung Fu and Sword and Sorcery fantasies, like 'Lord of the Rings'." --Ricky J. Age 15. rating 5 *Yes, I would like the book. __ __

The Sign of Qin is a good book. I liked it because it’s a story with mythology, magic, and battle. The story begins when the reincarnation of the Starlord Hung Wu is born with the sign of the Qin on his cheek. The sign of the Qin was put on the emperor’s enemies. All in all I think it was a good book. -- Ben, 12?

Mackler, Carolyn Vegan Virgin Valentine

Top 10 because its a great book. The characters were teenage girls.
One was wild and the other was a straight A student. There was so much
humor in the way they acted and why they acted the way they did.
-- Maurice M., age 15, rating 5
*would like this book
_______ ______

Top 10, because the book was brutally honest about a teenagers life. The writing style of the author is very easy to understand. One thing could have been different and that is the ending didn't have enough detail for me. -- Eric S., age 14, rating 5
*Would like this book.
___ ___ ___

The other book, Vegan, Virgin and Valentine was a fun book. The author caught the humor of the girls very well. I also could identify with how the girls would be jealous of each other. At first I was angry with the parents because they were TOOOO lenient with their grand daughter. Some of the guys at DYC have also read this book, but they won't write on it, because of the name and the pink cover! I loved the book, laughed out loud and would like to read more from this author. Again I will vote for this book for the Teen Top Ten and it should receive other awards as well. Fun Book! --Sharon, age 17

___ ___ ___

Top 10 because this book it is intersting, with lots of good descriptions of the characters. It was sad at times and very live and authentic at others. I think the author worked hard to wrtie this book and made it hilarious, fun and very enjoyable. Greg M., age 13, rating 5 *Would like this book ___ __ I really like this book. However, I don't think that it should be directed towards the younger reading ages. There was a lot of cussing and some other profanity. Other than this though, I highly enjoyed it. It was mainly pinpointed on the havoc the main charater's niece caused. These two girls, V and Mara, are the same age but Mara is V's aunt. V moves in with Mara and her family and she totally alters the way Mara lives her life. By the end of the story, many drastic changes have taken place. I think that this book belongs on the best book list.--Karlie, 14

The characteristics are nice it has a lot of detail it deserves an award. --Ben G., 15

Marchetta, Melina. Saving Francesca

BBYA: Yes I loved this book so much! The main character, Francesca, is going through some family and social crises that she has to learn to get over. I don't want to give too much of the book away so all that I am going to say is the book was amazing. --Megan, 17

de la Cruz, Melissa. The Au Pairs BBYA: yes This book was a typical relax and don't think novel and that's why I loved it. I could read it when i didn't want to think. The book is about three girls who are quickly taken from their different lives and thrown into the crazy spiral of the Hamptons. They are to take care of a rich families children for the last month and a half of the summer. Each one of them grows in different and they each change for the better. --Megan, 17

Giles, Gail. Playing in Traffic This was probably one of the saddest books I have ever read. It wasn't very much the plot or the story line that made it sad, it was the ending. When I first started to read this I was completely confused, but after a while I started getting it. The book is basically about a boy who makes himself invisible to the world until one girl, Skye, starts noticing him and telling him to meet her places. After awhile, they start getting into a "relationship." But after awhile things start going down hill. I would greatly consider this a best book. The characters grew throughout the story and made for an enjoyable read.-- Karlie, 14

Griffin, Peni. 11000 Year Lost Quick Picks, This book help the time go faster, you don't want to put it down because it's suspenseful. Every chapter something new happened. You kept guessing what would happen, then there was a new situation to figure out. --Tyler, age 16, rating 5 *Would like this book.

I think this is a very good book it has a fantasy/fiction sort of thing. It has very good characterization, nice plot. I would nominate it for a best book.--Ben , 15 yrs old

Written in a combination of letters from the mental facility where one child is held, in emails from a teen to the psychiatrist treating his friend, in letters from a teen girl also being treated, and in her story that began as a requisite assignment and became evidence in a renowned author's dissapearance. Jumping from one person's means of writing and that person's pint of view, the story within the story, and the inner workings of the patients, this tale was well put together. Amazingly enough, each aspect, in the end fits perfectly yet it still leaves the reader with room to speculate and think upon. -- Hillary, 17
___ _______ ______

I really enjoyed this book. One of the best parts was the uncertainty of who was telling the truth, an issue never fully resolved. The book is told from four viewpoints which all have a side of the story to tell. Johnson is very good about keeping the characters true and their viewpoints separate. A good and different fantasy. Best Book: Yes. --Cordi, age . Wants book.

This delicious, subtly creepy fantasy/mystery is satisfying in every way. It is the story of Niki and Emmet Marcona and what happened on Halloween. You see, Niki and Emmet have the ability to transform, Niki into a cat and Emmet into a hawk. Or do they? Famous author Nicholas Slanger is missing, possibly dead, and the last people to see him were Niki, Emmet, and their friend, Doug. Slanger has been missing since Halloween, when he met the 3 teenagers in the woods behind his house. Now Emmet is in a mental institution, Niki is being kept at home, and Doug is no longer sure what took place that evening. He was scared and he hit his head. Could that explain the strange things he thinks he saw? And what exactly happened to Niki and Emmet’s father, who “left” 2 years ago, and hasn’t been heard from since? These are only some of the mysteries woven into an intricate, engrossing plot. Told from several different viewpoints, the story presents its characters, good bad, or somewhere in between, but always fascinating. This is a dark jewel of a book that will keep you thinking about it long after the final pages have been turned. – Emily, 15

First name or initials: Trystan Age: 18 Book Title: A Fast and Brutual Wing Author: Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes Because: I'm not sure what to say about this book; I'm still a little blown away by it, but I'll try to compose myself long enough to write this review. The story is interesting, inventive, intense, and mind-boggling. I'm still not entirely sure what happened in the story, and while that usually annoys me, this story is different. There are so many possibilities for what "the truth" truly is, and I've been having fun this morning debating the different ideas. I thought the characters were well-developed and described to a degree of detail which brings every unique movement and idiosyncrasy of each character vividly alive in the reader's imagination. The approach to the story is also unique. The story within the story written by one of the main characters could have been the whole novel in and of itself, but the addition of journal entries, emails, and newspaper articles makes the story more difficult to truly figure out. My only hesitation on this novel would be recommending it for a younger audience; it's definitely a book for the upper end of the young adult spectrum. Other than that, this book was wonderful, a delightful fantasy to escape reality and make the reader question truth and humanity. Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.

Printz Award: The descriptions in this book are marvelous. They really go into detail. I really felt the description made me close to the characters. Joe C., age 16, rating 4
___ __

It should be a Printz book, I liked the exciting setting, descriptions and characters. This was by far the best book I've ever read. --Ryan B., age 16. rating 5 *Would like this book.

Quick picks, it was an ok book. --Anthony W., age 15, rating 3 ___ _ No because it was not that interesting. It got boring. --Randy P., age 13, Rating 2
__ __

Quick Picks, My English is not good but I liked this book very much. It is a very funny story. Juan, age 16, rating 4 *would like a copy of this book. _____ __

Top 10 because it's moer of a book for teenagers to read. Although it's one of the best books I read, I'm sure there are more books out there that would spark more of an interst to me. I was a little hard to follow the characters. Martin A., age 16, rating 4 *Would like a copy of this book.
__ __

Top 10 because it was good dialogue and was written pretty good. Manuel G., age 15, rating 4 *Would like this book.
__ __

A Coyote's in the House, Leonard Top 10, it is a good book for younger people. Joe B., age 15, rating 4 *would like this book
__

Teen Top 10, this is a good book to pass the time while you are in jail. Tyler 5 __ __ _ Not nominated because it was not interesting and too plain. There was not much action in this book at all. Shelbi, age 13, rating 1

A Coyote's in the House, Leonard Top 10 Because this is a good and interesting to read. Things pop up in the story and that's what makes it so interesting. Tyler C. 16 4 *Would like a copy of this book.

My name is Brandon. I am 13 years old and in 7th grade. I just finished The Last Chance Texaco and I loved the book. Because I live in a group home it was cool to read about another group home. And I loved the mystery about the book and the part of cathing cars on fire. The cussing was funny too because they cuss about stupid things. Thanks Brandon

McDonald, Joyce. Devil on My Heels This book was , in my opinio, extremely well written. The overall plot of the story was enticing and the characters were realistic. I believe that this book should be considered a best. The story takes place in the late 1950's and deals with the KKK and orchard pickers. The story is touching and really deserves to be noticed. -- Karlie, 14

" I did not like this book because it was not my kind of book." -- Brandon L., Age 13. Rating 2 __ __ Not nominated because kids won't like it that much. It was hard to relate to and not even close to our life. --Kasey F. age 16, rating 1
____ __

Not nominated because it was horrible, no action. Couldn’t finish. -- Zach, age 15, rating 2

Top 10 because it was a great thriller and made me want to read it all the time. --Kasey F. age 16, rating 5, *Would like this book.
__ __

Quick Picks. It wasn’t interesting enough, there was too much boring detail about things that didn’t matter and not enough action where there should be. Too political. --Torin, age 17, rating 3,*Would like this book.

The third installment of Spy High was not only difficult to 'get into', but also a book that I didn't enjoy reading nearly as much as the first two. Less character development, coupled with NO data files two seperate parties in the storyline made for a book without the defining characteristics of A.J. Butcher. I daresay that the next Spy High will be better. Robbie, 15

Another sad story from the lives of the Baudelaire children. Unfortunetaly, this book doesn't live up to what I waited a year and a half for. Not only is the ususally frightening villan made ridiculously stupid with the addition of an idiotic laugh, the dialougue is less interesting, and I find that the Baudelaires not only have less chance to use their special talents but also are not as quick-witted as before, and tend to dull as the book goes on. Another misfortune is the loss of a great deal of interesting speech on that part of Sunny, which is replaced by words that that actually show the meaning of what she is trying to say. Another bleak point is thjat the ending isn't one. Rather, the ending ends with the children in the hands of a capable and friendly person. I am dissapointed.--Robbie, 15

After Butcher butchered the third Spy High Mission (The Serpent Scenario), he has made a brilliant comeback. The return of Data Files and seemingly unrelated scenes are welcome. The return of an old villain, as well as an old team member, kmakes this book one of returns, but also of goodbyes.

This book had the wonderfull character development of the others, and added some more foreshadowing. The characters are even more lively and brilliant than before, and I look forward to meeting them all again. The return of a certain deceased team member for her chance to say good bye is welcomed, but also is bittersweet. Gladly, we get a new spunky-type character, Bex. We learn the secret behind Devareux, too. All in all, this is a must read for any Spy High Fans out there.

My name is Zane. I am in 7th grade and I am telling about one of the books you brought us, Pagan in Exile, by Catherine Jinks. I did enjoy the book for the most part, but there was not that much interesting fights or battles. Although the auther did do a good job with showing Pagan's emotions. My favorite thing about the book is that Pagan and Roland stood strong when their faith was tested. Thanks for bringing us books.