University Teens
A thoughtful, fun, safe place to talk about books, authors and other library stuff!Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
This book was even better than the first (A Great and Terrible Beauty.) Rebel Angels is set in Victorian England and Gemma is home in London for winter break. We see English society, there is romance, family, friends and through plot twists, the mysteries from the first book are uncovered. This a true page-turner...another one of my very favorite YA novels. Rebel Angels is Colorado Blue Spruce Award nominee for 2006-2007.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Mystery, fantasy, romance, friendship, boarding school and historical fiction--A Great and Terrible Beauty has it all. I was surprised by how much I liked this book since I don't usually read fantasy. I didn't want to read it late at night since it was SO scary! I couldn't wait to read the sequel...we have both in our library this year. A Great and Terrible Beauty was a Colorado Blue Spruce Award nominee for 2005-2006 and a Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Teens' Top Ten in 2004.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
The Book Without Words by Avi
Scary, creepy, quirky, historically based, magical, talking animals...all the ingredients to a very interesting book by Avi. I can never tell where Avi is going with his books and this one took a few suprising turns before the predictable ending. Being the historical fiction reader than I am, liked the end notes with the related historical information. I think this book is a book for fantasy readers grade 4 and up.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
Friendship, family, death, and racism were among the "themes" of this novel. In my opinion, the overarching theme was to make sure to enjoy each and every day--Ms. Trish Jurgens--is supporting me on this one anyway! A good read from upper elementary/middle school readers. The novel is set in the 1960s and throughout we get glimpes of what it was like to be Japanese in America during that time. Enjoy but be prepared to have this one tug at your heartstrings. Monday, June 26, 2006
Rodzina by Karen Cushman
Rodzina is an awkward girl who is riding the Orphan Train from Chicago to find a home in the west. This is a historical fiction novel that gives insight into the experience of children who had lost their parents in cities in the late 1800s and early 1900s and who were sent to find new families. Rodzina is a tough and spunky heroine who has a soft side too. This is a good read for middle school readers.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Be prepared to take notes to keep track of all the characters and the clues. If you like a detailed mystery with a surprise ending, this is the one for you! Filled with silly adults and savvy teens, this book is a great read for grades 4 and up. It is a Newbery winner from 1979 (I wasn't even in elementary school then!) but you can't tell that is over 27 years old. Enjoy the mystery and keep your notes straight!
Monday, May 15, 2006
The Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier
The Rag and Bone Shop was unlike any book I had read before--I was in such great suspense that I read it in one sitting. A crime is committed and a boy is taken in for questioning by a seasoned detective who can work his "magic" as needed case by case. This one twists and turns and careens out of control before you make it to the last page. Hang on for the ride.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
An unexpected friendship, the loss of a parent and a group of new friends fill Macy's summer. This book won a Young Adult Library Services Association Teens Top 10 Award in 2005 and was nominated for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award for 2005-2006. This is one of my personal favorites and a great book for middle and high school readers. Enjoy!
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