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

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament

Last night, 17 guys came out to our winter Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament. Sean walked away as the winner after 4 rounds of play, with Greg coming in second. They each got packs. We also had a drawing, and Will and Tariq won packs from that. We might do another tournament in the summer, so keep an eye on the schedule.

Sisterhood of the Fluffy Leg Pillows

Last night, 19 girls came out to our Sisterhood craft event! We made bolster pillows out of jean legs (which were left over from last year's butt pillow craft), and they turned out really great. Everyone showed their individual personalities in how they decorated their project. Some people had their friends sign their pillows, others wrote their names in fancy letters, and some drew designs. My favorite, though, was Amy, who wrote the names of all of her book character crushes on her pillow, including Nick, Cal, Kartik, and Zane!

Also, Holly, a librarian from Buck's County, came to visit us and brought an amazing pair of traveling pants. The pants have been visiting different libraries since this summer, and each group has added a bit to them. We added crazy fringe around the cuffs and then signed our names on the back of a leg. So the pants will continue on their journey and take a piece of us with them! I will also include some pix from our event, which you can see below:

Pillow Pix

Sewing on the fringe

Holly helps thread needles for the girls

Decorating pillows with markers

Stuffing a pillow

The finished products!

Pants Pix

Sewing fringe on the traveling pants

Adding our names to the pants

Can We Fit Any More on the Shelf?

A few more new books, for your reading pleasure...

FICTION

• Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon M. Draper
• Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper
• Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper

NONFICTION

• Totally Teen Scrapbook Pages: Scrapbooking the Almost Grown-Up Years by the editors of Memory Makers Books
• Whatcha Mean, What's a Zine: the Art of Making Zines and Mini-Comics by Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson

Check Out More New Fiction!

It's amazing how many new books we've been getting for the Teen Corner!! Here's ones I put on display today. They are all face-out with "New Book" bookmarks...you can't miss them!

• Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block
• London Calling by Edward Bloor
• Golden by Cameron Dokey
• Saint Iggy by K. L. Going
• Crank by Ellen Hopkins
• 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
• If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? by Melissa Kantor
• Firestorm by David Klass
• Lulu Dark and the Summer of the Fox by Bennett Madison
• A Small White Scar by K. A. Nuzum
• Street Pharm by Allison van Diepen

Just Added to the Shelf!

The newest of the new...

FICTION

• Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake by Jennifer Allison
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
• The Angel of Death: A Forensic Mystery by Alane Ferguson
• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
• The Boy Book by E. Lockhart
• The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
• Fire in the Hills by Donna Jo Napoli

NONFICTION

• When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain (yes, she is related to Kurt)

It's a Wrap!

This past Saturday, members of the TAB and Friends of the Library staffed the holiday gift wrap table at our local Barnes & Noble. Thanks to Alexa, Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Kara, Marissa, and Megan for volunteering their time to help! This is the first time we've ever done anything like this, so thanks for participating in the experiment. You're the best! The wrapping table made $60, and the children's library got $967 from book sales!

Beads, Beads, and More Beads

Tonight, 20 teens came to our first-ever DIY Jewelry Night. It was great! Everyone got to make a variety of jewelry, including a memory-wire bead bracelet with a charm, beaded pony-tail holders, a stretchy bracelet, and a ribbon choker. And as a bonus, we made glass bead magnets...jewelry for your fridge! I hope everyone enjoys the things they made, whether you keep them or give them as gifts. We'll do it again sometime.

Book Review: The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak

SUMMARY: Death is the narrator of this lengthy, powerful story of a town in Nazi Germany. He is a kindly, caring Death, overwhelmed by the souls he has to collect from people in the gas chambers, from soldiers on the battlefields, and from civilians killed in bombings. Death focuses on a young orphan, Liesel; her loving foster parents; the Jewish fugitive they are hiding; and a wild but gentle teen neighbor, Rudy, who defies the Hitler Youth and convinces Liesel to steal for fun. After Liesel learns to read, she steals books from everywhere. Then the book thief writes her own story. The astonishing characters, drawn without sentimentality, will grab readers. More than the overt message about the power of words, it's Liesel's confrontation with horrifying cruelty and her discovery of kindness in unexpected places that tell the heartbreaking truth. (adapted from the Booklist review)

OPINION: Recently, many books have been narrated by dead people. For example, The Sledding Hill by Chris Crutcher, Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. But this book is narrated by death himself, and it stands out from the crowd. This is a story about war, horror, and survival, just as you would expect. It is also surprisingly moving and beautiful. Death doesn't want to be involved in the way that Hitler forces him to be, but he finds solace in the life of Liesel Meminger. She, in turn, finds solace in words, some stolen and some hand-written. This unique book, although long, is an amazing perspective on a dark time in history.

New Stuff Redux

Yup, I'm back again with another list of new books.

• Diva by Alex Flinn
• Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
• After by Francine Prose
• The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2) by Rick Riordan
• Rainboy Boys by Alex Sanchez
• Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez
• Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton
• What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
• Truesight by David Stahler, Jr.

Book Review: Out From Boneville

Out from Boneville (Bone, Volume 1) by Jeff Smith

SUMMARY: A whimsical journey, cunningly told. It combines fable with American legend in a tale of greed, friendship, and struggle. The story follows three cousins who have been thrown out of their town for cheating the citizens. Shortly thereafter, they are separated. Each Bone stumbles into a mysterious valley full of odd creatures that reveal strange happenings. The story is well paced with smooth transitions. It is dark, witty, mysterious, and exciting. The full-color art reflects that of classic comic books; one glance at the comic cels and one is reminded of old Disney and "Peanuts" cartoons. However, the animation and fresh story line put Smith in a league of his own. (from School Library Journal)

OPINION: This fall, we had a six-week comic book discussion group, and this was everyone's favorite. It is really funny, but also full of adventure, mystery, and danger. The newest editions of Out from Boneville are in full color, which is fantastic. And, best of all, it is the first in a nine-volume series, so you can keep reading about the characters! I am not the biggest comic reader in the universe, but this series has something for everyone. I would totally recommend it, and plan on reading the other volumes! We have most of them at our library.

It's a Full House

No matter how many books you all check out, there are always new ones arriving. Here's what we got this week:

• Sharp North by Patrick Cave
• The Loud Silence by Karen Cushman
• An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
• Wish Riders by Patrick Jennings
• Voices by Ursula K. Le Guin
• Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle
• Sold by Patricia McCormick
• Alice in the Know by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
• Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson
• Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
• Confessions of a Hollywood Star by Dyan Sheldon
• Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
• Trigger by Susan Vaught
• All Hallows' Eve: 13 Stories by Vivian Vande Velde
• The Unresolved by T. K. Welsh
• The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Book Review: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

SUMMARY: What happens when two witty, wise, but vulnerable teens meet by accident at a chaotic punk rock club? They fall in love, of course. While both are dealing with the fallout of failed relationships and the infinite hurt that accompanies them, they are questioning everything about themselves, their friends, and their future paths. The passion and intelligence of these characters, along with the authors' intimate knowledge of and complete respect for their audience, make this novel unique. Told in alternating chapters over the course of a single night, the narratives create a fully fleshed-out picture of both teens, informed by their love of music, their devotion to their friends, and their clear-eyed view of the world. There are many heart-stopping, insightful moments in this supremely satisfying and sexy romance. A first-rate read. (excerpted from the SLJ review)

OPINION: This story perfectly captures the start of a relationship, with all of its uncertainties, revelations, and, yes, passion. The story has no middle school cheesiness about it ("Do you like me? Circle yes or no.")! It is very intense, and very real. The authors wrote this book chapter by chapter, with no advance planning. The characters (and their dedication to music) control the action from the start. If you are a music fan, this is a great f***in read! I'm not just saying that for effect...I think this book might set a record for use of the F word. So, as long as you're not fussy about language, check it out!

OTHER BOOKS: A third book about Cyd Charisse, Cupcake, will be released in January. And see Amy's post below about another collaboration between David Levithan and Rachel Cohn!

WEBSITE: Check out the official Nick and Norah website. It has playlists, downloads, blogs, author info, and more!

Word Game Night!

Last night, 11 teens came to Word Game Night. It was so much fun, and not much work to plan! Different groups played Scattergories, Apples to Apples, and Mad Libs. We didn't even get to play Scrabble, so there has to be another event like this again soon. We had snacks too...props to Caitlin for making brownies!

And for the record: Caitlin beat me at Scattergories, 56 to 54. Grrr. I'll get you next time!

Teens' Top Ten

Earlier this week, YALSA's Teens' Top Ten list was announced. During Teen Read Week, teens all over the country voted for these ten books as the best of 2005. I've read six of them! How many have you read? Look for them at the library!!

(PS--some of the the titles are linked to my reviews on the blog.)

1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
3. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
4. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
5. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
6. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
7. Poison by Chris Wooding
8. Captain Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J.V. Hart
9. If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where’s My Prince? by Melissa Kantor
10. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Fanboy Friday!

Last Friday, 32 people came to hear Barry Lyga talk about The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. It was fun, with a great reading from the book and a lot of time for Q and A. It's always cool to hear about the creation of a good book. For example, in the original drafts, Kyra was a really minor character. Later, she took over the story and got her name in the title!

Everyone asked thoughtful questions, and Barry was impressed with how many of you had already read the book! My favorite question was from Kara, asking Barry about the craziest thing he has ever seen at a comic book convention. Other memorable questions were about his favorite books and movies, and whether this book will have a sequel (the answer: maybe). And one exciting thing we learned is that he was recently on an author panel with John Green and Stephenie Meyer! After the talk, 17 people bought books to get signed. ( I still have a few more, unsigned but a deal at only $11!)

We found out that his next book, Boy Toy, will be released in October 2007. This is a story, told in flashbacks, of of 12-year-old boy who has a relationship with his teacher. It sounds pretty depressing, but everyone was very interested in reading it. Barry is planning to send us an ARC when one is printed, and there is already a waiting list!

And the coolest thing...Barry said we were his best public library event ever. Oh yeah!!!

Q and A

You CAN Judge A Book By It's Cover!

Amy said it, and I agree. In the case of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, it's actually true! The cover is not some marketing trick...it's a book worth reading.

Incidentally, just in case you forgot, author Barry Lyga will be here TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7 PM to talk about his book. Be here!!!

Newest Teen Nonfic

Just went on the shelves today...

• All Made Up: A Girl's Guide to Seeing Through Celebrity Hype...and Celebrating Real Beauty by Audrey D. Brashich
• In*jean*uity by Ellen Warwick and Bernice Lum

Vampires' Ball

Last night, 14 teens attended the TAB's vampire party, and almost everyone wore a costume. It was a small group but lots of fun! We watched movie clips from The Lost Boys and Blade Trinity (thanks to Alexa) and Interview with the Vampire (thanks to Kara). We also decorated cupcakes to look like Dracula and did some vampire Mad-Libs. But the best event of the night, IMHO, was the contest where people had to eat goblets of clotted blood (black cherry jello and grapes) while wearing vampire teeth!

This event was planned and produced by our Teen Advisory Board, who are the coolest. The TAB worked hard to make decorations for the room, so there were lots of appropriate posters of vampirish items. Tyria and Kaitlyn came early to set up and Tyria, Laura, Julie, and Kara helped tear everything down at the end. Kara provided a sufficiently creepy vampire soundtrack for the party, too.

Sorry to everyone who missed this event! Check out our photos below...

Book Review: Crooked

Crooked by Tom McNeal and Laura McNeal

SUMMARY: Clara Wilson, 14, has a crooked nose, a best friend who deserts her, and parents who argue all the time. When her mother accepts a teaching job in Spain, Clara feels abandoned and resentful. Fellow ninth-grader Amos MacKenzie has parents who embarrass him, and keep secrets from him. He enjoys a newfound popularity after being attacked by the town bad boys, Charles and Eddie Tripp, but is lost and confused when his father unexpectedly dies. His budding relationship with Clara is his only consolation. When the Tripp brothers vow revenge on Amos for reporting them to the police, he and Clara face intimidation, which draws them even closer together. In a dramatic climax, the Tripps break into her house and corner her in the attic. The characters' actions and reactions ring true as they try to cope with all of the changes that life has dealt them and still maintain a grasp on who they are. (excerpted from Library Journal)

OPINION: I hadn't heard of it before, but this book was recommended to me as one that might be good for a book discussion group. The sprawling, atmospheric story is told in chapters that alternate between Amos and Clara's points of view. I liked the complexity of Amos and Clara's lives, and the way their stories intertwined. The unique storytelling style and the compelling characters kept me interested even when the plot seemed to be dragging. In my opinion, the dramatic ending of the book was far too short for the length of time I was reading to get there. I don't think I will use it for our book discussion groups, but I think it would be a good book to curl up with for an afternoon of reading and hot chocolate.

Our First Ever Book Swap!

Yesterday's TRW Book Swap and Read-In was attended by 13 ____________ (plural noun) . About 40 ____________ (plural noun) were swapped. The teens spent time __________ (verb ending in ing) and eating __________ (noun) . Marissa brought some __________ (plural noun) for the group to listen to. Megan read aloud a/an __________ (adjective) story. But the group spend most of the time playing a/an ___________ (adjective) game where you fill in the __________ (plural noun) with random words. We should do this again sometime!!!

New Teen Nonfic!

Several new books are now in our teen nonfic section, and I think they will be very popular! Here are the titles:

• Too Stressed to Think? A Teen Guide to Staying Sane When Life Makes You Crazy by Annie Fox and Ruth Kirschner
• I Wanna Make My Own Clothes by Clea Hantman
• I Wanna Re-Do My Room by Clea Hantman
• Safe Sex 101: An Overview for Teens by Margaret O. Hyde and Elizabeth H. Forsyth
• Immersed in Verse: An Informative, Slightly Irreverent, and Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet's Life by Allan Wolf

Get Active...Check Out a NEW Book!

Guess what this post is about!? Here's the latest...and a lot of them can be found on display in the teen corner!

FICTION

• Mercy, Unbound by Kim Antieau
• The Shakespeare Stealer (replacement copy) by Gary Blackwood
• Wild Orchid by Beverley Brenna
• The Freedom of Jenny by Julie Burtinshaw
• Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita
• Ingo by Kelen Dunmore
• Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain
• Four Things My Geeky-Jock-of-a-Best-Friend Must Do in Europe by Jane Harrington
• The Dark Frigate by Charles Boardman Hawes
• The Floating Island by Elizabeth Haydon
• Born to Rock by Gordon Korman
• Magic or Madness and Magic Lessons by Justine Larbalestier (FYI--wife of Scott Westerfeld)
• The Two Loves of Will Shakespeare by Laurie Lawlor
• The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
• Pirate Curse by Kai Meyer
• In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber by L. A. Meyer
• Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller
• After the Wreck, I Picked Myself Up, Spread My Wings, and Flew Away by Joyce Carol Oates
• Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

GRAPHIC NOVELS

• Castle in the Sky, volumes 1 to 4
• Howl's Moving Castle, volumes 1 to 4
• My Neighbor Totoro, volumes 1 to 4
• Spirited Away, volumes 1 to 5

Book Review: The Last Days

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld
**a sequel to Peeps**

SUMMARY: Strange things are happening: old friends are disappearing, angels are clambering on the fire escapes of New York City. But for Pearl, Moz, and Zahler, all that matters is the band. As the city reels under a mysterious epidemic, the three combine their talents with a vampire lead singer and a drummer whose fractured mind can glimpse the coming darkness. Will their music stave off the end? Or summon it? Set against the gritty apocalypse that began in Peeps, this story is about five teenagers who find themselves creating the soundtrack for the end of the world. (adapted from the inside flap)

OPINION: This book will draw you into a decaying New York City landscape, covered with garbage and infested with rats. But that's not the only thing...vampirism is spreading faster than the Night Watch can handle, and giant worms are surfacing from the depths of the earth. It could be the beginning of the end of civilization as we know it. At the same time, the main characters are busy composing strange songs and discarding names for their band. If you love music, vampires, or both, you will be intrigued by this paranormal, creepy story. It's fawesome!

TRIVIA: Every chapter in this book is named after a band. An endnote explains them all. Very cool!

AUTHOR: Scott Westerfeld's blog is a great read, so go there and visit!

SP Night!

Last night, 21 teens came to the library for GameBoy SP Night! Almost everyone participated in our Pokemon tournament. The semi-final rounds were on the big screen, and pitted Conner v. Steven and Maria v. David. Conner beat David in the final big-screen round and got a $10 GameStop gift card. The top 4 players all got movie candy. Conner even beat Will, the event's planner and judge, in post-tournament play! Thanks to Jimmy for bringing in his GameCube so we could have SP Night. I promise we will do it again in the winter. Check out the photos below!

Book Review: Rash

Rash by Pete Hautman

SUMMARY: In the late twenty-first century Bo Marsten is unjustly accused of a causing a rash that plagues his entire high school. He loses it, and as a result, he's sentenced to work in the Canadian tundra, at a pizza factory that's surrounded by hungry polar bears. Bo finds prison life to be both boring and dangerous, but it's nothing compared to what happens when he starts playing on the factory's highly illegal football team. In the meantime, Bork, an artificial intelligence that Bo created for a science project, tracks Bo down in prison. Bork has spun out of control and seems to be operating on his own. He offers to get Bo's sentence shortened, but can Bo trust him? And now that Bo has been crushing skulls on the field, will he be able to go back to his old, highly regulated life? Pete Hautman takes a satirical look at an antiseptic future in this darkly comic mystery/adventure. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: This is a humorous take on the dystopian future fiction genre. In Hautman's version of the future, Americans are so consumed by safety issues that they wear helmets when they take a walk, and roadrage is a offense that lands people in jail. Bo is an average teenage boy with a lot of energy and a fiery temper. It's only a matter of time before he lands in prison, but he is more than surprised by what he finds there. The prison's illegal football team shows Bo that he is a gifted athlete in a world that doesn't allow any "dangerous" behavior. This book is like Holes meets Chris Crutcher meets dystopia. It was a fun and quick read!

Real Live Author Visit

It's really happening. Barry Lyga, author of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, is coming to Sellers Library on Friday, November 3, starting at 7 pm!!!!!

It all began with my blog post about the cool title, before I even read the book. Barry sent me an ARC (read my review), and then volunteered to come visit us since he lives about 2 hours from here! Woohoo!

Barry will be talking about his book, doing a Q & A, and signing copies for you!! The book is on sale now in stores, and we will also have copies available for sale that night. You can also check out a library copy. Put your hold in now!

This book is a release from a major publishing house, people. We are talking REAL AUTHOR. How cool is this!!! Tell your English teachers they should give extra credit for those attending the event!

Comic Book Discussion Group

Today, 14 teens showed up for the first meeting of our 6-week discussion group. Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 1, was the book for today's meeting, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Tom, from Cool Stuff in Drexel Hill, is totally into all kinds of comics...and it shows! The group is reading Batman: The Dark Knight Returns for next week's meeting.

There is still room for 5 more people to join our group. Get free comic books!! Call the library and sign up today!! The group will meet for the next 5 Tuesdays from 4 to 6 pm.

Banned Books Week 2006

September 23-30, 2006 is the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week! The theme this year is a circus motif with the slogan, "Read Banned Books: They're Your Ticket to Freedom."

Vote for your favorite banned book this week! Visit the ALA's web survey to cast your ballot. I voted for Captain Underpants!!!

Some Teen Advisory Board members put up a display in the teen corner to celebrate Banned Books Week. Every book that has a bookmark in it has been challenged or banned somewhere in our country. Check one out and keep the "Ticket to Freedom" bookmark. You'll be amazed at the books people have tried to ban!

Book Review: Cut

Cut by Patricia McCormick

SUMMARY: Burdened with the pressure of believing she is responsible for her brother's illness, 15-year-old Callie begins a course of self-destruction that leads to her being admitted to Sea Pines, a psychiatric hospital the "guests" refer to as Sick Minds. Although initially she refuses to speak, her individual and group therapy sessions trigger memories and insights. Slowly, she begins emerging from her miserable silence, ultimately understanding the role her dysfunctional family played in her brother's health crisis. (from Amazon.com)

OPINION: It would be obvious to compare of this book to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Silent to the Bone by E. L. Konigsburg or Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher, since all have a character who stops talking as a way to cope with trauma. But this book stands on its own as a unique study of a girl dealing with her issues in a residential treatment facility. Callie's preferred method of coping with her life is cutting, and this book explores the psychological reasons for that behavior. The setting is drawn very realistically, down to the sounds and smells, and the other girls in the center are believable in their struggles. Callie's story is one that you will not soon forget.

AUTHOR NOTE: Patricia McCormick's new book, Sold, was just released on September 15.

Book Review: Fanboy and Goth Girl

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
***Release Date: October 2, 2006***

Fifteen-year-old Fanboy is a social outcast at school, but his imagination makes up for it: sometimes spinning revenge fantasies against Jock Jerks on The List; other times, contemplating the curves of gorgeous girls; and usually dwelling on Schemata, the comic book creation that rules his private life. That is, until a surprising IM ("Why do you let him hit you?") begins an unlikely alliance with Kyra, aka Goth Girl. They're nothing alike, but she seems to want his companionship, which is more than he can say for his sometimes friend Cal. Suddenly, Fanboy finds himself actually answering Kyra's sharp questions. But can he really trust her with his secrets? And is Kyra being honest with him in return? Fanboy's self-imposed exile from high school life is an authentic portrayal of social awkwardness and insecurity. But his wit, sarcasm, creativity, and obvious passion (for comic books AND girls) are what make him an engaging character in this highly readable book. The cover art may be more attractive to Goth Girls, but this story definitely has guy appeal for Fanboys and others.

Look for it on our shelves soon. Or, ask me if you want to borrow the ARC. Read a book before it's published!!

Book Review: The Naming

The Naming & The Riddle by Alison Croggon

The 1st book of this series starts out with an unusual slave girl telling of her life as a slave. She was taken from her village with her mother when she was very young. and brought to be a slave. One day she is visited by a very weak, sick man who asks if he can rest in her barn. She is a little confused and unsure about him but says yea anyways. Several hours later when the man is feeling better he asks her if she would like to come with him and leave her life of slavery. Of course she said yes so they left and began on their adventure. As the Man (Cadvan) gets to know her he begins to compare her to prophesies he has heard of one who will basically save the world.

I don't want to spoil the story for you so all I'll tell you about the 2nd book is that it was amazing. Most second books I have read have really crappy endings; this one is amazing. So many things happen in this book that I couldn't put it down. I hope u'll read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

More About Fanboy and Goth Girl

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga (release date: 10/2/06)

So, a few days ago, I did a post saying that I know nothing about this book but that I liked the title. Then, today I get this email:

Hi, Gretchen.
I hope it's not too weird for me to contact you like this out of the blue, but when I was looking at some web stats on the site tonight, your blog showed up as a link, and I was curious, so I clicked, and well...I wanted to thank you personally for your kind words. I feel bad that you only have the title to go on, though! I have a spare copy of the ARC for the book, and I'd be happy to send it to you, if you like. Just let me know.
Best,Barry

Woohoo! How cool is that?? So a copy of the book will be arriving sometime soon to give me an actual informed opinion. I promise to loan it out to interested people, too! I really do love the title, and the cover art is fantastic!

Fall Schedule...the Blog Version!

We have tons of cool stuff going on this fall!! Program brochures are available now at the library. Here is the list of events if you want a sneak peek:

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Comic Book/Graphic Novel Discussion Group
Tuesdays, September 26 to October 31
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Get free comic books and graphic novels, and talk about them with other fans! This group will be lead by a local comic book store owner.
Participants must attend all six sessions.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
Registration begins September 5.

Trading Card Game Club
Every Monday, except holidays
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Do you play any TCGs, especially Yu-Gi-Oh? This club has been going strong for two years, and they always welcome new members.
Players provide their own gaming materials.
Permission slip required.
Registration is ongoing.

Knitting Club
Tuesdays, November 14 to December 19
3:45 to 4:45 pm
You may not be a Hollywood star, but you can learn to knit like one. Join this trendy club and make your own accessories. Beginning and experienced knitters are welcome.
All materials provided.
For students in grades 7 to 12 only.
Registration begins October 9.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS

SP Night
Friday, September 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Bring your GameBoy Advance or GameBoy Advance SP, your cords to link up, games, and game books. There will be a single-elimination Pokemon tournament during the event, with the finalists dueling on the big screen.
Permission slip required.
Registration begins September 5.

Teen Read Week Book Swap and Read-In
Saturday, October 21, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm
The Teen Advisory Board invites you to Get Active @ Your Library during Teen Read Week! Join us to swap books, read, listen to music, win prizes, and, of course, eat good food.
Registration begins September 25.

Dracula Party
Friday, October 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Since the release of Twlight by Stephenie Meyer, vampire-mania has reigned at our library! Join the TAB to celebrate these mythical creatures of the night with games, music, movie clips, and more. Prizes will be awarded for best vampire costume.
Registration begins September 25.

Word Game Night
Friday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Are you a reader? A writer? A quick thinker? Test your brain at our competitive word game event.
Registration begins October 9.

DIY Bead Jewelry
Friday, December 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Get in touch with your creative side. Come make gifts for friends and family members...or yourself!
Registration begins October 30.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Party and Craft
Wednesday, December 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
The final book will be released on January 7, 2007, so we have to celebrate the Sisterhood. We will make jean-leg pillows and have lots of fun! Love the pants!
All materials provided.
Registration begins November 27.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament
Friday, December 29, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm
Prepare your deck for our winter Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament! Compete in a single-elimination tournament to win prizes.
Players provide their own gaming materials.
Only 32 slots available.
Permission slip required.
Registration begins November 27.


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.

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)
Every third Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Fall Meetings: September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15
Participants must register one month before attending.

High School (Grades 9 to 12)
Every first Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Fall Meetings: September 1, October 6, November 3, and December 1.
Participants must register one month before attending.


TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

The TAB is a group of students in grades 8 to 12 who help choose teen books, assist in planning and presenting events, help raise money for teen programs and projects, and generally have a lot of fun! The TAB meets two Sunday afternoons a month from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and other days as needed for specific projects. This group is accepting a limited number of new members. If you want to be an active part of what happens at the library, pick up an application for the TAB at the children’s circulation desk!

Teen Beat Prizes for Everyone!

The Teen Beat participation prizes are ready to be picked up at the summer reading table in the Children's Library. Each bag contains 1 silly rubber duckie, 1 random animal keychain, a blog flyer, a bookmark, and the fall schedule. Come in and get yours now for the best selection!!

Fanboy and Goth Girl

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl is an upcoming release (October 2, 2006) by Barry Lyga. I love the title enough that I am telling you to read this book even though I don't know much about it! Basically, it answers the question, "What happens when a 15-year-old comic book geek meets the girl of his nightmares?" If you want to know more, check out this VidLit video, read an excerpt, or look at an interview with the author.

Book Review: A Fast and Brutal Wing

A Fast and Brutal Wing by Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson

SUMMARY: Niki, her brother Emmet, and their friend Doug narrate the somewhat fantastical story via journal entries, e-mails, and newspaper clippings. What REALLY happened on Halloween night in the woods when all three teens awakened to find themselves naked and bloody? As the plot disjointedly unfolds, readers gradually learn that the siblings' father left the family two years earlier, supposedly with his mistress. When their mother begins dating the famous, secretive, and somewhat sinister author Nicholas Slanger, he disappears as well. Puzzle pieces begin to fall into place as readers realize that Emmet has since been institutionalized and Niki claims that she is able to transform into a cat, while her brother can turn into a hawk. (excerpted from the SLJ review)

OPINION: This story is very open-ended and subject to the interpretation of the reader, which makes it a very engaging read. It is told from multiple points of view, each with their own position about the truth of what happened that Halloween night. Whom should the reader believe? Is anyone telling the truth? Or are they all misguided, or even crazy? This creepy, mysterious, disturbing book will keep you guessing until the very end.

COMPARISON: The vagueness of the storytelling reminded me somewhat of The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci.

Book Review: Happy Kid!

Happy Kid! by Gail Gauthier

SUMMARY: To Kyle, Bert P. Trotts Middle School is "the gateway to hell.'' All he wants is to get through seventh grade unnoticed. Since he's infamous for an incident with a screwdriver on the bus in sixth grade that was blown way out of proportion by the administration, and he has been placed in accelerated classes, he has lost all of his friends. On the night before school starts, his mother gives him a book to help him counteract his negativity, claiming that Happy Kid: A Young Person's Guide to Satisfying Relationships and a Happy and Meaning-filled Life just screamed his name when she saw it. But the book seems to have a plan of its own, falling open to the parts that are pertinent to the zany situations that Kyle finds himself in, although sometimes offering advice that makes his life more complicated. (excerpted from the SLJ review)

OPINION: Middle school is a time when most people are focused on themselves, while at the same time attaching supreme importance to socializing. People are selfish, yet clique-ish. Basically everyone wants relationships, but few people are mature enought to have really good ones! This book does a great job of reflecting this reality of middle school in a humorous way. It is not a depressing teen issue book. Kyle attaches a mystical power to the revelations from the Happy Kid! book and actually tries to do what is says. But only if it will get Chelsea to like him...

RANDOM INFORMATION: This book has one of the best character names ever: "Moo" Kowsz.

90s Night!

I think 90s Night was the best event we've had all summer!! What a great way to end our summer teen programs. Tonight, 24 teens showed up to celebrate the 90s.

A lot of people were really creative with their costumes. We had everything from Kris Kross to The Spice Girls to Jay and Silent Bob! Prizes were awarded to Laura and Tyria for best costumes, as well as to Megan for the closest spelling of "fahrvergnugen"and to Kara for matching the advertising slogans to products. Special thanks to Kara, too, for bringing excellent 90s artifacts like Pokemon cards and a Steve Urkel doll that still talks!!!

We did tons of stuff just two hours. We watched a few videos, some clips from VH1's "I Love the 90s," and finished with a 10-minute clip from Wayne's World. In between, we did dances, made "U Can't Touch This" slap bracelets, took an advertising slogan quiz, and took cheesy Mentos photos. We also ate 90s theme food: Snapple, Go-Gurt, string cheese, Hershey's Hugs, and muffins. And my crowning achievement, mini-bagels cut in half with strawberry cream cheese...to represent Mike Tyson's infamous chomp on Evander Holyfield's ear!!
Check out the photos below. I put up a lot because they were so good!!!

Favorite Movies of the 1990s

These were some of the most popular movies of the 90s. If you haven't seen them, look for them at the video store or add them to your NetFlix queue!

• Edward Scissorhands (1990, PG-13)
• Home Alone (1990, PG)
• Beauty and the Beast (1991, G)
• Wayne's World (1992, PG-13)
• Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13)
• Mrs. Doubtfire (1993, PG-13)
• Forrest Gump (1994, PG-13)
• Speed (1994, R)
• Clueless (1995, PG-13)
• Braveheart (1995, R)
• Toy Story (1995, G)
• Independence Day (1996, PG-13)
• Twister (1996, PG-13)
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997, PG-13)
• Titanic (1997, PG-13)
• The Matrix (1999, R)
• The Sixth Sense (1999, PG-13)
• Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999, PG)

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green

SUMMARY: Miles "Pudge" Halter is abandoning his safe, boring life. Fascinated by the last words of famous people, Pudge leaves for boarding school to seek what a dying Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Pudge becomes encircled by friends whose lives are everything but safe and boring. Their nucleus is razor-sharp, sexy, and self-destructive Alaska, who has perfected the arts of pranking and evading school rules. Pudge falls impossibly in love. When tragedy strikes the close-knit group, it is only in coming face-to-face with death that Pudge discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: This edgy high school book won the Printz Award this year and caused quite a stir among adults, but I never got around to reading it until now. Even though the book was depressingly realistic at times, it drew me in to the boarding school atmosphere. Pudge's experiences with all-night bull sessions, trips to the smoking hole, and endless pranks reminded me of a glorified trip to sleep-away camp. The final prank in the book had me laughing out loud! Be warned, however, that this story is a hard one to read. Depression, substance abuse, and self-destructive behaviors often drive the action. The varied elements of this story combine to form a tone that embodies teenage vitality at the same time it creates a sense of foreboding. If you like your realistic fiction to be seriously realistic (but not preachy), this one's for you.

90s Nostalgia?

I guess it's hard to be nostalgic for the decade you were born in, but here are some sites you can visit to find out more about the 90s! Get ready for our 90s party on Friday night!!

InThe90s
This pop-culture site features music, movies, and television, as well as fads and world events. Right now, the homepage has people's lists of top ten songs of the 90s.

Wikipedia article on the 1990s
Technology, politics, and trends are all part of this comprehensive site. Scroll down to the bottom for a good list of links, too.

VH1: I Love the Nineties
Find out about the decade and get the showtimes for upcoming episodes.

BBC: I Love the 90s
For a British take on the 1990s!

Book Review: The Prophet of Yonwood

The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanette DuPrau (*NEW*)

SUMMARY: It’s 50 years before the settlement of the city of Ember, and the world is in crisis. War looms on the horizon as 11-year-old Nickie and her aunt travel to the small town of Yonwood, North Carolina. There, one of the town’s respected citizens has had a terrible vision of fire and destruction. Her garbled words are taken as prophetic instruction on how to avoid the coming disaster. As the people of Yonwood scramble to make sense of the woman’s mysterious utterances, Nickie explores the oddities she finds around town, while keeping an eye out for ways to help the world. Is this vision her chance? Or is it already too late to avoid a devastating war? In this prequel to the acclaimed The City of Ember and The People of Sparks, Jeanne DuPrau investigates how, in a world that seems out of control, hope and comfort can be found in the strangest of places. (excerpted from the inside flap)

OPINION: The main story of this book tackles big questions about the nature of good and evil, and the role of God in human conflict. And it has a huge old victorian house, a hidden dog, and snakes! It was a pretty good story, but it had very little to do with The City of Ember, except in the last few pages. It was rather a disappointment and left a lot of questions unanswered. Hopefully, there will be a fourth book that tells me what I want to know. Like, how the world was destroyed and how the first citizens of Ember reacted to their new lifestyle. Still, it is an interesting story, particularly considering the current war situation and fears of terrorism. Read it, but don't expect big revelations about Ember.

Redwall Feast & Fun

Tonight, 24 teens decended on the library to eat Redwall recipes and generally act silly. And we did both equally well. We did riddles, made up traveling troupe presentations, watched cartoon clips, did a backwards crossword puzzle, and got our own Redwall names. The menu included Strawberry Cordial, Fruit Muffins with Meadowcream Icing, Chocolate Abbotcake, Hotroot-N-Shrimp Stew, Shrewbread with Bee Butter, Brockhall Badger Carrot Cakes, and Springtide Stuffed Mushrooms. Some of the recipes were from the Redwall cookbook, which is a fun little book that you can check out of our library.

If you want to know more about Redwall, visit the official site at http://www.redwall.org. It has tons of info about Brian Jacques and his Redwall series.

Scroll down and check out the event photos!!

Book Review: Smack

Smack by Melvin Burgess

SUMMARY: At 14, sweet-natured Tar leaves his small seaside town for Bristol to get away from his alcoholic, abusive parents. Gemma follows him to escape an infuriatingly repressive (to her, at least) home situation. Reveling in their newfound freedom, the two find shelter with a welcoming set of anarchists squatting in an abandoned building, then move on to live with Lily and Rob, a glamorous couple a year or so older who willingly share not just their squat, but their heroin too. Using multiple narrators, and only rarely resorting to violence or graphic details, Burgess chronicles drug addiction's slow, irresistible initial stages, capturing with devastating precision each teenager's combination of innocence, self-deceit, and bravado; the subsequent loss of personality and self-respect; the increasingly unsuccessful efforts to maintain a semblance of control. Based on actual people and incidents, this harrowing tale is as compellingly real as it is tragic. (excerpted from the Kirkus review)

OPINION: Heroin tricks your mind into thinking you are totally in control, when, in reality, you are a total junkie. This book chronicles the slow decline of teen abusers Tar, Gemma, Lily, and Rob. The sad part is that they are likable people. I was rooting for them through the whole book, no matter how many poor choices they made. This book is not overly graphic or overly preachy, but it is devistatingly realistic. If you like your realistic fiction on the gritty and streetwise side, this book's for you.

Animal Mask-Making

Last night, 14 teens came to the library to create wild animal masks using tissue paper decoupage. It was messy and a lot of fun! The masks we made looked more like Mardi Gras creatures than actual animals, but they all looked great. Check out the photos below to see a feathered tiger, a "gazebra," and an orange bejeweled bunny!

Hot Off the Presses!

Well, hot off the processing shelf anyway. Here's the latest:

FICTION

• Looking for Alaska by John Green
• Grand and Humble by Brent Hartinger
• Almost Eden by Anita Horrocks
• Monkey Town by Ronald Kidd
• Troll Mill by Katherine Langrish
• Chicks with Sticks (It's a Purl Thing) by Elizabeth Lenhard
• Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noel
• Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To-Do List by Janette Rallison
• Undine by Penni Russon
• It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

NONFICTION

• Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater by Anna-Stina Linden Ivarsson, Katarina Brideitis, and Katarina Evans
• Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Projects by Shannon Okey
• Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know about Fast Food by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson
• Monsterology: Fabulous Lives of the Creepy, the Revolting, and the Undead by Arthur Slade

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament

Last night's Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament was attended by 26 teens and 2 judges! There were a lot of new players there, so the competition was intense. The regular club attenders ruled in the end, though, making up three of the top four players. The final four were Sean, Jamaul, Greg, and Bryant. Each of them won movie candy. The winner of the whole tournament was Jamaul, who also won two packs of Yu-Gi-Oh cards and a $10 gift card to Game Stop. Look for another tournament on the fall schedule! And look at the pictures below:

Book Review: The King of Attolia

The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

SUMMARY: Eugenides, the former Thief of Eddis, is back and just as clever as ever. As King of Attolia after literally stealing and marrying the Queen, he must convince the rest of her court and her subjects that he deserves his title. The Attolians think he's an idiot who is being used by the Queen. They refuse to believe that he and Irene could honestly love one another, considering that shes responsible for having his hand cut off. His attendants and guards mock him behind his back and play pranks on him, all the while thinking that he is too spineless and incompetent to protest. That is, until a guard named Costis punches him in the face and knocks him down. Beheading is the usual penalty for such a transgression but Eugenides devises a better punishment. It is through Costis's eyes that readers see how he and the court consistently underestimate the shrewd young man. (from the SLJ review)

OPINION: This book is the third in the trilogy that also includes The Thief and The Queen of Attolia. I read both of those a while back and didn't remember many details. So, it was hard for me to get into this book for a while. You really have to read the first two books to figure this one out. That said, it is an excellent end to the trilogy, with plenty of scheming and plotting worthy of Gen. Even though he is older now, and a king, he is just as irascible and unruly as ever. But how will this behavior convince the court guard to follow him, let alone his subjects ?

These Books Bite!

Literally. They're all about vampires.

FICTION

• Thirsty by M.T. Anderson
• In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• Demon in my View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• Blue Bloods Melissa de la Cruz
• Look for Me by Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn
• Sweetblood by Pete Hautman
• Hawkes Harbor by S.E.Hinton
• The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause
• Got Fangs? by Katie Maxwell
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
• Vampire Kisses 2: Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde
• Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

SERIES

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (various authors)
• Vampire's Promise by Carolyn B. Cooney
• The Darkangel Triology by Meredith Ann Pierce (older readers)
• The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike
• The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice (older readers)
• Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan
• St. Germaine Chronicles by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (older readers)

NONFICTION

• Vampire Encyclopedia by Matthew Bunson
• Vampires by Raymond H. Miller