Teens Have Their Say: Book Reviews, Page 4

here's what teens THINK about books they've read,
movies they've seen or CDs they've listened to

I want to do this too!

Do these books sound good? Check the Library Catalog, place a hold, and see for yourself!

Reviews are published in your own words but some spelling may be corrected. Reviews may be edited for length.

See more: Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Reviews of the Harry Potter books

Twilight
By: Stephenie Meyer
YA Fic M

When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who she comes to realize is not wholly human.

This book captures your attention. The characters are almost too fascinating. What could be wrong with falling in love with a vampire? Seems like only a lot.
Sam H., age: 16

A Knight of the White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes
By: G.A. Henty
YA Fic

Young Gervaise Tresham leaves England and the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses to become a Knight of St. John. Starting as a page of the Grand Master, Gervaise quickly attains knighthood and defends Europe and Christendom against the anarchy of piracy in the Mediterranean at that time and the expansion of the Turkish empire. Sir Tresham is there to defend the fortress at Rhodes during the first siege of that city by Soleiman.

It is full of action and adventure. It is a story of the Crusades and I was very interested in it. I recommend this book to anyone.
Jordan T., age 13

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation
By: Simone Elkeles
YA Fic

When sixteen-year-old Amy, a spoiled American, goes to Israel for a three-month summer vacation with a father she barely knows, she is not prepared for his Jewish family and the changes they bring about in her life.

It is like a mystery - you never know what is going to happen next. But it always turns out good. And Amy ends up with a crush on the least person she would think of.
Ariel T., age 16

Return to Promise
By: Debbie Macomber
Fic

Married for several years, Jane has severely cut back her medical practice to raise their two small children while Cal continues to ranch. But when Jane and the children take an extended trip to California to nurse her ailing father, Cal becomes the target of an attractive newcomer in town, Nicole Nelson.

This novel is a very cute love story with vivid descriptions of all of the characters. It does a good job of cleanly switching storytellers and points of view. I would recommend this book because it is heartwarming and feel-good.
Kelsey M., age: 14

Only Love
By: Susan Sallis
YA Fic

When she finds herself the object of a young man's love, a spirited, physically handicapped 16-year-old is both touched and frightened for she knows she may now have to share her painful secret.

This is a well written book. What else can I say? The imagery is wonderful. It's not really the type of book you would expect it to be, but it's pretty good.
Katie A., age: 14

The Riddle (Pellinor, #2)
By: Alison Croggon
YA Fic SF

The further translation of a manuscript from the lost civilization of Edil-Amarandah which chronicles the experiences of sixteen-year-old Maerad, a gifted Bard, as she seeks the answer to the Riddle of the Treesong and continues to battle the Dark forces.

This book is even better than the first of the series. Maerad develops into a wonderful and mysterious main character and it is exciting to watch her change and develop as the story progresses. This book left me excited, and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Katie A., age 14

Brave New World
By: Aldous Huxley
YA Fic

Originally published in 1932, Huxley's terrifying vision of a controlled and emotionless future "Utopian" society is truly startling in its prediction of modern scientific and cultural phenomena, including test-tube babies and rampant drug abuse.

It had quirky characters and was thought-provoking. Huxley's style of writing was original and his ideas were creative. The book was similar to 1984 by George Orwell.
Eliza G., age 16

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By: Mark Twin
Juv Fic

Enjoy the antics of that irrepressible boy-hero, Tom, who lies to his Aunt Polly and still is forgiven, wins the heart of Becky Thatcher by getting whipped at school, gets out of whitewashing a fence by tricking his friends into doing it, and has dangerous adventures with his sidekick Huckleberry Finn but emerges unscathed.

This is a charming book with lovable characters, laughs and adventure. It's about, well, Tom Sawyer, a boy who lives in Missouri in the 1850s. The language takes a while to get used to, but is very fun. I even found myself speaking after a couple of days of reading.
Emma V., age 12

I recommend TOM SAWYER to people who love being adventurous. If you haven't read this book, I dare you to read it.
Emma R., age 11

Second Summer of the Sisterhood
By: Ann Brashares
YA Fic

With a bit of last summer's sand in the pockets, the Traveling Pants and the sisterhood that wears them embark on their 16th summer.

This is the second book about the traveling pants. It was pretty good but I think the 1st one was better. While this one has equally good (if not better) stories, it is a little hard to follow. But if you like the first one, you'll like this one too.
Emma V., age 12

The author makes you feel connected to the girls. You feel their pain and their happiness. You can't wait to find out what happens next with each girl. Still, young girls shouldn't read this book because of the sexual content
Rebekah F., age 13

Being
By: Kevin Brooks
YA Fic SF

After finding out he is part machine, sixteen-year-old Robert Smith runs from the covert government agents who are trying to pin a murder on him, and together with Eddi, a nineteen-year-old criminal, tries to uncover his true identity.

There was a lot of swearing and it got raunchy at the end. It was horrible. I hated it.
Jordan T., age: 13

Ark Angel (An Alex Rider adventure, #6)
By: Anthony Horowitz
YA Fic

After recovering from a near fatal gunshot wound, teenage spy Alex Rider embarks on a new mission to stop a group of eco-terrorists from sabotaging the launch of the first outer space hotel.

This book had suspense, action, mystery, adventure and lots more! Anthony Horowitz is the best author ever! I recommend this book to anyone who loves action and adventure.
Jordan T., age 13

I Capture the Castle
By: Dodie Smith
YA Fic

The story of 17-year-old Cassandra and her family, who live in not-so-genteel poverty in an English castle

The plot of this book was not as good, but it was very fun to read. It kept you looking forward to the next chapter. It's one of those books that is fun and interesting to read but when you're done, you realize that, compared to other books, this one isn't all that good. I still give it a thumbs up because it was not a bad book.
Katie A., age 14

Skin Deep
By: Lois Ruby
YA Fic

Laurel's boyfriend Dan becomes a neo-Nazi skinhead and gets the attention and respect he has been denied all his life, especially when he becomes involved in a First Amendment battle.

This book gives you a sense that it is very real. I would give it a double thumbs up if I could. The beginning draws you in and the ending is perfect. Few books end on exactly the right note like this one does. Definitely a good book to look into if you're looking for something interesting to read.
Katie A., age 14

Andalite Chronicles
By: Katherine Applegate
Juv Fic SF

The story that came before the Animorphs-- His name is Elfangor, an Andalite war-prince. He was the one who gave five young humans the ability to morph into any animal they touch. They are still out there fighting a powerful evil.

This book is funny and exciting at the same time. This book is told by an Andalite who winds up with a pair of humans. It's funny to hear how the alien reacts to their nature.
Kirsi K., age 12

Poison
By: Chris Wooding
YA Fic M

When Poison leaves her home in the marshes of Gull to retrieve the infant sister who was snatched by the fairies, she and a group of unusual friends survive encounters with the inhabitants of various Realms, and Poison herself confronts a surprising destiny.

It was as stereotypical as the books it tried not to be like. The characters weren't likeable or hateable. The plot lacked originality and the writing style was far from having action. I could barely finish it.
Eliza G., age: 16

See more: Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Reviews of the Harry Potter books

Reviews are published in your own words but some spelling may be corrected. Reviews may be edited for length.

	Twilight By: Stephenie Meyer YA Fic M When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who she comes to realize is not wholly human. This book captures your attention. The characters are almost too fascinating. What could be wrong with falling in love with a vampire? Seems like only a lot. Sam H., age: 16
	A Knight of the White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes By: G.A. Henty YA Fic Young Gervaise Tresham leaves England and the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses to become a Knight of St. John. Starting as a page of the Grand Master, Gervaise quickly attains knighthood and defends Europe and Christendom against the anarchy of piracy in the Mediterranean at that time and the expansion of the Turkish empire. Sir Tresham is there to defend the fortress at Rhodes during the first siege of that city by Soleiman. It is full of action and adventure. It is a story of the Crusades and I was very interested in it. I recommend this book to anyone. Jordan T., age 13
	How to Ruin a Summer Vacation By: Simone Elkeles YA Fic When sixteen-year-old Amy, a spoiled American, goes to Israel for a three-month summer vacation with a father she barely knows, she is not prepared for his Jewish family and the changes they bring about in her life. It is like a mystery - you never know what is going to happen next. But it always turns out good. And Amy ends up with a crush on the least person she would think of. Ariel T., age 16
	Return to Promise By: Debbie Macomber Fic Married for several years, Jane has severely cut back her medical practice to raise their two small children while Cal continues to ranch. But when Jane and the children take an extended trip to California to nurse her ailing father, Cal becomes the target of an attractive newcomer in town, Nicole Nelson. This novel is a very cute love story with vivid descriptions of all of the characters. It does a good job of cleanly switching storytellers and points of view. I would recommend this book because it is heartwarming and feel-good. Kelsey M., age: 14
	Only Love By: Susan Sallis YA Fic When she finds herself the object of a young man's love, a spirited, physically handicapped 16-year-old is both touched and frightened for she knows she may now have to share her painful secret. This is a well written book. What else can I say? The imagery is wonderful. It's not really the type of book you would expect it to be, but it's pretty good. Katie A., age: 14
	The Riddle (Pellinor, #2) By: Alison Croggon YA Fic SF The further translation of a manuscript from the lost civilization of Edil-Amarandah which chronicles the experiences of sixteen-year-old Maerad, a gifted Bard, as she seeks the answer to the Riddle of the Treesong and continues to battle the Dark forces. This book is even better than the first of the series. Maerad develops into a wonderful and mysterious main character and it is exciting to watch her change and develop as the story progresses. This book left me excited, and I can't wait to read the next in the series. Katie A., age 14
	Brave New World By: Aldous Huxley YA Fic Originally published in 1932, Huxley's terrifying vision of a controlled and emotionless future "Utopian" society is truly startling in its prediction of modern scientific and cultural phenomena, including test-tube babies and rampant drug abuse. It had quirky characters and was thought-provoking. Huxley's style of writing was original and his ideas were creative. The book was similar to 1984 by George Orwell. Eliza G., age 16
	The Adventures of Tom Sawyer By: Mark Twin Juv Fic Enjoy the antics of that irrepressible boy-hero, Tom, who lies to his Aunt Polly and still is forgiven, wins the heart of Becky Thatcher by getting whipped at school, gets out of whitewashing a fence by tricking his friends into doing it, and has dangerous adventures with his sidekick Huckleberry Finn but emerges unscathed. This is a charming book with lovable characters, laughs and adventure. It's about, well, Tom Sawyer, a boy who lives in Missouri in the 1850s. The language takes a while to get used to, but is very fun. I even found myself speaking after a couple of days of reading. Emma V., age 12 I recommend TOM SAWYER to people who love being adventurous. If you haven't read this book, I dare you to read it. Emma R., age 11
	Second Summer of the Sisterhood By: Ann Brashares YA Fic With a bit of last summer's sand in the pockets, the Traveling Pants and the sisterhood that wears them embark on their 16th summer. This is the second book about the traveling pants. It was pretty good but I think the 1st one was better. While this one has equally good (if not better) stories, it is a little hard to follow. But if you like the first one, you'll like this one too. Emma V., age 12 The author makes you feel connected to the girls. You feel their pain and their happiness. You can't wait to find out what happens next with each girl. Still, young girls shouldn't read this book because of the sexual content Rebekah F., age 13
	Being By: Kevin Brooks YA Fic SF After finding out he is part machine, sixteen-year-old Robert Smith runs from the covert government agents who are trying to pin a murder on him, and together with Eddi, a nineteen-year-old criminal, tries to uncover his true identity. There was a lot of swearing and it got raunchy at the end. It was horrible. I hated it. Jordan T., age: 13
	Ark Angel (An Alex Rider adventure, #6) By: Anthony Horowitz YA Fic After recovering from a near fatal gunshot wound, teenage spy Alex Rider embarks on a new mission to stop a group of eco-terrorists from sabotaging the launch of the first outer space hotel. This book had suspense, action, mystery, adventure and lots more! Anthony Horowitz is the best author ever! I recommend this book to anyone who loves action and adventure. Jordan T., age 13
	I Capture the Castle By: Dodie Smith YA Fic The story of 17-year-old Cassandra and her family, who live in not-so-genteel poverty in an English castle The plot of this book was not as good, but it was very fun to read. It kept you looking forward to the next chapter. It's one of those books that is fun and interesting to read but when you're done, you realize that, compared to other books, this one isn't all that good. I still give it a thumbs up because it was not a bad book. Katie A., age 14
	Skin Deep By: Lois Ruby YA Fic Laurel's boyfriend Dan becomes a neo-Nazi skinhead and gets the attention and respect he has been denied all his life, especially when he becomes involved in a First Amendment battle. This book gives you a sense that it is very real. I would give it a double thumbs up if I could. The beginning draws you in and the ending is perfect. Few books end on exactly the right note like this one does. Definitely a good book to look into if you're looking for something interesting to read. Katie A., age 14
	Andalite Chronicles By: Katherine Applegate Juv Fic SF The story that came before the Animorphs-- His name is Elfangor, an Andalite war-prince. He was the one who gave five young humans the ability to morph into any animal they touch. They are still out there fighting a powerful evil. This book is funny and exciting at the same time. This book is told by an Andalite who winds up with a pair of humans. It's funny to hear how the alien reacts to their nature. Kirsi K., age 12
	Poison By: Chris Wooding YA Fic M When Poison leaves her home in the marshes of Gull to retrieve the infant sister who was snatched by the fairies, she and a group of unusual friends survive encounters with the inhabitants of various Realms, and Poison herself confronts a surprising destiny. It was as stereotypical as the books it tried not to be like. The characters weren't likeable or hateable. The plot lacked originality and the writing style was far from having action. I could barely finish it. Eliza G., age: 16

8/13/07 Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802

8/13/07
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802