The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
SUMMARY: The bar code tattoo. Everybody's getting it. It will make your life easier, they say. It will hook you in. It will become your identity. But what if you say no? What if you don't want to become a code? For Kayla, this one choice changes everything. She becomes an outcast in her high school. Dangerous things happen to her family. There's no option but to run . . . for her life. (from the back cover)
OPINION: Sara A. recommended that I put this on the voting sheet for YA Book Discussion Group. But first I had to read it! It didn't take me long. I was totally hooked by the dystopian storyline. In the not-so-distant future, the bar code tattoo records important information about your life, but also contains a more sinister application. The author does a great job of incorporating how today's credit cards, Social Security numbers, and driver's licences could lead to tomorrow's global infomation corporation controlling our lives. Scary stuff! This book will be on our next voting sheet for sure!
9.29.2005
9.25.2005
Today's Get Real, Get Fit! Program
This afternoon, 19 teens and parents attended our Get Real, Get Fit! program, called "Small Changes for Big Health Results." Two staff members from the YMCA and myself ran the program. We had fun learning health and wellness info from our video, discussion, and hands-on activities. Everyone was surprised how much sugar is in a can of Coke and how small a serving of potato chips is! Adam was the winner of the $25 Modell's gift card, and everyone took home a dynaband for exercising. Each family also got a bag with lots of health and nutrition information to take home.
If you missed this GRGF event, there are two more coming up in October and November. Check at the library or YMCA for more information.
I have some great photos from this afternoon's program, but I won't be able to post them until I return from the state library conference on Wednesday evening. So check back later for photos!
If you missed this GRGF event, there are two more coming up in October and November. Check at the library or YMCA for more information.
I have some great photos from this afternoon's program, but I won't be able to post them until I return from the state library conference on Wednesday evening. So check back later for photos!
9.23.2005
Get Real, Get Fit!
GRGF is a program we are doing with the YMCA this Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 at the library. It is part of a grant we got to do programs about health and wellness for teens and parents. You can come with a parent or by yourself...or you can send a parent over and stay home! We will watch a video, eat snacks, do some simple exercises, and explore portion sizes and calories. Everyone who comes can also enter to win a $25 gift card to Modell's sporting goods store. You don't even have to sign up. Just show up on Sunday!
PS--You know all the cool new books in the Teen Corner? A lot of them were purchased with GRGF $$$!
PS--You know all the cool new books in the Teen Corner? A lot of them were purchased with GRGF $$$!
Book Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
SUMMARY: Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket. In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat. The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist. Because of envelope 4, Ginny and her artist, a playwright/thief/bloke-about-town called Keith, go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous--though utterly romantic--results. Ginny isn't sure she'll see Keith again, and definitely doesn't know what to think about him. Could the answer be in the envelopes? Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 Little Blue Envelopes. (adapted from the back cover)
OPINION: At the beginning of this book, I was a little skeptical. The envelope idea seemed too much like a writing device, and you know I hate that. But then the story started to take off, and by the end I was totally hooked. The envelopes affect the story in that not too much of the plot is revealed at once. The author definitely reserves some great surprises for the later envelopes, though. This story is a cross between chick-lit and a travelogue, with a healthy dose of the arts. Read it all at once...or one envelope at a time!
SUMMARY: Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket. In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat. The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist. Because of envelope 4, Ginny and her artist, a playwright/thief/bloke-about-town called Keith, go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous--though utterly romantic--results. Ginny isn't sure she'll see Keith again, and definitely doesn't know what to think about him. Could the answer be in the envelopes? Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 Little Blue Envelopes. (adapted from the back cover)
OPINION: At the beginning of this book, I was a little skeptical. The envelope idea seemed too much like a writing device, and you know I hate that. But then the story started to take off, and by the end I was totally hooked. The envelopes affect the story in that not too much of the plot is revealed at once. The author definitely reserves some great surprises for the later envelopes, though. This story is a cross between chick-lit and a travelogue, with a healthy dose of the arts. Read it all at once...or one envelope at a time!
9.22.2005
I Didn't Study This in Library School
You know, no amount of education can prepare you for some events. Like tonight, when some kids brought a CHICKEN into the library. They found it wandering around in the parking lot. I told them to take it outside and let it go. Then I had to call 911!
The conversation went like this:
"911. State your emergency."
"It's not really an emergency. There's a chicken in our parking lot."
"A what?"
"You know, a hen."
"A chicken!!!???"
"Yes."
So they sent out Animal Control to capture the chicken with a net and a cage! Apparently, one of the neighbors has some illegal chickens! Either that, or it escaped from KFC...
The conversation went like this:
"911. State your emergency."
"It's not really an emergency. There's a chicken in our parking lot."
"A what?"
"You know, a hen."
"A chicken!!!???"
"Yes."
So they sent out Animal Control to capture the chicken with a net and a cage! Apparently, one of the neighbors has some illegal chickens! Either that, or it escaped from KFC...
9.20.2005
Book Review: Heir Apparent
Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
SUMMARY: For her 14th birthday, Giannine Bellisario receives a gift certificate for 1/2 hour of total immersion virtual reality gaming. Crossing a picket line formed by CPOC (Citizens to Protect Our Children) to enter, she decides to use her certificate for a game called Heir Apparent. But when the demonstrators damage the center while she is playing, Giannine must win the game in order to escape permanent brain injury. The problem is that her half brothers and the hostile queen have treacherous plans to keep the crown for themselves. And every time she dies, Giannine has to start the game all over again.
OPINION: This book takes place in the not-too-distant future, when virtual reality gaming is more sophisticated than it is now. In fact, it is so realistic that Giannine could die from the effects of damaged equipment, unless she manages to win the game by being crowned king! She eventually starts to learn from her mistakes, after being poisoned, stabbed, and beheaded so many times that she is running out of time to save her real life! This is a good book to pick up for Banned Books Week (September 25 to October 1, 2005), since it deals with a similar situation: CPOC parents protesting video games with signs like "Magic = Satanism" and "Inappropriate for Our Children."
SUMMARY: For her 14th birthday, Giannine Bellisario receives a gift certificate for 1/2 hour of total immersion virtual reality gaming. Crossing a picket line formed by CPOC (Citizens to Protect Our Children) to enter, she decides to use her certificate for a game called Heir Apparent. But when the demonstrators damage the center while she is playing, Giannine must win the game in order to escape permanent brain injury. The problem is that her half brothers and the hostile queen have treacherous plans to keep the crown for themselves. And every time she dies, Giannine has to start the game all over again.
OPINION: This book takes place in the not-too-distant future, when virtual reality gaming is more sophisticated than it is now. In fact, it is so realistic that Giannine could die from the effects of damaged equipment, unless she manages to win the game by being crowned king! She eventually starts to learn from her mistakes, after being poisoned, stabbed, and beheaded so many times that she is running out of time to save her real life! This is a good book to pick up for Banned Books Week (September 25 to October 1, 2005), since it deals with a similar situation: CPOC parents protesting video games with signs like "Magic = Satanism" and "Inappropriate for Our Children."
9.17.2005
Shake It, Don't Break It!
Last night, 11 teens came to our fall DDR event. Everyone had a great time dancing, no matter what their level was. We had everything from Beginner to Heavy going on. In our mini-tournament (only 8 participants), Paul came out on top and won a Devil Duckie. After that, we took a Karaoke break. People sang everything from "Walk Like an Egyptian" to "Amazing Grace" to Run DMC's "It's Tricky." It was so much fun that we decided to do a teen Karaoke/Donkey Konga event in the winter!! We finished off the evening with a few more rounds of DDR. Thanks to everyone who showed up! It was great!
9.15.2005
Book Review: The Last Chance Texaco
The Last Chance Texaco by Brett Hartinger (NEW!)
SUMMARY: Lucy Pitt is 15 when she is sent to Kindle Home, a group home and her last chance at a semi-normal life. If she makes any errors, she'll be sent to the high-security facility known as Eat-Their-Young Island. Kindle Home is different from the other places she's lived: it's a decaying mansion staffed by counselors who actually seem to care. Lucy realizes that she wants to stay there, and although she manages to weather the consequences of her own impulsive tendencies, she can't control the lack of funding that threatens the Home or the arson that is causing the neighbors to become even more leery of having such an establishment nearby. (adapted from the School Library Journal review)
OPINION: This book is small, short, and tells a unique story. Teens in foster care usually get the short end of the stick. They are older than the kids who typically get adopted and a lot of them have been in the system for a while. Lucy has to deal with typical teen concerns, while having no parents, living in a house full of messed-up kids, and going to a school where people hate her. It's no wonder she punches out a guy who picks on her...and that's only the beginning! This book is a realistic look at teens in foster care, and it's an engaging story as well. (PS--You might recognize the name of the author because he also wrote Geography Club. )
SUMMARY: Lucy Pitt is 15 when she is sent to Kindle Home, a group home and her last chance at a semi-normal life. If she makes any errors, she'll be sent to the high-security facility known as Eat-Their-Young Island. Kindle Home is different from the other places she's lived: it's a decaying mansion staffed by counselors who actually seem to care. Lucy realizes that she wants to stay there, and although she manages to weather the consequences of her own impulsive tendencies, she can't control the lack of funding that threatens the Home or the arson that is causing the neighbors to become even more leery of having such an establishment nearby. (adapted from the School Library Journal review)
OPINION: This book is small, short, and tells a unique story. Teens in foster care usually get the short end of the stick. They are older than the kids who typically get adopted and a lot of them have been in the system for a while. Lucy has to deal with typical teen concerns, while having no parents, living in a house full of messed-up kids, and going to a school where people hate her. It's no wonder she punches out a guy who picks on her...and that's only the beginning! This book is a realistic look at teens in foster care, and it's an engaging story as well. (PS--You might recognize the name of the author because he also wrote Geography Club. )
9.07.2005
Get Real, Get Fit!
How much fruit juice is actually in your fruit drink?
How can you fit exercise into your busy schedule?
How big is one serving of potato chips?
Why should you care?
FIND OUT!!!
Join us at one of three locations for a health and wellness program for teens and parents! Enjoy a video, hands-on activities, simple exercises, and food (of course).
Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:00
Sellers Library (76 S. State Rd. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30
Upper Darby Welcome Center (7000 Walnut St. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, November 8 from 6:30 to 8:30
Primos Library (409 Ashland Ave. in Primos)
Registration for all three programs is going on now! You may register by calling Sellers Library (610-789-4440), Primos Library (610-622-8091), or the Lansdowne YMCA (610-259-1661).
How can you fit exercise into your busy schedule?
How big is one serving of potato chips?
Why should you care?
FIND OUT!!!
Join us at one of three locations for a health and wellness program for teens and parents! Enjoy a video, hands-on activities, simple exercises, and food (of course).
Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:00
Sellers Library (76 S. State Rd. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30
Upper Darby Welcome Center (7000 Walnut St. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, November 8 from 6:30 to 8:30
Primos Library (409 Ashland Ave. in Primos)
Registration for all three programs is going on now! You may register by calling Sellers Library (610-789-4440), Primos Library (610-622-8091), or the Lansdowne YMCA (610-259-1661).
9.06.2005
More ARC Opinions
Advance Reading Copies of books come from publishers to try to get people excited about new books. All of these have already come out, but I am a little behind in my reading!
NASTYbook by Barry Yourgrau
On Sale: April 26, 2005
This collection of very short vignettes relies on gross-outs, creepy characters, and just-desserts endings to keep the reader's interest. But it got old really fast. There's no plot, just a bunch of disconnected 3-page stories. It would be so much better if the stories contributed to a whole, or if some common thread ran through them. Go watch old Twilight Zone episodes to get the same effect in a much more interesting way. Or, better yet, borrow some Edgar Allan Poe or Alfred Hitchcock short stories from the library!
Fake ID by Walter Sorrells
On Sale: June 2, 2005
16-year-old Chass knows that she and her mother are on the run, always moving to new towns and creating new identities. But when her mother goes missing, Chass has only a few days to find out WHY. There are not very many worthwhile teen mysteries out there, but this is one of the few and the proud! It has great suspense and many creepy elements...from a skull in the basement to a chase scene in an abandoned mill. Fake ID is a must read! This gripping mystery is from the same imprint as Double Helix by Nancy Werlin, which our YA book group read recently and really liked.
The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg
On Sale: June 14, 2005
Classmates Calma and Kiffo are sure that their evil new English teacher, the aptly-named Miss Payne, is involved in illegal activities. But the harder they try to find out her secrets, the more innocent she seems. Is Miss Payne a criminal, or just a harsh teacher? This story seems like it should be funny and exciting, but it's not. I didn't even finish reading it. It is a great concept, but a not a good read!
The Lambkins by Eve Bunting
On Sale: August 1, 2005
Crazy Mrs. Shepherd thinks she is a patron of the arts because she snatches talented kids, shrinks them, and lets them work on their talents while living in her dollhouse. This is a quick read, and is really horrifying in concept. My complaints: the writing is unteresting at times and the ending is really lame--totally deux-ex-machina. Still, if you are a fantasy horror reader, pick this book up...and don't help anyone (even nice middle-aged ladies) change their flat tires!
NASTYbook by Barry Yourgrau
On Sale: April 26, 2005
This collection of very short vignettes relies on gross-outs, creepy characters, and just-desserts endings to keep the reader's interest. But it got old really fast. There's no plot, just a bunch of disconnected 3-page stories. It would be so much better if the stories contributed to a whole, or if some common thread ran through them. Go watch old Twilight Zone episodes to get the same effect in a much more interesting way. Or, better yet, borrow some Edgar Allan Poe or Alfred Hitchcock short stories from the library!
Fake ID by Walter Sorrells
On Sale: June 2, 2005
16-year-old Chass knows that she and her mother are on the run, always moving to new towns and creating new identities. But when her mother goes missing, Chass has only a few days to find out WHY. There are not very many worthwhile teen mysteries out there, but this is one of the few and the proud! It has great suspense and many creepy elements...from a skull in the basement to a chase scene in an abandoned mill. Fake ID is a must read! This gripping mystery is from the same imprint as Double Helix by Nancy Werlin, which our YA book group read recently and really liked.
The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne by Barry Jonsberg
On Sale: June 14, 2005
Classmates Calma and Kiffo are sure that their evil new English teacher, the aptly-named Miss Payne, is involved in illegal activities. But the harder they try to find out her secrets, the more innocent she seems. Is Miss Payne a criminal, or just a harsh teacher? This story seems like it should be funny and exciting, but it's not. I didn't even finish reading it. It is a great concept, but a not a good read!
The Lambkins by Eve Bunting
On Sale: August 1, 2005
Crazy Mrs. Shepherd thinks she is a patron of the arts because she snatches talented kids, shrinks them, and lets them work on their talents while living in her dollhouse. This is a quick read, and is really horrifying in concept. My complaints: the writing is unteresting at times and the ending is really lame--totally deux-ex-machina. Still, if you are a fantasy horror reader, pick this book up...and don't help anyone (even nice middle-aged ladies) change their flat tires!
9.02.2005
Books about Starting High School
If you are a freshman this year, you might want to read about other people's experiences. Believe me, some of these books will make you feel a lot better about your life!!!
FICTION
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Conditions of Love by Ruth Pennebaker
Contents Under Pressure by Lara Zeises
If It Doesn't Kill You by Margaret Bechard
Inventing Elliot by Graham Gardner
Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws by Janette Rallison
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Pistachio Prescription by Paula Danziger
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Rhymes with Witches by Lauren Myracle
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl by Debra Garfinkle
The True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Fredericks
NONFICTION
High School, the Real Deal by Colleen Rush
FICTION
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Conditions of Love by Ruth Pennebaker
Contents Under Pressure by Lara Zeises
If It Doesn't Kill You by Margaret Bechard
Inventing Elliot by Graham Gardner
Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws by Janette Rallison
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Pistachio Prescription by Paula Danziger
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Rhymes with Witches by Lauren Myracle
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl by Debra Garfinkle
The True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Fredericks
NONFICTION
High School, the Real Deal by Colleen Rush
8.25.2005
Fall Teen Schedule!
I have finished the fall teen schedule! So anyone who reads the blog gets a sneak peek before I put it out for general circulation!! (Those of you who completed Teen Beat actually get an advance paper copy, too.) Look at all the great stuff we are doing:
Clubs
TCG Club
Mondays, September 12 to December 19, from 3:30 to 5:00
Registration begins August 15.
Permission slip required.
Knitting Club
Tuesdays, September 13 to November 15, from 3:45 to 4:45
Registration begins August 15.
Grades 7 and up only.
Cartooning Club
Thursdays, September 15 to December 15 from 4:00 to 5:00
Drop in program. No registration required.
YA Book Group
Fridays, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2 from 3:30 to 5:00
Participants must register one month before attending.
Get Real, Get Fit!
Join us at one of three locations for a health and wellness program for teens and parents! This collaborative effort is hosted by staff from Sellers Library and Community YMCA of Delaware County and sponsored by a grant from the MetLife Foundation and Libraries for the Future.
Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:00
Sellers Library (76 S. State Rd. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30
Upper Darby Welcome Center (7000 Walnut St. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, November 8 from 6:30 to 8:30
Primos Library (409 Ashland Ave. in Primos)
Registration for all three programs begins Tuesday, September 6.
You may register by calling Sellers Library (610-789-4440), Primos Library (610-622-8091), or the Lansdowne YMCA (610-259-1661).
Special Events
Dance Dance Revolution Party
Friday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins August 15.
Permission slip required.
YA Banned Book Week Contest
Sunday, September 25, through Saturday, October 1
Teen Read Week Celebration: Get Real @ Your Library!
Friday, October 21, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins September 26.
70s Night
Friday, November 18, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins October 24.
Make Your Own Beauty Products
Friday, December 9, from 6:30-8:30
Registration begins November 7.
SP Night
Wednesday, December 28, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins November 28.
Permission slip required.
Poetry Slam Party!
Friday, December 30, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration for both participants and attendees begins November 28.
Clubs
TCG Club
Mondays, September 12 to December 19, from 3:30 to 5:00
Registration begins August 15.
Permission slip required.
Knitting Club
Tuesdays, September 13 to November 15, from 3:45 to 4:45
Registration begins August 15.
Grades 7 and up only.
Cartooning Club
Thursdays, September 15 to December 15 from 4:00 to 5:00
Drop in program. No registration required.
YA Book Group
Fridays, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2 from 3:30 to 5:00
Participants must register one month before attending.
Get Real, Get Fit!
Join us at one of three locations for a health and wellness program for teens and parents! This collaborative effort is hosted by staff from Sellers Library and Community YMCA of Delaware County and sponsored by a grant from the MetLife Foundation and Libraries for the Future.
Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:00
Sellers Library (76 S. State Rd. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30
Upper Darby Welcome Center (7000 Walnut St. in Upper Darby)
Tuesday, November 8 from 6:30 to 8:30
Primos Library (409 Ashland Ave. in Primos)
Registration for all three programs begins Tuesday, September 6.
You may register by calling Sellers Library (610-789-4440), Primos Library (610-622-8091), or the Lansdowne YMCA (610-259-1661).
Special Events
Dance Dance Revolution Party
Friday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins August 15.
Permission slip required.
YA Banned Book Week Contest
Sunday, September 25, through Saturday, October 1
Teen Read Week Celebration: Get Real @ Your Library!
Friday, October 21, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins September 26.
70s Night
Friday, November 18, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins October 24.
Make Your Own Beauty Products
Friday, December 9, from 6:30-8:30
Registration begins November 7.
SP Night
Wednesday, December 28, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration begins November 28.
Permission slip required.
Poetry Slam Party!
Friday, December 30, from 6:30 to 8:30
Registration for both participants and attendees begins November 28.
8.23.2005
Writers' Workshop Silly Stories Redux
At the final meeting of the Writers' Workshop in June, we had fun doing wild round-robin story writing. We each started a story, then passed to the next person to continue. At the end of the meeting, we had written six rather bizarre stories. A few are included below. Enjoy!!
Want to know who wrote what? Giselle suggested that I color-code the stories, so here is the code:
Giselle = RED
Kaitlyn the Younger = PURPLE
Caitlin the Elder = OLIVE
Megan of the B = BLUE
Megan of the G = ORANGE
Gretchen = GREEN
Here are some old Quotes of the Day I just found from our Writers' Workshop meetings!
"We're like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...except we're all wearming different pants!" --Caitlin the Elder
"Gretchen is not mature enough to give anyone a 'mom-look'!" --Megan of the G
Megan of the G: "I distinctly heard a turkey."
Megan of the B: "No, that was just some Italian guy singing."
Want to know who wrote what? Giselle suggested that I color-code the stories, so here is the code:
Giselle = RED
Kaitlyn the Younger = PURPLE
Caitlin the Elder = OLIVE
Megan of the B = BLUE
Megan of the G = ORANGE
Gretchen = GREEN
Here are some old Quotes of the Day I just found from our Writers' Workshop meetings!
"We're like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...except we're all wearming different pants!" --Caitlin the Elder
"Gretchen is not mature enough to give anyone a 'mom-look'!" --Megan of the G
Megan of the G: "I distinctly heard a turkey."
Megan of the B: "No, that was just some Italian guy singing."
Story Started by Giselle
Fiona stepped out into the early morning fog. Dressed in her jogging clothes and with her ear buds in, she finished stretching and started jogging. While listening to Smashmouth, she quickly want around the block once and started on another lap.
Suddenly, she felt like she was being followed. Inconspiculously, she paused her MP3 player. She didn't hear anything behind her, but fog can consume even the loudest noises. She decided against looking over her shoulder, for that would tell her follower she was afraid. She didn't speed up or slow down either. She finished the lap after what seemed like forever and was taking out her keys when someone grabbed her. She let out a yell, but it was muffled by a large hand that had a ring on the middle finger. "Don't move," a low voice said as a sharp object pressed against her lower back. "And don't even think about trying to yell for help."
Fiona could feel the blade digging deeper and it began to pierce her skin. "Help,...please...someone help me!" she thought. "I'll save you!" came a deep, powerful voice from above. Fiona gasped. It was Mighty Mouse! "Whaaaat?" said the attacker, as he was pummeled by the cartoon rodent superhero. The attacker released Fiona and slid to the ground, unconscious from the mouse's fierce onslaught. Mighty Mouse wrestled away the knife, passed it off to Finoa, then told her to run inside and call 911. Dazed by the attack (and confused as to why a cartoon mouse had entered reality), Fiona made the call.
Within minutes, the police had arrived. But Mighty Mouse was nowhere to be seen! The police jumped out of their cars and saw Fiona brandishing a knife over an unconscious boday. So they did the only logical thing. "Ma'am, you're under arrest," they said. "What?! But I didn't do anything. Honestly!" Fiona protested. "Sorry Miss, but we have to take you down to the station anyway. Come on, ma'am." Finoa protested the whole way to the car. "It wasn't me, it was Mighty Mouse." The cops exchanged glances. "Ma'am, would you please recite the alphabet backwards?" "No," Fiona said rather bluntly, "but I'll recite the prepositions: about, above, across, after, against..."
Suddenly, she was saved from the recitation by the arrival of Zeus, the god of thunder! "Excuse me," he said. "I was supposed to use some deus-ex-machina for a Miss Fiona...Fiona...?" He struggled to read the smudged last name on his memo. "Clearview?" Fiona said helpfully, for that was her last name. "Nope, a Fiona Clearfield," Zeus answered, reading the name with the help of his glasses. Anyone here by that name?" Nobody answered. "Oh well," Zeus said as he left the building. The deus-ex-machina never arrived for poor Fiona, and she spent two years in prision for attempted murder. So much for plot twists. THE END.
Suddenly, she felt like she was being followed. Inconspiculously, she paused her MP3 player. She didn't hear anything behind her, but fog can consume even the loudest noises. She decided against looking over her shoulder, for that would tell her follower she was afraid. She didn't speed up or slow down either. She finished the lap after what seemed like forever and was taking out her keys when someone grabbed her. She let out a yell, but it was muffled by a large hand that had a ring on the middle finger. "Don't move," a low voice said as a sharp object pressed against her lower back. "And don't even think about trying to yell for help."
Fiona could feel the blade digging deeper and it began to pierce her skin. "Help,...please...someone help me!" she thought. "I'll save you!" came a deep, powerful voice from above. Fiona gasped. It was Mighty Mouse! "Whaaaat?" said the attacker, as he was pummeled by the cartoon rodent superhero. The attacker released Fiona and slid to the ground, unconscious from the mouse's fierce onslaught. Mighty Mouse wrestled away the knife, passed it off to Finoa, then told her to run inside and call 911. Dazed by the attack (and confused as to why a cartoon mouse had entered reality), Fiona made the call.
Within minutes, the police had arrived. But Mighty Mouse was nowhere to be seen! The police jumped out of their cars and saw Fiona brandishing a knife over an unconscious boday. So they did the only logical thing. "Ma'am, you're under arrest," they said. "What?! But I didn't do anything. Honestly!" Fiona protested. "Sorry Miss, but we have to take you down to the station anyway. Come on, ma'am." Finoa protested the whole way to the car. "It wasn't me, it was Mighty Mouse." The cops exchanged glances. "Ma'am, would you please recite the alphabet backwards?" "No," Fiona said rather bluntly, "but I'll recite the prepositions: about, above, across, after, against..."
Suddenly, she was saved from the recitation by the arrival of Zeus, the god of thunder! "Excuse me," he said. "I was supposed to use some deus-ex-machina for a Miss Fiona...Fiona...?" He struggled to read the smudged last name on his memo. "Clearview?" Fiona said helpfully, for that was her last name. "Nope, a Fiona Clearfield," Zeus answered, reading the name with the help of his glasses. Anyone here by that name?" Nobody answered. "Oh well," Zeus said as he left the building. The deus-ex-machina never arrived for poor Fiona, and she spent two years in prision for attempted murder. So much for plot twists. THE END.
Story Started by Megan of the G
"It was a dark and stormy night," started Ben, the one who was lucky enough to be chosen to go first in the ghost story contest. "Man, that is lame!" shouted Jeff, who was, at the moment, pissed off at stereotypes. His dark attire always caused people to brand him Gothic. "Will ya let me continue?" asked Ben. "As I was saying, it was a dark and stormy night. A family was out in the woods camping. They made toast." He paused for dramatic effect. "And no one knew what to put on it. Should they use butter, or jelly, or...?" He was interrupted as Lisa threw her pillow at him. "Ben, we said ghost story, not toast story!" Ben, who wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, just shrugged.
Lisa said, "If you want to hear a REAL ghost story, listen up. There was this guy who murdered an old geezer. Nobody knew why he did it, but the guy claimed that it was the geezer's blind eye. It followed him everywhere, and it drove him insane. Anyway, the guy chopped up the geezer but kept his heart intact. The guy gently placed the heart under the floorboards and..." "Hey! Stop stealing from Edgar Allan Poe," Jeff interrupted. "What?" Ben asked. "Pft! Figures," Lisa sneered. "Only Count Drags-His-Pants over there would know about somebody as moody as Poe." "Do you have to call me a Goth?" Jeff said.
Suddenly, the lights went out, a bat flew in through the open window and turned in Count Drag-You-Lot. "I've come to drag you lot out of here!" he said. "AHHH!" yelled Lisa in mock fright. "You have got to be kidding me." Then, a net dropped down from out of nowhere, encasing all the teens. Drag-You-Lot grabbed the net and flew out the window. "Oh crud," he shouted as he accidentally dropped the net three stories to the ground. "I hope they are still ripe."
Then a giant moth flew into Count Drag-You-Lot, sending him into a nearby apartment. The moth screeched and flapped its large wings. Down below (three stories to be exact) the teens groaned as they awoke to find themselves in the net still, but in the palm of a giant monkey. Jeff was the first to notice the fight going on above. "Oh my God, it's Mothra!" "What? Who the hell is Mothra?" yelled everyone else. "Well," Jeff started, "It's some giant moth scary thing that weird manga people like. I don't know much about it, but Mothra's a bad dude. I think we're better off with Godzilla here," he said, jerking his thumb toward the monkey.
But just then, the monkey swung the net of teens over his shoulder and started climbing up the apartment building toward the fight. "Holy Bleep!" the teens all yelled, as the Monkey continued to climb. Then, all of the sudden, when tall the villains were atop the building, a huge bolt of lightning appeared, striking them all on the head. All the villains fell to the ground and turned into little puppies. "Well, that was freaky," said Jeff. And so they each took a puppy as a souvenier. But as they picked up the puppies, bolts of light struck each of them, turning them into creatures of the night for all eternity.
Lisa said, "If you want to hear a REAL ghost story, listen up. There was this guy who murdered an old geezer. Nobody knew why he did it, but the guy claimed that it was the geezer's blind eye. It followed him everywhere, and it drove him insane. Anyway, the guy chopped up the geezer but kept his heart intact. The guy gently placed the heart under the floorboards and..." "Hey! Stop stealing from Edgar Allan Poe," Jeff interrupted. "What?" Ben asked. "Pft! Figures," Lisa sneered. "Only Count Drags-His-Pants over there would know about somebody as moody as Poe." "Do you have to call me a Goth?" Jeff said.
Suddenly, the lights went out, a bat flew in through the open window and turned in Count Drag-You-Lot. "I've come to drag you lot out of here!" he said. "AHHH!" yelled Lisa in mock fright. "You have got to be kidding me." Then, a net dropped down from out of nowhere, encasing all the teens. Drag-You-Lot grabbed the net and flew out the window. "Oh crud," he shouted as he accidentally dropped the net three stories to the ground. "I hope they are still ripe."
Then a giant moth flew into Count Drag-You-Lot, sending him into a nearby apartment. The moth screeched and flapped its large wings. Down below (three stories to be exact) the teens groaned as they awoke to find themselves in the net still, but in the palm of a giant monkey. Jeff was the first to notice the fight going on above. "Oh my God, it's Mothra!" "What? Who the hell is Mothra?" yelled everyone else. "Well," Jeff started, "It's some giant moth scary thing that weird manga people like. I don't know much about it, but Mothra's a bad dude. I think we're better off with Godzilla here," he said, jerking his thumb toward the monkey.
But just then, the monkey swung the net of teens over his shoulder and started climbing up the apartment building toward the fight. "Holy Bleep!" the teens all yelled, as the Monkey continued to climb. Then, all of the sudden, when tall the villains were atop the building, a huge bolt of lightning appeared, striking them all on the head. All the villains fell to the ground and turned into little puppies. "Well, that was freaky," said Jeff. And so they each took a puppy as a souvenier. But as they picked up the puppies, bolts of light struck each of them, turning them into creatures of the night for all eternity.
Story Started by Gretchen
"Brrrrriiiinnnnggg!" Satan rushed to the oven and pulled a pan of his famous devil's food brownies out of the fire and brimstone. He stuck one pointy claw in the center, and it came out clean. "Perfect," he intoned. "Just like Mom used to make!" Just then, Scrimshaw, a junior demon, ran into Hell's kitchen. "Hey Chief, what's the yummy smell?" "Yummy?" queried Satan. "We do not use words like 'yummy' in Hell, dear Scrimshaw." "Sorry, Chief," said Scrimshaw.
"Can I have one?" asked Scrimshaw. "Only if you do me a favor first," replied Satan diabolically. "What's that, Satan?" asked Scrimshaw. "Well, I want you to go to Heaven and capture the one called God," Satan said menacingly. "What? No! I can't!" said Scrimshaw fearfully. "Well, OK," said Scrimshaw, reconsidering. "I guess I'll just have to eat one of the brownies before I go!" "What?!" thundered Satan in his best scary voice. "I, bestow one of my brownies upon a mere lower demon for no good reason!?" "Well," replied Scrimshaw, "you have to, or I'm not getting God for you. Satan raged and fumed, but there was not way out except to give the impudent imp what he desired. So the Devil gave the evil extortionist a brownie, and Scrimshaw was on his way.
While resting on the Earth's surface after leaving Hell, Scrimshaw decided to sample his prize. He took a huge bite, then spat it out in disgust. "Yuck! That really is the Devil's own brownie!" So he threw it on the ground, where it was discovered by a teenaged female basilisk, who quickly gobbled it up. "Oh my evil Lord!" she sighed. "What a delectable sweet! And just the right amount of mice intestines, too!"
She turned to Scrimshaw and asked, "You! Are you the one who held the brownie last?" "Uhhh...yeah," Scrimshaw said, seeing the basilisk's fangs dripping with acid, poison, and intensively carbonated soda. The basilish wrapped herself around Scrimshaw. "Your brownies are perfect," she squealed. "I must have more! And in return, I offer my hand in marriage." "Well..." Scrimshaw said, looking over the lovestruck basilisk, "It was the last one. I'll have to go make more." He turned around to leave, but the basilisk looked him straight in the eyes and he turned to stone.
"Ha!" the basilisk laughed, but soon the laughter faded. "Darn. I want more BROWNIES!" the basilisk slithered her way through the pathways of Hell, following the other demon's scent back to Hell's kitchen. "I WANT BROWNIES!" the basilisk yelled at Satan, who was startled by the sudden appearance of the slithery, hungry creature. "GIVE ME BROWNIES!" "No," Satan said, regaining his composure. "They're mine!" "MIIIINNNNEEE!" said the basilisk, and the looked at Satan and turned him to stone. The basilisk ate the last of the brownies and settled down to take a long nap.
"Can I have one?" asked Scrimshaw. "Only if you do me a favor first," replied Satan diabolically. "What's that, Satan?" asked Scrimshaw. "Well, I want you to go to Heaven and capture the one called God," Satan said menacingly. "What? No! I can't!" said Scrimshaw fearfully. "Well, OK," said Scrimshaw, reconsidering. "I guess I'll just have to eat one of the brownies before I go!" "What?!" thundered Satan in his best scary voice. "I, bestow one of my brownies upon a mere lower demon for no good reason!?" "Well," replied Scrimshaw, "you have to, or I'm not getting God for you. Satan raged and fumed, but there was not way out except to give the impudent imp what he desired. So the Devil gave the evil extortionist a brownie, and Scrimshaw was on his way.
While resting on the Earth's surface after leaving Hell, Scrimshaw decided to sample his prize. He took a huge bite, then spat it out in disgust. "Yuck! That really is the Devil's own brownie!" So he threw it on the ground, where it was discovered by a teenaged female basilisk, who quickly gobbled it up. "Oh my evil Lord!" she sighed. "What a delectable sweet! And just the right amount of mice intestines, too!"
She turned to Scrimshaw and asked, "You! Are you the one who held the brownie last?" "Uhhh...yeah," Scrimshaw said, seeing the basilisk's fangs dripping with acid, poison, and intensively carbonated soda. The basilish wrapped herself around Scrimshaw. "Your brownies are perfect," she squealed. "I must have more! And in return, I offer my hand in marriage." "Well..." Scrimshaw said, looking over the lovestruck basilisk, "It was the last one. I'll have to go make more." He turned around to leave, but the basilisk looked him straight in the eyes and he turned to stone.
"Ha!" the basilisk laughed, but soon the laughter faded. "Darn. I want more BROWNIES!" the basilisk slithered her way through the pathways of Hell, following the other demon's scent back to Hell's kitchen. "I WANT BROWNIES!" the basilisk yelled at Satan, who was startled by the sudden appearance of the slithery, hungry creature. "GIVE ME BROWNIES!" "No," Satan said, regaining his composure. "They're mine!" "MIIIINNNNEEE!" said the basilisk, and the looked at Satan and turned him to stone. The basilisk ate the last of the brownies and settled down to take a long nap.
Story Started by Caitlin the Elder
Felicia was bored that day. She lived in a place called Super Happy Land, where everyone would be kind, friendly, even loving to each other. Then, whe remembered ancient lore of earlier dead countries. Things were better there. They had poverty, pollution, prejudice, violence, obscenities, and conspiricies! That place was called the Euasuvei. "I will find the legendary Euasuvei," Felicia decided. "Not just because I'm bored, but also to make the world a better place!" So she packed up her things and left to see the wise elder for a way to get to the Euasuvei.
"I'm going out, Ma!" Felicia called to her mother. Her mother replied, "I don't think so, young lady! Your room is atrocious, you have homework out the wazoo, you have the dog to feed and 4,000,000,000 other things to do!!" Here she stopped to take a breath. "MARCH!" "But Ma, I need to--" Felicia said. "No 'buts.' I have plenty of butt with your two little brothers in diapers," interrupted her mother.
Felicia started up the steps when a small black cat lept in front of her and sat down on the 5th step. "Uhh...where'd you come from, little kitty? Huh?" She looked around and saw a window hearby was open, curtains flowing in the breeze. The cat meowed once and ran upstairs in a blur of black, with a small amount of white from the tip of its tail. "Hey!" said Felicia. She followed the cat as it went down the hallway towards the bathroom. The door was half-closed, a strange psychadelic glow eminating from the small room. She stood in front of the door as the cat went in and slurped a drink from the glowing toilet. After drinking, the cat transformed--before Felicia's very eyes--into a tall, dark-skinned figure in shimmering green robes.
The figure spoke: "Tired of Super Happy Land? Wish you could engage in some obscenity? How about some pollution? Well, do I have a deal for you! For just 6 easy installments of $19.95, you can use my amazing Anti-Happy Time Travel Device to return to the good old days in Euasuvei. How about it?" "Ahhh...ummm...sure, I guess, but... I really, really have to clean my room," Felicia said, unsure of the dark stranger's intentions. But before she could move, he shoved her through the potty portal and into the Euasuvei.
Unfortunately, no one in 2005 had a time machine to send her back, so she lived out her days happily in the land of pollution and obscenities until a nuclear bomb blew up the earth. The End.
"I'm going out, Ma!" Felicia called to her mother. Her mother replied, "I don't think so, young lady! Your room is atrocious, you have homework out the wazoo, you have the dog to feed and 4,000,000,000 other things to do!!" Here she stopped to take a breath. "MARCH!" "But Ma, I need to--" Felicia said. "No 'buts.' I have plenty of butt with your two little brothers in diapers," interrupted her mother.
Felicia started up the steps when a small black cat lept in front of her and sat down on the 5th step. "Uhh...where'd you come from, little kitty? Huh?" She looked around and saw a window hearby was open, curtains flowing in the breeze. The cat meowed once and ran upstairs in a blur of black, with a small amount of white from the tip of its tail. "Hey!" said Felicia. She followed the cat as it went down the hallway towards the bathroom. The door was half-closed, a strange psychadelic glow eminating from the small room. She stood in front of the door as the cat went in and slurped a drink from the glowing toilet. After drinking, the cat transformed--before Felicia's very eyes--into a tall, dark-skinned figure in shimmering green robes.
The figure spoke: "Tired of Super Happy Land? Wish you could engage in some obscenity? How about some pollution? Well, do I have a deal for you! For just 6 easy installments of $19.95, you can use my amazing Anti-Happy Time Travel Device to return to the good old days in Euasuvei. How about it?" "Ahhh...ummm...sure, I guess, but... I really, really have to clean my room," Felicia said, unsure of the dark stranger's intentions. But before she could move, he shoved her through the potty portal and into the Euasuvei.
Unfortunately, no one in 2005 had a time machine to send her back, so she lived out her days happily in the land of pollution and obscenities until a nuclear bomb blew up the earth. The End.
8.22.2005
Book Review: Montmorency
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
SUMMARY: When a petty theif falls through a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a whole new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and--with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system--he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman, Montmorency, and his degenerate servant, Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smalles mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives. (from the inside flap)
OPINION: Adventure! Danger! Crime! Raw Sewage! What more could you want in a book?? Montmorency is an upscale criminal with a very convincing double life. His amazing memory and attention to detail keep him out of the hands of the law...but some of his acquaintances begin to figure out his secrets. Can his alter-ego Scarper continue his criminal activities while Montmorency enjoys the good life? This gripping story will keep you reading and wondering until the very end. And if you enjoy this one, we also have the sequel--Montmorency on the Rocks: Doctor, Aristocrat, Murderer?
SUMMARY: When a petty theif falls through a glass roof in his attempt to escape from the police, what should have been the death of him marks the beginning of a whole new life. After his broken body is reconstructed by an ambitious young doctor, he is released from prison, and--with the help of Victorian London's extensive sewer system--he becomes the most elusive burglar in the city. He adopts a dual existence as a respectable, wealthy gentleman, Montmorency, and his degenerate servant, Scarper. But Montmorency must always be on guard. The smalles mistake could reveal his secret and ruin both his lives. (from the inside flap)
OPINION: Adventure! Danger! Crime! Raw Sewage! What more could you want in a book?? Montmorency is an upscale criminal with a very convincing double life. His amazing memory and attention to detail keep him out of the hands of the law...but some of his acquaintances begin to figure out his secrets. Can his alter-ego Scarper continue his criminal activities while Montmorency enjoys the good life? This gripping story will keep you reading and wondering until the very end. And if you enjoy this one, we also have the sequel--Montmorency on the Rocks: Doctor, Aristocrat, Murderer?
8.16.2005
Ray Cattie Author Visit!
Tonight, we had a crowd of about 35 people gather to meet author Ray Cattie and hear about his new book, Ard Righ: The Sword on the Stone. Ray told us about his writing process, read aloud an exciting battle passage, and signed books. The group also asked some great questions during our Q & A session about everything from the mechanics of getting published to the interpretation of the Arthurian legends. This was Ray Cattie's first author talk and booksigning ever, so he did a great job! If you missed it, he will be doing another visit to the Primos Library in October.
8.05.2005
Book Review: Ironman
Ironman by Chris Crutcher
SUMMARY: Bo has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. The rage he feels gives him the energy as a triathlete to press his body to the limit, but it also translates into angry outbursts toward his teachers. Now dangerously close to expulsion from school, Bo has been assigned to Anger Management sessions with the school "truants." With an eclectic mix of hard-edged students, Bo may finally have to deal with his long-brewing hatred for his father--before it eats away at him completely. (from the back cover)
OPINION: I am a fan of Chris Crutcher, but I had never read Ironman. Alexa highly recommended it because it is tied with Whale Talk as her favorite Chris Crutcher book. So I took it home yesterday and proceeded to read the entire thing in one sitting! Good suggestion, Alexa! I am not much of an athlete (total understatement), but this is more than just a sports novel. Family issues, school issues, training issues, personal issues...you name it, this book has issues! It makes for a complex, psychological story. And a final comment: Mr. Nak, the Japanese cowboy, is a great character!
MORE INFO: We just got new paperbacks of all of Chris Crutcher's older books, so look for them in the Teen Corner. To find out more about Chris Crutcher and his writing, visit http://www.chriscrutcher.com and also read his autobiography, King of the Mild Frontier.
SUMMARY: Bo has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. The rage he feels gives him the energy as a triathlete to press his body to the limit, but it also translates into angry outbursts toward his teachers. Now dangerously close to expulsion from school, Bo has been assigned to Anger Management sessions with the school "truants." With an eclectic mix of hard-edged students, Bo may finally have to deal with his long-brewing hatred for his father--before it eats away at him completely. (from the back cover)
OPINION: I am a fan of Chris Crutcher, but I had never read Ironman. Alexa highly recommended it because it is tied with Whale Talk as her favorite Chris Crutcher book. So I took it home yesterday and proceeded to read the entire thing in one sitting! Good suggestion, Alexa! I am not much of an athlete (total understatement), but this is more than just a sports novel. Family issues, school issues, training issues, personal issues...you name it, this book has issues! It makes for a complex, psychological story. And a final comment: Mr. Nak, the Japanese cowboy, is a great character!
MORE INFO: We just got new paperbacks of all of Chris Crutcher's older books, so look for them in the Teen Corner. To find out more about Chris Crutcher and his writing, visit http://www.chriscrutcher.com and also read his autobiography, King of the Mild Frontier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)