Margaret Peterson Haddix : Palace of Mirrors

STUPID cover. AND the 1st inside panel should note that Ella (from Just Ella) returns in this text--not on the back panel that I read when I was 3/4 of the way through trying to sort out if the Ella was MY Ella.
Really interesting read, the book had an unpredictable ending (I was guessing until the last few pages), but the heroine is not as strong as I saw Ella. She seems to whine a great deal about her "rightful" place as the queen, but it is essential to her character's predicament. I still appreciate this book. I just miss Ella...she and Jed still are not married! :)

K.L. Denman: Spiral (orca soundings)

These Orca Soundings (Currents/sports, etc.) books are awesome for ELL students, and those readers who are less motivated. They are quick reads with interesting plot lines. This was about a girl who was paralyzed from an accident at work, who then became addicted to cocaine. She is admitted to an exclusive horse rehabilitation facility (like a ranch), where she finds herself and becomes adept in her "new" body. Not anything worth cannonizing, but an interesting read nonetheless.

Kristin Cashore: Graceling

Best. Book. EVER.
Seriously. I know that I say that a great deal, but Katsa is by far my favorite heroine EVER. I do wish I didn't have to wait forever for "Book Three" (as per the author), because I do not, in any way want to read about the slime-ball Leck in the prequel due NEXT year!!!
BAH!! Why can't there be more awesome adventures for Po and Katsa????? LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!

Catherine Gilbert Murdock: Princess Ben

Initially, as a YA read, I was thrown by the superfluous diction of Princess Benevolence. She speaks with extremely developed vocabulary, and while I can appreciate that (degrees help), I am curious to know if students will. The end of the text, however, makes the read entirely worthwhile.

Anne Osterlund: Aurelia

Strong heroine, not a pushover. suspenseful and a satisfying ending ensues.
Interesting plot--princess's life in danger, boy-as-spy comes to "rescue" her, witty banter, rebellion, unpredictable--a fun read!

Jane Harrington: my best friend, the Atlantic Ocean, and other great bodies standing between me and my life with Giulio

Pretty mundane. Delia's cluelessness borders on the unrealistic, but she does have a humorous tone that is fun to read. A definite "happy ending," but pretty expected. Not to bad if a reader is looking for some brain candy...

Anonymous: Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Meh...Really well-written: excellent and developed language, highly developed vocabulary, interesting adventures...BUT, the ending leaves the reader wondering why the time was invested in reading "Belle's" story only to be left with no closure or sense of purpose. VERY XXX rated...there is a huge sex scene even before page 3!! Also, the degrading nature of some of her chosen sex acts (voluntary and financially compensated) is slightly depressing.

Gabrielle Zevin: Elsewhere

Third-person omniscient narrator, but yet it almost reads as third-person limited. The story surrounds Liz, who at 15 was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Elsewhere is where all who pass live out their days backwards until they are reborn back on earth, in a never-ending cycle of life and living lives. It is frustrating the fight Liz puts up as she tries to make sense of what has happened to her, and what is to come in her life, but as I type this I realize how Zevin has articulated the teen angst in a manner that is realistic for Liz's situation. I am glad that I read it, and it is a most excellent way of viewing what happens after our time here, on this Earth, is over.

Patrick Jones: Cheated

This perspective takes depressing to the extreme. Mick feels sorry for himself and the situations he finds himself in, which are a result of his insecurities, upbringing, and overall male teenager-ness. The reader can't feel sorry for him because of the constant whining. The choices that result in a horrific crime are then abruptly not concluded with any satisfaction. I even read the whole thing hoping for a better message. While Mick owns up to his role in the murder, it isn't because of his true nature, but rather his guilt and the pressure put upon him by the adults surrounding him. Pretty disappointing.

Sherman Alexie: The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I knew this would be good, but didn't expect it to be read-it-in-two-hours-even though I need to go to the RR good.
Sad, funny, heart wrenching, overwhelming, and an upbeat ending. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Who would have thought that a Spokane boy's story of finding his way between several worlds would be so powerful?

R.P. MacIntyre & Wendy MacIntyre: Apart

Written in a series of letters....Takes place in Canada (outside researching would have been helpful during, but I was anxious to get to the end). The ending was unexpected, unsatisfying, and while I have come to expect few happy endings from current YA lit, this ending was so not what it should have been. Interesting, well-written, beautiful language and conversations, just disappointing.

Esther Friesner: Nobody's Prize

Definitely not as good as book one.
I don't know why I was expecting more, but this did not live up to my expectations. A lot of running, far-fetched disguises, and unanswered questions. I love the idea of "recreating" the myth, but Friesner took liberties (The Furies, The Amazons, Herakles, to name a few...) that I wasn't anticipating--totally squelched the fun of those stories. Helen is still super strong and an awesome heroine, but the rest of the text intermixed with her story turned me off.
Maybe there will be a third?

Janet Lee Carey: Dragon's Keep

Meh...I was hoping for a bit more, and the end seemed rushed and trite. The heroine is not as strong as potentially she could have been, and the strings were too neatly tied up. Interesting combination of historical and fantasy--and I liked the dragons and pips almost more than the heroine. Good stylistic read, but the story wasn't totally captivating.

Gail Carson Levine: Ever

Read this in two hours on the way to Seattle. Kezi and her will to survive, mixed with Olus' infatuation/love for her was an interesting combination that was an awesome read! I love strong heroines!

Rob Thomas: Rats Saw God

Bad title. Amazing read. The vocabulary is extremely challenging, and the story isn't one commonly told. While teen angst is rampant, the real nature of this young man's story ("first time," total heartbreak, realization of his own potential, etc.) is written in a way that young people will totally love. It is also HILARIOUS and snide and facetious all in one. VERY R rated though! :)

Carolly Erickson: The Hidden Diary Of Marie Antoinette

I am on this Marie Antoinette urge, and am even listening to the 17-disc biography of her life (which Sophia Copola's film adaptation is based on). This was interesting in its fiction, but also because of its attempt to follow parts of her story that were applicable. Again, the ending was not fun, but what is one to expect from a story of a woman whose life was ended by the guillotine?

Ann Rinaldi: The Red-Headed Princess

Meh...Not bad, but anti-climactic. It ended just where I wanted it to begin...

Esther Friesner: Nobody's Princess

Super Awesome!!!
Helen of Sparta as a young girl, obstinate, fiesty, spirited, and an awesome herione. I can't wait until Nobody's Prize comes out--this book just leaves the reader hanging wondering what will happen to Milo and Helen! (I also finished this in about 1 day--300 pages, but a super-quick read!)

Carolyn Meyer: Loving Will Shakespeare

meh...

Not what I anticipated, and the ending was not at all pleasant--though I should have anticipated that ending. Anne Hathaway was not nearly as strong as I would have liked to have read her....

Frank Portman: King Dork

Ok. The writing is brilliant. Bitter and angsty just enough, the main characters experiences are so Houlden-esque it is astounding. As one of the comments on the jacket indicate, this is truly today's modern version of The Catcher in the Rye. The ending came out of nowhere though, but since the majority was so satisfying, the negatives (few and far between) were easily overcome. Exceptionally sardonic and edgy, with talk of B.J.s and the horrors inflicted on those not lucky enough to be one of the "socially normal."

Shannon Hale: Book of a Thousand Days

Not the princess who is the heroine, but rather the servant girl! Interesting, and almost Asian (if that is the correct vicinity) feel to this "fairy tale." A "mucker" girl who knows the songs of healing learned from her mother serves a princess who is locked in a tower for seven years because the princess refuses to marry the king her father wishes...
Exciting climax, and a fun ending. Great read!

Libba Bray: The Sweet Far Thing

Book 3--DO NOT READ SPOILERS ONLINE!!
I made that mistake, and though it ticked me off, it was an amazing ending...I am crossing my fingers for a fourth!

Libba Bray: Rebel Angels

Book two is even better than book one, and the relationship between Gemma and Kartik is becoming more intriguing. I really love Bray's style, and her language is even more beautiful and descriptive in this book!

Judd Winick: Pedro and ME

This was the season of the Real World that I truly got involved. I cared about the people, and was awed by Pedro's spirit.
This graphic novel detailing Judd's experience, relationship, and lessons learned from his friendship with Pedro was an awesome tribute and learning vehicle.

His drawings are minimalistic, but the emotions can't be missed on the faces of the individuals in Winick's text. A bit racy from time to time, but totally worth a conversation with a young person for the tremendously down-to-earth vital information provided from Pedro's life.

AWESOME.

Libba Bray: A Great and Terrible Beauty

Not your ordinary tale of magic, Gemma Doyle is growing up in a Victorian, suppressive, on-the-brink of change time period, and she is trying to discover who she is.
Really powerful, Bray uses strong language, lyrical imagery, and literary devices (simile/metaphor, etc.) that aren't see as often in young adult fiction. An amazing book. I can't wait to read the last two.

Peter Dickenson: Angel Isle

Book 2 (Sequel to The Ropemaker)

Frustrating beginning, but once past that, an exciting and well-worth it adventure with another strong female heroine!

Jay Asher: Th1rteen R3asons Why

Dang...
Super good book.
A box of cassettes arrive at good-guy-Clay's house, and he has no clue what is in store for him. His crush, Hannah Baker, killed herself recently, and it is her voice on the tapes...she has 13 reasons, 13 connections, 13 people who impacted her decision. While the overall story is a bummer--Hannah goes through things no teenager (let alone an adult) should have to experience, but the overall message of connection is totally worth the pain. Every single thing we do as humans impact something--someone--and we may not even realize it. So when someone ponders whether to say "hi" to an outcast, maybe think about the good that could come from your positive interactions.
I got to listen to the audiobook--and the man and woman who read this (it is told in alternating voices--totally awesome) did an amazing job. Really an excellent text!

Markus Zusak: I am the Messenger

A-MAZING!!!!!!!
Totally original, though the ending was slightly trite, totally an awesome book. Zusak is brilliant in his descriptions, and hearing it read by an Aussie totally added to the experience. I know that my Aussie accent in my head could never have compared! Very suspenseful, totally unique plot line, and actually not a downer overall...Check it out!