Recommendation: Maddigan's Fantasia

Maddigan's Fantasia by Margaret Mahy
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  This is a very exciting time-travel story.  It has good things to say about accepting a loss and doing what you can for others whatever the cost to yourself.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Surprise

Anyone out there get through the entire Lemony Snicket series? If you have, you know that the thirteenth book, The End, has thirteen chapters. Or so you think. There is a little surprise waiting for you at the end.

Picture this: You're nearing the end of the final installment in the Lemony Snicket series. You're kind of sad. You've made it through thirteen miserable stories. You notice though, that there is about twenty or so pages left. What is going on? Surprise! Another book is waiting for you! Chapter Fourteen! The real ending of the unfortunate lives of the Baudelaire children awaits!

Lesser Known Book Awards

Everyone knows the Newbery and the Caldecott, but the American Library Association gives out many more awards.  Here are books that won some less famous awards for 2010.  I put a star by the ones we have at Sellers, but you can get any book from any library anytime!  Check something out!

The Schneider Family Book Award is given for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

• *After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick (middle school winner; realistic fiction; summary)
• Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John (high school winner; realistic fiction; summary)

The Mildred L. Batchelder Award is given for an outstanding children’s book translated from a language other than English and published in the United States.

• A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux (historical fiction; summary)
• *Departure Time by Truus Matti (magical realism; summary)
• *Nothing by Janne Teller (realistic fiction; summary)

The Stonewall Book Awards are given award is given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experience.

• Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher (Stonewall Award; realistic fiction; summary)
• *will grayson, will grayson by John Green and David Levithan (Stonewall Honor; realistic fiction; summary)
• Love Drugged by James Klise (Stonewall Honor; realistic fiction; summary)
• Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin (Stonewall Honor; realistic fiction; summary)

The William C. Morris Award is given for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens.

• The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston (Morris Award; realistic fiction; summary)
• Hush by Eishes Chayil (Morris Finalist; realistic fiction; summary)
• *Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey (Morris Finalist; supernatural fiction; summary)
• Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride (Morris Finalist; supernatural fiction; summary)
• Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber (Morris Finalist; historical fiction; summary)

Book Review: Attack of the Vampire Weenies

Attack of the Vampire Weenies, and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar

Review by Saranjeet
(This book will be released on May 24, 2011)

This new book by David Lubar is a truly humorous book.  The collection of stories all related to the title of the book in one way or another.  Each story seemed to be well thought-out.  There was definitely a plot twist in each one so the resolutions ended up somewhere unexpected.  The humor made it even the more interesting.  This book is definitely a winner on my list.  It is hilarious, surreal, creative, suspenseful, and very well-crafted.

NOTE:  Author David Lubar actually visited Sellers Library in 2008.  Check out the pictures here and here.

Recommendation: Lemonade Mouth

Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Afsara
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It was really interesting.  I love the way he wrote it in different points of view.  The book was funny in a weird way.  Please keep it!  :)

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Be the First

Come in and check out one of our new books!  Stock up now for the next snow day!!

• Sweet Fifteen by Emily Adler and Alex Echevarria
• Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card
• Trackers by Patrick Carman
• The Meltdown by L. Divine (Drama High series)
• The Charmed Return by Frewin Jones (Faerie Path series)
• Departure Time by Truus Matti
• Vampire High by Sophomore Year by Douglas Rees
• The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
• Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson

Look for the New Award Winners

The American Library Association announced their award winners on January 10, but it has taken me a while to compile a list for you.  So, it's a few weeks late, but well worth the reading!  I put a star by all the books Sellers owns, but remember that you can request any book from any library.

The main award for teen fiction is called the Printz Award.  It's like the Caldecott or the Newbery, but for teens rather than children.  I'm really excited about the winner, Ship Breaker, because it's a dystopian fantasy!  Here's the 2011 Printz lineup:

• *Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (Printz Award; dystopian fantasy; summary)
• Stolen by Lucy Christopher (Printz Honor; realistic fiction; summary)
• Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King (Printz Honor; magical realism; summary)
• *Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick (Printz Honor; historical mystery; summary)
• *Nothing by Janne Teller (Printz Honor; realistic fiction; summary)

Here is some other award-winning fiction that you might want to look for:

• *Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (Newbery Medal; historical fiction; summary)
• Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus (Newbery Honor; historical fiction; summary)
• *Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers (Coretta Scott King Honor; realistic fiction; summary)
• Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Coretta Scott King Honor; magical realism; summary)
• Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri (Coretta Scott King Honor; realistic fiction; summary)

Gift Card Fundraiser

For the past six weeks, the Teen Advisory Board has been collecting partially used or unwanted gift cards from library patrons.  We received a total of $59.47 at stores ranging from Borders to Home Depot to Dunkin Donuts.   No donation was too small...one card only has $.39 left on it!  We did get a few unused $10 cards, though, so that bumped up our total. 

All donations will buy prizes and supplies for upcoming teen programs.  I will be using some of them as I shop for programs, while others will be combined to purchase $5 gift cards for prizes.  Thanks to everyone who donated a gift card!

Book Review: Tiger's Curse

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck
Review by Arig
(Click here to find a library copy.)

SUMMARY:  Kelsey Hayes 17, parents deceased, a lover of reading and drawing, is looking for a job. She gets a short job at a circus, where everyone is kind to her.  Little does she know that there is a secret to this circus. She gets to work with the dogs, see the other animals, give tickets, stand at the gift shop center and…feed Dhiren, the amazingly blue-eyed white tiger from India.

The relationship with Ren the tiger starts out cautiously. Kelsey tends to keep away a bit but she is drawn to him, as if a spell pulls her towards him. She gets lost in his beautiful eyes. She realizes that Ren isn’t like the other animals. It’s as if Ren understands her words and emotions. One day, Kelsey gathers up the courage and pets him. Their relationship begins to grow in a more comfortable and relaxing way. She reads to him and sketches him whenever she can. Suddenly, a strange Indian man named Mr. Kadam comes to visit the circus and talks to the owner. The news breaks that Ren has been sold and will return to his home country, India. Mr. Kadam offers Kelsey the opportunity to accompany him to India so she can care for the tiger while traveling. Kelsey, after building a strong bond with Ren, thinks about the offer and then takes it. And so their journey together begins.

Once in India, Kelsey makes a surprising discovery.  Kelsey and Ren are exploring a forest, but when she turns around and looks for Ren, she only finds a handsome young Indian standing in front of her. He tries assuring her and telling her that he’s Ren until finally she believes him.  Both sit as he tells Kelsey what happens. Ren has about a little time each day that he could turn from tiger to human form. He can’t pass that certain amount of time. Kelsey discovers that Ren is a centuries-year-old prince who was cursed and became a tiger with his brother. Kelsey and Ren begin to seek paths to break Ren’s curse. Kelsey gets to meet his brother Kishan while Ren takes her to a secret place he never showed anyone. Emotions erupt and the love between Ren and Kelsey grows until she has to leave for America.

OPINION:  AGH!!!! That’s the most I could say. I LOVE this book. It’s official. By far this tops almost every story I’ve red. It’s so much better than Twilight! I mean I love Twilight but I LOOOVE Tiger’s Curse. It’s amazing! It brings adventure and romance together. The romance just erupts. I was giddy the whole way through the book until I finished it.

Where do I start? Mr. Kadam is sooo cool and he’s just a great character. Kelsey is, well, the luckiest girl in the world to have Ren. I’m sooo jealous from her. But I have to agree, she has a point. Kishan is for anyone who loves the dark young, handsome men with green eyes. He’s cool and kind, but seriously wicked. Ren. Right now he’s my favorite character in the book and all other books that have romance in them. He’s every girl’s dream guy. He’s funny, handsome, smart, rich, sweet, romantic, and almost everything else you think of is him. He’s dreamy and so exciting. I think Ren brings the book to life. He just gives it this burst that leaves the reader wanting to come back for more.

If I were to rate this book from a scale of 1 to 5, I’d give it a 10. The great thing about this book is not that it’s so well written and makes the reader fall in love with Ren, but it’s the fact that not only girls will like this book. Sometimes a book is for one gender, but this book is clearly for both.  It’s wonderful! It’s terrific! I can’t explain it better than that. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone. I mean I really really really can’t wait until the next book comes out. The author did a wonderful job with this book.

ONLINE:  Visit http://www.tigerscursebook.com/, where you can join the author's Twitter feed, follow her blog, post in forums about the book, mail an e-card, and more!

Recommendation: Bucking the Sarge

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Monet
Should we keep it? YES
Why?  Because it was very funny.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: The Year of the Hangman

The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  1.  It's great read, with laughs, drama, suspense, and a satisfying ending.  2.  It raises important questions about the American Revolution and makes you want to go back and see what really happened.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Review: Freaks and Revelations

Freaks and Revelations by Davida Wills Hurwin
(Click here to find a library copy.)

SUMMARY:  This raw, moving novel follows two teenagers--one, a Mohawk-wearing 17-year-old violent misfit; the other, a gay 13-year-old cast out by his family, hustling on the streets and trying to survive. Told in alternating perspectives, the novel follows their lives before and after the violent hate crime that changed both their futures. This is a tragic but ultimately inspirational story of two polarized teens, their violent first meeting, and their peaceful reunion years later.  Inspired by the real lives of Timothy Zaal and Matthew Boger, this book is a journey from fear and hate to tolerance and hope.  And it is proof that people can truly change.  (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION:  I don't have a great imagination.  It's hard for me to understand other people's motivations for doing things that seem crazy to me.  Why would someone become a neo-Nazi?  Why would a child's family kick him out?  That's why I appreciate when authors undertake difficult subjects.  It helps give me insight and empathy for people very different than me.  Although this book is fiction, the author had many interviews with the men whose real lives inspired the story.  She created a believable, although harsh, path for both characters that allowed me to see the progression that led to the extremes of their lives.  Both boys are outsiders, but in completely different ways, and each comes to his own revelations.  I particularly appreciated Paul's accurate intuition that secrets are what has torn his family apart. The timeline of the book seemed to speed up as the story progressed, leaving me wishing for more writing about both of their adult lives, particularly Doug's transformation into a full neo-Nazi.  This book is a challenging read, as you descend into lives filled with pain, racism, homophobia, and violence.  I recommend this book to high school readers looking to read outside of their own experiences.  You won't be disappointed.

NOTE:  Freaks and Revelations was just listed as a 2010 Stonewall honor book.  The Stonewall Book Awards are given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.  It's always great to look at award lists and have actually read one of the books!

Recommendation: Babylonne

Babylonne by Catherine Jinks
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Anas
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It has a good amount of action and the story's plot is good as well.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Brain Break 2011

Today, 27 teens stopped in for Brain Break!  Everyone indulged their child-like (childish?) sides with activities like cupcake decorating, making playdough, and constructing with Legos.  We borrowed my four-year-old's board games, and people got gum if they won a game of Candy Land, Hi Ho! Cherry-O, Chutes and Ladders, or Memory.  We played Just Dance for the first time at the library, and it was hilarious!  Later, we switched to Rock Band.  At the end, Laurel was the winner of a study and snack prize basket.

 We made our own playdough.

 A cute playdough snowman and dog

 Chutes and Ladders

  Legos

Yes, that is a playdough skull.  I said she was like Hamlet, and then Jamie proceeded to quote 15 lines of Hamlet's speech to the skull.  Who knew?! 

 A very nice playdough TARDIS (it had windows and everything, but you can't see them in the pic)

Brainiacs!

Just Dance!!!

The End

Sunday night was the finale of the beloved Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana. Although it may seem cheesy and childish, I cried. Most of us have grown away from her music, we have stayed with the show. We watched Oliver leave to go on tour, saw Lily move in with the Stewarts, and saw Miley tell the world she was Hannah Montana. I don't know about the rest of the world, but to me, it felt like I knew Miley Stewart. I grew up with her and saw her tackle anything that the writers decided to throw at her. I'll never forget the show, and I'll never forget the girl who was Hannah Montana. I don't think anyone will.

Recommendation: Eva

Eva by Peter Dickinson
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Samuel
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  This book manages to be a lot of fun--thrilling, even--and to provoke a lot of thought about ecology and planetary stewardship.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Frenemies

Frenemies by Alexa Young
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Whitney
Should we keep it?  YES
Why? Because it talks about how the two friends aren't really friends, until they realize that their friendship is more important than a fight.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

More Urban Underground

Even though I've never tried it myself, I am fascinated with urban exploration.  This is particuarly true of forgotten underground areas, which is what I found so captivating about Downsiders by Neal Shusterman.  Many people actually explore the underground areas of New York that are used fictionally in that book.  Meet a few of them in this amazing article from NPR, then check out the website of one of the explorers.  I'm not sure I'd be up for visiting sewers, but I think abandoned subway stations and underground waterways would be cool.

Recommendation: Absolutely Maybe

Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Yasmine
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  Because people can learn that life isn't always easy.  It was the kind of book that you want to know what happens next and you can't put the book down.  It was a really good book and I enjoyed reading it!

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Sorcery and Cecelia

Sorcery and Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Alana
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  I liked it; it felt like a magical Jane Austen novel.  The plot is a little simplistic, but it's still better than a lot of books.  I'd keep it around.  :)

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Chocolate Night

On Friday night, 37 teens showed up for Chocolate Night.  It was crowded and crazy, but what else would you expect when I was offering free chocolate!?  We were busy all night, watching movie clips, playing games, and (of course) eating chocolate. 

We started by watching the classic "Job Switching" episode of I Love Lucy, in which Lucy and Ethel get jobs at a candy factory.  Even people who had never heard of Lucille Ball were laughing at her antics!  Everyone had a chance to guess how much chocolate was in the jar and complete their chocolate trivia while watching.  Then, we played chocolate bingo, with M&Ms for markers and white-fudge-covered Oreos as prizes.  After that, we watched the Monty Python sketch "Trade Decription Act," a.k.a. "Crunchy Frog," then played a guessing game with a box of chocolates.  We watched the opening of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory (new version) while decorating cupcakes, then rated four kinds of milk chocolate.  The Lindt milk chocolate was the favorite by far, which was no surprise.  That stuff is amazing! 

Arig and Christelle excelled at chocolate trivia, getting 12 of 15 correct.  Close behind them were Perry, Jared, and Nitha with 11 correct answers each.  They all got chocolate bars for their knowledge!  The chocolate guessing jar proved to be a bit more tricky.  Most of the answers were way too low or high.  The actual number was 618, and Maria was the only person who was even close.  Her guess was great, though:  575.

I hope everyone enjoyed Chocolate Night!  Thanks to the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health for their assistance in supporting all of our recent First Friday programs!!

 Gourmet chocolate testing and cupcake decorating supplies ready to go!

 Ready for I Love Lucy and chocolate

The cupcake on the left is Sam, the wolf from Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater!

Recommendation: The Edge on the Sword

The Edge on the Sword by Rebecca Tingle
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Katie
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  I think the teen section should keep this book because it is well written and the characters are loveable.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Book Review: The Gilda Joyce Series

The Gilda Joyce series is perfect for anyone who enjoys suspenseful stories with some ghosts, but at the same time, isn't that scary. Jennifer Allison portrays a young girl who is a self-proclaimed psychic investigator. Although Gilda's character is in her early teens, she is a very sophisticated investigator. There are currently four installments in the series: Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator, The Ladies of the Lake, The Ghost Sonata, and The Dead Drop. Pick up this book today for a great read!

Look! New Books!

I swear, the books are multiplying in the processing room!  Here are the newest items:

• King of Ithaka by Tracy Barrett
• Draw the Dark by Ilsa J. Bick
• Star Crossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
• Plus by Veronica Chambers
• Sapphique by Catherine Fisher (sequel to Incarceron)
• Z by Michael Thomas Ford
• Rush by Jonathan Friesen
• The Complete History of Why I Hate Her by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
• The Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks (Genius series)
• The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes
• Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck
• Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins
• Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? by Louise Rennison (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson; replacement copy)
• Grace by Elizabeth Scott
• My Worst Best Friend by Dyan Sheldon
• My Fake Boyfriend Is Better Than Yours by Kristina Springer

Recommendation: Voss

Voss:  How I Come to America and Am Hero, Mostly by David Ives
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Saranjeet
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  I think this book definitely should be kept because it is a great story and immensely funny.  Many people will enjoy this book once they start reading it!

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Letters from the Inside

Letters from the Inside by John Marsden
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Imani
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  Because this book is very good.  It relates to some of the things that happen in people's lives.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Check These Out

We just can't stop getting new books!  Here are the latest:

• The Goblin Gate by Hilari Bell
• The Dark Game:  True Spy Stories by Paul B. Janczko
• The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
• Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
• The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
• The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer
• Bruiser by Neal Shusterman
• The White Horse Trick by Kate Thompson
• Not that Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
• Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences by Brian Yansky

Recommendation: The New Policeman

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Alana
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  This book has a lot of Irish mythology in it, which separates it from a lot of the modern fairytale stories out there.  It's appropriate for just about everyone, and it has traditional Irish music in it (which I am just dying to hear played).  J.J. is a relatable protagonist, Aengus is just downright gorgeous, and getting rid of either this book or its sequel (The Last of the High Kings) would be a crime.  Plus, it's one of my very favorite books.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Program Cancellations

I just found out that my (minor) surgery will be on January 20.  I will only be out a little over a week, but some programs will be impacted.  Here's the info:

Friday, January 21--Read & Rant Book Group cancelled (will be rescheduled)
Monday, January 24--Gaming Club cancelled
Wednesday, January 26--Brain Break #2 cancelled
Friday, January 28--Anime Club cancelled

Recommendation: Boy Proof

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Genni
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  This is a great book.  I love romance books, and this is a good romance, but slightly weird, whilch makes it different.  And that makes it good.  I read this book in three days, which is pretty good for me.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Happy New Year!

It's 1-1-11 today!