Book Review: Cures for Heartbreak

Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb

SUMMARY: Black humor, pitch-perfect detail, and compelling characters make this a terrific read, despite the pain that permeates every superbly written page. Ninth-grader Mia has just lost her mother to cancer, and now her father is hospitalized with heart trouble. The story follows her first through bleak days at the hospital, then as she copes with her grief for her mother, her father's new girlfriend, and her sometimes disastrous attempts to find love. The novel's vivid New York City setting is almost another character, with vibrant descriptions of subway rides, shopping trips, and local color. Mia's early experience with loss influences everything about her life, from her bond with her father and older sister to her troubles with school and relationships. As she struggles to make sense of her mother's death and her father's illness, she also sees humor in everyday situations, and her irreverent commentary brings the story to life. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: Having dealt with a friend's very sudden, painful death when I was 18, I really connected with the uncertainty, confusion, guilt, and other raw emotions that Mia survives in this story. It's not about a cure, really, but about hanging on to real life as time moves on. This could be a hard read, but the author includes a lot of dark humor that eases the emotional load and tension without being unrealistic. This story is driven by relationships, much like books by Sarah Dessen, so try this book if you are a fan of hers.

Teen Summer Reading Display

Visit the teen summer reading display today! Read books and win prizes!!

Real Life Mysteries

Last night, 27 teens came out to find out about Real Life Mysteries from storyteller Kristin Pedemonti. It was a lot of fun, especially when she talked about UFOs and alien abductions. I also liked when she showed the pictures and asked us to decide if they were true or false. Everyone seemed excited about the topic and wanted to share their own thoughts about urban legends and ghost stories! I talked about the ghost of John Sellers here at our library, and the time strange messages came out of a printer that wasn't on. Creepy stuff!!

An action shot!

Here are some websites that Kristin recommended...

http://www.urbanlegends.about.com/
Follow tons of links (on the left side) to find out about all kinds of urban legends, folklore, and hoaxes!

urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_image_quiz.htm
This is the quiz where Kristen got the pictures she showed us. See if you can tell which ones are real and fake...you already know some of the answers!

www.cryptozoology.com/
Cryptozoology is the study of creatures whose existence has not been substantiated, like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. Read about sightings of unknown creatures and get book recommendations.

http://www.bfro.net/
This is the official website of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization...find out the latest about sightings of Bigfoot all over the world!

http://www.snopes.com/
This is the best urban legend site out there. Before you send an email forward, check this site to see if it is a hoax!

Book Review: The Hungry City Chronicles (series)

The Hungry City Chronicles by Philip Reeve

• Mortal Engines
• Predator's Gold
• Infernal Devices
• A Darkling Plain

SUMMARY: The Great Traction City of London is on the move again, seeking smaller towns to devour for fuel and materials. This is the futuristic age of Municipal Darwinism, and only the strong survive as populations compete for scarce resources. Elsewhere on the earth, some cities have become static, choosing to remain in one place and get their resources from the earth. Still other cities have taken to the water or to the air in hopes of exploiting new habitats. What happens when these ways of life collide? Find out...read the whole series!

OPINION: This series captured my attention way back with the publication of the first book. The author does an amazing job of convincing the reader that a future of traction, static, water, and air cities is completely possible. And the action and adventure in each story never stops! You will be drawn into each book and unable to stop reading as the cliffhangers pile up. I recently re-read the entire series because I wanted to fully appreciate the fourth book, and it was worth all the time I spent. I don't know what Philip Reeve will write next, but I will definitely read it! If you are looking for a complete fantasy series that won't leave you hanging, this one's for you.

Newest of the New

Fiction just added to the shelves:

• Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Games by Carol Gorman
• La Linea by Ann Jaramillo
• Am I Right or Am I Right? by Barry Jonsberg
• The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty
• Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb
• Breathe by Penni Russon (sequel to Undine)

The Cracks in the Wall Led to Murder!!!

Last Friday, 35 teens attended the murder mystery performed by the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). The Cracks in the Wall murder mystery had ten suspects, three scenes, three newscasts, and a bunch of clues for the intrepid detectives to investigate. The TAB did a great job of portraying the suspects and assembling the crime scenes, and everyone who attended seemed to have a good time solving the mystery! While everyone was eating doughnuts (what else should detectives eat?), I read everyone's solutions and chose Caitlin C. as the winner. She had the most detail in her answer and put all the evidence together to describe how, when, and why the murder occurred. She won a $25 gift card to Borders, and 10 others won Get a Clue secret writing markers. Thanks to everyone who attended!

Ben (a staff member) poses in the outdoor crime scene.

"Alice Wolf," our dedicated newswoman.


The TAB has fun with caution tape!


Teens check out the Police Evidence Room.

The girls listen to some evidence.

The guys examine ballistics evidence.

Book Review: Life As We Knew It

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

SUMMARY: The prospect of an asteroid hitting the Moon is just a mildly interesting news item to Pennsylvania teenager Miranda, but her priorities undergo a radical change when that collision shifts the Moon into a closer orbit, causing violent earthquakes, massive tsunamis, millions of deaths, and an upsurge in volcanism. Thanks to frantic preparations by her quick-thinking mother, Miranda's family is in better shape than many as utilities and public services break down in stages, wild storms bring extremes of temperature, and outbreaks of disease turn the hospital into a dead zone. In Miranda's day-by-day journal entries, she focuses on the stresses of spending months huddled in increasingly confined quarters, watching supplies dwindle, and wondering whether there will be any future to make the effort worthwhile. The author provides a glimmer of hope at the end, but readers will still be left stunned and thoughtful. (adapted from School Library Journal)

OPINION: This book is not nearly as well-written as How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, but that doesn't stop it from being an intriguing conjecture about living under challenging circumstances. What struck me most was the family's trip to the supermarket after the collision, where they were stuffing carts with crazy amounts of canned goods, medicines, and pet food. They had the presence of mind to plan for a long period of suffering, but even that preparation wasn't quite enough. The day-to-day realities of this book are what make it worth reading, and you will become involved in Miranda's struggle for survival as life on earth becomes more and more endangered.

UPCOMING: Look for The Dead and the Gone, a companion book about the same events an how they impact life in New York City, in May 2008.

New Fic

Today's new additions to the fiction shelves include...

• The Sabatihi Prophecy by Thomas L. Blair
• The Shalamar Code by Mary Louise Clifford
• Letters from a Slave Boy: The Story of Joseph Jacobs by Mary E. Lyons
• The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (sequel to Dairy Queen)
• A Darkling Plain by Philip Reeve
• Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Book Review: The Declaration

The Declaration by Gemma Malley
This book will be published in October 2007.

It’s 2140 and some radical changes have been made all around the world. People are actually trying to conserve energy and recycle, there are no more petty crimes such as burglary, the population is bigger than ever, and most importantly people can now live forever; but at what price? Every one who decided to take this new longevity drug must sign a declaration saying that they will not have kids. People are no longer interested in new ideas or change, unless it has to do with improving this new drug. This is the case with most people, but some have decided to resist this new system, even with the knowledge that they might die in jail. The children who have been born by parents who broke the law are sent to places similar to orphanages, where they are taught to hate their parents for having them and to hate themselves for taking up the precious resources that legal people need to live on. One of these children, Anna, thinks and does as she should until she meets a boy named Peter who tells her of the outside and of her parents. She must decide whether live the life she knows or go along with Peter and admit to herself that the authorities are wrong and that every thing she has learned is a lie.

This book was very exciting and hard to put down. When I first started reading it, I thought living forever wouldn’t be that bad, but by the end I was fully convinced that I would join the rebellion. I could not live in a world without kids and I would most likely run out of things to enjoy after living over 100. This book would make a great book discussion book due to the conflict and excitement it contains.

National Treasure Movie Day!

Today, 24 teens came to hang out in the AC and watch National Treasure. Everyone enjoyed the movie...or maybe it was the snacks! It was a great movie for our summer mystery theme. Thanks to the TAB for purchasing a bunch of floor cushions for movie events--everyone was very comfy.

Don't forget to sign up to see Mystery Men (PG-13) on July 11!

Teen Summer Reading Display

Visit the Teen Summer Reading windowsill display! Pick up your reading sheets and check out my mystery book display. There's no registration for the program this year...just read five library items, show your slip to a librarian, and choose a prize from the mystery box. Then, enter to win bigger weekly prizes. And don't forget that the end-of-summer prize is an iPod!

Painting the teen prize box with question marks.

Pasting clip art to the box for teen prize drawings.

Mystery Books

Since our summer reading theme is You Never Know (YNK), I made a new teen mystery book list. Look for the list on the summer reading display, along with some of the books!

Some new ones we bought include:

• Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark Dowell
• Samurai Mysteries (series) by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
• Diamond Brothers Mysteries (series) by Anthony Horowitz
• Buried by Robin Merrow MacCready
• Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls by Bennett Madison
• Dead Connection by Charlie Price
  

Book Review: Dead Connection

Dead Connection by Charlie Price

SUMMARY: Murray, a loner who communes with the dead in the town cemetery, hears the voice of a murdered cheerleader and tries to convince the adults that he knows what happened to her. But who believes him? He's a loser. Can he even believe in himself? Also comes Pearl, the daughter of the cemetery caretaker, who befriends Murray and tries to enter his world. Together they may prove the astonishing possibility that Nikki is closer than anyone thinks. (from the book description)

OPINION: This is a mystery told from many points of view in short chapters. The central character is Murray, whose difficult home life and social awkwardness make it all the more surprising that he can talk to the dead. But talk he does, and certain cemetary residents become his closest friends. When he starts to hear a new voice, he knows it has to be a girl that disappeared from his high school. The mystery here is not that she's dead, but how it happened. Can Murray's paranormal information help locate the body...and the killer? This is an edgy, dark mystery with intriguing twists and an unexpected conclusion. I thought I had it all figured out...and boy was I wrong! Look for this one on the summer reading display, along with a book list of more mysteries.

New Nonfic

For a change, here are some new additions to our teen nonfiction shelf!

• The History Puzzle: How We Know What We Know about the Past by Susan Provost Beller
• Cash and Credit Information for Teens: Tips for a Successful Financial Life edited by Kathryn R. Deering
• A Teen's Guide to Getting Published by Jessica Dunn and Danielle Dunn
• Book Crush: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Interest by Nancy Pearl
• Not Like I'm Jealous or Anything: The Jealousy Book edited by Marissa Walsh (short stories and essays, and printed in green ink!)

Murder Mystery Prep

On Sunday, June 10, and Friday, June 15, members of the TAB gathered to make props and scenery for our upcoming murder mystery, The Cracks in the Wall. Join us on Friday, June 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 for the event!

Thanks to Alexa, Arwa, Caitlin, Kara, Katie, Maria, Marissa, and Tyria for their help in preparing for the mystery!

You rock!

A purple television??!

In honor of Giselle...

Ewww!

Look for These!

New today...

• Things Hoped For by Andrew Clements
• Pigboy by Vicki Grant
• Nightrise by Anthony Horowitz (book three of The Gatekeepers series)
• Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
• Everlost by Neal Shusterman
• Megiddo's Shadow by Arthur Slade
• Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper
• The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Book Review: The Riddle

The Riddle: The Second Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

SUMMARY: Maerad, who was rescued from slavery and became a Bard in Croggon's The Naming, has her hands full here. Along with her tutor Cadvan, she has been charged with finding the Treesong, a source of power so ancient that nothing but the barest of rumors remain. Their journey is hounded by agents of a treacherous Bard professing to act in the name of the Light and by an enigmatic entity known as the Winterking, an ally of Maerad's adversary, the Nameless One. At the same time, the protagonist struggles to understand the light and darkness within herself. Deep currents of sorrow, loneliness, and love run through this haunting epic fantasy; Maerad's feelings of alienation and self-doubt will resonate with readers. Appendixes help to further flesh out the characters and cultures of Croggon's Edil-Amarandh, an engrossing world that fantasy aficionados will be eager to revisit. (from School Library Journal)

OPINION: After the first book, The Naming, I was eager to read the second one in the series...and now I can't wait for the third to be released this summer! How will I survive until the fourth and final volume comes out, whenever that is?! Thanks, Marissa, for getting me (and a lot of other people) to read this series. This book is another epic journey for Maerad, who is still trying to learn how to use her powers appropriately. Cadvan continues her training, and one of my favorite scenes is when she uses her powers of transformation to turn a rock into a lion! It was so unexpected, it made me laugh. Later, she uses that power to get herself and Cadvan out of a desperate situation, but I won't tell you about that because that would be a spoiler. Anyway, this book is a fantastic adventure with a bit of romance. If you have a bad boy complex, you will love the Winterking. Check out The Naming and The Riddle today!

LINK: Here's my review of The Naming from a few weeks ago. And here's Marissa's review that started the whole thing!

Jerry Spinelli Interview

Since Book Grub members are currently reading Love, Stargirl for the Author 411 project, I thought you might be interested in reading this interview with Jerry Spinelli from Publishers Weekly. Apparently, he didn't really want to write a sequel!

Look for These on the Shelves...

The newest fiction selections in the teen corner!

• Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
• Star-Crossed by Linda Collison
• Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher
• The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose by Mary Hooper
• Voyage of Slaves (Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series) by Brian Jacques
• Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
• Fragments by Jeffry Johnston (2 copies--prepare for our August author visit!)
• Summer Ball by Mike Lupica
• Harlem Hustle by Janet McDonald
• Breathe: A Ghost Story by Cliff McNish
• The Wizard, The Witch, & Two Girls from Jersey by Lica Papademetriou
• Maybe by Brent Runton
• The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Book Review: An Abundance of Katherines

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

SUMMARY: When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type happens to be girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. He’s also a washedup child prodigy with ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a passion for anagrams, and an overweight, Judge Judy-obsessed best friend. Colin’s on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which will predict the future of all relationships, transform him from a fading prodigy into a true genius, and finally win him the girl. Letting expectations go and allowing love in are at the heart of Colin’s hilarious quest to find his missing piece and avenge dumpees everywhere. (from the book description)

OPINION: It can be hard for a novelist to write a second book when the first is really successful. John Green won the Printz Award for Looking for Alaska, so that's a hard act to follow! Nonetheless, An Abundance of Katherines is an excellent book in its own right and is definitely worth reading. I loved the nerdiness of this book, from the fading genius main character and his obsession with anagrams to the bizarre random knowledge of the footnotes. I am not a math person, and I even liked Colin's theorem! (Try it out for yourself at John's website!) Also, this is one of the few recent teen books featuring a contemporary Arab-American character, Colin's best friend Hassan. Hassan is crass, hilarious, and not a terrorist. I learned from Alaska that John Green excells at writing about unique, interesting, fully-developed characters, and this book is no exception. So go read it!

ANAGRAMS: A while ago, I posted a blog entry about an online anagram maker that will figure out all the possible permutations of your word or phrase. I learned that "Gretchen Ipock" anagrams to "Peking Crochet" and that "Jason Ipock" anagrams to "Jack Poison"! Check out the old blog post to see what other people found anagrams for!

Author 411!

The high school book group (aka Book Grub) has an amazing opportunity this month! We were selected as one of five groups across the country to participate in Author 411 from Random House Children's Books. We will receive Advance Reading Copies (ARCs) of Love, Stargirl, the new sequel to Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It will officially be released on August 14, 2007, so we get to read it before everyone else! Not only that, but at our next meeting, we will get to write questions to be submitted to Jerry Spinelli. He will answer the questions in writing, and the final Q & A will be published on the Author 411 website later in the summer. So cool!!!

Find out more about Love, Stargirl:

WEBSITE

MYSPACE

Johnny Depp Film Festival

This weekend, we gave our movie license a workout and watched three Johnny Depp films in less than 24 hours! Last night, 16 teens watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today, 35 teens enjoyed a double feature of Pirates of the Caribbean 1 and 2. A bunch of people were even planning to see the third Pirates movie tonight!

Huge thanks to the TAB for spending their hard-earned money on pizza for everyone today during the double feature! And thanks to Genni for bringing in her Johnny Depp cardboard cutout to hang out with us. I hope everyone had fun. I thought it was great!

Pirate Duckies!

Some intrepid movie watchers and Johnny!

Book Grub Party!

Today was a really sad Book Grub meeting. It was the first time we've ever had seniors graduate out of the group! Sadiya, Sara, Huda, Julie, Marissa, Kaoutar, and Manpreet are all heading off to college this fall. A lot of them are staying local, though, so hopefully they will hang out with us often! Also, Jaicy and Lisa are both moving away this summer. Our group is really going to miss everyone! But we will welcome incoming 9th graders to our next meeting, which should be fun.

Today, we discussed The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen. We spent most of our book group time talking about what a bad boyfriend Jason was, and not enough time discussing the glories of Wes! A lot of people made really great contributions to the conversation, especially when we were talking about parent-child relationships and family dynamics.

Special thanks to Katie for bringing chocolate covered strawberries and to Jaicy for bringing mangos mixed with ice cream. It made our party extra special!

Next month, we are reading an ARC of Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. This is a long-awaited sequel to Stargirl. Yeah Author 411 for hooking us up!!!

Five of our graduates!

Katie made chocolate covered strawberries and I made cupcakes.

Nice shirts!


A rare photo with me in it.

We'll miss you!

Book Review: The Naming

The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

SUMMARY: In this first volume in a projected quartet, Croggon has created a world that is both authentic and exotic, welcoming and frightening. When 16-year-old Maerad meets a man named Cadvan, she is catapulted from her life as a slave to an epic destiny. Cadvan is a Bard, one of the magically gifted Starpeople, and he begins to teach her about her own gifts and abilities. He believes her to be the prophesied One who will oppose the Nameless, the dark power working toward the destruction of the Bards and the Balance of the world. As Maerad and Cadvan travel, they join forces with Hem, a mysterious orphan, and learn that the Nameless's influence reaches far into the world of the Bards. Encounters with great mythic figures of their world and threatening evil forces add to the epic flavor of their journey. Maerad seems a kindred spirit to Tamora Pierce's Alanna, and her story will find a welcoming audience among readers looking for a challenging and fully realized epic adventure. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: Marissa has been convincing everyone to read this series, so I jumped on the bandwagon. I'm glad I did! The story is excellently imagined, with complex action and wonderful description. Alison Croggon's background as a poet gives her a command of the language to fully evoke the characters and surroundings of the story. I really loved some of the places Maerad and Cadvan journeyed through, and I hope that the good settings reappear in a future volume! I want to hear more about the Schools and especially Rachida, the mysterious city in the Great Forest. It reminded me of The Chanters of Tremaris series by Kate Constable, as well as books by Tamora Pierce. I can't wait to start The Riddle, the second book in the series!

An Abundance of Katherines

Yesterday's Unshelved Book Club comic featured John Green's An Abundance of Katherines. Check it out!

More New Fiction

Books are being processed fast and furiously around here for some reason! Here are new additions to the shelf:

• The Great Tree of Avalon series by T. A Barron
• Avielle of Rhia by Dia Calhoun
• A Friend at Midnight by Caroline B. Cooney
• The Faery Reel: Tales fromthe Twlight Realm edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling
• Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark Dowell
• 1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a Boy by Martha Freeman
• The Fighter by Jean-Jacques Greif
• The Demon in the Teahouse by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
• The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
• Diamond Brothers Mysteries series by Anthony Horowitz
• Evil Star by Anthony Horowitz
• Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz
• Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
• Kiss and Blog by Alyson Noel
• Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
• Hell Phone by William Sleator
• Midnighters trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

The Phantom of the Opera Was Here

Last night, 19 people came out to sing along to The Phantom of the Opera. It was fun...and we learned that we are not all sopranos! I had seen the play on Broadway years ago (1992?), but I hadn't seen the movie until last night. I thought the movie portrayed the gothic horror romance very well through the costumes and scenery. I loved the underground labyrinth that the phantom inhabited. But it was totally creepy as well!

Missed this event? Our next sing-along movie will be Grease in August.

Summer Schedule!

The teen summer schedule is done, and it's huge! In fact, there are still more events that aren't even on the flyer yet!! Come and get one when you have a chance. The theme this summer is You Never Know @ Your Library, so we have a lot of mysterious events planned.

If you can't wait to see the list, here's a preview. All events are for students entering grades 6 to 12, unless noted.

Get Your Game On!
Trading card and hand-held video games welcome.
Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00 (except holidays)
Permission slip required.

Movie: National Treasure (PG)
Wednesday, June 20, 2:00 to 4:00

Mystery Night: The Cracks in the Wall
Friday, June 22, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board.

Real Life Mysteries (Teen Summer Reading Kick-Off)
Presented by Kristin Pedemonti
Thursday, June 28, 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Zine Workshop
Fridays, 1:30 to 3:00
July 13, 20, 27, and August 3
Grades 8 to 12 only.

Movie: Mystery Men (PG-13)
Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Nintendo Night
Friday, July 13, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Permission slip required.

Drop-In Craft: DIY Tie Dye (outside)
Bring your own pre-washed 100% cotton items.
Wednesday, July 18, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Harry Potter Midnight Madness
Friday, July 20, 8:00 pm to 12:30 am
Permission slip required.

Clue Tournament
Wednesday, July 25, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Special Book Discussion: Twilight and New Moon
Friday, July 27, 3:30 to 5:00

Drop-In Craft: DIY Soap
Wednesday, August 1, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Eclipse Prom
Friday, August 3, 6:30 to 8:30
Sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board.

Movie: Grease Sing Along (PG)
Wednesday, August 8, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Author Visit: Jeffry Johnston, author of Fragments
Friday, August 10, 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Drop-In Craft: DIY Magnets
Wednesday, August 15, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament
Friday, August 17, 6:00 to 8:30
Permission slip required.

Dance Dance Revolution
Wednesday, August 22, 2:00 to 4:00
Permission slip required.

Newest of the New

New fiction for our teen shelves:

• The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Control by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
• Eva by Peter Dickinson
• Buried by Robin Merrow MacCready
• Lulu Dark Can See Through Walls by Bennett Madison
• Dead Connection by Charlie Price
• The Innocent's Story by Nicky Singer
• Club Dread by Walter Sorrells

Also, we got several books in the Gossip Girl and Clique series, thanks to the TAB!

Book Characters Unite!

Last Friday night, 14 people came to the Teen Advisory Board's book character potluck party. It was great to see everyon'e costumes! We did literary Mad-Libs, a classic children's literature trivia race, and heard readings about several people's characters. We watched movie clips from The Princess Bride (yes, it was a book first) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

We also ate great food provided by you! Thanks to everyone who brought something to represent their character. We had red juice (Katie), hoagies (Maria), "rat" (Kara), veggies (Gretchen), a lemon meringue pie (Caitlin), duplex cookies (Genni), garlic pasta (Marissa), and fruit salad (Micah). It was hilarious!

Can you figure out who came as a character from...

• Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
• The Blue Avenger by Norma Howe
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
• Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares
• Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer
• Bunnicula by James Howe
• A Great and Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray
• The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
• Vampire Kisses series by Ellen Schreiber
• Midnight Cowboy by James Leo Herlihy
  

New Lobby Display!

Last week, I put up a new lobby display featuring new books our library received as part of the We the People Bookshelf on the Pursuit of Happiness. There are 15 books in English and 4 in Spanish, at a variety of levels. Both the middle and high school book groups will be reading and discussing one of these books this year. Look for them on the shelves this summer!

Book Review: Surrender

Surrender by Sonya Hartnett

SUMMARY: In the small, desolate town of Mulyan, a well-behaved young boy plays with a toy car atop the fence rail surrounding his front yard. A very different sort of boy--sunbaked, unkempt, and vaguely dangerous--appears on the street side of the fence to scratch his name in the wood and taunt the young boy to move beyond his boundaries. So begins the eerie relationship between Gabriel and Finnegan: the first, an isolated and disturbed child in a profoundly dysfunctional family with an ugly history; the second, a cruel and destructive yet wildly freeing force. The two determine to be each other's reflection: one all good, the other all bad. Together they share dark secrets, make plans, and experience a pure love for Surrender, Gabriel's adopted hound. Told retrospectively from the deathbed of 20-year-old Gabriel, this is a potent and disquieting psychological tale. (from the Booklist review)

OPINION: This book is a stream of consciousness story of an unlikely, dangerous friendship. Gabriel and Finnegan are close through the years, relying solely on each other's company. But as Finnegan's love for fire threatens the town, Gabriel's father forms a vigilante group to try to catch the arsonist. Gabriel, caught between these two powerful forces in his life, isn't sure where his loyalties lie. Can he keep secrets from either one? This book will haunt you to the end.

READ ALIKE: Invisible by Pete Hautman

Johnny Depp Film Festival

The Teen Advisory Board invites you to attend our first-ever film festival. Watch hours of Johnny Depp on the big screen! Invite your friends, bring comfy pillows, relax with snacks, and enjoy the movies. Sign up today!!

Friday, June 1

6:30 to 8:30 pm

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PG)

Saturday, June 2

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Pirates of the Caribbean 1 and 2 (PG-13)

Lunch will be provided.

TAB Thanks!

Thanks to 6 TAB members, we had a successful Saturday!

Thanks to Kara and Marissa for accompanying me to Cool Stuff/Effin Comics in Drexel Hill for Free Comic Book Day. We gave away bookmarks, highlighted the library's graphic novel collection, and had people show us their library card to win a superhero poster.

Thanks to Shelby, Meg, Tyria, and Katie for staffing the library's yard sale. The yard sale made about $100, so that's $50 for TAB summer programs.

Book Review: Dramarama

Dramarama by E. Lockhart

SUMMARY: Two theater-mad, self-invented, fabulositon Ohio teenagers. One boy, one girl. One gay, one straight. One black, one white. And SUMMER DRAMA CAMP. It's a season of hormones, gold lame', hissy fits, jazz hands, song and dance, true love, and unitards that will determine their future--and test their friendship.

OPINION: If you compulsively hum Broadway tunes, watch old movie musicals, or thrill at the sight of a big chourus number on stage, this book is for you! Whether you are a seasoned performer or an audience member, you will be sucked in to the lives of Douglas and Sarah (aka Demi and Sadye) as they take on summer drama camp. The problem? As Demi discovers the depth of his talent, Sadye learns that she is not up to par with her peers. Will their friendship survive the intensity and closeness of camp life?

WEBSITE: Go to E. Lockhart's website to get an iMix of songs from the book!

New Stuff on the Shelves!

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

Fiction

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

Nonfiction

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

Improv!

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

Book Review: books by Katherine Sturtevant

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

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

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

Everyone's Day Off!

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

Right On!

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

Food of the 60s

Here are some foods that were available for the first time in the 1960s!

Drinks

• Fresca (1967)
• Gatorade (1963)
• Sprite (1961)
• Tab (1963)
• Tang (1966)
• Diet 7-Up (1969)

Candy & Snacks

• Blammo gum (1960)
• Bugles (1968)
• Chips Ahoy! cookies (1963)
• Cool Whip (1966)
• Doritos (1966)
• Funyons (1969)
• Lays (1965)
• Lemonheads (1962)
• M&Ms in red, green, and yellow introduced (1960)
• Starburst (1960)
• SweeTarts (1963)

Cereals

• Apple Jacks (1963)
• Frosted Mini-Wheats
• Fruit Loops (1963)
• Life (1961)
• Product 19
• Total (1961)

Other Foods

• Granny Smith apple (1960)
• Green Giant frozen vegetables (1961)
• Kiwifruit (1961)
• McDonald's Big Mac (1969)
• Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup (1961)
• Pop-Tarts (1964)
• Spaghetti O's (1965)
• Taco Bell restaurants (1962)

For more food information, check out these sites:

• Candy USA Confectionary Timeline
• The Food History Timeline

Book List of Love

A new book list is available in our teen section featuring stories of star-crossed love in the tradition of Romeo and Juliet. It was inspired by our showing of West Side Story last week, and contains all kinds of stories about people who fall in love despite challenging situations! Pick up a copy next time you are at the library.

Last Night

(to the tune of Tonight)

Last night, last night,
Was not just any night,
Last night 10 teens sang out their lungs.
Last night, last night,
We saw a movie last night
And we ate, and we sang, and had fun!
Last night the movie was West Side Story,
The food was chips and soda,
And Twizzlers we could bite.
It was really long,
So we fast fowarded the film to the songs
Last night!!

Book Review: Incantation

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

SUMMARY: The opposing forces of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal underscore this brief but rich tale set during the Spanish Inquisition. Told by 16-year-old Estrella deMadrigal, the novel shows how gruesome beliefs nourished by ignorance and prejudice destroyed the lives of countless people. Hoffman weaves a tale of a close friendship between two teens, Estrella and Catalina. However, there is a secret about Estrella and her family that unfolds in spurts. The deMadrigals are Jews who follow their religion in secret, appearing to the world as good Catholics in order to escape persecution. On one level this is the story of a friendship and the deadly interference of jealousy. It is also a story of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Estrella develops incredible strength as she tries to save herself and her grandmother. Ultimately, it is the love of a Christian, Catalina's cousin Andres, that saves her. Hoffman's lyrical prose and astute characterization blend to create a riveting, horrific tale that unites despair with elements of hope. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: I have seen sketches about the Spanish Inquisition by Mel Brooks and Monty Python, which are just silly. I have read about the Spanish Inquisition in history books, which was rather dull. Incancation is altogether different than either of those! Estrella and Catalina are best friends, driven apart by Estrella's dual secrets: her Jewish heritage and love for Catalina's cousin. As Catalina begins to suspect these two truths, she exposes Estrella's entire family out of revenge and spite. In taking a narrow view of the events--one family, one village--it allows the author to evoke the emotions, events, and experiences of that time in history. This is a short novel, easily read in one sitting, but not easily forgotten.

Fun With Avatars

So tonight I made some new Yahoo avatars. This one's for 60s Night, coming up on Friday, March 30 from 6:30 to 8:30. If you haven't registered yet, there's still space for you!

Book Review: Cathy's Book

Cathy's Book: If Found Call 650-266-8233 by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman

SUMMARY: Things weren’t so peachy in Cathy’s life before Victor broke up with her. Her father died unexpectedly, she’s failing school, and her best friend is mad at her. But when Cathy decides to investigate Victor’s reasons for ending their relationship, things suddenly go from bad to very, very, very bad as her findings produce more questions than answers. For instance, what does the death of Victor’s co-worker, the strange mark that appeared on Cathy’s arm, and the surreal behavior of several Chinese elders have to do with it? Through Cathy’s unique and irresistible voice--and lots of proof in the form of letters, photographs, date book entries, telephone numbers readers can call, websites they can access, as well as secrets only a careful reader will be able to decipher--readers will enter a strange and fascinating world where things often aren’t how they appear. (from the book description)

OPINION: Cathy's journal tells a mysterious quasi-vampire tale that is interesting on its own, but what really makes it unique is the evidence provided as part of the story. Sure, a lot of authors and books have websites, MySpace accounts, contests, etc., but this book takes interactivity to a whole new level. Working websites, phone numbers, and other clues mean that you can access more resources in trying to figure out exactly what is going on in the story. It's a pretty cool concept. Check it out to read over spring break...it will keep you busy!

Spring Schedules!

Be sure to pick up a copy of the library's spring teen schedule next time you are around! We've got a really cool six-week jewelry-making class starting on Wednesday, April 11. Also, the Teen Advisory Board is hosting 60s Night and a Book Character Party. The TAB suggested several of our other planned events, including Improv Night, three movie nights, and another special high school book discussion. Additionally, you can pick up an application to join the TAB at the children's circulation desk or in the lobby! We will be deciding on new members this May. There's so much going on! Come in and register for something!!

Zine-O-Rama

Today was the first day of our four-week zine workshop! If you want to know more about zines, check out these resources:

Websites

• The Book of Zines (an internet directory devoted to zines)
• Wikipedia article (tons of info about zines, and really excellent links!)
• Zine World (a review source for zines and other underground publications)

Documentary

• $100 and a T-shirt: A Documentary about Zines in the Northwest (2004)

Store

• Wooden Shoe Books, an anarchist collective bookstore near South Street (508 S 5th St.), stocks zines. Take a field trip!

Fiction

• Miss Smithers by Susan Juby
• Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger

Nonfiction

• Zine Scene: The Do It Yourself Guide to Zines by Francesca Lia Block and Hilary Carlip
• 'Zine: How I Spent Six Years of My Life in the Underground and Finally...Found Myself...I Think by Pagan Kennedy
• Whatcha Mean, What's a Zine: The Art of Making Zines and Mini-Comics by Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson
• Stolen Sharpie Revolution: A DIY Zine Resource by Alex Wrekk

It's Teen Tech Week

March 4 to 10 is the first ever Teen Tech Week, sponsored by YALSA! To celebrate, we are running a digital scavenger hunt this week at the library. Just bring in your digital camera or cell phone, snap a few pix of stuff in the library, show them to the desk staff, and get a prize! You can do it anytime, and you are welcome to work in groups. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a $25 gift card to Circuit City! I also decorated the display case in the lobby for TTW, so check it out!

Book Review: The New Policeman

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

SUMMARY: Heart-pounding Irish music is the common ground between material and magical worlds in this ambitious fantasy, which begins in western Ireland. When J. J. Liddy is 15, his mother jokingly asks for a birthday present of more time. From an eccentric neighbor, J. J. learns to his astonishment that his mother's request may not be impossible to fill. Bravely venturing into an alternate fairy world, J. J. takes on a thrilling, epic quest in which he confronts dark family rumors and tries to repair a cosmic time leak between his world and the land of eternal youth. Thompson packs her mesmerizing, chaotic novel with Irish culture, interconnected mysteries, and sly questions about the stresses of contemporary life and the age-old frictions between religion and folklore. Musical scores for Irish tunes close each chapter in this soulful, wildly imagined tale. (from the Booklist review)

OPINION: This book looks thick, but the short chapters, each with a song, make the pages fly. You'll wonder where the time went! The alternating chapters come together at the end of the book, with many mysteries solved. My only complaint is that I wish it came with a soundtrack. It talks about Irish music so much that I really wanted to listen while I read! This is not an edgy fairy book, like Tithe or I Was a Teenage Fairy, but it is a wonderfully atmospheric read.

Game Boy Night!

Friday night, 15 teens came out to Game Boy Night to hang out and to play Pokemon. And four of them were girls! We had our traditional tournament, and it was a total upset. Maria, who has never had a good team, got her Pokemon in shape and whipped all the boys who thought they were going to win! Girl power!! We'll do it again this summer, so check the schedule. And huge thanks to Jimmy for loaning us his GameCube for the final battles!

Book Review: Cupcake

Cupcake by Rachel Cohn

SUMMARY: When Cyd Charisse moves from San Francisco to start a new life in New York City, she leaves behind her family--and her true love, Shrimp. She wants to find a cool job, the city's best caffeination and most perfect cupcake, and a hot new love. But the reality of CC's new life hits some unexpected obstacles, including a broken leg that renders her immobile; the joy and aggravation of sharing an apartment with a roommate who's also an older brother; and a tasty selection of guys--none of whom measure up to Shrimp. Then, just when CC starts to get her new life on track, her old love returns. Shrimp has given up on his plans to live and surf in New Zealand and arrives in NYC with nothing to do other than to be with CC. And this time CC is determined that she and Shrimp will not repeat their old mistakes. (from the inside cover)

OPINION: This book continues the story begun in Gingerbread and Shrimp, so you should definitely read those first. That said, I was so glad to see Cyd Charisse back in action in this book! This is definitely an older, wiser CC who is trying to make her way in NYC. You know, she's about the same age as those Sisterhood girls, some of whom also took on the Big Apple after graduation. And she could kick all of their ...um... *keisters* in categories like caffeination, relationship maturity, clothing, and general coolness.

WEBSITES: Visit Rachel Cohn's homepage or her MySpace!

YUM: Did this book make you hungry? Check out a cupcake cookbook!

Book Swap and Board Games!

Yesterday, 10 teens visited our winter book swap event, and 7 stayed to play games. It was excellent. Over 50 books were swapped, lots of library bucks were earned, and three prizes were given. And I got to test out two new games I got for Christmas--Cranium Pop 5 and Buzz Word. Thanks to everyone who helped make our event fun! We'll definitely do another swap this summer.

New Books on the Block

New fiction books are hangin' tough at the library...

• The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Volume One: Traitor to the Nation by M. T. Anderson
• Cupcake by Rachel Cohn (*finally*)
• Terrier by Tamora Pierce
• It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison
• The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

And yes, the title of the post and my intro at the top are a bit of 80s trivia. Anyone get it??

Chocolate Books!

Here are books with the word CHOCOLATE in the title! Yum!!

Teen Fiction

• The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
• Beyond the Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
• Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
• The Chocolate Lover by M. E. Rabb
• Sorcery and Cecelia, or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patrica C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Adult Fiction

• Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidsion
• Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
• Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Nonfiction

• Candyfreak: A Journey through the Chocolate Underbelly of America by Steve Almond

Inspirational

• Chocolate for a Teen's Dreams by Kay Allenbaugh
• Chocolate for a Teen's Heart by Kay Allenbaugh
• Chocolate for a Teen's Soul by Kay Allenbaugh
• Chocolate for a Teen's Spirit by Kay Allenbaugh
• Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Teenage Soul by Arielle Ford

Here's a related teen book that doesn't have chocolate in the title, but has chocolate on the cover: Flavor of the Week by Tucker Shaw.

And don't forget COOKBOOKS...there are tons of cookbooks full of nothing but chocolate recipes!!!

Chocolate

Yes, it's that time of year again. And no matter how you feel about Valentine's Day, you can still enjoy chocolate!!!

Surf some chocolate:

• http://www.wonka.com/
• http://www.hersheys.com/fun/
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/chocolate/

Watch some chocolate:

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005; PG)
• Chocolat (2000; PG-13)
• I Love Lucy episode 39: "Job Switching" (1952; aka the candy factory episode)
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971; G)

Visit some chocolate:

• Hershey Park (Hershey, PA)
• Wilbur Chocolate (Lititz, PA)

Fanboy Factoids

Notes from Barry's latest newsletter...

BEST BOOK OF 2006?
I'm too modest to say so ("Yeah, right," you all say, rolling your eyes), but School Library Journal has no such qualms. They listed Fanboy as one of the Best Books of 2006. And the Parkersburg (WV) News and Sentinel named it Teen Book of the Year for 2006.But none of that can hold a candle to the Catholic News Service listing my book as one of the best books to give to children for the holiday season, right under a book about teaching children about Jesus. Let me tell you, that one made my Catholic grandfather pretty happy...though it confused me. I mean, did they even READ the book? What was the Pope thinking?

AUDIOBOOK
The Fanboy and Goth Girl audiobook is on track to come out in March. I spoke with the producer, who is very excited about it. They've lined up a TERRIFIC narrator, none other than Scott Brick. Those of you in comics might recognize Scott's name -- he's done a lot of freelance work for Wizard and the like. He's a huge comic book fan, so it's quite apropos that he'll be narrating this book. (And we all know he won't have any trouble pronouncing any of the comic book references!) Scott was recently named Narrator of the Year by PW, so it's an honor to have him on the project.

PAPERBACK
The paperback edition of Fanboy will be out in October...just in time for the release of my second book, Boy Toy.

THE MOVIE DEAL
Yes, this is what EVERYONE wants to hear about. :) Wish I had news for you, folks, but I don't. The negotiations continue between my agent and the movie folks. These things take time. I've basically put it out of my thoughts. If it's going to happen, it'll happen.

Chocolate Party!

On Saturday, 27 teens came to the Teen Advisory Board's Chocoholics Anonymous chocolate party! It was great to see everyone, and we certainly got our fill of chocolate! We watched segments from the movies Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, tried chocolate marshmallow fondue, rated gourmet chocolates, played chocolate bingo, attempted to unwrap Hershey's Kisses while wearing oven mitts, guessed how much chocolate was in the jar, and answered chocolate trivia. And there were tons of chocolate snacks. Thanks to Tyria for the Oreos, Katie for the chocolate-covered strawberries, Caitlin for the gourmet brownies, and Laura for the cupcakes. It was wonderful!

Chocoholics Anonymous 12 Step Program

For the TAB's Chocoholics Anonymous party yesterday, Caitlin came up with some parts of a 12 step program. I added the rest, and this is what we ended up with:

1. Accept that you have a problem with chocolate.

2. Admit past wrongdoings involving chocolate, even if they are elaborate, tragic, or disturbing.

3. Ask a higher power to give you strength to resist the temptation of sweet, gooey, creamy, rich chocolate.

4. Always be on your guard; you never know when chocolate will strike!

5. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with similar substitutes, like carrots or broccoli. If that doesn’t work, try eating a picture of chocolate--there’s lots of fiber, and no calories!

6. Talk to chocolate. Let it know who’s boss. Especially do this in public places. People’s weird looks will discourage you from eating it.

7. Don’t quit alone! Have a quitting buddy. Force your parents to let your quitting buddy live at your house. It’s for your health!

8. Get into a fun new hobby, like competitive cheese rolling or opening a local chapter of the Corduroy Appreciation Club.

9. Sue the chocolate companies. Give the winnings to our organization.

10. Mount an anti-chocolate campaign in your neighborhood. You could prohibit Girl Scouts from selling cookies, or, better yet, start a picket line at your local Wawa.

11. Take your anti-chocolate campaign on the road! Get a rock band together and sing about the dangers of chocolate at local schools. Eat the fruits and vegetables that the students throw at you.

12. If all else fails and you must eat chocolate, you are a hopeless cause. Go enjoy your M&Ms, and Rocky Road ice cream, and Mounds, and Hershey’s Kisses, and Twix, and Junior Mints, and Snickers, and Three Musketeers, and Kit Kat, and Moose Tracks ice cream, and Reese’s Cups, and Kandy Kakes, and Rolo, and Sugar Babies, and Cadbury Eggs, and Moon Pies, and Oreos. . .

Book Review: The Christopher Killer

The Christopher Killer: A Forensic Mystery by Alane Ferguson

SUMMARY: Ferguson's latest mystery-thriller introduces 17-year-old Cameryn Mahoney, who has the annoying habit of challenging her elders (most of whom seem to deserve it). She also has the unshakable desire to be a forensic pathologist--and a very strong stomach. The latter comes in handy during the autopsy of a friend, the latest victim of a serial killer whose signature is a St. Christopher's medal left with each body. The vivid autopsy scenes are surprising, given the fairly routine story line and agreeable, though certainly not complex, characters. It's Cammie's energy and chutzpa that really propel the story, and readers will sympathize with her as she struggles to decide whether to keep faith with science or be sucked in by a charismatic psychic. This is worlds away from the Nancy Drew college series in terms of gore, but CSI fans won't blink twice. (from the Booklist review)

OPINION: Cammie is really interested in figuring out the stories the dead have to tell, but she has to have a lot of personal strength, knowledge, and patience to figure out those stories! In this first book of the series, she begins to put her book learning to the test by helping her dad, a coroner, with his caseload. As a forensic mystery, this book really focuses on the postmortem aspects of crime solving. Think of it like a literary CSI: plenty of discussion and descriptions regarding decaying dead bodies, autopsies, and life in the morgue. But it is also a fast-moving thriller with plenty of action to keep your interest.

Newness

Look for some shiny new covers on the shelf...

• The Prophecy by Hilari Bell
• The Christopher Killer: A Forensic Mystery by Alane Ferguson
• Shattering Glass by Gail Giles
• Standing Against the Wind by Traci L. Jones
• Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
• Mixed: An Anthology of Short Fiction on the Multiracial Experience edited by Chandra Prasad
• Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton

Here's Looking at You, Kid

If you go in the teen corner this week, you may notice that the books are watching you. That's because I made a list of books with cover designs that have eyes staring directly out, and I put all the books on display. It's kind of creepy when you see them all together! So, get a copy of the list and look for some books that look back. The eyes have it!!!!

Groundhog Day!

Tonight, 23 teens took over the program room to watch Groundhog Day on Groundhog Day. It was an excellent first teen movie night, and there are many more to come this year! The TAB is buying some pillows for this sort of thing, so look for more of those in the future, too. If you have movie suggestions, post them here or email me!

Book Review: The Rules of Survival

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

SUMMARY: Narrated by 17-year-old Matt as a letter to his youngest sister, Emmy, The Rules of Survival is his effort to come to terms with the vicious treatment he and his two sisters suffered at the hands of Nikki, their beautiful and unpredictable mother. As much as he fears her manic highs and lows, his greater concern as he grows older is for the safety of his sisters. Compounding the problem are the adults in their lives--their father and their aunt--who recognize Nikki's instability but find it easier to look the other way. When Nikki's ex-boyfriend Murdoch befriends the children, they want to believe that a more normal future is possible, but are afraid of being disappointed by an adult yet again. The characters captivate readers from the beginning, and short, terse chapters move the plot along with an intensity that will appeal to seasoned Werlin fans and reluctant readers alike. Teens will empathize with these siblings and the secrets they keep in this psychological horror story. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: This book was a National Book Award finalist, and it is easy to understand why. Without being graphic or melodramatic, the author manages to convey a picture of life with an abusive parent that is both perceptive and horrifying. Matt's mother, Nikki, is selfish and childish at best, manipulative and cruel at worst. In a frightening example, she pulls the car into lanes of oncoming traffic to force her kids to declare their love for her. If you are a fan of A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer or if you like suspenseful thrillers, this book's for you.

DDR

Yesterday afternoon, 15 teens came out for DDR at the library. Not everyone was brave enough to dance, but it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves! We had a tournament, which Jamie won easily (again). Somebody has to stop him! We'll definitely have another DDR event before summer, so look for it on the schedule.

Book Review: The Boy Book

The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them by E. Lockhart (a sequel to The Boyfriend List)

SUMMARY: Ruby, first introduced in The Boyfriend List, continues to narrate the events in her life at Tate Prep. Interspersed throughout the story are excerpts from The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them, a journal written by the teen and her ex-friends in years past. Ruby is now in her junior year and discovering that there is life after a boyfriend breakup and the loss of previous friends for not following The Rules for Dating. She discovers that she can make new friends, reconnect with some of her old ones, and simply accept that some people are lost forever. The story is both humorous and witty, and the language is realistically raw. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: It has been a while since I read The Boyfriend List, but it didn't take long before I was totally immersed this story. I read the whole book last night while I was supposed to be sleeping...something I don't do a whole lot since baby Nat arrived! But it was so much fun to read the hilarious entries from The Boy Book and to see how Ruby actually got some assertiveness and learned to cope with her issues. The footnotes of movies on various relationship topics made me laugh, too. The humorous tone of this book makes even therapy, break-ups, and rocky friendships seem OK.

Monty Python Night

On Friday night, 18 teens came to our first-ever Monty Python Night at the library. We watched several of the most famous Flying Circus sketches and a lot of the best scenes from Holy Grail! The Spanish Inquisition, Dead Parrot, The Ministry of Silly Walks, Confuse-A-Cat, Hell's Grannies, Crunchy Frog, and Burglar/Encyclopedia Salesman were just a few of the sketches we watched. We also played a few stupid games, like naming chocolates gross things and running a relay race combining silly walks and galloping with coconuts. And we had thematic food including Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch Cookies, Whizzo's Quality Assortment, Two Halves of Coconut Cookies, Knights Who Say "Ni" Snack Mix, Norweigan Blue Juice, and Holy Grail Ale. Thanks to Julie for bringing Dennis' Dirt and Black Knight Blood Punch, too! There were so many requests for Flying Circus sketches, we will have to do this again just to see them all!

Book Review: Forever in Blue

Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares

SUMMARY: This title marks "one last, glorious summer" for the traveling pants, and it's a time of changing identities and growing independence for the Sisterhood. As they discover new talents after their first year of college, the girls face increasingly grown-up dilemmas: an unwanted-pregnancy scare, crushes on married men, malicious co-workers, and questions about how to know if a love is lasting. By summer's end, each realizes that, with or without the pants, she is confident, talented, and lucky to share in such a nurturing lifelong friendship. A strong, satisfying conclusion that won't disappoint fans. (adapted from the Booklist review)

OPINION: As a fan of the series, I have to say that I am totally biased in favor of this book. You know how excited I was about its release, and I read it in one sitting! That said, it was a wonderful end to the series, wrapping up old storylines while taking each girl in a new direction. I thought it was an appropriately mature send-off for a group of college girls and their much-beloved pants. You won't find it on any library shelves, though...all the copies in the county are checked out! Come in and get your name on the waiting list for the first available copy. Or, go buy one!!

Winter Schedule: Complete Online Version

Special Programs

Monty Python Night
Friday, January 19, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Do you taunt people a second time? Do you expect the Spanish Inquisition? Can you quote entire scenes from memory? See your favorite scenes and sketches, play silly games, and win pythonic prizes!
Registration begins January 5.

DDR
Saturday, January 27, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Show your moves at our XBox DDR night! We will project the game onto the wall so four people can dance at a time. Dance for fun, or enter our dance contest!
Permission slip required.
Registration begins January 5.

Movie Night: Groundhog Day (PG)
Friday, February 2, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
There is no better time to watch Groundhog Day than on Groundhog Day. So we are!
Registration begins January 5.

Chocoholics Anonymous
Saturday, February 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
If you love chocolate, the TAB invites you to indulge at our pre-Valentine’s Day binge!
Registration begins January 5.

Book Swap and Board Games
Saturday, February 24, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
The TAB invites you to swap books and play board games at this relaxed and fun event. No registration...stop and swap, or stay and play!
NOTE: Swap books should be intermediate or young adult paperback fiction in good condition.

SP Night
Friday, March 2, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Bring your GameBoy Advance or SP, your cords to linkup, and your favorite games. There will be a Pokemon tournament during the event, with the finalists dueling on the big screen!
Permission slip required.
Registration begins February 5 .

Movie Night: West Side Story Sing Along (Not Rated)
Friday, March 16, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Join the group and sing along to this classic movie musical. Who can resist tough guys with ballet moves?
Registration begins February 19.

60s Night
Friday, March 30, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cool man! All you flower children should dig the TAB’s psychedelic blast from the past! Registration begins February 26.


Weekly Clubs

DIY Zine Workshop
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Are you a writer or artist? Join the underground magazine movement! Get creative with your work and get published in our very own library zine. Participants must attend all four sessions.
Registration begins February 5.

Get Your Game On!
Every Monday, except holidays
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh! deck, GameBoy, Warhammer 40K army, Magic the Gathering deck, PSP, or any other game stuff you’re into. Hang out, relax, and play whatever you want!
Players provide their own gaming materials.
Permission slip required.
Registration is ongoing.

Knitting Club
Tuesdays, March 6 to April 24
3:45 to 4:45 pm
You may not be a Hollywood star, but you can knit like one. Learn to make your own accessories! Beginning and experienced knitters are welcome. All materials provided.
For students in grades 7 to 12 only.
Registration begins February 5.


Book Discussion Groups

Free books and free food. What could be better!? Each month, the group votes on a book, the library buys them each a copy, and we get together to discuss it over some snacks. Participants must register one month before attending.

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)
Every third Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Winter Meetings: January 19, February 16, March 16

High School (Grades 9 to 12)
Every first Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Winter Meetings: January 5, February 2, March 2

Special Valentine’s Day High School Book Discussion:
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Wednesday, February 14
3:30 to 5:00 pm
This he said/she said romance told by YA stars Rachel Cohn and David Levithan is a sexy, funny rollercoaster of a story about one date over one very long night, with two teenagers, both recovering from broken hearts, who are just trying to figure out who they want to be—and where the next great band is playing.
You will get your own copy of the book when you sign up for the program.
Registration starts January 5.
Grades 9 to 12 ONLY.

Book Review: Up a Road Slowly

Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt

SUMMARY: Seven-year-old Julie Trelling and her older brother Chris are left to live with their firm, but kind Aunt Cordelia when their father is widowed. Bright, sensitive, and a bit of a rebel, Julie faces the tough challenges of growing up smart and female. During her childhood, Julie learns bittersweet lessons in heartbreak and compassion and justice and love as only as children do. As idyllic as her country life seems, there is prejudice, meanness, and smallness of human spirit in all corners of the world. As Julie grows up from a young child of seven to seventeen, she tells her story in a voice both immediate and honest. While this is primarily Julie's story, it also features the formidable Aunt Cordelia, whose own life could have been Julie's life. The book isn't all lessons and wisdom. It's mostly evocative and reflective, stringing together significant moments in growing up with precise detail of everyday things, rather than being action-packed or plot-driven. Hunt tell us that growing up isn't simple, but you're also never alone even when you want to be, as even enemies and bad experiences shape us as much as the loved ones and good times do. (adapted from an Amazon.com review)

OPINION: I was removing books from the teen collection this week, and I pulled Up a Road Slowly off the shelf. It was all yellowed with age and the cover was ugly, so I was going to get rid of it. It hadn't been checked out in years, and I didn't know anything about it, even though it was the 1966 Newbery Award winner. But then I started reading it. I have a thing for quaint stories like Little Women and Anne of Green Gables and Betsy-Tacy. If you like those old sweet stories which were written as contemporary fiction, but now read like historical fiction from a kinder, gentler time...this one's for you. But I think I might buy a new copy with a better cover!

Orignal cover vs. new cover...

Just Added

New fiction!!!!

• Store-Bought Baby by Sandra Belton
• Parent Swap by Terence Blacker
• El Lector by William Durbin
• Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
• Ash Road by Ivan Southall
• The Dreamweaver's Child by Steve Voake