Teen Comments on Books Eligible for the 2004 Best Books for Young Adults List page 13
Napoli, Donna Jo. The Great God Pan
First name or initials: Ashley J
Age: 17
Book Title: Great God Pon
Author: Donna Jo Nappoli
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I loved this book! It was a guick read, but a great one. The story
brought the classic Greek myth to life in a very fascinating way. I even creid
in the end, which I usually don't do.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
__________________
First name or initials: Trystan
Age: 17
Book Title: The Great God Pan
Author: Donna Jo Napoli
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: I am a big Greek mythology freak, so of course I dove at the chance to
read a retold myth. I've read a book by this author before (Sirena) and mildly
enjoyed it. While this book gave me more insight into the god Pan, little else
impressed me. It's written in present tense, and while it's not a crime or
unreadable, it feels "off" to be reading an ancient story as though
it is happening right as you read it. The plot poorly led up to the climax. You
should be bawling by the end, but I was left unaffected.
I love mythology, but this was a lifeless, unemotional, and disappointing
attempt at retelling a beloved myth.
Quality Rating:2 - Only for people who are interested in this
Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
________________
BBYA: No
Rate: 6
Review: I usually like Donna Jo Napoli's writing but I didnt enjoy this piece
from her. Obviously it wasnt the best.
The basic plot is that Greek mythology half-god-half-goat, Pan is looking for
love. But he finds it from a mortal.
I got most of the way through this book but I just stopped because I was sick
of reading it. I gave it a 6 because she used good descriptors but the plot
was, bleh. --Christa, 13.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Should be on the list. I loved the book. --Ofelio, 17, 5
___________
Should be on the list and I bet it wins. --John, 17, rate 5
_________________
Should be on list, can't wait until the next one
comes out. --Chad, 17, rates 5
_______________
Should be on list because it's very good. It's a
must read book. --Justin, 14, rates 6 THE best
book I've ever read!
_______
Should be on list because this book is awesome. I have only read this
book. I saw the first movie so I had an idea what was up. I am not a
reader at all, but I couldn't put this book down.--James, 17, rates a 5
___________
I liked the 5th book in the Harry Potter series very much. It was a
page turner. Although it was long, it was worth reading because i always
wanted to find out what happened. Although some of the previous books
were not as interesting this one definately deserves to be on this list.
--Abigail, 14
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Should be on list because this is the best book I ever read. I would recommend it to anybody. rates a 5 --Nathan, 13,
____________
Of course this was a great read and much anticipated. I would call it a best book, however I'm not entirely sure it would stand alone. --Heather, 17
______________
Name: Christa
Age:13
Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (H.P.O.P)
Author: J.K. Rowling
BBYA: Yes Rate (1-10): 10
Review: H.P.O.P, was another one of J.K.s great Potter books, with everything
included, the full sandwich. This book really gave this series a UMPH. And now
its even better. Harrys back at the Dursleys house with the knowledge that
Voldemort is back and it seems that his life couldnt get any worse. One night
Harry needs to vent his frustration and he finds himself faced with the aspect
of having to fight Dementors in the neighborhood. Then when the Dursleys are
out eating dinner (by then Harry has been locked up in his room again) Harry
finds himself leaving, riding a broomstick with some of the members of the
Order of the Phoenix Ill say no more because I might give a part of the story
away. I gave this H.P.O.P a ten because it flat out no questions asked,
deserved it. BBYA list for 2004
wont be complete without this stupendous book.
Murphy, Jim An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
First name or initials: Kim
Age: 13
Book Title: An American Plague
Author: Jim Murphy
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:undecided
Because: It was non-fiction. Non-fiction is more difficult to really enjoy.
I personally found it 7.75 on a scale of 10 for how interesting it was.
It seemed to drag on a little, but was very enjoyable versus other nonfiction
works I have been forced to read before.
It had a very nice list of sources, if you're intrested in topics realting to
the Yellow Fever.
Quality Rating:3 - OK
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
Review: Jim Murphy did a great job on this non-fiction book. It showed every
side of what happened with the dreaded Yellow Fever in 1793. The Yellow
Fever "...began with chills, headache, and a painful aching in the back,
arms, and legs. A high fever developed, accompanied by constipation. This stage
lasted around three days, and then suddenly the fever broke and the patient
seemed to recover. But only for a few short hours. The next stage saw the fever
shoot up again. The skin and eyeballs turned yellow as red blood cells were destroyed,
causing the bile pigment bilirubin to accumulate in the body; nose, sums, and
intestines began bleeding; and the patient vomited stale, black blood. Finally,
the pulse grew weak, the tongue turned a dry brown, and the victim because
depressed, confused, and delirious." The fever caused 20,000 of the 50,000
people in Philadelphia to flee to the country side. An American Plague, tells
everything about the terrible yellow fever in 1793, like it was. Also
there were lots of pictures from the time this was going on and it really
helped to keep everything moving. I rated this book a ten because it's one of
the best non-fiction books I have read in a while.
BBYA: Yes
Rate (1-10): 10
--Christa, 13
Should be on list. It teaches you responsibility and it also gives you an opportunity to change your life around. --Sasha, 15, 5
_______
Should be on the list. --Malorie, 15, rate 5
__________
Should be on the list because it is very
descriptive and written to understand detail. I enjoyed reading this because I
can relate to the feelings that Philip has in the book. --Savanna, 14, rates a 5
__________________
Shoud be on the list because it was a great book that I just couldn't put down. It was an easy read too. rates a 5 --Maura, 12
_____________
First name or initials: Kim
Age: 13
Book Title: Bottled Up
Author: Jaye Murray
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: This book is about a teenager named Pip who has a drug problem, an
alcoholic Dad who beats on his family, a brother trying to drink beer and a
mother sobbing in the middle of it all. When the principal says it's the last
straw, Pip has to go to all of his classes, try to stop the drugs and go to
consuling, else they'll call his father and expell him.
I loved this book because it was a side I never have seen before, someone who
does drugs constantly, and overall has a horrible life, and the way to
recovery.
It was a very original idea, and I'm sure other kids would love it, although it
leans towards a older audience, most likely 14 and up.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
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This book was about a boy named "Pip" who does drugs and smokes and all of that. But once his principal tells him he has to be at every class and go to a counseling group he tries to find himself. Rating 3. --Karlie,13
Feiler, Bruce Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths
First name or initials: Trystan
Age: 17
Book Title: Abraham
Author: Bruce Feiler
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: Honestly, I enjoyed this book. I went into it curious about religions,
especially now that I find myself searching more avidly for one that fits me
more. I liked the author's tone; he moves seamlessly from history to personal
narrative to interviews with accredited authorities. I was afraid at first that
I would be bored, but I found it interesting and thought provoking. So why do I
vote no? Because the list is not called the Best Books for Adults. It's a list
for young adults (children - though some resent the term), and very few
children I know are capable or willing of picking up this book, understanding
its elevated vocabulary, and meditating on its somewhat controversial ideas. I
enjoyed it, but this is exactly what I've been looking for and thinking about.
I know very few others who care to the extent of reading such a lengthy and
lofty novel. It's not for children, and possibly even for the majority of
adults; it's for those who search for answers but can be satisfied with more
questions instead.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
(Optional) I also want you to know...: I've already asked for copies of a
couple of novels, but if no one wants this one I would gladly take it. Thanks,
Di.
Collins, Suzanne. Gregor the Overlander
Definately not my style of book but the author got me hooked. The mysteries of an underworld of bats, rats and rock roaches was facinating and fun to read. The author did a good job describing characters, scenes and events. -- Ashlee L age, 17. Rating 4.
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This was a great non-girly version of Alice through the
rabbit hole. Gregor & his sister Boots fall through the laundry vent into
the underland, and a whole new world of gigantic cockroaches, bats and spiders.
The humans he meet tell Gregor about another man who fell through the vent, his
father, (Dad has been missing for a while)The story makes logical sense without
the reader having to fill in the thin spots. It's a great fantasy read,
but it also expresses he mixture of Gregor's feelings towards his
father. Best Book for sure, I don't know why someone wouldn't like
it.--Kara, 15
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First name or initials: Sara
Age: 15
Book Title: Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: Gregor the Overlander brings readers to a fantasy world underneath the
city of New York. Gregor, the main character, finds this place by following his
sister through a grate in the laundry room. Soon Gregor finds himself on a
quest to rid the Underland of the Giant Rats. This was such a unique plot, and
was written wonderfully. I loved how Gregor's sister Boots always brings humor
to even the most serious sircumstances by her two-year old view of life. Gregor
the Overlander has the perfect ending which always make a book good, so it is
definently a best.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
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This was a really great book that deserves to be on the best book list. A boy named Gregor goes on a strange adventure that starts by him falling into the air vent in his laundry room and running into over sized rats, cockroaches and bats. But he also finds something that he never expected. --Karlie,13
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Title: Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
BBYA: Yes
Rate (1-10): 8
Review: A story for the young and old, the fantasy reader or the non,
"Gregor the Overlander" will satisfy almost anyones taste. Adventure,
action, and suspense are found on every page. This is another story in which I
saw great character development. Gregors dad has been missing for two years
seven months and thirteen days and his father couldnt have just left the
family. Could he have died? While his sister goes to camp and his mom works
Gregor has to stay home and watch his two year old sister, Margaret (a.k.a. Boots).
Hes doing the laundry one-day and Boots starts to play with the air-duct and
falls in. In an attempt to save his sister, he dives down after her and ends up
getting sucked in. They are both transported miles and miles under the ground.
Just so happens that they meet up with giant cockroaches that are over 3 ft.
tall. Thats when the adventure begins. I rated "Gregor the
Overlander" an eight because it was predictable at times and I felt there
were parts that needed more description but overall it was very good.
--Christa, 13
Brashares, Ann The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
I think that this book is easy for lots of teens to relate to. I like reading diaries and i think that we get to know the character very well. The main character made me laugh and she was a normal girl going through things that happen to everyone.I liked this book, but not as much as the first one. I felt that the author spent a lot of time talking about how one of the characters was different just because she had gained weight. I don't think that this is a message to be sending the girls who read this book, that you can only be noticed becase of the way you look. --Abigail, 14
First name or initials: annie
Age: 14
Book Title: second summer of the sisterhood
Author: ann brashares
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: I absolutely did not like this book. It's terrible. I felt that the
author focused on too many cahracters. i know that there are five friends and
she needs to write all about them but after awhile their personalities all mush
together. I also thought some parts of the story were unrealistic.
Quality Rating:1 - Yecch! Force read only.
Popularity Rating:1 - Nobody in their right mind will ever read it
Block, Francesca Lia Wasteland
Trystan
Age: 18
Book Title: Wasteland
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:no
Because: If I hadn't finished this book, I would have said it had no point and
only succeeded in being freaky (a word I don't use often but applies in this
case). In order to understand it more completely, you have to have an
understanding of T. S. Eliot's "The Wasteland"; few young adults do
or wish to in order to read a small, disturbing book. At first it is almost
impossible to distinguish who is speaking in what section, and even if you
understand that, sometimes you don't understand what they are saying. I see
more of a point to the novel after having read the last 15 pages, but I don't
really think it's a novel for young adults. I know very few adults who would
care to read it, even fewer who would want to dig deeply into its pages. I
would like to know what the author's intent was in writing this book, but I
wouldn't say I liked it or would recommend it as a best book.
Quality Rating:2 - Only for people who are interested in this
Popularity Rating:1 - Nobody in their right mind will ever read it
_____________
First name or initials: annie
Age: 14
Book Title: wasteland
Author: francesca lia block
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: after reading this book, I find that this book is different from her
previous novels. Her writing is still beautiful, but it's less poetic and
unadorned. There are three points of view: Marina, Lex and West. I think it
makes the story much better because if it was just one person's point of view
it wouldn't have been as good. In some ways it's like Echo with shifting points
of view, but less confusing. This novel is beautiful and the author is
influeced by t.s. eliot's the waste land.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
Should be on the list. This book is very
intersting and one of the best books I've ever read. --Robert, 16, 5
__________
First name or initials: annie
Age: 14
Book Title: fault line
Author: janet tashjian
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: this book made me keep reading as I rode the bus home. I like that the
author chose both becky and kip to be aspiring comedians but as the book goes
on, both of them don't feel so funny anymore. i found that having the victim
and the abuser's point of view is great. you will sympathize with both becky
and kip, because it isn't just becky who's hurting. I also love this book
because it's set in san francisco.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
What a great book! A best. It really had me hook. At first, I thought it was a little stange about the characters' abilities to do things that no normal human beings could such as Ethan and Isabell's and the plot of the story, but I got over that soon enough. I can't wait to read the second book. --Annie, 16
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First name or initials: Trystan
Age: 17
Book Title: The Named
Author: Marianne Curley
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I really enjoyed this book. The book is written in present tense,
first person, an oddity among many of the books I read. The author managed to
make it seamless, however. It was comfortable to read, not disjointed like some
other present tense books I've read lately. The characters were believable and
truly human. Their problems were understandable and relative to most people's
lives (well, okay, not the time travel issues, but those aren't the important
dilemmas; they're just an exciting addition to the plot).
The book is the first in a trilogy, but it ends with enough information that
you could stop reading it if you wanted to, which is unlikely.
It's an original idea that the author followed through upon well. I definitely
think it's a best book.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
----
First name or initials: Kim
Age: 14
Book Title: The Named
Author: Marianne Curley
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: The Named is takes place from the view point of a boy named Ethan, and
a girl named Isabel. They are (or in Isabel's case are becoming) part of the
Gaurd, the Gaurd that guards history. They gaurd it because the Order is trying
to change it, so they become the rulers of the world.
There are many cool things along with that, including a prophecy, THE prophecy,
in which, Ethan and Isabel are intwined.
This book was very suspenseful, very interesting, and something you could read
again and again.
This has also become one of my favorite books!
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...: The front flap said it was the first in
a trilogy and I for one can't wait for the next to come out.
Rennison, Louise. Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants
This book was kind of confusing. This was the first book of the series that
I read and it was hard to understand. I would not consider it a best book. It
is based on a girl named Georgia and how she handles her life. Some things are
funny and some aren't. Overall, it wasn't one of the best books that I've read.
--Karlie,13
--
First name or initials: Kim
Age: 13
Book Title: Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants
Author: Louise Rennison
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:undecided
Because: Dancing in my Nuddy- Pants is the forth in the confessions of Georgia
Nicolson series, and although it was better than the most of the others, I'm
undecided whether it should be a best book. Georgia is once again battling
whether she like DAve the L or Ronnie the sex god, which is rather old hat. It
has a twisty suprise ending, which I loved, although it seem like Louise
Rennison was contemplating whether this should be the end.
Quality Rating:3 - OK
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: This is definitly a girl book!
Moore, Christopher Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings
This was an excellent book, but I dont' think it has teen appeal. I don't think many teens will read this book, and those who do probably won't make it past the first few pages. The writing style is very advanced and almost science like, something I don't think will keep teen readers happy. --Heather, 17
I couldn't get past the first few pages. --Karlie,13
Davis, Amanda Wonder When You'll Miss Me
Well.. what can I say?? Let's start off by saying that this book is soooo depressing! It wasn't the fact that I felt sad or pity for the main character "Faith also known as Annnabelle" but that she literally puts you down. After reading it, I felt such a burden, and it stinks. I don't think this was such a bad book, I like the content of it and I like how the story was written, but I don't think it was a best book either. It was one of those books, where it's good during some parts, but than after a while you have to put it down because it's getting soo boring or depressing in this case making this book a really long read. --Annie, 16
McCafferty, Megan Second Helpings
Should be on the list. It's a very real book about what teens face. It's a easy erad and the book goes fast. It flowed well. --Maura, 12, rate 5
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This book was very good and had a lot of teen appeal. I think this should be a
best book. The main character is loud, funny, and manages to draw readers
in. I didn't read the first book, but still loved this one. --Heather, 17
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I loved this book. It was hilarious, and Jessica ( main Character) can closly relate to me; a little wacky but is consider by others and herself to be an intelligent person. This is a book for teengers between 16-18 years old, or at least I think will enjoy it the most. Never dull, I didn't wanted to put it down at all. A best book. Annie, 16 years old