Young Adult Books

I read this book with a few of my friends, and we had such a good time! 'Ever After' is witty, cute, and fun to read! Every teen and pre-teen should read this story about friendship and how sometimes things aren't perfect! Definately worth reading from one of the best YA authors, Rachel Vail!

this book really opened my eyes. Rachel Vail yet again captures the exact feelings of a teenage girl. The main character, Molly, is growing up and starting to learn how to deal with more serious problems like friends, boys, parents, and life in general. The ending is sad, as Molly's best friend lets her down but she grows stronger from this let down. All teenage girls can relate with Molly and what she goes through.

I thought that this book was definitly worth a read. Rachel Vail really seemed to know what it is like to be 13 or 14 years old. It was a great book and I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I have read books that are similar to this book but were better. However, Ever After is a book that deserves some sort of recognition. Often adults attempt to "relate" to teens and tehy fail miserably, but this book was well-written in that respect.

This is definitly one of my favorite books I have ever read. No other author writes about teen girls as well as Rachael Vail does. This book is so true, it was like I was reading about myself. It is about a girl named Molly who is struggling with feelings, friendships, weight, family, boys, her identity, and life in general. I definetly hope you read this book (you will love it if you are anything like me!) and every other book by Rachael Vail as well. This is one of the few books I truly loved reading.

This made me think back to my teenage days- and I could totally relate! It describes, in great detail, things a girl feels when she's growing up; how we have the ability to obsess over the silliest things, even though they don't seem so silly at the time.
I found the book amongst one of my friends' stuff, picked it up, and literally couldn't put it down. It hooked me from the beginning. Reading this makes you feel like you're not the only [odd one] in the world, and that other people have problems, too.
I also like the fact that it wasn't "sugar-coated." The conversation between the friends sounded like how my friends and I have talked. All in all...GREAT BOOK!

If you have always wanted to get the Drizzt stories but can't stand Salvatore's writing style this is the way to go. Great art, great story, fun dialogue. All in one quick to read package. Put it on your summer reading list, or if your a comic geek that is tired of the Fantasy genre being ignored by the big two.

R.A. Salvatore himself claims that this graphic rendition of his famous book is as faithful as it could get. Coupled with Tim Seeley's clean yet evocative illustrations, this book gives old and new fans something for keeps. Kudos to the team at Devil's Due publishing. One could only hope that they extend their work to other Forgotten Realms literature.

The writers and artists that created this book did an excellent job of capturing the essence of Salvatore's first Drizzt book. I had high hopes for this work and was not disappointed in the least. The whole story is told here in an abbreviated but thorough way that, together with the art, tells the story of Drizzt's childhood in a powerful way. The strict and wicked society of the drow is nicely captured. I'd even go so far as to say that the art adds more depth to the original story. This is no substitute for Salvatore's novel, but as a supplement it can bring the story to a whole new level.

One thing I hadn't realized about the drow was that all of their women are so very well-endowed. Either drow plastic surgeons are kept very busy, or female drow just naturally have extremely voluptuous bodies. Personally, I thought it added to the story. Very enjoyable. But seriously, the Underdark (particularly Menzoberanzen) was brought to life by the beautifully detailed art in this book. Some of the artistic representations of various monsters was somewhat different than I had pictured in my head while reading the books (such as the handmaiden of Lloth and the earth elemental), but I'm sure Salvatore approved everything so this must be pretty much how he envisions it. Regardless, this is a beautifully done book that captures the magic of the original Homeland and even adds some depth to the story.

The only complaint I had with this adaptation was the omission of Drizzt's letters before each section. Drizzt's writings add feeling to the novels and I would have hoped that they would have included them in these graphic novels. Maybe they'll consider it for some of the later editions.

Overall, I was very impressed with this book. It does an excellent job of representing the original and is fun to read. Excellent art enhances the story.

The dark elves of the Forgotten Realms live deep underground, in the Underdark, where they plot their revenge against the light elves of the surface, and wage interminable inter-clan wars against each other. On the very night when his clan annihilates another clan, Drizzt Do'Urden is born. He is destined to be special, unbeatable with two swords, and yet separated from his people by a conscience. This is the story of Drizzt, his birth, his coming of age, and his discover of what he is and what he can be.

R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden stories have been a perennial favorite with fantasy story readers, well known for their action and for their gripping storylines. Now, Devil's Due Publishing has brought out the first Drizzt Do'Urden story in graphic novel format, and I must say that it is fantastic! They did a terrific job of capturing Mr. Salvatore's characters, and I thought that the illustration work was excellent.

So, if you are a fan of R.A. Salvatore, or are just a fan of great fantasy, then get this book. You will not be disappointed!

Dark Elf Trilogy Volume 1 is a compilation of a series of comics about the elven ranger Drizzt. I was not disappointed by the book. The art style is attractive and fresh, particularly the eyes, and I thought the characers were well-drawn. The artist really captured the essence of the dark elves, a troubled race.

Peeves? I was a bit annoyed that every female drow seemed to dress as though she shopped at Victoria Secret of the Underdark. Surely in a society where women rule and men are chattel skimpy clothing would be the norm for men? Also, while I love Drizzt, this graphic novel only underscored what a Mary Sue the character actually is. Drizzt is a little too perfect, and his views a bit too modern. I think anyone raised in a society as perverse as the drows would've gotten a bit more accustomed to violence early on. Drizzt is constantly shocked, appalled and amazed at the violence surrounding him.

Still, this was a fast, exciting read. I'd recommend it for older teens and adults. Some subject matter (such as sacrifice), nudity, and demon worship are not suitable subjects for small kiddies.

I was drawn to this book by the author's own description of the book's message. In the past few years we have witnessed such incredible horrors in our schools, on our streets, and most recently, in New York and Washington. It is easy to blame, to feel helpless, and to feel that life is unfair. GIDEON promised to awaken a sense of hope in this confusing time. To this goal, the book was true. The message was clear and welcome. However, the writing in this book was distracting. Mr. Marshall relied too heavily on the use of simile and metaphor, and it became tiresome when every sentence included some form of a "like or as" statement. Further, the effort to create symbolism was forced, and this too became off-putting. I wished that Mr. Marshall would simple tell his tale, without trying to create a literary "masterpiece". The book was worth reading, but it took me several sittings to get through this relatively short text simply because of the annoying efforts to impose "deep meaning" on every phrase.

Gideon McGee's Dream is full of good direction for a meaningful, joyful and peaceful life. This book may be rated for young adults but many of us actually missed youg adulthood and I feel this book is excellent reading for anyone. Gideon McGee's Dream is a well told story of the things that keep us in our "box" -- fear,distrust and a lack of knowledge. The book is fiction but the "lessons" that the author is presenting are not. Please take the time [short] to read it and make it a must for your young adult to read.

I'm eighteen and graduated from highschool in June. I was on a fast track to nowhere when a friend suggested I read this book. I'm not much for reading, but I trusted this friend. Get this book if you think there's no reason for why things happen! It made me realize that all my misery was self made. Things that made no sense before, suddenly made sense. I've read it through three times now and at first I didn't think the story really took off until about page forty. But each time I read it I find that every page has something to say. If you think life isn't fair, read this book. It could save your life. It did mine.

This book is wonderful reading for both adults and children, especially adolescents. And especially during these times when there seems to be so much focus on the dark side of what is happening around us. Gideon McGee's Dream takes us to the only place -- inside ourselves -- where we can find the key that will open the door and introduce light where the shadows threaten to deprive us of the hope and enthusiasm necessary to live life fully and with courage. Thank you Bill Marshall for such a jewel. :-)

Very good book. I really enjoyed it. Bill Marshall wrote ane-mail to me to let me know about this book. He had read my review ofHarry 3, and thought I'd also like his book. I would never have discovered this book otherwise. I've never heard of the publishing company, and the book hasn't been heard of at the local booksellers or libraries. The book had a couple mistakes in typing, but it didn't take away from the great storyline. I feel like Marshall would need to find a new publisher for this book to make it mainstream, or at least his agent needs to work a bit harder to get readers to know about Gideon McGee. I started and finished the book in one day, which added to the enjoyment of this book.

I had the privilege to attend a reading from this book, given by many of its contributors. The stories are powerful and familiar, in that they bring to mind my stories of coming of age. If you know an adolescent girl, I would recommend that you buy a copy for her. And buy one for yourself, too. For those of us who worry about how our daughters will navigate the shoals of adolescence, this book offers stars to steer by.

In appearance this is a very colorfull book which did not prepare me for its very serious content. It is wonderfully rich in the experience and wisdom of many women gained through living productively, if not always happily, while searching for meaning in their lives. More, they tell their stories with very little, if any, rancor towards men. A major strength. In this it is almost a pure celebration of womanhood, a concept still struggling for widespread acceptance in American society. While there has been some editing, the stories these women tell are essentially in their own words which only adds to the volumne's credibility. It also suggests the notion that people have a need to tell their stories, to be heard, and to be acknowledged. In an age when so much of our lives are dictated by forces beyond our control, this, in and of itself is no small accomplishment. In short, this is a book I would recommend for my mother, sister, daughter and grand-daughter. I'm waiting for someone to produce the male version.

I absolutly love this book! It answered all of my questions about becoming a woman and about how to be safe under pressure. It has different sections about different thing that girls want to know. It even has a section on how men feel about the things that their daughters are going through. I recomend this book to anybody who has questions about being older.

Girls to Women, Women to Girls is an excellent collection of thoughts, stories, and poems from girls and women around the globe. I love it, and have read it like, ten times. It talks about things like what it is to be a female, peer pressure and cliques, teen crisis, and sex and virginity. I found it very inspirational and encouraging. It doesn't even really confine to teens and pre-teens either. It is, in my opinion, a great book for all ages. it's a book that grows with you. I VERY stronly recommend this book.

I am twelve years old, and have probably read hundreds of books in my lifetime, but this is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is full of GREAT stories written by girls and women ages 9-98. (There's even a great chapter with some amazing stories written by fathers!) My favorite chapter in the book is the one about peers and friends. When the authors were collecting writings, I submitted a story that eventually made it into the book. All of my friends (and their mothers) own at least one copy of it, and they have all said wonderful things about Girls to Women, Women to Girls. No matter what their age, girls and women all over the world are sure to enjoy this book.

I'm not a big follower of awards, but there are two literary awards that almost never disappoint--the Booker Prize and the Newbery Award. I try to make a point of reading as many of these winners as I can because they are always pleasurable and often end up being among my favorites. If Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! won't end up being among my favorite Newbery's, it is still a wonderful read.

Subtitled "Voices From a Medieval Village," in this book Ms. Schlitz gives a series of poetic monologues from different characters in a medieval village, from nobility to serfs. It is well done, using various styles and personalities and often linking different stories together in subtle ways. She also includes some background information on medieval life and definitions of various terms. It should also be noted that Robert Byrd's illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

If this book is missing, for me, some of the power and emotional impact of, say, Karen Cushman's books set in medieval times (and also Newbery winners), that is no fault of Ms. Schlitz. She is trying to achieve something rather different and she does that rather well. (I also have to admit being personally pickier about poetry over prose.) Still, this book is excellent and should be read, particularly with all the young readers in your house.

I am going to get this for my 12-year-old daughter!! Great, great, great, way to experience medieval life in England!!

Finally, a book worthy of the Newbery. Ms. Schlitz is a librarian who wrote this for some students studying the medieval era. Robert Byrd's vibrant illustrations definitely complement the book. Ms. Schlitz weaves together an history of medieval England with the personal accounts of 23 characters whose lives intertwine. It is not a novel so much as historical fiction in a series of short plays (19 monologues and 2 dialogues).

The author provides interesting background information that sets the stage for the characters and gives the reader a snapshot of medieval life. The characters are related in that they live in the same place, and each one has a unique perspective, but there is no overarching story to tie all of characters together.

Although Ms. Schlitz wrote this as a children's play, it is an education and entertainment for adults. Set in the year 1255, it takes us through daily life in the village. The smells, the language, the people, what they wear, what they believe, how they relate to one another and how they accept their various roles unfold before us, bringing us deeper and deeper into village life. At its best, the book is so captivating, readers will have to jerk themselves out of the past and shake off its lingering grasp everytime the book is put aside. We get such an intimate look, told in first person, that the grip of the narrators is amazingly strong. We learn of the abject poverty of many, the splendid cosseting of the few, as we peek in their windows and listen to their voices. Beautifully written, and exhaustively researched, the book is truly a jaunt in a time machine. Ms. Schlitz does not make the mistake of relying too heavily on era-appropriate language, so her speakers are completely understandable to us...but she throws in enough jargon to season the mix to perfection. My suggestion: Read a few pages and close your eyes. The scenes should come to life in the imagination. The accompaniment of intriguing drawings helps animate the prose. All in all, this is a one of a kind read for people of all ages. History buffs, lovers of historical fiction, even people who simply like to eavesdrop on our (historical) neighbors will get a big kick out of the book--while getting a painless but detailed education about the many, many layers medieval life.

Winner of the 2008 Newbery Medal, "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!" is a collection of 21 short monologues and dialogues -- poetry and prose -- written in the voices of kids in and around a 1255 English manor.

Each child is tagged with a role in the manor's society or trades (for example, the Lord's daughter, the miller's son), but each also illustrates what it's like to conquer a fear, or lose a parent, or be an outcast, or be heavy with responsibility ... or feel the first stirrings of romance. The stories pulse with tension and emotion, and build beautifully as the various characters sometimes echo one other, sometimes contrast. Robert Byrd's illustrations enhance the narratives, and the author uses footnotes and intermissions to supply bits of medieval history; she also provides a 54-item bibliography.

A terrific book, highly recommended!

My child had to read this book for a summer reading requirement. Naturally, I read the book to be sure he would do a good job. I encourage anyone to read this book, as it has a great story line. The author has the ability to take the reader into the story and keep the reader captivated. I found that in the middle of the book I could not put it down, as I was enthralled on finding out what would take place next. The author has done the research behind the culture of the characters, and has managed to voice the humor to reflect.

Goodbye Vietnam would be a good book for children or adults interested in history.I for instance am interested in books about history i rated this book with only 3 stars because i feel they dont talk enough about what is important in this book. With this book things need to be explained more about what is happening.

I first got interested in Vietnam at the age of 7. My eldest sister's husband was born in Vietnam. From everything he and his family has told me about it, it is 110% acurrate. It is very special to me because of my brother-in-laws life there. HE escaped Vietnam, and it is true how they live on platforms. Anyway, it's an awesome book. It is amongst the best books I've ever read.

My friends were reading this book and they said it was good so I triend it and it is one of my favorite books now. This book is a story about a girl and how she escapes with her family to Hong Kong and then on to America. Its a have to read!

I believe that this book is good for children because it explains things like sacrifice, suffering, and courage clearly. If a child reads this book, he or she will be interested because the principal character (a 13 years old) is telling the story. So, young readers can feel good witn this book, and also they learn about the true meaning of life. Finally, I would recomended that all children read this fantastic story.

Angel loves doing art, but is still finding her place within the scope of it all. Her work is labeled "whimsical", but she wants to up it to "realistic". However, when bad boy Miguel approaches her saying she has the perfect style to be a great graffiti artist, well, what else can Angel do but say yes to lessons? But as the days go on, she gets wrapped up more and more in the sometimes seedy underbelly of the world of graffiti art. Will she be able to pull herself out before it's too late?

I really enjoyed this book. Told in a very raw, honest, and realistic way, this novel portrays the Latino culture in a way I don't think I've seen before in YA literature. The events in this novel feel very real and make you invest so much into Angel and her life, leading up to a killer climax. I almost cried while reading this book and that is extremely hard for someone to do. This book is highly recommended.

The Sista Hood: On the MicAngel reminded me of myself as a young girl writing in California. Kelly felicidades on your first novel, it's great to see Latinas writing postive novels about subjects that young people can relate to. I felt you weaved Angel's personal journey as a writer and growing young women with humor, realness and craft.

Parra weaves the conflict of a races, multi-hertiage, and defining one's identity in this fast-paced novel. Labeled YA, the novel can be enjoyed by a broad range of ages. It is difficult to believe this is Parra's debut work--such a terrific job!

Personally, I will never see graffiti the same since reading of Angel's struggles. While the book began a bit slow for me, the pace heightens quickly and won't let you go. The situations are real, so are the conflicts and the decisions that Angel faces throughout her journey. Parra has a fantastic YA voice, and I look forward to her next creation!

I read this book in two sittings, which should tell you that it was downright entertaining.

Graffiti Girl is labeled young adult, but the themes in the story can appeal to a much broader audience. The protagonist, Angel Rodriguez, is a young artist who has an incredible need to express herself, yet struggles to embrace her unique style. She jumps right off the page-the kind of tough, sweet heroine who isn't concerned with prom dresses and makeup. Angel has real issues, driving internal conflict, and a message. She'll stay in your thoughts a long time after you finish her story.

Parra creates a seamless balance between the edgy and wholesome-an accurate description of setting in a racially diverse, small town high school. The prose is snappy and clean without being weighted down by excessive slang or references to pop culture, something a writer with less experience might use to remind us that we are reading contemporary fiction.

Well written, and well worth my time. I'll be looking out for Parra's next.

Angel is a teenage girl whose life, or much of it, at least, is about her art. She loves art, but when she enters a contest for a mural, and doesn't win, she's more than a little disappointed. In her disappointment, Angel turns to another form of art, one that's more often than not practiced illegally: graffiti.

Miguel shows her his artwork, his graffiti, and even lets her into his graffiti crew, Reyes del Norte. She finds her voice in graffiti, and also finds herself drawn more and more to Miguel.

However, Miguel's not the only guy in the picture. Nathan is a much more clean-cut, wholesome guy, whose art is a lot more conventional, too; he won the mural contest that Angel wanted to win.

To say Nathan and Miguel don't get along is an understatement. And with both of them taking a rather sudden interest in Angel, their rivalry is getting even more intense. What side in it all will Angel pick--and will she stay true to herself and her art?

I was very excited to pick up this book; the summary sounds pretty great, and also really original. For the most part, GRAFFITI GIRL lived up to my expectations and was pretty awesome!

I love the characters, especially Angel, and I was impressed with the way the difficult decisions Angel had to make were realistically fuzzy and grey rather than clearly black and white, the way these sorts of choices (picking between two guys, for example) so often are to the reader.

The writing in the story was excellent, and the subject matter was fresh and interesting, making this story well worth reading. Kelly Parra is an impressive new voice in YA literature--keep an eye out!

Reviewed by: Jocelyn Pearce

This book is great! I have read it at least half a dozen times over the years and it is a story you will never forget about Stephanie, a girl who runs away from home to find her true love- Maxwell Harrington, whom her father dislikes. She finds a ship Heading to California- the Gold Rush Country and stows away, until Chearlotte and her son - Jack, find her. In Charlotte, Stephanie finds a great friend who helps grow up and be courageous. Stephanie finds true love, but it just might not be who she thought it would be!

This is a great book! This book is my FAVORITE out of all of the Hearts nd Dreams series. It is worth the read. In the beggining she is all snotty, selfish, and inconsideret but by the end of the book she has changed SO much it's incredible! Ms. Dokey really has out done herself in this book. I've read other books of hers and this one is on my top list. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars but I can't. :-( BOO! Don't miss this exciting book about apperences and finding true love in the least expected places. Happy reading!
P.S. You wouldn't BELIEVE the ending! It's really surprising!

This is by far the Best romance pocketbook I have ever read! The plot is suspensful and the feelings are intense. Wow! I could even picture myself there! Its about a girl learning to be a better person and the meaning of true love. And, most importantly, sometimes you just have to open your eyes and see that true love is glaring right at you...

This has to be the absolute best of all the Hearts and Dreams series! I think that it has the a great plot, and it is wonderfully told. If you like reading books that have great adventures and a dash of romance, I swear you will love this book! Heck with the book, you'll love the whole series!

Stephanie Burbank is absolutley tired of listening to her father tell her what to do. But she will never forgive he lastest action: he has sent the love of Stephanie's life, Maxwell Harrington, to California to join the gold rush. Determined to be reuinted with Max, Stephanie stows away on the first ship she can find that's headed for California. When she's discovered, she's lucky that it's not by a crew member, but by a nice woman, Charlotte Kelly (Who was the main character of book two) and Charlotte's son, Jack. Charlotte decides to let Stephanie stay in her cabin, and it is that way that Charlotte makes it to California. But when she searches for Maxwell, she gets the shock of her life, and discovers he wasn't who she thought he was. Betrayed, Stephanie must start all over. Can she find a new love in Jack? And can she earn her father's forgiveness? This was a wonderful historical love story about a selfish girl maturing into an intelligant, courageous young woman who finds the true love of her life. I highly reccomend this book to teenage girls who love historical love stories.

I first read this book as a schoolboy. It filled my mind with dreams and many wonderful hours of adventure. I have looked for over 30 years for this book, uncertain of its exact title or author. What a joy to discover that it has been newly printed!

I wondered how the book would read as an adult. After just a few pages I was caught back once again into the wonderful celtic world and lived again in the monastary at Glaston. The book is a great read for all ages with a story that lets you dream of a time when knights rode the countryside and life was filled with enchantment.

I first read this book in a Scholastic Books edition when I was a kid in grade school in the 1950's. It is the first time I ever remember being totally immersed and captured by a story about a distant time and place. Young readers really care about Hugh, a lame boy who is left in a monastery when his knight father is forced into exile from England. Hugh's search for the relics of King Arthur transforms him and works the same magic on the reader. Very highly recommended!

What can I say about this sublime book that blends an exciting mystery with tantalizing folklore and fascinating historical detail? Only what virtually every other reviewer here has said:
I read this book as a teen and never, ever forgot it.
I became enthralled with the legends surrounding Glastonbury.
I didn't rest until I actually visited the site in my 20's.
I almost never write Amazon reviews, but I am so delighted to see this gem of a book available again, I had to check in.

From the unanimously excited responses of those who rediscovered this book, I am confident that word of mouth and enthusiastic teachers and librarians will do everything they can to see that this amazing work reaches a new generation of future travellers to Glastonbury.

Like I, they will be thrilled to gaze on the actual places described in the book: The beautiful Chalice Well, the ruined Abbey, the marker for "Arthur's grave", the thorn tree; and the profoundly mystical Glastonbury Tor at the nexus of one of the most remarkable places on Earth.

Thank you, Eleanor Jewett, for making that trip a foregone conclusion for me upon the opening of your book.

For any young person interested in medieval history this is a great adventure story. I discovered it in my young teenage years and it continues to be one of my favorite stories to this day - 40 years later! I have now moved onto the Brother Cadfael books by Ellis Peters!

I first read this book as a 4th grader and loved it. Now, two decades later, I have purchased it for my classroom after finding it on Amazon. I have had several sixth graders rave about the plot and ask for similar stories. Rereading it as an adult, I still find the story and characters fun and interesting. This is a great find for the middle grades reader who can't get enough of the middle ages.

It was great to find this. My husband read it as a boy and wanted to find a copy to read to our sons.

This is a touching story written from the perspective of a little Chinese boy and his journey home through war raveged territory. I've read it over 5 times (including each year to my 5th grade class) and it's sweetneess still brings tears to my eyes.

Boys can be picky readers, so I always take notes if they actually love a book. My 8 year old carried this book everywhere and told be about it every night for a week. Besides Redwall or Harry Potter, this is the first book he has raved about.

I read this book aloud to my sixth grade reading class. They loved it, and always wanted to hear more. Its also a great way to introduce students to some of the history of China, Japan and US involvement in the war there.

I read this book as a child and, in turn, read it to my children. It has a permanent place in our hearts. It is the well written story of a young Chinese boy and his beloved pig, "Glory of the Republic", who get separated from his family and caught behind Japanese lines when Japan invaded China in the late 1930's. It has some very scary moments. It also has tragedy. I think your child should be about 5th or 6th grade to be able to fully appreciate it. But the book will open your eyes as to what it might be like as a child to be caught in a war. The boy does get reunited with his family, but have your kleenex handy. As a parent you will definitely need it at the end.