Book Reviews: Titles A-H

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Check out <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Genre Symbols"><U>Genre Symbols</U></A>.</div> <div> Click <A HREF="#guide_to_age_appeal1" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U>here</U></A> to learn about our Age Appeal System</div> <div> Click <A HREF="#ratings_guide1" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U>here</U></A> to learn about our Ratings Guide</div> <div> Click <A HREF="#starofapproval" TITLE="Book Reviews: Titles AH"><U>here </U></A>to learn about our Star Of Approval System</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="35c97380.jpg" border=0 width="407" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>A Step From Heaven - An Na</B></div> <div> When she is five, Young Ju Park and her family move from Korea to California. During the flight, they climb so far into the sky she concludes they are on their way to Heaven, that Heaven must be in America. Heaven is also where her grandfather is. When she learns the distinction, she is so disappointed she wants to go home to her grandmother. Trying to console his niece, Uncle Tim suggests that maybe America can be "a step from Heaven." Life in America, however, presents problems for Young Ju's family. Her father becomes depressed, angry, and violent. Jobs are scarce and money is even scarcer. When her brother is born, Young Ju experiences firsthand her father's sexism as he confers favored status upon the boy who will continue to carry the Park name. In a wrenching climactic scene, her father beats her mother so severely that Young Ju calls the police. Soon afterward, her father goes away and the family begins to heal.</div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28932320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 7.10</div> <bR> <div> Alright, this is one of those books that the ONLY reason I read it was for bookgroup. I'm not really into realisitc, dramatic fiction. Maybe that's because I get enough of it in real life...Anyway, the book was good, but for some reason it took me forever to finish it. The plot was good, the characters were well-developed, and the setting was okay. The only things that bugged me were the speaking style (quotation marks for English, none for Korean...grrr), and how I could never tell how old she was until later in the chapter. It took me a while to figure it out every time. It is a good book, although it deals with a few things that wouldn't be good for immature minds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>A Wrinkle In Time - Madeline L'engle<IMG SRC="1b828280.gif" border=0 width="40" height="40" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Meg Murray, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their mother are having a midnight snack on a dark and stormy night when an unearthly stranger appears at their door. He claims to have been blown off course, and goes on to tell them that there is such a thing as a "tesseract," which, if you didn't know, is a wrinkle in time. </div> <div> Meg's father had been experimenting with time-travel when he suddenly disappeared. Will Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin outwit the forces of evil as they search through space for their father?</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27e32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Hillary</div> <div> Age: 17</div> <div> Rating: 9.5</div> <bR> <div> This is such a good book, I can hardly describe it. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin are all such believable characters you feel like they could be your neighbors. This book definately isn't at a high reading level (we first read it in 5th grade), but the story and narration won't bore older readers. It's along the same lines as Harry Potter, in terms of age appeal and creativity. READ! </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aimee - Mary Beth Miller</B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28932320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Liane</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 7.75</div> <bR> <div> In the novel Aimee, by Mary Beth Miller, one of the most important factors of life is dealt with?death. Teenagers feel estranged for the majority of their teenage years, but it seems like everyone is actually dealing with basically the same situations. Everyone seems to either have been suicidal or knows someone who has been. In Aimee, suicide is one of the major themes, along with how friendship can overcome all obstacles and survival.</div> <div> Aimee has a very interesting plot. Before the novel takes place, the main character?s best friend (Aimee) committed suicide. The main character had the bad luck to arrive at Aimee's house after the pills had been swallowed and, after the suicide was discovered, she was charged with helping her friend die. She weas proved innocent in court, but her family still moved, in am attempt to escape the excommunication they received in their old community. The main character starts going to a psychiatrist, who advises she starts writing about her life now and before Aimee?s death. The end result of this assignment is the novel Aimee. Because this book is written in the form of a diary, many events are looked over or not explained fully, since the "writer" knows them and sees no reason to write them down. In fact, the main character?s name and the exact events of the night Aimee died are not revealed until there is about 20 pages left in this 276 page book.</div> <div> Even thought some vital facts are kept from the reader until near the end, the characters in Aimee are vivid and alive. The main character goes through such turmoil, doubting her own innocence, torturing herself for letting Aimee die, wondering if the object of her affection feels the same, such turmoil causes the reader to feel her pain and connect with her. While at times she seems shallow and the reader just wants to shake some sense into her, that's really how people are the main character is so realistic you almost dislike her for it. She embodies the teenage spirit, crushed, but ready to live again. Her psychiatrist, known only by "Marge" (the main character thinks this name fits her better than her real one), is herself an odd character. She seems to exist only to give the narrator a sense of security and direction. Marge is always there when needed, although her help may not be the thing she (the main character) needs. The main character's love interest, Chard, also seems to be only to benefit the main character. He is there to reassure her and connect her to her old life, but he doesn't do much else.</div> <div> One thing that Aimee does superbly is get across the message that you can survive. Through all her troubles, the main character does get through, in the end even getting the boy. While the characters lack at points, the plot shines through and keeps the reader going. This is a perfect read for anyone who has, in any way, been connected with suicide.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Among The Hidden - Margaret Peterson Hadix</B> <B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> In a society where family size is strictly limited to two children, Luke is a third child. Living in an attic bedroom to avoid being seen by authorities, Luke peers through an outside vent and observes another ""shadow child"" hiding in a nearby home, thereby beginning a secret friendship with Jen, who plans to rebel against the government system. The conclusion is abrupt, but the novel plot is thoughtprovoking and readable</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29b32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="27e32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating 10.0</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> This book covered a very possible situation. What if we ran out of food? In this novel Amercia is taken over by another country, the country limits every family to two children to control the population. To enforce this law they send out the evil population police, and organization bent on destroying all third children. I absolutely loved this story, some parts were funny, and some were sad, and some were very suspenseful! I could not put this book down! I am looking forward to the sequal Among the Imposters! I definately think this book should be required school reading for JR. High Students.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Animal Farm - George Orwell</B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre:<IMG SRC="2cb32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 10.00</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The genius of Animal Farm is not easily realized. One must understand that this masterpiece was not written just to entertain, it was also written to infrom.  Farm is a perfect model of Communist Russia.  The modern technology was equal to Stalin's 5 year plans, the dogs the secret police. Snowball=Trotsky, Napoleon=Stalin, the Dogs=Secret Police, Mosess=Religion, etc. This book taunts the USSR, while at the same time raising alarm for the future. One of the best Distopia books ever written, only to be topped by his other masterpiece 1984. This book should not be read in Junior High, because it is not until High School that you can begin to grasp the full scope of Animal Farm.</div> <bR> <div> <B>At the Sign of the Star - Katherine Surtevant </B></div> <div> In Restoration London, Meg Moore, sole heir to her father's print shop, expects to choose her own husband and exercise a rare independence. That is, until a comet appears portending disaster, and her father remarries. While Sturtevant's portrayal of a blended family could be true today, her depiction of women's roles is carefully researched, and this historical tale balances a realistic view of women's options with a hopeful ending</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27a32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Rochelle</div> <div> Age: ?</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Rating: 7.00</div> <div> The setting of a girl working in her father's London bookstore in the year 1677 first attracted me to this story -- books -- reading -- Shakespeare's London, etc. The author gives readers a real taste of what people might have been reading during that time. However, the really interesting angle is that this story reveals the perspective of a strong-willed intelligent girl trying to figure out her own life in a society that didn't give women as many choices as men. It appeared well researched, and I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Book of Night With Moon, The - Diane Duane</B></div> <div> Rhiow seems a typical New York City cat: pampered by her Upper East Side owners, permitted in good weather to lounge on the apartment balcony, never allowed to run free. Or so the humans think. Rhiow is much more than she appears. With her teammates Saash and Urruah, she works with human wizards, protecting the world from dark forces and helping to maintain the network of magical transport gates that connect all parts of the world. The Book of Night with Moon is the gateway to an amazing, secret animal world. In it we learn much about cats: they have a complex language, society, and history; they can call on skills unknown to their owners; they live lives of challenge and danger that culminate, if they are lucky, in a "tenth life" that equates to the human heaven. That tenth life is the fate of one of Rhiow's team as they, plus the foundling Arhu, find themselves caught up in a danger that threatens not only the cats of the world, but humans as well. </div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="2cb32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="2d432320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Tess</div> <div> Age: 12</div> <div> Agge Appeal: <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Rating: 7.50</div> <div> This book is a side book in the series "so you want to be a wizard". The main charecters are wizard cats who mantain gates that you can travel through to other worlds. Once again the lone power is trying to ruin the world and cats (with dinosaur assistance)have to stop him. ~a very good book, except for the middle of the book where it takes forever for them to do anything~</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Brimstone Journals, The - Ronald Koertge <IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B> </B></div> <div> Through a series of poetic journal entries from 15 students, author Ron Koertge chronicles the sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, and ultimately chilling lives of fictional high school students in contemporary America. With just a few words from each character in each entry, readers glean more than a glimpse into their complex and often troubled worlds</div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29432320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="29532320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div> Reviewed By: Matt</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Rating: 9.18</div> <div> This book was interesting. I read it in just one sitting as it is short. 106 pages. The book takes place in the fiction Branston aka Brimstone High School. It's hard to keep track of the 15 students in this book by the time it's over you bearly know any of them. There mostly different although some seem to be clones. I think this book took me around a half hour to read. I just wish the author could of expanded more into a 600 page book instead of his short little 1/4 of a page poems</div> <bR> <div> <B>Carpe Jugulum - Terry Pratchett</B><B> <IMG SRC="35d6c400.gif" border=0 width="108" height="64" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> It is rare and splendid event when an author is elevated from the underground into the international literary establishment. In the case of England's best-known and best-loved modern satirist, that event has been long overdue. </div> <div> Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent Discworld novels satirize and celebrate every aspect of life, modern and ancient, sacred and profane. Consistent number-one bestsellers in England, they have garnered him a secure position in the pantheon of humor along with Mark Twain, Douglas Adams, Matt Groening, and Jonathan Swift. </div> <div> Even so distinguished an author as A. S. Byatt has sung his praises, calling Pratchett's intricate and delightful fictional Discworld "more complicated and satisfying than Oz." </div> <div> His latest satiric triumph, <I>Carpe Jugulum,</I> involves an exclusive royal snafu that leads to comic mayhem. In a fit of enlightenment democracy and ebullient goodwill, King Verence invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving. <I>Ever.</I> </div> <div> Only an uneasy alliance between a nervous young priest and the argumentative local witches can save the country from being taken over by people with a cultivated bloodlust and bad taste in silk waistcoats. For them, there's only one way to fight. </div> <div> Go for the throat, or as the <I>vampyres</I> themselves say...</div> <div> Carpe Jugulum </div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28f32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <img src="HTMLobj-710/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  </div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Part 23 of the Discworld Series</div> <div> Reviewed by: Liane</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating: 8.75</div> <bR> <div> Wee! I really liked this book. First, I just picked it up because it was on that list for books to vote for and it was by the coauthor of Good Omens, but this novel really is good. It's about this classic fairy tale land, with a king, witches, everything, named Lancre. The queen just had a baby girl and the naming ceremony is coming up. Being the nice guy he is, the king happily invited nearby vampire (or vampyres, as they like to be called)... and, afterwards, they don't want to leave. </div> <div> Very humorous and a happy ending for all .. cept for Vlad. u.u;; poor Vlad. *liks him* The characters were amusing, especially Agnes/Perdita (you hear about the thin person inside of every fat person? Well, Perdita is the thin person to Agnes fatness. SPLIT PERSONALITY FUN!) and you really got attached to them. Well, not really. Ok. Whatever. It's also nice to know that Pratchett is writing many more Discworld books to go with this novel. Yumm. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Congo - Michael Crichton</B></div> <div> The legendary ruins of the Lost City of Zinj have seen an eight-person field exhibition die. After startling discoveries, a new expedition is sent back into the Congo--its mission, to descend into the secret world where the only way back out may be through the grisliest death....</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27632320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed By: Andrew</div> <div> Age: 12</div> <div> Rating: 9.25</div> <bR> <div> Congo is about this company in Houston, TX looking for a certain diamond. When they send an expediton out to the Congo for the diamond, ERTS finds out that the expedition has been killed. When they recieve tape that shows that they've all been killed by what looks like an ape of some kind. ERTS sends another expedition out to find out what happened. But are they really apes?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Counterfeit Son - Elaine Marie Alphin</B><B> </B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Some secrets are too dangerous to keep. </div> <div> Cameron Miller is pretending to be someone he isn't. When he began presenting himself as Neil Lacey, it was the only way he could think of to distance himself from what Pop had done, to finally climb out of his nightmarish existence. He thought it would be easy--playing the rich kid, sailing his boat--but he didn't count on Cougar. Now Cougar, his father's old accomplice, has tracked Cameron down and presented an ultimatum: share the wealth or be exposed. Will Cameron give up his new identity to protect Neil's family? Or will he let his search for a new life destroy those around him? </div> <bR> <div> Genre <IMG SRC="27b32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="2d632320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Rating: 9.10</div> <bR> <div> Very exciting, suspenseful and suprising novel. It even seemed very believeable, great read.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Crossing Zion - Keith Mark Johnson</B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="39a32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="28032320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">,  <img src="HTMLobj-925/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  </div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Tiffy</div> <div> Age: 17</div> <div> Rating: 8.9</div> <bR> <div> This book is writen about his life and the evens that took place during it I enjoyed the book becouse it was a honest look it to "walking in some one elses foot steps" the only problem I had was the stary jumps around alot. I said it should be for 15-18 becouae it deals with issue that younge reader would not understand or really value having this man come out and tel his story. There are some small section that if you have a very light tummy it will cause you to turn a little green. Keith has used *shock* prfanity in his book to convay his "average joe" out look. Through the book it is talking about his hobby as a climer but it is not what I feared would be all about " I climber a big roch ..then another" it is a good book.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B>Destination Unexpected - Donald R. Gallo </B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27f32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="28232320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewwed by Matt</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 9.49</div> <bR> <div> This book is a bunch of short stories, by some BBYA nominated authors! All about people taking a journey. All sorts of them. I read this book in a couple sitting and I really loved many of the stories. The characters in a lot of them seemed kind of week. But overall, an enjoyable anthology</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dollmage, The - Martine Leavitt</B></div> <div> The Dollmage Martine Leavitt </div> <div> The Dollmage is the wise woman of Seekvalley. Her gift and power is to make the story of her village because she alone makes the, "doll," or miniature of her village. She also makes the "promise doll" for each child born in the village. The promise doll, a small totem worn around the neck, tells the promise of each individual's life. </div> <div> As the Dollmage's powers weaken and age comes upon her, she knkows hse must choose a successor. On the day she predicts to be the birthday of her chosen one, two girls are born: Annakey and Renoa. One girl must learn the Dollmage's magic, but which one? At first it seems clear—Renoa will be the Dollmage....or will she? </div> <div> As Annakey grows up, she discovers that she, too, has magic. When Annakey's valley is threatened by outside forces, she is the only one with a plan to save her people. How will she persuade the Dollmage and her people that she has the power to help? </div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28d32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 6.3</div> <bR> <div> It took me forever to get through this book! I mean, it's really short and all, but there's so much bad bad bad karma in it, it's not really something you read unless you're really into this kind of book. In my opinion, it's really predicatable. I mean, you know how it'll end if you read the back cover, but still, the whole book you're thinking, "When does it get good?" The plot is something like this: The old Dollmage is telling the villagers the story of Annakey, who is fixing to get stoned. I mean actually *stoned*, like people throw rocks at her until she drops dead? Yeah. Anyway, the Dollmage is telling her story, and she keeps switching between the story and talking to the people before her. The whole concept of promises in this book is astounding. It it's like this: You break your promise, you get to die. Lovely, no? Anyway, this book isn't something you read to feel better. Well, maybe it is. You can say your life is *so* much better than Annakey's. This book is only even ok because it has some little plot quirks that keep it interesting. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Dying to Know .. About death, funeral customs, and final resting places. - Lila Pearl</B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28132320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Liane</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating: 7.00</div> <bR> <div> I was dissapointed with this book. I was expecting gory pictures of torture maybe and cool stuff like that. Nope. Sure, some bits were interesting, but not as much as they could be. Maybe that's because I really just looked at all the pictures. Oh well. It just didn't seem that intriguing. oh well. Maybe someone else will really like it.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ender's Game -Orson Scott Card</B><IMG SRC="1b520200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Aliens have attacked earth twice and almost destroyed the human species. To make sure humans win the next encounter, the world government has taken to breeding military geniuses -- and then training them to the arts of war ... The early training, not surprisingly, takes the form of "games" ... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses; he wins all the games ... He is smart enough to know that time is running out. But is he smart enough to save the planet?</div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27632320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="3a632320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 8.79</div> <div> Part of a Series</div> <div> This is another of the very few books that I read for class and enjoyed. I chose this book solely because the other ones totally looked crappy (Ya Ya Sisterhood, Ellen Foster, The Hot Zone, etc), but ended up really liking it. My friend and I read it together and quoted it back and forth when it was funny. Example- "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man stupid and blind in the eyes." --Ender's Tutor. Anyway, it's got one of those really funky twists at the end...I wasn't expecting it at least. The only thing that really bugged me was that I wanted him to be all glad to see Valentine again, but he wasn't really. He was indifferent, like, "Oh, hi Valentine. I haven't seen you for a while." And that was that. Okay, enough with the long reviews...=D</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Eragon - Christopher Paolini</B><IMG SRC="1b520200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Genre:<IMG SRC="39832320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="27632320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 10.00</div> <bR> <div> Eragon is living a happy quiet life in his village until the day he finds a mysterious blue stone in The Spine, a mountain range that very few venture into. Try as he might, Eragon can't figure out what it's for.</div> <div> One morning, just as Eragon is waking, the stone cracks. From it a baby dragon emerges, a beautiful brilliant blue. But, the evil King wants all the Dragon Riders to be allied with him. Since Eragon plans to do no such thing, he must go on a quest to seek shelter with the Varden. He is aided by Brom, the old storyteller with a concealed past. He names his dragon Saphira (pronounced sapheeruh, not sapheyera, as I found out in the very end...), and the three of them leave just as the Ra'zac arrive at the village and destroy Eragon's farm and kill his uncle, the only family he has besides his cousin.</div> <div> They all face many perils and this has an unusual twist near the end of the book. I have to leave for Choir Practice now, so this gets cut short. WARNING! This book is a To Be Continued... thing. That drives me nuts and I'm warning y'all now. Coming from me, this is obviously something fantasy readers would enjoy, especially those who've read Anne McCaffery's Dragon Riders of Pern series. This is a really long book...one of those things that would be a life saver on a long plane ride.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ElfQuest: The Journey To Sorrow - </B><B>Richard and Wendy Pini </B><IMG SRC="1b520200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The Holt was a forest haven for persecuted elves, until it was invaded and destroyed. Now a small but gallant band of Wolfriders must search the world for a place not contaminated by humans--a place where legends say other elves live in peace and safety. If it's not already too late...</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="39832320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="39932320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 8.55</div> <div> Part of the Elf Quest Series</div> <bR> <bR> <div> I don't have much experience in graphic novels, but this one is really good. It's about the Wolfriders, a tribe of elves who get driven (driven, drove, drived, I don't know...) from their woodland paradise by the evil humans who set fire to it. They cross the desert to find an oasis filled with brown-skinned elves who call themselves the Sun Folk. Among them is a stunning example of a female named Leetah. Cutter, the Wolfriders' young cheif, instantly takes a liking to her. But, unfortunately for Cutter, so does Rayek, childhood friend of Leetah's. Who will win her hand? And more importantly, her heart? This book is lots of fun, with vivid colors and captivating dialogue. It's more than one long comic book, it's just like a novel that happens to be mostly pictures. Duh. Anyway, anyone who likes fantasy and is very visual will enjoy this book. It might be too simple for older readers, it really depends. Or it also might be too complex for younger readers. It als!</div> <div> o depends on their maturity level. And, for anyone who's read ElfQuest, I reccomend the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. Actually, I reccomend the Xanth series to anyone...But anyway, if you don't mind starting in the middle, _Isle of View_ has an ElfQuest elf pop into it.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B>Eye of the Wolf - Daniel Pennac</B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="53432320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="572384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewwed by Matt</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 2.34</div> <bR> <div> This book is completely pointless. POINTLESS I SAY! ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Feeling Sorry For Celia - Jaclyn Moriarity</B> <IMG SRC="1b920200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="35e6b3f0.gif" border=0 width="107" height="63" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div> When a teenager acquires a pen-pal and a life, highs and lows alternate.</div> <bR> <div> Genre:<IMG SRC="29432320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <bR> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Rochelle</div> <div> Age: ?</div> <bR> <div> Rating: 8.00</div> <bR> <div> If you're looking for something fun and humorous this summer, I hope you read this review. </div> <div> Here's a book presented entirely in letters and notes that will make you laugh out loud. Elizabeth is a high school student in Australia whose best friend Celia keeps running away, whose mother, an ad executive, is rarely home, and whose father is trying to get back into her life. You hear about all this through very funny letters written between Elizabeth, her best friend, a penpal at a nearby school, her mother, and strange "societies" -- such as the Society of Best Friends, the Society of Teenagers, the Society of People who are Definitely Going to Fail High School, etc. The voices in this book are witty, the approach original, and there are enough surprises in the plot to keep you guessing. </div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Liane</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <bR> <div> Rating: 8.75</div> <bR> <div> I first checked this book out because of another review here--see, these things ARE useful! Well, anyway. This is a good novel. I got it for my trip to Mexico, but never got around to it, sadly. So, I started it one day before school when I was bored and got intrigued. The whole thing is written in a series of notes, letters and faxes. This girl, Elizabeth Clarry has a strange but sorta plain life. Her best friend, Celia, is constantly running away to perform crazy stunts and all her life, Elizabeth has been behind Celia, making sure everything turns out ok. This balance seems perfectly fine to her until, once again, Celia dissapears. Doesn't seem that out of the ordinary, but from it many odd, unexpected events rise up. Combined with an assignment to start writing to a student at a public nearby, through which Elizabeth meets Christina, who helps her through many things, and her father moving back to Australia for a year, Elizabeth's life gets quite out of hand.</div> <bR> <div> All in all, I think this is a really good book .. I basically just grabbed it today at three and then plopped down and read for three hours. I don't do that very much--didn't even happen with _Magic's Pawn_!!! So, read this book! <3</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B>Fifteen Love - Robert Corbet </B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="52532320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">,  <img src="HTMLobj-1318/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  , <IMG SRC="27d32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by Matt: Age 16</div> <div> Rating: 8.78</div> <bR> <div> Hmm I felt that this book was a little inconsistent. First you've got teen characters represented like "Ew, boys are gross!" And then other times the girls in this book seem very attracted to them. Oh well, notvery good characters in this book. But, what this book lacks it makes up for in plot. Absolutely hilariou at points, and pointless at others. However, I felt the overall result was a pretty entertaining (sometimes funny) story.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Fighting for Honor: Japanese Americans and World War II - Micheal Cooper</B><B> <IMG SRC="1ba20200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Children's books concerning the internment of people of Japanese ancestry and first-generation Japanese Americans (or Nisei) usually mention that many of the men in the camps joined the U.S. Army to prove their loyalty. Readers curious about these soldiers will find a vivid account of their heroic combat experiences in Fighting for Honor. Michael Cooper's well-organized book opens with a brief history of Asians in America and the prejudice that made internment possible. Following chapters juxtapose the soldiers' courageous feats overseas with the anti-Japanese sentiment facing their families back home. The black-and-white photos are well chosen; in one case, a picture of a white commander reviewing Nisei troops adds verity to an earlier comment on the average size of these soldiers (five feet four inches tall, 125 pounds). The straightforward text lets the facts-and Japanese Americans (in telling quotes throughout)-speak for themselves. For example, not until readers have finished the book will they see the irony behind Cooper's opening quote from President Roosevelt, which states in part that "Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race or ancestry." Gradually, readers learn that FDR was the man who chose to intern Americans of a certain race and ancestry and that the quote is from his speech (one year later) announcing the formation of a battalion of Japanese American soldiers. Furthermore, when FDR visited Fort Riley, two hundred Nisei troops were kept under armed guard until his departure. Cooper's awareness of the power of understatement permeates the book, rendering the facts all the more powerful. Readable endnotes cite specific sources, and a map, chronology, index, and bibliography (listing books, videos, and websites) all prove helpful.</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28132320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reveiwed by: Taishi</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating 8.00</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Very well researched, but the subject matter was largely too focused on a single group, and though I am in that group some non-asians may not enjoy it as much. Still, very nice, sheds some light on a bleak time in United States history. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Finding Forrester - James Ellison</B> <B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Novelization of the award-winning Mike Rich screenplay for the current Academy Award- hyped Sean Connery movie.</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="2a132320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Rating: 9.98</div> <div> This book was nearly perfect, and the ending makes up for the rest of the book. Nothing really stands out, it's just good.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Firegold - Dia Calhoun</B></div> <div> Jonathon is haunted by his difference from everyone else in the Valley. And even his father won’t listen to questions about his heritage. Could Jonathon be a Dalriada — one of the mountain people who have magnificent horses, mystical powers, and blue eyes like his?<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29932320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="573384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed By: Frankie</div> <div> Rating: 7.45</div> <bR> <div> The book was pretty good. The start was different, I've never read a book where the main character is fishing. I don't really have a lot to say. <B>Big Brother has Censored this review, now go read Firegold before we arrest you!</B></div> <div> <B>Matt's Note:</B> This Review has been reformated from it's original version.</div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Rating: 6.23</div> <bR> <div> This was sort of wierd and twisted and I sort of agree with whoever reviewed it before I did.</div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Rating: 4.00</div> <bR> <div> Well lets start off by saying... oops... Dia Calhoun frantically tires to include deep characters and a well-woven plot, but unfortunately she comes up short. The whole story is well... bad... The characters were no where close then real, and the story was very predictable, and the descriptions were sub-par.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Average Review: 5.89</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B>Adventures of Flash Jackson, The - William Kowalski</B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Genre: <IMG SRC="52032320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="52132320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="575384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Reviewed by: </B>Matt</div> <bR> <div> Rating: 10.00</div> <bR> <div> This book was absolutely incredible. For any author that has problems writing teen characters, I would reccomend that they read this book. It is a beautiful, innocent novel with <B>great</B> characters. I didn't want for it to end. Infact, that was my only problem with this book. I was rather furious when this was over. However this book isn't for the younger teens as it has quite a bit of sex/nudity, drugs, and it covers a contraversial topic (witchcraft).</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Food </B><I><B>Rules </B></I><B>- Bill Haduch</B></div> <div> Full of mouthwatering stories, jokes, recipes, rumors, and facts, and a supermarket of zany illustrations. Definitely food for thought.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29832320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="572384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed By: Matt</div> <bR> <div> Rating: 7.45</div> <bR> <div> This book is mostly for younger readers, it is short and features information on the stuff we eat. Most people call it food. Information on nutrition, lots of useless info, and digestion information. My favorite section in the book was famous last meals.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Forbidden Forest, The - Martine Leavitt<IMG SRC="1b520200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> From his humble beginnings as John Tanneson, son of the Tanner, we watch John Little¹s story unfold as he grows into one of our most beloved heroes of lore  Little John. The adventure begins on a ferry north of Nottingham, when a thwarted attempt to save a man¹s life forces John into the life of an outlaw. To escape capture, he hides in Sherwood Forest, where he joins Robin Hood and his band of merry men  and the excitement begins. </div> <div> Genre: <B><IMG SRC="28a32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">,<IMG SRC="28b32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> ,<IMG SRC="28c32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </B></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 8.7</div> <bR> <div> The only other thing I've read about Robin Hood was in the 4th grade, so I hope I'm unbiased. This book was supposed to be from Little John's point of view. The only problem with that is actually, the half the book is about some chick named Margaret, who doesn't really play in to the plot until near the end. The parts about Little John were really interesting, and the cool thing is that the author made him out as a shy, scared youth in the beginning, and then he became the big fighter dude that everyone knows. The big long section in the middle about Margaret was so boring until she wakes up on the morning after her wedding to find her husband dead on the floor. When I read that, I'm like, "Ooh, this just got better." So the Sherrif of Nottingham thinks that Margaret killed her husband because she didn't want to marry him in the first place (I can see why! The guy was an imbicile!), so she and her, erm *looking for word*, nanny, Bridgit, flee to this one place assisted by Osric the juggler. See? It's kinda confusing. So, if you really want a good opinion, read the book and form you own, k? Reviewed by: Colette</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 9.0</div> <bR> <div> <B>Gadget, The - Paul Zindel <IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> An Army ambulance sped by. No siren, only a dome on its roof flashing red. It halted in front of the high-security Tech Area, where several men wearing silver coveralls and carrying glistening instruments rushed out. Dr. Orr and Oppenheimer walked quickly toward a rolling gurney that held a man half wrapped in an aluminum body bag. The man was shaking. </div> <div> Something bad had happened. Very bad. For a moment Stephen believed he was back in London. He was on the roof again, and there were bombs falling... </div> <bR> <div> Genre:<IMG SRC="27a32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating 8.36</div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The terrifying power of the Gadget was a mystery to Stephan. Leaving England to be with his father working at Los Alomos in New Mexico. The top secret base that was busy developing the Atomic Bomb. This book showed what it was like for a civilian living in Los Alomos during World War II. This is a good book, not a great book. Stephan often does things that's not like himself at all. The book also included a fascinating index of people who created the bomb, and a timeline of the events involving the bomb.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B>God Went to Beauty School - Cynthia Rylant </B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29532320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">,  <img src="HTMLobj-1323/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  </div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 10.00</div> <div> This novel is pretty innocent and I really enjoyed it. Its about God doing all sorts of things. Playing poker, getting cable, whatever. Very well-written. Good quick read, a lot of fun too.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Good Omens - Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett </B><B><IMG SRC="35f70420.gif" border=0 width="112" height="66" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter--the world's only <I>totally reliable</I> guide to the future--the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just after tea... </div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="27532320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">,  <img src="HTMLobj-561/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  </div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed By: Liane</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating: 9.5</div> <bR> <div> I think we read this book as a choice of the month, but I forget. I just know I got it at book club. Whatever.</div> <div> This book's plot is a ~little~ confusing, although it shouldn't be. Basically, it's the end of the world, but not everyone wants it to happen. Especially not the demon and angel who have become friends over the ages and are supposed to sway the Antichrist to their own side. But, no matter what they want, the end of the world is going to come. Because Agnes Nutter, witch, prophesied it and many other tiny events that are going to come along with it. So many odd characters get involved, including a young girl with the name Pippin Galadriel Moonchild (a name that I love and want for my own, cuz Pippin is the coolest hobbit ever. HOBBITS ARE BETTER THAN YOU!) and the Antichrist, Adam. </div> <bR> <div> Wow, I did a really crappy job explaining it. I should've just done what I suspect Rochelle does and copy summaries from somewhere else. Maybe I'll do that next time. e.e;;</div> <div> <B>Half Human -Edited by: Bruce Coville</B> <IMG SRC="1b520200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="28e32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <img src="HTMLobj-711/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  </div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="572384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by: Stacy</div> <div> Age: 14</div> <div> Rating: 10.00</div> <bR> <div> It's a rare event when I come across a short-story book that I really enjoy, but this one is a gem. Compiled and edited by Bruce Coville, Half-Human is a collection of well-written stories about people who aren't entirely human or creatures who aren't entirely animal. The pictures at the beginning of each story are really cool. Especially Medusa. Fun. My favorite stories are Princess Dragonblood, Elder Brother, and Soaring. </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix - J.K. Rowling <IMG SRC="51c20200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="4ea32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="27532320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by Tess</div> <div> Age: 12</div> <div> Rating: 9.86</div> <bR> <div> Yay! Finally Harry's 5th year. This is a great book, better than the other's. Because it finally shows that Harry is not a perfect little dream child. In the darkest novel yet Harry loses some of his naivety about the M.O.M.* and that even Dumbledore can make mistakes.</div> <div> for those who haven't yet read and have heard all of the rumors... yes someone does die...and no I won't ruin it by telling you. ;)</div> <bR> <div> *Minestry of Magic</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="51b7f780.jpg" border=0 width="127" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> House of Java, Vol. 2 </B><B><IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="53932320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="28232320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="27f32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="579384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reviewed by Matt</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 9.64</div> <bR> <div> House of Java! Woo! Finally a really good general fiction graphic novel! I loved most of the stories in this, but not all. I felt like they really captured life. Warm, and fun. Very well developed characters. However, there is some drug use in the first story. Lot of Wacky Tobaccy.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hitchikers' Guide to the Galaxy, The - Douglas Adams <IMG SRC="2043e4d0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">, <IMG SRC="1ba20200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Genre:  <img src="HTMLobj-712/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="50" height="50">  , <IMG SRC="27e32320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="57a384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Matt</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating 10.00</div> <bR> <div> This book is not for everyone, but it is not only for a specific group of people either. This is one of those books where you either love it immensely, or you sit there flipping the pgaes saying "I don't get it". Now, it is also important to know that I have never ever picked up a Hitchikers Book before this, so I am the closest you'll get to impartial. Like I said this book is not for everyone, but if you are an open minded Sci-Fi fan, you will probably enjoy this series. Oh yes, it also helps to take this book with a migrane of salt. I really haven't had to break out my star in a while, but now I am happy to!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Average Rating: 9.25</B></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Taishi</div> <div> Age: 16</div> <div> Rating: 8.50</div> <div> Very funny book. The main appeal of this book is that it isn't meant to be understood.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Holes - Louis Sacher</B></div> <div> Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment--and redemption.</div> <bR> <div> Genre: <IMG SRC="29132320.gif" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Age Appeal: <IMG SRC="574384e0.jpg" border=0 width="56" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by Matt</div> <div> Age: 15</div> <div> Rating: 6.45</div> <bR> <div> Louis Sacher wrote a lame book, and this time he can't blame his "no-good rotten-pig-stealinggGreat-great grandfather." The first thing you notice about this book is awards, it has a medal on the front even. Then you see all sorts of reviews like "Well Crafted" "Amazing!" well I am going to add my own: "Mediocre!" Holes is Mediocre at best. Stanley Yenalts is sent to a redemption camp for a crime he didn't commit. (How lame is that?!) Then they find they have to dig holes. Fine, fine... so they are in the desert, digging holes with poisonous lizards, scorpions and rattlesnakes. Then they are deprived of water, and pretty much abused by the consolers. Then the whole business with this Zero kid is bizarre. I think it is time for me to dish out the dirt on holes: Characters: Dull, lifeless, boring, lame. The Plot: Predictable, and dull. So after reading Holes my advice to you is to hit yourself over the head with a shovel, and maybe you'll create a big enough hole in your memory to forget this book!</div> <bR> <div> Reviewed by: Andrew</div> <div> Age: 12</div> <div> Rating: 9.5</div> <div> I thought that Holes was an excellant book. My favorite part was when Zero was still alive in the Marry Lou eating the canned peaches from 100 years ago. Then were the suitcase has his name on it. Holes was an exciting as well as funny book.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Average Rating: 8.00</B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="starofapproval"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="3609c330.jpg" border=0 width="412" height="51" 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> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="guide_to_age_appeal1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></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 an 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> <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 ALIGN="LEFT"></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> <div> <B> <A NAME="ratings_guide1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></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>10-9.5</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>9.5-9.0</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>8.9-8.0</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>7.9-7.0</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>6.9-6.0</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>5.9-5.0</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>4.9-4.0</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>3.9-3.0</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>2.9-2.0 </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>1.9-1.0</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>.99-.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>