Review A Book

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#999933" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03900700ddwnfv.gif"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="38e251e0.jpg" border=0 width="293" height="30" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="38d011e0.jpg" border=0 width="257" height="30" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com"><U>E-Mail Matt, the Webmaster</U></A> Read a Book? Send in all of your reviews <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Review A Book"><U>here.</U></A>  <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member Area"><U>Visit the Bookgroup Chatroom</U></A>. |  <A HREF="http://server.scripthost.com/wwwboard?mattoise" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://server.scripthost.com/wwwboard?ma"><U>Post on our Message Board.</U></A></div> <div> Read Reviews: | <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Numerical Titles"><U>Numerical Titles</U></A> | <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U>Titles A-H </U></A>| <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews Titles IP"><U>Titles I-P</U></A>| <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles QZ"><U>Titles Q-Z</U></A> | <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Genre Symbols"><U>Visit the Genre Symbols page to learn our rating system.</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=150 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" background="03ac0c00esnpes.gif"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Covington Library Teen Bookgroup Mainpag"><U><IMG SRC="37e4d150.gif" border=0 width="77" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U><IMG SRC="37248150.gif" border=0 width="72" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Review A Book"><U><IMG SRC="3816a150.gif" border=0 width="106" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Genre Symbols"><U><IMG SRC="37466150.gif" border=0 width="102" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member Area"><U><IMG SRC="3735d150.gif" border=0 width="93" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member Bios"><U><IMG SRC="37558150.gif" border=0 width="88" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BBYA Booklist"><U><IMG SRC="38461150.gif" border=0 width="97" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Matts Column"><U><IMG SRC="53a5d150.gif" border=0 width="93" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><IMG SRC="53c35150.gif" border=0 width="53" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="3795b1f0.jpg" border=0 width="91" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Numerical Titles"><U><IMG SRC="37a69150.gif" border=0 width="105" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U><IMG SRC="3894d150.gif" border=0 width="77" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews Titles IP"><U><IMG SRC="37c45150.gif" border=0 width="69" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles QZ"><U><IMG SRC="38b4b150.gif" border=0 width="75" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="2e95c520.jpg" border=0 width="348" height="82" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Click </B><A HREF="#star_of_approval" TITLE="Review A Book"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> for a description of our Star of Approval Guide</B></div> <div> <B>Click </B><A HREF="#guide_to_age_appeal" TITLE="Review A Book"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> for a description of our Age Appeal Guide</B></div> <div> <B>Click </B><B>here</B><B> for a description of our Ratings Guide</B></div> <div> <B>Click </B><A HREF="#goodreviews_1" TITLE="Review A Book"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> to learn about how to write good reviews</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Please submit reviews for anything you read for school, the club, or for fun.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>   <form method="post" target="_top" action="http://cgi05.Freedback.com/mail.pl">  <input type="hidden" name="to" value="Bluesette3@aol.com">  <input type="hidden" name="subject" value="Book Review">  <input type="hidden" name="form" value="http://">  <input type="hidden" name="admin" value="Bluesette3@aol.coml">  <input type="hidden" name="general" value="general">  <input type="hidden" name="language" value="en">  <h2>Review a book</h2> Your name: <input name="name" size=40><br>  Your email address: (e.g.: <em>you@aol.com</em>) <input name="from" size=30><p>  How old are you? <input name="Age"><br> Who was this book written by? <input name="Author"><br> What was the title of this book? <input name="Title"><br> What Genre is this book? Check all that apply.  <input type="checkbox" name="Action & Thrillers value="selected"> Action & Thrillers  <input type="checkbox" name="Adventure/Outdoor/Survival value="selected"> Adventure/Outdoor/Survival  <input type="checkbox" name="Animal Story value="selected"> Animal Story  <input type="checkbox" name="Biography & Memoir value="selected"> Biography & Memoir  <input type="checkbox" name="Comic or Graphic Novel value="selected"> Comic or Graphic Novel  <input type="checkbox" name="Fantasy value="selected"> Fantasy  <input type="checkbox" name="General Fiction & Realistic Fiction value="selected"> General Fiction & Realistic Fiction  <input type="checkbox" name="Historical Fiction value="selected"> Historical Fiction  <input type="checkbox" name="Horror & Suspense value="selected"> Horror & Suspense  <input type="checkbox" name="Humorous value="selected"> Humor  <input type="checkbox" name="Mystery/Crime/Detective/Spy value="selected"> Mystery/Crime/Detective/Spy  <input type="checkbox" name="Nonfiction & Reference value="selected"> Nonfiction & Reference  <input type="checkbox" name="Poetry value="selected"> Poetry  <input type="checkbox" name="Romance value="selected"> Romance  <input type="checkbox" name="Science Fiction or Sci-Fi value="selected"> Science Fiction or Sci-Fi  <input type="checkbox" name="Script or Screenplay value="selected"> Script or Screenplay  <input type="checkbox" name="Short Story (Collection of Short Stories) or Novella value="selected"> Short Story or Collection of Short Stories and Novella  <input type="checkbox" name="Sports value="selected"> Sports  <input type="checkbox" name="War value="selected"> War  <input type="checkbox" name=" Westerns value="selected"> Westerns <br> Is this book part of a series? <input name="Series"<br> What would you rate this book on a scale of .01 and 10.00 (you may use decimals to the 100ths place.) <input name="Rating"<br> Does this book get your star of approval? (refer to star of Approval Guide) <select name="star"> <option value="yes" selected >yes <option value="no">no <select/><br> To what age group does this book appeal? (Refer to Age Appeal Guide) Check all that apply   <input type="checkbox" name="11-13" value="selected" checked> 11-13   <input type="checkbox" name="13-15" value="selected"> 13-15   <input type="checkbox" name="15-18" value="selected"> 15-18 <br>  Write a detailed review<br> <textarea name="body" rows=10 cols=60></textarea><p>  <table width=100% border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0> <tr><td align=left valign=bottom><a target=_top href=http://ZY.Freedback.com/?button/your email><img src=http://gif00.Freedback.com/z_but/en.gif alt="ZY.Freedback.com: Stunning, fast, FREE!" border=0 width=88 height=31></a></td><td align=center valign=top><input type=submit value="Review it!">     <input type=reset> <br><font size=1><a href=http://Freedback.com/?tagline/your email target=_top>FREE feedback form powered by Freedback.com</a></font></td><td align=right valign=bottom><a target=_top href=http://Freedback.com/?button/your email><img src=http://gif01.Freedback.com/button/en.gif alt=Freedback.com border=0 width=88 height=31></a></td></tr></table> </form>   </FONT></DIV> <script language="Javascript">  </script> <center> <div id="fclinkback" style="visibility:visible"><p> <a href="http://www.fortunecity.com" target="_new"><img src="http://www.fortunecity.com/images/fc_logo_white122x30.gif" border=0></a><br> <a href="http://www.fortunecity.com" target="_new"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" size=1>Free Web Hosting by FortuneCity</font></a> </p></div> </center> <script language="Javascript">  </script>  </B></div> <div> <B>Age Appeal Form</B></div> <div> <B>Part 1:</B></div> <div> What is the reading level of this book (reading level should be based on the complexity of words, the length and complexity of sentences, and the overal length of the book and its chapters, also reading level should be completely seperate from the book's maturity level. For example the Scary Story series has a low reading level, but the content is much older.):</div> <div> A. 5th Grade-6th Grade (Ages 10-12) Books on this level: Harry Potter Series</div> <div> B. 7th Grade-8th Grade (Ages 12-14) Books on this level include: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</div> <div> C. 9th Grade-10th Grade (Ages 14-16) Books on this level include: To Kill A Mockingbird and 1984 </div> <div> D. 11th Grade-12th Grade and Beyond (Ages 16-18+) Books in this level include: The Great Gatsby and the Scarlet Letter This book should not be considered for all readers</div> <bR> <div> What is the overall Maturity Level of this book? (What is the Attitude of the writer to his readers? How offensive and lurid is the language of this book?)</div> <div> A. Maturity Level 1 (Ages 10-12)  The book's author takes a generally sensitive approach creating affable and law-abiding characters, this book also avoids thing like satan-worshiping, and does not show a direct connection between witches, werewolves, ghosts, etc. and satan</div> <div> B. Maturity Level 2 (Ages 12-14) The book's author loses some of his naivity towards his audience. However, many lurid and unsavory aspects of life might appear in the book, but they are represented with sensitivity</div> <div> C. Maturity Level 3 (Ages 14-16) The book's author has no shame about showing some of the lurid and unsavory parts of life, however it avoids using an amoral character</div> <div> D. Maturity Level 4 (Ages 17-18+) The book's author makes it a point to display the unsavory and lurid, with an anti-hero character and an amoral theme. This book should not be considered for all readers</div> <bR> <div> <B>Part I Scoring: A's 0 points, B's 1 point, C's 2 points, D's 3 points</B></div> <div> <B>Also make sure to use your best judgement when scoring</B></div> <div> <B>* Points = All Readers (The one to choose if you are sure this book is complex enough for older readers, but simple and inoffensive enough for younger readers)</B></div> <div> <B>0 Points = Children's should not be reviewed</B></div> <div> <B>1 Point = Preteen</B></div> <div> <B>1-2 Points = Young Teens</B></div> <div> <B>3 Points = Junior High</B></div> <div> <B>3-4 Points = Teens</B></div> <div> <B>5-6 Points = Mature Teens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Part II:</B></div> <div> How much gambling or gambling reference does this book contain?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book does not mention gambling at all.</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book contains some references to gambling, but for the most part it is a minor part of the background of the story</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book has many of its characters involved in gambling, but it is not central to the plot</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book is centered around gambling</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book is centered around gambling and gambling for illegal or imorral things.</div> <bR> <div> How much violence or reference to violence does this book contain?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book contains no violence whatsover</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book contains references to violence, but the actual details are not mentioned in this book</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book has many of its characters involved in violence, however the use of blood/gore and weapons are limited</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book is centered around violence, it might actively describes brutal crimes, physical torture and agony, violence done to animals, blood and gore, a large amount of unsafe behavior</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book takes an amoral and unsensitive stance on violence, it contains longand detailed descripions of violence, unsafe behavior, weapons, rape, painful torture,  general mutilation to animals or people, cannibalism, or very large and extremely detailed sections on blood and gore</div> <bR> <div> How much crude/indecent language does this book contain?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book contains no indecent langauge or reference to it</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book involves references to indecent langauge i.e. such and such a character swore</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book contains a small amount of indecent langauge</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book contains characters that have indecent langauge central to their speech patterns</div> <div> E. Level 4 this book contains very large amounts of indecent langauge, and langauge promotes non-tolerence and drug-use</div> <bR> <div> How much sex or reference to sex is in this book?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book contains absoluetely no reference to sex</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book contains references to sex, but it is handled morally and only eluded to</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book contains a small sex however it is handled in a medical nature or in a moral manner</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book contains sexual situations, which are described and some detail and central to the plot</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book is intended to be pornographic and provocative to its audience</div> <bR> <div> What is the level of drug use in this book?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book contains asolutely no drug use or reference to drug use</div> <div> B. Level 1 Drug use is referenced in this book, either by adults of legal age, or in a moral and educational manner</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book contains a small amount of drug use, either abuse of alcohol by an adult of legal age, or drug use by a minor, however the other shows all of the negative consequences</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book is centered around drugs and alcohol, and the characters recieve very few consequences from the use of the substances</div> <div> E. Level 4 The book is extermely involved with drugs and alcohol and it creates a desire in its readers to do drugs. It also inaccurately describes drugs as having positive effects.</div> <bR> <div> What is the level of vulgar jokes or "bathroom humor"?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book contains no mature humor</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book has a sense of mature humor that would be funny to an 8 year-old (Captain Underpants-esque)</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book contains a sense of mature humor that would be funny to preteens, involving puberty, etc.</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book contains vulgar jokes that would be funny to teenagers (American Pie-esque)</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book contains adult-related mature humor</div> <bR> <div> What is the level of crime in this book?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book conains no crime</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book references crimes like, traffic violations, or theft, breaking and entering, or a comical depiction of murder, a la clue</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book contains some crimes like murder in greater detail, or robbery</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book contains things like murder or rape, however, the violence involved in these crimes is not described in detail</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book contains violent crimes described in detail</div> <bR> <div> What are the morals like in this book?</div> <div> A. Level 0 This book is full of tolerence, a strong nuclear family, and no divorce or unpleasant parts of marriage</div> <div> B. Level 1 This book is mostly tolerent, however it might involve a divorce or "evil parents" a la Harry Potter</div> <div> C. Level 2 This book is mostly tolerent, however it deals with issues like divorce in greater detail</div> <div> D. Level 3 This book isn't completely tolerent, and it details with the far reaching psychological impact of divorce, and abusive parents</div> <div> E. Level 4 This book contains little or no tolerence for others, and might detail with violent divorces, and a non-supportive, violent, and abusive family</div> <bR> <div> What is the level of sensitivity in this book?</div> <div> A. Level 0 The writer is very sensitive and steers clear of all social issues</div> <div> B. Level 1 The author mentions some socail issues in passing, without offering his view on them</div> <div> C. Level 2 The author discusses social issues to some extent, but does it with a large sense of morals</div> <div> D. Level 3 The author talks about social issues in great length, but offers both sides of the story</div> <div> E. Level 4 The author is completely amoral and approaches socail issues with a sense of one-sidedness</div> <bR> <div> <B>Part II Scoring: A's 0 ponts, B's 1 point, C's 2 points, D's 3* ponts, E's ** points</B></div> <div> <B>*Anything with a D circled in this section should not be considered for the all readers category</B></div> <div> <B>** Anything with E's should be considered Mature Teens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Add up the total points from section II and divide by 9. Take that number and round it up. Then add in the section 1 score and divide by 2. Finally, using your best judgement in cases of overlapping scores, choose one of the following sections.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>((Part II Score / 9 ) + Part I)/2</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>0 Points = Children's, should not be reviewed</B></div> <div> <B>1 Points = Preteen</B></div> <div> <B>1-2 Points = Young Teens</B></div> <div> <B>3 Points = Junior High</B></div> <div> <B>3-4 Points = Teens</B></div> <div> <B>5-6 Points = Mature Teens</B></div> <div> <B>* Points = All Readers (The one to choose if you are sure this book is complex enough for older readers, but simple and inoffensive enough for younger readers)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="goodreviews_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="366c92b0.jpg" border=0 width="457" height="43" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Too Long? Click </B><A HREF="#cliffs_notes" TITLE="Review A Book"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> to read the Cliff's Notes</B></div> <div> Reviews are the most important part of this site. So it is very important to write good reviews. But how is a good review written? Well first off reviews should point off the parts of the book that are done well, and the parts that are done poorly. Some elements of the story you could choose to comment one are: Plot (did this book have an interesting series of events? Are the events logical? Are the flashback/forward elements used without confusion? Is the plot overly long? Does it feel drawn out? Or is it smooth and interesting at all points in the story? Is foreshadowing used in this book? How Successfully?), setting (did you like the time and place that this book was set in, did the author use words to make you feel like you were there? Was the setting an important part of this story? Or was it just there?), characters (were the characters interesting? Did you like the way the characters interacted? Did their actions seem realistic? Did they grow, change or develop over time? Did you like the words the authors used to describe them? Do you see the good and bad side of the important character?), theme (What does the book have to say? How important is this theme to the story? What symbols does the author use? and how effective are they?) Style (Is the writing different then anything you have ever read? Or is it another unoriginal mass-produced Lord of the Rings knockoff? Does the author use elements of style like Imagery, Figurative Language, or Alliteration?) point of view, (Does the point of view work well for the story? Why?) tone (Does the tone work well for the story? Does the writer use tragic words for a humorous story? What is the writer's attitude to the readers?) Also you need to give an adequate synopsis of the book so that potential readers will know if it matches their interests, the genre symbols are a good start, but you really need to get into the story, enough to get them hooked, but not give it away. Always make sure that the person that reads the review will have a good idea of what to expect from the book before reading it. Always avoid vague statements in your reviews. Remember that you are trying to answer more questions then you raise. Also remember that your review is a representation of you, so try to put some of your own personality and quirks into it. Always include an example from the book to back up any points you make. Always spell check your reviews! Lastly, include a description of why you gave the book the rating you did. Also describe why it got the Age Appeal rating you did (is the book for everyone? Too simple for older readers? Too complex for younger readers? Why?) You may also want to describe why you selected the genres for the book you did and how much fans of this genre would like the book (This book is a Fantasy, but will Fantasy readers enjoy it?) Also mention if this book involves any sub-genres (i.e. ghost story, techno-thriller, etc.) Some people find it useful to set up a reading journal to record their books so that they can jog their memory when they write a review. <A HREF="#setting_up_a_reading_journal" TITLE="Review A Book"><U>Click here</U></A> for my tips. Or, you may try reviewing a book immediately after you review it. To download your personal Reading Journal Template and instructions in Word 2000 format <A HREF="file://C:\My Documents\ReadingJournal.zip" TARGET="_top" TITLE="file://C:\My Documents\ReadingJournal.zi"><U>Click here.</U></A> </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="cliffs_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>C</B><B>l</B><B>i</B><B>f</B><B>f's </B><B>N</B><B>otes on Writing Good Reviews:</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reviews are very important to the quality of this site</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">State which elements of the book are done well or poorly and why. Elements include, but are not limited to: Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Include a detailed synopsis of the book, but don't give it away!</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Avoid vague statements <B>Always backup what you write in your reviews with an example from the story</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always Spell Check your reviews</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Put your own personality into the review</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Include a description of why you gave it the Rating and Age Appeal Rating you did</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mention if fans of the genre you selected for this book would enjoy it and why</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc11111100.gif" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Set up a reading journal.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="setting_up_a_reading_journal"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Setting Up A Reading Journal</B></div> <div> Some people find it helpful to set up a reading journal to jog their memories when they talk about a book or write reviews. You could set one up in a binder, notebook, notecards, or even on the computer. You may want to first take some basic info the title, author, genre(s), date of publication, who reccomended it to you if anyone, why you chose to read it in the first place, and the date you checked it out/bought it. Then you can begin taking notes on the book. Most people find it helpful to take notes in two parts. One part should be something you've found interesting or noteworthy in the story. The Second part explains your thoughts or reactions on what you wrote in the first part. You could choose to write about anything characters, symbols, the setting of the novel, quotes, etc. Also, you can write down your thoughts on the way the author writes (I found it surprising when this happened because....) or possibly (I was surprised when this happened because it seemed like the characters had a tendancy to act this way because of how they handled this situation) Always support all of your thoughts with examples from the story. You could also try writing some entries on how you would why you would or not reccomend it and why. Maybe you could write down how you relate to the characters (Which one is most like you? Who is the least like you? Whom do you like?) or how the setting resembles or does not resemble your life. Maybe you've even faced some of the same problems as the characters, but how did you handle it? Some people find it helpful just to write down specific events from the story (i.e. the fight scene in the middle) while reading this later it will hopefully jog your memory and bring back your reactions. Everything you write down will make writing your final review and recalling the book a lot easier. If you have a reading journal tip, let me know by e-mailing me <A HREF="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com"><U>here.</U></A> To download your personal Reading Journal Template and instructions in Word 2000 format <A HREF="http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/mondo/942/ReadingJournal.zip" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/mo"><U>click here.</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="star_of_approval"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="367bc370.jpg" border=0 width="444" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Each member that reviews books for this web site has their very own "Star of Approval". You can find a complete listing of all of the member's Stars of Approval <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member Bios"><U>here.</U></A> You can look through the bios and try to find a member that has the similar taste as you, then look for their Star of Approval on every one of the books they have reviewed and would recommend to others.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="guide_to_age_appeal"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="355c93b0.jpg" border=0 width="457" height="59" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="572384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Throughout the Rating Section of this site ( <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Numerical Titles"><U>Numerical Titles</U></A>, <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U>Titles A-H</U></A>, <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews Titles IP"><U>Titles: I-P</U></A>, <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles QZ"><U>Titles: Q-Z</U></A>.) You will see the "Age Appeal Rating" What does it mean?</div> <div> This "Guide to Age Appeal" was created by Matt and is meant to resemble the other parental guides used in other forms of media specifically Video Games, Movies, TV, Music and The Comics Code. Please remember that this site reviews <I>teen and adult</I> books, so books intended for children will <U>not</U> be reviewed here.</div> <bR> <div> The Purpose of our Age Appeal guide is to help teens or their parents choose what is right for them. This guide is <U>not</U> to advocate censorship in any form it is simply a guide.</div> <bR> <div> Note: Book, Story, and Novel are used interchangeably on this site and are meant to mean the written work that we review.</div> <bR> <div> These ratings are also not meant to indicate if a book is good or bad. They are designed to give readers an independent look at the content of a book</div> <bR> <div> The ratings are not enforced by anyone and are only meant to help teens read what is right for them.</div> <bR> <div> Books are often subject to several interpretations so while as objective as possible, this guide is still subjective. Our </div> <bR> <div> Our members rate books on several factors to determine the age appeal including: reading level, maturity level, level of gambling, level of violence, level of crude language, level of descriptions of sexual scenes or themes, level of drug use (or reference), Descriptions of Crime, level of sensitivity (i.e. to race, religion, gender, etc.), Morals and level of mature humor.</div> <bR> <div> In our reviews our teen reviewers will try to list as many of the following descriptors as possible.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Detailed Description of Descriptors</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Reading Level: </B>To what grade(s) does this book apply to?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Maturity Level:</B> Overall attitude that the writer takes to the readers. Is the book something that parents would want you to read? Are some offensive words or phrases, descriptions, or sentences emphasized? or are they part of the "background" of the story?  Does this book involve lurid or unsavory descriptions or has an amoral character presented favorably possibly creating a desire to emulate that character? Does this book involve creatures associated with Satan-worship i.e. werewolves, vampires, etc. or instruments pertaining to those creatures?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Gambling/Reference:</B> Overall level or reference to betting-like behavior</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Violence/Reference:</B> Overall level or reference to descriptions of blood, gore,  or mutilation of body parts, killing of humans and/or animals unsafe/violent situations, rape, deliberate damage to objects, deliberate injury to humans or animals, deliberate damage to objects, implied violence, aggressive conflict, brutal torture/ physical agony, excessive bloodshed, gruesome crimes, depravity, use of guns, knives, or other weapons or objects as weapons i.e. (fireworks) or cannibalism</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Crude/Indecent Language:</B> Overall level of explicit references to sex, alcohol, drug use, violence. Or profanity, obscenity, smut, coarse language, vulgarity, symbols with acquired undesirable meanings, use of offensive slang, promotion of discrimination or harm against people, promotion of alcohol, drugs or tobacco, promotion of harm against people or animals, promotion of weapon use,  discussions involving stereotypes, racial epithets, bigotry or offensive colloquialisms</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Sexual Descriptions/Reference to: </B>Overall level of and/or reference to provocative material or references and graphic descriptions or  images of artistic, technical or general nudity (full or partial), genitals,  sexual touching, erections, illicit sex relations,  sexual content that is supposed to be artistic, medical, or education,  suggestive phrases, sexual situations,  lust, erotic material, masochism, pornography, extreme romantic passion, passionate kissing,  seduction, perversion, or rape</div> <bR> <div> <B>Theme:</B> Overall maturity of the message from the writer to the readers</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Drug Use/Reference to:</B> Overall level or reference to the use/consumption of illegal drugs/controlled substances these substances might include but are not limited to: Hashish/Marijuana, Depressants, Anesthetics, Hallucinogens, Opiods and Morphine Derivatives, Stimulants including Nicotine, Steroids, and inhalants and/or descriptions that create a desire in the reader to use those substances, drug abuse, use of tobacco products by a minor, and/or descriptions that create a desire in the reader to use tobacco products, or consumption of alcohol by a minor, alcohol abuse and/or the consumption of alcohol in excess, and/or descriptions that create a desire in the reader to consume alcohol.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Mature Humor/ Reference to:</B> Overall level or reference to Vulgar or crude jokes or "bathroom humor" that some age groups would not understand but might be offended by.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level and severity of of Crime/Reference to: </B>Overall level or reference to descriptions that inspire others to commit a crime, a book that describes in detail the committing of a crime, the portrayal of crime as a glamorous activity, books that inspire others to emulate criminals,  information on concealing weapons, books which posses disrespectful portrayal of established authority, the triumph of evil over good, the failure to punish the villain's deeds (if any), the portrayal of kidnapping in detail, the dying of established authorities as the result of a criminals actions, brutal torture, excessive knife and gun play, physical agony, and gory gruesome crime or instructions on weapon making</div> <bR> <div> <B>Level of Sensitivity:</B> Overall level of tolerance to other genders, religions, cultures, races, sexual orientations, people or animals which physical afflictions or deformity, the sanctity of marriage, or family structure etc.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Morals:</B> How do the morals in this story relate to the rest of society's morals? Or does this book discuss social issues i.e. abortion, adoption, animal rights, alcoholism, assisted suicide, birth control, capital punishment, child abuse, cloning, civil rights, crime, death,  drugs, divorce drinking,, eating disorders, ethnic relations, euthanasia, family relationships, gambling, genetic engineering, gangs, genocide, hate crimes, medical ethics, pornography, rape, racism, religion, sexual behavior, smoking the occult/Satanism, suicide, violence, sex education, homosexuality, etc.? Is this book slanted towards one sort of viewpoint on a social issue? Do the characters present themselves in a way reasonably acceptable to society? Would there be any reason that a parent would feel that a certain age group should not read this book?</div> <bR> <div> What do our different ratings mean?</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="572384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">11-13 (Pre-teens)</B></div> <div> The book appeals to preteens. This book is mature enough for anyone 11-13. The book uses words that a 5th to 7th grader should be familiar with. The levels of violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, descriptions of crime and sexual descriptions are kept to a minimum are in no way offensive and are not the main focus of the story. The writer stays sensitive to his audience. The theme is generally kid-friendly. This book generally goes along with society's morals. However, our reviewers feel that these books are not complex enough for people 14-18 (grades 8th-Adult).</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">13-15 (Junior High Students)</B></div> <div> The book appeals to Junior High Students. There is probably violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, and sexual descriptions involved in this book. However, this is not the main focus of the book. The book uses words that a 7th to 10th grader should be familiar with. The theme most likely is middle school friendly. The writer might stay sensitive to his audience. This book might agree with society's morals. However, our reviewers find that this book may not be enjoyed by people ages  11-13 (grades 5th-7th) because the book is too crude or complex or people 16-18 (grades 10th-Adult) because the book is too simple.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">11-15 (Young Teens)</B></div> <div> This book appeals to everyone except later teenagers. This book might include violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, descriptions of crime and sexual descriptions. However, this is not the main focus of the book. The theme is teen friendly, but also caters to preteens. The theme could be kid friendly. The writer stays sensitive to his audience. This book generally agrees with society's morals. The words are simple enough that anyone from grades 5-10 can understand them, but they will not bore or insult older readers. However, this book may be too simplistic to be enjoyed by people 16-18 (grades 10th-Adult).</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">16-18 (Mature Teens)</B></div> <div> This book only appeals to later teenagers/early adults. This book is likely to include violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, descriptions of crime and sexual descriptions. These factors are likely to appear often in this book and might be dealt with in an offensive way. These factors could also be the main focus of the book. This book might not agree with society's morals. Also, the writer may not always be sensitive to his audience. The words are complex and intended for grades 10th-adult. The theme might have dark or immoral overtones. This book could be too complex or offending for ages 11-15 (grades 5th-10th)</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">13-18 (Teens)</B></div> <div> This book appeals to teens. This book is likely to include violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, descriptions of crime and sexual descriptions. These factors are likely to appear often in this book and may or may not be dealt with in an offensive way. However, these descriptions are dealt with so as not to offend early high school students. The theme is generally middle school friendly. This book might not agree with society's morals. Also, the writer may not always be sensitive towards his audience. The words are complex enough for grades 10th-adult. This book may be too complex or offending for ages 11-13 (grades 5th-7th)</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">11-18 (All Readers)</B></div> <div> This book appeals to all readers. This book could include violence, gambling, drug use, mature humor, descriptions of crime, crude language, descriptions of crime and sexual descriptions. However, only what is central to the story is included. In all instances these descriptions are handled inoffensively and responsibly by the author. The words are neither simplistic or too complex for any age. The writer is sensitive to all age groups. The book generally agrees with society's morals. The theme is friendly for all ages. This book is suitable for all ages 11-18 (grades 5th-Adult).</div> <bR> <div> Who gives ratings? Our teenage reviewers.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> If you have questions or comments about our Age Appeal system or feel that a rating needs to be corrected you can contact me by e-mailing me at <A HREF="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Bluesette3@aol.com"><U>Bluesette3@aol.com</U></A>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="ratings_guide1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="356df370.gif" border=0 width="479" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Note: Book, Story, and Novel are used interchangeably on this site and are meant to mean the written work that we review.</div> <div> <B>The 12-Point Criteria</B></div> <div> <B>Five-Trait Writing:</B> The Kent School District has pioneered six trait writing, they feel that is good writing will be based on six main concepts. (I have removed conventions because it should be perfect, or the novel shouldn't have been published.</div> <div> <B>Ideas and Concent:</B> The story should be clear and focused. The details in the story should be relevent, telling and quality. The writer should also appear knowledgeable and experienced about their topic. The story's ideas should be original and fresh. </div> <div> <B>Organization: </B>The overall organization of the story should enhance the theme. The story should be structured in a way that moves the reader through. The book should also contain an enthralling introduction and an ending that brings a sense of closure. The story also transitions well from section to section. The sequence of the story should seem logical, and the story should have a good pace.</div> <div> <B>Voice: </B> The reader should have a feeling that the writer is speaking directly to them through the characters in the story. The reader gets a sense of the person behind the text. The writer also takes risks in revealing themselves. The tone of the story also gives flavor and texture.</div> <div> <B>Word Choice: </B>The intended message of the story is given in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful, specific, striking and acurate. The langauge is not overdone, but appears natural.</div> <div> <B>Senence Fluency: </B>The text should have an easy flow, candance, and rhthym. The sentences are well built with varied structure, and allow for expressive oral reading. Sentence vary in length with purposeful beginnings, and creative connections.</div> <div> <B>The Covington Library Teen Bookgroup's 7-Points of Good Writing :</B> Most of our reviews are largely base on these areas.</div> <div> <B>Plot:</B> The book should contain an interesting series of logical events. The plot is also not overly long and contains smooth transitions.</div> <div> <B>Setting: </B>The author should make the setting in integral part of the story, instead of making it "just there". Additionally, the author should use words to make the reader feel like they are there</div> <div> <B>Characters: </B>The characters should be interesting and interact in an exciting and natural manner. The characters should also be round and grow, change, and develop throughout the course of the story. The author should also write character descriptions in an interesting manner.</div> <div> <B>Theme: </B>The author should be successful in using the story to convey an important message about life. The author might also employ the use of symbolism to better exemplify his theme.</div> <div> <B>Style:</B> The author should also write with their own specific style and create a work that has a never-before-written quality to it. Imagery, figurative language, and alliteration also may be used to enhance the writer's style.</div> <div> <B>Tone: </B>The writer should take an attitude towards his audience in a manner that makes the overall message of the story more effective.</div> <div> <B>Point of View: </B>The author should use a point of view effective for the story. Either 1st person, 3rd person omnipotent, or 3rd person narrative.</div> <bR> <div> <B>10.00-9.50</B> The book is as close to perfect as possible. The plot is enthralling<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot. The characters are well-described, act realistically, and change and grow as the story continues. The setting is vivid. The story has a message or idea it does a good job of getting across. The story has a unique style. The point of view and tone fit the story. </FONT>The reviewer would recommend it.</div> <div> <B>9.49-9.00</B> The book is very excellent. The reviewer would recommend it. However, it could have been a little better written. One or two elements i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone)</FONT> are not quite perfect.</div> <div> <B>8.99-8.00</B> The book is above average. You would recommend it. Could have been better written. Several elements i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone)</FONT> need work.</div> <div> <B>7.99-7.00</B> The book is average. The reviewer might recommend it. Could have been much better written. Several elements i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone)</FONT> need a lot of revision.</div> <div> <B>6.99-6.00</B> The book is below average. The reviewer would not recommend it. Major revisions would be required to make it average. Several elements i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone)</FONT> are extremely poorly written. However, it is still salvageable.</div> <div> <B>5.99-5.00</B> The book is far below average. The reviewer would not recommend it. The book should have never been written in the first place. Just a bad idea for a book. To fix this book it would take a mircale that would constitute sainthood preformed by a member of the clergy who happens to be a book editor.</div> <div> <B>4.99-4.00</B> The book is extremely poor. The reviewer would not recommend it. The book is beyond help. Nearly every element i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone) is unsalvageable.</FONT></div> <div> <B>3.99-3.00</B> The book is worse then extremely poor. The reviewer would not recommend it. At this point the author's career is in jeopardy. The reviewer would also rather have a major surgery then read this book again. Every single element i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone) is very poor. This book was a bad idea to begin with, and the execution by the author was the icing on the cake of this bad novel.</FONT></div> <div> <B>2.99-2.00 </B>Reading this book is like going through a major dental surgery without sedation. The reviewer would not recommend it. Some of the elements i.e. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Garamond" > Plot, characters, settings, theme,  style, point of view, and tone) don't even make an appearance and the ones that are there are beyond terrible. </FONT></div> <div> <B>1.99-1.00</B> The word "book" begins to escape this "book" All other books have disowned it. The reviewer would personally enjoy burning every last copy of this book.</div> <div> <B>0.99-0.01</B> This "book" should be locked in a vault and cast into the ocean, except the ocean would probably throw it back. The reviewer is currently undergoing hypnotherapy to erase every last memory of this book from their mind. Also this book has a great military application and could be deployed on a literate enemy causing them to go blind and eat themselves. In fact, Satan himself probably oversaw the creation of this book to drive people to suicide. The author of this book should be hunted down and killed, very slowly... Their career is over. Now. </div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>