4.27.2007

New Stuff on the Shelves!

Here are a few new things to look for next time you're in the teen section:

Fiction

  • Tyrell by Coe Booth
  • Under the Banyan Tree by Toni De Palma
  • The Navigator by Eoin McNamee
  • Un Lun Dun by China Mieville
  • Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
  • What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau
  • My Desperate Love Diary by Liz Rettig
  • Don't You Forget about Me (Gossip Girl series) by Cecily von Ziegesar

Nonfiction

  • Big Snacks, Little Meals: After School, Dinnertime, Anytime by Rose Dunnington

4.21.2007

Improv!

Yesterday night, 14 teens showed up for our first-ever improv night! We played a group, team, and individual games, and the evening went by very quickly. We even improv-ed with our snacks! It was hilarious. Things were a bit chaotic at times, but everyone seemed to have fun. Huge thanks to Caitlin and Julie, improv pros who kept everyone focused because they actually knew what they were doing!!!

4.16.2007

Book Review: books by Katherine Sturtevant

At the Sign of the Star and A True and Faithful Narrative by Katherine Sturtevant

SUMMARY: Meg Moore is the headstrong only child of a widowed bookseller and publisher in 17th century London, which suits her just fine. She loves books and ideas, and is excited at the prospect of inheriting his business. All of her dreams of running the business crumble, however, when he remarries and her new stepmother, Susannah, insists that Meg learn to be more of a lady. Through many battles of words and wits, Susannah and Meg come to an understanding of one another, although they never see eye to eye. Meg continues to work in the shop through the years, and it is there where she interacts with two potential suitors: Will, an apprentice, and Edward, her closest friend's brother. When Edward's ship is captured by pirates, Will and Meg work to raise the money for his release. But will either man provide Meg with the opportunity to exercise her love of freedom and talent for writing?

OPINION: We have all read those historical fiction books where the author beats the reader over the head with paragraphs designed to show off how much research was done. You will not find that to be true of these books! They are full of interesting literary and historical tidbits that are not obnoxious or pretentious, but actually important to the story. The books are also a window into the soul of 17th century London. The author creates such an authentic atmosphere that the city is practically a character in these books. The characters are entirely believable, and I thought the romance in the second book was both appropriate to the time and wrenching to the soul. These books are an excellent and quick read with a wonderfully engrossing heroine. What more could you want!?

4.04.2007

Everyone's Day Off!

Tonight, 21 people came out to watch our spring break movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I haven't seen that movie in a long time...it was so funny! Be sure to sign up for the Phantom of the Opera movie sing-along in May (starting Monday), and look for many more movie nights on the summer schedule!

4.01.2007

Right On!

Last Friday, 24 people came to the Teen Advisory Board's 60s Night! It was solid. (I learned that word from our opening slang matching game!) The costumes ranged from psychedelic to earth mother to mod. Everyone looked groovy. Alexa and Arwa judged the costume contest, awarding prizes to Kaitlin, Maria, and Kara for the best looks. We watched lots of iconic 60s momens, including scenes from The Producers, The Birds, and The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, as well as music performances by Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. Alexa, Kara, and Caitlin won the TV show theme song contest (Alexa had a perfect score), and everyone got to make a hippie swirl using colored water, oil, and glitter. We ate foods introduced in the 60s, including Funyons, Chips Ahoy, Doritos, Cool Whip (on Jell-O), Lay's, Gatorade, and Sprite. Thanks to Maria for providing the music DVDs, and to Kara for making a choice music CD! Also, thanks to the entire TAB for their hard work on creating the decorations, setting up the room, and helping clean up at the end. We'll do another decade event again in the fall!