Matched

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pub Date: 11/00/10
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a really cool book, that's really different from others in the same genre. It reminds me of The Hunger Games, but more intriguing because in the beginning the main characters don't have any problems about how everything works.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Mostly that it takes a future society that is very ordered, and everything is controlled. The main character, even though she has no say about pretty much anything that happens to her still follows the rules and thinks that everything is great. In most books like this, the main character is living in awful conditions, dislikes the government, and ends up trying to over-through it, which this book doesn't do.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The ending cut off a little too soon and abruptly for my liking. When I first finished it, I greatly disliked the author for how she left it hanging, but when I thought about it later, I realized that she did a pretty good job of wrapping up some ends. It never says anywhere that this book is the first in a series, which I think it should. Personally, I get less upset when a book just ends if I know for a fact that more is coming.
Cover: The cover for this book is pretty cool. It does reflect the story, because the protagonist is trapped in a metaphorical bubble.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Mindblind

Reader: Sophie
Age: 15
Title: Mindblind
Author: Jennifer Roy
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It is about a boy with Asperger's syndrome, and it gives you a very clear look into what it would be like to live with that. It is one of the best first person books I have ever read. I often don't like it when the character has some sort of flashbacks, but these added to the story and were done in a way that made sense. Going into the book, I thought it might be dark or sad, but it was shockingly realistic, and in the best way possible. Some bad things happened to the main character, but plenty of good things happened to. He had normal friends, and an almost normal life for a teenager. This book really opened my eyes.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved how realistic it was! Lots of authors think that horrible things happening to the characters constitutes a good book. This is not the case! People are normal, even if they do have Asperger's. Nathaniel not only had a great way of narrating, he was fun to listen to, without being openly being humorous. I was very sad to be done with this book.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I can't think of anything to complain about, which is out of the ordinary for me. I only wish the book was twice as long, so I could still be reading it. Actually I don't, because that would ruin its perfectness.
Cover: The cover is very visually appealing, especially as I am very attracted to surrealism and this looks surreal. It somewhat reflects the contents, only I don't see a really strong connection to the main character. However, I think it is clever and appealing and it made me pick the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Red Moon Rising

Reader: Maddie
Age: 17
Title: Red Moon Rising
Author: Peter Moore
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book would have to be the descriptiveness and detail of symptoms and behaviors of this so called vampire and wolves. I felt as if i were in the book.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was a little disappointed with the plot of the story. I find a lot of the media and book world focusing on wolf and vampire tales right now. What a surprise to open up this book and have it be all about the topic.
Comments: I really enjoyed how the life of these students were comparative to the real life of a teenager. It felt like déjà vu in a sense when the book told of how the school district does not care about the bullying and discrimination of other student body. The life of these characters was the actual life of many students that go through the same situation, without the teeth and paws.
Cover: The cover consisted of red lettering over a black background. The cover wasn't very tempting, although with the interesting title of the book it does have potential to be. I have some great ideas for a cover if interested.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Slice of Cherry

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Slice of Cherry
Author: Dia Reeves
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 01/04/2011
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: One of the best books I've read all year! The story is about two girls with slightly morbid/sociopathic tendencies who learn how to deal with their urges, discover their past, developing friendships, integrate into "normal" society, and help people in need.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The best part about this book was that even though the story was morbid in some ways, it definitely caught my attention and tells a suspenseful story.
Comments: Wonderful! As a fan of Dia Reeves other book, I can't wait to read more. The two main characters balance each other out and make a believable story. Intertwined with a bit of science fiction, this story could easily have become another bland read, but instead had a cliff-hanger on every page. I wish that some of the townspeople could have been developed more, but I feel that this book is a delicious read.
Cover: Excellent cover! The tea cups covered in a mysterious red liquid certainly suggest a morbid aspect with a sugary sweet wrapping! I found the cover to accurately represent the story.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14 to 18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

The Big Crunch

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: The Big Crunch
Author: Pete Hautman
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: 01/01/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Big Crunch is a love story, but without the excessive drama that characterizes many romances today. It doesn't have the stereotypical 'jock + cheerleader' roles, or the nerd love, however much I love it, or even the obvious 'mix it up' feel. It's about two teens who are in between, questioning, and complex. Basically, they're both normal, in the best sense of the word. They're real people, in common situations, told in a way that is anything but.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the truth of the story. It's a testament to the fact that if the characters are fabulous, then there doesn't need to be action every other page.
Cover: I would not usually have picked up a book with a cover like this. It's just a little bit too fluffy for my taste, but after reading the book, was perfect. Even just the author's name would have lured me in, because Pete Hautman is a ninja. I love how the characters are shown, but not in great detail (and what is given is true to the book!) so you have room to imagine. The separated, comic strip-esque organization is unique, added to by the fun colors that are different from a lot of the standard red-black-white covers. One worry that I would have is that it might blend in with the other 'ice cream' books, that are very pink. Over all, though, great.
Did you finish: Yes
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book

Dash and Lily's book Of Dares

Reader: Frances
Age: 14
Title: Dash and Lily's book Of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books For Young Readers
Pub Date: 10/26/2010
Galley: Yes
Annotation: When Dash finds a notebook in his favorite bookstore, one thing he doesn't expect is to fall in love -but will he and Lily ever meet? Or will their relationship forever be only on paper?
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It...was..... ADORABLE!! Not so much that it loses the plot or anything-no definitely not- in fact, it was very exciting and interesting. Adorable, epic, funny, and overall awesome!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: It's really hard to choose, but I guess the cast of characters is pretty great. Dash and Lily aren't just stereotypical dummy teenagers who see each other, think they're hot, and go from there. And Lily's family are all very different from each other, but really sweet. Dash's friends are pretty cool too.
Cover: Though it was a little bit girly for my taste, it was really cute. I didn't pick it because of the cover, someone suggested to me. But still, if I had seen it first I would have thought about picking it up.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to 18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

The Blending Time

Reader: Payton G.
Age: 15
Title: The Blending Time
Author: Michael Kinch
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: Oct 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked that it was post-apocalyptic. It's always done to add another scenario to my list of worlds that might exist after this one goes kaboom.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No, I most unfortunately did not finish this book. It didn't really hold my interest all that well. I got through thirty- five pages and just didn't care about the characters enough to find out what happened to them.
Cover: The cover was fairly intriguing, I suppose. It was certainly bright and eye catching.
Did you finish: No
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Author: Barry Deutsch
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pub Date: Nov 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really loved learning more about Orthodox Jewish traditions, even though at points it was a little bit forced. The different perspectives he drew at brought you into the story sort of like a movie too, which was cool.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: From the cover, I was expecting something really creative, exciting, and sort of silly in a Terry Pratchett-esque way. It wasn't. It was rather predictable, and switched in and out of context by randomly mentioning really modern things that didn't fit. The characters and plot felt forced and flat a lot of the time.
Comments: The main thing I don't understand is why this is in the teen section. It would be with its family in the children's section, and a good way to teach kids about different cultures.
Cover: I thought the cover was really cute, though it kind of gave away the fact that she got the sword. It looked fun, creative, and vaguely interesting. And the little line at the top was perfect, and, in the end, why I picked up the book: 'Yet Another Troll-Fighting 11-Year-Old Orthodox Jewish Girl.'
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest

Teen Cyberbullying Investigated

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences Begin?
Author: Judge Tom Jacobs
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Pub Date:
Galley: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The style of this book was very clear and informational. If you want to know about cyberbullying laws and see examples, this is for you.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Since this is nonfiction it isn't really meant to be compelling, but it did a good job of showing example of why you have to think before saying or clicking, and what kinds of consequences might follow your actions.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I wasn't really disappointed. I wasn't expecting a really exciting read because it's nonfiction, but for its purposes it’s pretty well written.
Cover: The cover reflects the contents, but it isn't particularly interesting. The reason I picked it up was because of all the news there has been lately about teen suicides caused by cyberbullying. I was curious about the cases.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable

Paranormalacy

Reader: Meghan
Age: 16
Title: Paranormalacy
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Harper
Pub Date: 9/21/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Paranormalacy is a fun, light-hearted read. It doesn't make the common fantasy mistake of taking itself too seriously. The story isn't the most thought-provoking, but the characters are well developed and fun.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Evie is an awesome heroine. She's a little ditzy, but she's intelligent and capable. She makes plenty of mistakes throughout the book, but the author doesn't shelter her from the consequences of her mistakes. Evie seemed like a real person to me. When she received life-altering information, she was genuinely upset and made bad choices because she wasn't thinking clearly. She has conflicting loyalties and behaves believably. Evie really made this book for me.
Cover: This cover does not go with the book. The book is much lighter in tone and much more fun than the cover implies. The cover makes the book seem like a really gloomy gothic romance, and this is a perky gothic romance. Huge difference.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

Matched

Reader: Mollie
Age: 16
Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 11/30/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The writing style of the author is pretty good. You understand the character pretty well (however simplistic they may be), and that can be chalked up to the author's skills.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: This book becomes weighed down with boy drama from the first page. Whenever the Condie tries for subtlety, it falls flat. The predictability of this book is off the charts, and doesn't live up to what a dystopian novel should be.
Cover: The cover was satisfactory. Though the symbolism kind of hits the reader across the head (which was true to the book), and is glaringly obvious, it was decent.
Did you finish: No
Age Range: Under 12 to 17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Mindblind

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Mindblind
Author: Jennifer Roy
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Pub Date: 10/ /2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The author of this book does a stunningly believable job of really getting into her character's thought process. Even though I couldn't particularly relate to Nathaniel, the descriptions and prose made him seem completely real. I also recognized some personality traits of some real people I know with Asperger's, and reading something so clear and descriptive helped me understand what might be going on in their heads.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Again, the main character's perspective and thought process are incredibly represented. Another compelling aspect was the focus on Nathaniel striving to become a "true" genius and contribute to society, which was a very interesting mission to read about. The descriptions and plot of his relationships with family and friends was fascinating.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only thing I could think that was missing were a couple loose ends at the end, but that might just be to show that not everything gets resolved in life.
Cover: The cover for this book is very mysterious, yet still reflects the contents. It persuaded me to pick up the book because it looked psychological and musical at the same time. Since the book is about a kid with Asperger's Syndrome who plays keyboard in a band, it is very appropriate.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most

The Kneebone Boy

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: The Kneebone Boy
Author: Ellen Potter
Publisher: Feiwel and friends
Pub Date: 09/14/2010
Galley: No
Cover: The cover had potential, the grim faces of the children are certainly foreshadowing of a grim tale, but it had no spice. It was reminiscent of many other teen goth books and not very attractive.
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This book had very little potential, The writing was interesting, but the plot went nowhere. Reading the first fifty pages failed to capture my attention as a reader.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I found the book to be very disappointing. With a stalled plot and undeveloped characters, this book is not a read that I would recommend.
Did you finish: No
Age Range: 12-13
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it

The Big Crunch

Reader: Payton G.
Age: 15
Title: The Big Crunch
Author: Pete Hautman
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: Jan 2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: June Edberg has moved around a lot in her life. Wes has lived in Minnesota his entire life. June arrives in Wes's town just as school is starting. This is the story of how they will react to each other.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I would describe this book as a more realistic romance novel than most. The characters actually act in ways that real people would act, and there are no supernatural beings invading the story.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: To me, the best part was that it seemed as if Mr. Hautman had created a world inside of a box, then thrown these characters in. After that, he just recorded how they reacted to each other and their surroundings.
Cover: I sort of liked the cover. It does make the book look a little fluffier than it is. I do like the
artwork, though, and it would probably catch my eye if I saw it on a shelf.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Shutout

Reader: Emily

Age: 16
Title: Shutout
Author: Brendan Halpin
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Pub Date: 08/17/2010
Galley: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Shutout is an interesting story about a girl wanting to play soccer and working to play varsity for her school. The girl displays admirable characteristics, learning to deal with different social situations, work on improving something she wants to do, and displaying moral responsibility that is sometimes lacking in similar novels.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Amanda is a courageous girl, concentrated on her sport, who plays high school soccer, and faces many obstacles, but manages to overcome many of them. Dealing with finding her inner self, she displays remarkable social capabilities and is written in an addicting format.
Cover: The cover has promise! I like the grass green, like a soccer field. The silhouettes create a more engaging cover, and inspire the reader to pick it up and read it.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Three Black Swans

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: Three Black Swans
Author: Caroline B. Cooney
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pub Date: Aug 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Caroline Cooney knows how to write characters. Missy, Claire, and Genevieve have real fears that I feel like I would feel, too, in their situation. How they all weren't totally gung-ho about the whole triplet thing was very refreshing.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the inner conflicts of all the girls, and watching them work it out. The point of view, switching from person to person, so you knew what happened, but the character didn't, was really well handled.
Were you disappointed with the book: While the main characters were enjoyable to read about, there were several major problems. 1) Probability. I highly doubt that a girl would have been able to get away for 16 years without any kind of documentation, or be taken from the hospital as a baby without anybody questioning the identity of the undocumented parents. Also, would two girls who practically lived together NEVER realize that they were completely identical? 2) It felt like all the characters besides the triplets were flat and undeveloped. Ned and Allegra were so selfish it was implausible. Why didn't the doctor realize he was giving triplets to sisters? Why did the parents react in such extremes to Claire and Missy acting together, if they didn't even KNOW that they were twins/triplets? And then were delighted later? Why triplets?
Cover: The concept of the cover was really cool. I love the shapes the swans make, and the idea of the shadows. Because I'm picky, I must mention that it might have been more interesting if the red text had instead been a nice blue. Red and black are overused.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to 15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Across the Universe

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 15
Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razor Bill
Pub Date: March 2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book surprised me. I didn't expect to like it, but then the mystery started to reveal itself and I started noticing all the creepy aspects of the ship. I didn't anticipate where the plot was going, and when the conflict appeared, I had no idea how it would solve itself. The ending was unexpected and fitting.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The best part is all the weird things happening on the ship. From Elder's point of view, everything seems normal, but from Amy's point of view, you know there is something seriously wrong. The book is really original and very well thought out. All in all, it was a very refreshing read.
Were you disappointed with the book: I found the alternating perspective a little confusing at times, but as it is central to the plot, I think that's ok.
Cover: I am really not attracted to this cover. I think it makes the book seem way more fluffy and girly than it actually is. You would never guess, from this cover, that the book is a disturbing story about a twisted, lying society on a spaceship. You would guess it was some cheeesy romance. If the cover was changed to something that fit the book better, I think a lot more people would want to read it.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

Between Shades of Gray

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 15
Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pub Date: March 2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It is really sad, but the writing is beautiful and the voice of the main character is strong. It seemed very true to what actually happened, and it was one of the better historical novels I've come across.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: There were two things that made me keep reading. One was the strong voice of the narrator. I would have read any book narrated by this girl. She was a very interesting person, and the way she described things was very visual and vivid. You could tell that she was an artist. Her personal struggles are compelling as well, as she is really only trying to do what is best for her family, but she wonders if she is being selfish and snobby at the same time. The second reason was the hopeful tone of the book. If the book had lacked this hope, I would not have read it, it was too sad. But however hard things got, the characters were always able to pull through and stay strong.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only disappointment was the ending. I felt that it was very abrupt and perhaps not the best place to end. Also, I don't like it when, in the last chapter, people from the future find a letter or whatever from the narrator. I think that's a bit cheesy. But besides that, this book was fantastic.
Cover: This cover is perfect. It's simple, yet not boring. It's symbolic, yet not too heavy on the symbolism. It very much matches the title, and the contents of the book. The barbed wire is a nice touch and gives the whole picture a more gloomy feel.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

The Mermaid's Mirror

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: The Mermaid's Mirror
Author: L. K. Madigan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children
Pub Date: 10/2010
Galley: Yes
Cover: from the picture on the cover, the reader would believe that the story was about a young woman who encounters a mermaid, and lives in another time (judging from her hairstyle) The cover does not mention any of the important symbols in story such as surfing or family.
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Lena is dedicated to her passion for the sea, and despite the protestation from her father, she learns how to surf. This determination is admirable and presents a wonderful model for a younger audience.
Comments: The idea of forgetting her friends and family was a little hard to believe. Also, the readiness in which she abandoned her boyfriend seemed a little skeptical. Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12--15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Chemical Garden Trilogy: Wither

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: The Chemical Garden Trilogy: Wither
Author: Lauren Destefano
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: 03/22/11
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Wither is an amazing story about the future and the possible shortening of human life through technological mistakes. On top of that it address the polygamy and its benefits and problems. The main character remains strong and sets a good role model for any reader and follows her dreams despite the enormous difficulties resulting from separation from her brother, forced marriage, and the knowledge of her oncoming death.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The main character has an admirable desire to be free from her situation and maintains strong ties
to her love and her family.
Cover: Despite the fluffy dress the girl on the cover, the entire design conveys an appropriate theme of technology. The cover is very accurate in portraying the story.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

The Line

Reader: Maddie S
Age: 17
Title: The Line
Author: Teri Hall
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: March 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
How would you convince someone to read the book: I would tell him that in this story it helps us visualize a line between freedom and no freedom. The line is clearly defined in this story and the struggle to cross it.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of this book would have to be the visualization of the line that is a symbol for something greater than I can comprehend. The line to the Away,with which Rachel is protected by isn't actually keeping something out, but keeping them in. The whole meaning of the Line is changed by the end of the book.
Comments: This story I think represents roughly what life may be like for us in the future. The Line that separates the people from the Away isn't after all keeping the Away out, but its keeping the people in. Thats the government's way of having control over these people. I found this visualization of what may be very powerful.
Cover: Yes, I found the cover very unique and entertaining. It pulled me in.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-13
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Adios, Nirvana

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Adios, Nirvana
Author: Conrad Wesselhoeft
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Pub Date: Oct 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is a beautiful blend of light and dark, which it introduces right at the beginning with a Walt Whitman quote: "Every moment of light and dark is a miracle."This book is about guitars, dealing with loss, poetry, teen angst, and friendship, and it weaves them all together with spots of humor and spots of deep speculation.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The main character in this book was very compelling because of his unique perspective, conflicted past and interesting thoughts, which kept the book moving along.
Cover: The cover—a guitar made of flames with a black background—is pretty cool and reflects the contents, because a main point of this story is how the main character pours his feelings of loss and anger into his guitar. Nonetheless, I really don't like the quote they put at the bottom: first of all, the author they quoted wrote a really awful book that I wanted to spit on when I finished it, and it's insulting that he got to have his quote (which isn't even good) on such an incredible, awesome book as this. I hope they took it off before actually publishing it!
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only disappointment was the quote on the cover.
Age Range: 14-18 up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Ten Miles Past Normal

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Ten Miles Past Normal
Author: Francis O'Roark Dowell
Publisher: Antheneum Books For Young Readers
Pub Date: 03/22/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Despite having to deal with her neglectful best friend and transferring to a new school, Janie manages to stay true to her character and not change herself to fit in with other people.
Comments: I found the goat farming hippie parents hilarious and a good part of the story. Janie's reluctance to meet new people at school is discouraging and makes her seem a little under-developed.
Cover: The front image is fairly engaging, but the animals appear to be cows, not the goats they should be. In addition, the girl looks too old to be the main character.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes
Author: Lisa Greenwald
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pub Date: 10/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Even though the friends go through rough patches in their friendship, they manage to repair it and in doing so it makes them stronger and appreciate each other better.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I felt the characters acted too old for what they were doing. The idea of allowing you children to walk around a large apartment building without a chaperone is unsettling. In addition, Kate is so focused on finding a boyfriend, it begins to detract from the story. Although the story is based around Valentine's Day, the characters are unrealistic, undeveloped, and sometimes very shallow.
Cover: The cover is a bit too pick for my tastes. The background seems barren and it feels like there is a lot of empty space. The fortune cookie and hearts do reflect the Valentine’s Day theme.
Age Range: Under 12 to 13
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it

Stork

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pub Date: 10/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Stork is a wonderful read that tells the story of a teenage girl moving to a new state and learning about her heritage. The story also is combined with a delightful mixture of folklore and tradition that livens the story and compels the reader to keep reading.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Katla is a wonderful character who embraces the history of her family and embarks upon the quest set out before her as well as investigates the issues that are going on with her life. Her strong desire to create peace is most admirable.
Cover: The cover does a wonderful job of representing the plot along with including major elements of the story such as a stork, ice, and pale complexion.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Delirium

Reader: Emily

Age: 16
Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub Date: 02/01/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Lena is an amazingly realistic character that is able to find pure love while living through a time-period of paranoia and aggression. Because love is treated as a disease, she must begin a path of self discovery and learns to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Set in a not-so-distant future, Oliver writes a compelling plot about a society that is trying to brainwash its citizens into believing a falsehood. This idea of love as a disease is both disturbing and realistic.
Comments: Is there going to be a sequel ?
Cover: The cover does a superb job in conveying the pain and loneliness felt by the main character.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Kiss Me Deadly

Reader: Emiy
Age: 16
Title: Kiss Me Deadly
Author: Trisha Telep
Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers
Pub Date: 08/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The collection offers a wide variety of stories for a variety of interests. While some of the stories are slightly dry, quite a few prove to be provoking and engaging.
Cover: The cover appears very bland, with no real hint that the stories are about the supernatural and romance.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to15

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else

Reader: Sabrina

Age: 16
Title: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else
Author: Erin McCahan
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: June 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book gives you a great insight of the struggles towards gaining independence while trying to maintain a romantic relationship.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book was the deep connection between Bronwen and Jared and the compassion they had for each other. All their little quirks and what-nots really made the book come more alive.
Comments: The ending seemed to be cut a little short and cut to the chase, all of a sudden all the years seemed to be going really fast! I loved the ending though and seemed to give a little indication for hope, but not too predictable, which I liked.
Cover: I picked up the book because it looked like the typical cheesy teen book. Fortunately, this did not reflect the contents of the book.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Cryer's Cross

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Cryer's Cross
Author: Lisa McMann
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 02/08/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Cryer's Cross is an eerie and intoxicating murder mystery about the disappearance of teens in a small town. The accurate and vivid descriptions combined with a disturbing plot make an excellent read!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The accurate and vivid descriptions combined with a disturbing plot make an excellent read!
Cover: The cover reminded me of a horror film. The creepy font etched into the desk fit perfectly with the story and I couldn't think of a better cover for the book!
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Comments: I wish there were more books out there that were this realistic.

Angry Young Man

Reader: Emily

Age: 16
Title: Angry Young Man
Author: Chris Lynch
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: 02/08/11
Galley: Yes
Cover: The cover was intriguing, although it reminds me of the movie Angry Old Men. I think there could be a better title. The storm clouds do convey the anger appropriate to the main characters brother.
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Despite some family issues, the main character works hard to maintain a normal life.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Adios, Nirvana

Reader: Elise
Age: 14
Title: Adios, Nirvana
Author: Conrad Wesselhoeft
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Pub Date: Oct. 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The first and foremost recommending aspect of Adios, Nirvana is the characters. Jonathan's emotions are real, sharp, and another dose of reality. His reaction to his twin’s death (whose name is fabulous, and the story behind it adds so much to the characters!) is understandable and relateable without line of whininess that is so often stepped over. I love how he's gritty enough to be believable, but isn't thinking about sex all of the time. Hope! The author also carries these characteristics over to Jonathan's friends, 'thicks,' too. They're supportive and sensitive, without being mushy, and show a side that seems more balanced to modern teenage boys. The other set of characters that absolutely shone were his friends at hospice. The phrase, "float a turd," basically sums them up. And if you feel confused or intrigued right now, pick up the book. And the poetry. Finally! It's a relief to read a book where the poetry added in is very high quality. The poems help you relate to Jonathan, and convey his pain more than any number of paragraphs ever could.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: For a book whose plot was mostly internally based, this story was very fast-paced and sharp. Between stories of WWII, guitar adventures, taurine-and-pain filled nights, and mourning Telemachus, I could hardly put it down. This is the kind of book that has enough substance to study in schools, and the amount of reality it takes to draw everybody in.
Cover: The cover was awesome, compelling, attention grabbing, and fit the book to a T. Even several days after finishing, I still notice different ways the images convey themes, and events of the story. Also, I feel like it would attract the kind of people that would like this kind of book, which is a good thing, of course. The flaming guitar is much more well used than on a lot of covers now. Then we arrive at the title: this is the best name I've seen since Walk Two Moons. The conciseness, and yet utter uniqueness is perfect. "Adios, Nirvana." Wow. Yay!
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Shadow Walkers

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Shadow Walkers
Author: Brent Hartinger
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: Feb 2011
Galley: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: I would not recommend this book because I was so disappointed in it. If someone is going to publish a book called Shadow Walkers, it needs to live up to such a cool title.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The 'shadow walking' in this case is a form of astral projection where the character can move around outside of his body, which is an interesting if overused idea. It needed a little more to it, and the plot just fell flat. Five chapters in I skipped to the last two chapters and couldn't find any difference in the characters or what was happening.
Did you finish: No
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I could not bring myself to finish this. The descriptions were flowery, but it was almost always 'telling' and didn't engage me in the story, astral projection concept or characters. The main character in particular might as well have been a cardboard cutout. I couldn't identify any personality except that he cares about his brother, which could have been enough if it were more vividly and compellingly described.
Cover: The cover is pretty cool, actually, but what made me pick up this book was the fact that I have a short story magical power called shadow walking, and was afraid that my idea had been stolen/thought of first!
Age Range: 12-13
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal