BPL Teens

BPL Teens is a space for the library’s teen services staff to post announcements of upcoming library events and selected teen resources. It is also a place for local teens to post reviews and comments about books, movies, and other topics of interest.

Teen Review by Joe

Twelve Angry Men
By Reginald Rose
Type of book: fiction
Rating: 4 stars

Twelve Angry Men is a gripping story of the power of one person to help open the minds of eleven others. This story occurs in a New York jury room where twelve men sit deciding a murder trial. The prosecution states that a sixteen year old killed his father after an argument a few hours prior to his father’s death. If he is found guilty, the boy will be put to death. The trial has taken three days and the jurors all feel that verdict is obvious and unavoidable, except for Juror Eight. This man has doubts about the case made by the prosecution and feels that the other jurors are being influenced by their personal beliefs and bias. Juror Eight wants the other men to take a closer look at the case and think carefully before they make a quick decision. I felt that the book was interesting and focused, but at times seemed short and incomplete.

Teen Review by Amira

Salvador Dalí, 1904-1989: the paintings
By Gilles Neret and Robert Descharnes
Type of book: biography
Rating: 5 stars

As an avid Salvador Dalí fan, I’d have to say that this particular art biography of him is the best I’ve read. Accurate quotes, high-quality printing and a unique assortment of pieces are just the beginning. The text is witty, clever, and intelligently written, staying true to Dalí’s legacy throughout. But, I suppose nothing less is to be expected of the world’s leading Dali expert, Robert Descharnes. I recommend this book to any and everyone, Dalí fan or not, for this book’s fresh, clean take on such a scandalous person

Teen Review by Amira

Seven Wild Sisters
By Charles de Lint
Type of book: fantasy
Rating: 3 stars

This multi-narrated fantasy novel is filled with fairies, elves, and other forest creatures. Not an especially action-filled tale, this story would appeal to any fantasy reader with a good amount of patience. The story does pick up toward the end, and the variation among narrators is a definite bonus. The plot is thought out, definitely, without any major holes. Overall, this well-written story, though slow-paced, is a treat for fantasy readers.

Teen Review by Cuca

Gossip Girl: You Just Can’t Get Enough
By Annabelle Vestry
Type of book: adventure, fiction, romance
Rating: 4 stars

Owen told Kat that he can’t be with her, that the fling they had meant nothing. Also Jack got dumped by her boyfriend JP. But the worst part was that he dumped Jack for Baby, Owen and Avery’s baby sister. Avery got a job at Metropolitan fashion magazine, which is something big for her. So much drama. The best books ever.

Teen Review by Anna

Unwind

By Neal Shusterman
Type of book: adventure, science fiction
Rating: 5 stars

This story takes place in a future world where, in order to appease both pro-choice and pro-life armies, children cannot be aborted from the moment of conception until age 13, when they can be ‘aborted’ by being ‘unwound’, a painless procedure wherein they are taken apart, and their body parts are used in other humans – yet every part of them remains ‘alive’. For Connor, Risa and Lev, unwinding is their fate – Connor because he is a trouble maker, having fallen in with the ‘wrong crowed’, Risa because of funding cuts in the orphanage she lives in, Lev for a religious reason, a tithe. But these three teenagers are not going to let their lives be taken from them, not without a fight. The story is quite creepy, but beautifully written, told from alternating perspectives of the three fugitives, who ponder the fine line between right and wrong, and the true meaning of the simple four-letter word we take for granted – “Life”. Warning – It can be creepy – don’t read before you go to sleep!

Teen Review by Michella

Kitty Kitty
By Michele Jaffe
Type of Book: Adventure, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars

Some would want to read this book because it is humorous and very well detailed in character descriptions and events. I like how the author mixed mystery, humor, and romance in one story – it was done well. My favorite part would have to be when Jas, the protagonist, confronts the killer and tells them how she figured out it was them based on the clues she was given. The only thing I did not like were the footnotes; while funny they were distracting while I was reading and made the story flow less.

Teen Review by Michella

Does My Head Look Big in This?
By Randa Abdel-Fattah
Type of Book: Fiction, Humor, and Romance
Rating: 5 stars

Someone would want to read this book because it gives a rich narrative that I find relatable, as a teen. I enjoy the protagonist’s witty humor and expressions and connected with her when she described her teenage angst. I think the best parts about this novel are that I got the feeling someone was actually talking aloud to me (brilliant writing) and that the events that occurred throughout the story were realistic and in some cases very inspirational.

Teen Review by Ayushi

Burned
By P.C. & Kristin Cast
Type of book: Horror, mystery, romance
Rating: 5 stars

Burned is the 7th book in the House of Night novel series. This book is sad, heartbreaking and romantic and I love it. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the House of Night which is Awakened. I hope that’s the last book because I want to know what happens at the end. A House of Night is like the Twilight saga. If you liked Twilight you would love the House of Night books.

Teen Review by Celia

Talia Talk
By Christine Hurley Deriso
Type of book: Audio, romance, fiction
Rating: 3 stars

Talia Farrow is starting 6th grade – starting 6th grade with a mother who is paid to blab Talia’s most embarrassing moments on her talk show, and two BFFs who won’t talk to her. Although the book is VERY well-written, the plot is predictable, as seeing Talia fall into such obvious pitfalls is infuriating. The book is crafted using current slang exceptionally well, and incorporates current issues, but this book is definitely for teenage girls in the mood to curl up with a chick-flick.