Chasing Brooklyn

Reader: Megan W
Age: 17
Title: Chasing Brooklyn
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 01/05/10
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: "After death it is hard to think of what to do next. I think that Schroeder really wove together a beautiful tale about life and death, and reaching out to those that are close to us when we need them."
Recommend: Yes
How would you convince someone to read the book: I think the only way to convince them is to just give them a summary of the book. A girl's boyfriend, Lucca, has been dead for a year when all of a sudden his best friend kills himself. The girl, Brooklyn, is trying to cope with Lucca's death, and now the death of his best friend as well. The best friend and Lucca both come back to Earth as ghosts; Lucca to his brother and the best friend, Gabe, to Brooklyn.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I found the book amazingly good because I could relate to the characters in the book who were dealing with Lucca and Gabe's deaths. It was good for me to read about them, and read about their coping methods to move on from death. I loved how Brooklyn was able to open up to Lucca's brother, Nico.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Chasing Brooklyn, to me, was a really sweet book about how we all need to move on after a death. It's not fun, and it's never easy, but we always have people around us to help us up after we fall. We need to appreciate the life that we have, because it is short. This book really made me think, and helped me a bit with what has been going on in my life. I believe that people can relate to this book, even if they've never experienced a death of someone close to them. It's a good, sweet book that anyone can enjoy.
Did it reflect the contents: The cover of Chasing Brooklyn is very intriguing? There are different shades of blue, which makes it look sad. There is also a girl at a rainy window, which gives the book a mysterious feeling. I think the cover is very interesting, and it fits
the book very well
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Draw the Dark

Reader: Payton G
Age: 14
Title: Draw the Dark
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab
Pub Date: 10/??/2009
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Every town has a secret, something that they really want forgotten. For Winter, Wisconsin, it's a murder that happened in the mid 1940s. So what will happen when Christian Cage, who is generally known as the town weirdo, dredges it all back up again?
Recommend: Yes
How would you convince someone to read the book: I would tell them that the plot is really, really good, and it isn't something that's been done three million and seven times before.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: For me, it was the psychic aspect. Most books involving a character with psychic abilities just use ones that have been done before, like telepathy or ESP. The abilities in this one were similar to both of those, but had their own distinctions.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was sort of disappointed with the main character. He was really sort of whiny and self centered. I was also disappointed with the solving of the murder, because it was very much like pull of the mask and it's the guy you least suspect. Very Scooby Do-esque. Other than that though, I really liked it.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents: I really liked the cover. If I saw this cover on a shelf at the bookstore, I'd definitely pick it up. However, I think I would have preferred to see one of Christian's sketches.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Eternal Ones

Reader: Meghan K
Age: 15
Title: The Eternal Ones
Author: Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub Date: 8/??/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Haven Moore can't wait to leave her small-town life to go to New York to discover the meaning behind the visions of a past life she sees. However, when she arrives there, mystery and danger follow her everywhere she goes.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Haven Moore has spent her entire life living in small-town Tennessee with her overbearing, god-fearing grandmother. Haven has memories of a past life, and dreams of escaping to New York to unravel the mysteries haunting her.
Compelling Aspect of the book: This is an awesome book. The characters are compelling and well-developed. Haven's desperation to discover who she was and why she died is palpable, and kept me guessing -literally- until the last page. The book itself ends on an ambiguous note, and I for one hope there will be a sequel.
Did it reflect the contents: The current cover of this book is very nice. It's quite simple, red, black, and white. It's aesthetically pleasing, but not super eye-catching. It wouldn't jump out at me if it was on a shelf with lots of other books.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

King of the Screw Ups

Reader: Maita L
Age: 16
Title: King of the Screw Ups
Author: K. L. Going
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pub Date:
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It was a great book. Every word is important and hey there’s a good looking boy in it.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I believe the most compelling aspect of the book is the scene when it is Liam's birthday and his father agrees to come see him. But instead of his father showing up it is Sergeant Braddock. I believe that it is here when Liam starts to get that final push of wanting to impress his father that everything
starts to just fall down and unravel.
Comments: Though I am not a teenage boy, I feel that this book is really well written from a teenager’s point of view. In many books the teenage characters seems a bit over the top, but with Liam I feel like he was so real and his problems were actually problems that many teens these days have. I feel a huge connection with Liam to the point where I had tears in my eyes when reading some scenes in the book. What I really love about this book is how K.L. Going shows a bit of Liam's past at the beginning of some chapters so the reader can see how his life has changed and developed through time, which really helps the reader understand what kind of person Liam really is. Therefore the reader can better understand the book. Every single page of this book is remembered long after the last one is read.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book. I don't normally see a whole shirt on a cover. Yes the cover reflects the content of the book. I thought the use of the ink marks in a different texture really emphasized the screwing up.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was absolutely not disappointed.
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Reader: Olivia St
Age: 13
Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Author: John Green & David Levithan
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It was better than I expected. The writing is good, and it just has something about it that hooks you. I finished it in a single evening, unable to put it down (even though I probably should have).
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The characters and their distinct personalities really interested me.
Comments: Having no capital letters in the second Will Grayson's perspective bothered me a little. It wasn't really a big deal - it just wasn't what I was used to.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: I didn't think the cover was fantastic, but it was interesting. The idea of the two 'Will Grayson's merging together was really the only thing I could connect to the novel.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Eternal Ones

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: The Eternal Ones
Author: Kristen Miller
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub Date: August 10
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Since Haven was a little girl, the only person she could remember was Ethan. Now Haven realizes that it is her destiny to go to New York and find her true soul mate.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book's plot was so unexpected, and was a thrill to read the entire time. The characters where well developed, so much that by the end of the book you felt like you truly knew each and every character for who they where soul wise, and not who they perceived themselves to be. Each character seemed to have their own agenda at first but by the end of the book it was fascinating on how each little scene, and character intertwined.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of this book was the connection and bonds each character had. What made this so compelling was how driven the characters where to find each other and how they had a great connection from the start of their new "relationship". The bond between Haven and Iain was amazing, and just how much effort they put into their relationship(s) was also outstanding to see. The author did a phenomenal job on showing the connection of the souls. Also, the book was very symbolic in showing that people should find beauty within the soul, then just look past that and love someone for how they look rather than who they are as a person. The book also had a good way of showing that you should (no matter what) go with your gut instinct, and that you should only trust yourself.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book, I love shiny things, and it's a very catchy cover, not too over the top, but still catchy. The snake was amazing, and I loved how it was incorporated into the cover. It reflected the book, and just how powerful and awestruck the Ouroboros Society is and just how cunning and deceiving they are. It was very symbolic, and made a great cover.
Age Range: 16-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Sisters Red

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 14
Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Pub Date: June 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Scarlett's purpose in life is to hunt and kill the Fenris, who took out her eye when she was just eleven. Rosie, her sister, isn't so sure. She knows the Fenris deserve to die, but she's not ready to commit her entire life to hunting them. Will the sisters learn to live with their differences, or will they eventually drive them apart?
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is very well written, engaging, and captivating. The characters are very real, as they all have their faults but are still sympathetic. They each also accept each other's faults and learn to live with them. The plot was an excellent portrayal about how different opinions can drive people apart, even when they've been together their entire lives.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved watching the characters unfold. It was immediately apparent that Scarlett was really tough and loved fighting, but you weren't quite sure whether Rosie would be the same way or be softer and less obsessive. You could never tell how the two would react to each other, and there was just enough secrets and tension between them to keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to find out more about them.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact that they killed werewolves, and that's just because I happen to love wolves. The Fenris in the book were very evil and it made sense why they had to kill them.
Cover: The cover is made of awesome. The colors are really pretty and striking, I love the stylized way the girls' faces are drawn, and the fact that there's a wolf at the bottom is really cool. I didn't notice that for a while. The only complaint I would have is that both of the sisters had black hair.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Three Witches

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 14
Title: Three Witches
Author: Paula Jolin
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Pub Date: Aug 2009
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Trevor Sanders is dead. But he left behind guilt, suspicion, controversy-and three unhappy girls. Aliya still loves him and wants her questions answered. Gillian wants the money he owed her. And Miya wants to apologize. There's no way they'll be able to get what they want...unless they use their last resort—magic.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It's realistic with witchcraft and magic tied in, and it shows magic and superstition for three very different cultures, and ones that are not usually featured in teen literature.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really enjoyed the way that the girls' tolerance and acceptance of the magic grew throughout the book, and by the end they didn't think it was out of the ordinary. It was also interesting watching their characters change. They are completely different people at the beginning and end.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed in any way with this book. The ending did seem a little far-fetched, but the explanation made sense. I was really surprised with this book. I wasn't expecting it to be this good, but I loved it.
Cover: The cover is what made me pick up the book. I love the way that the title is written in smoke, and how you can clearly see the candles, but not the faces of the girls. It fits the book perfectly.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Paper Daughter

Reader: Elise S
Age: 14
Title: Paper Daughter
Author: Jeanette Ingold
Publisher: Harcourt
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: When Maggie Chen begins her newspaper internship after her journalist father's death, she uncovers a web of secrecy, leading back to the Chinese Exclusion Era, and dirtying her father's memory. Maggie begins a search for the truth about her family, leading her all around Seattle, and causing her to question who she always assumed she was.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book has an engaging plot, it keeps you wondering about the choices of various characters. The protagonist is well thought out and relate-able. There's the perfect balance between confusion, human depth, and hope. The research all seems very accurate, and I learned more Chinese immigration.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Watching the dual plot told in snippets of the past, and narration of the present, and seeing how that wove together was the best part. It was masterfully done.
Comments: It was refreshing to read a realistic fiction book that didn't center around a romantic relationship.
Cover: The cover really interested me. I don't see a lot of covers with a Chinese feel to it, and it tied into the book well. The print and the buildings. It was beautiful.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12, 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Author: John Green and David Levithan
Publisher: Dutton
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Two teenage boys meet one night in Chicago, learning that they both have the same name, Will Grayson. Both boys learn from each other and figure out together that people need each other and how to accept one another. With the help of their friends, Tiny Cooper, Jane, and even Maura these boys learn the true meaning of the many types of love.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book has spunk and humor, the characters where so well thought out and very original and I could envision them. The plot is also original, putting two people with the same name and their stories slowly intertwining together.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The characters where for sure the most compelling aspect—definitely Tiny—this character is larger than life and you can imagine him being your best friend. The plot was original, not cheesy as I would have expected, and it really showed that there are many different types of love in a non cynical way.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick the book it was original and very catching to the eyes! I guess you could say that the cover reflected the book, but very indirect.
Age Range: 16-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Epitaph Road

Reader: Luke M
Age: 16
Title: Epitaph Road
Author: David Patneaude
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: March 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked the interesting twist of the disease only killing males (even if that is most likely impossible for a non-genetic disease). I also liked the idea that it was made by an abused mad scientist who now runs the world. Also, the "second bear" to get revenge and how no one knew what was being planned was good.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I didn't like how it felt that Saturday was killed off so Kellen wouldn't have to pick between the girls. I was also annoyed by the fact that every world problem was blamed on men and they all went away afterwards. Is there no female that is evil? Is it any better to live in a totalitarian society where Big Sister is watching and will lock you up for encouraging new ideas and controlling the media and censoring and finally killing everyone who gets any chance of breaking out? This doesn't seem better.
Cover: The cover was very nicely done and had a menacing look to it, especially the cross-like things and the darkening sky. The only problem: it doesn't match the book. The crosses are described as being taller and in a well kept grassy field.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Eternal Ones

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 14
Title: The Eternal Ones
Author: Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: Aug 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: No
How would you convince a friend to read the book: I guess it really depends on the friend. This book reminded me a lot of Twilight, which is definitely not a good thing, but there were some aspects of the book that were great, like the idea of reincarnation.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the flashbacks to Constance's life. It was interesting trying to figure out the story from the memories, and it was cool that Haven had a flashback whenever she was near something or someone that reminded her of her previous life as Constance.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was disappointed by the “perfect” love interest. I am getting so sick of these guys who lie to their girlfriends and push them around and the girlfriends just look on and insist that really, they're wonderful people. Also, the boys are always gorgeous. What's wrong with normal looking people?
Cover: The cover is awesome. It has bright, pretty colors, and the snake is intriguing and makes you wonder what the book is about.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Eternal Ones

Reader: Elise S
Age: 14
Title: The Eternal Ones
Author: Kristen Miller
Publisher: Razor Bill (Penguin)
Pub Date: Aug. 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I wanted to see how many times she would change her mind about Lain. Is he good? Is he evil? Is he good? I also really loved the idea of the plot, the whole reincarnation to find true love concept had the potential to be a stunner.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was disappointed with Haven. At first I thought that she would be a cool, independent girl, more of a kick-butt character than she turned out to be. She was all "I don't care what you think of me, I'm awesome!" But then she met the Lain guy, and all of a sudden she's extraordinarily gullible and stupid. Somebody tells her that her true love is evil, then the accused just has to tell her that he's innocent and she believed him. And back and forth again. She turned weak. And then there's Lain. Eternal Ones: "Dark brown hair worn delightfully unkempt." Twilight: "with untidy, bronze-colored hair." Eternal Ones: "a body that could make any outfit look fashionable." Twilight: "with their remarkable good looks, the style with which they carried themselves, they could have worn dishrags and pulled it off." And we could go on. Lopsided smile - check. Piercing eyes - check. Body of a 'Greek god' - check. What I really want to see is one of these true-love-at-first-sight situations with a love interest who isn't physically perfect. Maybe they are in a wheelchair? Have acne? Are overweight? Have really bad hair? And could the girl not be standard shy, pale and gullible.
Cover: This cover was great. It definitely tied into the book. I really like the bright, boldness of the red, it seems like a lot of covers right now are softer, and it grabs your eye. It's a nice break from the boldness (but way overdone-ness) of the black-with-red-and-white that immediately sends a little “Twilight” flag going up in my head. The simplicity of the image is also really great. And I love the little catch line, it made me curious! "What if love refused to die?" da, da, DA!
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Cinderella Society

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 16
Title: The Cinderella Society
Author: Kay Cassidy
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book shows the many different sides of girls and how they interact or don't. It shows that love can be hard, and how to climb over obstacles.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This books shows that people (most of all girls) don't realize how much power they have, and this book is about discovering this. The book was very empowering on the since that every girl has what it takes to succeed and find the power within them to reach their goals.
Comments: The book was really good, but at the end ( I would say around the last 30 some pages, right after Ryan and Jess "broke up") the book got really annoying. I realize that the character Jess was going through a phase or whatever but it through that section off and the whole book together. The mood wasn't the same as the rest of the book and felt like it was just added in there for some reason. Also, this section got really boring and did not feel like it was at the height of the plot in the story (even though it was) and needs to be a bit less detailed, the last two or three pages where great though and really felt like everything was getting back on track. Other then that I loved the book and thought it was amazing!
Cover: The whole glass slipper on a bunch of shoe boxes was very intriguing-cheesy yes- but still intriguing enough to get me to pick up the book. This reflected the contents of the book, because the society was called the "Cinderella society" so the glass slipper fit perfectly with the concept of the book.
Did you finish: No
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Clearing

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: The Clearing
Author: Heather Davis
Publisher: Houghton
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is like watching a sappy helpless romantic movie, but better! The characters in the book where more relatable (compared to sappier books) and didn't just deal with love, but also other every day issues.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This book did a great job of showing that you can cope after being through emotional and/or physical abuse. Amy's character was very strong and showed just how capable she was of going on with her life and moving forward. This book well portrayed that you can get stronger you and can become from a situation and learn how to love again, or be loved.
Comments: I liked having Amy and Henry be every other chapter and the dynamic between both characters was amazing. At times though, I got a bit confused on the whole clearing ordeal and how Henry's side was just stuck there, I think that needs to be a bit clearer. It really annoyed me when Henry and Amy where fighting over this as well, it felt a bit unnecessary. The ending was great, but was a bit unclear for a second on who was Joe, it took a bit of time to refresh on that. I wish the ending would have been a bit longer showing more of the relationship between Henry and Joe , and for sure Joe and May. Overall the book was very enjoyable to read!
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick the book up,it was very intriguing and the colors where very nice. The pictures of the people where a bit upsetting though. They did not reflect the contents of the book so to speak, Henry-looks like he's 14 or so, making his character a bit misguiding and made Amy look like a cougar. The picture of the girl- who I presume is Amy was very well done, I wish the dress looked a little bit more outdated, but overall you could tell it was her.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

For Keeps

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: For Keeps
Author: Natasha Friend
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: April 6
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you love drama in any way shape or form, you'll love this book. The drama in this book though, is not your TV soap drama. It has real life predicaments sprinkled throughout the book as well, which gives the book a better grasp on reality—making it quite relatable.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect was the characterization. It was beyond amazing—just how intact Natasha went with the characters. At the end of the book, you truly knew each character for their soul and could describe them in depth just from the book. It truly made the book enjoyable and how each character was different from each other was refreshing.
Comments: I had read Perfect from Natasha Friend, and I have to say I would have never put the two and two together after reading this book. By far, this book felt more lively, and it felt like not only had I grown since Natasha's last book, but her as a writer as well. The characters where amazing. I just wish the imagery was a bit better, honestly I could describe how each and every character acts and feels from the book, but I would not even have the slightest idea of how they looked. It bugged me a bit, but it made me realize that beauty comes from within and not without. I don't know if the book meant to have any symbolism about that, but it felt like there was a reason for little to no imagery/description on the characters physical appearances.
Cover: The main reason I had the slightest urge to pick up the book was because it looked like a frilly book—which (no offense) fits the contents of the book.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Something Like Fate

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: Something Like Fate
Author: Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking
Pub Date: 5/18/10
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you are a teen romantic and crave something from the 21st century and has never ending drama this book is for you! Plus the never ending search for the girl finding THE ONE is in here, so it's also a reason to read the book!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book, is the similarities between Lani and Jason. It seemed a bit too unrealistic though. But the similarities were in fact striking. How they bonded and connected was also interesting, just how much they connect at a different level of intimacy was portrayed well.
Comments: I liked how the book was divided into sections, it really helped show the growth of the character's as well as the bond growing between Jason and Lani. I loved Blake—just having a gay best friend as a guide was really cool. Having a little subplot with Blake was nice, and made the whole book and plot seem less cheesy and relatable. How Erin dealt with the situation of Lani and Jason was a bit weird and doesn't seem like it would happen in real life. Overall, the book had a ton of drama, and you always thought you knew what was going to happen, and then somehow something else would just pop out instead!
Cover: The only reason the cover tempted me up was because it looked fake and cheesy, fortunately the story did not reflect this. I don't think the characters looked like the ones on the cover in any way, shape or form. In fact, I thought the characters wouldn't be that good looking, as the ones pictured on the cover.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Book Girl and the Suicidal Mime

Reader: Payton G
Age: 14
Title: Book Girl and the Suicidal Mime
Author: Mizuki Nomura
Publisher: Yen Press
Pub Date: 07/27/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I found that the "book girl" eating books was the most interesting thing. I have never tried comparing books to food before, and she did throughout the story, so that was cool.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was disappointed sort of a lot with this book. It overdosed on plot twists, firstly. I mean, practically every other page the plot thickened and twisted. It got kind of annoying. Also, the title proclaims it to be about the book girl, but it's not. She turns out to be a secondary character, and the plot doesn't even focus on her. There were, like, five suicidal mimes. The story got cut off abruptly and switched back and forth with the suicide note(s) of the mime(s). I could go on. I think a better title would have been "Suicidal Mimes Meet the Book Girl" or even just "Story of the Suicidal Mimes."
Cover: The cover sort of drew me over to it, since it says BOOK GIRL in large letters on the front. However, I missed the part about the suicidal mime and was subsequently less excited about it. I was also a little disappointed that it wasn't a manga, although if it was I would have been annoyed at its backwardness.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies

Reader: Elise S
Age: 14
Title: Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies
Author: Andrea Beaty
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pub Date: May/10/10
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I don't really know why I kept reading, but I did.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The characters didn't have character. They were all very one sided. The plot was very exposed, and not very engaging. I felt like the author pretty much just sat down and thought, 'oh, I've seen this punch line on TV, and if I pretended like I was cheesily talking to the characters in a pretend sarcastic voice, they'll all really love it!' Yeah. Not so much. The thing that really got to me was when there was just this random pause when they were "waiting" for you to run away/find an ice cream cone. It bugged me.
Cover: The cover definitely expressed the book. A little bit lame, and a lot of stupid. It looks more like it belongs in the kids section than the teens. Also, the cover is trying to tell the entire plot in one image. There are loads of things crammed into one, and it’s cartoon overload.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest