Highway to Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore - On their way to spend spring break on a Texas beach, college freshmen Maggie Quinn and D&D Lisa are stranded in a town where some believe a chupacabra is killing animals, and as the girls investigate they get help from diverse and unexpected sources.
Eternal by Cynthia Smith - When Miranda's guardian angel makes a serious mistake, she becomes a vampire, and he's left trying to fix the problem he created with his impulsive action.
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - Mortal Instruments Book 3 - Clary's quest for a cure for her mother leads her to the forbidden land of Idris, where she eventually discovers family secrets that will help not only her mother but others as well.
Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan - When Charlie awakens alone and bloody in a bunker he realizes he has lost a year of his life. Can he discover why terrorists are chasing him and whether he really killed his best friend?
The Center of the Universe...yep, that would be me by Anita Liberty - This is a book about being a Teenager. Being a Teenager sucks! Enjoy the Book!
No More Us for You by David Hernandez - Isabel and Carlos, both 17, find themselves growing closer, after an accident forces them to recognize both the harshness and beauty of life.
Lay-ups and Long Shots by various authors - Sports, boys, action, and more sports. Short stories!
Lab by Jack Heath - Agent Six is a member of the Deck, a group that fights his corrupt government, until he makes a shocking discovery - he's the product of an evil Laboratory experiment.
Possession by Chris Humphreys - Sky and Kristin travel to the seventeenth century to learn secrets from their ancestor, the witch Meg, then to the Battle of Hastings to use that knowledge to prevent their evil grandfather Sigurd from ever possessing another person
Twilight Prisoner by Katherine Marsh - In an effort to impress a female classmate, high school sophomore Jack Perdu endangers both of their lives by taking her to New York City's Underworld, where those who died in New York reside until they are ready to move on.
Soldier's Secret: the story of Deborah Sampson by Sheila Klass - a young woman disguises herself as a man to fight in the Civil War, but when she is wounded her secret is discovered. Based on a true story.
King of the Screwups by K. A. Going - After getting in trouble yet again, popular high school senior Liam, who never seems to live up to his wealthy father's expectations, is sent to live in a trailer park with his gay "glam-rocker" uncle.
Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede - Eighteen-year-old Eff must finally get over believing she is bad luck and accept that her special training in Aphrikan magic, and being the twin of the seventh son of a seventh son, give her extraordinary power to combat magical creatures that threaten settlements on the western frontier.
Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones - After a deadly attack on her home, fifteen-year-old Princess Branwen meets a mystical woman in white, who prophesies that Branwen will save her homeland from falling to the Saxons.
Graphic Novels:
Naruto by Ksihimoto vols. 38-41, 43 Naruto finds that his new jutsu is harder to handle than he thought. Meanwhile, Sasuke seems to be falling even more under Orochimaru's spell. Despite all Naruto's efforts, he may have finally lost his best friend forever. But he'll use all his skills as a ninja to keep that from happening!
Fruits Basket by Takaya vol. 21-22 Kyo disappeared because he felt guilty about his role in Tohru's mother's death. How will he now react when Tohru tells him how she really feels about him?!
Rebound by Nishiyama vol. 1 The continuing adventures of Nate Torres, a teenager who always thought of himself as a quitter - until he entered the world of street basketball.
Slam Dunk by Inoue vols. 2-3 He may be a pain in the butt, but Hanamichi's athletic prowess and monstrous strength have not gone unnoticed by the captain of Shohoku's judo team.
Star Trek: the Next Generation the Manga vol. 1 by various authors Changeling / $r story by David Gerrold ; art by E.J. Su -- $t Sensation / $r story by Diane Duane ; art by Chrissy Delk -- $t The Picardian knot / $r story by Christine Boylan ; art by Don Hudson -- $t Loyalty / $r story by F.J. DeSanto ; art by Bettina Kurkoski.
Star Trek the manga, the Ulitimate Edition by various authors Side effects, prologue / Chris Dows, Makoto Nakatsuka -- Forward by David Gerrold -- Side effects, continued / Chris Dows, Makoto Nakatsuka -- Forging alliances / Paul Benjamin, Steven Cummings -- Art of war / Wil Wheaton, E.J. Su -- Orphans / Rob Tokar, E.J. Su -- Communications breakdown / Christine Boylan, Bettina Kurkoski -- The humanitarian / Luis Reyes, Nate Watson -- Til death / Mike W. Barr, Jeong Mo Yang -- Bandi / David Gerrold, Don Hudson
Hatter M by Beddor - In a morphed Wonderland, the Queen's bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, undertakes an unscheduled journey through this sinister dystopia to rescue Alyss, the lost princess of Wonderland.
Marvel Masterworks Presents the Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 - Experience the tales of Spider-Man from the very beginning, stories of spectacular web-slinging adventure from Spidey's very start, including the tragic origin that started it all, the first appearances of the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson, Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Vulture, Electro, and guest-star nods by the Fantastic Four and Human Torch.
Secret Invasion: X-Men - It's aliens vs. mutants as the Skrull Invasion hits the West Coast!
Secret Ivasion: the Amazing Spider-Man - he shape-shifting alien race known as the Skrulls has secretly infiltrated every super-powered organization on Earth with one goal -- full-scale invasion! New York is full of Skrulls, and Spider-Man... Where the heck is Spider-Man, anyway?
Marvel Masterworks Presents the X-Men - Experience the tales of the world's most-famous super heroes from the very beginning! Born with extraordinary talents and abilities, five teenage mutants gathered together under Professor Xavier to protect a world that fears and hates them.
X-Men Legacy vol. 2 Sins of the Father - Since having his faculties restored following a near-fatal gunshot wound to the head, the founder of the X-Men, Professor Xavier, has embarked on a quest to fill in the blanks and unravel the remaining mysteries of his life.
Classic X-Men vol. 3 Prepare yourself for the introduction of mutant mainstay Havok, the vampiric villain Sauron, the Mutates, and X-Man-to-be Sunfire!
X-Men First Class vol. 2 The Wonder Years -In this volume, the enigmatic Mysterio; an encounter with Machine Man; a battle with murderously unstable androids; the mysterious Medusa; and Ice Man and the Human Torch team-up!
Showcase presents: Justice League of America vol. 4 - he Justice League is framed by their greatest foes, The Red Tornado and Black Canary both join the team, Green Arrow is charged with murder, and the teams has their annual adventure with the Justice Society of America
Tales of the Green Latern Corps - Hal Jordan of Earth is the greatest hero of the Green Lantern Corps, the intergalactic force that keeps the peace throughout the cosmos, but there are thousands of other Green Lanterns, most of whom are not even human. This new graphic novel gathers some of their stories in one volume for the first time
Wonder Woman. Who is Wonder Woman? - In this volume, the Amazon warrior Diana has gone missing, leaving Donna Troy to take up the mantle of Wonder Woman!
Diana Prince Wonder Woman vol. 4 (final volume) - In this final DIANA PRINCE volume, detective Jonny Double is kidnapped - and Wonder Woman must rush to his rescue before she battles Catwoman. Then, Diana and her mentor, I-Ching, are transported to a mysterious dimension where barbarians rule.
Batman. Haunted Gotham - haunting graphic novel that pits an all-too-human Dark Knight against supernatural villains who are blends of classic horror characters and Batman's familiar gallery of foes.
Showcase Presents The Brave and The Bold vol. 3: Batman Team-ups - Batman joins forces with the DC Universe's greatest heroes including The Flash, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, and others.
Batman and the Outsiders vol. 2 The Snare - Led by the Dark Knight, DC's reborn black ops team continues its proactive war on crime across the globe by seeking out the worst of the worst threats to humanity.
Batman. The Man Who Laughs (Joker) - A mysterious homicidal maniac is murdering prominent citizens of Gotham City, each time leaving a ghastly grin on the victims' lifeless faces. Batman soon tracks down the killer: The Joker!This volume gives readers new insight into the early encounters between Batman and The Joker that led the Clown Prince of Crime down the path to insanity
Superman. Camelot Falls vol. 2
Superman. Past and Future
Superman Chronicles vol. 6
Showcase Presents Superman Family vol. 3
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
A Twilight Essay Contest
Do you love Twilight? Wanna win some money? Here's a contest for you!
It's really pretty cool. Take the eight "vocabulary words", and write a 1000 word essay (or fanfic) and use every one of them, accurately. Submit your entry, and see if you win. There are three age categories, so everyone has a chance. The prize is $500. Not bad!
It's really pretty cool. Take the eight "vocabulary words", and write a 1000 word essay (or fanfic) and use every one of them, accurately. Submit your entry, and see if you win. There are three age categories, so everyone has a chance. The prize is $500. Not bad!
Summer Reading Club
Well, sign up for Summer Reading Club will be starting May 31 (Sunday). You can come in, sign up, get some nice "sign up prizes" including a treat coupon and a few othere doodads, and start keeping track of your summer reading.
We have a great roster of programs planned all summer long. The schedule looks something like this:
Every Wednesday in June and July - 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Time Twisting Movie Matinee - popular movies on the big screen, with free munchies.
Every Thursday in June and July - 6:30 - 8:30 pm - R U Game? Play Wii and Gamecube Games, plus Rock Band II on the Playstation. Compete in the Supersmash Brothers Melee Tournament on the Wii.
Saturday Programs in June:
June 6 at 2:00 - Writing for Publication - How to Hook your Reader! With published author Terry Spears
June 13 at 2:00 - Altered Book Scrapbooking -turn an old book into a work of art by painting, pasting, stamping, gluing, drilling, cutting, and adding adornments... with Artist David Leifeste
June 20 at 2:00 - Travel thru Space and Time - to Mars - play a Race to Mars game, find out what living on Mars would be like, and explore the planet. With Science Instructor Robert Bardin and Librarian Gillian Wiseman (me!).
And our big Summer Finale!
Reservations are requested for the Saturday programs.
It's gonna be a fun, active, creative summer!
We have a great roster of programs planned all summer long. The schedule looks something like this:
Every Wednesday in June and July - 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Time Twisting Movie Matinee - popular movies on the big screen, with free munchies.
Every Thursday in June and July - 6:30 - 8:30 pm - R U Game? Play Wii and Gamecube Games, plus Rock Band II on the Playstation. Compete in the Supersmash Brothers Melee Tournament on the Wii.
Saturday Programs in June:
June 6 at 2:00 - Writing for Publication - How to Hook your Reader! With published author Terry Spears
June 13 at 2:00 - Altered Book Scrapbooking -turn an old book into a work of art by painting, pasting, stamping, gluing, drilling, cutting, and adding adornments... with Artist David Leifeste
June 20 at 2:00 - Travel thru Space and Time - to Mars - play a Race to Mars game, find out what living on Mars would be like, and explore the planet. With Science Instructor Robert Bardin and Librarian Gillian Wiseman (me!).
And our big Summer Finale!
Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 - Sci-Fi Costume Party!!!
Dress as your favorite character or bring your neatest prop and compete to win a prize...
Reservations are requested for the Saturday programs.
It's gonna be a fun, active, creative summer!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Classic Book reviews
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper - this is the 2nd volume in the "Dark is Rising" series. However, while it is nice to have read the first volume, Over Sea, Under Stone, it isn't necessary. DiR follows young Will Stanton over Midwinter Day, his 11th birthday. As the day progresses, he discovers that he has a special gift - as a seventh son and as the youngest born Old One - and it is his fate to join the eternal battle to defeat "The Dark". Will is plunged first into a quest to find the six signs, and then to battle over the twelve days of Christmas as The Dark seeks to claim the world as its own.
Will is a fabulous character. He's a believable 11 year old, but he's also a wise soul with a nearly ageless way of looking at the world. He faces the developments of the story with awe, delight, terror and determination. Like anyone, he has moments of doubt, and makes good resolutions only to nearly fail at critical moments. This story interweaves Celtic mythology, modern life, and even some Arthurian legends into a great story.
Later volumes in the series (Greenwitch, The Grey King, Silver on the Tree) tie the characters from the first book (Over Sea, Under Stone) in to this tale and raise the stakes as Will, Merriman Lyon, Simon, Jane and Barney, and Bran Davies all join forces against the Dark. This is a series I LOVED as a teen, as much for the beautiful poetry and the use of myth and folklore as for the characters. Read and enjoy!
Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - one of the finest Conan Doyle novels, and one of only 4 novels about the famed Sherlock Holmes.
I've always loved this story. It is clever, spooky, very readable, and believable. Sherlock is his usual arrogant self, but Watson gets to play a major role, and even the semi-competent Lestrade is entertaining. The villain is a true villain, and yet believable, too.
The story revolves around the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died under mysterious circumstances on the moor near his home. His heir, Sir Henry, soon arrives, and the local doctor, Dr. Mortimer, is convinced that Henry's life is in danger. He appeals to Sherlock Holmes for aid, citing the mysterious footprints of a large hound that he saw near the body as a point of interest. He also brings up the legend that the family is cursed by the actions of their evil ancestor, Sir Hugo Baskerville.
I won't go into the rest of the plot, but suffice to say that Sherlock and Watson have a hard time and must follow many twisting clues and red herrings before discovering who the true villain is, and why Sir Charles has been killed.
Read On!
Will is a fabulous character. He's a believable 11 year old, but he's also a wise soul with a nearly ageless way of looking at the world. He faces the developments of the story with awe, delight, terror and determination. Like anyone, he has moments of doubt, and makes good resolutions only to nearly fail at critical moments. This story interweaves Celtic mythology, modern life, and even some Arthurian legends into a great story.
Later volumes in the series (Greenwitch, The Grey King, Silver on the Tree) tie the characters from the first book (Over Sea, Under Stone) in to this tale and raise the stakes as Will, Merriman Lyon, Simon, Jane and Barney, and Bran Davies all join forces against the Dark. This is a series I LOVED as a teen, as much for the beautiful poetry and the use of myth and folklore as for the characters. Read and enjoy!
Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - one of the finest Conan Doyle novels, and one of only 4 novels about the famed Sherlock Holmes.
I've always loved this story. It is clever, spooky, very readable, and believable. Sherlock is his usual arrogant self, but Watson gets to play a major role, and even the semi-competent Lestrade is entertaining. The villain is a true villain, and yet believable, too.
The story revolves around the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died under mysterious circumstances on the moor near his home. His heir, Sir Henry, soon arrives, and the local doctor, Dr. Mortimer, is convinced that Henry's life is in danger. He appeals to Sherlock Holmes for aid, citing the mysterious footprints of a large hound that he saw near the body as a point of interest. He also brings up the legend that the family is cursed by the actions of their evil ancestor, Sir Hugo Baskerville.
I won't go into the rest of the plot, but suffice to say that Sherlock and Watson have a hard time and must follow many twisting clues and red herrings before discovering who the true villain is, and why Sir Charles has been killed.
Read On!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Recent Returns
In the Hand of the Goddess - Tamora Pierce - Volume 2 of the "Song of the Lioness" series.
In this marvelous fantasy, Alanna, still disguised as a boy, becomes a squire to Prince Jonathan. When his life is threatened by a mysterious sorcerer, it will take all her wits to save him without revealing herself. We have about 8 copies of this in the system - it has checked out over a hundred times, and there's also an audio CD at Central with 6 checkouts.
Chosen - Ted Dekker - Vol 1 in the "Books of History Chronicles". Four teens are chosen to search for the Lost books of History in hopes of finding a way to fight the Horde that is invading the Forest Realms. This book has just come off "new" status, and has already checked out 9 times.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - this sad, almost too-real account of a young woman deals with death, loss, anorexia, and survivor's guilt. It is by the NYT best-selling author of "Speak". It has barely arrived in the library, but has already been out once. Be the next to read it!
Sugar Princess: Skating to Win - Vol 1 by Hisaya Nakajo - Maya discovers almost by accident that she both loves - and is very good at - ice skating. Can she turn her natural talent into a winning edge? 17 circs promise that this manga is a good one.
In this marvelous fantasy, Alanna, still disguised as a boy, becomes a squire to Prince Jonathan. When his life is threatened by a mysterious sorcerer, it will take all her wits to save him without revealing herself. We have about 8 copies of this in the system - it has checked out over a hundred times, and there's also an audio CD at Central with 6 checkouts.
Chosen - Ted Dekker - Vol 1 in the "Books of History Chronicles". Four teens are chosen to search for the Lost books of History in hopes of finding a way to fight the Horde that is invading the Forest Realms. This book has just come off "new" status, and has already checked out 9 times.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - this sad, almost too-real account of a young woman deals with death, loss, anorexia, and survivor's guilt. It is by the NYT best-selling author of "Speak". It has barely arrived in the library, but has already been out once. Be the next to read it!
Sugar Princess: Skating to Win - Vol 1 by Hisaya Nakajo - Maya discovers almost by accident that she both loves - and is very good at - ice skating. Can she turn her natural talent into a winning edge? 17 circs promise that this manga is a good one.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Teen Top Ten books are trickling in!
Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on Support Teen Literature Day during National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages twelve to eighteen can vote online, anytime between Aug. 25 and Sept. 18; the winners will be announced in a webcast featuring WWE Superstars and Divas during Teen Read Week.
The link to the site where voting will occur will be posted here, by me, but right now, if you want to participate, you need to start reading the books. You can find them here, in our library catalog. We don't (yet) own every book on the list, but we will, fairly soon. At Central, we will have a sticker on each and every book, so they're easy to identify. Just make sure you're getting this year's books, not previous ones.
So start reading now, and be prepared to vote in August!
The link to the site where voting will occur will be posted here, by me, but right now, if you want to participate, you need to start reading the books. You can find them here, in our library catalog. We don't (yet) own every book on the list, but we will, fairly soon. At Central, we will have a sticker on each and every book, so they're easy to identify. Just make sure you're getting this year's books, not previous ones.
So start reading now, and be prepared to vote in August!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What I did today
Well, today, in preparation for Saturday's program, I mixed up SIX GALLONS of bubble solution. Three of them are a solution that is supposed to be excellent for giant bubbles - and I have a giant bubble wand... so I'm looking forward to making some 20' long tube bubbles, after a bit of practice.
I also mixed up a lighter, more bouyant formula with glycerin instead of corn starch - it should make nice floaty bubbles that the wind can carry away!
If you love bubbles, I plan to have at least 5 different types of bubble-blowing "equipment" at hand (the aforementioned giant tool, paper towel tubes, paper cones, standard and giant wands, straw-and-yarn contraptions, and a wire hanger loop are in my plans). So come on out and watch to see what happens!
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the rain holds off...
I also mixed up a lighter, more bouyant formula with glycerin instead of corn starch - it should make nice floaty bubbles that the wind can carry away!
If you love bubbles, I plan to have at least 5 different types of bubble-blowing "equipment" at hand (the aforementioned giant tool, paper towel tubes, paper cones, standard and giant wands, straw-and-yarn contraptions, and a wire hanger loop are in my plans). So come on out and watch to see what happens!
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the rain holds off...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Volunteen Fair and Kickoff Party
Saturday afternoon is the big day!
2:00 - 4:00 at Central Library
Sign Up to be a Volunteer at the Library this summer. Eat Popcorn and Snowcones. Play with giant Bubbles! Find out what will be going on ALL SUMMER LONG.
2:30 - 3:30 Science at the Movies with Steve Wolf
Learn how stunt men use the laws of science to create movie magic.
Sign Up to be a Volunteer at the Library this summer. Eat Popcorn and Snowcones. Play with giant Bubbles! Find out what will be going on ALL SUMMER LONG.
2:30 - 3:30 Science at the Movies with Steve Wolf
Learn how stunt men use the laws of science to create movie magic.
Classic Reads
Hey, here are three fantasy novels, each at least 10 years old, which I have always loved.
Is Underground by Joan Aiken - one of the "Wolves of Willoughby Chase" series, this book is quite readable as a stand-alone novel. Is, one of the younger members of the Twite family, goes to London to look for her lost cousin Arun, only to discover that more than half the children of London have gone missing, including the King's son. This Victorian-era adventure mixes humor, cleverness, fantastical elements and plain good writing into a blend of story that will please anyone who loves "A Series of Unfortunate Events", "The Mysterious Benedict Society" or other similar twisted tales.
A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond - this novel follows an English boy, Peter, from modern day back through time to the 1500's. There, he meets Taliesin, one of the greatest minstrels who ever lived. Mingling modern-day life, Welsh mythology and time-spanning adventure, this story never dulls. If you like "The Dark is Rising" series, or Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, give it a try.
Forerunner Foray by Andre Norton - one of the greatest SF writers of all time, Andre Norton started writing in the 40's, and wrote up until her death just a few years ago. Forerunner Foray is a blend of SF and fantasy, in which Ziantha, a sensitive (and thief!) who finds a strange green stone artifact, is drawn into the past and trapped in another woman's life. Together, they must hunt for the mate to Ziantha's stone, and use it to restore themselves to their separate times and lives. Nobody else writes quite like Andre Norton, but if you enjoy Mercedes Lackey or Anne McCaffrey, you may find yourself devouring Andre Norton's many books.
Is Underground by Joan Aiken - one of the "Wolves of Willoughby Chase" series, this book is quite readable as a stand-alone novel. Is, one of the younger members of the Twite family, goes to London to look for her lost cousin Arun, only to discover that more than half the children of London have gone missing, including the King's son. This Victorian-era adventure mixes humor, cleverness, fantastical elements and plain good writing into a blend of story that will please anyone who loves "A Series of Unfortunate Events", "The Mysterious Benedict Society" or other similar twisted tales.
A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond - this novel follows an English boy, Peter, from modern day back through time to the 1500's. There, he meets Taliesin, one of the greatest minstrels who ever lived. Mingling modern-day life, Welsh mythology and time-spanning adventure, this story never dulls. If you like "The Dark is Rising" series, or Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, give it a try.
Forerunner Foray by Andre Norton - one of the greatest SF writers of all time, Andre Norton started writing in the 40's, and wrote up until her death just a few years ago. Forerunner Foray is a blend of SF and fantasy, in which Ziantha, a sensitive (and thief!) who finds a strange green stone artifact, is drawn into the past and trapped in another woman's life. Together, they must hunt for the mate to Ziantha's stone, and use it to restore themselves to their separate times and lives. Nobody else writes quite like Andre Norton, but if you enjoy Mercedes Lackey or Anne McCaffrey, you may find yourself devouring Andre Norton's many books.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
New Books coming up!
Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli - as a Sicilian immigrant in 1890's Louisiana, Calogiro and his family find it hard to fit in.
Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.
Pirates of Crocodile Swamp by Jim Arnosky- kidnapped by their father, two boys escape into the magrove swamps of Key Largo, Florida, and learn to survive on their own.
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison - big sister Annika tries to help cheer up her sick younger brother by bringing home his favorite TV star, Teen Robin Hood.
Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee - 17 year old Maybe runs away from home when life with her ex-beauty queen, alcoholic mother becomes too much for her.
Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry - Orphaned at age five, Lucinda, now fifteen, stands with courage against the man who took everything from her, aided by a thief, a clever goat, and a mysterious woman called the Witch of Amaranth, while the prince she knew as a child prepares to marry, unaware that he, too, is in danger.
Brutal by Michael B. Harmon (also in audio) - Forced to leave Los Angeles for life in a quiet California wine town with a father she has never known, rebellious sixteen-year-old Poe Holly rails against a high school system that allows elite students special privileges and tolerates bullying of those who are different.
Sucks to be me: the all-true confessionsof Mina Hamilton, teen vampire (maybe) by Kimberly Pauley - Mina must take classes to learn whether she wants to become a vampire and must decide between her best friend and her life-long love or new vampire buddies.
Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Adel-Fattah - Lebanese-Australian Jamilah (Jamie) tries to "pass" as non-muslim by dying her hair and wearing blue contacts, until her feelings overwhelm her.
Stone Light by Kai Meyer (also in audio) - Dark Reflections volume 2
Jumped by Rita Garcia-Williams - The lives of Leticia, Dominique, and Trina are irrevocably intertwined through the course of one day in an urban high school after Leticia overhears Dominique's plans to beat up Trina and must decide whether or not to get involved.
Wake by Lisa McMann - Ever since she was eight years old, high school student Janie Hannagan has been uncontrollably drawn into other people's dreams, but it is not until she befriends an elderly nursing home patient and becomes involved with an enigmatic fellow-student that she discovers her true power.
Surface Tension: a novel in four summers by Brent Runyon - during the four summers of his 13th - 17th years, Luke realizes that the more things stay the same, the more they change.
Ripple Effect by Paul McCusker - Elizabeth finds herself in another world, in the body of another young woman, Sarah, while her own body lies in a coma in her own world.
Out of Time by Paul McCusker - Elizabeth meets a man who claims to be King Arthur, riding down the street of her modern-day town. Is he insane, or another world-traveler?
Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel - Kate and Matt face life-threatening risks as they become part of the first crew of Astral-nauts and journey into outer space.
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey - Seventeen-year-old Jessica, adopted and raised in Pennsylvania, learns that she is descended from a royal line of Romanian vampires and that she is betrothed to a vampire prince, who poses as a foreign exchange student while courting her.
Becoming Billie Holiday by Carole Boston Weatherford - Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday looks back on her life in this novel-in-verse.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - Eighteen year old Lia battles anorexia and struggles to come to terms with the death of her best friend from the same disease.
Girlwood by Claire Dean - Polly's older sister Bree runs away. Polly and her eccentric grandmother become convinced she's living in the nearby woods, and try to aid her in surviving there.
Shooting the Moon by Frances Dowell - when her older brother is drafted to fight in Vietnam, twelve year old Jamie begins to question the army world she has grown up in.
Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.
Pirates of Crocodile Swamp by Jim Arnosky- kidnapped by their father, two boys escape into the magrove swamps of Key Largo, Florida, and learn to survive on their own.
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison - big sister Annika tries to help cheer up her sick younger brother by bringing home his favorite TV star, Teen Robin Hood.
Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee - 17 year old Maybe runs away from home when life with her ex-beauty queen, alcoholic mother becomes too much for her.
Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry - Orphaned at age five, Lucinda, now fifteen, stands with courage against the man who took everything from her, aided by a thief, a clever goat, and a mysterious woman called the Witch of Amaranth, while the prince she knew as a child prepares to marry, unaware that he, too, is in danger.
Brutal by Michael B. Harmon (also in audio) - Forced to leave Los Angeles for life in a quiet California wine town with a father she has never known, rebellious sixteen-year-old Poe Holly rails against a high school system that allows elite students special privileges and tolerates bullying of those who are different.
Sucks to be me: the all-true confessionsof Mina Hamilton, teen vampire (maybe) by Kimberly Pauley - Mina must take classes to learn whether she wants to become a vampire and must decide between her best friend and her life-long love or new vampire buddies.
Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Adel-Fattah - Lebanese-Australian Jamilah (Jamie) tries to "pass" as non-muslim by dying her hair and wearing blue contacts, until her feelings overwhelm her.
Stone Light by Kai Meyer (also in audio) - Dark Reflections volume 2
Jumped by Rita Garcia-Williams - The lives of Leticia, Dominique, and Trina are irrevocably intertwined through the course of one day in an urban high school after Leticia overhears Dominique's plans to beat up Trina and must decide whether or not to get involved.
Wake by Lisa McMann - Ever since she was eight years old, high school student Janie Hannagan has been uncontrollably drawn into other people's dreams, but it is not until she befriends an elderly nursing home patient and becomes involved with an enigmatic fellow-student that she discovers her true power.
Surface Tension: a novel in four summers by Brent Runyon - during the four summers of his 13th - 17th years, Luke realizes that the more things stay the same, the more they change.
Ripple Effect by Paul McCusker - Elizabeth finds herself in another world, in the body of another young woman, Sarah, while her own body lies in a coma in her own world.
Out of Time by Paul McCusker - Elizabeth meets a man who claims to be King Arthur, riding down the street of her modern-day town. Is he insane, or another world-traveler?
Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel - Kate and Matt face life-threatening risks as they become part of the first crew of Astral-nauts and journey into outer space.
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey - Seventeen-year-old Jessica, adopted and raised in Pennsylvania, learns that she is descended from a royal line of Romanian vampires and that she is betrothed to a vampire prince, who poses as a foreign exchange student while courting her.
Becoming Billie Holiday by Carole Boston Weatherford - Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday looks back on her life in this novel-in-verse.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - Eighteen year old Lia battles anorexia and struggles to come to terms with the death of her best friend from the same disease.
Girlwood by Claire Dean - Polly's older sister Bree runs away. Polly and her eccentric grandmother become convinced she's living in the nearby woods, and try to aid her in surviving there.
Shooting the Moon by Frances Dowell - when her older brother is drafted to fight in Vietnam, twelve year old Jamie begins to question the army world she has grown up in.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Book Review
Eager by Helen Fox - first in a science fiction series about a funny, almost-human robot by the name of EG3R (Eager). Gavin's family can't afford a sleek new robot, even though their old model, Grumps, doesn't work very well any more. So when a friend of their father's offers them an experimental model, they are happy to accept. But Eager is different from any other robot they've seen before; he seems to be able to sense their emotions, and to experience his own emotional responses to the world. And then odd things begin happening; the BDC4 Robot owned by a friend almost attacks her - against every law of robotic behavior that exists. Only Gavin recognizes that Eager holds some of the answers to what is happening, but can they discover them in time?
This book is very well written, funny and serious by turn, and in the right amounts. Even the snotty best friend seems like a real person, not just a cardboard story figure. Eager is charming, and the world is just real enough to seem threatening. And even by the end, it is clear that Eager (and Gavin's) story isn't over. I look forward to the next tale...
This book is very well written, funny and serious by turn, and in the right amounts. Even the snotty best friend seems like a real person, not just a cardboard story figure. Eager is charming, and the world is just real enough to seem threatening. And even by the end, it is clear that Eager (and Gavin's) story isn't over. I look forward to the next tale...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)