Teen Comments on Books Eligible for the 2004 Best Books for Young Adults List page 4
First name or initials: Kallie
Age: 16
Book Title: 33 Snowfish
Author: Adam Rapp
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: It was well written- I was intrigued with how Mr. Rapp wrote it, anyhow.
At first I really didn't like it (how the characters used slang and such)
because I'm not really up and up on slang. However, in the end I felt that it
added significantly to, not only the book, but also the characterization. It
help set the mood for what was going on. It was a fairly quick read- but one
that made you brain work a little hard, and go a little deeper into thought
than some books.
The over all story was amazing, and well thought through- I didn't feel like
the author had left any strings untied that might have unraveled his story.
Also, it was very unique adding pictures for Boobie instead of having him talk-
it gave an air of mystery to the book, and the character which I felt was
adequately done.
Over all, I was very impressed by the book! It wasn?t at all what I was
expecting- he always had my attention. However, I might not recommend all
people read this book, I think that on some level you need to connect with the
characters- a few people might find this hard seeing as the characters lives
are very extreme. Also, young children might find it hard to connect unless
they are matured a little- it?s a very deep book, which I think would be hard
for a say, freshman in get into the mentality of- its not a book to be taken
lightly, yet, instead taken to heart.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: This is a gggggreeeaatt book, one to add
to the collection of ones home library.
name or initials: annie
Age: 14
Book Title: 33 Snowfish
Author: Adam Rapp
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: 33 Snowfish is definetly not typical teenage fiction which is
why I liked it so much. It's not about some angry angst-ridden girl (not that
there's anything wrong with them but I've read way too many) I like how the
author alternates the point of view between Custis and Curl. Their voices are
very distinct while the third main character, Boobie is mostly silent and he
draws in his notebook, hence the illustrations. What made me sad was that at
first Custis didn't even realize the guy who "owned" him was seually
abusing him. In the beginning of the story I was thrown off by the way Custis
spoke but I got used to it as the story went along. It's a really sad and ugly
story but it's strangely beautful to me as well. It's a story where you really
want a happy ending but there isn't one for everyone. It also doesn't wrap up
neatly in the end and solve their problems, but it leaves you wondering...
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
I'm a huge fan of Fairy Tale retellings, so this was great!
My favorite fairy tale is Beauty & the Beast, but I still like Sleeping
Beauty. This was a fresh creative retelling of the classic story. Without a
doubt, a Best Book. Good for anyone. --Kara, 15
___________
I think that Beauty Sleep was a very good book, but not a best
book. The whole rewriting of fairytales is cute, but not best book
material. --Katherine, 14
______________
Grade: 11
Pages: 187
BBYA: ?
Review: ���Beauty Sleep,��� by Cameron Dokey, is another take on the classic
Sleeping Beauty. I liked the book but the end was odd. If you like fairie tales
then you should read this book. --Megan
____________
BBYA?: Yes
Rate (1-10): 8
Popularity (1-5): 3
Cursed from birth too sleep for 100 years when she turns 16 after she pricks
her finger, Aurores life isnt what you would call ordinary. Sheltered from the
outside world by her parents she is brought up always knowing this. But when
she goes outside of the castle and everything in her life changes. And there is
also her cousin Oswald to worry about as a side dish
With crazy events around every corner this is bound to put you under a spell
(only way I could possibly think of putting it). I gave Beauty Sleeping an eight because it needed a bit more umph to the
plot. Remember this isnt your average Sleeping Beauty story... --Christa, Age:
13
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This is the most unfulfilling and unsatisfactory book I've read in quite
awhile. I usually like books that strive to rewrite an old but well-loved fairy
tale, but this one failed in so many regards it was almost painful to read. It
tries but does not succeed to have the plucky sense of humor many characters in
this genre have. In the painfully rambling prologue, many questions and
internal character conflicts are raised but never answered or incorporated with
any meaningful effect. The book lacked any truly profound change in any of the
characters' personalities. To top the cake, Sleeping Beauty's handsome prince
turns out to be her once rival first cousin who ages to be 100 when Sleeping
Beauty is still 16, which is creepy to even the most open-minded person.
In short, I admire the author for trying to redo an old classic and enjoyed her
main character's discussion on finding one's "true colors," but I
can't see this book ever truly having the same profound effects on me and
others that books like Ella Enchanted had.--Trystan, 17
The New Rules of High School by Blake Nelson:
Should be on list because it is related to the typical thing teens go
through and the way high school is, and some of the actions teen do.--Jeffrey, 15,
rates a 4
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Very original, but also unexpected. It was very interesting to read. I like this book so much, because when I reading it, I keep having to guess what is going to happen next. There was definally some twists. A best book. --Annie, 16
Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French:
This book is about 3 kids who invent a story of the imaginary Hitler's daughter while waiting for the bus to school each morning. I enjoyed this book. I thought it almost made Heidi, Hitlers daughter, come out of the page. I'm not sure if it could be a best book, although you might want a 2nd opinion. --Kelli, 12
Definally open up my mind. Love the historical information in it. However, the book seem a little too easy for me. The characters in the book were little kids. I didn't relate too much to it. The beginning of the story started out very slow and boring, I actually question if I should read it. --Annie, 16
The True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Frederick
I love this book it really does describe what your freshman year in high school is really like. 5P Everyone wants to read it. 5Q Hard to imagine a better book. Emmaline, 15
________ ___
I really like this book. I went through it really quickly right before
school starts. I was about to go into my freshman year. Although
this book wasn't what kids should expect from high school, it was very
realistic and i liked the plot. --Abigail , 14
_________________
This book was okay. I think people who can relate to this book will
like it, and then even some people who do relate to it won't like it. I'm
undecided on if this is a best book, because I'm not sure if teens will be
anxious to read it. --Heather, 17
__________________
First name or initials: Kim
Age: 13
Book Title: The True Meaning of Cleavage
Author: Mariah Fredericks
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I liked this book a lot right after I read it. It was really
interesting and kept my intrest CONSTANTLY. It was also very realistic and made
the characters very "to life".
I fell in love with the characters, and I think that's really what makes the
story good.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
__________
Love this book!! It really made me think of my freshman year in high school. It was a typical high school book, but yet it wasn't. The problems were so unreal, which I guess is why I love it because it was unexpected. The title fit the book well. I never got bore reading it. A best book . --Annie, 16
Quilting the Black Eyed Pea - Nikki Giovanni
First name or initials: Robbie
Age: 14
Book Title: Quilting the Black Eyed Pea
Author: Nikki Giovanni
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I personally liked this book, but I like Nikki Giovanni's writing
anyway! I think it should be on the list because it deals with childhood.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:2 - Only people who are looking for this type will read it
A House Called Awful End - Ardagh, Philip
First name or initials: Robbie
Age: 14
Book Title: House Called Awful End
Author: ?
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: Well, this book is interesting, and I don't know if I loved it or
hated it. It's kinda like a Lemony Snicket rip-off. I think it's kinda funny in
a stupid way. Like the parents go to get their kid and then they realize that
their house is burned down! Still, it's pretty good. An easy read if nothing
else.
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
I was a very happy person when I saw this in the suitcase. I couldn't wait to open it & see where he would take the reader this time. This is a separate series from Sabriel, but still unbelieveably good! A Best Book with emphasis! --Kara, 15