Writers' Workshop Silly Stories Redux

At the final meeting of the Writers' Workshop in June, we had fun doing wild round-robin story writing. We each started a story, then passed to the next person to continue. At the end of the meeting, we had written six rather bizarre stories. A few are included below. Enjoy!!

Want to know who wrote what? Giselle suggested that I color-code the stories, so here is the code:
Giselle = RED
Kaitlyn the Younger = PURPLE
Caitlin the Elder = OLIVE
Megan of the B = BLUE
Megan of the G = ORANGE
Gretchen = GREEN

Here are some old Quotes of the Day I just found from our Writers' Workshop meetings!

"We're like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...except we're all wearming different pants!" --Caitlin the Elder

"Gretchen is not mature enough to give anyone a 'mom-look'!" --Megan of the G

Megan of the G: "I distinctly heard a turkey."
Megan of the B: "No, that was just some Italian guy singing."

Story Started by Giselle

Fiona stepped out into the early morning fog. Dressed in her jogging clothes and with her ear buds in, she finished stretching and started jogging. While listening to Smashmouth, she quickly want around the block once and started on another lap.

Suddenly, she felt like she was being followed. Inconspiculously, she paused her MP3 player. She didn't hear anything behind her, but fog can consume even the loudest noises. She decided against looking over her shoulder, for that would tell her follower she was afraid. She didn't speed up or slow down either. She finished the lap after what seemed like forever and was taking out her keys when someone grabbed her. She let out a yell, but it was muffled by a large hand that had a ring on the middle finger. "Don't move," a low voice said as a sharp object pressed against her lower back. "And don't even think about trying to yell for help."

Fiona could feel the blade digging deeper and it began to pierce her skin. "Help,...please...someone help me!" she thought. "I'll save you!" came a deep, powerful voice from above. Fiona gasped. It was Mighty Mouse! "Whaaaat?" said the attacker, as he was pummeled by the cartoon rodent superhero. The attacker released Fiona and slid to the ground, unconscious from the mouse's fierce onslaught. Mighty Mouse wrestled away the knife, passed it off to Finoa, then told her to run inside and call 911. Dazed by the attack (and confused as to why a cartoon mouse had entered reality), Fiona made the call.

Within minutes, the police had arrived. But Mighty Mouse was nowhere to be seen! The police jumped out of their cars and saw Fiona brandishing a knife over an unconscious boday. So they did the only logical thing. "Ma'am, you're under arrest," they said. "What?! But I didn't do anything. Honestly!" Fiona protested. "Sorry Miss, but we have to take you down to the station anyway. Come on, ma'am." Finoa protested the whole way to the car. "It wasn't me, it was Mighty Mouse." The cops exchanged glances. "Ma'am, would you please recite the alphabet backwards?" "No," Fiona said rather bluntly, "but I'll recite the prepositions: about, above, across, after, against..."

Suddenly, she was saved from the recitation by the arrival of Zeus, the god of thunder! "Excuse me," he said. "I was supposed to use some deus-ex-machina for a Miss Fiona...Fiona...?" He struggled to read the smudged last name on his memo. "Clearview?" Fiona said helpfully, for that was her last name. "Nope, a Fiona Clearfield," Zeus answered, reading the name with the help of his glasses. Anyone here by that name?" Nobody answered. "Oh well," Zeus said as he left the building. The deus-ex-machina never arrived for poor Fiona, and she spent two years in prision for attempted murder. So much for plot twists. THE END.

Story Started by Megan of the G

"It was a dark and stormy night," started Ben, the one who was lucky enough to be chosen to go first in the ghost story contest. "Man, that is lame!" shouted Jeff, who was, at the moment, pissed off at stereotypes. His dark attire always caused people to brand him Gothic. "Will ya let me continue?" asked Ben. "As I was saying, it was a dark and stormy night. A family was out in the woods camping. They made toast." He paused for dramatic effect. "And no one knew what to put on it. Should they use butter, or jelly, or...?" He was interrupted as Lisa threw her pillow at him. "Ben, we said ghost story, not toast story!" Ben, who wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, just shrugged.

Lisa said, "If you want to hear a REAL ghost story, listen up. There was this guy who murdered an old geezer. Nobody knew why he did it, but the guy claimed that it was the geezer's blind eye. It followed him everywhere, and it drove him insane. Anyway, the guy chopped up the geezer but kept his heart intact. The guy gently placed the heart under the floorboards and..." "Hey! Stop stealing from Edgar Allan Poe," Jeff interrupted. "What?" Ben asked. "Pft! Figures," Lisa sneered. "Only Count Drags-His-Pants over there would know about somebody as moody as Poe." "Do you have to call me a Goth?" Jeff said.

Suddenly, the lights went out, a bat flew in through the open window and turned in Count Drag-You-Lot. "I've come to drag you lot out of here!" he said. "AHHH!" yelled Lisa in mock fright. "You have got to be kidding me." Then, a net dropped down from out of nowhere, encasing all the teens. Drag-You-Lot grabbed the net and flew out the window. "Oh crud," he shouted as he accidentally dropped the net three stories to the ground. "I hope they are still ripe."

Then a giant moth flew into Count Drag-You-Lot, sending him into a nearby apartment. The moth screeched and flapped its large wings. Down below (three stories to be exact) the teens groaned as they awoke to find themselves in the net still, but in the palm of a giant monkey. Jeff was the first to notice the fight going on above. "Oh my God, it's Mothra!" "What? Who the hell is Mothra?" yelled everyone else. "Well," Jeff started, "It's some giant moth scary thing that weird manga people like. I don't know much about it, but Mothra's a bad dude. I think we're better off with Godzilla here," he said, jerking his thumb toward the monkey.
But just then, the monkey swung the net of teens over his shoulder and started climbing up the apartment building toward the fight. "Holy Bleep!" the teens all yelled, as the Monkey continued to climb. Then, all of the sudden, when tall the villains were atop the building, a huge bolt of lightning appeared, striking them all on the head. All the villains fell to the ground and turned into little puppies. "Well, that was freaky," said Jeff. And so they each took a puppy as a souvenier. But as they picked up the puppies, bolts of light struck each of them, turning them into creatures of the night for all eternity.

Story Started by Gretchen

"Brrrrriiiinnnnggg!" Satan rushed to the oven and pulled a pan of his famous devil's food brownies out of the fire and brimstone. He stuck one pointy claw in the center, and it came out clean. "Perfect," he intoned. "Just like Mom used to make!" Just then, Scrimshaw, a junior demon, ran into Hell's kitchen. "Hey Chief, what's the yummy smell?" "Yummy?" queried Satan. "We do not use words like 'yummy' in Hell, dear Scrimshaw." "Sorry, Chief," said Scrimshaw.

"Can I have one?" asked Scrimshaw. "Only if you do me a favor first," replied Satan diabolically. "What's that, Satan?" asked Scrimshaw. "Well, I want you to go to Heaven and capture the one called God," Satan said menacingly. "What? No! I can't!" said Scrimshaw fearfully. "Well, OK," said Scrimshaw, reconsidering. "I guess I'll just have to eat one of the brownies before I go!" "What?!" thundered Satan in his best scary voice. "I, bestow one of my brownies upon a mere lower demon for no good reason!?" "Well," replied Scrimshaw, "you have to, or I'm not getting God for you. Satan raged and fumed, but there was not way out except to give the impudent imp what he desired. So the Devil gave the evil extortionist a brownie, and Scrimshaw was on his way.

While resting on the Earth's surface after leaving Hell, Scrimshaw decided to sample his prize. He took a huge bite, then spat it out in disgust. "Yuck! That really is the Devil's own brownie!" So he threw it on the ground, where it was discovered by a teenaged female basilisk, who quickly gobbled it up. "Oh my evil Lord!" she sighed. "What a delectable sweet! And just the right amount of mice intestines, too!"

She turned to Scrimshaw and asked, "You! Are you the one who held the brownie last?" "Uhhh...yeah," Scrimshaw said, seeing the basilisk's fangs dripping with acid, poison, and intensively carbonated soda. The basilish wrapped herself around Scrimshaw. "Your brownies are perfect," she squealed. "I must have more! And in return, I offer my hand in marriage." "Well..." Scrimshaw said, looking over the lovestruck basilisk, "It was the last one. I'll have to go make more." He turned around to leave, but the basilisk looked him straight in the eyes and he turned to stone.

"Ha!" the basilisk laughed, but soon the laughter faded. "Darn. I want more BROWNIES!" the basilisk slithered her way through the pathways of Hell, following the other demon's scent back to Hell's kitchen. "I WANT BROWNIES!" the basilisk yelled at Satan, who was startled by the sudden appearance of the slithery, hungry creature. "GIVE ME BROWNIES!" "No," Satan said, regaining his composure. "They're mine!" "MIIIINNNNEEE!" said the basilisk, and the looked at Satan and turned him to stone. The basilisk ate the last of the brownies and settled down to take a long nap.

Story Started by Caitlin the Elder

Felicia was bored that day. She lived in a place called Super Happy Land, where everyone would be kind, friendly, even loving to each other. Then, whe remembered ancient lore of earlier dead countries. Things were better there. They had poverty, pollution, prejudice, violence, obscenities, and conspiricies! That place was called the Euasuvei. "I will find the legendary Euasuvei," Felicia decided. "Not just because I'm bored, but also to make the world a better place!" So she packed up her things and left to see the wise elder for a way to get to the Euasuvei.

"I'm going out, Ma!" Felicia called to her mother. Her mother replied, "I don't think so, young lady! Your room is atrocious, you have homework out the wazoo, you have the dog to feed and 4,000,000,000 other things to do!!" Here she stopped to take a breath. "MARCH!" "But Ma, I need to--" Felicia said. "No 'buts.' I have plenty of butt with your two little brothers in diapers," interrupted her mother.

Felicia started up the steps when a small black cat lept in front of her and sat down on the 5th step. "Uhh...where'd you come from, little kitty? Huh?" She looked around and saw a window hearby was open, curtains flowing in the breeze. The cat meowed once and ran upstairs in a blur of black, with a small amount of white from the tip of its tail. "Hey!" said Felicia. She followed the cat as it went down the hallway towards the bathroom. The door was half-closed, a strange psychadelic glow eminating from the small room. She stood in front of the door as the cat went in and slurped a drink from the glowing toilet. After drinking, the cat transformed--before Felicia's very eyes--into a tall, dark-skinned figure in shimmering green robes.

The figure spoke: "Tired of Super Happy Land? Wish you could engage in some obscenity? How about some pollution? Well, do I have a deal for you! For just 6 easy installments of $19.95, you can use my amazing Anti-Happy Time Travel Device to return to the good old days in Euasuvei. How about it?" "Ahhh...ummm...sure, I guess, but... I really, really have to clean my room," Felicia said, unsure of the dark stranger's intentions. But before she could move, he shoved her through the potty portal and into the Euasuvei.

Unfortunately, no one in 2005 had a time machine to send her back, so she lived out her days happily in the land of pollution and obscenities until a nuclear bomb blew up the earth. The End.

Book Review: Montmorency

Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale

SUMMARY: When a petty theif falls through a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a whole new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and--with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system--he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman, Montmorency, and his degenerate servant, Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smalles mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: Adventure! Danger! Crime! Raw Sewage! What more could you want in a book?? Montmorency is an upscale criminal with a very convincing double life. His amazing memory and attention to detail keep him out of the hands of the law...but some of his acquaintances begin to figure out his secrets. Can his alter-ego Scarper continue his criminal activities while Montmorency enjoys the good life? This gripping story will keep you reading and wondering until the very end. And if you enjoy this one, we also have the sequel--Montmorency on the Rocks: Doctor, Aristocrat, Murderer?

Ray Cattie Author Visit!

Tonight, we had a crowd of about 35 people gather to meet author Ray Cattie and hear about his new book, Ard Righ: The Sword on the Stone. Ray told us about his writing process, read aloud an exciting battle passage, and signed books. The group also asked some great questions during our Q & A session about everything from the mechanics of getting published to the interpretation of the Arthurian legends. This was Ray Cattie's first author talk and booksigning ever, so he did a great job! If you missed it, he will be doing another visit to the Primos Library in October.

Book Review: Ironman

Ironman by Chris Crutcher

SUMMARY: Bo has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. The rage he feels gives him the energy as a triathlete to press his body to the limit, but it also translates into angry outbursts toward his teachers. Now dangerously close to expulsion from school, Bo has been assigned to Anger Management sessions with the school "truants." With an eclectic mix of hard-edged students, Bo may finally have to deal with his long-brewing hatred for his father--before it eats away at him completely. (from the back cover)

OPINION: I am a fan of Chris Crutcher, but I had never read Ironman. Alexa highly recommended it because it is tied with Whale Talk as her favorite Chris Crutcher book. So I took it home yesterday and proceeded to read the entire thing in one sitting! Good suggestion, Alexa! I am not much of an athlete (total understatement), but this is more than just a sports novel. Family issues, school issues, training issues, personal issues...you name it, this book has issues! It makes for a complex, psychological story. And a final comment: Mr. Nak, the Japanese cowboy, is a great character!

MORE INFO: We just got new paperbacks of all of Chris Crutcher's older books, so look for them in the Teen Corner. To find out more about Chris Crutcher and his writing, visit http://www.chriscrutcher.com and also read his autobiography, King of the Mild Frontier.

Harry Potter Celebration!

On Friday, July 16, 75 teens, kids, and parents came to enjoy our Harry Potter release party. It was an after-hours lock-in, so participants had full run of the library! Everyone enjoyed great Hogwarts activities, theme snacks, a performance by a magician, and prizes!! At midnight, two lucky winners got copies of the book. Check out the photos below!

Book Review: By These Ten Bones

By These Ten Bones by Clare B. Dunkle

SUMMARY: A mysterious young man has come to a small Highland town. His talent for wood carving soon wins the admiration of the weaver's daughter, Maddie. Fascinated by the silent carver, she sets out to gain his trust, only to find herself drawn into a terrifying secret that threatens everything she loves. There is an evil presence in the carver's life that cannot be controlled, and Maddie watches her town fall under a shadow. One by one, people begin to die. Caught in the middle, Maddie must decide what matters most to her-and what price she is willing to pay to keep it. (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: I am not ususally a big reader of books about creatures of the night, but this one drew me in right away with its vivid medieval village setting and sensibility. The village people believe in the supernatural, yet resort to very natural ways of dealing with the evil they sense around them. The violence in this book is largely the work of the villagers themselves as they try to expel the dark presence lurking in their valley. But the creature seeks revenge, and only Maddie can stop him once and for all. This short book will attract readers of historical and supernatural fiction alike through skillful characterization and suspenseful pacing.

Book Review: And Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers

And Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers: More Mad, Marvy Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison (NEW!!)

SUMMARY: We are going to Hamburger-a-gogo land! We are going there so that I can follow the Luuurve God, Masimo. He has gone to visit his olds, leaving me, his new (and lurker-free) nearly girlfriend, in Billy Shakespeare land. So he thinks! Imagine how thrilled he will be when I pop up where he is and say “Howdy!” Or whatever it is they say over there. Let the overseas snog fest begin!!! (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: This is the sixth book in the series, and it is every bit as hilarious as all the others. Plus, it comes with a great tell-all CD-ROM! Georgia and Jas take America (a.k.a. Hamburger-a-gogo land) by storm, with excellent bar-stool bronco-riding and much disco dancing. And back home in Billy Shakespeare land, luuurve is in the air for Georgia...only not in the ways she expected! Will the forehead-challenged Lindsay win Masimo, or will Dave the Laugh's advice help Georgia get the thorough snogging she desires? What exactly is Dave the Laugh's interest in Georgia, anyway? And what should she do about an unexpectedly sweet letter from a certain Sex God in Kiwi-a-gogo land? The fabitty-fab-fab-fab saga of Georgia's love life continues!

WEBSITE: Read a great Teen Reads interview with Louise Rennison to find out all about her real-life inspirations for her books!

Book Review: Peeps

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
On Sale: August 25, 2005

SUMMARY: One year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying in New York City than in attending his biology classes. Now, after a fateful encounter with a mysterious woman named Morgan, biology has become, literally, Cal’s life. Cal was infected by a parasite that has a truly horrifying effect on its host. Cal himself is a carrier, unchanged by the parasite, but he’s infected the girlfriends he’s had since Morgan—-and all have turned into the ravening ghouls Cal calls peeps. The rest of us know them as vampires. And it’s Cal’s job to hunt them down before they can create even more of their kind... (from the inside flap)

OPINION: Many of you know Scott Westerfeld as the author of So Yesterday, but wait 'til you read this new one!! I liked the ARC of Peeps so much that I am giving it its own entry. This is an amazing new book that totally turns around the myths and legends of the vampire and incorporates them into a modern scientific scenario. Every other chapter contains TRUE information about really gross parasites. The remaining chapters tell a story of vampirism reimagined as a parasitic disease. Those with the disease are known as "parasite-positives" or "peeps" for short, hence the title. I don't often rave about vampire books, but this is a MUST READ!!!

Bean Bags Are Here!

A few weeks ago, the TAB voted to spend its yardsale money on two beanbags for the teen corner. But getting bean bags from a library company was way too expensive...the shipping would have cost more than the bean bags!! So Mrs. Ryan and I have been searching every store for bean bags, but with no luck. Finally, today, I was in WAL-MART (of all places), and found some! They are a pinky-red and a limey-green. The best part is, they only cost $30, so we still have money to spend. Check out the action shot below!

Jester Workshop!

Medieval court jesters entertained at the court, but also used humor to disguise hard messages so that the King and Queen would listen. Tonight, 16 teens came to the library to learn the art of playing the fool. Rich Andrews came to instruct us in juggling, balloon animals, and "stupid human tricks." Everyone had a great time, as shown in photos below.

Camelot Returns!

That's right. The legendary castle and court of King Arthur will be recreated in a very silly fashion by the TAB on Wednesday, August 17, from 6:30 to 8:30. They have already started working on some decorations, photographed below.

If you are interested in a serious event about Camelot, visit us on Tuesday, August 16, from 7:00 to 8:30 for a talk by Ray Cattie, a local author. His new book is called Ard Righ: The Sword on the Stone, and it weaves together many of the Arthurian legends.

Sign-ups for both events are going on now!

Book Review: Chasing Vermeer

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

SUMMARY: When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal! (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: I really enjoyed the puzzles, coincidences, and challenges of this book. Clues appear in the text and the pictures, and seemingly random events hold patterned meanings. Read this book when you have some time to concentrate on the mysterious and consider the unexplained. Then take your analysis of art to the next level by checking out Graeme Base's amazing picture mystery, The Eleventh Hour.

SP Night

Tonight, 16 teens attended our very first GameBoy Advance SP Night. We were all very happy that the upstairs air conditioner got fixed in time! Everybody seemed to have fun while the Pokemon battles raged, both in and out of the tournament structure. Thanks to Rachel for bringing her GameCube for the 3-D projection of the final battles. Will (the event organizer) won the tournament, but don't worry...next time he won't be participating! Look for another SP Night on the fall program schedule.

ARC Roundup

I have been reading a lot of Advance Reading Copies (ARCs) lately. These books are cheap paperbacks put out by publishers ahead of hardcover publication to try to get some buzz going on! If the book gets favorable press, it helps sales to schools, libraries, and stores. Here is a list of the titles, publication dates, and my opinions about what I've been reading.

Car Trouble by Jeanne DuPrau
On Sale: August 1, 2005
Duff Pringle has a high school diploma, a job lined up on the West Coast, a new used car, money in the bank, and a license to drive. He sets out on the ultimate road trip, driving across the country. But when he breaks down a few hours from home, Duff must make his way on his own. This is a huge departure from DuPrau's earlier fantasy novels, The City of Ember and The People of Sparks. The book is an enjoyable, realistic read, with great characters (including Stu, a bum and some-time thief, and Bonnie, a tough-girl singer). A classic car, thugs, stolen money, and a mystery were not part of Duff's orignial travel plans, but they made this book a road trip to remember.

Chloe Lieberman (Sometimes Wong) by Carrie Rosten
On Sale: September 13, 2005
Chloe Lieberman is half Jewish, half Chinese, and totally enthralled by fashion. She always knows what to wear, and she knows what you should be wearing. It's part of her self-proclaimed "Fashion Disorder." The only problem? She hasn't applied to colleges, like her parents think she did. This book is somewhat predictable, but really funny and totally fashion forward. Love killer clothes? Love unique style?? Pick it up when you need a quick read.

Flashcards of My Life by Charise Mericle Harper
On Sale: January 4, 2006.
When Emily receives an unexpected birthday gift, a pack of note cards labeled Flashcards of My Life, she uses them for journal writing inspiration to try to untangle her increasingly knotted life. This book perfectly captures the important things in middle school life: boys, friendships, and school (in that order). You will totally relate to Emily's assessments of everything, from comments about her mom's crazy diet plan to diagrams of what happens when your boy friend wants to be your boyfriend. My big problem with this book was that it is all written as a first person journal, yet Emily reveals that she hates journaling in the first few pages of the book! It screamed "PLOT DEVICE"!!! Still, whether you are going to middle school or are already there, you will appreciate the characters in this book.

Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family by Steven R. Schirripa and Charles Fleming
On Sale: September 13, 2005
Rich kid Nicholas Borelli's camp closes down, so he has to spend two weeks at his grandmother's house in Brooklyn and learn how to be a true goomba. This book bored me in the first few chapters. If you have seen any mob movies, or The Sopranos, then you don't need to read this book. If you want to read a teen mob book that actually has a plot, I suggest Gordon Korman's hilarious Son of the Mob and Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle.

Ready or Not by Meg Cabot
On Sale: July 26, 2005
All-American Girl Samantha Madison is back in this sex-obsessed sequel. I really liked the first book (I actually OWN it), but, frankly, this one bored me. It seemed to me that the author was trying too hard to insert pop culture references, and in the process I felt that Sam lost some of the qualities which made me like her in the first place! The best moment in the book is when all the kids in the cafeteria at her exclusive prep school stand up and declare themselves sluts. That's actually a high point in the story. Enough said.

Book Review: Kira-Kira

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

SUMMARY: Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South, it's Lynn who explains why people stop them on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, it is up to Katie to fine a way to remind the family that there is always something glittering--kira-kira--in the future. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: I hadn't heard of this book before it won the 2005 Newbery Medal, but I can say it is a good read for teens. A Japanese family moving to Georgia in the 1950s provides another perspective on the race issues of the time, which is interesting to think about. But what is really appealing about this book is the relationship between the sisters. If you have a sister, or even if you wish you did, this book explores both the joy and agony of family relationships.

Book Review: Dread Locks

Dread Locks (Dark Fusion #1) by Neal Shusterman

SUMMARY: Parker Baer has it all, and is bored with his life as a priveleged rich kid. When the exotic-looking Tara moves in next door, Parker is intrigued by her beauty, as well as by her odd behaviors. Her curly hair seems almost alive, she always wears reflective sunglasses, and she doesn't understand the concept of personal property. But Parker realizes something more sinister lurks behind Tara's beauty as he watches her befriend students at his school...and one by one they start changing...

OPINION: The concept behind Shusterman's new series is a fusion of myth, legend, and fairy tale. This book is brings together Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the legend of Medusa. If you know both of those stories, then you won't be surprised by a lot of the action in this book, until the very end. Nonetheless, it was a quick read that kept me hooked. If you like the Fear Street or Cirque du Freak books, or just horror/suspense in general, pick it up! Titles to follow this one include Red Rider's Hood and Duckling Ugly.

Successful Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament!

Last night was our third Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament, and it was the best one yet! Thirty teens participated in the tournament and Thai and Alan acted as judges. Many of the players were from our Friday club, but we mixed it up a little with some new faces. Still, at the end, club members Troy and Kevin faced off in a tense one-duel final match. Troy emerged victorious, but both top players won candy (from me) and some card packs (from Thai). Also, Adam was randomly selected from the other players to win candy. Look for another tournament in the fall!

Book Review: Boy Proof

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci (NEW!)

SUMMARY: Her name is Egg. She's named herself after the kick-ass heroine of her favorite sci-fi movie, Terminal Earth. She always knows the right answers, she's always in control, and she can't be bothered with friends--much less members of the opposite sex. As far as she's concerned, she's boy proof. And she likes it that way. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: Nerdy girls unite! If you have ever felt invisible in your school, this book will totally resonate with you. Egg is an intelligent, independent person who thinks and acts differently than everyone else, and she doesn't want to let down her guard long enough to find out if she'd actually like them. Mix in an engaging first-person narrative and a star-studded Hollywood setting (not to mention a worthwhile BOY), and this book becomes a great way to pass an afternoon.

Book Review: The Waterless Sea

The Waterless Sea by Kate Constable

SUMMARY: Calwyn and her friends have come to the distant Empire of Merithuros to rescue two children with the magical gift of chantment. But saving the children shatters more than just the Palace: It uncovers long-hidden secrets of the man Calwyn loves, and shudders the foundations of the Empire itself. Calwyn will find a way to restore harmony in Merithuros...but its costs will be as deep as they are unexpected. (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: This is the second book in the Chanters of Tremaris trilogy. The third is due out early next year, and I can't wait! Marissa recommended these books to me, and I agree with her. They are great fantasy: the action takes place in a unique world, but the characters are ones you will identify with. If you are looking to immerse yourself in another world this summer, spend a few days with The Singer of All Songs and The Waterless Sea.

Book Review: Talk

Talk by Kathe Koja

SUMMARY: When Kit Webster is cast as the male lead in the school play, Talk, he expects to escape his own life for a while and become a different person. What he gets instead is the role of a lifetime: Kit Webster. The play is controversial, and the parents put pressure on the school to shut it down. When Kit and the cast/crew rally to save Talk, they find themselves deep into a battle for the truth: onstage, and inside themselves. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: This book is short, but really engaging. The chapters are told in alternating voices by the male and female leads of the play, Kit and Lindsay, with pages of the play's script periodically included between chapters. The stream-of-consciousness writing style will grab your attention, even through difficult dicussions about censorship, coming out, unrequited love, and friendship. This book is slim but satisfying.

New Books!

Oh yeah! The circulation in the teen section is way up, and that helps me plead the case for new books. And the money gods have answered with a selection of new titles:

FICTION:

• Best Foot Foreward by Joan Bauer
• I Was a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block
• Rush Hour, Volume 3: Face edited by Michael Cart
• Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci
• Runner by Carl Deuker
• Burning City by Ariel and Joaquin Dorfman
• Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper
• Invisible by Pete Hautman
• Conrad’s Fate by Diana Wynne Jones
• Black Juice by Margo Lanagan
• Figs and Fate: Stories about Growing Up in the Arab World Today by Elsa Marston
• The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
• Singer by Jean Thesman
• Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee

NONFICTION:

• Teen Ink: Love and Relationships edited by Stephanie H. Meyer and John Meyer
• A Maze Me: Poems for Girls by Naomi Shihab Nye
  

Book Review: The Revealers

The Revealers by Doug Wilhelm

SUMMARY: Parkland Middle School is called "Darkland" by the students because no one in it does much to stop the bullying and harassment of kids by other kids. Three new friends find themselves among the targets--until they find a way to make everyone in the school face up to what's really going on. Before long, Darkland is being turned inside out. But there are people in the school who don't like seeing their actions brought to light. Will the bullying stop...or just get worse? (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: I know that school bullying happens. I have been in middle school. I have been a teacher. I usually find books about bullying to be annoying because they are boring, stereotypical, or totally unrealistic. This book is not any of those. It is fast-paced and interesting, especially in that the students in the book really do find an innovative way to change the character of their school. This book would be a much better choice than The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar for summer reading.

Book Review: The Seeing Stone

The Seeing Stone (Book 1 in the Arthur Trilogy) by Kevin Crossley-Holland (NEW!)

SUMMARY: The year is 1199 and on the borders of England and Wales young Arthur de Caldicot waits impatiently to grow up and become a knight. One day his father's friend Merlin gives Arthur a shining black stone--a seeing stone--that shows him visions of his namesake, King Arthur. At first, there seems to be no connection between Arthurs past and present. Manor life for Arthur de Calidicot is a complex struggle of terrible secrets and haunting jealousies. Nothing like the red and white dragons, or the sword in the stone. And yet...there is something binding the two Arthurs together. (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: There are 100 short chapters in this novel, and all of them contribute to a total picture that encompasses not just the Arthurian legends, but also manor life in the 13th century. It is really cool how legends and reality intertwine to create one coherent story without being confusing. This book is the first in a trilogy, and I can't wait to read the other two: At the Crossing-Places and King of the Middle March. Look for all three books in our teen section!

Book Review: Stained

Stained by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

SUMMARY: Jocelyn has two boys in her life. And a priest. Gabe has shared fourteen years of growing up next door. He's "a golden boy, an all-star." Yet now, in the spring of 1975, he's missing. Benny has only been in New Hampshire since January, yet for Joss, he's the answer to a long-held prayer. She loves them both. Father Warren is a link between the three of them. Or a wedge. Or a threat. In a story shot with suspense, these four characters, and the lives of others they've touched in their small town, intermingle with unforgettable force. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: I knew from the first page of this book that it involved priest sex abuse. I mean, it's a huge topic in the news, so any story with a priest is suspect. But this book is character-driven, not issue-driven. You will be instantly engaged in the story through the interactions of Joss, Gabe, and Benny. And Father Warren is truely twisted, though not in ways you might expect. This book moves back and forth between the past and the present, making its way to a stunning conclusion that sets Joss's "stained soul" straight once and for all. The writing in this book is beautiful; the last few pages are particularly amazing.

NEW! Joust Read Book List

This week, I made a new teen book list of titles that go along with our summer theme. It is called, of course, Joust Read!! It includes fantasy, contemporary and historical fiction, short stories, and series books. Pick up a copy of the list on the Teen Beat summer reading display and look for the books in our teen section!

Book Review: The Sledding Hill

The Sledding Hill by Chris Crutcher

SUMMARY: Fourteen-year-old Billy Bartholomew is dead. His best friend, Eddie Proffit, is not. Eddis has always had a mind that worked in odd ways. Odd and brilliant. Like now. He's on the sledding hill. Him and Billy. They're talking the way they always did. About school. About Jesus. About freedom. About banning books and fighting for books. Eddie knows it might make people think he's crazy, but talking to Billy helps him figure out exactly how to deal with the political issues happening in his community.(adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: I really wanted to like this book. I love Chris Crutcher. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is an amazing book that everyone should read. I usually appreciate the complexity of the characters and situations in his books. But this one didn't do much for me. Eddie is a great character, and one I was totally invested in finding out about, particularly as Billy makes contact with him. But many of the other characters came out as stereotypes in the book banning portion of the story, such as "the intolerant pastor," "the heroic librarian," "the political school board," and "the sanctimonious students." Sure, Crutcher is one of the most banned YA authors around today (probably second only to Judy Blume); if anyone should write this book, it's him. And it's totally cool how he writes himself into the story. Still, I just wish the second half of the book continued the character development rather than devolving into a series of speeches. Also, the title really doesn't have a whole lot to do with the story. Nevertheless, if you are a Crutcher fan or if you are into free speech issues, you should pick up this book.

BEST QUOTE: "Man, why do they want to control your head? Jesus would have finished that book. He would of taken Chris Crutcher out for a McWine and McBread lunch after he read it, too. He would of underlined all the good parts and read 'em to His friends out in some corner of the playground. Jesus was a tough guy. Didn't those guys READ those Bible lessons? Jesus wouldn't stop you from reading stuff; he'd talk to you after you did." (p.145-146)

Book Review: I Was a Teenage Fairy

I Was a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block (NEW!)

SUMMARY: This is the story of Barbie Marks, who dreams of being the one behind the camera, not some barely flesh-and-blood version of the plastic doll she was named after. It is the story of Griffin Tyler, whose androgynous beauty hides the dark pain within him. And finally, it is the story of Mab, a pinkie-sized, magenta-haired, straight-talking fairy who may or may not be real. (excerpted from the back cover)

OPINION: This postmodern fairy tale is told in a stream-of-consciousness style that will pique your interest as it dares you try to sort out whether Mab actually exists. I was hooked after the first page! This is not a teen issue book, but these teens have issues. And Mab is the one thing they need to correct the wrongs in their lives.

Second Sisterhood Event a Success!

Tonight, 15 more teens came to make butt pillows at the library to celebrate the new Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie. We had a great time, and everyone's pillow creations were wonderful. If you have not read the Sisterhood books, get in here and check them out!!

At the event, Kari won a Teen Ink book and cute kitten socks. Everyone from the Monday and Wednesday events also entered to win a signed copy of The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares. The winner of the book was Marissa. Congratulations!!!

Here are our Ten Rules of the Pants Pillows:

1. No farting on the pillow.
2. No one else may use the pillow, except BFFs.
3. Boys may not touch the pillow. This includes dads and brothers.
4. No pillow fighting.
5. Do not wash the pillow.
6. The pillow must stay on your bed, except while it is traveling.
7. Cats may not use the pillow for a scratching post. Dogs may not use it for a chew toy. Generally, there must be no animal usage.
8. Do not put food in the pockets.
9. Do put money, notes from secret admirers, and other cool stuff in the pockets.
10. Love your butt, no matter what shape or size it is!

First Sisterhood Event

Tonight, we had our first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Butt Pillow event. Twelve girls made really great pillows out of old jeans, decorating them with ribbon, beads, patches, and writing. Olivia won a pair of fabulously fluffy flip-flops, and everyone entered to win a signed copy of the second Sisterhood book by Ann Brashares. (The drawing for that will be on Wednesday evening.)

Learn more about the Sisterhood! Visit the Sisterhood Book Website or the Sisterhood Movie Website to do lots of fun online stuff.

Here are our Ten Rules of the Pants Pillows:

1. No pillow fighting.
2. Do not wash the pillow.
3. Do not stuff the pillow in your closet. Keep it on your bed.
4. You can sit on it, as long as it doesn't mess up the pillow.
5. No one else may use the pillow.
6. Do not put food in the pockets of the pillow.
7. Do use the pockets for nice notes, pictures, and lip gloss.
8. Boys are not allowed to unstuff the pillow.
9. Do take the pillow on vacation.
10. Use the pillow at least two times a week.

Melee on the Lawn!

Tonight, 30 teens and several other spectators enjoyed a presentation by two knights from the Society for Creative Anachronism. Darmon and Az donated their time for our Joust Read summer program kick-off event, and we are very glad that the rain went away so we could do this outdoors! Darmon and Az showed their armor, described fighting weapons and defenses, answered questions, and (of course) demonstrated some fighting. They also taught us some basic swordfighting moves with our excellent neon inflatable swords! It was really cool. At the end, Daniel and Gore won bobblehead knights donated by the PA Ren Faire.

If you missed the program or if you want more information, check out these weblinks:

East Kingdom (oversees Mid-Atlantic States, New England States, Eastern Canadian Provinces)
Shire of Hartshorn-Dale (servers Chester and Montgomery Counties)
The Barony of Bhakail (serves Philadelphia and Delaware Counties)
SCA Rules of the Lists (basic rules governing SCA combat)
SCA Weapons Standards
SCA Armor Requirements

Book Review: Alice MacLeod, Realist at Last

Alice MacLeod, Realist at Last by Susan Juby

SUMMARY: This book is the third one about Alice, intrepid fashionista and overall individualistic personality. With a jailed mother and a jobless father, Alice feels some reponsibility for her family. Not enough responsibility to motivate her to help around the house or give them her summer job money, but enough to write herself in as the heroine of her amazing screenplay. After all, she is only working until Quentin Tarantino buys the rights to it and makes her famous.

OPINION: These books are really quirky, but in a good way. Alice is hilariously unique, especially with her thrift-store chic ensembles. In this book, Alice even manages to put her own spin on the typical "summer romance," with three bizarre boy experiences that might put your personal boyfriend troubles to shame! Read the other two Alice books first, then pick this one up!

Book Review: The Order of the Poison Oak

The Order of the Poison Oak by Brent Hartinger

SUMMARY: 16-year-old Russel, tired of being the freak at school, tries to escape as a counselor in a rural summer camp with his two best friends. The camp kids are pre-teen survivors, scarred and disfigured, and Russel identifies with them. But Russel fights with his friends, especially after discovering that he and bisexual Min are attracted to the same gorgeous counselor guy. This is an honest, tender, funny, first-person narrative that brings close what it's like to have a crush and hate a friend.

OPINION: This book is a sequel to Geography Club. Although I liked that book and recommended it to our teen book group, I was somewhat disappointed in this sequel. The character development is really good, as Russell and his friends grow and change in new directions away from school. But, it seemed to me that the author was trying too hard to convey the message about coping with differences and finding hidden beauty. I am not given to exploring the subtleties of metaphor in authors' writing, but Hartinger really beat the reader over the head with the message. I hear that more books are planned about these characters, and I am still looking forward to them.

And There's Not Even a Crack in the Ceiling!

Last night, 22 teens jammed into the upstairs program room to play DDR. Some had never played before while others were experts, but all had fun! We were noisy, but at least the building is still intact after all that jumping. Sixteen teens competed in a single-elimination tournament during the program. Ashleigh made a strong showing, but Jamie won in the final round dancing to "Monkey Punk." Ashleigh and Jamie each won gift cards to GameStop! Look for another DDR night or two on the schedule this fall.

New Books!!

We have been getting bunches of new stuff recently. Some are new publications and others are for summer reading, but it is great to see our teen shelves filling up for any reason! Look for these titles:

FICTION
The Mediator: Haunted by Meg Cabot
The Mediator: Ninth Key by Meg Cabot
The Mediator: Reunion by Meg Cabot
The Mediator: Shadowland by Meg Cabot
The Mediator: Twilight by Meg Cabot
Children of the River by Linda Crew
LBD: Live and Fabulous! by Grace Dent
The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen
Under a War-Torn Sky by L. M. Elliott
Breaking Point by Alex Flinn
Quest for a Maid by Frances Mary Hendry
The Maze by Will Hobbs
Stained by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
The Stranger Next Door by Peg Kehret
Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates
What Happened to Lani Garver? by Carol Plum-Ucci
Midnight's Choice by Kate Thompson
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
Montmorency on the Rocks: Doctor, Aristocrat, Murderer? by Eleanor Updale
The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

NONFICTION
Blogging for Teens by John W. Gosney
Teen Knitting Clubs: Chill Out and Knit by Jennifer Wenger, Carol Abrams, and Maureen Lasher

Book Review: Under the Jolly Roger

Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber by L. A. Meyer
This book will be published in August 2005.

SUMMARY: When Jacky finishes her stint on a whaling boat, she expects to find her beloved Jaimy once and for all. But, when things don't go as planned, she is soon off on another wild sea adventure. She thwarts the lecherous advances of a crazy captain, rallies the sailors to her side, and ultimately gains command of a ship in His Majesty's Royal Navy. And that is only the beginning! (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: This is the third book in a series that I have enjoyed very much. Fans will be happy to know that this book is left wide open for a continuation of the story. YESSSS! I could not put this book down. It is incredibly action-packed, yet the events are not repititions of those in the the previous books. What I love most about this series, besides the crafty Jacky, is the unique historical details woven into the narrative. As a girl struggling to do a man's job, Jacky endures her share of harassment. Yet, as the series progresses, she seems to be more able to enjoy and embrace her place in both worlds. Hurrah for Jacky! One tiny flaw: I did find the title somewhat misleading, but true enough in the end.

Prom!!!

Tonight is the prom at UD, so I created a short booklist of YA prom books in honor of the event. Look for these books at the library:

• Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (realistic fiction)
• 24 Girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley (humorous fiction)
• Princess in Pink by Meg Cabot (realistic fiction)
• Max & Jane by Elizabeth Craft (romance)
• Prom Date by Dianne Ho (thriller)
• Much Ado About Prom Night by William D. McCants (realistic fiction)
• A Really Nice Prom Mess by Brian Sloan (humorous fiction)
• A Night to Remember by various authors (short stories)

Book Review: Breaking Point

Breaking Point by Alex Flinn

SUMMARY: After a heartbreaking divorce, Paul goes from being homeschooled to attending a swanky private school where his mother gets a teaching job. Marked as an easy target for bullies, Paul struggles to fit in. That is, until he is befriended by Charlie, the school's golden boy. Soon, Paul is sucked into Charlie's psychologically screwed-up world, in which vandalism and violence are tokens of friendship. What will Paul do to be Charlie's friend?

OPINION: This book is on the BH summer reading list for incoming seventh graders, but it is not your typical school reading. This book is anything but a preachy cautionary tale against bullying. Instead, it really gets into the psychology of both the bully and the bullied, and tells a gripping story.

BEST QUOTE:
"Happy teen years are overrated," Binky announced.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Show me someone who's cool in high school, I'll show you the unemployed guy eating double his share of hors d'oeurves at the ten-year reunion." (p. 32)

Book Review: The Realm of Possibility

The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan

SUMMARY/OPINION: This novel in verse interweaves the stories of 20 high school students through a series of 20 poems written in different styles. The poems create a wonderful atmosphere of possiblity, just as the title suggests. Also, reading this book is rather like a mystery, as you fit pieces of information from the poems together to learn about each of the characters.

BEST QUOTES (I couldn't pick just one):

the town of North Orange is still recovering
from the day the students came to biology class
and found their teacher lying on a table,
his chest cut open, his body dripping with
formaldehyde. the window was open and all
the frog tanks were
empty. (p. 67)

once time is lit, it will burn
whether or not you are breathing it in.
even after the smoke becomes air
there is the memory of smoke. (p. 11)

the first time i kissed someone
my heart raced for hours
I didn't know if I'd ever recover
if it was already too late
I just lay in my room
and reveled in the newfound power
that a motion so small
could have the full force of fate (p. 40)

He carries a knapsack
Covered with buttons for bands whose names seem to come
From the Dictionary of Contentious Words. (p. 127)

Book Review: Bloody Jack

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L. A. Meyer

SUMMARY: Mary Faber, orphaned at age eight, roams the streets of London with a children's gang and spends a lot of time being hungry. When the gang's leader gets killed, Mary excapes by taking on a male identity and becoming a ship's boy for the British Royal Navy, where at least she is fed three times a day. Thus begins The Deception, a long and involved game of hiding her femine side at sea through many curious adventures, including fighting pirates, becoming a castaway,...and protecting herself from wayward sailors.

OPINION: There are a lot of teen books about girls going to sea, but this one is unique in that the heroine is so likeable! She is certainly not ruled by her circumstances. The irrepressible and saucy Jacky chooses her course and plans her moves to get what she wants! This was L. A. Meyer's first book. I actually read this book's sequel first (The Curse of the Blue Tattoo), and I liked it better. But, I recommend reading both and doing it soon because a third one is on the way in August!

Book Review: Millicent Min, Girl Genius

Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee

SUMMARY: Millicent Min, 11-year-old high schooler, is having a bad summer. In an effort to give Millicent a more "normal" childhood, her mom has not only signed her up for volleyball, she has also arranged for her to tutor Stanford Wong--jock, jerk, and Chinese-American slacker. When Millicent meets Emily, though, things start to look up. If Millicent can only ignore her grandmother's advice and keep her lies straight, she might actually make her first friend and live through the summer. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: Millicent is so smart, she doesn't even know how dumb she is. Not in the intellectual sense (she's going to be a senior in high school), but in the relationship sense. She has no idea how to relate to people her age, let alone how to make friends. It puts her in some really awkward-but-humorous situations, as she tries to hide her intelligence and even pretends that Stanford is tutoring her! This will be a fun, light summer read.

Book Review: Dustin Grubbs, One Man Show

Dustin Grubbs, One Man Show by John J. Bonk
This book will be released in September 2005.

SUMMARY: So maybe wanting to be an actor is an ambitious career goal for a guy in the sixth grade, but that doesn't stop Dustin Grubbs. He's about to make his theatrical debut in the school play, in spite of interruptions from ill-timed fire alarms, falling scenery, and child TV stars! Dustin is not defeated, and becomes determined to save the day and the play at any cost. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: This book has some great funny moments, as disasters strike one after the other and the action becomes increasingly absurd. I really liked Dustin's crazy family and the situations they caused, particulary the birthday party incident. Also, if you have even been in a school play, you will appreciate Dustin's struggles toward on-stage success! Look for this book, coming soon.

Book Review: The Singer of All Songs

The Singer of All Songs by Kate Constable

SUMMARY: Calwyn knows nothing about the world beyond the Wall, until the stranger Darrow shows up and speaks to her of discord in Tremaris and a powerful chanter who is trying to kill him. To help Darrow escape, Clawyn leaves the safety of the Wall for a dangerous adventure to see the world, and perhaps to save it. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: Marissa recommended this book to me, and it was well worth reading. So, start reading now! The adventure story is gripping and the fantasy world is unique and convincing. There is a second book, The Waterless Sea, which I cannot wait to get! The third in this trilogy is coming this summer.

Book Review: The Boyfriend List

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

SUMMARY: Ruby Oliver has had a rough 10 days. Her boyfriend ditched her for her best friend, causing her to lose all of her friends and become the subject of bathroom-wall graffiti. In therapy, Ruby makes "The Boyfriend List" of all the boys she has ever liked, even if they weren't actual boyfriends (most of them weren't) and hilariously talks her way through the mess that is her current life.

OPINION: The title of this book sound raunchy, but it is actually a realistic portrayal of unrequited love, boyfriends, lack of boyfriends, friendships-gone-bad, and other high school angst. The writing style is a lot of fun, with a meandering voice that is very conversational and lots of asides put in as footnotes. Several parts of this book made me laugh out loud. If I had Ruby's life, I'd need therapy too!

BEST QUOTE: "I firmly believe that women should not get all cruel and petty with each other over men, because how on earth will we run companies and countries if we're preoccupied with someone else's big boobs in a pink sweater set?" (p. 83)

Book Review: You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! by Fiona Rosenbloom
This book will be released in September 2005.

SUMMARY: Stacy Friedman is getting ready for her bat mitzvah, and all she wants is the perfect dress, her friends by her side, and Andy Goldfarb to dance with her. But Stacy's plans start to fall apart, beginning with her stressed-out mother forcing her to buy a hideous sequined dress that makes her look like the bride of Frankenstein. Then, a betrayal by her best friend causes Stacy to utter the words that will wreak her social life..."You are so not invited to my bat mitzvah!" (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: This book has all of the typical chick-lit elements: close friendships, cute boys, fabulous clothes, great parties, and, of course, a betrayal that (almost) wrecks everything! What makes it stand out is that it all centers around Stacy Friedman's bat mitzvah, a traditional Jewish coming-of-age ritual. This was a light, enjoyable read that managed to combine religion and humor pretty successfully. I really liked the chapter titles, including my personal favorite: "Avocado Schmear With a Side Order of Fried Frienship"!

Book Review: Sexy

Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates

SUMMARY: Sixteen-year-old Darren Flynn is a good-looking "guy's guy," a junior on the swim team, but he is uncomfortable with his maturing body and with girls. A seemingly innocent encounter with his English teacher, Mr. Tracy, troubles Darren. There are rumors Tracy is gay, and after the teacher flunks one of Darren's teammates, some boys retaliate, implicating Tracy in child porn. Tracy, who insists he is innocent, appeals to Darren for help. Will Darren stand up for his teacher?

OPINION: I am not particularly attached to this book, nor do I hate it. Teens deal with a lot of body image concerns, and it is good to see authors writing about boys' issues in this area. So, the premise was good, but, as the story unfolded, it just wasn't that interesting. This could have been a very psychological novel, but the plot devices just didn't unfold enough depth or motivation from the main characters.

Book Review: Geography Club

Geography Club by Brent Hartinger

SUMMARY: How can a diverse group of gay and lesbian students meet at school without drawing attention to themselves? Easy. They form a club that's so boring, no one will want to join: Geography Club. This club doesn't learn much geography, but they learn plenty about the treachery of high school and the danger of the human heart.

OPINION: This was Hartinger's first novel, and it now has a sequel called The Order of the Poison Oak. Hartinger has some street cred to deal with these issues. Not only is he gay, but he helped start a support group for gay and lesbian teens in his town. This book is fairly believable in its characterization of gay and straight (and bisexual) characters. It is sometimes funny, sometimes depressing, but always truthful in facing difficult issues head-on.

Book Review: Fresh Off the Boat

Fresh Off the Boat by Melissa de la Cruz

SUMMARY: Newly arrived from the Phillippines, 14-year-old Vicenza is a scholarship student at a snooty private girls' school in San Francisco. She dreams of love with Tobey Maguire, not having to shop at thrift stores, and being accepted by the wealthy, popular girls at school. Instead, she and her family work multiple jobs and squeeze every penny to pay for necessities. Can Vicenza find real friendship and love in America without any money? (adapted from the review by Booklist)

OPINION: This book is chic-lit with a twist: Vicenza, or "V", is a Filipina whose family has illegally immigrated to the US by overstaying their travel visas. V is a believable character who is struggling with issues familiar to many immigrant teens: traditional family expectations, poverty, and wanting to be a "typical American teenager." This book is not boring or heavy-handed--it is a genuinely fun read, carried by V's personality and some hilarious situations.

BEST QUOTE: "Books borrowed from the library were valued but ephemeral pleasures." (p. 129)

Book Review: Romiette and Julio

Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper

SUMMARY: Romiette and her friend Destiny have been trying to find romance through the Scientific Soul Mate System dream program. However, Romiette keeps having horrible nightmares about fire and water. All this seems to change when she meets Julio, a new student at her school. It is love at first sight! However, a school gang violently opposes interracial dating and puts the lives of Romiette and Julio in jeopardy.

OPINION: I wanted to read this book because the title is humorous. And, as I expected, the story is a modern version of the Shakespeare classic. It is simultaneously romantic and suspenseful, although the author does tend to reference the Shakespeare stuff a bit too often. Everyone knows the story. However, the author is a high school teacher, and it is obvious that she writes from experience with students. I really liked the characters and thought the book was very clever.

Book Review: Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood

Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood by Benjamin Alire Saenz

SUMMARY: It's not the glitzy and glamorous Hollywood. Sammy and Juliana's Hollywood is a tough barrio at the edge of a small town in southern New Mexico. The year is 1969, and they face a world of racism, school dress codes, the war in Vietnam, and the everyday violence of their own neighborhood.

OPINION: This book is really unique in its writing style and in the voice of the main character. Hippies, the Vietnam War, and "The Summer of Love" look really different when viewed through the eyes of Hispanic teens trying to make it out of the ghetto.

BEST QUOTE: "It's funny, everyone had always told us love was another word for belonging. No one, no one had ever told me that love was another name for exile." (p. 171)

Book Review: LBD--Live and Fabulous

LBD--Live and Fabulous by Grace Dent

SUMMARY: The girls of the LBD are back! This time they are a year older and have convinced their parents to let them go to the coveted Astlebury Music Festival after rock god Spike Saunders sends them free passes. But can the LBD handle a weekend of loud music and gorgeous boys combined with mud and gross portaloos?

OPINION: This book is totally fluffy, but it is a fun read. If you have ever dreamed of attending a music festival, meeting rock stars, and saving the world, this is the book for you!

Book Review: Breathing Underwater

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

SUMMARY: Nick is intelligent, poupular and wealthy. Everyone thinks his life is pretty easy. Except that Nick has never told anyone about his father's violent temper. When Nick meets Caitlin, he thinks that she is the answer to all of his problems. But then Nick has to face up to the fact that he has inherited more from his father than green eyes and money.

OPINION: In all of her books, Alex Flinn writes about difficult subjects in a unique way. In this book, she tackles the subject of dating violence from the point of view of the abuser. Nick honestly doesn't think he has a problem, and the book really focuses on how he comes to terms with his issues. This is a tough book to read, but very well-written and worthwhile.

Book Review: Comfort

Comfort by Carolee Dean

SUMMARY: Kenny Willson wants nothing more than to get out of Comfort, Texas--away from the clawlike grip of his workaholic mother, away from his alcoholic ex-con father. Forced to give up football and band in exchange for constant work in his mother's run-down cafe, Kenny is determined not to lose his dreams. And when he discovers a talent for poetry and words, he begins to plot the moment that has the power to change his life.

OPINION: How far you would you go to get what you want? Kenny defies the wishes of his mother by staying IN school and having dreams that stretch beyond the walls of the cafe. But when your dreams aren't enough, would you be willing to run away? Steal? Kill? What I liked best about this book was the stark intersection between dreams and reality, where the best plans don't always work out in expected ways.

Book Review: LBD--It's a Girl Thing

LBD--It's a Girl Thing by Grace Dent

SUMMARY: When Ronnie, Fleur, and Claude (aka LBD, or Les Bambinos Dangereuses), are banned from going to a local music festival by their fun-hating ogre parents, the girls come up with a fantastic solution: stage their own festival at their school! It sounds brilliant, but can they convince administrators, find talented teens, and scrape up some cash to get this thing off the ground?

OPINION: This book is classic fluffy British chic-lit. The music festival is the main story, but there are loads of laughs and goreous guys in the subplots. Take it on the bus, to the beach, or to bed...wherever you need a good book for relaxation. It is a fun, enjoyable, and quick read. And now there is a sequel called LBD: Live and Fabulous.

Book Review: Travel Team

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

SUMMARY: Danny Walker is the smallest kid on the basketball court, but no one plays with a bigger love of the game or with more knowledge about moves and style. So why is he cut from the local travel team for being too small? And how can he and the other kids left out of this team get back in the game?

OPINION: If you love basketball, this is a book for you! But even if you don't, you will enjoy rooting for these underdogs as they take on family issues, crazy sports parents, community pressure, and, of course, the big game. Who knew that seventh grade sports could be so exciting?

Book Review: A Girl Named Disaster

A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer

SUMMARY: Twelve-year-old Nahmo, fleeing an impending marriage to a cruel man with three wives, sets out for Zimbabwe on a leaky boat. Soon, strong currents sweep her entirely off track and she struggles to overcome drowning, starvation, and attacks by animals. Nhamo's journey brings her closer to the African spirit world as she struggles against lonliness and toward a new life.

OPINION: Although this book is set in Africa, it is not fantasy like Farmer's book The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm. It is historical fiction, set in the early 1980s, when Mozambique and Zimbabwe had recently won their independence from colonial Portugal and Britain. This book deals with the intersection of tribal traditions and modern lifestyles, and tells a gripping story as well!

Book Review: Saving Francesca

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

SUMMARY: Francesca (Frankie) is one of only 30 girls at the formerly-all-boys St. Sebastian's...and the only girls she knows from her old school are psycho. Throw in living with a depressed mother, being dissed by former friends, and being surrounded daily by lots of gross, sexist boys, and you can see why Francesca needs saving!

OPINION: This book nicely walks the fine line between fluffy chic-lit and serious drama. It deals with friends, boys, and romance...but also concerns a family falling apart from depression. It takes place in Australia, so there are a few obscure cultural references. But it is a great read, simultaneously humorous and serious. FYI--This book was on the BBYA 2005 Top Ten list.

Don't Ask Alice

Did you know that the famous diary Go Ask Alice is really just anti-drug propaganda written by adults, including Beatrice Sparks? Beatrice Sparks wrote several other fake diaries about issues like teen pregnancy, AIDS, and homelessness. To find out more, read some of the negative reviews on Amazon or visit the Snopes urban legend article about the book.

Book Review: Boy2Girl

Boy2Girl by Terence Blacker

SUMMARY: Matthew's American cousin, Sam, has come to London to live with the family. Matthew and his "mates" decide that Sam must undertake a challenge to prove that he will be a loyal friend: he must start the new school by year posing as a girl for an entire week!

OPINION: This book is really funny and upbeat. It is not an "issue" book and does not really address issues of gender or sexuality. The situation with Sam just escalates until it is way out of control, invoving a soccer riot, a smitten 12th-grade hunk, a dad who just got out of jail, and a school talent show gone bad!

New Books!

I just covered ten NEW books for the teen corner, so look for them next time you come in!

1. Boy2Girl by Terence Blacker
2. The Artemis Fowl Files by Eoin Colfer
3. Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher
4. LBD: It's A Girl Thing by Grace Dent
5. Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin
6. It's Your World--If You Don't Like It, Change It: Activism for Teenagers by Mikki Halpin
7. Talk by Kathe Koja
8. Brother Hood by Janet McDonald
9. The Search for Belle Prater by Ruth White
10. A Thief in the House of Memory by Tim Wynne-Jones

Book Review: Heaven

Heaven by Angela Johnson

SUMMARY: Marley has lived in Heaven since she was two years old, when her mother found a postcard postmarked HEAVEN, OH on a park bench and decided that was where she wanted to raise her family. And for twelve years, Marley's hometown has lived up to its name. Then one day a letter arrives from Alabama, and Marley's life is turned upside down. Marley doesn't even know who she is anymore--but where can she go for answers, when she's been deceived by the very people she should be able to trust the most?

OPINION: This book is short and beautiful. It includes unique and mysterious characters, and is a satisfying read. This book is a partner book to The First Part Last, which is about teen-aged Bobby and his daughter, Feather. Although this book is about Marley, Bobby and Feather are characters, and we get a glimpse of how he is managing.

Book Review: Hard Love

Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger

SUMMARY: Since his parents' divorce, John's mother hasn't touched him, her new fiancé wants them to move away, and his father would rather be anywhere than at Friday night dinner with his son. It's no wonder John writes articles like "Interview with the Stepfather" and "Memoirs from Hell" for his zine, Bananafish. Hanging out at Tower Records, John finds other zines, like the amazing Escape Velocity by Marisol, a self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee Lesbian." When John meets Marisol, hard love is born.

OPINION: This book was not at all what I expected it to be. And I really liked it for that. The story is an intimate look at a not-so-intimate friendship. If you are a writer of any kind, you will appreciate the centrality of teens' writing to this story.

Book Review: Bad Boy

Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers

BEST QUOTE: "My response to my problems was to immerse myself in literature. Books are often touted by librarians as vehicles to carry you far away. I most often saw them as a way of hiding one self inside the other. What I had to hide was the self who was a reader, who loved poetry." (page 126)

SUMMARY: As a boy, Walter Dean Myers was quick--tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously--he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer. But growing up in a poor family in Harlem, he began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and his books for comfort. This autobiography is a interesting window into Harlem as it was the 1940s and 50s.

OPINION: Walter Dean Myers is one of the most famous YA writers, not even counting the fact that he is one of a few people writing convincingly about young black men. If you have not read his books, look for Monster, Shooter, Hoops, or Scorpions next time you are in the Teen Corner.

Book Review: The Winter Prince

The Winter Prince by Elizabeth E. Wein

SUMMARY: Medraut, illegitimate eldest son the high king of Britain, cannot be heir to the throne. Instead, his younger half-brother, Lleu, fragile and inexperienced, is chosen. Medraut cannot bear to be commanded and contradicted by this weakling brother who he feels has usurped both his birthright and his father's favor. Torn and bitter, he joins Morgause, the high king's treacherous sister, in a plot to force Artos to forfeit his power and kingdom in exchange for Lleu's life. But this plot soon proves to be much more--a battlefield on which Medraut is forced to decide, for good or evil, where his own allegiance truly lies.

OPINION: This book uses a unique storytelling style, which is cool but also hard to follow in the beginning. Nonetheless, it is a great story with plenty of treachery and betrayal to keep you interested. Plus, it draws inspiration from the Arthurian legend. This is the first book in a trilogy that also includes A Coalition of Lions (book 2) and The Sunbird (book 3).

Book Review: A Coalition of Lions

A Coalition of Lions by Elizabeth E. Wein

SUMMARY: After the death of virtually all of her family in the battle of Camlan, Goewin, Princess of Britain, makes a desperate journey to African Aksum to meet with Constantine, the British ambassador and her fiance. But Aksum is undergoing political turmoil, and Goewin's relationship with its ambassador to Britain makes her position more than precarious. Caught between two countries, with the power to transform or end lives, Goewin fights to find and claim her place in a world that has suddenly, irrevocably changed.

OPINION: This is the second book in the trilogy that also includes The Winter Prince (book 1) and The Sunbird (book 3). I liked this book very much, expecially because it has such a strong female character! It is also the only one that has an author's note at the end explaining the history behind the books. It was really interesting to learn about the real events and people that inspired the book!

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

SUMMARY: Charlie is a freshman. And while's he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. He's a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent beyond his years, if not very savvy in the social arts. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone who he hopes will be a good listener. Charlie encounters the same struggles that many kids face in high school--how to make friends, the intensity of a crush, family tensions, a first relationship--but he must also deal with his best friend's recent suicide.

OPINION: This was Chbosky's first novel, and it is amazing. Charlie is a unique character, yet his high school experiences are very realistic. Whether you love high school or hate it, whether you agree with his choices or not, you will feel infinite along with Charlie as you read this book. This is a classic coming-of-age novel with a striking perspective.

Book Review: Luna

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

SUMMARY: Peters tells two stories in this groundbreaking novel--one about Regan, and the other about Liam, Regan's transgender brother, who is the son his father expects by day but a young woman, Luna, by night. Fiercely protective of Liam/Luna, Regan has put her life on hold; she worries about her brother's female self being discovered and the family's reaction, and she fears that her brother may someday give in to despair. While Regan wonders if she will ever be able to have a life separate from the needs of her sibling, Liam seriously begins to consider a permanent change.

OPINION: I was not very impressed with this book. True, it is one of only a few teen books that deals with this issue, but it was not very believable. For example, the parents and other minor characters seemed two-dimensional and stereotypical. Then there was Liam/Luna, a high school genius who was independently wealthy from his computer business. If that wasn't enough of a stretch, then he leaves school and his business to run off to the West Coast to live with a transgender person he met on the internet. That is not a good way to deal with your personal issues, people!

Book Review: The Sunbird

The Sunbird by Elizabeth E. Wein

SUMMARY: Telemakos is a blend of royal lines from two different countries: Britain and Aksum. He is also an exceptional listener and tracker, resolute and inventive in his ability to discover and retain information. Now his aunt Goewin, the British ambassador to Aksum, needs his skill to thwart the plague that threatens Aksum through black-market salt trading. This challenge will take all of Telemakos’s skill, strength, and courage--because otherwise it will cost him his life.

OPINION: The book reminded me of The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, as well as Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce, because of the main character is a spy. This fantasy book takes some inspiration from The Odyssey, yet also draws on ancient African history. The story takes place Aksum, Africa, an area that is now Eritrea and Ethiopia. It is the third book the author has written featuring this kingdom, the first two being The Winter Prince and A Coalition of Lions.

Book Review: Please Don't Kill the Freshman

Please Don't Kill the Freshman: A Memoir by Zoe Trope

SUMMARY: Zoe Trope's caustic coming-of-age diary rants and raves through her increasingly irrelevant high school career. Zoe's entries chronicle her tortured search for truth in love and art, her faltering faith in the value of activism in the face of universal apathy, and her bottomless disdain for just about every figure and fixture in her high school life.

OPINION: The stream-of-consciousness style writing style makes it stand out from other YA books. Also, the characters are called things like "Techno Boy," "Sloppy Charcoal," "Plum Sweater," "Tupperware," "Vegan Grrl," etc. This actually tells you more about the characters than their real names ever could. And an interesting note: Zoe Trope (not her real name) wrote this book in high school.

Book Review: Whale Talk

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

SUMMARY: Life as a person of color is not easy in the Pacific Northwest, home of the Aryan Nation. A natural athlete, T.J. Jones sees racisim and hatred in his community every day. This is part of the reason he refuses to play organized sports. That is, until he finds diversity and challenges the religion of athletics by bringing together a swim team of school outcasts.

OPINION: Everyone has their personal demons, and the people in this book really struggle. The book is hopeful, though, with swim team success and family healing. The end made me cry. If you liked Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, this book is similar in its writing style and treatment of issues.

Book Review: Devil in the White City

Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson

SUMMARY: The glittering world of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair made Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and the Ferris wheel world famous. It also served as a cover for psychopaths and serial killers. Uncover the planning and execution of the fair...as well as the planning and execution of murder...

OPINION: This gripping book is nonfiction, but reads like a novel. It is long, but I couldn't put it down. There is a hometown connection, too: a Philadelphia detective solved the serial killer case! You can find this book in print, on tape, or on CD in the adult section of the library.

Book Review: Prom

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (NEW!)

Best quote from this book, when the main character is talking about her house:

"It was still spring, so the living room was a shrine to our baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies. In the fall, Dad made it into a shrine to the Eagles (football). Winter was always a little weird. We'd get Flyers decorations (hockey), 76ers decorations (basketball), and Christmas decorations (baby Jesus, who was a Philly fan from way back)." --p.38

SUMMARY: Ashley doesn't care about the prom at all, but she is the exception in her urban Philadelphia high school. Everyone else is going crazy with prom plans...until their math teacher is arrested for stealing all the money from the prom account...

OPINION: This book is about average teens who are faced with an unreal situation. This story is part humor, part Cinderella, and part suspense! An interesting aside: In the author's notes, Laurie Halse Anderson gives props to Philadelphia's former modern rock station Y100 (*sigh*), which she listed to while writing the book!

Book Review: Margaux with an X

Margaux with an X by Ron Koertge (NEW!)

SUMMARY: Margaux is the dream catch of every teenage male within her radar. She has perfected the arts of beauty, popularity, and sarcasm to escape the world of her her money-addicted parents (Dad = professional gambler, Mom = professional shopper) and a long-hidden secret. But, strangely, Margaux feels more like herself with David Riley, a scrawny, weak-chinned, animal loving oddball who has some secrets of his own.

OPINION: This book is a short read, but not too easy. Margaux loves words and ideas, which leads her away from her shallow, popular crowd. I didn't even know all the words she did...I had to look some up!!! If you like this book, we have Stoner and Spaz by the same author.

Book Review: Curse of the Blue Tattoo

Curse of the Blue Tattoo : Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady by Louis A. Meyer

SUMMARY: After being exposed as a girl, Jacky Faber is forced to leave the Dolphin and attend the elite Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls in Boston. But growing up on the streets of London and fighting pirates never prepared Jacky for her toughest battle yet: learning how to be a lady. And whenever Jacky roams the city in search of adventure, trouble is never far behind.

OPINION: This is the second book about Jacky. I have not read the first one (Bloody Jack), but now I am going to! I seriously couldn't put this book down. Everything in my house got negelected while I laid on the couch and read away the afternoon. Doesn't that sound like fun?! The only bad thing about this book: there is a HORSE named GRETCHEN!!

Book Review: No Shame, No Fear

No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull

SUMMARY: This is fast-paced historical drama set in England in 1662 amid the turmoil of the religious persecution of the Friends. Susanna Thorn, 15, is a Quaker with a strong and committed independent spirit. William Heywood, 17, is educated and comes from a wealthy, respectable family that adheres to the Church of England. They meet when she moves into town to work and develop a bond that cannot be broken by religion, law, or parents.

OPINION: This is an incredibly romantic piece of historical fiction that reads like a fluffy beach novel. I convinced our resident romance fan Ashley M. to read this book (against her will--she hates historical fiction) and she voluntarily told me she enjoyed it. She even recommended it to the book group members last week. So if that isn't a reason to read it, I don't know what is.

80s Forever!

Well, maybe not, but at least for one night. We rocked the house with our way cool 80s vibe last Friday!

We started with some video clips of Michael Jackson’s dance moves, including scenes from Thriller, Billie Jean, and Bad. We also checked out Weird Al’s Fat video for laughs. Then, Brad came by and taught us some of Michael Jackson’s moves for our dance contest. Later, we did 80s activities, including board games, puzzles, Nintendo, a Coke-Pepsi taste test, celebrity then-and-now photo matching, a find Gretchen in the 1986 class photo contest, and the wall of 80s slang. And who could forget the “Put Michael Jackson’s Faces in Order” game! We wrapped up with video clips from Labyrinth and a spread of 80s food, including the legendary candy salad bar.

Thanks to the TAB for all of their ideas and help with this event! Huge thanks to Giselle and her parents for their dedication to all things 80s.

If you missed 80s night, you can find out everything you want to know @ the library. Find killer fiction and non-fiction books along with awesome websites that are totally bodacious! And don’t forget to check out the kickin’ photos below (and a few really excellent ones in a lower post from last Friday).

READ POPULAR BOOKS OF THE 80s FOUND IN OUR TEEN CORNER (OR JUST LAUGH AT THE COVERS)...
• Remember Me to Herald Square by Paula Danziger
• The Ghosts of Departure Point by Eve Bunting
• B, My Name Is Bunny by Norma Fox Mazer
• Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal
• Wolf Rider: A Tale of Terror by Avi
• Strictly for Laughs by Ellen Conford
• Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers
• The Runner by Cynthia Voigt
• Mel by Liz Berry

READ NON-FICTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 80s...
• The Eighties by Adrian Gilbert
• The 80s by Dan Epstein
• The 80s & 90s: Power Dressing to Sportswear by Clare Lomas
• 1980s by Jane Duden and Gail B. Stewart
• The 1980s: From Ronald Reagan to MTV by Stephen Feinstein
• The 1980s edited by James D. Torr
• 1980s Pop by Bob Brunning

LOOK ONLINE FOR TONS OF 80s STUFF!
• Everything in the 80s
• 80s Nostalgia
• Play some gnarly 80s games online
• Pure 80s Brit Pop Music Site
• 80s fashion styles and brands
• 80s TV Commercials and Slogans

CHECK THE TV OR VIDEO STORE FOR CLASSIC 80S MOVIES…
• Back to the Future (1985)
• E. T. (1982)
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
• Flight of the Navigator (1986)
• Labrynth (1986)
• Pretty in Pink (1986)
• Say Anything (1989)
• Short Circuit (1986)
• War Games (1983)
• Weird Science (1985)