- 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
10.19.2006
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:
10.12.2006
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
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
10.02.2006
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!
**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!
9.30.2006
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!
9.28.2006
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!
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!
9.27.2006
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!
9.26.2006
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.
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.
9.24.2006
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!
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!
9.19.2006
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.
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.
9.14.2006
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!!
9.04.2006
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.
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.
8.31.2006
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!
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!
8.26.2006
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!!
8.23.2006
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.
8.22.2006
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.
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.
8.01.2006
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.
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.
7.28.2006
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!!!
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)
7.26.2006
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.
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.
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