Updated May 2008
This is my book blog, obviously. I’ll be posting book reviews and other book-related news, contests, etc. Here’s some general information about the Teen Book Review.
Review Copies:
I will accept review copies of middle grade/ YA books or adult books that will be of an interest to teen readers. I will not accept e-books; however, if your book is only available in that form, you may print it out and send it to me. Email me for my mailing address. Do not leave a comment. Of course, sending me a book does not guarantee a good review, a review in a specific time frame, or a review at all. What it does guarantee is that I will look at your book, read a chapter or two, and when/if it holds my interest enough to read to the end and I have time, I will review it. Also, if you are feeling particularly generous, you can check out my wishlist, which is really just a sampling of the many awesome-looking books I’d love to read.
Also, do not ask me to review picture books. I do not read picture books. At least let me know you’ve read the title of my blog, which is Teen Book Review, not small child book review.
Posting Reviews:
For each review I post here, and for each I post on another website but not here, there is a link at the appropriate page under “Review Lists” (see the sidebar).
Some of my reviews are also found in other places. Quite a few are re-posted on the Internet Book Database. Who knows where they’ll end up? Authors or publishers or whoever is connected to the books I review are also welcome to post the reviews on their own web sites or whatever they want to do with them.
Remember, my reviews are completely subjective. They’re informed opinions, as I read a lot, but they are my opinions. I am not right all the time. Every book has at least one person who likes it. Even if that person is the author who vainly decided to self-publish a crappy book. Not that all self-published books are crappy. But a lot are. Because a traditionally-published book has more than one person who liked it. Generally, at least an editor likes it, but often there is also an agent involved, and other people working at the publishing house.
Author Interviews:
If I’ve read your book and want to do an interview, I’ll let you know and see if you’re willing to answer questions.
Guest Blogs:
I will be posting a guest blog at least once a week. If you are an author, editor, agent, or something related to books and publishing, and want to do a guest blog, email me.
Other Content:
Have you got something else you feel might be of interest to teen readers? A contest going on, perhaps? A new website launched? Whatever it is, send me the info, and, if I feel it’s appropriate, I’ll post it. If you’d like to partner up and do some sort of contest, that would be awesome, too–just let me know.
Any other comments, questions, or concerns? Email me.
Teen Book Review 
August 12, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Hi Teenbookreview,
We have a teen series that you may be interested in reviewing. It’s Urban fiction for teens, no explicit language, or explicit content.
Thanks,
KaShamba
August 13, 2007 at 5:43 am
Just waiting for for an order of books to arrive and then I’m sending one straight over.
In Times of Violence is a hard-edged urban thriller.
I’m sure you’ll love it!
Have a great week.
Karina Kantas
October 19, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Hi TeenBookReview,
Good luck with the Bookathon tomorrow!
February 29, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Hey Jocelyn
We connected on Myspace. I’d love to send you an ARC of my upcoming second novel, The Safety of Secrets(AvonA/HarperCollins May, 13.95). It’s about tow girls who are best friends from first grade in South Louisiana to actresses in their early 30’s in Hollywood, and a secret that they share. it is perfect for teens. My website has more info:www.delaunemichel.com
if you are interested in a review copy, please email me an address and I’ll put one in the mail to you. Thanks for your consideration.
all best
DeLauné
March 6, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hello
My name is Brandon Ryan, I am the author of The Emotional Struggle. Which is a auto- biography of my life with Cerebral Palsy, my struggle with depression, self worth and suicidal thoughts. It is also a response to my story, and how it also your story as well.
I am very interested in getting my book reviewed by your company, would you be able to request a free review copy from my publishing company? Its very hard for me to get out of the house at times, I could also send you a galley, but I really would like you to be able to hold my book in your hands.
Here is a number to call my publishing company:
1-888-519-5121
http://www.authorhouse.com/bookstore/item~bookid~47454aspx
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
-Brandon
April 29, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Greetings Jocelyn:
I am the author of Choices; a story about five teenage girls facing difficult decisions regarding premarital sex. I’d like to let you know about a contest on my site coming up in May. Anyone who has read my teen novel is eligible to enter, and first prize will be an 8GB iPod Nano! Info concerning the contest won’t be posted until mid-May, but I’d like to invite you and everyone who reads this to stop by http://www.kapribooks.com to find out more about Choices, read an excerpt, a few reviews and even enjoy some music videos.
Sincerely,
Katrina L. Burchett
May 20, 2008 at 12:28 am
Hi,
Looking for a gripping yarn on adventure? Thought no one cared about teenage boys and heroes within them? Try Only The Brave Dare, a new Australian novel aimed specifically at teenage readers.
Imagine a group of Venturer Scouts on a Christmas holiday and they go to explore the hulk of a wrecked submarine. The night before a Russian mother ship drops off a load of heroin around the boat. A group of land based Russian mafia go to retrieve the drugs ready to flood Australian capital cities. They intercept the boys and end up taking them prisoner. The boys are locked up in a convict jail with a lighthouse on top. The most unassuming boy escapes and turns the lighthouse into a weapon against the Russians.
Only the Brave Dare is available through Posidon Books at http://www.poseidonbooks.com/
Christopher J. Holcroft
July 20, 2008 at 11:27 am
Good luck and more review please
August 12, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I have a new YA book coming out in September called My Father’s Son from Roaring Brook. It is my 18th book, but I’m just getting into the world of blog tours and on-line reviews. I would be honored if you would consider hosting me for an interview on your blog on a day in September or reviewing my book. Here’s a little information about it:
WHAT IF YOUR FATHER ISN’T WHO YOU THOUGHT HE WAS?
“I turn up the volume as a woman at a news desk announces, ‘This just in…the alleged DB25 monster has been arrested.’ Good. The camera switches from the anchor to a mug shot…but it is my face—or at least my face as it will look thirty years from now…A new image replaces the full-screen mug shot as I see two cops hustling my handcuffed father into the back of a police car.”
Suddenly everything in a routine life of school, basketball, and trying to figure out how to ask out the girl of his dreams is turned upside down as Kevin has to face the worst imaginable possibility: that the father he idolizes may be the man responsible for a series of vicious killings.
I hope to hear from you!
Thanks!
terri fields
terrifields.com
October 8, 2008 at 3:47 am
Christopher J. Holcroft’s second book ‘Canyon’ is a must read for teenagers. It will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster adventure as a group of Venturer Scouts are forced to battle the raging elements and race the clock to save their dying mate. Scott Morrow and his Venturer Unit embark on a canyon trip in the ruggesd Blue Mountains but have to call on the national rescue scheme the deft teenager helped set up as tragedy strikes his best mate.
The Venturer Unit are forced to split up with one half racing to alert authorities and also escape the raging elements. The second half try and save the life of a young boy dying from an accident no one planned for.
The Australian Prime Minister is alerted to Scott’s predicament and sends Army Commandos to help save the boy who had become a national hero.
Join Scott as fate deals him a double hand and he becomes the hero he never wanted to be.
Canyon is available through Poseidon Books at http://www.poseidonbooks.com/
Christopher
October 12, 2008 at 11:46 am
Now available
MOONSTONE, by Marilee Brothers and BITE ME, by Parker Blue.
YA urban fantasy; check out MOONSTONE (magic, prophecy, enchantment, etc.) which is getting great reviews at lots of blogs including The Story Siren, Bookloons, Darque Reviews, and others. BITE ME (vampire fic) came out this week.
Review copies are available to all YA book reviewers.
Deb Smith
Bell Bridge Books
debbsmith@aol.com
http://www.bellbridgebooks.com
November 4, 2008 at 10:33 am
New book “Genes for Teens”
The book has been written by a South African dermatologist and may be of interest to your readers. It makes science relevant to daily life, particularly for teenagers.
Book description
The book uses jeans as an introduction to a light-hearted discussion of genes and their ‘teen relevant effects’ including sex, pregnancy, skin (acne, smelly underarms etc); it also discusses the biology of skin colour, its evolution and the meaning of ‘race.’ The main aim of the book is to be informative about things teenagers may wonder about; and at the same time encourage them to make thoughtful decisions about their lives – especially in view of the ever present threat of HIV/AIDS.
The link:
November 22, 2008 at 11:57 pm
CANYON by Christopher J Holcroft, is the second instalment in a series that follows the adventures of Scott Morrow and his Venturer Unit. The novel tells the story of a canyoning trip that places the Venturer Unit against the elements and forces them to make a life and death decision.
The book begins with the characters practicing their abseiling skills, as they learn to trust each other, in a controlled environment before they have to put these skills into practice in the most extreme weather conditions.
With meticulous detail the author impeccably describes the scene, painting a picture in the reader’s mind. As the story builds in intensity the author switches between characters at different locations keeping the reader’s intrigue.
The book shows the important connections between the different sections of the scouting family, particularly the bond between Venturers and Rovers.
Like Only the Brave Dare the book is targeted towards teenage readers with a passion for adventure.
Throughout the adventures of the Venturer Unit the author highlights the importance of team work.
The novel is a suspenseful and entertaining read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
CANYON is an adrenaline filled story that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all teenagers.
CANYON is available through Poseidon Books at http://www.poseidonbooks.com/
Michael Lee, 18, Rover, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia
November 22, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Only The Brave Dare, by Christopher Holcroft, is a novel about Venturers on a camping trip who cross paths with the Russian Mafia.
The book begins with a Queens Scout presentation and then introduces the main character.
The world of Scouting and Venturing is described as the novel incorporates an emotional touch to the characters’ interactions.
The novel switches between different characters in different locations with different roles in a fashion that is simple to understand.
Although there is the occasional violence, the author’s description is acceptable for teenage readers.
Only The Brave Dare portrays the Scouts as an organised, independent unit with some of their feats and routines seeming almost unbelievable.
However, their feats and routines are plausible with the Venturers’ training and experience.
With the novel being set for a younger age, and using younger characters as the main role players, Only The Brave Dare is a gripping read for any teenager.
Although the novel has several corny pages at the start, overall, it is a suspenseful and entertaining read.
The novel is definitely a decent, educational experience for any teenager.
Only The Brave Dare is available through Poseidon Books at http://www.poseidonbooks.com/
Christopher Gantert, 18, Rover, Ramsgate, New South Wales, Australia
December 5, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I need help to publish my book without my parents knowing i did it and i need help for publishing for FREE!!!!! Please help me and E-mail me! jessieluvswolves13@yahoo.com