Book Review: Everything Beautiful

Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

(This book will be released on October 28, 2008.)

SUMMARY: Riley Rose, a nonreligious, self-proclaimed bad girl, has been tricked into attending Spirit Ranch, a Christian camp. There she meets Dylan Kier, an alumni camper and recent paraplegic, who arrives with a chip on his shoulder and a determination to perfect all of his bad habits. United in their personal suffering and in their irritation at their fellow campers, they turn the camp inside out as they question the meaning of belief systems, test their faith in each other, and ultimately settle a debate of the heart. (from the back cover)

OPINION: Having spent many weeks at Christian sleep-away camp, I can attest to the accuracy of the setting of this book. Anecdote: I once had a counselor whose given name was Heaven Lee Angel Baker. And I am totally not lying. Anyway, going to camp, even for a week, changes you in some way. And, just like this book, it's not always a religious experience that makes the difference. Something about getting outside of yourself, your friends, and your normal routines gives you the distance to think about things with more perspective. Riley is a tough female character who is comfortable with her large, shapely body, but not so comfortable with friendships and relationships. Living in close camp quarters definitely provides her with some food for thought! If you liked the challenging, strong, female main characters in Big Fat Manifesto, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, and Cupcake, this is a book for you.

AUTHOR INFO: Find out more about Simmone on her LJ, called post-teen trauma.

More Belt Crafts

If you missed our belt crafts event or have more outfits to match, why not try one of these projects at home?

Necktie Belt #2
This necktie belt can be made out of one tie. All you need are 2 D-rings for a belt buckle and some fabric glue.

Grosgrain Ribbon Belt
Two ribbons, two D-rings, and some iron-on bonding material make a cute contrasting belt.

Velvet Ribbon Belt
Similar to the above two belts, but much more dressy.

Funky Rounds Belt
Crochet your way to a cute multicolored belt.

Soda Tab Belt #2
Start drinking your soda...this one takes a lot of tabs!

Belt It!

Today, 5 teens showed up for our belt-making craft event. Everyone made three belts. First, we made a necktie belt from two contrasting ties. To wear it, you just tie it in a knot on the side so the two ties hang down the leg. Then, we did two projects from Dangles and Bangles by Sherri and Michelle Haab. One was made with soda tabs and safety pins, with beads added for cuteness. The other was a braided cloth belt that was very reminiscent of the 60s. It was great fun, and I hope everyone gets to wear all their new belts this week.

There are tons of things you can do with old neckties, by the way. Skirts, guitar straps, even s stuffed snake can be yours with some simple sewing. Check out this roundup of great necktie ideas! And if that's not enough, check out this blog!!

More New Items for You

I am going to start velcro-ing books to the ceiling if you don't come in and check them out! There is seriously no place for the new books to be shelved!!!

FICTION

• The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding (Cat Royal Adventure series)
• Evernight by Claudia Gray
• All the Lovely Bad Ones: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
• Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley
• Sure Fire by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards
• Maddigan's Fantasia by Margaret Mahy
• Hotlanta by Denene Millner and Mitzi Millner
• Game by Walter Dean Myers
• First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover by Mitali Perkins (First Daughter series)
• White House Rules by Mitali Perkins (First Daughter series)
• Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
• Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet by Sherri L. Smith
• Larry and the Meaning of Life by Janet Tashjian

Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
(Click on the cover to see which libraries own it.)

SUMMARY: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her younger sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before--and survival is second nature for her. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: This dystopian novel is an incredible page-turner, with all kinds of mayhem and murder to keep you reading until the very end. And what a cliffhanger of an ending! Of course, this is a projected trilogy, but I don't think I can stand the wait!! The characters and events are very compelling, but I did find the dystopian aspects of the novel to be somewhat lacking. There is not much description of how the United States met its end, and very little discussion of issues beyond the brutality of the Capitol toward the districts. Typically, dystopian novels deal with social issues in a futuristic society, but this one was much more action-oriented. I hope that the series expands its scope and improves as it continues. However, I still recommend this book as "unputdownable"!!!

Read Beth's review of The Hunger Games from September.

DDR Rocked the Ceiling

When everyone is stomping with the same rhythm in the second floor programming room, we really rock the ceiling in the children's room! But the 13 teens who came to our Dance Dance Revolution program yesterday all had a great time. And, for the first time, everyone who was there was actually brave enough to dance! Rachel was the winner of our tournament, getting a $10 gift card to GameStop. And thanks to David, for bringing DDR Ultramix 3 and a spare dance pad. We'll definitely do DDR again soon...maybe even at gaming club!

Dragon Party Report

Last Friday, 12 teens came out to our Dragon Party. We did a dragon trivia quiz, made optical illusion dragons, and built dragons out of marshmallows and candy. Rachel, our resident dragon-obsessed former teen, gave everyone a dragon drawing lesson and brought some of her dragon collection to decorate the room. We also watched movie clips from Reign of Fire, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and Eragon. (We didn't even get to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Dragonheart.) Check out our pix:

Drawing dragons.

Hilarity with marshmallows.

A flying dragon.

A mutant bug dragon?

My favorite dragon creation!

New on the Shelves

We keep buying new stuff, even though we have no room for it, so come in and check things out!! (And click on the hotlinked titles to see teen book reviews on this blog.)

FICTION

• Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
• The Red Necklace: A Story of the French Revolution by Sally Gardner
• The Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon
• Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper
• My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and Fenway Park by Steve Kluger
• Ever by Gail Carson Levine
• The Declaration by Gemma Malley
• Guinevere's Gift by Nancy McKenzie
• All We Know of Heaven by Jacquelyn Mitchard
• Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
• Almost Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Alice series)
• Brisingr by Christopher Paolini (third in the Inheritance Cycle)
• The House of Djinn by Suzanne Fisher Staples
• Life Is Fine by Allison Whittenberg

SHORT STORIES

• Up All Night: A Short Story Collection (multiple authors)
• Facts of Life: Stories by Gary Soto

NONFICTION

• 21: Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions by Ben Mezrich

Complete Fall Schedule!

I finally got it all together! We have a bunch of amazing stuff going on this fall, so check out the whole list:

AUTHOR VISIT

Allison Whittenberg
Friday, October 17, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Celebrate Teen Read Week by meeting author Allison Whittenberg. She writes urban teen fiction and just happens to live near our library! Her books, Sweet Thang and Life Is Fine, will be available for sale and signing at the event, or your are welcome to bring your own copies. Sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board. Register now.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Dragon Party
Friday, October 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Celebrate the recent release of Christopher Paolini’s third Inheritance book, Brisingr, with dragon-themed games, activities, and food! Register now.

Dance Dance Revolution
Wednesday, October 8, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Show your moves at our Xbox DDR program! We will project the game onto the wall so four people can dance at a time. Dance for fun, or enter a dance contest. Permission slip required. Register now.

Belt It!
Wednesday, October 15, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Make a few creative belts to accent your favorite outfits! Registration begins September 29.

Vampire Book Discussion
Wednesday, October 22, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Bring your favorite vampire books to share with the group! We will spend plenty of time talking about the Twilight saga, but all kinds of vampire books are welcome. Registration begins September 29.

Vampire Party
Friday, October 31, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Get an early start to your Halloween celebration at our after-school vampire event! Join the Teen Advisory Board to celebrate these mythical creatures of the night with games, snacks, movie clips, and more. Prizes will be awarded for best the vampire costume. Registration begins September 29.

Nintendo Night
Friday, November 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Race head-to-head in a Mario Kart DS tournament, enter a Super Smash Bros. Brawl tournament on the big screen, play games on an original NES, and more! Permission slip required. Registration begins September 29.

Book Swap & Comedy
Saturday, November 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Trade in your old books for new reads, enjoy Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) and Men in Black (PG-13) on the big screen, and eat food! Registration begins October 20.

Origami Ornaments
Friday, November 28, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Turn ordinary origami into cute decorations! Learn to make basic shapes, then turn them into mobiles, boxes, gift tags, and more. Registration begins October 20.

Teen Movie: A Christmas Story (PG)
Friday, December 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Yes, it’s on TV constantly at this time of year, but it’s more fun to watch with a group! The antics of Ralphie and his crazy family never get old. Get out of your house and recite the lines to this hilarious holiday comedy along with everyone else. Registration begins November 3.

Craft Closet Cleanout
Wednesday, December 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
After all the craft projects we’ve done, there are tons of leftovers. Stop by to make something you missed, or do something totally new. No registration, just drop in!

ELECTION CONTEST

Authors for President!
October 6 to November 3
To be President of the United States, you have to be born a citizen, have lived here for at least 14 years, and be at least 35 years old. So, if our favorite authors meet those criteria, why shouldn’t they be President!? Drop by our windowsill display (where summer reading was located) to place your vote during the month before the U.S. Presidential election. The winner will be announced on November 4

CLUBS

Gaming Club
Mondays, September 15 to December 29, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm (no meeting November 10)
Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh! deck, DS, PSP, or any other game stuff you’re into. We'll also hook up the Wii or Xbox for multiplayer gaming. Hang out, relax, and play whatever you want! Players provide their own gaming materials. Permission slip required. Registration is ongoing.

Anime Club
Fourth Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, no Dec. meeting
Join our anime club! We meet once per month to watch and discuss great shows, as well as do anime-related activities. If you like to watch or create Japanese-style animation, this club is for you! Permission slip required. Registration is ongoing.

Zine Workshop
Wednesdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 12, and 19
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 library zine. Participants must attend all four sessions. Registration begins September 29.

Cartooning
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17
4:30 to 6:00 pm
Learn how to create cartoons from scratch, then bring them to life with easy steps. Your characters will jump off the page with action and style! This class will be taught by David Kramer, a Disney-trained animator and cartoonist who comes to us from the Community Arts Center. Sketch pads and pencils provided. Class size is limited. Participants must attend all three sessions. Registration begins November 3.
(Funding for this program is by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act through the Delaware County Library System.)

BOOK GROUPS
Get free books and free food! Every month, the group votes on a book, and the library buys them each a copy to discuss at the next meeting.

Read and Rant Book Group
Third Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Sept. 19, Oct. 17*, Nov. 21, Dec. 19
Open to students in grades 7 to 9, this group is accepting a limited number of new members. Registration is ongoing until spaces are full. *We will host author Allison Whittenberg at our October 17th meeting, and the event will be open to students in grades 6 to 12.

Book Grub Book Group
First Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5
Open to students in grades 10 to 12, this group is accepting a limited number of new members.
Registration is ongoing until spaces are full.

Primos Branch Book Group
Third Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15
Open to students entering grades 6 to 12, this group meets at the Primos Library at 409 Ashland Ave. in Primos, PA, 19018. Call them to register: 610-622-8091.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

SUMMARY: 16-year-old Katniss lives with her mother and sister in the poorest district of Panem, in the ruins of a place once known as North America. The primary breadwinner for her family since the death of her father, Katniss is accustomed to hardship, hunger, and struggling to survive. But not even a life of barebones survival can prepare the children of Panem for the Hunger Games. Each year at the Reaping, a boy and a girl from each of Panem's districts are sent to the Capitol and forced to participate in a gladiator-like spectacle called the Hunger Games, a series of bloody challenges that pit the rich against the poor and the strong against the weak. The children must battle to the death in this kill-or-be-killed event, which serves both to entertain Panem's bored ruling class and keep the districts from rebelling against the Capitol. When Katniss' sister is chosen to participate in the games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The Games require every ounce of cunning, intelligence, and strength that Katniss has. Will she be strong enough to survive, and can she escape the gruesome ordeal with her humanity intact?


OPINION: Normally I'm not a fan of books that are bloody or über-violent, but The Hunger Games is worth it. Katniss is a fantastic heroine who uses her brain as well as her uncommon physical skills to undermine the powerful Capitol, even as it forces her and others like her to kill each other for sport. The author uses the book to make a powerful statement about how governments use violence to create fear, enforce laws (including unjust ones), keep the poor down, and entertain people all at the same time. There are some scary parallels to real-world conflicts (Iraq War, anyone?), which make the book all the more interesting. I would have liked to have known more about the history of Panem -- the author alludes to a war between the Capitol and the 13 districts that are ruled by it, as well as a disaster that destroyed the original United States -- and about the Capitol's reaction to Katniss after her performance in the Games. Hopefully these will be addressed in the sequel. For now, stay tuned for The Hunger Games, set to be released on October 1, 2008.

Book Review: Dead Is the New Black

Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez

Review by Kaitlyn B.

This book was amazing! Marlene Perez incorporated fantasy, romance, mystery, adventure, and even some comedy into this novel. Dead is the New Black had awesome characters that kept the story interesting and fresh. It’s not just another book about magic and vampires. Perez created a completely original novel that anyone would enjoy. So if you enjoy books about psychics, psychotic vampires, teen romance, and mysterious illnesses that leave cheerleaders in the hospital, you would definitely love to read Dead is the New Black.

Book Review: Sovay

Sovay by Celia Rees

SUMMARY: England, 1783. When the rich and beautiful Sovay isn't sitting for portraits, she's donning a man's cloak and robbing horse-drawn carriages in broad daylight. But what started as a mere distraction quickly turns serious when Sovay lifts a wallet full of documents from one of England's most powerful and dangerous men. Finding items meant to incriminate her father for treason, Sovay realizes that her family's support of the French Revolution is known far beyond the confines of their country estate. Riding as a man, Sovay sets out for London to save her father and her family's reputation. The roles of thieves and gentry, good and bad, and men and women are interchanged to riviting effect in Celia Rees' newest and most dazzling historical saga yet. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: I am a huge fan of Celia Rees' book Pirates!, which is a swashbuckling tale of female pirates set against the backdrop of the colonial slave trade. This book is in the same vein, with a courageous female main character who defies traditional roles is a very unconventional way. I liked that a traditional ballad provided the inspiration for the main character and her initial robbery of her betrothed. But I didn't find it at all believable that someone so distinctive looking could successfully rob multiple coaches so close to her home without being caught, or at least accused, in a way that would have ruined her. As the story progressed, I felt like the author was trying to cram too many subplots and events into too few pages. I also grew frustrated with the amount of historical information that had to be conveyed for the reader to understand the relationship among Sovay's family, English politics, and the French Revolution. Nonetheless, the character of Sovay was very compelling, and her personality alone kept me reading the book. I do love a strong female heroine! Overall, I would recommend this book only to dedicated readers of historical fiction.

And the Gold Goes to...

...David for his performance in yesterday's Dance Dance Revolution Tournament! The silver medal went to Genni, while Imade and Katie tied for bronze. A total of 18 teens competed yesterday for fame, fortune, and love of the game -- ok, so the fame only goes as far as this blog and the fortune is more like a Gamestop gift certificate, but really, we play for the love. Besides, who needs the Olympics when there's a dance-off at your local library? We had a great time with our three tournaments, though I got knocked out during the first round of each one! Maybe I should have stuck to Monopoly or cards, which our non-competing teens enjoyed on the side...

Book Review: The Resistance

The Resistance by Gemma Malley

This book will be released on September 2, 2008.

When I read The Declaration last year, I said that I could forgive some of its shortcomings if they were addressed in a sequel. And so it has arrived. The Resistance follows Peter and Anna as they start their lives together. Even though they are Legal, they have to navigate a very tricky path because they are teens in a world of old people. They have not signed the Declaration or started taking Longevity drugs, and this makes them suspect. Not to mention that they are members of the Underground movement to get rid of Longevity! Even as Peter infiltrates his grandfather's pharmaceutical company, his grandfather is manipulating both Peter and Anna to his own ends. To understand this book, it is necessary to have read the first one. Additionally, I am hoping for a third one that will wrap up some of the loose ends. That said, this book has an exciting and fast-paced plot that picks up soon after the end of The Declaration. The more Peter finds out about the new Longevity+, the more frightening this story becomes. It raises a lot of questions about scientific ethics in areas like pharmaceuticals, stem-cell research, and reproductive rights. Nonetheless, sometimes the discussion of ethics takes over the narrative, which makes the book lack the subtlety of the best dystopian novels. For better treatment of similar subjects, I would recommend Double Helix by Nancy Werlin and Unwind by Neal Schusterman.

Book Review: Ghostgirl

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Review by Kaitlyn B.

Personally, I couldn’t get through this book. It was really frustrating for me. The main character was obsessed with being popular even though she was dead. I thought that the fact that she was dead would make it more interesting, but it didn’t for me. She annoyed me to the point where I just couldn’t keep reading it. So, if you like the type of books where the main character is striving to be popular than you would really enjoy Ghostgirl, otherwise, I would suggest reading another book.

Book Review: Hurricane Song

Hurricane Song by Paul Volponi
Click on the book to see which libraries own it.

SUMMARY: Hurricane Katrina is raging and you are inside the Superdome! Miles has only lived in New Orleans with his dad, a musician, for a few months when Hurricane Katrina hits. Father and son haven’t exactly been getting along. Miles is obsessed with football; his dad’s passion is jazz. But when the storm strikes, they’re forced to work through their differences to survive a torturous few days in the Superdome. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: I am a big fan of Paul Volponi's book Black and White, which deals with how two boys, one black and one white, are treated in the justice system after commiting a crime. And I have to give Paul Volponi credit for addressing challenging race issues in Hurricane Song as well. However, he is a NYC guy, and it shows. This book seemed very generic to me in its treatment of New Orleans culture, Hurricane Katrina, and life in the Superdome. Maybe I just take in a lot of news, but I didn't really feel like he explored much new territory. However, the father-son relationship was really a driving force in this book, and the way they built a relationship through music added a layer of complexity to this straightforward story. This is a quick read that is a good introduction to the realities of Hurricane Katrina. Check it out if you enjoy contemporary fiction with an urban edge.

Living Like Larry

I recently read a Time article about people who have stripped down their lifestyles, just like Larry in The Gospel According to Larry. One guy invented the "100 Thing Challenge" and is blogging about his purge of stuff. Other people have vowed to only have items they use daily in their homes.

Reading the article definitely made me feel like I have too much stuff! BTW, if you feel the same, box up your old books and items to donate to the library book sale and yard sale. I have three boxes in my garage already! Just ask Mrs. Heise (the secretary) before you decide to bring a carload of stuff over to our garage.

Book Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

SUMMARY: The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school--that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE, the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes computer class. Cammie Morgan is a second generation Gallagher Girl, and by her sophomore year shes already fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways with her bare hands. But the one thing the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for is what to do when she falls for an ordinary boy who thinks shes an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him knowing, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's beginning her most dangerous mission: falling in love. (adapted from the back cover)

OPINION: This book combines James-Bond style spy training with ordinary high school romance in an entertaining and humorous summer read. Despite the extraordinary intelligence and training of the Gallagher Girls, this story definitely qualifies as chic-lit! I really enjoyed the scheming it took for Cammie to evade her school's high-level security to meet Josh in town. (I have a thing for secret passages and bookcases that turn around.) Cammie's lack of knowledge about real boys and relationships creates some hilarious situations as she tries to keep her cover story straight. And Josh is a great guy who is totally worth it. Eventually, though, there arrives the moment of truth...during Cammie's CovertOps exam, no less! Pick this one up if you need a quick and fun read. But if you like more gadgets, action, and bad guys in your spy books, try the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz.

MORE INFORMATION: There is already a sequel to this book, called Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, as well as a third book to be released next summer. And if you can't get enough of the Gallagher Girls, visit Ally Carter's website!

What I've Been Reading

Well, I have just been sitting around waiting for the baby to be born. And the midwives told me that I have to rest a lot to keep my blood pressure down. So this means I have gotten a lot of reading done! Today, I read two books and tried a third. Here's the rundown:
(Click on the book covers to see which libraries own these books.)

Life Is Fine by Allison Whittenberg
Since Allison Whittenberg is coming to our library this fall (!!!), I thought I'd better read her newest book! The irony of the title was apparent as soon as I opened Life Is Fine. Samara's father was never part of her life, her mother is completely uncaring, her mother's boyfriend has taken over the house, and she has no friends except a chimp at the Philadelphia Zoo. A chance encounter with a substitute English teacher and his random poetry reading gives Samara a glimpse of actual learning, and an actual friend. But this is not one of those feel-good life-changing student-teacher books. Grounded in the realities of urban life, Samara learns to take small steps toward creating and controlling her own future.

Tim: Defender of the Earth by Sam Enthoven
This action-packed sci-fi thriller reads like a summer blockbuster movie: two top-secret experiements backed by the British government rampage through London in an epic battle! One is TIM, a genetically improved clone of the tyrannosaurus. The other is Professor Edward Mallahide, who has mastered the science of nanotechnology by giving himself over to be part of his nanotech swarm. Brawn meets brains, and only one can survive! This is a great summer read that will keep you turning the pages. If you like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the Alex Rider series, another action and adventure books, this one's for you.


The Sky Village (Kaimira, book one) by Monk Ashland and Nigel Ashland
I love stories about future societies, and this book's post-apocolyptic scenario sounded promising. Plus, my interest was piqued by the mysterious connection between Mei, living in a sky village in China and, Rom, living in the ruins of Las Vegas. But this book, first in a projected five-book series, ultimately failed to capture my imagination. Supposedly, Mei and Rom each carry a gene that makes them part human, part animal, and part machine. However, the descriptions of this future society were not deep or subtle enough to make me care. I didn't even get halfway through before I stopped reading.

Book Review: Talent

Talent by Zoey Dean
Reviewed by Alexa

Writer Zoey Dean brings readers a story about a middle school girl, Mac, who sets out to find her niche. Her best friend Becks is already an awesome surfer and her other best friend Coco has been training with a famous dancer over the summer. So Mac, feeling out of place, decides to pursue what she already knows, talent scouting. She discovers Emily while Emily is vacationing in L.A. with her mom and best friend. Mac knows Emily's her one big shot, but as everyone else in Hollywood knows, acting is a hard gig to play, and Mac takes you on quite a ride as she wows the directors with Emily! It's hard to imagine that these girls are only twelve and doing what they're doing! But in today's world, things move fast and everyone starts young. Zoey Dean has captured it to a T, and Talent will capture you.