Pink

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: Pink
Author: Lili Wilkinson
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pub Date: 02/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Breaking out of the bland model of most teen books, and was actually complex. Instead of a cheerleader whose secret was that she read comics, Ava was switched around in that she wanted more room to experiment with pink, and other fluffier things. Not only did the book have a mixed up aspect going for it, but all of the characters were complex, and reacted in surprising, but plausible ways.
Compelling aspects of the book: As Ava's problems kept stacking up, so did my interest. All of her issues came from her, so the reader could follow her actions and their consequences, without feeling like yelling and screaming at the character. In the end, the way she deals with her mess is utterly human, and realistic because it doesn't tie up all of the ends in a nice little bow, but is a conclusion.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: This book attracted me less because of the cover, and more because of the recommendation from John Green on the cover. However, the more I got into the book, the cooler the cover got, because it fit in, described the character, and introduced a theme that was pulled through the novel. The contrast was eye-catching, and the shadows around the lips made them almost 3-D.
Age Range: Under 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Countess Nobody

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Countess Nobody
Author: Lynn Kiele Bonasia
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 06/14/2011
Galley: Yes
Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Convince to read book Comments: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: Sophie manages to gain international attention about a fictitious count visiting America. The reality of this is relatively impossible, but makes an interesting read.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed with the book: Reading the book resulted in several issues. The main character seems to be inconsiderate and rather selfish. She should know what not to post on the internet. It feels as if the character is just doing whatever pops into her head, and her thinking is completely out of this world. Her character is not established and seems flimsy.
Cover: The cover of the book does look like a blog, reflecting the contents.
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it

The Vampire Stalker

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Vampire Stalker
Author: Allison Van Diepen
Publisher: Point
Pub Date: 06/01/2011
Galley: Yes
Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: In a day when vampire books number by the hundreds, The Vampire Stalker proves to be an engaging and rather exciting story about fictional characters becoming real. Amy encounters her dream vampire after almost being killed by his arch enemy, also transported to the real world. After stalking down and killing the evil vampire, peace is restored and Amy gets the man she always wanted.
Compelling aspects of the book: Amy can be appreciated as a rather sensible character, as she never throws herself at Alex's feet and drools at every move he makes. Amy is well rounded and that adds to a readable story.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: It feels like the story is a little like Inkheart, the book, but manages to stand alone.
Cover: The cover is certainly interesting, nice use of grays contrasting with red. I think it suggests a vampire book, but doesn't over-power the cover.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Shadow's Edge

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Shadow's Edge
Author: Maureen Lipinski
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 01/08/2012
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: Shadow's edge is a mildly entertaining book with a predictable plot and standard characters. The only unique thing in the book was the family full of young women with special talents. It was like a bad female Harry Potter in a way.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: First, the spelling of creatuir is insanely impossible to spell! Also, the name is suspiciously Spanish sounding. Perhaps a pronunciation key could be provided? Do the sisters need to all be the key to save the magic people? I find that very predictable. The "bad" creatuir should be more developed. They need a more solid background with a larger role. It felt as if the story moved to fast, nothing wrong with elaborating.
Cover: The cover of the book seems aimed for a younger audience. As an older reader, it causes me to avoid the book.
Age Range: Under 12-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Mephisto Covenant

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Mephisto Covenant
Author: Trinity Faegen
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 09/27/2011
Galley: Yes
Top10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Mephisto Covenant is a page-turning sci-fi romance about a girl who must stay with her only relatives after her mother is forced to deport to Russia. Did I mention the aunt is possessed? While living with family, Sasha meets a handsome boy who turns out to be a son of hell, tasked with guarding souls. The two fall in love with some difficulty, danger, and adventure. The book may seem dull from the cover, but once you pick it up, you won't ever want to finish.
Compelling aspects of the book: The plot is loosely tied to a good vs. evil theme, but avoids dullness by creating a rich world, full of tension and emotion. The characters were superbly developed.
Cover: Beautiful cover, I don't believe the main character ever walks down the road in a dress, but the lighting and image itself are attractive.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Comments: I can't wait for the second book! How many are in the series?

Flirt Club

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: Flirt Club
Author: Cathleen Daly
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspect of the book: I'm not really sure why I finished reading this book. Disbelief?
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: While I never had high hopes for the book, there were a couple of problems that were especially pressing. First of all, the age of the characters and the things that were happening to them were out of whack. Not that much drama happens in 8th grade, certainly not pressure to have sex, but in high school, where it would be a more fitting setting, they're too immature to deal with those realities, creating a book that's in this weird state of limbo. Everything just amounted to one, huge, middle school soap opera that was uninteresting to an extreme.
Cover: Something about the “item will self destruct in 5-4-3-2-1” aspect of the girl's eyes, staring into my very soul inspired me to pick up this book, which was a very stupid thing to do. The other reason was shock. It's not everyday you read a letter on the inside flap of a book addressed to a pork chop.
Age Range: Under 12-13
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend
Author: Gary Ghislain
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pub Date: 06/2011
Galley: No
Top10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I wouldn't recommend this to all my friends, only the ones I'm sure enjoy really weird books. I would say that it is a story about a dull French kid whose life gets a lot more interesting when he falls in love with one of his dad's psychiatric patients who happens to be a supergirl alien on a mission to bring Johnny Depp back to her planet.
Compelling aspects of the book: Besides the silliness of the main concept, I was impressed by the depth of the characters, the quick pacing and careful conclusion to the story. The world-building of Zelda the alien girl's planet is well developed and often humorous as well as intimidating. I particularly enjoyed reading the character of Malou (sarcastic, partying step-sister) and David's mom (strict, materialistic neglectful lawyer) and watching them clash with the whole alien situation.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: This book was better than I expected, so I wasn't disappointed. It was an enjoyable quick read.
Cover: The cover is really nothing special, just black with stars and some random butterflies (Why? Butterflies have nothing to do with anything!). What really jumps out is the absolutely ridiculous title, which perfectly describes a deeply absurd and entertaining story.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Anna and the French Kiss

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Pub Date: 12/10/11
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read book: If you are a die hard French fanatic you will love this book. How Perkins described France was dead on perfect. By her imagery she re-created France perfectly from the tourist attractions, to high schools in France, to little cafes. Reading Perkins' book made me feel as if I where in France again.
Compelling aspects of the book: The most compelling aspect of the book was seeing Anna's love for France grow. I thought it was more compelling seeing her personal growth than her "romantic" growth blossom. It made the book and the character more humbling and realistic. You can really sense in the end of the book a progression of the character from the begging to the end of the book. It was lovely to have been able to read this transformation story.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book because it looked like a cheesy but cute romantic novel for teen girls. This did reflect the contents of the book. I just wish you could see Etienne's face or some glimpse of more of his body.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: The ending was abrupt, which disappointed me because I wanted to know what happened to the characters. I had read Perkins newest book before reading Anna and the French Kiss and was amazed to see that both books could stand without the other but intertwined great with the other. More authors should learn how to do sequels like Perkins. Both books stand out on their own perfectly.

Witch Eyes

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: Witch Eyes
Author: Scott Tracey
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 09/08/11
Galley: Yes
Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book had a sense of adventure and romance. So many books right now have female heroines. It was nice to read about a male hero who had super powers that could either hurt or aid him.
Compelling aspects of the book: Branden's struggle between using his eyes showed a great internal conflict between the character and his actions towards others creating a great plot. With the eye's as well Branden learned more about his family and himself moving back to Bell Dam showing yet a whole other side to Branden and the people he trusts.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: At times the main character Branden seemed to doubt himself too much. Lately, books seem to be having heroes who know they have the strength but doubt their capabilities to fully succeed. At a point the book got a bit annoying because pages where full of rants from Branden not believing in himself. For once I'd like to see a character that trusts themself and doesn't have a big ego about it.
Cover: The cover tempted me to pick up the book. It looked dark and mysterious -- reflecting the contents of the book. Branden's witch eye was dramatic making the book cover intriguing. What confused me though was the red/brown building below his face. Throughout the book there where description of the towns buildings but none that seemed to be the one depicted on the cover.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Hush, Hush

Reader: Ada
Age: 17
Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub Date: 2009
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Fallen angels are a supernatural species that are less celebrated than vampires, werewolves, or zombies but are just as interesting. They also make for great love interest as well, as this book clearly states. The plot has a definite twist in the works, and Fitzpatrick keeps the pages turning with cool character developments. Also, the romance element definitely was there. If you're into that, then this book is a definite yes.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I thought the twist of events at the end of the book was the best part of the novel. Learning who Jules really was came as a genuine shock and an unexpected turn. I also liked the way that Fitzpatrick explained the reason fallen angels possess Nephilim and how they can't feel. I thought that was really unique and clever.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I didn't think that it was very believable that Nora went from freaking out about Patch being a fallen angel to just going with the flow. When they're in the motel, she says that she has to shut the rational part of her brain off to process the situation. She never seems to turn on that part of her brain again because we never get her for once doubting the fact that Patch is a fallen angel. She doubts his motives for sticking around her and if he wants to kill her but never if he's lying about one of the most crucial pieces to the book's plot. I just thought that was really unrealistic. Even a simple conversation between Nora and Patch in the car driving or something would have satisfied me on the subject. Also, I thought going into the book that I would find out where the title came from, but at the end I was still really confused. Did it come from the fact that Nora couldn't tell anyone about Patch? I have no clue and it kind of bugs me now
Comments: Overall, I would say that this book was good. At times the reality of it got away from the author; however, it was very cleverly put together and turned out well. The ending definitely left room for a sequel which sometimes irritates me with books because it seems like the author is either milking the plot for more money or they don't know how to tie up loose ends, both which annoy me. In this case, I'm okay with there being a sequel. I just hope that the next book has genuine new developments and isn't the author or publisher trying to stretch out a good thing past its expiration date.
Cover: The cover really captivated my attention and was one of the main reasons that I picked it up. After reading the book, the cover made complete sense as the plot is about fallen angels. The cover definitely did its job of capturing the reader's attention and looked really awesome at the same time
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.
Author: Medeia Sharif
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 07/08/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. is a intriguing novel about a girl named Almira who is trying to fit in, while being the only Muslim-American. Almira has her friends, but finds life difficult when everyone notices her attractive mom and ignores Almira. When a hot new guy transfers into her school, Almira sees a chance to be noticed, if only another girl, Shakira, who happens to be Muslim as well, wasn't in her way. Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. is a novel you will surely enjoy and smile at.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I enjoyed how the main character is Muslim. A lot of teenage books are about a wanna-be musician, or a teen angst, but very few novels are written about Muslim teenagers. This difference makes an interesting read.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover is very light-hearted and fits the story well. The only issue is why does the guy on the cover look like he's in college? No high school guy looks like that. They're all younger. Finding a younger guy who fits the age would be desirable. Also, that cupcake is very attractive in a food-y way.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Blood

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Blood
Author: K. J. Wignall
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 09/27/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Will, the vampire of the story, is not a mindless creature, but a person with history and feeling, I enjoyed how it was written from his point of view and he seemed sensible and dislikes the word "vampire".
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed:
Cover: Please, not another vampire book. Why is the book called blood? That is a stereotypical title for a vampire book, and is not the central focus of the book. Yes, Will needs blood when he wakes up, but he's not a raging demon running around sucking people dry! This is a decent book, but less blood on the cover, please.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: Although there have been quite a lot of vampire books, I think Blood, as terrible as the title is, is a promising book. The story is worth reading because the main focus is not on vampires, but Will, who happens to be a vampire, discovering his origins and retaining his humanity. Instead of another twilight romance, Blood is a story with a quest and purpose, something that is very attractive to readers.

The Game of Triumphs

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Game of Triumphs
Author: Laura Powell
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: 08/09/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Book of Triumphs is a fascinating book that follows fifteen-year-old Cat as she stumbles upon life-altering game of tarot. Her reluctance to join in the game quickly ends as she learns the truth about her parents’ death and its connection to the game. Cat becomes a player and joins up with three other teens to release the Hanged Man, find out the truth, and restore the old rules.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: A story centered around a never-ending game of Tarot is certainly a new and refreshing idea. I have never read a book with a plot like this. It appeals to readers of multiple interests and is worth reading.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I thought the ending of the book was lacking in answers. The main characters didn't solve their problems, all it says is the Arcanum begins to fade and they get the cards they want. What happens to them? Does Cat learn the truth behind her parents’ murder? Does Blaine get his revenge? Is Flora's sister released from her coma? How does Toby become a hero? As good and captivating as the Book of Triumphs is, it does not need a sequel, but there is plenty of room for a satisfying ending.
Cover: The cover is very intriguing! In a way it reminds me of a manga illustration, but overall the cover is attention grabbing. The only issue with the cover is the font used in the title on the tarot card. The font is cool, but slightly illegible. Perhaps something simpler could be used? Overall, the cover seems original and relates well to the book.
Age Range: Under 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Pearl

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Pearl
Author: Jo Knowles
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pub Date: 07/19/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Pearl is an emotional story about a 15-year old living with a mother who acts half her age and a grumpy grandfather who is a better parent than her mother. When Gus, the grandfather dies, Pearl, a.k.a Bean, seeks answers about her father, while trying to maintain a "normal" life. With the support of Henry, her best friend, and Sally, his mother, Bean finds answers and comes to a sort of peace with her mother.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I enjoyed how Pearl is not only the story of Pearl's quest for answers, but also about her mother learning to be responsible and connect with her.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover is simple, charming, but a little gray. The gray and white theme is a small turn-off because it looks so boring. Also, the girl in the pearl has a creepy expression on her face. She's not happy or sad, she's staring off into the distance with a weird expression on her face.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Paradise

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Paradise
Author: Jill S. Alexander
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub Date: 06/05/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Paradise is a memorable story about one high school junior's journey to become the drummer she has always wanted to be, while dealing with the inevitable: facing her mother. Paradise details Paisley's emotions and self-discovery. Through Paradise, an accordion playing singer, she learns to expand her abilities and learn the importance of coming clean to family.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: When Paisley finally tells her mother and confessed to playing with the band, it was refreshing to have her mother still be a mother and not be easily won over. The slow transition is realistic, instead of having an instantaneous transformation, something that adds to the quality of the book.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover is a little girly, but I appreciate the black and white photo. The girl's hair should have been shorter, because in the book her hair was not that long. The cover is attracting to female readers, but doesn't reflect the contents as much as it should. Perhaps the cover picture could be shot from farther away maybe in the airplane hanger doorway instead of a close up.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Level Up

Reader: Payton
Age: 15
Title: Level Up
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Publisher: First Second
Pub Date: 2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked that a majority of the story was a Pacman reference. It was also interesting that it was a cartoon style comic book. Other than that, though, it wasn't very good.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I was slightly disappointed with the book. It was a very dumbed down version of a plot that had potential for greatness. I did finish it, but only because it was a quick read. I don't think I would have if it hadn't been a comic book.
Cover: I really love this cover. It looks like a Gameboy Color, or a super old Nintendo. It made me stop and look twice at it. It also was the perfect cover for the story. I wouldn't change it at all.
Age Range: Under 12-13
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

In Trouble

Reader: Payton
Age: 15
Title: In Trouble
Author: Ellen Levine
Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab
Pub Date: 08/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I would describe it as an historical fiction, set in the era of Governor McCarthy and his Communist hunt, about teen pregnancy. It may seem like an odd pairing of plot choices, but they work together really well.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I found the most compelling aspect to be the decisions that the main character had to make, given the society that surrounded her, and the strict rules about how girls should be that presided in this era.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I finished this book in practically one sitting, but I'll admit that that was mostly due to insomnia. It was however a really good book, and certainly a unique one. I know there are a lot of teen pregnancy cautionary tale books out there, but I would wager that most are contemporary.
Cover: The cover is quite interesting. I was drawn to the street sign effect that was used on the title, even though it isn't actually a street sign. The cover didn't really reflect the story, but more the general mood of the book. If I were to change it, I might say have it be set up as a newspaper, as newspapers are rather important to the story.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

A Monster Calls

Reader: Sophie
Age: 15
Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pub Date: 2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is moving, disturbing, and absolutely beautiful. It is the story of a boy trying to come to terms with his mother's cancer, while at the same time battling nightmares and realizing that the truth is not so straightforward as he thought it was.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The monster was fascinating. We never really know if it is real, or just a figment of Conor's imagination. The stories the monster told are, as Conor says, "cheating", because they have a twist at the end. The monster teaches Conor that good and evil are not always separate, and that we have to confront the things inside of us which we fear and hate the most.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes:
Reason why you were disappointed: I wish it hadn't been so short, and I thought the ending was too abrupt. Besides that, it was perfect.
Cover: The cover, and in fact all the illustrations, are beautiful and haunting. They are completely black, grey, and white, and add to the tone of the book. The drawings are abstract enough to let you form your own images of scenes and characters, and they seem to reflect the monsters and nightmares that are constantly plaguing Conor.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Forbidden

Reader: Maddie
Age: 18
Title: Forbidden
Author: Tabitha Suzuma
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 6/28/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book gives the other dangerous side of the story for which no one has dared to write about yet. It was a risky move with successful results.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book was the unyielding courage of this author to embark and write about such a topic that no one has talked about before. Many people judge and misunderstand this act but this novel opens up a whole new array of light on the subject
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover had a very intricate array of wire fencing which was catching to the eye.
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Mephisto Covenant

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: The Mephisto Covenant
Author: Trinity Faegen
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 09/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a really cool book that has its own supernatural ideas, instead of things most people have heard of like vampires or werewolves. It kind of has a cult in it, which is interesting.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really like that the author seemed to create her own history and myths, instead of taking popular ideas and reusing them. I also liked that the protagonist didn't see the love interest as a love interest until a little more than half-way through the book. She didn't see him and instantly fall in love with him. However, she was a little narrow-minded, and didn't want to understand what was going on in her own life, which bugged me a bit.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: Yes, the dark swirls, with the white cursive attracted my eye.
Age Range: 16-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Vampire Stalker

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: The Vampire Stalker
Author: Allison Van Diepen
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Pub date: 6/11
Galley: No
Nominated for Teens’ Top Ten: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a twist to the vampire craze. The protagonist is in love with the vampire hunter in her favorite book. Somehow he and the evil vampire in the book appear, and she has to help him catch the vampire. This is a book for anyone who wishes a book character could come to life.
Compelling aspects of the book: I really liked the idea of characters coming out of a book and the alternate reality theory.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The black and grays mixed with blots of red drew my attention.
Age Range: 14- 18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills
Author: Joanna Pearson
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Pub Date: 07/11
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book gives a hilarious twist to the somewhat clichéd theme of finding-yourself/ becoming-a-better-person. The anthropology is interesting, the protagonist is witty, and I actually liked it, even though I generally don't like the above mentioned clichéd theme.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The anthropology twist.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover intrigued me, but it was mostly the spelling of 'rite' that made me take notice.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Blood Wounds

Reader: Sophie
Age: 13
Title: Blood Wounds
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Pub Date: 9/12/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you hate blood, I would not recommend this to you. There is a scene where the author describes how Willa's father killed his family, and it is in great detail. I am usually not bothered by that type of thing, but this book made me feel like I was there and I definitely was tearing up.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The characters were very believable and so were their reactions to what was going on around them. Willa's step sisters seemed like your typical teenage girl, while Willa was more dark and secretive. Willa was not a very likeable character, but through the book you learned more about her past and you start to learn why she acts the way she does. As you get further in, her secrets are revealed and everything she's been holding back and not telling anyone comes out.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes:
Reason why you were disappointed: I was not disappointed with the writing, but some of the characters, like Willa's step father, didn't appeal to me as much as others. I guess the author wanted some non- likeable people in the book though so it all worked out.
Comments: The book has horror aspects but in the whole it's not a scary book. I think a lot of teens will like that about it.
Cover: The way that the girl is staring from the cover is sorta creepy, at one point I had to turn the book over just so I could fall asleep. The girl on the cover looks like she is angry and sad and confused all at the same time. I guess the girl is supposed to be Willa, but in the book she has different features.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal