Read This: Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Genesis by Bernard Beckett (2005) One sentence summary: A doctoral candidate undergoes an oral examination during which she recounts and interprets seminal events from the history of her Republic in this spare, electrifying story that is philosophical exploration and science-fiction story wrapped into one. First off, I am not convinced this is actually a young [...]

Review: If the Witness Lied by Caroline B. Cooney

Title (year): If the Witness Lied (2009) Genre: Thriller/Suspense Other important themes: Grief, Loss of a parent, Coming of age, Siblings, Mystery Age (sex) of main character: Told from POV of 3 siblings, all high-school aged, 1 brother and 2 sisters Estimated age of intended audience: 13 and above Wholesome/edgy/realistic?: Realistic and a little edgy [...]

Review: The Golden Hour by Maiya Williams

Title (year): The Golden Hour (2004) Genre: Adventure Other important themes: Grief, Death of a parent, Time travel, History, Finding yourself, Siblings Age (sex) of main character: 13 (male) with a sister, aged 11, and a pair of twin friends, a boy and girl, around 13 Estimated age of intended audience: 10 and up Wholesome/edgy/realistic?: [...]

Review: The Healer’s Keep by Victoria Hanley

EDIT: Well, this is fascinating. I was going back through my book log, looking for well-loved children’s books to submit to the Top 100 Children’s Fiction Chapter Books Poll, when I came across The Seer and the Sword in my log. Apparently, I read it in 2005, and I liked it a lot as it [...]

Review: Skin Hunger & Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey

Title (year): Skin Hunger (2007) Sequel: Sacred Scars (2009) Genre: Dark fantasy Other important themes: Magic, Adults vs. Kids, Friendship, Memory, Struggle to survive, Cruelty, Untangling the puzzle Age (sex) of main character: Female, 17-?; Male 15-16 Estimated age of intended audience: 14-adult Wholesome/edgy/realistic?: Edgy, dark, and very stylized Narrative POV: The books have two [...]

Review: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

I had no idea this book was from 2007. I had never heard of it until I was collecting titles from the Children’s Choice Awards (this one was shortlisted for an award, I’m not sure what year). Read on without fear of spoilers (though the major themes of the book are discussed below). Title (year): [...]

Review: Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Hey, it’s the debut of my rating system! I kept waiting for the perfect book to review, but tonight I decided to just start with the most recent one I’ve read. I hope it will get to the heart of things and prove helpful to people looking for YA books that match their tastes. And [...]