Indiana schools and libraries have long sought ways to encourage children to read for pleasure. Every year since 1974, the Indiana Library Federation has sponsored the Young Hoosier Book Award program, which gives students in kindergarten through eighth grade an opportunity to vote for the books they like best.
Each school year, the Young Hoosier Book Award Committee nominates 20 books in each of three levels: middle school (Grades 6 to 8), intermediate (Grades 4 to 6) and picture books. Selections are based on suggestions from teachers, students, parents and media specialists.
In April, students vote for their favorite book in a level. To be eligible to vote, students must read at least five nominated books in the intermediate or middle-grade levels or 12 nominated picture books. Last year, more than 75,701 students cast votes, compared with 4,681 votes cast in the program's first year.
Seventh-grade students from St. Pius X School on the Northside helped Y-Press review 15 of the 20 2002-03 titles at the middle-school level. The students were free to choose the book they reviewed and were asked to submit evaluations.
Nose Pickers from Outer Space
Three boys chose to review "Nose Pickers from Outer Space" by Gordon Korman, but all of them were disappointed.
"The main character in this story is Stanley. He is an alien from Pan, a planet far from Earth. He (is posing) as an exchange student, but he is actually a travel agent who has come to see if Earth would be a good place to vacation," wrote Ian Sims.
Stan wears a bow tie and suit and has an embarrassing personal habit. "He always picks his nose, and whenever he picks his nose it makes this weird sound," wrote Kyle Dietrick.
While the boys agreed that the book could be amusing, it is definitely for a younger audience. "I would recommend this book to kids 8 to 11," wrote Holton Witchger.
Cecil in Space
"Cecil in Space" by Sid Hite is another lighthearted story that received lukewarm reviews.
"Someone changed the sign that welcomes people to Bricksburg from 'Historic Bricksburg' to 'Hysteric Bricksburg!' Who was it? While the town is trying to figure it out, Cecil has other things on his mind. He has to choose between two girls that he likes," wrote Abby Dye.
Katie Grau liked the book: "You always want to keep reading, because you want to find out whom Cecil ends up with."
Death at Devil's Bridge
Three students enjoyed "Death at Devil's Bridge" by Cynthia DeFelice. "A frightening thriller with action-packed adventures about a teenage boy who finds himself in some big trouble," wrote Robbie Doyle.
Ben's dad has died, so he begins working for one of his dad's friends at the docks. The trouble begins after Ben spots a car submerged offshore. "Ben meets Donny, who is 16, has a car and a pretty girlfriend. One day, Donny asks Ben and Ben's best friend if they want to get paid $15 for making deliveries. They accept, but later on Ben finds out he's delivering drugs," wrote Sarah Nowicki.
Robbie agreed with Sarah that the book is "very suspenseful." John Dury concurred: "The author was trying to make a nail-biter, and she succeeded."
Silent to the Bone
"Silent to the Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg also has a disturbing premise: Branwell witnesses his baby half sister dropped and abused. When he is accused of dropping her, he becomes mute and is placed in a facility for troubled juveniles. His best friend, Connor, starts visiting Branwell in an effort to unravel the truth.
"At times this book can be very boring, but it has parts where you don't want to put it down," Dana Sigman wrote.
Y-Press reviewer Joe Morgan heartily endorses the book, noting Konigsburg has a habit of introducing new vocabulary. "After reading this book, I will never forget what it means when a ship raises the Blue Peter or who would wear a peruke," he wrote.
Stargirl
No one was bored with "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli.
"Stargirl is a girl who everyone thinks is really different from everyone else. She doesn't seem like a normal person. Some people thinks she is a plant," explained Stephanie Gardner.
Allison Hotka liked the book because it is "a lot like real life. For example, Stargirl changes herself so much to be popular, just like some people who do not like themselves do. I recommend 'Stargirl' to a lot of teenagers."
But Stephanie had some doubts. "I think 'Stargirl' is a really good book but some parts are confusing, like when the author explains what Stargirl is really like," she wrote.
Good Night, Maman
Two of the three reviewers of "Good Night, Maman" by Norma Fox Mazer also were confused. Set during World War II, Karin Levi and her brother Marc are forced to leave their home in Nazi-occupied France and flee to the Unites States.
While Mike Chastang liked the book, two others agreed it is for mature readers. "It is hard to understand, and the author adds a lot of information," wrote Rachel Hanson.
Elisabeth Giffin agreed: "Some parts of the book are not totally made clear, and the book could have gone into further depth of what was actually happening in Europe and what was going on with Maman."
Jazmin's Notebook
Three students chose to review "Jazmin's Notebook" by Nikki Grimes, about two sisters who live alone in a tiny apartment after their mother is hospitalized with a nervous breakdown.
"It is a true-to-life, thought-provoking and frightening book for kids from ages 10 to 14," wrote Julie Dobson.
"This is a good book for a teenager because it offers hope despite all the obstacles and shows you can still be happy and set goals if you just keep trying," wrote Maria Jaynes.
But Sarah Smith was unhappy. "I would prefer a more complete and happy ending in which their mother is more involved."
For more information on the Young Hoosier Book Award program, go to www.ilfonline.org and click on programs. To read the complete book reviews, go to www.ypress.org
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Thumbnail reviews
* Chris Zabriskie on "Firegold" by Dia Calhoun: "This story is about Jonathan, a 14-year-old boy who is trying to find his purpose in life. . . . 'Firegold' is adventurous, action-packed and emotionally moving."
* Noelle DuBach on "Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief" by Wendelin Van Draanen: "Sammy likes to look down at the city with her binoculars. One day, she sees a man searching frantically through a purse. Without thinking, she waves! Suddenly, she realizes she has waved to a robber! This is an exciting story about a girl who goes through troubles with her friends and family. Now she must find a robber before he finds her."
* Micah Mann on "The Wanderer" by Sharon Creech, about a girl who sails for England with two cousins and three uncles: "In this story they talk about whales a lot and how they've never seen one before. I couldn't put the book down once I picked it up."
* Ashley Carroll on "The Dark Side of Nowhere" by Neal Shusterman, about a boy who finds out he is really an alien among others who want to destroy Earth: "Jason is always learning something new about his life, and he is finding out about his destiny. (The story) is always changing, so you're constantly on the edge of your seat."
* James Coffey on "Rats" by Paul Zindel: "When the city covering the landfills makes the rats angry, the rats fight back and kill some people. Overall I think it is a good book. . . . If you do not like blood and gore, then I don't think you should read this book."
* Emily Kramer on "Francie" by Karen English, about an unpredictable girl who gets in trouble when a boy she tutors is accused of attempted murder: "I would definitely recommend this book for anyone ages 10 and older . . . if you enjoy reading realistic, touching, thrilling books about the lives of young African-Americans."
* Tyler Koors on "Shipwreck Season" by Donna Hill, about a 16-year-old boy who is sent to live with his uncle on a lifesaving station on Cape Cod in 1880: "This is a great book for ages 10 to 12, (but it) has some bad language and some words that are pretty difficult to read and understand."
* Graham Powell on "My Life in Dog Years" by Gary Paulsen: "This is about all the dogs Gary Paulsen has had since he was a child. It (is) very funny, exciting and sometimes sad because some of his dogs died."