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Teenreads.com Newsletter
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May 2007
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Counting Down to Summer!
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The countdown is on. It may be happening next week, or you have have to wait until next month, but for all of you the end of the school year IS coming. We know that there are exams to take and papers to write in the last days of school, which can be a drag, but we also know that you have one eye on the calendar as you do this, and you are looking forward to whatever you have planned for your vacation weeks. What does summer mean? Time for reading! And we have a special contest to get you started --- our First Annual Teenreads.com Summer Beach Bag of Books Contest. The prizes: 5 oversized beach bags each filled with TEN (10) books that are great summer reading and other summer-themed essentials. I had a lot of fun shopping for the items for these beach bags! Just seeing all those summery items made me want to stick my toes in the sand while reading. We look forward to seeing your contest entries and sending out these bags in early July! You can see details on how to enter this BIG contest below. We also have TWO book giveaways this month for SONG OF THE SPARROW by Lisa Ann Sandell, a historical fiction title, and DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? (I love that title) by Randa Abdel-Fattah, about a young women who decides to wear her hijab full time. See below for details on how to enter. When thinking of summer reading, don't forget the titles in our Ultimate Reading List. Summer is a great time to explore our list of more than 250 titles. And....we will be adding more in the months to come, so keep checking back.
Our poll this month asks about whether you read before you go to sleep at night. I know that this is something I ALWAYS do, even if it's just a page or two. Let us know about your late-night reading habits and share the last books that kept you up later than you planned by answering our Poll and Question of the Month.
For the poets out there, please note that the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award Contest ends June 1st, so get writing. Here's wishing you all a great end to your school year. Think of great quotes to write in people's yearbooks! |
Click here to enter the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award Contest.
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Teenreads.com Beach Bag Contest: Win a Beach Bag of Books Valued at $200!
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It's time to think about Summer Reading --- and we aren't talking about the list of books you may have received for Required Summer Reading from school. What we are talking about are the kinds of books that you are glad you now have time to kick back and enjoy. The way we see it, it wouldn't be summer without sun, surf and great reading. You supply the beach chair and the sunblock, and we'll provide the fantastic fiction in our First Annual Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books Contest.
From May 21st through July 6th, you can enter to win a "Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books." Five winners each will receive a beach bag that includes 10 books --- EVIL GENIUS by Catherine Jinks, FLAWLESS: A Pretty Little Liars Novel by Sara Shepard, INSIDE THE MIND OF GIDEON RAYBURN by Sarah Miller, KISS & BLOG by Alyson Noel, LOVE, CAJUN STYLE by Diane Les Becquets, MARKED: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, PANTS ON FIRE by Meg Cabot, SPECIAL TOPICS IN CALAMITY PHYSICS by Marisha Pessl, SUMMER INTERN by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman, and SUN-KISSED: The Au Pairs #3 by Melissa de la Cruz. Along with the books, winners will find their oversized beach bag stocked with the coolest summer goodies --- including a turquoise and red striped towel with matching flip-flops, a beach ball that's actually a supersoft and cushy pillow, a green suede journal for summer writing, a deck of Uno cards, a set of dominoes, assorted fruit-flavored candies and lemonade mix (not pictured), as well as an EVIL GENIUS tote bag, t-shirt and button. To enter to win, read an excerpt from each of the featured titles and write us at Summer@Teenreads.com to tell us which one(s) you would most like to read and why. Be sure to include your name and mailing address with your contest entry! |
Click here for all the details of our Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books Contest.
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Special Feature: PANTS ON FIRE by Meg Cabot
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PANTS ON FIRE by Meg Cabot (Fiction)
Kate Ellison isn't really a liar, she just holds back the truth sometimes. Like when she neglected to tell her boyfriend that she made out with another guy. Or when she wasn't 100% honest about who spray painted "Tommy Sullivan is a freak" on the gym wall and drove Tommy out of town. But now Tommy Sullivan is back for the truth…and possibly for revenge.
-Click here to read more about PANTS ON FIRE.
-Click here to read an excerpt from PANTS ON FIRE.
-Click here for more about Meg Cabot and her books.
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Click here to read a review of PANTS ON FIRE.
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Special Feature: BLOOM by Elizabeth Scott
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BLOOM by Elizabeth Scott (Fiction)
Lauren Smith's life is just about perfect. She's got great friends, and her boyfriend? Well, he's the guy --- the one in school that everyone wants. And he wants to be with her.
The problem?
She isn't happy. Being with the perfect guy isn't all it's cracked up to be, and she doesn't feel like she can actually talk to her best friend.
Then she meets someone --- Evan --- and suddenly, she's questioning everything. But who would give up the perfect guy, and, more importantly, will Lauren be able to take a chance, and reach for the life she wants?
-Click here to read an excerpt from BLOOM.
-Click here to read an interview with Elizabeth Scott.
-Click here to see Elizabeth Scott's bio.
-For more, visit Elizabeth Scott's website, www.ElizabethWrites.com.
-Click here for details about a special contest that gives YOU the chance to win an iPod and more!
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Click here to read a review of BLOOM.
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Kimani TRU: Novels For, By and About Teens --- Now Featuring: KEYSHA'S DRAMA by Earl Sewell
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KEYSHA'S DRAMA by Earl Sewell
Sixteen-year-old Keysha Kendall is a judge's signature away from foster care when she's sent to live with the father she never knew. Suddenly she has her own room in his big fancy house, a high-powered stepmother and a popular half brother who can introduce her to all the right people at her new school.
But Keysha can't forget where she came from. And she won't let anyone else, either. Why should her father and his perfect family have it so easy when she and her mother had it so hard? And so Keysha hooks up with a rough crowd and does whatever she wants…until what she wants changes real fast….
-Click here to read more about KEYSHA'S DRAMA.
KEYSHA'S DRAMA is available in 3 formats: Book, Digital Audio and eBook.
-Click here for more information about the eBook version of KEYSHA'S DRAMA.
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Click here to read more about Kimani TRU.
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Book Giveaway: SONG OF THE SPARROW by Lisa Ann Sandell
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To celebrate the release of SONG OF THE SPARROW by Lisa Ann Sandell --- a brilliant, gripping retelling of Arthurian legend --- Teenreads.com is offering readers the chance to win one of five copies of the book. To enter, send your name and mailing address to Contests@Teenreads.com by Tuesday, June 19th.
SONG OF THE SPARROW by Lisa Ann Sandell (Historical Fiction)
The year is 490 AD. Fiery 16-year-old Elaine of Ascolat, the daughter of one of King Arthur's supporters, lives with her father on Arthur's base camp, the sole girl in a militaristic world of men. Elaine's only girl companion is the mysterious Morgan, Arthur's older sister, but Elaine cannot tell Morgan her deepest secret: She is in love with Lancelot, Arthur's second-in-command. However, when yet another girl --- the lovely Gwynivere --- joins their world, Elaine is confronted with startling emotions of jealousy and rivalry. But can her love for Lancelot survive the birth of an empire?
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Click here for all the contest details.
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Book Giveaway: DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
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To celebrate the release of DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? --- Randa Abdel-Fattah's funny and poignant debut novel --- Teenreads.com is offering readers the chance to win one of five copies of the book. To enter, send your name and mailing address to Contest2@Teenreads.com by Tuesday, June 19th.
DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? by Randa Abdel-Fattah (Fiction)
Sixteen-year-old Amal makes the decision to start wearing the hijab full-time and everyone has a reaction. Her parents, her teachers, her friends, people on the street. But she stands by her decision to embrace her faith and all that it is, even if it does make her a little different from everyone else. Can she handle the taunts, the prejudice of her classmates, and still attract the cutest boy in school?
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Click here for all the contest details.
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Now in Stores: BOY SHOPPING by Nia Stephens
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BOY SHOPPING by Nia Stephens
In the first in this fun and fabulous "you pick the ending" series, perfect for fans of The Dating Game, Kiki decides it's time to stop being "one of the guys" and find a boyfriend of her own! Look for the next Boy Shopping novel coming in June!
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Click here to read more about BOY SHOPPING.
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Cool New Books for May
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May's roundup of Cool New Books includes DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME: A Gossip Girl Novel, the 11th installment in Cecily von Ziegesar's series about the lives of New York City's most prestigious private school young adults; PANTS ON FIRE, a stand-alone title from Meg Cabot, whose female protagonist has trouble telling the truth; EVIL GENIUS, an engrossing thriller from Catherine Jinks that explores the fine line between good and evil in a strange world where nothing is as it seems; BEIGE by Cecil Castellucci, in which a quiet, polite girl spends part of her summer with her aging punk rocker father; and THE SHADOWMANCER RETURNS: The Curse of Salamander Street, the much-anticipated sequel to G. P. Taylor's runaway hit SHADOWMANCER.
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Click here to read our Cool New Books roundup for May.
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May's New in Paperback Roundup
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May's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes WHAT HAPPENED TO CASS McBRIDE?, a fast-paced and disturbing psychological thriller from Gail Giles that literally will leave readers gasping for air; READY OR NOT, the sequel to ALL-AMERICAN GIRL in which Meg Cabot continues to explore the life of Samantha Madison; INEXCUSABLE by Chris Lynch, a riveting tale of truth, lies and responsibility (and a finalist for the 2005 National Book Award); IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY, a poignant yet humorous look at teenage depression from BE MORE CHILL author Ned Vizzini; and Ridley Pearson's THE KINGDOM KEEPERS, in which five young teens are pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls.
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Click here to see what's new in paperback for May.
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This Month's Reviews ---- Including Manga, Christian Fiction and Bookreporter.com Titles Perfect for Teens
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DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME: Gossip Girl #11 by Cecily von Ziegesar (Fiction)
Senior year is finally over for the crew, and they've been lounging all summer getting ready for the fall. Blair and Nate have spent a month out to sea, rekindling and remembering why they are still in love. Serena has been moping around wondering whether or not Nate got the love letter, Dan is questioning his sexuality, and Vanessa is…just Vanessa. Reviewed by Belinda Williams.
-Click here to read an excerpt from DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME.
NIGHTRISE: Book Three of The Gatekeepers by Anthony Horowitz (Fantasy)
Two brothers, both with the power to read and control minds, find themselves being hunted by the forces of the Old Ones. Soon they are caught up in usurping the American political process while trying to make contact with the other Gatekeepers. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.
-Click here to read an excerpt from NIGHTRISE.
-Click here to see our series feature for The Gatekeepers.
THE AU PAIRS #4: CRAZY HOT by Melissa de la Cruz (Fiction)
The Au Pairs are ready for another summer in the Hamptons. Mara missed out on one writing job, but perhaps being a nanny will give her material for another one. Eliza is set to open her own fashion store, and Jeremy would like them to take a few big steps. Jacqui wants nothing more than to earn money for NYU --- until she models for some new photographers. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.
-Click here to read an excerpt from CRAZY HOT.
EVIL GENIUS by Catherine Jinks (Thriller)
Fourteen-year-old Cadel Piggott, who has a genius IQ, is studying for his World Domination degree at the institute founded by criminal mastermind Dr. Phineas Darkkon. When he falls for the mysterious and brilliant Kay-Lee, however, he begins to question the moral implications of his studies for the first time. Reviewed by Carlie Webber.
-Click here to read an excerpt from EVIL GENIUS.
CITY OF BONES: The Mortal Instruments, Book One by Cassandra Clare (Fantasy)
Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and in possession of bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within 24 hours Clary is pulled into the world of Jace, a Shadowhunter, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. Reviewed by Carlie Webber.
BEC: The Demonata, Book 4 by Darren Shan (Horror/Supernatural)
As demonic Fomorii ravage their land, Bec and a band of warrior companions leave their devastated rath to answer a plea for help. An orphaned priestess-in-training, Bec hopes the journey will help her solve the mysteries of her birth. But fighting demons has a steep price. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.
COME JUNETEENTH by Ann Rinaldi (Historical Fiction)
President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declares all slaves freed, but the plantation owners in Texas don't bother to tell their slaves. For over two years, Luli reluctantly agrees with her parents and brothers to lie, even to her adopted sister and best friend, Sis Goose. Inevitably, however, the truth comes out. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
DREAMQUAKE: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox (Fantasy)
Tziga Hame, who discovered he could enter the Place and share the dreams he found there with other people, has disappeared. His daughter, Laura, knows that the art of projecting dreams has turned sour. On St. Lazarus's Eve, when elite citizens gather to experience the sweet dream of Homecoming, Laura plunges them into a nightmare. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.
THE NOAH CONFESSIONS by Barbara Hall (Fiction)
This tender and thoughtful coming-of-age novel is about how courage and the power of truth can overcome tragic circumstances and family secrets. Author Barbara Hall deftly paints a picture with words to show that there are more important things in life than attending an expensive school, wearing brand-name clothes and driving a new car. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.
NOBODY'S PRINCESS by Esther Friesner (Historical Fiction)
Probably all most of us know about the ancient figure of Helen of Troy is the famous quote about "the face that launched a thousand ships." In NOBODY'S PRINCESS, Esther Friesner, a prolific and well-respected fantasy writer, fearlessly takes on the formidable task of turning Helen into a flesh-and-blood girl, with her own hopes, dreams and ambitions. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
GIRL OF THE MOMENT by Lizabeth Zindel (Fiction)
When Lily snags the summer intern position of assistant to teen movie star sensation Sabrina Snow, her life becomes a complicated whirl. Can she stave off inevitable disaster with Sabrina's adorable boyfriend, who loves spending time with Lily? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
Click here to read our reviews and features.
Manga Reviews:
The following reviews are courtesy of the graphic novel review website for teens No Flying No Tights:
AFTER SCHOOL NIGHTMARE, Volume 2 by Setona Mizushiro (Go! Comi)
In volume two of this fascinating and chilling series, high school student Mashiro Ichijo struggles with his inner demons in waking life and in a nightmare battleground where students must fight to graduate. Reviewed by Jennifer Webb.
AISHITERUZE BABY, Volume 1 by Yoko Maki (VIZ Media)
Kippei is a playa and is happy that way, but one small girl might be his undoing. When his cousin Yuzuyu is left with his family after her mother's disappearance, Kippei's older sister decides he is the perfect person to look after Yuzuyu. Now, instead of going on dates, Kippei is learning to make bento boxes. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.
GOTHIC SPORTS, Volume 1 by Anike Hage (TOKYOPOP)
Anya knows that, if given the opportunity, she would be great at whatever sport she decides to conquer. Before she even gets a chance to try out for any team at her new high school, she alienates Marie, the toughest jock in the school and current ruler of the basketball team. The soccer team only allows females on as benchwarmers. What's a girl to do? Reviewed by Robin Brenner.
MY HEAVENLY HOCKEY CLUB, Volume 1 by Ai Morinaga (Del Rey)
For Hana Suzuki, hot guys rate a distant third behind food and sleep. So why is she joining an all-male hockey club? Wackiness ensues as Hana and the boys snack, nap, squabble and maybe even play some hockey. Reviewed by Jennifer Webb.
PRINCESS PRINCESS, Volumes 1-3 by Mikiyo Tsuda (Digital Manga Publishing)
Tohru Kouno transfers to an all-boys school to escape family problems. He's not particularly excited about the lack of girls, but he soon discovers that things are even worse than he had imagined. It seems that his school chooses pretty boys in the first year to act as "princesses." Guess who's on this year's list of candidates? Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.
Click here to read our Manga reviews.
Christian Fiction Reviews:
TrueColors
MOON WHITE: COLOR ME ENCHANTED by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
Searching for ways to bring her problems under control, Heather explores the traditions of Wicca. But when terrifying things begin to happen that she can't explain, it becomes clear that she has less control over her world than ever before. Tugged between fear and hope, Heather puts herself in unexpected danger that leads her to the lowest point of her life. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
Christy Miller
STARRY NIGHT - Christy Miller: Volume Three, Book Eight by Robin Jones Gunn (Fiction)
It's Christmastime, and Christy Miller has so much going on. If only she could answer Uncle Bob's tough questions. Todd's buddy Doug gives her some insight, and she starts to appreciate him in a whole new way. Rick Doyle shows up again...but is he pursuing Christy or the cutest elf at the mall? Through it all, will Christy find someone special to count the stars with? Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby.
SEVENTEEN WISHES - Christy Miller: Volume Three, Book Nine by Robin Jones Gunn (Fiction)
When summer arrives, Christy Miller's best friend, Katie, suggests they work as camp counselors. But when Katie can't go, Christy is bewildered and overwhelmed by her fifth-grade girls. Soon they're playing matchmaker between Christy and Jaeson, a handsome counselor...and he doesn't seem to mind. When Christy's 17th birthday arrives later in the summer, just what will she be wishing for? Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby.
Click here to read our Christian Fiction reviews.
Recent Bookreporter.com Titles Perfect for Teens:
THE CHILDREN OF HURIN by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien (Fantasy)
The first complete book by the late J.R.R. Tolkien in three decades --- since the publication of THE SILMARILLION in 1977 --- THE CHILDREN OF HURIN reunites fans of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS with elves and men, dragons and dwarves, eagles and orcs. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.
ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver (Memoir)
Leave it to Barbara Kingsolver to make her first full-length nonfiction book just as engaging as any novel. In ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE, Kingsolver relates the story of the year in which her whole family ate only locally produced food --- and she challenges readers to reexamine, and transform, their old eating habits and damaging ways of thinking about food. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
-Click here to read an excerpt from ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE.
THE ROPE WALK by Carrie Brown (Fiction)
Ten-year-old Alice MacCauley and her playmate, Theo Swann, are the heroes of this frank and tender portrayal of two children coming of age in the course of a Vermont summer. Veteran literary novelist Carrie Brown brings her considerable gifts to bear in creating this affecting tale. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
WHEN SHE WAS WHITE: The True Story of a Family Divided by Race by Judith Stone (Memoir)
Judith Stone writes of a young girl's struggle in the midst of apartheid. Sandra is an anomaly, born dark-skinned to white Afrikaner parents in racially segregated South Africa. No one agrees on what Sandra's racial classification should be, so Sandra takes matters into her own hands, creating an identity for survival. Reviewed by Shannon Luders-Manuel.
Click here to read our reviews of Bookreporter.com titles perfect for teens.
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Click here to read this month's reviews.
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Poll: Reading Before Bedtime
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Do you read before you go to sleep at night?
-Every night
-Most nights
-Some of the time
-Never
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Click here to answer our poll.
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Have a great month...and make some time each day to read something you enjoy!
Don't forget to forward this newsletter to a friend, and make sure to visit our other websites from TheBookReportNetwork.com: Bookreporter.com, ReadingGroupGuides.com, AuthorsOnTheWeb.com, FaithfulReader.com, AuthorYellowPages.com, and Kidsreads.com.
Our mailing address is:
Teenreads.com
The Book Report Network
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--- Carol Fitzgerald for Teenreads.com
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