Teens Know Best!

Eve

2012-01-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub Date: 10/04/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Eve is a different take on the post-apocalyptic romance. The human population has been mostly wiped out by a virus, leaving many women dead, but more men alive. To solve the reproduction problem, girls are confined to live in "boarding schools" where they are given a solid education. Which is where Eve comes into the story. She still has memories of her early life, living with her parents. The girls are told they graduate and go to college at the end of their schooling, but Eve find out they are used as baby breeders, raped by men and have babies torn out of them before they can give birth. Disgusting, yes? Well Eve naturally escapes, running away from the "school," hoping to find civilization. Instead, she joins a band of runaway boys, and learns how messed up the world is, and civilization.
Compelling aspects of the book: This was not your average futuristic novel.
Cover: Certainly an intriguing cover, but not inspirational. Rather gloomy, fitting the post-apocalyptic theme, and has Eve on the cover, also expressing the solitude she experiences for part of the story.

The Knife and the Butterfly

2012-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Knife and the Butterfly
Author: Ashley Hope Perez
Publisher: Carolrhoda LAB
Pub Date: 02/01/3011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: It was different reading about a crime from two different perspectives and not knowing the full story from the beginning. This novel reminded me of a who-done-it, fitting all the clues together.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: The main male character, Azael, remains mysterious throughout the story. He was hard to connect to and everything that happened to him felt too confusing. As a reader, it was hard to focus on the two characters. The book had choppy transitions, and too many flash backs. The ending was a complete surprise and left me wondering what had just happened.
Cover: A rather abstract cover that reminds me of a Rorschach image or vampire teeth, none of which have anything to do with the story. It's certainly an engaging cover with the contrasting black and red, but the image has no plot relevance.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest

How to Rock Braces and Braces

2012-01-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: How to Rock Braces and Glasses
Author: Meg Haston
Publisher: Poppy
Pub Date: 10/24/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: How to Rock Braces and Glasses is a quirky but sweet coming of age book that many will relate to. With a weak beginning, where the main character is head of the school news team, breaking main stories and rocking the school fashion world, she experiences the worst thing possible: glasses. Then, spiraling her farther and farther away from popularity, comes the braces. Kacey experiences an overnight transformation to the bottom of the social order, having to suffer the cruel torturing of her former friends. With this new found view of the "normal" world, she quickly falls in love and finds her true identity, learning to make the best of her situation.
Compelling aspects of the book: Even though this book moves at an incredibly rapid pace, it was realistic for the most part.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: I think the beginning of the novel was difficult to accept due to Kacey's ignorant attitude, I definitely don't think that a 15 year-old has that kind of following on a school tv news announcement
Cover: Eccentric and oddly spunky cover. The total in-your-face graphics with neon pink titling really pops out and makes you want to find out was happens in this book. A+
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

How to Save a Life

2012-01-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: How to Save a Life
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pub Date: 10/18/2011
Galley: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: How to Save a Life is a beautiful book that perfectly captures the emotions and thought processes of two very different teen girls. Jill and Mandy are thrown together, much to Jill's opposition. Jill's mom wants to adopt Mandy's unborn baby, something that Jill feels is unnecessary. Jill's father is recently deceased, leaving her confused and hollow, wishing for something other than what she has. This novel weaves together the emotional experience of a teenage mother-to-be and another teen who just wants to leave her life. Full of romance, angst, confusion and above all, accepting people for who they are, How to Save a Life is a gripping tale you will want to keep for years.
Compelling aspects of the book: Although the book is about a pregnant teenager, it does not focus on the the issues of what to do with it, but the effects it has on everyone.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: It would have been nice to see what happened at the end with Mandy going to meet the father of her child, I think that it was a very sweet and touching part of the novel and wish to read more.
Cover: A peaceful cover with a lot of connotation, I think that although it is not an exact image from the book, it still represents the calmness that covers the rawness of the main characters.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Comments: This book should not have a sequel, but needs a longer ending.

Just Your Average Princess

2012-01-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Just Your Average Princess
Author: Kristina Springer
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pub Date: 10/11/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Just Your Average Princess is your typical “girl meets snooty girl/relative and proceeds to have an all out war with her” story. A feel-good novel, the characters will have you smiling or rolling your eyes, but eventually will leave you satisfied. Jamie (the main character) really just does not like her cousin for most of the book. Towards the end, things work out and everyone is happy.
Compelling aspects of the book: This was a rather intriguing book focused on a family that grows pumpkins. How many books are about a pumpkin growing family? Certainly a different subject.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: The adamant hatred by Jamie of her cousin is really difficult to deal with and makes you wish you weren't reading it. The book has great potential, but there's only so much negativity a person can handle
Cover: Certainly a cute cover, general appeal for teenage girls, only issue: the girl on cover looks like she was badly Photoshopped in.
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Survival Kit

2012-01-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Survival Kit
Author: Donna Freitas
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pub Date: 10/11/2011
Galley: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Survival Kit is not your average love story. Rose's mom dies before the story begins, leaving her living in a fog, uncertain and uncaring. Her hunky boyfriend stays with her, but wishes for more physical pleasures, her dad is slipping into drunken stupors, and her brother is off doing his own thing at college. The only constant thing in her life is the quiet Will, school hockey star turned gardener. Over the year, Will and Rose slowly open up to each other, and come to terms with their past.
Compelling aspects of the book: Rose doesn't abandon herself after her mother's death, instead taking a break from normal life, receding into a cocoon to ponder her future and think of the past. Full of trials, Rose overcomes her difficulties like any person.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Nightshade

2011-12-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Reader: Ada
Age: 17
Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 10/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I thought the amount of background and history that Cremer put into the werewolf society was really neat. Most supernatural books just expect you to accept all of this assumed history and weight about their culture. I also thought it was cool that the werewolves actually existed in our world. They interacted with humans and the main character was actually in a love triangle with one of them. Usually, the humans are either seen as food or are just non-existent in the plot.
Compelling aspects of the book: The romance was definitely the coolest part of the novel. I liked how the characters are still in high school so you get that realistic, tension-in-the-hallways feel to the novel. Also, the love that exists between Cal and Ren. They seem to love each other, but it's an imposed love, more of an attraction. Both romances seem so real, I actually didn't know which one would win out until the very end. And even here, I'm still guessing.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: One thing that I didn't like was the ending. It was very abrupt and I didn't really know what to think. I know that there is a sequel coming out, and I hate it when so many new series' books end like this. They expect you to just wait there on your couch until the next book comes along. Well, I need a conclusive ending to my novels. A book needs a beginning, middle, and an end. I feel that some authors are confusing the ending part of the novel with another beginning that I know frustrates a lot of readers.
Cover: I thought the cover was actually really cool. It definitely had that ethereal look to it that was part of the novel since it's about werewolves.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: This book was overall pretty good. I like Cal and admired her for her strength. I thought the pack dynamics were interesting, and I liked how the author wove wolf dynamics into a human-like society with dominant alphas, etc. I thought the rival pack units were cool, and the additional romances were a nice touch. Overall, I would say that if you love romance, can't get enough of it, then this is a good book for you.

The Six Rules of Maybe

2011-12-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Reader: Ada
Age: 17
Title: The Six Rules of Maybe
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 03/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The characters in the book are so complex; you just can't help but identify with them. They are definitely not the most idyllic family. They have their issues, but that's what makes it so real. For example, you absolutely hate Scarlet's sister but you end up feeling the same sort of love that Scarlet feels towards her even if you still hate part of her.
Compelling aspects of the book: I thought the relationship between Hayden and Scarlet was the most intriguing. Not to give too much away, but there are definitely some sparks flying there. At the end, I was a mix of feelings, both happy and slightly disappointed. But overall, the romance was definitely a major plot-mover.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: I was slightly disappointed at the end. I wanted... another ending but was still satisfied at the end. I had invested so much and hoping for a particular ending but it turned out differently. I guess that's life though, giving you those unexpected but satisfying twists.
Cover: I thought the cover was not that intriguing. It was mostly the fact that it was Deb Caletti that drew me to this book. The cover was relevant however in describing her favorite beach.
Age Range: 16-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: I originally picked this book up because I am in love with Deb Caletti's writing style. I felt that this book still had elements of those moments that had so captured my heart in her book Stay, but they weren't as prominent. Also, I felt that the plot in this one was a bit more whimsical and non-realistic than in Stay. This book is definitely a good one that people should read but go into it with a clear mind. I still had baggage from her other books and so was slightly disappointed with it compared to her other books.

Stay

2011-12-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Reader: Ada
Age: 17
Title: Stay
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 04/05/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I think Deb Caletti's voice and style of writing is so unique and so appealing. She somehow is able to insert all of these anecdotes about life and her characters that you would think would slow down the pace of the story. But they don't. If anything, they keep you more hooked into the plot and the characters. You connect with them more because Caletti makes you go there. She reveals something about humanity in her little musings. I ended up just looking out for them, the little one or two sentences that would tie me into the novel. I would become invested suddenly into the character because Caletti described something about her that I could relate to.
Compelling aspects of the book: I thought the flashbacks into the relationship between Clara and Christian were really disturbing but also really fascinating, in a sick twisted way. It was clear to the readers that "DUH!!!! HE'S A STALKER PSYCHO!!!!" But that's because we had the beauty of hindsight. Clara didn't have that. I thought Caletti artfully showed how realistic that relationship was, how true to life. It really was an eye-opener, to be stuck in a relationship and then to get a wake-up call and realizing how blinded by "love" you've been this entire time. It also showed how powerful love can be, in any form.
Were you disappointed withy the book at all: I wasn't disappointed at all. I felt like I had uncovered a whole new world that I could just dive into. I love Caletti's style of writing, and her plot and characters were fantastic. I was surprised that I fell so in love with her writing.
Cover: I thought the cover was interesting. It didn't intrigue me to read it; the book jacket description did that. However, the cover was still nice and was definitely unique.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: The relationships that she crafted were so real because they were complicated. She made reality seem almost like a fantasy, this complex mysterious dream that you never wanted to wake up from. She transformed the realness of life, its harsh contours and grief-stricken moments, into something beautiful, something to hold onto.

The Girl with the Steel Corset

2011-12-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Reader: Ada
Title: The Girl with the Steel Corset
Author: Kady Cross
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pub Date: 06/01/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is going to be the Book-Zero for an entire new frontier in teen literature. It is the only Steampunk book I've read, and now I am scanning all of the shelves in the libraries for anything like it. Cross expertly turned the Victorian-era aspects of the book into its own character which aided Cross in the telling of the main characters. I also like the romance and thought both were adorable and actually believable which is hard to come by sometimes in teen fiction. It didn't feel orchestrated and seemed to follow a natural progression with the plot which was really satisfying.
Compelling aspects of the book: I thought the background on the automatons was actually really interesting. It was so complex, like Cross had actually mapped and drawn all of this complex machinery herself. She was her own Emily and her machine-model was this book. It was fascinating, and the best part was that it all seemed actually plausible.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed at all by this book, maybe because I went into the novel not really having any expectations or previous baggage. If I did have any previous notions, this book just shot them out of the water!
Cover: I thought the cover was brilliantly portrayed. It was intriguing and definitely reflected the book's plot and mood. The cover is definitely what drew me in.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone who had a few hours to spare (or was willing to create a few hours that they could spare). I loved the characters, the plot, the setting, pretty much everything appealed to me. Cross weaved her imagination so well into the Victorian setting that it was easy sometimes to forget that this stuff didn't actually exist in history. You just accepted for the duration of this book that this was a new history, retold, that she had just discovered and decided to write down. It was brilliant, and I envy her writing talent.

Rot and Ruin

2011-12-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Reader: Frances
Age: 15
Title: Rot and Ruin
Author: Jonathan Maberry
Publisher: Simon &Schuster Publishing
Pub Date: 10/5/10
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The whole story is a completely new idea to me;a post apocolyptic zombie story where society still exists. Also, the characters are great. The bad guys are scary, and you care about the good guys immediatly.
Compelling aspects of the book: The most compelling aspect of the book to me is how people are too scared to try to regain their land back from the zombies. It seems like something that would actually happen.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover tempted me a lot, maybe because the look in the guy's eye is really intense. It made me feel like this would be a thriller, which ended up being true.
Age Range: 12-18+
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: **Annotation** In a world full of fear with heart full of misled hatred, Benny Imura begins to find out the truth about his past and his future.
*

Devastation

2011-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Reader: Frances
Age: 15
Title: Devastation
Author: Gloria Skuryvinski
Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers
Pub Date: ?
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: I really loved the characters. They seemed very real and it wasn't hard to care about them.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: The war was a little bit anti-climatic, though interesting. I found some parts to be a little drawn out and frustrating. Overall though a pretty good read.
Cover: The cover was reasonably tempting, but slightly misleading. First of all, the book is set in a post apocolyptic world instead of a apocolypse happening during the story. However, it is intriguing enough that I picked it up.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Project

2011-12-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

Reader: Maddie
Age: 18
Title: The Project
Author: Brian Falkner
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 9/13/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This story is entwined with infinite details and facts that make the story all the more enthralling.
Compelling aspects of the book: The most compelling aspect of the book would be that there is hidden meaning and undertone to everything that has happened in WWII, Leonardo's drawings, and creations.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: Before I read this book I had no idea what the Vitruvian man was. This book gave me the determination and drive to actually pursue the meaning in depth on what the topic was about.
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: What I found enthralling about this story was the history and undertone behind it. I found the werewolf part of the story a little random. But other then that the story was quite elaborately written and made me reluctant to put it down.

Big Girl Small

2011-12-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: Big Girl Small
Author: Rachel DeWoskin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Pub Date: 04/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Big Girl Small really tells a story, more than other books I've read. In a way that's hard to explain, this novel hinges on the character's reaction to everything that's happening, and her role in that. Which doesn't sound very unique, I know, but when the characters are so real, the story takes on another level.
Compelling aspects of the book: Note to all authors wishing to write about people wih disabilities: this is how you should do it. Judy is a developed character. In some ways it almost seems like there are two aspects of the story: that she's a dwarf, and that she was involved in the scandal at school. Of course the two are linked, but what caught my attention was that, with her drama, Judy responded as a person, and not as a little person.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: This cover is a great example of striking simplicity. The color change gives it enough movement, and puts the emphasis on the title, and on the girl. The image of the girl and the balloons represents Judy's situation, without trying to tell the whole story.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making

2011-12-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making
Author: Catherynne M. Valente
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub Date: N/A
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is the perfect blend of old and new. The writing style has enough of a fairy tale-esque twist that the really unique world works. In a harder style of writing it would have felt like the writer was trying too hard, but, instead, it was cute, and quirky, and like your favorite bed time book that suddenly had deep insights into life, the universe, and everything.
Compelling aspects of the book: I honestly could not stop reading to find out what happened next. There was no way I could have predicted that ******. Even from sentence to sentence, the little things the author includes made me laugh out loud (herding wild velocipedes), made me cry (her shadow), and either way were insightful without sitting you down and telling you that this was a thought on life. I keep a little book next to my bed for when I'm reading, and I write down quotes that strike me. If I would have let myself, this book would have been written down verbatim in that notepad.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: This cover is the perfect mix of adorablity, charm, and intrigue. The more classic style of the outside, with framing and worn leathery stuff fits the style of writing. The illustration is the same way – it looks almost like a paper cut-out that came to life, Alice in Wonderland-y, with a touch of Tim Burton. The illustration style is carried through the book with amazing pictures that add a whole other dimension. And who doesn't love picture books?
Age Range: Under 12-18+
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Comments: **ANNOTATION**

September is not entirely happy with her life of washing teacups, rude little dogs, and mothers who go to work, so when a Green Wind and his Leopard offer to take her to fairyland, off she flies. Upon arrival, however, she finds fairyland is not all it was, and it may just take a Wyverary, a djinn, and a very determined key to get to the bottom of the sudden appearance of taxes.

Legend

2011-12-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Reader: Meghan
Age: 17
Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 11/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Legend has an interesting, if ill-defined setting (a future in which the United States government has collapsed and given way to several smaller republics waging war over the land that was the continental United States) that borrows heavily from Joss Whedon's Firefly series. This book's world is so much more interesting than the characters, but details of the setting are obscured behind a forced, uninteresting romance and an interesting, if poorly paced, plot.
Compelling aspects of the book: Once the plot picked up – about midway through the book – and more details about the setting and the war being fought, I found myself drawn into the book against my will. Several other people had read and liked Legend, so I picked it up at their recommendation. The first 150 pages are devoted to a forced, uninteresting, and highly predictable "Romeo and Juliet" romance. I was so frustrated that I nearly stopped reading, but I kept it up because I wanted to know more about the world and about the schemes being hatched by background characters. I thought the actual story was solid, even if the writing and characters were not.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: The characters in Legend are prone to overly detailed descriptions of their clothing and mental states. Most emotion is conveyed through plainly worded statements rather than in their actions. The two lead characters seemed like cardboard cutouts rather than people, and the only reason they started dating was because the plot said so. I think the book would be stronger without the gratuitous romance and alternating first-person perspectives. In general, the writing is pretty weak, lots of telling rather than showing and some fairly clumsy foreshadowing.
Cover: I personally like the cover of this book, but I think it's slightly misleading. It accurately represents the setting of the novel, but it, and the blurb on the back, make the book seem a lot more masculine and action-packed. The book, in my mind, is much more about relationships and would probably appeal more to girls than to guys.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: The soldiers in this book wear capes as part of their combat fatigues. I was so distracted by how awkward and impractical a cape would be during combat that I was taken out of the story every time they were mentioned. Hasn't the author seen The Incredibles? NO CAPES.

Legend

2011-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 11/11
Galley: No
Nominate For Teen's Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is an extremely well-executed dystopian action book with intrigue, believable world building, and characters that might as well breathe.
Compelling aspects of the book: Legend has excelled in a detail that an incredible amount of stories overlook; injured characters stay injured for a plausible amount of time. They care about things, they change, and you root for them all the way despite their flaws. This is the best YA book I've read in a long time, especially in the action genre.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed at all. I had high expectations from what I had heard before starting, and those expectations were exceeded. I was hooked from the first paragraph. The only things that even mildly bothered me were that the title isn't particularly relevant (doesn't really matter because the rest is so amazing) and the gold font for Day's perspective, which looked cool but was difficult to read under the covers with a flashlight.
Cover: The Republic symbol on the cover reflect the contents well, but what really got me interested in the book was other people raving about how awesome it was.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Replacement

2011-12-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: The Replacement
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub Date: Sept. 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a very refreshing and creative modern adaptation of the changeling myth, where fairies steal babies and replace them with one of their own. It's from the perspective of Mackie, the changeling, when he's a teenager, and explores all the difficulty he has fitting in and dealing with his adverse reactions to iron.
Compelling aspects of the book: The characters in this story are vivid and compelling. My favorite aspect was the descriptions of Mackie being sick from the iron and how his friends and family tried to help him. The plot was fast-paced and prose was clear and lucid.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed in the least. The book exceeded my expectations in so many ways that I was just dumbfounded, and the ending was conclusive without wrapping things up too much.
Cover: This cover is beautiful, haunting and relates to the book's content so well that it left me amazed. I had been thinking of reading it and then finally did when a friend recommended it with fervor.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend

2011-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend
Author: Emily Horner
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: June 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teen's Top10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: I would not recommend this book because even though it tried to tackle several big themes like dealing with grief, forgiveness, figuring out your sexual identity and slapstick ninja musicals, the story and main character just weren't convincing. Most of the prose was the main character complaining, explaining and griping about her romantic and grief confusion, which was fine at first but became exhausting after sixty pages. The style of switching back and forth every chapter between the epic bike ride in June and tedious theater work and relationship slogging in August was confusing and made me frustrated because I kept wanting things in order. Then again, without the switching the book would have lost the little suspense it had. I ended up skimming and skipping many chapters, and by the end only a couple predictable things had changed.
Compelling aspects of the book: The one thing I liked about this book was when Cassandra kisses the random bass player in the motel hallway. It was the most descriptive scene and was funny and interesting at the same time. I think I would have rather read a short story adaptation of that scene than the rest of the book.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: I think I covered my disappointment. Since I skipped or skimmed about half the book, I think it doesn't count as actually finishing it.
Cover: I picked up this book because the style of the cover made me think it would be a silly, slightly dumb but fun summer kind of book. It also had "dead" in the title, which always gets my attention. The image of the motel and the bike fit the content physically, but was too cheerful for the book's mood. The pictured girl looks very happy, fashionable and giddy, almost the complete opposite of the grief-stricken,conflicted main character trying to pedal away from her thoughts and obsessing about not being cool and pretty.
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work

Cinder

2011-11-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily

Age: 17
Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub Date: 01/03/2012
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Cinder is a fascinating story about a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing. Hundreds of years in the future, Cinder is in the guardianship of a spiteful stepmother and two unpleasant sisters. New Beijing is under the threat of invasion by "Lunars," people from the moon. Cinder is a fascinating tale that embraces the old cinderella story and takes it on a quirky twist to the future. Cinder is the first teen novel I've read in the past few years that is a action packed, romantic, robotic, quixotic novel that keeps you at the edge of your chair. The rest of the series better be as good as this. A+
Compelling aspects of the book: Even though this is a futuristic novel of Cinderella, it is not just a retelling. Ms. Meyer creates an entirely new story.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: Fantastic cover! (and I don't say that often) The red shoe and older font acknowledge the original Cinderella story, but the leg with cyborg parts perfectly represents the science fiction, cyborg main character.
Age Range: 14-17

Genesis Alpha

2011-11-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Genesis Alpha
Author: Rune Michaels
Publisher: Athenum Books
Pub Date: 04/26/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: I think the psychological aspect of this book is fascinating, especially when the reader's find out (spoiler) that Josh is Max's clone. For most of the book, the reader is bewildered as to why Max murdered the girl, but with the clone coming out, it makes sense. The book is bizarre and confusing, but manages to make sense by the end of the novel
Cover: The cover is fairly busy, not attractive and quite confusing. Although, to be fair, the book is confusing as well. The cover fits the book, but is not an attractive cover.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable

The Way We Fall

2011-11-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Way We Fall
Author: Megan Crewe
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub Date: 01/24/2012
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Way We Fall is a novel about Kaelyn, a girl with a solid family and warm community...until people start dying. A mysterious sickness leaves people falling ill and going crazy as a sickness spreads throughout the island. The government prevents any evacuation and through their paranoia, end up killing several citizens. Kaelyn tries to keep her family from falling apart as no cure is created and people resort to violence.
Compelling aspects of the book: As a virus, biological, government threat, natural selection, etc novel, I was quite impressed. I think that the plot was well written and believable, and didn't have people turning into zombies or running around like headless chickens. There was a sense of order to the story, which made it believable and enjoyable to read.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: I don't think that this novel needs to be part of a series, it reads as if it were meant to end when it did, without a follow-up.
Cover: The cover is very bland and washed out, which is the opposite of the book. Some color would be nice, or just not a giant face on the cover.
Age Range: 14-18 up

Saving June

2011-11-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pub Date: 11/11/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Saving June is a poignant story about Harper Scott, a teenager whose older sister June just died. Left with her single mother and a religious aunt, she wonders why her sister did it and what was wrong with her life. At the funeral, she runs into Jake, a moody 19 year old who must have some connection with June. After contemplating on her life, Harper, Laney (Harper's best friend), and Jake take a spiritual journey to California to release June's ashes. Saving June is an emotional story that is both somber and tender.
Compelling aspects of the book: Ms. Harrington writes a deep novel that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Reading the novel, you feel as if the characters truly come alive. Saving June is not a light hearted book, but it is a beautiful story.
Cover: Peaceful cover. The overall effect is melancholy, which sums up some of the undertones of the novel. I enjoy the falling petals, which seem symbolic of letting something go. I think this cover fits the book as it is.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read

The Gathering Storm

2011-11-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Gathering Storm
Author: Robin Bridges
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pub Date: 01/10/2012
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: I think what is interesting about this book is that Robin Bridges chose to write about 19th century Russia. Instead of creating a hypothetically historical route (although this book is full of historical ideas), she wrote about magic, necromancy and the undead. Bridges starts the book in a conflicting manner, but manages to tie in vampires, werewolves, and all manner of strange beasts by the end of the book.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons why you were disappointed with the book: First, the first few chapters of this book are quite confusing to the reader. The book starts off as a historical novel, but quickly changes into a story of the supernatural. The reader will feel confused about the direction of the story, perhaps the vampire princesses and princes could be tied in better? Second, the synopsis on the back of this book barely suggests supernatural beings, only the main character having the powers of necromancy. The reader would be misguided when first reading this book and think it was more of a historical romance than an historical paranormal novel
Cover: This cover could do with some improvement. The title's font contrasts with the crisp image on the cover. When viewing the cover, it can be difficult to focus in on either the girl or the title. Also, a little less snow on the girl, it would be nice to see more of what she is wearing and perhaps give the reader a better sense of the time period. I suggest a more angular font which would better represent the book.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Pink

2011-10-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T14:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

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

Hacking Timbuktu

2011-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Hacking Timbuktu
Author: Stephen Davies
Publisher: Clarion Books
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is about a pair of pals who not only practice the sport/martial art of parkour, but also hack! This is a very original premise and a much needed fresh topic in the action genre. It was enormous fun to read the parkour chase scenes and the witty dialogue as the main characters raced through London and Mali looking for clues that lead to an ancient treasure. Even though some concepts suspended my belief (being chased by fanatic treasure-hunting Facebook groups, hacking an airport computer system, figuring out how to find the treasure with relative ease), I read two thirds of it in one night and then finished as soon as I woke up.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling parts of this book are the descriptions of parkour and the dialogue between the two main characters. The prose was fresh, exciting, and didn't take itself too seriously.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: Unfortunately, the last 60 pages did not live up to the rest of the book. The ending seemed rushed, had less parkour and sort of fizzled out without a strong stopping place. Nonetheless I would read a sequel because the beginning was so amazing.
Cover: The jumping guy overlaid on the computer chip and city background does a neat job of showing the three main topics of the book (parkour, hacking, Timbuktu). It was refreshing to see a cover that was not black. The font of the title ties in to the ancient treasure hunt aspect nicely.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: I really wish there were more books, and attention in general, about parkour.

Starcrossed

2011-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: Starcrossed
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pub Date: 5/31/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a really cool book. The characters are intriguing, there are a few plot twists thrown in, and it blends Greek mythology into the modern world.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really like the characters in this book, but more the minor ones than the protagonist.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Comments: ***Spoiler Alert*** There was one thing that bugged me about this book. At the end, it had the protagonist and her love interest think that they were related so that they couldn't be together, and that really bugs me when authors do that.
Cover: The cover for this book is dark and dramatic, which is what I think the publisher was going for.
Age Range: 14-18+
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The A Circuit

2011-09-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: The A Circuit
Author: Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Pub Date: 5/24/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Did you finish: No
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Comments: I didn't finish the book because I just couldn't get into the story. I think it’s because it was written in a style similar to The Clique or Pretty Little Liars.
Cover: I picked up this book because the cover was dark and a bit mysterious, and because it had a horse with a bridle (not just running around like the Black Stallion).
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

This Gorgeous Game

2011-09-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: This Gorgeous Game
Author: Donna Freitas
Publisher: Frances Foster Books
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Annotation: When Olivia wins the chance to have a mentorship with her hero author, Father Mark Brendan, she thinks she couldn't get any luckier. But, soon enough, the work forces itself into every aspect of her life, and there's more than fatherly concern behind his interest in her.
Convince us to read the book: This book takes a look at a very serious issue, child abuse in the Catholic church, without stereotyping Catholics, and developing well rounded, interesting characters. It's a book that stuck with me, I kept thinking about the characters, and exactly what happened to them.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The thing that made this gorgeous book stand out was its delicate balance. While it does look at corruption in the church, it never even comes close to hating it. There are really strong Catholic characters that Olivia turns to for help, and there's the really awful one, which enforces the author's point, because it's someone Olivia trusts and looks up to. Another place this could have gone very wrong is juggling keeping a creepy atmosphere, while being tasteful and remembering who you're writing for. The author did this beautifully. I could see how the situation could have gone much further, and gotten blown out of control, but I didn't ever feel like I wanted to put it down, so it will appeal to people with all different levels of tolerance. The protagonist's actions were very understandable, not whiny, and I could tell she was strong even in her awful circumstances.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: Fabulous would be a fitting word for this cover. The colors were catching and muted at the same time, because it wasn't a really cheerful book. The changing shades of purple were very catching. The way the girl looked so trapped, and how she was in the corner, hiding in herself, almost, reflected how she feels for a good portion of the book.
Age Range: 12-18+
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

What Happened To Goodbye

2011-09-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: What Happened To Goodbye
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking
Pub Date: 5/10/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book had a great moral lesson. It showed that you can still be an independent woman with a little help from your friends and family. That no matter what the situation is, you don't have to go at it alone, but you can try.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Getting to know the hustle and bustle of the restaurant industry was intriguing to read about! Sarah's description and detail of the stress, the hard work, and the closeness of the workers helped put into effect/ perspective of how hard it was for Mclean (as well as the other characters) to see their favorite restaurant fall apart. By this sense of detail and description you (the reader) get a sense of what life might be behind the counter top.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Comments: I'm not trying to be rude or anything, the book was amazing, but it seems like Sarah's in a semi-rut when it comes to her writing and plots. The characters and the plot did have depth, but it felt like they were all to similar to her previous books, which isn't bad. It's just getting a little old-I wish I could see her expand a bit with her writing.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book- by just looking at the cover you KNEW that this was another Sarah Dessen book. The cover reflects the contents perfectly-Mclean standing on an suitcase with clothes popping out is both intriguing and metaphorical. Just by looking at the cover of the book you know that you're going to read a book about an independent girl trying to keep everything seamlessly together.
Age Range: 14-18
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Recovery Road

2011-09-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: Recovery Road
Author: Blake Nelson
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pub Date:
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Recovery Road had a lot of hope in the story. When I picked it up, I thought that it was the kind of book that could be summed up in three words: love in rehab. But the farther I read, the more interesting it got. The love aspect was way overdone, when it was really a story about survival, second chances, and determination. The protagonist wasn't anybody spectacular, but she was interesting and relateable enough, and the way she dealt with her situation trying to get a good life, and the way people viewed her was really fascinating to read about.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the way it wasn't about her bad actions, it was about Maddie dealing through the consequences. So many YA books are just plain depressing, but this told a sad story, but was about life continuing. It also made me understand and feel a little bit more connected with my classmates who make bad choices. I hope now, if the situation arises, I can be more compassionate, which is a great thing for a book to do. Another thing was how the story showed the consequences of drugs and alcoholism without being preachy about it. There wasn't a lot of "Just say no" stuff being shoved in your face, but it was still there.
Cover: In my opinion, the cover was flat, cliche, and gave away a lot of the book. It related very well, but really? A heart made out of pills? And the main character isn't so much of a drug addict as an alcoholic, if you want to be persnickety. The cover made it look like the whole book surrounded one message, but there was a lot more to it. The plain blue made everything look so flat and uninteresting, the heart just blah.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

The Poison Eaters

2011-09-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 15
Title: The Poison Eaters
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderberry
Pub Date:
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: From modern unicorns, to living books, from poisonous kisses, to real vampires, and everything in between, these 12 short stories are told with humor and creativity.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The short stories showed a wide variety in style and time period. Some were more gritty and modern, and some had more of the quality of a fairy tale, which provided a refreshing diversity. And the stories themselves were interesting, with different ways of looking at mythology. They all were finished, too, which sounds kind of weird for a published book, but they were. It didn't feel like the author took scenes from a novel and slapped them together to make an anthology, they were developed, with interesting characters, and a story arc.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: With an anthology, you can't really say that the plot was enthralling, but each story kept me interested, and wanting another one. I stayed at the train station reading, rather than going home because I pulled into it, which is a good sign (but I might just not have wanted to do the dishes).
Cover: The way the girls' bodies were arranged on the cover was the most interesting thing. The shapes and movement, especially with the light on darker, it drew my attention. Most of the plants were cool, the dresses made me jealous, but their hair bugged me. It looks like the photographer forgot, and, at the last moment, put that straw matting that you use to cover strawberry plants on their heads.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to 17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

2011-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Author: A. S. King
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Pub Date: 10/12.2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a unique book about an alcoholic teenager dealing with the death of a friend and the unresolved feelings she has for him
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Vera's father is very influential throughout the entire story. He became a father before he hit twenty and is an ex-alcoholic, but managed to turn his life around and raise his daughter. He presents a good roll model to young fathers and demonstrates that even people in dismal circumstances can make everything better.
Cover: Very cool cover, I especially enjoy the lime green, certainly makes the cover stand out from the crowd.
Age Range: 14 to 18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Venemous

2011-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Venemous
Author: Christopher Krovatin
Publisher: Atheneum
Pub Date: 03/08/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Did you finish: No
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The graphic novel inserts and the alternate visions of Locke as a crime fighting super hero detracts from the plot and makes it difficult to read. Locke's younger brother suffers from his anger issues. Locke's inability to change even for the brother he loves has some reality to it, but it makes it hard to read.
Cover: The cover has potential, it clearly demonstrates the anger Locke has and his tough attitude.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work

The Lost Gate

2011-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Reader: Maddie S
Age: 17
Title: The Lost Gate
Author: Orson Scott Card
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book is the fact that there is a world full of people with powers and abilities. Everyone is better at something and these peoples’ abilities are better emphasized.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was a little disappointed with the turn of the story and how the main character had to leave. There was so much deceit and anger in the story it was oddly unrealistic.
Comments: The book makes me contemplate my abilities, and my independency overall.
Cover: I saw a book on the cover of a book and I was just enthralled. Then I realized the book really didn't have to do with any books.
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest

The Demon Trapper's Daughter

2011-09-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pub Date: 02/01/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Demon Trapper's Daughter is an intriguing perspective on the future, mixed with a spunky heroine. Riley, the main character, hunts demons as her fathers apprentice. In a attack, her father is killed and she must protect her father's body from necromancers trying to reanimate his body. Jana Oliver weaves together magic, bravery, and a very near future in this novel about a young woman living in a man's world.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Riley is a very engaging character. Overall, I found the book well put together and logical, with a plot that made sense. The magic in the book is not blatantly apparent and seems believable at times.
Comments: I found this a well put together novel, but I feel that the ending is missing a lot. The story does not tie up well, leaving the reader with more questions than answers. Who is the evil necromancer? Who reanimated her father’s body? The story feels unfinished and in my opinion, is ready for a sequel.
Cover: The cover of this book is very eye-catching and makes you want to pick it up. Lots of red, possible symbolism, suggests a edgy book that will keep you on your toes.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Prom and Prejudice

2011-09-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: Prom and Prejudice
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Pub Date: 2/00/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a really cute story. It follows Pride and Prejudice surprisingly closely, but the author added a few things that I really liked to help develop the characters.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really liked this book, because it is a modern day Pride and Prejudice. Most books like this aren't that great, so I was ready for disappointment, but Eulberg pulled it off wonderfully. She followed the main story, but added, not tweaked, some things that I think added to the story.
Cover: The title is what snagged my attention, because it seemed like it would be a spin-off of Pride and Prejudice, which it is.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Mindblind

2011-09-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

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.
Did you finish: Yes
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.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Between Shades of Gray

2011-09-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: March 2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Between Shades of Gray is about the Lina and her family’s deportation out of their homeland Lithuania. This book depicts their struggles, and others, during this horrible time period. Sepetys describes in detail the excruciating pain and suffrage Lina and her family (as well as others) went through due to Stalin.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: At first, I thought this was a story about concentration camps, not having read the side pocket, but I was baffled to learn that Stalin did similar regimes to Lithuanians and people of other nationalities. I cannot recall studying anything about Stalin so this book was a real eye opener for me. I never knew that so many people suffered because of World War II I always thought about Pearl Harbor and Hitler. Stalin never came across to me; this book helped enlighten the fact that it wasn't only one nationality that suffered during this time period; it was the world.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book was the strength Lina, her mother, and her brother, as well as other characters, had. It's hard to imagine all this inhumane events happening to one person, or a group of people, let alone reading about their story. It was amazing to see so much hope throughout the book in these characters even though they where forced into all these horrible events.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book and reflected the contents in the book. It was gloomy but had a bit of hope in it-just like Lina and her family's story.
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Faerie Winter

2011-09-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Reader: Frances
Age: 14
Title: Faerie Winter
Author: Janni Lee Simner
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 4/5/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you love Holly Black, this is definitely something you have to read. It is such a set up (post apocalyptic world after a war with Faeries) and has such interesting characters. It really keeps you reading. I hope the third book is just as good as the first and second.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The idea of controlling someone- their every action, their every thought, want, desire. It's chilling, in a good way.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Comments: N/A
Cover: The cover definitely made me want to pick it up because it resembled a book I read a while ago called Bones of Faerie. Though it didn't show much of what happened in the book, the cover made me very excited to read it
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Adios, Nirvana

2011-09-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Reader: Charlie
Age: 17
Title: Adios, Nirvana
Author: Wesselhoeft, Conrad
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group
Pub Date: 10/??/2010
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: That "this book is amazing. If you like music, poetry, and red bull this is your book. You will love it, how easy it is to read and how well it's written."
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I would say that most compelling aspect of the book would be how it is written, how it flows. The main character said that you should right from the guy. Just "raw". No corrections. There were no grammar errors but this book definitely gave me the "raw" feeling. This is how a lot of books should be written. This book is so casual but so great at the same time. I felt as though this author wrote this book with ease. That doesn't mean that he didn't put an effort into the book. This was very refreshing form authors that write books in the hopes that a movie is made from it. It felt like Conrad Wesselhoeft wrote this because he wanted to and he enjoyed it because I definitely enjoyed reading every page.
Comments: It is a very weird coincidence that I have a twin sister who was born 2 minutes before me as well. I too have a titanium plate in my leg from breaking it.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed at all with this book.
Cover: Yes it did. The cover was simple and to the point. The guitar on the front let me know that the book was about, music. The title stood out to me as well, because that too, was simple. Towards the end of the book a guitar becomes engulfed in flames and that is exactly what lies on the cover.
Age Range: Under 12 to 18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

The Marbury Lens

2011-09-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: The Marbury Lens
Author: Andrew Smith
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you like creepy psychological thrillers with supernatural undercurrents, like me, this will be an extremely enjoyable read. The writing was suspenseful, convincing, and nearly seamless.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling thing about the Marbury Lens is its original approach to the parallel world idea. Instead of an imaginary paradise escape, Marbury is actually a very scary place, yet the main character, Jack, can't stop looking into the lenses and falling into his other self. The treatment of Marbury as a life-destroying addiction was fascinating. Both worlds were bad and had really awful things happening in them. The only difference was that the bad things in Marbury were obvious and out in the open, while in the "real" world they were subtler and crept up gradually and in less defend able ways. It was despairing to watch the characters getting sucked into a conflict between both worlds and unable to control themselves. Jack is an extremely traumatized character; the way the author depicts his psychological struggles is incredibly captivating and convincing, which is the source of most of the book's suspense. Jack, despite being in serious emotional pain and puking for much of the story, was handled well enough that he never came across as overly whiny or annoying. The relationship between Jack and his best friend was vividly described in a way that made me care about them. The romance with the English girls made its point without being overpowering or too mushy, and was a nice humorous break from the addiction and other-worldly tension.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: My only disappointment was at the very end: after all the struggle, the last few chapters kind of just fizzled out with no clear resolution to give me that last bit of satisfaction to balance the story. The very first chapter felt a lot more like a conclusion, and if just a couple more pages were added to tie things back to the retrospective things said at the beginning, or a clue to a sequel, would be enough to fix it.
Comments: I also wanted to mention that the repetition of a few phrases (Roll. Tap. Tap. Tap. and "You haven't gotten away from anything, Jack") to show both Jack's mental torment as well as tying themes across the story and signaling transitions was really cool. All in all, the Marbury Lens is brilliant, if totally creepy and slightly indecisively conclusive book.
Cover: The cover of this book is downright awesome. It caught my attention immediately with its use of contrast (my favorite artistic element) between the grimy black and white of the face and the mysterious swirling colors in the lenses. This reflects the contents of the book very well: a harsh fuzzy reality brushing against a forbidden and dangerous parallel world. The cover also has an uneasy sense of inexplicable dread about it, which is very cool because that was part of the main concept. I was impressed by the accuracy of the cover quote: "The Marbury Lens crawls inside your head and won't leave. Scary, creepy, awful and awesome." That is exactly what it is. Finally, a cover quote that isn't completely arbitrary or just plain wrong! The blurb was also actually well written, unlike most books'.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Silver Bowl

2011-09-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Title: The Silver Bowl
Author: Diane Stanley
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub Date: 06/21/2011
Galley: Yes
Cover: Very standard cover, I found the extra shine distracting and overall a very dull cover. It reminds me of teen books from the eighties, which was not a good decade for cover art.
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I found nothing about this book compelling, the plot is predictable and has no imagination.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The plot of the Silver Bowl is too predictable and every aspect can be found in another book. The author is supposed to be critically acclaimed, but nothing about this book is exceptional writing. The plot has been used too many times, and the author takes too much time on the escape of the prince and not enough time building up the characters and establishing a strong plot. Molly falling in love with the prince could be predicted even before reading the book, and yet nothing in the Silver Bowl suggests she loves him except when she tells the donkey boy. Many parts of this book need to be better explained and overall needs a better plot. I find the intro extremely skeptical and the girl's relationship with her mother unbelievable. Molly is about ten when she leaves her family, and it seems as if her mother is a stranger.
Age Range: Under 12
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it

Once

2011-07-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Once
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pub Date: ?
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a unique book in the WWII genre: it's short, has a relatively simple yet satisfying plot, and is told from the perspective of a young kid very convincingly.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling things in this book are the voice and use of repetition. Felix's character, age, and way of dealing with life through his stories are beautifully and convincingly conveyed. The use of the word "once" at the beginning of each chapter tied the story together in a very neat way and helped contrast Felix at the beginning of the story and at the end, highlighting his growing up in hard times and emotional change. The simplicity of the prose and perspective helped make the horrible things Felix experienced more striking and believable.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I didn't really know what to expect from this book, and I was not disappointed at all. This is a very concise and well-told story that I think will draw readers of various ages even though the book is told from such a young main character.
Comments: Kudos to Mr. Gleitzman, for nailing the kid voice so well in such a harsh setting. I especially recommend this book to the WWII genre fans who want something fresh and from a slightly new angle on a well-explored time in history.
Cover: This cover is absolutely stunning. The title is big, simple and intriguing, and the use of shading on the scratched metallic blue is visually appealing while conveying a mysterious harshness that illustrated the book's theme well. The silhouette of the boy balancing on the barbed wire looks awesome and is a nice metaphor for Felix's mental state throughout the book of teetering between his naive innocence and the harsh reality is his forced to overcome. This is one of the best covers I've seen in a long time.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Ice

2011-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Reader: Maita
Age: 17
Title: Ice
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing
Pub Date: 10/06/2009
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I think the most compelling aspect of the book was the general fairytale theme and the strong female character of the book. But specifically on the plot of the book, nothing really compelling.
Comments: I think the books is very interesting and maybe I just didn't enjoy it very much because I didn't like the fairy tale it was telling. I also thought it was very weird that the girl just didn't want to go home anymore and what she was willing to sacrifice for someone she didn't really know.
Cover: The cover was a turn on. It was very intersting. It also the contents of the book.

Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Parrotfish

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 15
Title: Parrotfish
Author: Ellen Wittlinger
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pub Date:
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: When Angela comes out as the boy Grady, her family and friends react in increments of extreme. But in his time of change, Grady finds support, humor, and even a blossoming romance in very surprising places.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Parrotfish is unique in many ways. The main character, even though he's very different from me, is completely relateable, and the author frames his hardships in a way that is clear, and poignant. The subject matter, transgenderism (is that a word?), isn't common. But it didn't feel like she browsed B&N and picked a topic she didn't see, she took this, and informed the reader while telling a great story. The secondary characters were just as interesting and alive as the protagonist, but didn't overtake the him in the interesting factor.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The way the author showed how differently people reacted to Angela turning into Grady was my favorite part. While it was extreme, it wasn't to the parents saying "I don't love you, get out of my house," extreme. I loved how he wasn't entirely isolated, and that he found some unexpected allies. It made it much more interesting than the bland 'everybody hates me.' It also made me see the world in a different way. I have a friend who is transgender, and reading Parrotfish helped me understand who he is more, which is one of the most valuable things a book can do. It also taught me about the mating habits of reef fish.
Cover: I didn't think the cover was a stunner, as covers go, but it was interesting enough. I liked how the model actually looked like how I pictured Grady, and you couldn't tell if the person was a girl or a boy. The fading colors of the title added a lot of quiet flair that made it stand out. Another point for the image was that it didn't try to tell the whole plot, rather picked something that captured the spirit of the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Girl, Stolen

2011-07-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 15
Title: Girl, Stolen
Author: April Henry
Publisher: Henry & Holt
Pub Date: Sep 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Cheyenne Wilder, daughter of the head of Nike, survivor of a car accident that left her blind, is asleep sick in the back of the car when it's stolen. So begins a journey home, assissted by her young kidnapper.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Girl, Stolen is not your typical kidnap story. Cheyenne is blind. Her kidnap was accidental. The kidnapper is actually a character, not just a dark, shadowy figure in a trench coat. But it's not just about the abnormalities, it's about telling a really good story. The characters are different, very alive, and really interesting people. The storytelling brings you into the characters, so you feel what they feel. Because one of the protagonists is blind, for half of the book the author has to rely on describing what Cheyenne thinks is happening and where she is, based on textures, smells, and sounds. And she does this so masterfully that you feel like you almost can see it, but is still refreshing.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the relationship that developed between Cheyenne and Griffin, and how it didn't really come to a definite close, but was still satisfying.
Did you finish: Yes
Cover: As a lover of dark books, I thought this cover was very interesting. The dark tones on the edges, and the fact that her skin actually showed veins (gasp) made it seem very real, and dark. It was intriguing, and definitely wanted to make me read the book. And, after reading it, I picked up more little things. She covered her eyes like blindness, the clothes and everything look rich, connections!
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Clarity

2011-07-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney
Age: 15
Title: Clarity
Author: Kim Harrington
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Pub Date: 2/00/2011
Galley: Yes
Cover: This cover and the title compelled me to pick up this book. Its a bit eerie, but very bright at the same time.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I think this is a cool book because Clarity "Clare" can read objects, and receive memories from them. To me, this is a really cool idea, and I like the way the author wrote it. Also, the case Clare has to solve is very intriguing, with some good plot turns.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Wish Stealers

2011-07-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: The Wish Stealers
Author: Tracy Trivas
Publisher: Aladdin
Pub Date: 02/08/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This is a great story about a young girl discovering herself and dealing with magic. The Magic part of the book is very apparent, and yet it is not the central focus.
Did you finish it: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I really feel like the plot has been used to much. Albeit, the wish stealer aspect is a new twist. I really wold like a more creative twist to the whole, young teen finding her true self, coming into new powers, and finding a boyfriend. It's been used too much. I like the plot, but you need more imagination to make it work.
Cover: Definitely and interesting cover, but it is aimed for teens between 12 and 14; so not appealing to older teens. The cover has a distinct whimsical vibe to it, befitting the subject, but I am a little confused on why there is so much light. Do the publishers need to put so much on the cover? I don't remember reading about a light around the fountain.
Age Range: Under 12-13
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest

Virgin Territory

2011-07-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Virgin Territory
Author: James Lecesne
Publisher: Egmont USA/ Laura Geringer Books
Pub Date: 09/14/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Virgin Territory is a slightly thought provoking drama about a young man going through a path of self-discovery. I really recommend this book for people who want a good read and are willing to think outside the box.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: You don't see enough good books with male main characters, but Virgin Territory has it all. I really think the loss of his mother and a negligent father drives Dylan to develop more, creating a more interesting plot.
Comments: 1. The tattoo on the cover isn't quite fitting to the arm, you can see sections where the tattoo is coming off the arm, I would recommend fixing that as I found it mildly irritating.2. I wish the main character's father was more supportive. The story makes the father seem distant and not at all interested in his son, so why put him in there?
Cover: Great cover! I really loved how the red and green contrasted. The tattoo that is displayed on the arm is very eye-catching and definitely provoked me to pick up the book.
Did you finish it: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Desires of the Dead

2011-07-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney T
Age: 15
Title: Desires of the Dead
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub Date: 3/15/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: First of all, read the first book; its better. But if you like the first one, then read this one. Most often, sequels are really bad, but this book is an exception.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really like the idea of a girl being able to find murdered bodies, even though its a bit creepy. Again, the first book is better, but this one is still good.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: [spolier alert] I didn't like the sex scene, because it doesn't fit well in the story. The girl never thinks of it again, it doesn't affect her relationship, and I think it was a really random scene. This is pretty much my one problem with this book.
Cover: I really like the cover for this book, and the first book from the series (The Body Finder). The title also grabbed my attention.

Where She Went

2011-07-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 17
Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: Apris 5 11
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Yes, because the main character (Adam) is a rock star and you get to see his fabulous (or not so fabulous) life. I always enjoy reading books where the characters are super famous and see their perspective of fans,reporters, music producers, etc.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This book gave light on a new perspective (at least for me) that not only girls are hurt in relationships. That sometimes, it not always the guy that the "bad one" in the relationship. This book brought to light both angles of breaking up.
Comments: Kind of a general book. It wasn't really that original, but it was intriguing to read.
Cover: The cover of the book did not tempt me at all to pick up the book, it looks like every other teen galley book out there. I mean really? How many times have we(teens) not read a book with a depressing teen girl on the cover? I think it would have been better if the cover had Adam (the main character) face/body on it rather then Mia.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Bumped

2011-07-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 15
Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pub Date: 5.11
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Annotation: Harmony and Melody live in a society of widespread 20-year-old virility, giving girls the opportunity to be paid for having babies. Melody is right on track for a successful 'bump,' until her long lost twin sister, a religious fanatic, shows up, and turns everything upside down.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: After you get past the original shock of having them spurting pregnancy rhymes every other page, there was no real draw to keep reading.
Did you finish: No
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Looking on the bright side, if this can get published, it provides some openings for aspiring authors. The author over pushed her world, and ignored her characters and plot. There wasn't enough explanation to make the reader forget their disbelief, and the issues were one sided.
Cover: Usually simplicity in covers is a great thing, but when carried to this extent it just looks photoshopped and awkward. Just a little bit of color or design in the back would have made the main picture pop and stand out on the shelf much more. As for the relation to the book, it's not like they're subtle. Egg=pregnant girls. Surprise!

Age Range: 12-15
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 1P Yech! Forced to read it

Prom & Prejudice

2011-07-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Reader: Olivia
Age: 15
Title: Prom & Prejudice
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point
Pub Date: 01/01/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I can't honestly say there was anything compelling about this book. It was boring, badly written, predictable, and if I hadn't been really bored, I never would have read it in the first place.
Did you finish: No
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I wasn't disappointed, exactly, because I never had high expectations to begin with. However, it wasn't enjoyable at all. It's a very quick read, but the story is hard to follow because it's disorganized and doesn't flow very well. It was also very predictable and the characters were two-dimensional.
Comments: If you're into a certain genre it might be entertaining, but there is really no substance or creativity to this book in my opinion.
Cover: The cover definitely wasn't impressive, and although it reflected the book itself, it didn't seem unique in any way.
Age Range: Under 12 to 18 and up
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest

Divergent

2011-07-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Reader: Olivia
Age: 15
Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pub Date: 05/03/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It's a must-read for dystopian fans, and it's the kind of book you won't be able to put down. When you're finally forced to, whether it be because your parents are yelling at you to do the dishes, or there simply are no pages left, it'll still be racing through your head.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The society itself, and the concept of the five factions, was definitely the most compelling
Cover: The cover, to me, wasn't extremely eye-catching, but it wasn't boring either. I think it reflected the contents decently, though, and I'm not sure how/if it could have been done better.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I wasn't disappointed at all. Of course, I had no expectations - I had never heard of it, and had no idea what it would be about, so there was no letdown or disappointment.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Crazy

2011-07-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Crazy
Author: Han Nolan
Publisher: Hancort's Children's Books
Pub Date: Sept. 2010
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The premise for this book, a kid who hears helpful voices in his head as he struggles to take care of his mentally ailing father, is very original and beautifully conveyed. The characters are really fleshed out and captivating, and they keep the story moving. The relationship between Jason and his dad is especially well developed and shown. I could believe that Jason had been taking care of his mentally ill parent and that he still loved him stubbornly even though he made life difficult. The personalities and balance between the voices in Jason's head were very clever, and that idea of helpful voices in someone's head got me interested in the book right away.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Like I said, this story is mostly character-driven. Each character is compelling, from the imaginary voices narrating Jason's life for him to the adults who try and help him. And, unlike other character-driven books, this story keeps up the suspense and intrigue with really interesting plot developments as well. I was impressed and had an extremely hard time putting it down.
Cover: I picked this up because another TKB member recommended it to me. The cover is fine. The crackly font is a nice touch; it makes the 'crazy' really stand out. I wonder if the colored stripes are representing Jason's five voices? It would be cool if they were, but they add some necessary color to the black background.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the plot lingered and fizzled out a bit at the end as the emotional story wrapped up.
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book

Sleepless

2011-07-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Reader: Frances W
Age: 14
Title: Sleepless
Author: Cyn Balog
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 7/13/2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Though some would call the plot a little bit Twilight-esgue (two paranormal beings fighting over one girl), it was really written well and made me want to keep reading. The characters were also much more complex and interesting. I wouldn't say it blew my mind, but it made me happy and it was the first good book I have read in a while.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I have to say the mystery of what happened to Julia when she was young was what first made me not want to put the book down, then the budding romance kept that feeling going.
Cover: Sleepless was one of those books that I just grab because I don't have enough. The cover wasn't particularly awesome, but it wasn't terrible either. Pretty, but, I'm afraid, forgettable. It didn't really reflect the contents at all because it was just a flower, and there was no important flower in the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

She's So Dead to US

2011-07-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: She's So Dead to US
Author: Kieran Scott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The book has a lot to relate to for high school upperclassman and is very funny and a lot of things in the book sadly could happen in real life so it is good to read just incase!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I think the most compelling aspect of the book was that the author left it open-ended.
Cover: While the cover did make me want to pick the book up I think it also made the book look a little young for the audience that could read and enjoy this book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

Angel Burn

2011-07-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney T
Age: 15
Title: Angel Burn
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pub Date: 5/24/11
Galley: Yes
Cover: I really like this cover, because I think that it gives an air of mystery, and the title also tempts the reader to pick it up.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you like cult books, read it!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really like this book because it combinds a creepy cult with fantasitcal creatures.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-18 and up
Quality: 4Q Better than most

Haven

2011-07-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sydney T
Age: 15
Title: Haven
Author: Kriste Cook
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 00/00/11
Galley: No
Cover: The cover doesn't really reflect the story, but it still grabs attention.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: If you like boarding school/mystery/romance/fantastical creatures, then read it!
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This was a pretty good read, but if you have read a lot of books like this (reality mixed with fantasy and romance), it's a little predictable. But still good!

Prom & Prejudice

2011-07-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: Prom & Prejudice
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point, an imprint of Scholastic Inc
Pub Date: 2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It was fun and interesting. I liked that it was an up to date version of Pride and Prejudice with some twists.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I think that the real life situation of an older guy taking advantage of a young girl is an age old story but one that every young girl needs to be reminded of.
Comments: Such a cute ending :) yay!
Cover: I think the cover was cute and fun and being a teen girl did make me want to pick up the book. However, they should change the dress to something less ugly. The book is supposed to be about rich kids and the dress looks like its from Target.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most

Big Girl Small

2011-06-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Big Girl Small
Author: Rachel DeWoskin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pub Date: 05/10/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Big Girl Small is a complicated, quirky story about a teenage girl experiencing life differently than your average 16-year-old. Judy, the main character is three foot nine inches, and it isn't a disadvantage. Transferring to a creative arts high school junior year, she meets a variety of people, teachers and life-changing experiences. Big Girl Small gives a whole new perspective on what it means to be young and the consequences that you don't always see happening.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Judy Lohden is short, yes, but she's got spunk. Most teenage girls would be forever changed by a sex tape of themselves, but she manages to maintain a relatively cool head. I like how she judge's people, but gives them a chance and tries to reason out people behavior.
Comments: The only thing that could be changed was the ending. I really think that it would have been interesting to know what happened with Judy and Jeff. Did they ever talk again? Did Jason and Alan ever right their letters? Did Jason really mean what he said in the letter? Why was Judy so cynical about them after being very understanding?
Cover: The cover of the book is very compelling to the reader. The girl flying away on the balloons in a large expanse of sky urges you, as a reader, to pick it up. The cover demonstrates the idea that the main character faces a lot, but has happiness.
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

Slice of Cherry

2011-05-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S
Age: 15
Title: Slice of Cherry
Author: Dia Reeves
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pub Date: 01/04/2011
Galley: Yes
Annotation: Kit and Fancy Cordelle are descended from a line of witches, summoners, and serial killers. As hormones and murderous tendencies grow, are they strong enough to let each other go?
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is not for everybody by any means. You need a strong stomach, the ability to look past details for what's really going on (heads twisting off, the fact that the sisters are very often covered in blood and gore, etc.), and an appreciation for the psycho aspect of them. But if one has these things, Slice of Cherry becomes an interestingly twisted coming of age story. There's magic, mystery, family, life and death (more of the death, but whatever), and love. Fans of Tim Burton will find a good read here. Just don't eat after a meal.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This is the most twisted coming of age story I have ever read. Fancy and Kit's characters are so different from anybody I have ever read about, and still very real and interesting. I loved the juxtaposition of Fancy's obsession with the past, and little kid stuff, and then her creative killing, which is sort of an extension of that. The most interesting relationship to watch was between the sisters. Their coming to terms with their differences, it was so different, but still made sense given their situation. Dia Reeves takes a really good look at what limitless power does to people, and comes up with an elegantly twisted story.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book: One of the things Dia Reeves could work on in this book is pacing. She spends a ton of time on the killing over and over, when she could cut some of it out and go straight to the conflict between the sisters and the boys, and the bit with Madda. In the long beginning, things were just weird enough that it kept me reading, but the plot only heated up in the last section. I also questioned the town's reaction to the newfound vigilantes, it seems like there would be more fear than happiness.
Cover: This is one of the coolest covers I've ever seen! The pastel teacups perfectly represent Fancy, with the blood giving it that edge that it needs. Then add the Corpse Bride font on top of that, and it's a Tim Burton-esque masterpiece! The image is very striking, and is great for the plot and whole book. The problem with the annotation, though, is that it doesn't put enough emphasis on the supernatural aspect of the book. I went into this thinking it was going to be realistic fiction, and the sudden appearances of dead rising, fantasy creatures, and other worlds threw me off.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

At First Sight

2011-05-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: At First Sight
Author: Catherine Hapka
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It was a fun light read. You won’t be smarter after reading it but you also won’t be worse off. I think it is a good book for a relaxing day.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I just like when she meets the boy and he thinks it isn't her. I like the chase.
Comments: I do think this is a girls only book and that should be shown in the back cover description.
Cover: I knew from the cover that the book was going to be a fun easy read. It did reflect the content of the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Hard to Get

2011-05-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: Hard to Get
Author: Emma Carlson Berne
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It is a book for a lazy day. You're tired and you have had a lot going on all you want to do is sit down and relax. This is the perfect feel good book.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The chase between the boy and girl.
Comments: This book should be marketed as a girls only book.
Cover: The cover made the book look easy and fun. It did reflect the content of the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Playing Hurt

2011-05-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: Playing Hurt
Author: Holly Schindler
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd
Pub Date: 03/11
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is a good book for boys and girls. It is very good for people in relationships or wanting to be in one. The best way to learn is through experience so if you cant learn through your own quite yet why not learn from someone else's.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved that they went to Minnesota!! :)
Comments: Great book!!
Cover: I think the cover should be changed. It did not make me want to read the book because it looked like two girls and it really didn’t have anything to do with the book content.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 16 to 18 up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Anna and the French Kiss

2011-05-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pub Date: 12/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is one of the best books I have ever read. The author has an incredible knack for writing and makes me feel as though I am each character in the book. I go through there happy times and the struggles. It made me a better person to read this book because it talked a lot about friendship and doing what you love.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved when he climbed the stairs to see her even though he is afraid of heights.
Comments: FABULOUS!
Did you finish: Yes
Cover: The cover made me want to pick up the book and try it and reading the back sucked me in. I think the cover is great!
Age Range: 14 to 18 up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Invincible Summer

2011-05-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Reader: Emily
Age: 16
Title: Invincible Summer
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 04/19/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Invincible Summer is about a normal teenage boy experiencing what it means to grow up while dealing with a deaf younger brother and parents who want a divorce. Told from Chase's perspective, from age 15 to age 18, it is an emotional story about Chase's obsession with a childhood friend and his realization that there is much more to life than lust.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect about this book is Gideon's (Chase's younger brother) lack of hearing. A majority of the book is centered around learning to incorporate ASL into the family life and learning a new way to work together. Invincible Summer is both captivating and difficult. The book does not have a happy ending, but it has hope, which in some ways, makes the book even more thought-provoking.
Comments: Invincible Summer an extremely realistic book from a very unique perspective. Being told from four summers allowed the character to develop more and as each year was centered around Chase's birthday, it created a very strong focal point. The character of Melinda should have been better explained. The fact that she was raped is elusive to the reader, something that should be addressed in more detail. Gideon's death should have been more pronounced also. A deeper impact would have been better due to his previous influence on the family.
Cover: Interesting cover, certainly very sexual. As a girl, I was at first reluctant to read it because of the almost naked body; reading the book changed that. The cover accurately represents the sexual awakening in the book and the alluring effect of Melinda.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

The Naughty List

2011-05-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: The Naughty List
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pub Date: 02/2010
Galley: Yes
Nominated for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I think it would be hard to find a book out there like this one. I really enjoyed reading it and I think I am a better person for having read it. It was funny and silly and intriguing.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved that they were like secret agents.
Comments: LOVE IT!
Cover: The cover made me want to read the book, I did not even look at the back. It accurately reflected the content of the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 16 to 18 up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

It's Not You, It's Me

2011-05-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Reader: Kelly S
Age: 18
Title: It's Not You, It's Me
Author: Kerry Cohen Hoffman
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 06/9/2009
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: It was boring and I never really got into it or felt anything for the characters.
Cover: It turned me off a little. It looks like a little kids’ book.
Age Range: Under 12 to 13
Quality: 2Q Needs more work

Jump

2011-05-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: Jump
Author: Elisa Carbone
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 5/13/10
Galley: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It's a rock climbing romance! This concept in itself is quite original and intriguing by itself, and even for not-romance type readers (like me!) it's still interesting because of the character development and adventure aspect.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The way that the author describes the rock climbing experience and passion the characters have for it shows very clearly that she's a rock lover herself, and makes it very compelling. The descriptions of the thrill of climbing and beauty of the landscapes were so vividly described, they made me want to go to Yosemite right away. One of the main characters, Critter, also had some very intriguing psychological, near death experience thought manifestation things going on as well, which was my favorite part of the book and what really got me hooked into the suspense.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only disappointment in this book for me was the constant switching of perspectives. I never got enough time with one character to really enjoy their thought process. The every paragraph or sentence switching during the action parts did highten the suspense, but was also a little annoying. I would also have enjoyed more of Critter's philosophy and N.D.E weirdness towards the end of the story as well, because as the romance got more serious it sort of fizzled out. I also don't think Jump is the best title, since even though they did jump a couple times it wasn't as important as other parts of the book.
Comments: This is an exciting, original romance with very intriguing adventure and character development aspects that really kept the pages flipping. I would especially recommend it as a good weekend or road trip read.
Cover: This cover is very clever and appealing. The way the title is written vertically shows the suspense and vertical aspect of the novel, which is about rock climbing and being fugitives. The balance of the two climbers is very nicely done and are close enough to the description of the characters, except the girl doesn't have dreadlocks. The heart subtly outlined by the clouds in the background is probably the point of culminating coolness of this cover: it reflects both that this is a romance, and the special significance of clouds in the story. All in all, a phenomenal cover.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Slice of Cherry

2011-05-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

Reader: Meghan K
Age: 16
Title: Slice of Cherry
Author: Dia Reeves
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub Date: 1/2011
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Slice of Cherry is the second novel by Dia Reeves to be set in the fictional town of Portero, Texas. This would have been really useful information going in. Nowhere in this book is there any indication that this book is the companion to Dia Reeve's first book, Bleeding Violet. Not having read Bleeding Violet put me in a bad place for reading this. Elements of the setting were casually introduced and never touched on again. I didn't know what to focus on and spent a lot of time being confused by the unexplained details (Why do the Porterones wear silver keys? Why are there monsters? Why does no one react to the aforementioned monsters? Are these types of flowers real?) to pay much attention to the story.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure why. There were a lot of interesting, good ideas, but none of them got enough screen time. The book was unfocused and didn't really have a real plot. I ended up liking the book, but while I was reading, I felt like I was only doing it to see if the author would ever explain anything (she didn't). The author's handling of teenage sex and sexuality felt real, but I didn't care enough about any of the characters involved to really enjoy the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was kind of disappointed with the book. I was expecting a quasi-realistic story about two girls trying to conceal the evidence of their gruesome extra-curriculars (being serial killers). I was completely blindsided by the fantasy elements of this story, and I felt let down. I wanted a look at the psychological and emotional impact of murder, and at the fragmented mental state that would lead a person to kill, and about the impact that it would have on relationships. The main characters were underdeveloped and lukewarm. I didn't feel that their murderous side was sufficiently developed, and the author spent too much time on their boring love interests. I wanted blood, dammit, and even the murders didn't deliver. The girls did most of their killing in a (really under explained) parallel universe, called the Happy Place. The residents of the Happy Place did most of the dirty work. The murders that the girls did do were glossed over. I am aware that I sound a wee bit sociopathic, but I wanted more blood. This felt like an almost sanitized murder book.
Cover: I adore this cover. It's simple and evocative, and I feel it really captures to mood of the book. Props to whoever designed this.
Age Range: 14 to 18 and up
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Imaginary Girls

2011-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sophie D
Age: 15
Title: Imaginary Girls
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pub Date: June 2011
Galley: Yes
Annotation: Chloe and Ruby have always been closer than most sisters. Ruby practically raised Chloe, and Chloe knows she would do anything for her. But that's a big commitment, and soon it looks like there are some things Ruby can't protect Chloe from, including Ruby herself.
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: There really isn't anything compelling about this book. I don't care about the characters, I don't care about the plot. It is too vague and unexplained, and yet clichéd. I think the author was trying to go for a surreal kind of disturbing fantasy, but it just ended up confusing and pointless. She got the disturbing part though, but not, I think, in the way she intended.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I did find the sister character slightly intriguing. If she was just a spoiled brat who everyone inexplicably loved, that would have made for a much more interesting story. That's the thing: this book could have gone in a totally different direction. It could have easily been about psychology, or coming of age and loss of innocence, but instead it's just a watered down and half baked fantasy story. The other good thing about the book was that it was pretty creepy, especially all the imagery about being dragged underwater. That's the kind of thing that really scares me, so a couple of passages and dream sequences were deliciously creepy when reading them.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: For one thing, the main character has no character. The only way we can find out anything about her is by what she is like compared to her sister. She is totally obsessed with her sister, as in she literally talks about nothing else throughout the entire book. The plot happens in the last thirty pages, and the rest of it is just "My sister thinks this, my sister does this" on and on and on. It gets a bit boring. Then, the author completely lacks subtlety. In the first five pages she starts talking about this imaginary city underneath the reservoir, and then you know exactly where the plot is going. Also, the magical part of it was really badly done. Her sister has some mystical influence over everyone in the town, but it is never explained why or how. She is just able to control people's minds with no explanation. Also, how does she know that Olive actually exists? Why didn't Chloe notice before that her sister was magical? And people cannot adapt to be able to breathe underwater. That's just annoying. There are too many gaping holes in the plot that need to be patched up.
Cover: There is nothing extraordinary about this cover. I do really like the color scheme, with the bright blue sharply contrasting with the white and red. I also like that it is vertical instead of horizontal, it gives the cover a little more character than most. However, this is not a cover that I would normally pick up, or be super attracted to.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Parrotfish

2011-05-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sohie D
Age: 15
Title: Parrotfish
Author: Ellen Wittlinger
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pub Date:
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: Grady has shed the name of Angela and become who he is truly meant to be: a boy, not a girl. But his family can't seem to accept the change, and school is becoming torture. Why is it that just one little change can affect everyone's opinion of Grady?
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This is literally one of the most eye opening books I have ever read. I've thought about gender roles in society before, but never in this particular way or with this much depth. The changes and challenges that Grady goes through are probably experienced by everyone, just some more than others. It's incredible how much his life changes in just a few days, and this seems to be a very accurate account of what transgendered people go through.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Grady's voice and clear perspective is wonderful. He is consumed in his own problems, yet still is able to sort out family problems and feel guilty about a friend that has completely abandoned him. I also love that the reader is introduced as a boy, yet we still see him as a girl from the eyes if his family who don't want to accept the change. That way, Grady seems very much like a boy for most of the book, yet a lot like a girl at other points.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I think the characters were slightly flat, and the high school was a little too happy, but that didn't take anything away from the main idea, so it's ok.
Cover: The thing I love about this cover is the changing colors. It ties the whole image of the cover together, from the front to the spine to the back. I'm also that it isn't glaringly obvious with blue and pink, but still illustrates the main point of the novel.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Imaginary Girls

2011-05-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 17
Title: Imaginary Girls
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 6/14/11
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book shows the strong dynamic(s) between sisters. You may believe you know everything about your sister, but what is more powerful is the trust that one another gives without knowing the WHOLE bits and pieces of the other sister. This book wonderfully had this sisterly bond shown in the relationship between Ruby (the oldest sister) and her younger sister Chloe.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This book makes you question the fine line between reality and dreaming. This was shown by the reappearance/ disappearance of London and then the "death" of Ruby. This "line" of reality and non-reality was shown threw deaths, reappearances, and attitudes of the characters which made the book all more intriguing.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The ending was cut to the chase. I would have liked more explanation of how Ruby got down to Olive and where she is, or speculated to be. The ending left the book at a flat note, to say the least. It needed to leave the reader questioning where Ruby was, instead it just left the reader confused.
Comments: At times, Ruby's character seemed to contradict herself. One moment she would be all protective to Chloe, the next minute they'd be drinking together. It got me confused in the begging on how the relationship was set up.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book, it was intriguing and seemed like the perfect beginning to a summer read! This image was comforting/soothing but and also mind boggling.
Age Range: 16 to 18 up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

City of Fallen Angels

2011-05-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 15
Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderberry
Pub Date: 2011
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Annotation: The action heats up in this next installation of the Mortal Instruments series with demon possession, age old vampires, secret cults, and relationship drama. Old foes return, an unexpected enemy asserts herself, and Shadowhunter and Downworlder must once again work together to defeat evil.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I was very skeptical entering this book. It's a sequel that is following a perfect, adorable ending, and had a high danger of ruining the series by being a cheap money-maker. However, I was quickly enchanted. The characters were consistent and real, the plot was original and fast-paced, and I was surprised over and over. However, I would suggest before reading that you refresh on the last book, because, in the time lapse, some of the finer points are really important.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Cassandra Clare spins mystery so well, that it sucked me in. Some of the most relateable characters, especially the girls who ignore their protective boyfriends and stand up for themselves against all enemies (and could give Bella a lesson), were back with new issues. Also, all of their actions were explained. Jace had a huge problem with fear of losing Clary, but it was okay, because he had a reason, unlike some sparkly idiots I could name. I was literally left screaming into a pillow by the end, and shaking dust from my grandma's ceiling.
Cover: The main reasons that I like this cover is that, a) it connects to the series and has little stuff you can pick up on from the book, and b) it's shiny. How can you not like shiny things? Like with City of Ash, the Clary moel is decent, and I (as a red head myself) am extremely jealous of the shiny hair. If only. However, the Simon model is far lacking. Simon is supposed to be pale, and NOT THAT BUFF! They got lucky with Clary, because models irritate me. It feels like they're dictating what I should think. If I want that, I'll go to a movie. In the other Mortal Instruments books, at least they didn't show their faces.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to 17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

Member Update

2011-04-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

TKB members:
If you would like to be in the new pictures and/or videos for our summer website makeover, please print the form below for your parents to sign, and bring it in to our next meeting (or send it to Adela in the mail if you think you'll forget).
Release Form

Across the Universe

2011-03-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 17
Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Penguin
Pub Date: 3/22/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen’s Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Comments: Amy and her parents are put into ice chambers and are suppose to be opened 300 years later to help create life on a new planet. Amy, a 17 year old girl, is one who is purposely woken up early and is faced to deal with the fact that she might not ever see Earth again-let alone her parents. This book describes her journey of the spaceship and the adventures she has on it.
Convince us to read the book: This book gives a probable version of how the future of Earth could be -and space too! How the author made the ship and the events going on in the book probable and likely. Revis's description of the events and the characters made the book lively, chilling, and even at times confusing (but in a good way!).
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The most compelling aspect of the book is how the characters react with one another and how there's an evident social structure within the ship and the Society. It was very compelling to see this internal struggle for Elder and how he was going to handle the situations facing him.
Cover: The cover tempted me to pick up the book a bit-and did reflect the contents of the chemistry between Amy and Elder and gives an insight for why Elder opened her chamber up. It would have been nice though if there had been a little sketch on the cover showing Godspeed-it would have made more sense. The cover was a bit confusing at first for the reasoning behind it but towards the end it made sense.
Age Range: 16-18 and up
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it