Teen Comments on Books Eligible for the 2004 Best Books for Young Adults List page 6
Should not be on list. I'm a teen and this book is very complicated to get to understand. --Chris, 17, rate 2
Woodson, Jacqueline. Locomotion
Should be on list. It shows how one persons life can change from anything.--Ashley, 17, rate 4
Should be on list because it's really good. It shows what teens really go through. --Ashley, 17, rate 5
Shouldn't be on the list. It was a good book but needed a better ending. --Andrew, 16, 4
Holland, Barbara Hail to the Chiefs
Should not be on the list. Book was too factual to be intersting. --Kory, 17, 2
What the Birds See - Sonya Hartnett
First name or initials: Trystan
Age: 18
Book Title: What the Birds See
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:undecided
Because: The writing in this book is beautiful, but the plot is a little dark.
I find it interesting, but I'm not sure how many other young adults would want
to dig for meaning in this book. If I were to vote this book as a best book,
I'd do so with only the older young adults in mind. It is a good book, but I'm
not sure it's a best book for young adults.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it. 2 - Only
people who are looking for this type will read it
____________
First name or initials: Kallie
Age: 16
Book Title: What the Birds See
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because:
This book was the best book I?ve ever read, I was in awe of it all the way
through. It writing style was imaginative and unique, I felt at times that I
was reading poetry rather then pose. The story was wonderfully developed-
extensive in details yet, not going over board in telling you things that
weren?t really necessary to the over all story. The emotions as well were
wonderfully executed in words- I was inside the characters, I was the
characters as I read. This book in its emotions was astonishing- I had trouble
setting it down to do other things.
The ending was one that should be immortalized forever! It blew me off of my feet.
I fell hard, I didn't see the impending sorrow behind the book... I wasn't
ready for what I got- yet it was a wonderful ending- I longed for it to end on
a happier note, yet it throughout the book the foreshadowing seem to point to
the oh so dreadful end that was to knock you off of your pedestal as a reader.
This book got up and under my skin, it left me with a feeling of sorrow, and
regret for all of the characters, not just one or two. It was up setting- and
moving, making me think about things that normally I wouldn?t. Its storyline
and style were just wow?
Children, (even though the main character was a child) or some less developed
youth, I don?t think would really grasp the book- not only was the langue
written for a mentally more mature audience, I do not think pre-teens, or young
adolescents, will understand or really get into the book (as through as I did)
, due to the emotional depth, unless they themselves connect with the
characters, on that emotional level.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:3 - Some will and some will not care to read it.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: Its a must read... its... wow...
The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool - Margaret Gray
First name or initials: Robbie
Age: 14
Book Title: The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool
Author: I can't remember
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: It is a bit of an easier read. Very funny. More of a stupis book than
anything, but almost anyone will like it.
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...: CAUTION: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU
HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, BACAUSE IT WILL GO UP DUE TO LAUGHING SO MUCH
Bujold, Lois McMaster. Paladin of Souls
First name or initials: AvidReader
Age: 7000+ (14)
Book Title: Paladin of Souls
Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: This book is a sequel to THE CURSE OF CHALION. Although it could be a
stand-alone, the content will often be much easier to understand if the prequel
is read.
This book is very inventive. It is somewhat unusual for a fantasy book in that
"magic" as it is usually portrayed is VERY rare in this book. In
fact, the closest to the traditional form of magic the "unusual
powers" in this book come is in the form of the banishing of the demons
that provide evil sorcerers with their power. However, as the story progresses,
the reader will notice a definite departure from the realistic.
The book begins from the perspective of Ista dy Chalion -- the Chalion
equivalent of the Queen Mother. Seeking an escape from the overly-protective
servants and family members that surround her, she devises the scheme of
partaking in a holy pilgrimage. However, her "pilgrimage" takes an
unusual turn as evil sorcerers from an enemy country wreak havoc in the
country. And on the verge of defeat, Ista's powers (which were considered
madness, but are actually powerful gifts for defeating sorcerers) return.
Quality Rating:4 - Pretty good.
Popularity Rating:4 - Lots of people will want to read it.
Lekuton, Joseph Lemasolai (with Herman J. Viola) Facing the Lion
First name or initials: J.J.
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Lekuton, Joseph Lemasolai
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: Facing the Lion was a woderful book. When you read it, it is as if Mr.
Lekuton were right there telling the stories to you. I learned so much about
the Maasai life from the book, through a completely different perspective than
the average book. Mr. Lekuton is very honest about himself and his feelings,
making the reader almost know him without actually meeting him. I loved the
book, and definetly give it five stars!
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
____________
First name or initials: HL
Age: 15
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: Facing the Lion is not only informative, but very interesting to read.
It reveals a culture so foreign to us. It teaches about courage, determination,
respect and to be proud of who you are and where you are from.
The Maasai culture is a strong culture,and that is why the author loves his
people.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: As an african American, I am intrigied
by the culture of my ancestors.
__________________
First name or initials: Colin
Age: 12
Book Title: facing the lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: It is an excellent book that shows how Maasai live and their culture.
This is the best book I ever read and I believe it should win the Best Book for
Young Adults award. The hardships and the peserverance of the author is a
lesson that all american kids should learn. You can come from a remote village
and still make it in america.
Each chapter in the book shows a certain stage in the life of the author. The
author wrote the book in a such a simple language that it can be read by both
the adults and younger kids as well.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: The story of the pinching man definately
adds color to this book.
_______________
First name or initials: michael
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: It is the best book that I have ever read. I recommend this to every
person in the world. If you dont read it, you better. I would really like to
meet him. He is my hero, my idol, and sounds like a really cool guy.
The book tells you how a small village kid from Kenya grew up to go the Harvard
University and teach at a private school in Virginia. He is a role model to me
because he overcame all the adversity that he had hit in the early roads of
life.
I think that he has inspired many chldren to reach for their dreams. He
inspired me, thats for sure.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: It is an easy read for younger readers.
Even if you are an older kid, like me, you will enjoy all the adventures and
dangers that the author faced.
It informs the reader that even if you live in an unwealthy town, you might
turn out to live a good life, but still remember and love your culture.
________________
First name or initials: Annie
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: The book FACING THE LION is the best book I have ever read. It is a
great book for kids and adults. It paints a vivid picture of his life between
both worlds. It is a movie story, and often very funny. It takes a close look
at the cultures both in America and Africa. Mr. Lekuton is a great writer, and
a great teacher, too. He is m idol, and I watn to meet him. I think anyone
would be lucky to know a man like Mr. Lekuton. I think he has a gret story to
tell, a story that isn't only his. It is the story of many kids in Africa, just
Mr. Lekuton has a chance to tell his. I believe that everyne should read this
book.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: Mr. Lekuton is the best writer EVER! I
want to meet him! :)
_______
First name or initials: Jason
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: This is a primary source of a culture that is often misunderstood. It
is a first hand account by Joseph Lekuton that describes the hardships of being
torn between two worlds. I learned a great deal from this book. I learned about
what it's like to grow up without a TV, phone or anything else that most people
take for granted. There is much to learn about the Maasai society and Lekuton
has provided an interesting account of the tribes ways. Joseph Lekuton acheived
a remarkable journey throughout his life and has gained a great deal of wisdom,
which can be read in his book. I highly recommend this book.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
(Optional) I also want you to know...: This book shows you that if people try
hard enough they can make a name for themselves and metaphorically fight their
lion.
__________
First name or initials: CJ
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing the Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I think that Facing the Lion was a very well written book. I enjoyed
reading about the life of the young Maasai warrior. This book made me think
about the differences between the American and the Maasai cultures. It also
made me think about how lucky Americans are to be living in such a country like
America. I think that anyone would enjoy reading this book.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.
________
First name or initials: C.J.
Age: 13
Book Title: Facing The Lion
Author: Joseph Lemasoli Lekuton
Should this book be on a list of Best Books for Young Adults:yes
Because: I think that the book FACEING THE LION is an outstanding book for
young adults. FACEING THE LION portrays the life of a young boy born into a
Masi tribe and his journey to becoming a Masi warrior. This book tells of the
challenges and problems that a boy could face. This wonderful book shows the
differences and similarities that people in other cultures have and their way
of life.
Quality Rating:5 - One of the best books I ever read
Popularity Rating:5 - Everybody was dying to read this yesterday.