Friday, December 26, 2008

Happy Holidays!

I hope you all had a fine and Merry Christmas, and you have my BEST wishes for a Happy New Year!

I had a wondeful time with my family; my elder niece regaled me with a detailed description of her adoration of the Twilight movie (which I have not seen yet). My younger brother, his wife, and I all went to see Wall-E at the discount theater - that's a great little movie, and I'm fairly certain it will be a classic. If you haven't seen it, come in and put your name on the list! Right now we only have 38 requests on 6 copies! That's just over a 6 week wait - you can watch it on Valentine's Day!

Don't forget - Tuesday is Game Day, and Wednesday is Movie Day. Game Day will be from 2:00 til 4:00, and the Movie will start at 1:00 to accomodate its length and our earlier closing time.

Free Food at both events! Teens and tweens 10 and up for Game Day - all ages welcome for Movie Day.

Monday, December 22, 2008

New Books!

A whole cartload of new books are coming up from downstairs at any moment:

Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice 5) - Will is now a Ranger himself, in charge of a small village. He seeks the poisoner of the King, rumored sorcery, and tries to help Alys, who has been taken hostage.
Stowaway by R. A. Salvatore (Stone of Tymora Vol 1) - a young orphan's magic stone leads to both great adventure and great danger.
Superior Saturday by Garth Nix (Keys to the Kingdom 6) - the next-to-last and long-awaited volume in Arthur's quest to obtain the seven Magical Keys that will allow him to
Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson - Alcatraz and his companions must enter the Great Library of Alexandria to rescue his father and grandfather from the clutches of the Curators.

Invitation Only (2),Untouchable (3), Confessions (4), Inner Circle (5), Legacy (6),Ambition (7), Revelation (8) by Kate Brian (Private Series) - (oops! Private (vol 1) is still on order!) - follow the trials and tribulations of Reed Brennan as she transfers to the prestigious Easton Academy.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - after the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into the graveyard, where ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater - Dierdre Monaghan finds herself drawn into the world of the faeries as she investigates enigmatic Luke Dillon.
The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine by April Lurie - Dylan's friend Angie is making a movie about him while his life falls apart and he tries to stop it.
Letter Writer by Ann Rinaldi (branches) - a young girl who serves as her blind stepmother's letter writer is horrified by her unwitting role in Nat Turner's bloody slave rebellion.
Guardian by Julius Lester (EWL) - in this historical novel, a young white man and his father witness the lynching of an innocent black man.
BlackBox by Julie Schumacher (RBH) - Elena tries to cope with her feelings when her older sister is hospitalized for depression, and her parents try to keep it a secret.

Graphic Novels:
Ulitmate X-Men vol 19 Absolute Power
X-Men. Messiah CompleX
Catwoman. Crime Pays
Batman and the Outsiders. The Crysalis
Green Lantern. In Brightest Day
Naruto v. 32
Fruits baskets Ultimate Edition v. 1-3 (includes vols 1-6)
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale - a variation on the classic Rapunzel, in which she rescues herself...
Into the Volcano by Don Wood - While their parents are away doing research, brothers Duffy and Sumo Pugg are swept off by their cousin to Kokalaha Island, where they become trapped in a volcano.
Flight 5 - a collection of wordless graphic short stories - the fifth annual collection
Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet - in the mid '70's, Aya grows up on the Ivory Coast amidst her friends and family.
Portable Frank by Jim Woodring - Frank, an 11 year old anthropomorph, explores his world with his companion Pupshaw.
Umbrella Academy. Volume 1: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way - seven out of 47 unusual children are adopted by a rich philanthropist and learn that their purpose is to save the world. At age ten they begin to come into their bizarre powers, and starts them on their career as superheroes.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Recent Returns

Well, I have a few things to mention, today.

The Superman Chronicles, Volumes 1-3. These volumes start with the very earliest published Superman comics and go forward in exact chronological order. Each of these volumes has checked out at least 8 times. Have fun discovering the origins of the Superman story!

Yurara, Vols 1-3 (4 and 5 are "newly acquired" and will be available soon). Follow Yurara as she learns to use her power to see spirits to do good. Vol 1 has over 20 checkouts, and the others are not far behind.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris is both an audiobook and a print book. Maddy Smith was born with a rune (ruin)mark on her hand, she fears it means she is a witch; but when mysterious "One-eye" the traveler arrives, she discovers her true destiny - saving the world. The audio has nine checkouts, while the book has 7.

Last but not least, I want to mention a book that has failed to be checked out even ONCE. It is called "In the Small". Due to some slight adult content (brief above-the-waist nudity) and some rather graphic violence (a cat eating a person, a snake getting speared through the head), this book is shelved on the "adult side" in the 741.8 numbers. So if you're under 14 or so, you may want a parent to glance at this with you. But the story is exciting. It follows a family (in two places) after a terrible explosion causes every surviving human to be miniaturized to about 6" tall. The family struggles to survive (accidents, animal attacks, scavenging supplies) and reconnect with each other. The will to survive is all that remains...

Give this book some attention! Sometime (in 2010?) it may become a movie!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Lonestar Books 2009

Wow, look at this video a Librarian in Humble Texas made for her students to watch!

We own almost all (and soon all) of the Lonestar Books, so you can find them here.

Remember, too, if you are in WISD, that the 2nd annual "Battle of the Books" between the Middle Schools will be happening on February 27. If you intend to be on your school's team, you should be reading them NOW, getting ready for tough questions and quotes. Last year I worked the competition as official timekeeper and score-keeper. I'll be doing something (probably the same) again this year. Ask your librarian if you're not sure whether your school is competing!

Which one would you prefer?

Lately, I've gotten tired of/bored with the "favorite quote" feature. I'm contemplating either replacing it with a "word of the week" feature, or alternating the quote with a word/definition.

Do you like the quotes? Would you find words and word origin/definitions to be equally appealing? More? Less? Not at all? Please, let me know so I can make a choice for how to keep this blog fun and appealing into the new year.

Yr friendly Teen Librarian - Ms. G.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Game Day and Movie Day

Don't forget that we have two exciting upcoming events:

Tuesday Dec 30 at from 2-4:00 is WINTER GAME DAY. I'll have the gamecubes (SSB Melee, Mario Kart and Naruto (our new game!)), the Wii (SSB and Link's Crossbow Shooter), and the Playstation (DDR) all set up. Come play and bring a friend! We'll be serving hot cheesy Nachos. Everyone ages 10 - 17 is welcome!

Wednesday Dec 31 from 1-3:30 we'll be showing our WINTER TEEN MOVIE. The movie will be the second in the Narnia Series - I am officially not allowed to name the title, but it is the NEW Narnia movie that was just released on DVD this month. Come in with your friends and family (all ages welcome), have some popcorn, and watch it on the big screen!

Take a Poll!

I've created a poll asking you to tell me what sorts of posts you most enjoy on this weblog. Please, help me give you more of what you like best!

Answer the poll, post comments here, and lets see what happens...

Friday, December 12, 2008

New Books!

Lots of new stuff:

For the branches:
Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan - Kristi is convinced that everyone dislikes her - even those fascinated by her busty figure, but begins to doubt her psychic insights after learning her father's big secret, and the true opinions of some of her classmates.
Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve - In Saxon-era England, young Gwyna's village is burned by raiders. She seeks aid from Myrddin the bard, who uses her in his plan to bring Arthur to his throne.
Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas - Anna LaBella, catholic schoolgirl, longs to be a saint, but is also longing for her first kiss. A delightful comedy about being true to oneself.
Ghost Medicine by Andrew Smith - Troy Stotts is still mourning his mother's recent death, Troy goes to spend the summer wrangling horses. He and his friends begin what seems to be a wonderful adventure, but will it end in tragedy?
My So-called Family by Courtney Sheinmel - Leah, conceived by a sperm-bank donor, sets out to discover who her real father is, without telling anyone.
Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen - thirteen year old Sammie scares an old man into a heart-attack, and then must both seek help for him without being spotted, and dispose of the handfuls of cash he begs her to destroy.

For Central:
Lost Island of Tamarind by Nadia Aguiar - thirteen year old Nadia becomes stranded on the unusual island of Tamarind with her baby sister and younger brother, and must struggle to survive while searching for her lost parents.
Voss by David Ives - told in a series of letters, Voss tells of his adventures being smuggled out of Slovakia in a box of black-market cheese puffs and into the US.
Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman - Honor's parents disappear after having an illegal second child, and it is up to her to discover the secrets of her island culture.
Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Milne - a heart tugging tale of a young man who discovers the true meaning of Christmas through his friendship with a troubled little girl.
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell - in the 1940's, teenage Evie develops a crush on a GI friend of her stepfather Joe's, and discovers a complex web of lies.
Last Christmas by Kate Brian - prequel to the novel "Private", Arianna should be in Vermont, but is stranded in Easton instead.
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson - after being sold to a cruel couple, slave Isabel becomes a spy for the Rebels during the Revolutionary War.
Nothing by Robin Friedman - Overachiever Parker sees himself as a fat, unattractive failure and seeks relief for his failings in binge eating and purging.
Smile by Donna Jo Napoli - In Renaissance Italy, Elisabetta seeks romance, and Leonardo Da Vinci introduces her to handsome Giuliano de Medici; she has no idea of the romance and heartache that will follow.
The Tygrine Cat by Inbali Iserles - Young Mati the cat is lost and alone, and seeks shelter with a colony of feral Cats before frightening things begin happening.
Seaborn by Craig Moodie - Luke doesn't want to go sailing with his father after his mother walks out, but when he's left alone on the boat after a storm, he must deal with both danger and feelings of guilt.
Burn by Suzanne Phillips - bullied and isolated, Cameron's rage grows until it erupts with devastating consequences.
Neptune's Children by Bonnie Dobkin - when a biological attack kills all adults on earth, teens at an amusement park struggle to survive, led by Milo, whose father was an engineer there.
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier - in a world where everyone has a helping fairy, Charlie doesn't want her parking fairy, and struggles to find a way to replace it with a better one.

Graphic Novels:
Inu Yasha v.35
Fullmetal Alechemist v.17
Bad Kitty v. 1
Welcome to the Jungle (Dresden Files)
Superman. The Third Kryptonian
JLA. Salvation Run
JSA Presents Green Lantern
Batman Chronicles v. 6
X-Men vs Apocalypse. Vol 1: The Twelve

Monday, December 8, 2008

More Recent Returns

It's really fun investigating what other people are reading!

Today I found the first three volumes of Alichino on the cart - by Kouyu Shurei - a young girl quests f0r a wish-granting Alichino, and discovers instead a beautiful young man named Tsugiri... volume 1 has checked out 39 times! A very popular series.

Liling Po is another GN by Ako Yutenji - Master Thief Liling Po is caught and has to join a government-sponsored team of elite thieves - stealing eight magical artifacts. With over 60 checkouts, this series seems to be a BIG favorite.

Garth Nix is one of my favorite authors, and his book Shade's Children is a splendid mix of horror and science fiction. Between the hardback and paper copies, it has 42 checkouts. Imagine a world where your fourteenth birthday is your last, where only one thing can save you, and where even your protector may not be trustworthy...

Melting Stones is Tamora Pierce's new book - it has checked out only once - be sure to put your name on it before everyone discovers it is here!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Recent Returns!

What's Being Read by your peers? Here are a few things that caught my eye on today's return cart

Poison by Chris Wooding - with over thirty check-outs, this fantasy-adventure has a really neat twist. I remember reading it more than a year ago, and being very intrigued. You will be, too, as you follow Poison's quest to rescue her little sister, who has been kidnapped by phaeries.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson - 29 checkouts for this one! It's a very popular series, and I keep meaning to read them, I promise! Max, Fang and their four friends are being hunted across the US, in what Patterson says is his favorite ever story.

Ruler of the Land (vols 1 and 3) - this graphic novel series has over 50 checkouts! Bwi-Kwang and Hwa Rin quest for her grandfather, and try to keep the Sword of Flowers from the hands of their fiendish enemies, in this martial action adventure.

Silverfish - this graphic novel mystery has only 2 checkouts - follow Mia as she discovers secrets about her new stepmother and tries to untwist her double life without unleashing an insane serial killer. This is a really good and scary story! Come in and read it!

Monday, November 24, 2008

book review

"Beastly" by Alex Flynn. You know the story. Beauty's father picks a rose. The beast forces him to bring his daughter to the enchanted castle. Romance follows. Beast becomes prince once again.

But what if the Beast was a 15 year old high school sophomore? Who just happens to insult the wrong girl? And joins an internet chat group to discuss his problems? Meet Kyle Kingsbury, and join him in his quest to undo the curse he so richly deserves.

This tale is funny, poignant and enjoyable. It's just romantic enough, but not sappy. Kyle's narrative is light and quick, never dull. And the happy ending has just enough of a quirky twist to make you laugh. Enjoy!

Friday, November 21, 2008

New Books!

Graphic novel:
Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1 by Robert E. Howard

Books:
Nation by Terry Pratchet -- Mau and Daphne, along with other refugees, set about rebuilding their community after it was destroyed by a tsunami
The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees -- Frankie finally finds the courage to as his friend Julianne to the Homecoming dance, setting off a showdown with a rich senior and Frankie's older brother and his gang member friends.
Double or Die by Charles Higson -- Young James Bond goes on a mission to find his kindapped professor whose escape is vital to world security.
The Storyteller by Edward Myers -- Jack, who has gone to the city to make his fortune, catches the attention of the grief-stricken king, his beautiful daughter, and his cruel son, and attempts to help them and the kingdom through his stories.
The Apprentice's Masterpiece by Melanie Little -- A family of conversos, jews who have converted to Christianity, living under the Spanish inquisition is torn apart when their secrets is discovered and two brothers reunited after one has been made a slave and another works for the Inquisition.
Pretty Face by Mary Hogan -- When an overweight high school student spends the summer in Italy, she learns to relish life and understand the true meaning of beauty.
Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell -- Sir Michael Sevenson and his squire Fisk tell of their journey to Ruesport, Fisk's home town, to investigate blackmail and a series of suspicious fires.
Big Splash by Jack Ferraiolo -- Matt Stevens uncovers a mystery while working for the "organization," a mafia-like group run by seventh grader Vincent "Mr. Biggs" Biggio, specializing in forging hall passes, test-copying, black market candy selling, and taking out hits with water guns.
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (RBH) -- A 15-year-old girl, who has spent most of her life being abused by her kidnapper and knows he killed his previous victim when she had begun to look more like an adult, hopes her own demise is approching, but her kidnpaper wants her to help him find a replacement for her and train the new victim to his tastes.
I Know It's Over by C. K. Kelly Martin (RBH) -- Still trying to come to terms with his parents' divorce, 17-year-old Nick experiences ups and down with his girlfriend, especially when, after beginning a trial separation, she announces that she's pregnant.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

book review

Little Brother by Corey Doctorow - I just finished reading this yesterday. It was VERY very good! Marcus is a smart aleck 17-year old computer nut. He can hack any system, and has, including his school's "unhackable" laptops. He and his friends are deep into playing an online/real-world scavenger hunt game. One day they ditch school to follow the latest clues, and get themselves into a mess of trouble - terrorists bomb the bridge across San Francisco Bay, and they are caught up in a mass of arrests following the action.

Marcus' smart mouth gets him into deep trouble, and the rest of the novel follows as he struggles with the repercussions of both his actions and the response of the Federal Government to the terrorists. It's a terrifyingly real scenario, with implications for many things that have happened in the real world over the past few years.

You'll be thrilled by Marcus, his bravery, the dangers he confronts, and the ultimate conclusion. Be prepared for a wild ride!

National Book Award Winner

For "Young People's Fiction" goes to Judy Blundell's "What I saw and How I lied"!

I haven't read this one yet. Have you? What did you think of it? Please, post a comment!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Classic book review

"Scorpions" by Walter Dean Myers is a Newbery Honor book.

Jamal is 12. He lives in Harlem. He's being hassled by the principle at school. His mother is working all the time. His brother Randy just went to jail for murder. And now Jamal has been given the task of "running" the Scorpions, his brother's gang. As Jamal and his best friend Tito soon find out, all the good intentions in the world don't help when things go badly awry.

This classic novel portrays life on the street as it really is, for real boys growing into young men. It doesn't pull punches; it tells an exciting, honest story about how two boys "take what the street put down".

Thursday, November 13, 2008

New Book Review

"Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow" by Jessica Day George is a fantasy novel that I truly loved. "The Lass", unnamed by her mother, is the seventh child of a poor woodcutter, living in near-poverty in a frozen northern land. Winter comes early and harshly, but Lass is not afraid. When a white stag, reputed to be able to grant a wish to whoever shall catch it, is seen in their village, she sets out to do so. This begins a series of adventures that will change her life, and the lives of all her family.

Follow Lass as she seeks for a name, finds adventure and danger, and attempts to rescue her beloved eldest brother from a mysterious curse, all the while she struggles to remain true to herself.

Lass is a strong, believable heroine, who does what she thinks is right, whether or not it is easy. She endures, struggles for, and achieves, more than she believes is possible. You'll enjoy the rich language, evocative scenery, and folkloric nature of this romantic fantasy.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

booksale week!

This week is Annual Library Booksale week. This means crazyness at the Library, as many of us put in volunteer hours at the sale. It also means great bargains for you - check here for all the details of when and where the sale is.

We will probably have over 100,000 books for sale this year - I helped set out the Sci Fi and Teen sections this year, and there are some really good things there, as well as TONS of general fiction, mysteries, history, literature, religion, politics, science and more... there's a book on EVERY subject under the sun.

See you there!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Ender's Game Comic

"Ender's Game" is a great sci-fi novel by Orson Scott Card - and now there's a Graphic Novel of it. If you'd like to read it, click here.

National Book Foundation Awards

November 18, the National Book Foundation will announce the Winner of the National Book Award.
Nominated this year are five Young Adult Authors and their Novels:

Laurie Halse Anderson, Chains (Simon & Schuster)
Kathi Appelt, The Underneath (Atheneum)
Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic)
E. Lockhart, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion)
Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now (Alfred A. Knopf)

We own, or soon will own, copies of all five of these books; so start reading now and root for your favorite!

For more information about this event, you can visit the National Book Foundation site.

Monday, November 3, 2008

NEW books!

Cricket Man by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (branches) -- Kenny secretly calls himself Cricket Man to give himself more self confidence and the courage to be a hero for his depressed and slightly older neighbor, Jodie.
Kingdom on the Waves by M. T. Anderson (RBH) -- Vol. II of Octavian Nothing... Octavian and his tutor flee to Boston and join Lord Dunmore's counterrevolutionary Royal Ethiopian Regiment, soon finding themselves engaged in naval raids along the Virginia coast as the Revolutionary War breaks out.
Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix (RBH) -- When Cecelia and her friend Harper try to speed her ascendancy to the throne, they find danger and many imposters who challenge her claim.
Chalice by Robin McKinley (EWL, RBH) -- Beekeeper Maril's life changes when she is named the new Chalice, the most important advisor to the new Master, a former priest of fire.
Vidalia in Paris by Sasha Watson (RBH) -- Vidalia's summer in Paris studying art is fun and exciting until she discovers the boy she's dating seems to be part of an art theft ring.
Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link (RBH) -- Nine macabre short stories with a fantastical twist.
Ghost's Child by Sonya Hartnett (RB) -- Eldery Maddy tells to a mysterious boy the romantic story of her love for wild and free-spirited Feather and her search for him on a fantastical voyage across the sea.
Paper Towns by John Green (RBH) -- Quentin "Q" Jacobsen basks in the boringness of his life until beautiful and exciting Margo, his neighbor and classmate, takes him on a midnight adventure and then mysteriously disappears.
Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce -- Young Evvy and her magic teacher are sent to the isle of Starns to solve a problem - and Evvy discovers a volcano is on the verge of erupting.
Second Seige by Henry Neff -- Tapestry bk. 2 : Max and his allies take great risks as they try to acquire the Book of Origins, an artifact of unimaginable powers, in hopes of halting an ancient eveil that is destroying the world.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins -- Katniss' skills are put to the test when she takes her sister's place in the annual televised survival competetion, which is used to maintain control of the people by the rulers of Panem, which was once called North America.
You Just Can't Get Enough by Cecily Von Ziegesar -- Gossip Girl: the Carlyles bk. 2 -- The triplets make a place for themselves in the high society of Manhattan's Upper East Side.
President's Daughter by Ellen Emerson White -- Meghan's happy life in Massachusetts changes drastically when her mother becomes the front-runner in the race for U. S. President.
Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos -- Set in the 60s, Rico, a pale-skinned Cuban American, leaves New York City for Wisconsin, only to discover he still feels like an outsider and that violent, judgmental people can even be found in the wholesome Midwest.
Stolen by Vivian Vande Velde -- A girl with no memory of anything, even her own name, learns she might be 12-year-old Isabelle, believed to have been stolen by a witch six years previous.
Shonen Jump V. 6
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 18, Apocalypse -- The Shadow Kings escape from his mental prison unleashes Apocalypse to plague the world, especially the X-Men, again.

Pick up those sticks!

It's time to start thinking of Christmas presents & there's nothing like giving someone you love a hand knitted scarf or hat. Knitting is easy and fun! I really enjoy knitting, mainly because if I make a mistake, I can just rip out the yarn and start over again. The library has a lot of really good books on knitting for all stages and ages of knitters. I learned how to knit out of books & so can you. Here are a few I recommend.
for beginner knitters:
DVD "Art of Knitting"
"Knitting: Teach Yourself Visually" by Sharon Turner
"Knitgrrl" and "Knitgrrl 2" by Shannon Okey
"Not Another Teen Knitting Book" by Vickie Howell

for beginner to intermediate knitters:
"Hot Knits" by Melissa Leapman
"Punk Knits" by Share Ross

for advanced knitters:
"Knit Coture" by Gail Downey

Even if you are a beginnning knitter, it's fun to look at the more advanced pattern books to give yourself some goals. Everyone starts out knitting scarves & the more you knit the better you become.
There are a lot of good internet sites for knitters, one that I really have learned a lot from is Knitting Help.com
because it has videos of knitting techniques.
Happy knitting! Cindy@Central

Hello Gentle Readers

Wow, it's been a while since I posted - sorry about that! Halloween was a busy period for us... all dressed up in our cat's ears and egyptian tattoos...

What was your holiday like? Read anything particularly scary? I've been putting the finishing touches on an adventure for a game I run - my players' characters are about to enter a seriously haunted house, infested by ghouls, ghosts and haunts of all types... one wrong move, and they may all die! Hahahaha!

One of the other Reference Librarians, Cindy, has made a halloween resolution - she's going to start posting comments on her knitting and crafting hobby; if you have a particular craft you love, let us know and we'll try to talk about good books in that area - and you might actually influence what we BUY for the Library!

We also have a new monthly TEEN BOOK newsletter for your enjoyment.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

We have a new book review! (If it isn't posted now, it will be in a few hours). So take a look here.

Remember, you can review a book and see it posted on our site by filling out the form here.

We will ONLY restrict posting of reviews that use vulgar or inappropriate language, or are for books that are totally not suitable for teens. So send us your reviews!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Book Review - Nick of Time

An action adventure book in the vein of "Gideon the Cutpurse", this tale begins in 1939, on the southern coast of England. Nick is the son of a lighthouse-keeper, and wants nothing more than to be a hero. He gets his chance when he and his little sister make a fascinating discovery - a chest washed ashore from the sea holds a magnificent treasure. But the treasure is not money, but rather a time-travel device, which takes him back to the year 1809.

In both 1936 and 1809 England is beset by enemies from across the channel, and Nick finds himself doing his best to save his country from invasion in both eras. Filled with exciting naval action, possible invasions, spying, pirates, kidnapping, and more, this tale is a delight to read. It never stops being fascinating, and Nick is a very believable young man. His sister Kate is great fun, too!

So grab a copy of "Nick of Time" by Ted Bell, and hang on for the read. You'll be glad you did.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Study Guides for the College Bound

We just got the new SAT, ACT and CLEP 2009 study guides in.

So there's no excuse for not getting a good score! Remember, we also have "Learnatest" in our Research Databases section of the Library website - which has practice tests for LOTS of areas - SAT, GED, TOEFL, ASVAB, real estate, fire, paramedic, police, and more, more, more. Ask if you're not sure how to get logged in.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Classic Book Review

I don't know if I've mentioned this book in the past, but it is one of my favorites

"The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton. If you have not read the tale of Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers Soda, and Darry, and Johnny, Ponyboy's best friend, you should.

They're poor "Greasers" in a bad neighborhood, getting chased and harassed by the "Socs" - the elite school crowd. Mostly, they get along, and try to keep themselves together, and everything is going okay, until the day Johnny uses his switchblade on a Soc in a fight.

Ponyboy and Johnny panic, realizing that they've gone one step beyond what they can handle, and they run away. The rest of the novel deals with Ponyboy's attempts to understand and deal with the results of being part of Johnny's fatal action.

It's an exciting story, very real and strong. It has a very likeable main character, and the action is exciting. S. E. Hinton was only 16 when she wrote this story, and she knows about the life she's telling; you will too, when you've read it.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Vote for Next Year's Teen Read Week Theme

ALA is asking all Teens to vote for next year's theme (this year's is "Books that Bite").

You can also make suggestions for future themes.

Vote for Teen Top Ten Books

This week is the Teen Top Ten vote!

If you read any of these books, vote here for your favorite(s)
Anyone who visits the library and either says they voted at home, or votes here will get a delicious sweet treat! Just stop at the Information desk.

The results will be posted next week at Central Library!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

New Stuff!

Naruto v. 31
Naruto the movie. Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (This was a gift! Thanks to whoever donated it!)
Essential X-Men v. 1
X-Men. Divided We Stand
Uncanny X-Men. The Extremists
Spider-Man. One More Day
Superman. The World of Krypton
Shonen Jump for November

Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier -- In this companion to Wildwood Dancing, Paula and her father travel from Transylvania to Istanbul to buy a pagan artifact rumored to be charmed, but others are after the artifact as well.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Homework Tutors

Are now available at all Library locations! Info is posted here

Central Library is especially good for helping teens - Mondays from 5-7 pm. Come by and get help with that sticky algebra problem, or with your English paper.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

New Books coming up!

Rose By Any Other Name by Maureen McCarthy -- Rose gains perspective on the events of the previous year while on a road trip with her mother to see her dying grandmother in Australia.
Eclipse by Erin Hunter -- 4th in the Warriors Power of Three series. When a mysterious cat arrives to warn the clan of danger, the clans' faith in their warrior ancestors is shaken.
Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki. -- Vols 22-28 have arrived!
Faeries' Landing by Hyon Yu -- Vols 17-19 are here now, too.
Hulk vs. the Marvel Universe -- Hulk battles other heroes throughout the history of Marvel Comics.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Brisingr Party Photos

Here are some of the photos we took of the great party we had on Sept 20:




Our Art Contest Entries, Prizes for all the contests (the tiny dragons and the stuffed dragons).


Our costume contest winner having her hand kissed by Sir Mark.


Mark Mormino and his associates giving a discussion on medieval fighting. They had real weapons and armor!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a wonderful thing to help pass the time when reading is otherwise difficult; plug in while you're mowing the lawn or washing dishes; listen with the whole family or with friends!

These are some audios that were checked out and recently returned:
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander - the first tale of Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper, in which he meets many of the friends and companions who will adventure with him in future volumes of this fantastic series. Discover the Land of Prydain and revel in one of the best Celtic fantasies ever written. (22 check-outs)
Seek by Paul Fleischman - for a school assignment, Robert begins to build an audio recording of his life as he remembers it; it leads him on a quest to discover his father. Told in many voices, this audio collage is a marvelous listen, and a great story. (Just one lonely check-0ut :( )
Jinx by Meg Cabot - Meg is always fun, and Jinx is no disappointment. Jinx travels to New York City, only to discover that trouble has followed her...and to discover why, she must confront the very things she's trying to leave behind. (11 check-outs)
The Wish House by Celia Rees - Richard becomes fascinated with Clio, the beautiful daughter of an artist and a bohemian. But some fascinations are dangerous, and Richard is soon swept into a way of life that both confuses and enriches him. (6 check-outs)
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede - the comic tale of a princess who runs away to find some excitement. Does she find too much? Listen and find out! (11 check-0uts, and the tape recording has worn out!)
Firegirl by Tony Abbot - Tom and his seventh-grade classmates are shocked when Jessica first arrives in their classroom - but soon Tom begins reaching out - and discovers something wonderful... (11 check-0uts)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Random Books - Graphic Novels on the Floor

The following list is a just a fun idea of mine - books that I found on the floor or tables over by the Teen Area at Central. I thought it showed a really good cross-section of what's popular...

Aztek: the Ultimate Man by Grant Morrison and Mark Millar
JLA - Trial by Fire by Joe Kelley
Heaven's Ladder by Mark Waid and Brian Hitch, among others
Sex Education: A Novel by Jenny Davis
The Giver by Lois Lowry (I really need to write a review of this book - it's one of my all-time favorites)
Muscle: Confessions of an Unlikely Bodybuilder

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Teen Read Week - VOTE!

Teen Read Week is Oct 12 - 18, 2008

During Teen Read Week you can VOTE for your favorite books on this list:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/booklist.pdf

You will be able to go to this site and vote: www.ala.org/teenstopten

You still have time to read, pick your favorite, and vote.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

New Books coming up!

Kingdom Keepers II: Disney at Dawn by Ridley Pearson -- More trouble is brewing in the Magic Kingdom as the teen hosts discover that the Evil Overseers have the ability to plunge them into a Coma - forever - if they fall asleep. Worse, Jez has disappeared, and something is wrong in the Animal Kingdom.
Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan -- first in the 39 clues series (and game) - Dan and Amy set out to discover the 39 clues that will win them power and wealth - but will other family members defeat them in their quest?
The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding -- orphan Catherine "Cat" Royal lives at the Drury Lane Theater in 1790's London. A quest for hidden riches leads her from the street gangs of Covent Garden to the world of the Nobility.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

New Books

Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau -- The final book of the "Ember" series find Lina and Doon searching for a machine that a book says might get their community through the winter.
Identical by Ellen Hopkins -- Twins Kaeleigh and Raenne's struggle with secrets that have already torn them and their family apart.
Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi -- Latest in the "Old Man's War" series finds Zoe Boutin-Perry the center of a critical but endangered treaty between the Obin and the Colonial Union.
Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera (EWL) -- In a prison boot camp Dio Rodriguez learns to be a better person after a drive-by shooting lands him in prison and his girlfriend in the hospital.
All We Know of Love by Nora Raleigh Baskin (RBH) -- 16-year-old Natalie sneaks out of her Connecticut home and takes a bus to Florida, looking for the mother that abandoned her and her father when she was 10.
Homeboyz by Alan Lawrence Sitomer (EWL) -- Teddy "T-bear" Anderson seeks revenge for the death of his little sister, who was killed by a stray bullet from a semiautomatic handgun.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Breaking Dawn - did you like it?

So, what did you think of Breaking Dawn? Was it all you were expecting? Was Bella's marriage satisfying to you? Did she manage to get what she wanted? Did she grow up? Will her child be happy in the future? What about Edward? and Jacob?

Here are a couple exerpts of teen reviewer comments on the web:

"Bella's happily ever after is heart-warming and tidy, just like any other fairy-tale... Stephanie admitted that pleasing all her fans would be impossible, but insisted that this was the story she wanted to write all along..." Read the whole review here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3HKVX4M0G86GC/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3HKVX4M0G86GC

"Brain candy - something I couldn't put down...but now that I've finished I don't feel like I've gained anything" (read Jessica's whole review here: http://teenbookreview.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/review-breaking-dawn-by-stephenie-meyer/)

Friday, September 5, 2008

Classic Book Review

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
I remember reading this book as a teen and LOVING it. It follows the true story of Karana, stranded alone for 18 years after her people were removed from their remote Aleutian island. Karana must defend herself from wild dogs, who killed her younger brother, guard against the Aleutian sea-0tter hunters who would have taken her prisoner, and find ways to feed herself.

Her story is dramatic, romantic, adventurous, and almost miraculous. I must have read it twenty times, marveling over her ability to see beauty in the island's desolation, her willpower and strength of character, and her capacity to forgive. Anyone who loves adventure and survival stories will enjoy it, but so will those who admire strong young women, or want to see life from a different viewpoint.

In fact, I think it's time for me to reread Karana's tale once again...

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

More New Books

Sovay by Celia Rees -- Sovay is both a rich young lady and a highwayman, struggling to prove her father and brother innocent of treason, in England in 1793, as her nation is at war with Revolutionary France.
Frenemies by Divine, L. (at EWL) -- In this next volume of Drama High, Jayed has to deal with her best friend who doesn't want to be around her anymore and what is bothering her difficult boyfriend, especially since she seems to have feelings for a another guy.

And Graphic Novels:
Marvel Atlas -- Maps and geographical information about where favorite heros and villains live or where major events took place.
Sugar Princess, skating to win vol. 1 -- When Maya takes her little brother to skate at the local ice rink she is spotted by a coach who vows to make her a figure skating princess.
Slam Dunk vol. 1 -- Sakuragi has been shot down by 50 girls but pushes to join the Basketball team (even though he's never played) in order to impress Haruko, who has a crush on another player. Surprisingly, Sakuragi seems to have a natural talent for the game and targets Haruko's crush as his personal rival.

Monday, August 25, 2008

More New Books!

Confessions of a Not It Girl by Melissa Kantor -- Convinced she's destined for a less than fabulous life, Jan Miller learns that not being an IT girl might have major rewards (Not a brand new title, but a new-to-us gift).
Kitty Kitty by Michelle Jaffe -- In this sequel to Bad Kitty, Jasmine is whisked off to Italy, where she tries to stay out of trouble but gets caught up in solving a murder.
Incurable by John Marsden (EWL) -- Second in the Ellie Chronicles finds Ellie trying to cope after the war by trying to lead a normal life. It's not easy taking care of the farm while going to school and trying to raise a boy who is hiding terrible secrets about his past.
Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway (RBH) -- Audrey's attempts to get a date with at co-worker are sidelined when she suddenly becomes famous after her rock star ex-boyfriend writes a hit about their break-up.

Graphic novels:
Shonen Jump, Vol 6, issue 10 (October, 2008)
Essential Rampaging Hulk, vol 1 - find this under "Hulk"!
X-Men Phoenix Warsong -- A piece of the Phoenix Force takes over the Stepford Cuckoos.
Batman and son -- Batman's ex-girlfriend, Talia al Ghul, gives Batman a child she claims is his son. Damian, having been raised as an assassin, is excessively brutal and is a danger to them all.
Batman Jekyll & Hyde -- Batman must hunt down Two-Face, who has escaped from prison. He is being treated by an unbalanced psychiatrist, and they seek to control Two-face's personality shifts by experimenting on anyone they can catch - including Batman!
Joker, the greatest stories ever told -- Um, great Joker stories...
Showcase Presents Batman vol. 3 -- Includes the introduction and early appearances of Batgirl.
Green Lantern, No Fear -- Hal Jordan returns to Earth and reunites with his brother and other Lanterns. Also shows his childhood.
Showcase Presents Green Lantern vol. 3 -- Includes team ups with Alan Scott and an alternate life of Guy Gardner.
World of WarCraft bk.1 -- A human without a memory is forced to fight as a gladiator while befriending people who can help him escape and learn who he is.
Inu Yasha vol.34

These books are being processed now, and will be coming upstairs in just a couple of days, so get your requests on them now!

Friday, August 22, 2008

New POLL!

Vote in our Favorite Dragons poll; if you don't like any of the offered choices, comment here and tell us who your favorite literary dragon is.

My favorite isn't in this poll - it's a dragon named Yevaud. If you recognize what series he's from, tell me and I'll fold you an origami dragon of your own... (you have to come to the library to get it, though).

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Brisingr Party; Sept 20

We're going to be hosting a Brisingr Release Party!

Saturday, Sept 20, 2008 - from 2-4 pm at Central Library

We will have contests, games, crafts, food, and more! Win a free book!

We will have a Dragon Art Contest! Draw a picture of a dragon, and enter to win a prize for Overall Best, Most Unique, Fiercest, and Cutest dragons.

Rules:
Art must be original (no copying, tracing or duplicating of another work of art). You may submit a copy of your own original work if you prefer.
Art may be drawn, painted, etc... or computer generated (with a computer paint program for example).
Art may be submitted in person or e-mailed (but if e-mailed must be in jpeg format)
Contestants must be 10 - 18 years of age
All Art submissions must be received by the Library (at the Central Library Information Desk) no later than Wednesday, Sept 17, 2008.
You do not need to be at the party to win.
All submissions must be accompanied by the artist's name, age, and e-mail address or phone number.

*Warning: the Library will do it's best to return all art submitted undamaged to the artist, but makes no guarantees of safety.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

More pics




Photos from the Breaking Dawn party!





Summer days are fading fast

Well, summer is fading ... couple weeks and school will be back in session. So be sure to make one last trip by the library to get in your last few good books before you have to go back to studying...

One favorite I made sure to read just about every summer is The Hobbit. I know, every fantasy reader has already read it. Or have you? If not, you really should. And if you're not a fantasy reader, this is the ONE classic fantasy novel you should tuck into.

Probably even if you haven't read the book, you've seen the animated movie... or heard that Steve Jackson, maker of the LOTR trilogy, will be making a movie of The Hobbit. Don't be fooled - it isn't the same as the book!

Follow Bilbo, the fat, home-loving, unadventurous, eponymous (that means "of the title") little fellow who gets dragged out his door by Gandalf the Wizard, and sent on the adventure to end all adventures. Bilbo discovers that "adventure" really means "discomfort", and "bravery" really means being sensible, but he also discovers that elves are splendid, dragons are terrifying, and no matter how uncomfortable, adventures will broaden your horizons. This tale is the one that all future fantasy tales are measured against; whether they follow Tolkien's mold, or try to break it, all fantasy writers (and readers) must be aware of it.

And for those who love language, Tolkien's writing is a feast like few others. Read and enjoy!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

New YA Books

These books came up last week, while I was enjoying my vacation...

Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris; A year after the events in Once Upon a Marigold, Queen Olympia regains her memories and begins plotting trouble in Zandelphia and Beaurivage. Marigold, Christian and Swithbert must struggle against her new manipulations and the bad energy they create.

Stop in the Name of the Pants by Louise Rennison; Georgia is back and trying to decide between two boyfriends, the Italian boy Masimo, or Dave the Laugh, local boy. Seventh in the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series that begins with Angus, Thongs and Full-frontal Snogging.

Midnight Twins by Jacqueline Mitchard; Twins Mallory and Meredith have shared each other's thoughts until they turned 13; then one of them begins to see the future, and the other the past. Their talents reveal that a high school acquaintance is doing things that put both of them, and others, in danger. Can they survive the revelation that everyone is not what they seem?

Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson; When Jenny discovers that she's a changeling, she makes a deal with a devil, thus endangering the human race. She must seek help from not only her human and fairy parents, but from the High Kings of Ireland before things can be set right again...

The Calder Game by Blue Balliet; When seventh-grader Calder disappears along with an oddly attractive sculpture from an English village, his friends Petra and Tommy fly in from Chicago to help his father find him. Sequel to Chasing Vermeer.

Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen; after spending a year in isolation on an island as punishment for brutally beating a fellow student, Cole finds his return to the violence and hatred of his High School harder to bear than the wilderness.

Raven Rise by D. J. MacHale; the 9th book of the Pendragon Cycle finds Bobby trapped on Ibarra and his companions facing other troubles when Saint Dane gains the power he seeks and makes a push to destroy and rebuild Halla.

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley; After dying, High School Senior Charlotte finds herself in an alternative school for dead teens, where she tries to cling to life and go to the Fall Ball with the boy of her dreams...

House of Night series by P. C. Cast - 3rd volume is "Chosen".

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson; 15 year old Scarlett is stuck working in her family's New York City hotel for the summer, but then she meets her brother's attractive new friend and a hotel guest, who both give her new things to think about.

Spy Goddess vol I, "The Chase for the Chalice" by Michael Spradlin; "Manga" based on the Spy Goddess novels, Rachel Buchanan, superspy, finds herself on a mission to Japan to take down ninja assassins, all the while she tries to remind herself she's not crushing on her best friend's boyfriend.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Teen Game Night Champion!

We have a champion in the Teen Game Tournament - Super Smash Brothers Melee -

Dustin! Not only did he win three of the weekly game tourneys, but he walked away with the Grand Championship. His prize was a mini remote control helicopter.

So, congratulations to Dustin, and better luck to everyone else next year.

Remember, we will have open gaming sessions over the Winter Break and Spring Break, so put us on your calendar...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Breaking Dawn Party

You only have 2 more days to sign up! We now have a good sized group coming, so if you haven't signed up, it's your last chance!!!

We're going to listen to a reading, play Stephenie's favorite music, watch the movie trailer, see an old vampire movie, have a trivia contest, make some crafts, do some face painting, eat lovely snacks, and have an all-around good time. 5 copies of the book "Breaking Dawn" will be given out to five lucky, lucky attendees.

Come join the fun... and don't forget to bring your Summer Reading Club Log and collect your prizes for that, too.

Friday, July 25, 2008

New Books

Peeled by Joan Bauer (RBH) -- HS reporter Hildy Biddle investigates odd goings-on at a supposedly haunted house in her rural community.
Frostbite by Richelle Mead -- 2nd. Vamp Acad. A skiing trip teaches Rose about life, death, and love.
A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth Bunce -- Retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin folktale in 19th Century England, as Charlotte struggles to keep the family woolens mill in business in the face of a family curse.
Difficult Boy by M. P. Barker -- A young indentured servant befriends an older boy, who is scorned for being Irish, both of whom must endure their harsh master’s abuse as they try to right a wrong.
Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante -- Agnes, her injured brother, and her best friend Honey, are taken by their grandmother and escape a Connecticut religious commune.
Write Naked by Peter L. Gould -- A young man buys an old typewriter and goes to his uncle's cabin, where he meets a girl, and they explorer their concerns about the world, themselves, and each other.
Escape the Mask by David Ward -- First of a trilogy. Six young slaves decide to escape the “Spears” who force them to do hard labor, when strangers known as “Outsiders” invade their isolated community.
Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee -- As 16 year-old Rosemary loses weight and hangs out at her mother's salon through the year, she is able to cope with her mother's illness, her first boyfriend, and see that the lives of others are not as perfect as they may seem.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman (GN) -- Coraline finds herself in another reality, where she must save herself, her parents, and three other souls.
Life Sucks by Jessica Abel (GN) -- Dave's life has taken a turn for the worst - when his vampire boss turned him undead in order to have a night manager for his convience store!
In Odd We Trust by Dean Koontz (GN) -- From Koontz's Odd Thomas series. Odd uses his ability to see the dead to help a murdered boy bring his killer to justice.
COWA! by Akira Toriyama (GN) -- The author or Dragon Ball Z. A half-vampire, half-were-koala and his ghostly best friend must find the cure for the Monster Flu that is raging through their village.
Time Stranger Kyoko v.1 by Arina Tanemura (GN) -- Kyoko, the princess of Earth, would rather not rule, but instead she is required to wake her twin, who is in a coma, by finding the 12 holy stones and the 12 telepaths, who can move the clock that has stopped time for her sister.
Fruits Basket v. 20 by NatsukeTakaya (GN) -- Tohru struggles over telling Kyo how she feels, while Ren is determined to get Akito's box at all costs.
Hulk Visionaries - John Byrne v.1 (GN) -- Showcases the work of John Byrne, who split Hulk and Bruce Banner into two separate entities, allowing Bruce to finally marry Betty Ross. In the meantime, the Hulk rampages across the Earth, defeating many of Earth's greatest hears. Can Bruce Banner be the one to stop him?!
Astonishing X-Men: Unstoppable (GN) -- The X-Men fight to save Earth from Breakworld, after which nothing will ever be the same!
X-Men: Emperor Vulcan (GN) -- Havok takes his murdered father's place as leader of the of the StarJammers as he fights his father's killer, his younger brother Gabriel, who has seized the Shi'Ar throne as Emperor Vulcan!
X-Men: First Class v.1 : Mutant Mayhem (GN) -- Believing Marvel Girl needs a role model, Professor X introduces her to the Invisible Girl from the Fantastic Four, prompting the boys to fear she is leaving them for the other group. Later, they are visit Monster Island, where they learn the words "survival" and "Monster Island" don't have much in common.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Turn in your Reading Logs

Collect your Prize! Vvid lime green and black bookbag/backpack.

And discover what secret, surprise extras we're throwing in! You'll always wonder what you would have missed...

and don't forget, there's less than 2 weeks to the Stephenie Meyer "Breaking Dawn" party. Sign up for your place now.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Gaming at the Library

I haven't talked at all this summer about the gaming that's going on - and that's a shame.

We've been having a blast with the Supersmash Brothers Melee tournament on Thursday nights - there are two more sessions - one regular session with a weekly winner, and then the final Grand Championship Game on July 31st.

If you'd like to compete in the Grand Championship, you have to either be a weekly winner, or win the last open spot in the competition on the night of the 31st.

The Grand Champion prize is a mini remote control helicopter (and also a secret, yet-to-be announced added prize).

I hope to see lots of new competitors in the final two weeks...

We also have DDR set up on the PS2 and projector, and a Wii with either Wii Sports, SS Brawl, or Raving Rabbids - so if you don't like to compete, but just want to play, come on in.

Next Saturday is our final week of Open Game Play ... come in, play any of the games for two hours (2-4 pm). We have a small but very fun group on Saturdays, so come join us! You can even watch me play Mario Kart and crash, lots...

Monday, July 14, 2008

And MORE new books

Wow, a bunch more new books have just come upstairs:

Gone by Michael Grant -- The adults have died and the kids who are left are pitted in a life and death struggle between those who had developed powers and those who didn't.
Postcard by Tony Abbot -- Cleaning out his recently passed grandmother's belongings leads Jason to attempt to solve an old mystery about his family.
No Cream Puffs by Karen Day -- Madison causes an uproar when she's the first girl to join the town's baseball team.
Hurricane Song by Paul Volponi -- A boy and his jazz playing father survive the horrors of Hurricane Katrina and the Superdome shelter in New Orleans.
Dragon and Liberator by Timothy Zahn -- The last of the dragonback books where Jack and Draygos race to save a planet from genocide at the hands of the man who killed his parents.
Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti -- Based on a true story. During WWII a young man is imprisoned for bravely passing out anti-Nazi leaflets, despite the fact that he had been a member of the Hitler Youth.
The Viper Within by Sam Mills -- A boy joins a cult at his high school and soon finds himself embroiled in a plot to kidnapped a boy suspected of being a terrorist.
The Boxer and the Spy by Robert B. Parker -- A young boxer looks into the unexpected death of a classmate.
Rurouni Kenshin Vols. 19-21.
All We know of Heaven by Jacqueline Mitchard -- A girl is mistakenly identified as her fatally injured friend after a car accident and must deal with the loss of her best friend, the fallout from the initial misidentification, and the recovery from the accident itself.

Friday, July 11, 2008

New books coming up!

Saturday Night Dirt by Will Weaver -- How the races at a small-town dirt-racing track affects characters on and off the track; adventurous, fast paced and exciting.
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr -- After reinventing herself as the popular Jenna, her childhood best friend Cameron returns, which makes Jennifer take a good look at her new self.
Swindle by Gordon Korman -- After being swindled of a valuable baseball card, Griffin puts together a gang to steal it back ... and use it finance his father's fruit picking invention. Funny and adventurous, perfect for a light summer read.
Chosen by Ted Dekker – Christian fantasy set between Black and Red, this story is about 4 youths recruited by Thomas Hunter to find the lost histories, which have power over the past, present, and future.
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt -- Fulfilling his brother's dying wish, Henry hikes Mount Katahdin and finds himself stuck with an unwanted companion -- the person deemed responsible for fatally injuring his brother.
Magician by Michael Scott -- Sequel to Alchemyst finds the twins still traing in Paris with Nicholas Flammel and pursued by Doctor Dee and Nicolo Machiavelli.
Naruto vol. 29 -- Gaara and Naruto fight the Akatsuki!
Flash, the greatest stories ever told (vol. 1) -- Origins of Flashes Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West, who was originally Kid Flash
Glister #2 by Andi Watson (GN) -- Glister's house gets its feelings hurt and runs away. Silly fun!
Carlyles by Cecily von Ziegesar -- Gossip Girls series spinoff - the Carlyle triplets and their mother move back to the city from Nantucket afther their grandmother dies. Juicy gossipy goodness.
Alicia: a Clique Novel by Lisi Harrison -- Clique summer collection series, Alicia tries to get in a music video while vacationing in Spain.
Six Innings: a game in the life by James Preller -- Sam, who has cancer, must call the play-by-play of the baseball Little League championship game instead of getting to play. For all lovers of baseball, and for those who just love a good story.
Total Constant Order by Chappell – Fin is resentful and unhappy when her family moves from Vermont to Florida; she finds herself counting, obsessing and worrying overwhelmingly about germs as her obsessive disorder grows.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Book Review

"Night of the Howling Dogs" by Graham Salisbury
I'm almost halfway through this book right now, and wow! It's very exciting!

A group of 8 boyscouts and their troop leaders go out on a 3 day camping trip on a Hawaiian island. While they are camping, an earthquake, followed by a tsunami, strike. Based loosely on a real incident in 1975, this exciting tale follows the boys as they try to survive, find each other, and hike out of dangerous territory while contending with their injuries, the lack of water and shelter, and each other.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

New Books

Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock -- Princess Ben is transformed from a pudgy, resentful teen into a capable magic-weilding princess, just in time to help out in the upcoming war.

Bifocal by Deborah Ellis and Eric Walters-- When a Muslim student is accused of terrorist affiliations, the school is divided. Jay, a football player, and his friend Haroon, a muslim from an Afghani family, are forced to choose sides when both become caught up in the repercussions.

In the Name of God by Paula Jolin (EWL) -- In Syria, wanting to follow the Qu'ran more closely, a girl becomes involved in a violent movement opposing Western politics and materialism that affect her family.

Does My Head Look Big In this? by Randel Abdel-Fattah (EWL) -- Australian prep school student Amal begins wearing a Muslim head scarf as a mark of faith, while trying not to her sense of self and style.

White Giraffe by Lauren St. John (EWL) -- Martine befriends a mythically rare giraffe after moving to live on a game preserve in South Africa after her parents die.

Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John (EWL) -- Sequel to White Giraffe. Martine travels to Mozambique where a prophecy about a dolphin comes true for her (a third book is Last Leopard, due out next April).

Missing Girl by Norma Fox Mazer -- five sisters between the ages of 11 and 17 go about their daily lives, dealing with various troubles, not realizing that they are being watched by a man who is deciding which one of them he likes best...

Monday, June 30, 2008

What's going on

Well, Saturday's "Yarn Bug" program went quite well. Only a few folks showed up, but much fun was had, and many critters were created.

Hey, we're deep in planning for the upcoming Stephenie Meyer "Breaking Dawn" party on Saturday, August 2nd. I'm going to teach the making of "duct tape roses" (in black and red, of course), and we're planning many different "black and red" food treats, among other interesting things.

Make sure to sign up soon to reserve your spot at the party - attendance is limited! And remember, we'll be giving away copies of the book to randomly drawn attendees. Everyone who is there will have an equal chance to win!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Ooops!

And Inu Yasha 32 is here as well!

New Books

New Books that will be coming upstairs any moment now! Put your requests in now...


Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher -- In 1940s Chicago, Ruby secretly works as a taxi dancer in a nightclub to escape poverty, but finds her secret increasingly difficult to keep.

Coyote Road -- Trickster tales, a great many from all over the world

World War Hulk (GN) -- Hulk returns to Earth got exact vengence on those that exiled him, Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Doctor Strange, and Black Bolt.

Incredible Herucles (GN) -- Some heros gather around Hulk, intending to protect their friend.

Batman vs. Two-Face (GN) -- Several stories, old and new, of Batman's battle against Two-Face

Batman Chronicles Vol. 5 (GN) -- More older stories of Batman.

I only said "yes" so that they'd like me and

I only said I had no choice, both by Celia Banting -- A girl leads a promicuous life in order not to be bullied and a boy is emotionally abused until he attempts to kill his stepfather. Both books concern their psychotherapies.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Book Reviews

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - I'm halfway through this book, and I just HAVE to talk about it. This is one of the saddest books I've ever read. It's told in two voices - Clay Jensen is an ordinary teen who is given a set of tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - who committed suicide two weeks ago. He listens to the tapes as he travels around town through one agonizingly long night.

Hannah explains in sad, intimate detail exactly how the thirteen people on these tapes affected her, how their actions led her slowly but surely to make the decision to kill herself, and how each person could have changed that decision, if only they had not behaved the way they did.

Clay hasn't yet heard his own role in Hannah's decision at the point where I am, but I'm sure when he does he'll be devastated - he's a nice kid who liked Hannah, and he's already confused and afraid of what he'll find out about himself.

I love books that force both the characters, and the reader, to take a close look at themselves. This story isn't pretty - it's about insults, gossip, revenge and carelessness, as well as innuendo, lies and people's reactions to those lies. But it is a very honest book, and well worth reading. Just keep the hanky nearby...

And now for something Classic - "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford. This story has twice been made into a Disney movie, and it reads just like one. Two dogs and a cat are separated from their family and decide to make a 250 mile cross-country journey to get home. It's a heartwarming, sad-but-happy story about what happens to these loyal companions as they meet danger and trouble all the way... read it, smile, drip tears, and keep reading!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Game Night Report

This week's game night was as lively or even more so than last week. Twelve competitors faced each other down in the SSB Melee tournament. Once again, Dustin won! He's our two time champion. Somebody really needs to get going and polish up their skills to knock him off the winner's post! Otherwise he's gonna walk away without much competition in the final week's Championship Match.

We have also had several requests for a DDR tournament. I'm thinking we might be able to do a single-day tourney sometime in the fall (maybe over the Winter Break). If I get any positive feedback on that, I'll present the idea to my boss! So speak up now, either in comments here, or to me or anyone else at the Info Desk at the Central Library.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

New YA Books are coming upstairs

Blood Roses by Francesca Lia Block -- short stories about supernatural transformations
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow -- In future police state kid hack state computers to right world
How to Build a House by Dana Reinhart (Book at RB Hoover, audio at Central) -- a girl escapes personal family problems by helping build a house for tornado victims
Dark Wraith of Shannara by Terry Brooks -- Graphic Novel that takes place after Wishstones of Shannara
Aqua by Kozue Amano -- Graphic Novel about a girl who wants to be a gondolier on Mars (in an alternate universe)
Batman: Joker's Last Laugh -- Graphic Novel about Joker getting his licks in before he dies from a terminal disease ... looks fun.
JLA Presents: Aztek the Ultimate Man -- Graphic Novel collection of the Aztek series from the 90s.
Dylan by Lisi Harrison -- Newest Clique Summer Collection
Unbelievable by Sara Shepard (Book at RB Hoover) -- Newest Pretty Little Liars book
Pendragon. Vol.1 Merchant of Death by DJ MacHale -- Graphic Novel version of Merchant of Death.

This looks like a really good crop of new books! Put your favorites on hold now before the list gets long...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Saturday Origami


This saturday is my "modular origami" program. Come fold paper with me! Origami is one of those cool things that I love to do, love to teach, and love to share. Learn to fold some beautiful boxes, interesting complex shapes made from simple units, and other "stuff". I'll bring lots of my books from home for you to look at and copy from, and some of my secret stash of origami papers, etc... I hope I'll see you between 2 and 4 on Saturday at Central Library.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Classic book reviews

"Captains Courageous" by Rudyard Kipling is a wonderfully well written account of young Harvey Cheyne, a spoiled and underachieving young rich kid. He's on a cruise at sea when he's washed overboard. Rescued by a bunch of fishermen, he cannot make them believe he's a rich man's son. They offer him a job, and he has many adventures as he struggles to survive in the real world.

Kipling wrote in the 1890's, so the vocabulary is old-fashioned, and it isn't a perfectly "politically correct" tale, so take what it says in context. It's well worth reading, anyway!

Katherine Patterson's novel "Jacob Have I Loved" is very different. Set in the 1940's on the Chesapeake Bay, it tells of Sara Louise and her twin sister Caroline. Louise is constantly in her beautiful sister's shadow, and thus comes the titular reference - "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated". It is a powerful and moving story of the effects of jealousy, and the motivations of the family around us.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Book Reviews

"Saga", the sequel to "Epic" by Conor Kostick is about to come upstairs. If you haven't read Epic, now would be a good time. It's a sci-fi tale of a young man (Erik) and his friends who discover that the computer game they play is much more than they ever believed. Their whole world's government and economics are managed by the game, but in an inherently unfair way. Erik sets out to challenge this unfairness, and as you can imagine, discovers that there are those who are NOT pleased with his actions.

In "Saga", Erik and his buddies meet a girl named Ghost who lives to break the rules. But she needs help to defeat the Dark Queen...

Another New book I read recently is called "Bone by bone by bone" by Tony Jonston. David and Malcolm are best friends in 1940's Tennessee, a time and place where a white boy and a colored boy should not be friends. David's father forbids them to play together, but David breaks the rules, figuring that if he's survived one bootlace-lashing, how bad can another be? But in this coming-of-age tale, nothing is as simple or easy as it seems. This book is fun, scary and moving - also a quick, short read. Perfect for that summer car trip!

"The Thirteenth Tale" is a longer, more involved tale, set in some unnamed time in England, perhaps between WWI and WWII. It involves a young woman, Margaret Lea, who is commissioned to write the biography of a famous but secretive novelist, Vida Winter. Their stories of life, loss, identity and personal history become closely intertwined in this mysterious double plot. I read this book in one long gulp, and had to turn around and read it again, it was so good.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Two Classic book reviews

Cynthia Voigt is a name you might recognize - she's written many really fine YA novels. "Seventeen Against the Dealer" is the tale of Dicey Tillerman, a young woman raising her three younger siblings. She knows how hard life can be, as she struggles to take care of her family, run her boat-building business, worries about her sick gram, and tries to forget her boyfriend, now away at College. Then along comes Cisco - he seems so friendly, helps her when she can't pay him, and talks to her in ways she's never heard before. Can she trust him?

Dicey learns some hard lessons about trust, the importance of family, and loss. This is an excellent summer read - it will leave you sad and happy at the same time.

"Shade's Children" by Garth Nix is a totally different kind of story. It's dark, scary, and wild in the future. The city is abandoned, inhabited only by a few struggling children, hiding in the ruins, escaping from the Myrmidons. Four children, Gold-eye, Drum, Ninde and Ella hide and struggle to overthrow the inhuman Overlords and their servants. They are aided by Shade, the oldest living human (or close to human) they know. But can they trust him? Will they succeed in their daring plans to destroy the Great Projector?

What do you think of these novels? Do you have others you'd like to review?

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

New Books coming up

Demon Apocalyse by Darren Shan, book 6 of Demonata -- it's the usual spooky werewolf stuff!

Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendilynn Van Draanen (RBH) -- Girl out to find the ultimate kiss

Hulk Visionaries v. 5

Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- the graphic novel of the new movie.

2 more copies of Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Dead and the Gone by Michelle Pfeffer -- sequel to Life as We Knew It (and it's really really good but sad)

Essential X-Men vol. 4 -- Has the first stories of the Brood, Star Jammers, Madelyne Prior, and the entire GN of God Loves, Man Kills - all biggies in the X-Men history

Heroes for Hire vol. 3 -- will World War Hulk go well, or is there trouble ahead?

Airhead by Meg Cabot -- the nerdy girls gets a body transplant of famous model.

Ever by Gail Levine -- Girl falls in love with a god.

How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart -- 3 girls take a road trip to Miami.

Stephenie Meyer Goodies


Breaking Dawn!

(Don't Forget - Breaking Dawn party, Saturday Aug. 2 at 2:00 pm. You may be a lucky winner of your own copy.)

We also have two iron-on transfers that say "Team Edward". They were sent to us in the latest "Special Edition" of Eclipse. If you'd like to have one of these transfers, please drop by the Reference Desk at Central Library. We'll hand them out to the first two people who come by and ask for them (one per person and you must be between the ages of 13 and 19).

Monday, June 2, 2008

Teen Scene Kickoff Party



Well, we survived the big event! The band was fabulous. Thanks to all of you who braved the heat to come out and see them. We have pictures! Look on the Teen Page for more.

The gaming was great, too. I even played a couple rounds of DDR, but was soundly trounced by my opponents. Don't forget we'll have more gaming going on all through June and July... on Thursday nights will be the Supersmash brothers Tournament with open gaming, just for Teens, and on Saturdays in July will be the Open Gaming afternoons for Teens and the rest of the family, too.

Hope to see you there...

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Kickoff Party!

The Teen Summer Kickoff Party is drawing very near! This Saturday is gonna be so much fun... the band is great, we've got the stage all ready to be set up, the game systems are waiting. There's tons of boxes of snacks and cookies lurking in a dark corner downstairs.

I'm bringing my Link's Crossbow Shooter from home to share, and the crossbow controller. I'm anxious to see if anybody can beat my scores!

We'll have both Wii's set up - one with the crossbow shooter game, or with Wii sports if people prefer, and the second Wii going with Supersmash Brothers Brawl. We'll have DDR on the big screen, and the two Gamecubes with Supersmash Melee and/or Mario Kart, as folks prefer.

We only have the six gamecube controllers, so if anyone wants to bring their own to add to the setup, we'll be able to accomodate four people per gamecube. Just be sure to clearly mark it with your name in some non-removable way (tape is out, sharpie is in).

Looking forward to seeing you all at Central Library on Saturday May 31 at 2:00 for a great afternoon!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Book Reviews - one new, one classic

"The Time Thief" by Linda Buckley-Archer is the sequel to "Gideon the Cutpurse" (now retitled "The Time Travelers"). I have only read a bit of this book, but it is equally as exciting as the first. It opens with the Tar Man finding himself alone in London, and seeking to understand this new time and place. As wicked as he is, he has little trouble finding ways to make himself at home.

But Kate finds herself rather lost - she remembers her friend Peter, stranded back in time, and struggles to find anyone who will help her rescue him. Sadly, NASA and the governments are more interested in "protecting time" than rescuing a lost boy. So she sets out to rescue him alone...

I'm taking this one home for the Holiday Weekend - I'll comment on it next week.

The second book I'd like to talk about today is "Dangerous Wishes" by William Sleator. Mr. Sleator's books are some of the creepiest, most disturbing, weird and funny books I've ever read. "Dangerous Wishes" is the story of Dom, his sister Julie, and the Buddha figure she lost three years earlier. Dom's family has been cursed with three years of terrible bad luck, and he decides that if he can go to Thailand, find the lost statuette, and return it to its proper resting place, he can save his family from the vengeful spirits. This is the sequel to "The Spirit House"; it's just as good, but you don't have to have read the first to enjoy this one. Also try his other novels "Interstellar Pig", "Strange Attractors", "The Duplicate" and many others.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

New Book Alert!

More Manga:
Inu Yasha volume 33
Naruto volume 28
will both be upstairs any moment, now. Reserve 'em while they're still available.

And some new books (all on the Teen Top Ten Nominee list for 2008)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica George
Betrayed: A House of Night Novel by P. C. Cast

Thursday, May 15, 2008

New Book Alert!

New Graphic Novels - many superhero tales, including Batman, Superman, Flash, Catwoman, JLA and more...

New Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho volume 14

Novels:
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr - tattoos and fairies!
Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer - 2nd in the Gideon Trilogy
Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer - 2nd in the Vladimir Todd series

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Book Reviews

Sometimes it's fun to go back and read older titles or series and rediscover authors from the past. So I thought I'd talk today about two series that I love from years ago.

First is "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander - first in the Chronicles of Prydain. Taran's a boy with a dream - he wants to be a hero, not a pig-farmer. Not even to an oracular pig. But when he gets his chance, Taran soon discovers that trying to be a hero isn't as easy, nor as fun, as it seemed at first. If you like Celtic or Welsh legends, or have always wondered what they're about, this lively tale of a boy's first adventure is an excellent one. And the series follows as he grows, meets wonderful new creatures and people, makes good friends, falls in love, battles evil and eventually becomes... (I'm not gonna tell you, of course!) Read and discover. You won't be disappointed. The first books in the series are suitable for readers ages 10-14, but as the series goes on, Taran matures and so do the tales. By the last book - "The High King", Taran is 17 and the book is aimed at readers 14-16 (of course, I reread them every couple of years).

The second series is "Anne of Green Gables". This is a sweetly romantic story of a girl growing up on a small farm in an isolated community in Canada. She's an orphan, adopted into a household of an aging brother and sister. They don't quite know what to make of imaginative, emotional Anne, but she manages to make herself necessary to them very quickly. In future tales, Anne has humorous adventures, learns about love, and goes to college, marries and has children of her own. Well worth reading.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Library is Going to the Dogs!

All summer long the Library will be hosting a photo exhibit entitled "The Library is Going to the Dogs!" in honor of the Summer "One Book One Waco" book selection "Marley and Me."

Bring in your dog (or other pet)'s photo and a short story about him or her. We will post the picture, and also scan it for a web-art page. If you have a digital picture, e-mail it to us at referencewaco@ci.waco.tx.us. We'll print it up and post it for you.

(Please remember to keep photos and stories family-appropriate!). We cannot promise to return your photo at the end of summer, so don't bring your last picture of beloved Rover!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

New Books

"Fullmetal Alchemist" vol 16 is on the cart to come upstairs today.

So is Stephenie Meyer's first ADULT novel "The Host". We're getting multiple copies, but I expect demand to be high, so if you're planning to read it (duh!), put your hold request in NOW!

And if you're a sports fan, the latest volume of "Whistle" is coming up in Juv.

Monday, May 5, 2008


Hey, we now have pics of the Tastydactyls. They'll be playing at our Teen Summer Kickoff Party on May 31.