What Shall I Review? Readers’ Choice 2010
Hear ye, hear ye! I give you, my readers, until midnight tonight (12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) to vote in the comments on this post on the one last 2010 book I review. Just list the title you prefer. At the stroke of midnight tonight (Tuesday) I will close down the comments and whatever has the most write-ins wins. Easy peasy. I’ve done this kind of thing with fancy online polls in the past, but my energy has significantly decreased as of late.
Please note that these are not all the books I read in 2010 and haven’t reviewed. Just the ones of which I might have something interesting to say.
They are thrown here in an indiscriminate pile, regardless of subject matter or genre, solely in order by the author’s last name. I don’t usually review YA, but in this particular case I can make an exception. So what say you, readers? Tell me what amongst these books is the most worthy.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
THE 2010 UNREVIEWED
Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
House of Dolls by Francesca Lia Block
The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe by Loree Griffin Burns
Tower of Treasure by Scott Chantler
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Ian Edginton, illustrated by I.N.J. Culbard
Falling In by Frances O’Roark Dowell
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers by John Harris Dunning
The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T. Frazier
Once by Morris Gleitzman
Sophie Simon Solves Them All by Lisa Graff
The Call (The Magnificent Twelve, #1) by Michael Grant
Boom! by Mark Haddon
Black Pioneers: Home is With Our Family by Joyce Hansen
Babymouse #13: Cupcake Tycoon by Jennifer L. Holm, illustrated by Matthew Holm
Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg
Gandhi: His Life, His Struggles, His Words by Elisabeth de Lambilly
Archvillan by Barry Lyga
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean
Benjamin Franklinstein Lives by Matthew McElligott
Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped the Trains by P.I. Maltbie
Windblowne by Stephen Messer
Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery, photography by Nic Bishop
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O’Connor
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park
As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins
The Adventures of Ook an Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett
The Cardturner by Louis Sachar
Crogan’s March by Chris Schweizer
Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai
Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth
Scrawl by Mark Shulman
Tall Tales by Thomas E. Sniegoski, illustrated by Jeff Smith
The Mourning Wars by Karen Steinmetz
The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll’s History and Her Impact on Us by Tanya Lee Stone
Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan
Nothing by Janne Teller
Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel
Night Owls, Vol. 1 by Peter Timothy
The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas
Kid Vs. Squid by Greg Van Eekhout
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
Twin Spica, Vol. 1 by Kou Yaginuma
Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing by Karen Romano Young
Filed under: Uncategorized

About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
A Fallish Newbery/Caldecott 2024 Check-In
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Philharmonic Gets Dressed by Karla Kuskin, ill. Marc Simont
Monster Support Group: The Mummy’s Curse | This Week’s Comics
Mad Science for the Modern Reader, a guest post by S. H. Cotugno
The Classroom Bookshelf is Moving
ADVERTISEMENT
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
I vote for The Cardturner-I really want to know your thoughts on it!:)
I’m in love with As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth (and everything else Lynne Rae Perkins wrote). My vote’s for that one.
I’m going to say “The Good, the Bad and the Barbie” because I think you will find it really interesting. It’s rather crazy how this toy ended up being an accidental icon – I’m not sure what that says about us as a country but it’s certainly full of food for thought.
Plus nonfiction is always awesome!
I’d love to see your review of the Night Owls, please!
I vote for Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol. There can’t be enough reviews of humorous books,
and it makes a five way tie for first place.
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester, please.
A vote for Forge!
The Cardturner!
Palace Beautiful, just got this one from the library.
You’ve got some interesting books up there. Just one? I will (for now) break the tie for David. Griff Carver was a hoot and I didn’t see too much written about it.
bk
I vote for As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth, by Lynne Rae Perkins, or Windblowne, by Stephen Messer.
The good, the bad, and the Barbie, please.
Falling In by France O Roark Dowell. It didn’t live up to my expectations and I’d love to know what you think!
Ghostopolis…
His comics walk a fine line with me, but I’ve heard some really good things about this one. I feel like a thumbs up from you would push me over to the definitely read side of the line.
The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe by Loree Griffin Burns – I adore this one and haven’t heard much from you on nonfiction for the middle grade crew so would love to hear your thoughts.
That makes (so far) for a three-way tie between Barbie, Griff, and Perkins. In the event of a tie, by the way, I’ll cast the deciding vote. I’d love to review any of these, though. It’d be tough to choose.
I would love to see the review of Out of My Mind. Can”t wait to see what you do!
I’m with Lenore. I know it’s not on your list, but the Cardturner is wonderful. If I must pick from the list, I’d vote for Lynn Rae Perkins book.
Actually, Jody, The Cardturner is on my list. And garnering love at that. Interesting that the most votes are generally falling on the YA material, eh?
Have you reviewed/seen I KNOW HERE by Laurel Croza and Matt James?
If we may only use your list titles, I would suggest either of THE CROWFIELD CURSE or FALLING IN, both of which are excellent in a very strong year for fantasy.
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux. I wish it had received more attention.
I Shall Wear Midnight– interested to hear your thoughts on the end of the Tiffany Aching series!
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
I’d love to see one on the Barbie book. The title sounds fascinating.
Palace Beautiful!
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean
I loved Mark Shulman’s SCRAWL. It was honest and funny and original all at the same time. I’m very happy to see it on your list, because I really hope it will get its much-deserved attention. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this terrific debut novel.
I really love ” Under the Green Hill “by Laura Sullivan
The story took me to a remote part of England, the adventure took me under the
Green hill into the realm of Fairy’s and the challenge of the Midsummer Battle!
The imagery and story kept me thrilled to the last page!
Though I never really had or played with a Barbie (honest!) I’d love to see your review of THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BARBIE. Plus, I think Colleen was on the mark when she said, “Plus nonfiction is always awesome!” Maybe Colleen should do a blog about the wide world of children’s nonfiction titles available; so many very good and valuable books never get the attention they deserve.
I’d love to see Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan reviewed!
Out of my Mind
I’d love to see your review of Shooting Kabul. I read it last spring as I was doing a focused reading of children’s and young adult books that dealt with the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for a public radio interview, and I think it’s a really valuable snapshot of 2001 as we approach the 10th anniversary. Not enough people have talked about the book, and it’s fusion of the political and the personal.
As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins
I Shall Wear Midnight or The Crowfield Curse. (Can you tell I’m from the fantasy camp?)
The Other Half of My Heart. I have a fondness for this book, and I’m sorry that it didn’t receive a lot of attention.
Hmmmm…. Cardturner.
Barbie please! Or Cardturner. Can I vote for both or have I just disqualified my vote?
Doodlebug!
Please review Under the Green Hill by author Laura Sullivan.
Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing !!!!
by Karen Romano Young
Ooodles of Doodles! Doodlebug!!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux …maybe you can explain the appeal of this one…It’s the only book i started but didn’t finish this year.
Can we choose the first 2011 ARC you read/review as well?
Cardturner is next on my to-read list. I’d love to hear your take on it, Betsy.
Griff Carver, The Hallway Patrol. It’s very funny, with a little Black Noir mystery feel to it, middle grade style.
I would be interested in hearing your views on “The Crowfield Curse”.
Doodlebug! We all love Doodlebug at my house!
Out of My Mind
I would like to hear your views on “Under the Green Hill” by Laura Sullivan
I Shall Wear Midnight, because you deserve to read something so perfect.
Windblowne by Stephen Messer – it was a great book!
The Death-Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean, please!
Windblown was the most unique book I have read in a long time. It went from action scene to action scene and I could not tell what was coming next. I liked being held in suspense. I cannot wait for the next book that Stephen Messer writes.
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan.
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan.
Windblowne by Stephen Messer gets my vote. The most inventive and exciting book I read in 2010!
Another vote for Doodlebug!
Windblowne
One of the best Children’s Novels I have read.
Wow! Great list. Do I have to pick only one? How about WINDBLOWNE? Or CROWFIELD CURSE? OR SHOOTING KABUL?
I vote for Windblowne.
Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing by Karen Romano Young. This is a great book – innovative in thought and design.
The Good, the Bad and the Barbie
Windblowne Rocks!
Hi Elizabeth,
I’d like to vote for “Falling In” by Frances O’Roark. She’s a fabulous writer and I hope you’ll think so, too.
The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T. Frazier
Doodlebug!!
Please review Windblowne by Stephen Messer! This is a great story for kids of ALL ages!!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer
Windblowne by Stephen Messer! (Runner up: Kid Vs. Squid by Greg Van Eekhout.)
I vote for Stephen Messer’s WINDBLOWNE. I don’t review YA, either, but this one was a startling exception for its originality, multi-faceted content, and new approach to environmentalism.
Windblowne, by Stephen Messer
My students, my own children, and I really enjoyed this book!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer, definitely!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer
Fascinating! The Windblowne contingent is really pulling ahead.
For those of you who mention more than one book, I must warn you that I’m only going to take the first one you mention. Be warned! Mwah-ha-ha!
Windblowne please.
Doodlebug, please!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer. A unique, magical and awesome read.
Windblowne by Stephen Messer!
Add my vote for Windblowne–best first line ever. 🙂
Windblowne – it’s every kid’s dream to fly!
Windblowne!
I thoroughly enjoyed WINDBLOWNE by Stephen Messer. Original and action-packed.
Hi, Elizabeth: I guess WINDBLOWNE fans have the wind at their backs? (rim shot) But, really, as others have said, it’s not category YA, but a novel for all ages. Even curmudgeons who resist fantasy (like me) are charmed.
Windblowne! It’s on my to-read list and I’d love to read your review. Thanks!
I thought windblowne was fantastic. My friends’ children enjoyed it as well.
Windblowne by Stephen Messer…
Suspenseful enough for younger readers, quirky enough to hold the interest of the older ones…even the really older ones! Delightful!
I vote for Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan. I absolutely loved this book! The characters are so well developed and the folklore so interesting. I haven’t read some of the others mentioned on the list, but I certainly would recommend this one.
I really think it should be UNDER THE GREEN HILL by Laura Sullivan
Laura Sullivan’s Under the Green Hill
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
A vote for Windblowne by Stephen Messer!
Review Windblowne as a favor to all who have not read it. Some books should not be overlooked and this is one of them. Merle B.
I think Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan should be chosen, It’s a great book for all ages, really enjoyed it, so did my little sister!
Palace Beautiful because the language is so lovely
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
Out of My Mind.
Palace Beautiful!
Windblowne has my vote as well.A great read for me as an adult and a great read aloud for4th/5th graders!
The Other Half of My Heart
Palace Beautiful. Because it’s quietly beautiful.
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Williams is a fabulous book.
Palace Beautiful, by Sarah Deford Williams — a brilliant newcomer, not enough reviews out there. 🙂 Famous writers get reviewed everywhere.
Falling In.
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams. Loved this one!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan, if you like your fairies.
Windblowne by Stephen Messer, because in addition to being wildly creative and innovative, it’s about kite flying, something any child or anyone who remembers being a child, can relate too.
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Williams
I agree with Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams. It’s lovely!
Windblowne by Steven Messer. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
Palace Beautiful! One of my favorite reads of the year.
WINDBLOWNE by Stephen Messer. It’s not only an original concept, it’s beautifully written, too!
Windblown by Stephen Messer – a fabulous book that deserves attention!
Kid vs Squid is one I’ve only heard of once and would like to hear more of…
…but for the record, I think I’d most like to hear about Falling In, but since I’m probably going to read it myself later this week whether you review it or not, it’s not so important. Likewise I Shall Wear Midnight, which I’m going to BUY for myself whether or not you review it. Also want to hear more about this oft-raved-about Pepper Roux. But oh well. One book it shall be.
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Palace Beautiful!!!
Windblowne! Charming, imaginative, and fabulous!
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
It’s wonderful!
Palace Beautiful!
Windblowne must be reviewed so everyone can benefit from it. Donna S.
‘Windblowne’ by Stephen Messer has my vote.
Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan
Doodlebug by Karen Romano Young. I wonder what you think of this one.
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park
Park tends to surprise with her books. I vote for this one!
UNDER THE GREEN HILL, please!
Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan
Everyone should believe…
Definitely PALACE BEAUTIFUL!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer
Palace Beautiful, definitely worth the read!!!
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams.
Falling In, please.
Windblowne is my pick. My class of second graders loved it as much as me. I hope there will be a sequel.
I vote for ‘Under the Green Hill’ by Laura Sullivan
Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing by Karen Romano Young!!!!!
Great!!!
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
My teacher read Stephen Messer’s Windblowne to us last year and I loved it.
A Long Walk to Water…
Windblowne all the way!!!!!!!
WINDBLOWNE oh most definitely.
The sweet and magical Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams.
I vote for ‘Windblowne’ by Stephen Messer.
Dear Elizabeth, I wanted to apologize for my multiple entries with Daniel but my computer was telling me they were not being posted. So please only count 1 I used the same email address so if you can only count one vote for my email address. Thank You! Good Luck to the other authors too!!!
WINDBLOWNE by Stephen Messer
Palace Beautiful!
I vote for Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan!
Definitely – Palace Beautiful by Sarah Deford Williams
Windblowne by Stephen Messner – it such a fun and well written story!
Windblowne!
I would say Windblowne it seems that the passionate readers need more help in spreading the word at least based on the holdings in my library consortium.
I think you should review “Under the Green Hill” by Laura L. Sullivan. It was a delightful read!
I VOTE FOR WINDBLOWNE!
Palace Beautiful by Sarah Williams–we need more books out there like this one.
Palace Beautiful!
Ook & Gluk!
I vote for Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan — an amazing book with a deep mythic tone, intriguing characters and a rich, layered plot. It has an old-fashioned feel — and I mean that in the best possible way. Classic, I suppose, sounds better!
Doodlebug
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Do we only get one vote? I just read Palace Beautiful, and loved it, so that’s my vote, but if we get more than one vote, I would also like to see your reviews of Scrawl and Tall Tales. And thanks!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer is absolutely wonderful!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer is fascinating, gripping and beautifully written. It interweaves so many
traits in ways that only a masterful storyteller could accomplish.
Doodlebug!!! so creative and fun!
Palace Beautiful!
This is a hard choice, there are some great books listed here, but I will vote for Palace Beautiful.
Doodlebug of course!
Windblowne, please!
I’d like to see Windblowne reviewed.
Windblowne by stephen messer
Windblowne looks interesting.
Windblowne. Definitely!
My teacher read Stephen Messer’s Windblowne to our class and I loved it!
WINDBLOWNE by Stephen Messer. An utterly unique read–in any age group!
Windblowne by Stephen Messe. X3
Windblowne. Bought it for my son and we both love it!
*Messer (For ‘Gerard’ who typed Messe… I’m assuming on accident) Windblowne by Stephen Messer. ^_^
Windblowne by Stephen Messer please. : )
Windblowne!!! It is awesome!
Under the Green Hill by Laura L. Sullivan would be an excellent choice!!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan…great choice!!!!
Palace Beautiful, absolutely. The writing is fabulous and it unfolds a wonderful story.
Under The Green Hill by Laura Sullivan is an excellent story!
Please review WIndblowne. I’ve heard great things about it!
Windblowne is fantastic and my pick
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O’Connor
NOTHING! (That is, please review the book NOTHING. I do want you to review something). It looks majorly depressing. Perhaps you can find some pep in it…
Palace beautiful by Sarah DeFord Williams.
I know a few boys, and older men like myself, who read it after our daughters were done with it. It a good book with excellent writing
Boys without Names by Kashmira Sheth. Not only is it a great story and beautifully written, but it also addresses a serious topic.
I enjoyed Windblowne and would be interested in hearing what you thought of it.
Under the green Hill by Laura Sullivan…..it was amazing!!
I’d like to vote for Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan, it was amazing!!!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan, it was amazing!!!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
I vote for: Windblowne by Stephen Messer!
Windblowne by Stephen Messer
Excellent! Couldn’t have been better.
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan -fabulous !!!
Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth; such an important book!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan great book!!
Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth
Windblowne by Stephen Messer, please.
The Cardturner!
Windblowne!
Under the Green Hill by Laura Sullivan, it was amazing!!!
I would like you to review Under The Green Hill by Laura Sullivan
Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester!
Windblowne!
I second… Windblowne!
Under the green hill!
Out of My Mind!
Boys Without Names!
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
Under the Green Hill! What a message!
Falling In by Frances O’Roark Dowell
Windblowne
Falling In
under the green hill!!