Fat Vampire

by Adam Rex
YA Rex A
324 p. 2010 Humorous Fiction
Grade: C

I gave up on Fat Vampire by page 67 because it just didn't hook me. Nothing about it compelled me to read on, and I didn't really want to. The plot is good, but something about the way it was written--dialogue, perhaps?--just didn't fit well with me.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Marlene G.

Chasing Brooklyn

by Lisa Schroeder
YA Schroeder L
412 p. 2010 Verse Novel
Grade: A

I loved Chasing Brooklyn from the start. The form was interesting and really helped me make the plot and characters more realistic and relatable. The author did a great job with setting and characters. The end was surprising but not shocking (which is good). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes ghosts, romance or both!

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Marlene G.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
YA SciFi Collins S
374 p. 2008 Science Fiction
Grade: A+

The Hunger Games is a fast-paced, interesting book. It has few slow parts, and when they get slow, they throw in huge rollercoaster twists. The ending leaves everyone wanting more, wanting the sequel ASAP. At points, I actually prayed Peeta, Katniss and Rue would be okay.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club and TAB member Chelsea T.

Harmonic Feedback

Harmonic Feedback
by Tara Kelly
YA Kelly T
288 p. 2010 Fiction
Grade: A

Drea has Asperger's, but while reading her story, I identified so strongly with her at points that I wondered if I have Asperger's. It really shows Tara Kelly's skill in letting you enter her character's head. If you've ever felt socially awkward, you will cringe along with Drea as she makes new friends. An attractive and well-drawn love interest and other memorable side characters round out this absorbing and authentic debut.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Jaclyn D.

Blood+ 01

by Asuka Katsura
YA Graphic Novel Katsura A
194 p. 2008 Manga
Grade: C-

As the name suggests, Blood+ is pretty bloody and keeps to the general sterotypical drama. They were also posing the question, "Are you your past or your present?" But it was poorly done and chunky. I also didn't like the way they portrayed the U.S. We looked stupid and bloody.

Reviewed by teen patron Sofia F.

The Arrival

by Shaun Tan
YA Graphic Novel Tan S
2006 Graphic Novel
Grade: A

I loved the way The Arrival is told in pictures only. It means everyone comes up with their own interpretations and meanings. The artwork is also very creative and beautiful.

reviewed by teen patron Sofia F.

Airman

by Eoin Colfer
YA Colfer E
412 p. 2008 Fiction
Grade: A+

Eoin Colfer is my favorite author, and I would recommend any of his books. I really liked Airman because it had a lot of action and an exciting plot.

reviewed by teen volunteer Danny F.