Monday, July 30, 2012

Last Week's Pizza Winner Is...

Abigail G.!!!

Abigail won a free large pizza from Papa John's just by reviewing her Summer Reading Club books and turning in the reviews to her nearest branch! To read the reviews so far, click here. Don't forget to turn in your reviews before the summer is over!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Altered Books, Scrapbooks and Art Journals

This Saturday is our last Summer Reading Club event, held at the West Waco branch. We're bringing some old books and art supplies so you can paint, draw, glue, cut, doodle, and whatever else you can think of! If you're signed up, check out some of these sites to get ideas for Saturday. If you're not, call us to let us know you're coming! 750-5944



Paint, draw, journal!

Cut, glue, stamp!

Chop, fold, display!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Last week's Pizza winner in the Weekly Review Drawing!

Lauren O. !!

Everyone has been doing lots of reading this summer! Great reviews are coming in! To read those reviews:  check the tab above.

We will have four more drawings for a large pizza. So keep reading and reviewing!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

We Had Fun Last Saturday!

The Ranger's Apprentice party was a lot of fun! About 20 teens came for food, Wii games, a life-size board game, arts & crafts, and more. Check out the pictures!



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Want an MP3 Player?

For all who signed up for Summer Reading Club, be sure to turn in your filled-out reading log into any branch by Aug. 13! You'll be entered into the grand prize drawing for an MP3 player. Plus you'll get a free book and some food coupons.
Be sure to write your phone number on your reading log before turning it in!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Many new books!

Graphic Novels:

Transformers. Sector 7 -- Spinning out of the hit movies "Transformers" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen", this title lets you witness the secret history of SECTOR 7 and their torrid connections to the aliento the alien Transformers in this century-spanning tale that follows a cursed family as they protect the planet from invaders far more advanced than anything on Earth!
Transformers. Volume 7, Chaos -- The Autobots land on Cybertron to discover Galvatron's plan is already in effect -- but what is it he seeks in the heart of Cybertron? What could he possibly want on a dead planet? Optimus Prime must face off against Galvatron, in a battle where the fate of the whole planet rests on the outcome!
Courtney Crumrin. Vol. 1, The Night Things -- Courtney's parents have dragged her to her spooky old Uncle Aloysius' house to live, and things keep getting wierder.
Avengers Academy Vol. 2, Will We Use This In Real Life? -- Hank Pym returns to his greatest role! That's right, Giant-Man is back! Then, the Avengers Academy students take on a mission of vengeance against the Hood, and Finesse goes off in search of the man who could be her father: Taskmaster! But, everything changes when Korvac returns and defeats the Avengers. Now, the world's only hope lies with the Avengers Academy students, who have been aged to adulthood! With time manipulated, the team gets a glimpse of what the future might hold for them
Avengers Academy Vol. 3, Fear Itself -- During his dark reign, Norman Osborn attempted to mold super-powered teens to further his twisted agenda. So, the earth's mightiest heroes created the Avengers Academy to reverse his influence on these impressionable heroes. But, what happened to the young men and women who weren't enrolled? Will friendship bloom or will fists fly when this year's Avengers Academy students meet the kids who didn't make the cut?
Captain America: Forever Allies -- During WWII, the Invaders fought countless enemies. They beat back madmen like the Red Skull and Master Man time and again--but there were those who fell under the radar. Captain America's one-time sidekick, Bucky--having since taken up the shield himself--knows one of them all too well. During the war, he and the Young Allies encountered the mistress of mind control, Lady Lotus, and barely escaped with their lives! Now, years later, Lotus has seemingly resurfaced.
Amazing Spider-Man the Movie Prelude -- Go 'between the scenes' with this story inspired and based upon the new The Amazing Spider-Man movie! As Peter Parker swings into action as Spider-Man, he's about to face his first challenge as a superhero! But how did he get there?
Essential the Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 11 -- Along with such fan-favorite foes as Cobra, Mr. Hyde, the Vulture and the Tarantula, the wondrous web-slinger must contend with the introduction of the villain who made the eighties one of the most dramatic and exciting eras in Spider-history: the Hobgoblin! Witness the rise to power of the man who would impact Peter Parker's life in the most sinister ways of all.
Spider-Man. Spiderhunt -- The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man isn't on anyone's list of friends when he's framed for murder-with a five-million-dollar bounty on his webbed head! And the whole city seems to be trying to collect the big reward! With villains on the hunt everywhere he turns, can he survive long enough to find Harry Osborn's mising son?
Green Lantern Corps. Vol. 7, Revolt of the Alpha-Lanterns -- When an enemy of the Lanterns seizes control of the Alpha Lanterns, Green Lanterns John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and former Guardian Ganthet must stop them.
Bleach Vols. 18-23, 29, 38-41 by Tite Kubo -- Rukia's execution has begun, but Ichigo is nowhere in sight. Will Ichigo actually let her undergo the ultimate punishment for sharing her Soul Reaper powers with him?
Animal Land Vol. 1 by Makoto Raiku -- In a world of animals where the strong eat the weak, Monoko the tanuki stumbles across a strange creature the likes of which has never been seen before- a human baby! While the newborn has no claws or teeth to protect itself, it does have the rare ability to speak to and understand all the different animals. Can Monoko and the baby team up to protect the tanuki pack from vicious wildcats?
Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal Vol. 1 by Shin Yoshida (Takahashi) -- In a futuristic city, augmented reality Duels are all the rage. Duelists, using devices called D-Gazers, can interact with their environment and their opponents as never before. With more awesome monsters and unbelievable cards, the future of Yu-Gi-Oh! starts right here! No one loves Dueling more than Yuma Tsukumo, but unfortunately for him, no one is worse at it!
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by  Wagner (Shelley) -- A monster assembled by a scientist from parts of dead bodies develops a mind of his own as he learns to loathe himself and hate his creator. Campfire Graphic retelling of the Classic Novel.
Sons of Liberty Vol. 1 by Alexander Lagos -- Teenage runaway slaves with superhuman powers, a Hessian giant, the most evil slave owners imaginable, and Benjamin Franklin: this story of the Revolution blends fact and fantasy in an imaginative reinterpretation of a critical time in American history.


Nonfiction:

Weird U.S. by Matt Lake -- introduces readers to many odd and fascinating sites from across the United States
Bermuda Triangle by Christine Zuchora-Walske -- discusses the mysterious disappearances within and the cultural impact of the Bermuda Triangle.
Boston Strangler by Paul Hoblin -- discusses the criminal case surrounding the Boston Strangler and whether law enforcement caught and convicted the wrong man.
Crop Circles by Andrea Pelleschi -- Examines the history of crop circles, describes early sightings and designs, and theories regarding their possible creators, and how they are made.
D.B. Cooper Hijacking by Marcia Lusted -- discusses the D. B. Cooper hijacking of flight 305, including what happened, his chances of survival, and different suspects in the case.
Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by A.M. Buckley -- discusses her life, the last flight and disappearance, and possible fate of herself and her copilot, Noonan.
Escape from Alcatraz by Stephanie Watson --  looks at the infamous escape attempt from the island Prison of Alcatraz.
Existence of Sasquatch and Yeti by Carol Hand -- discusses the legends of Sasquatch and Yeti, and examines evidence for their existence, and hoaxes that have been perpetrated.
Jack the Ripper by Jennifer Anderson -- examines the famed murders of Victorian serial killer Jack the Ripper and looks at possible suspects.
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass by Russell Freedman -- A clear-sighted, carefully researched account of two surprisingly parallel lives and how they intersected at a critical moment in U.S. history.
Genocide edited by Margaret Haerens -- Genocide: Global Viewpoints examines current, often controversial, topics of worldwide interest and importance from a variety of international perspectives.
Food Allergies by Kevin Hillstrom -- The most common food allergies are discussed in detail, as are the physical effects of food allergies (including mild and severe reactions), how people with food allergies stay safe and avoid ingredients they are allergic to, how food allergies are treated and how people, especially kids and teenagers, cope with the social complications that come with having a food allergy.
Birth Control edited by Roman Espejo -- Explores issues related to birth control and young adults. Covered topics include the role of parents in providing guidance about sex and birth control; abstinence-only education; birth control services in schools; and the impact of certain birth control devices, including IUDs, "morning after" pills, and condoms.
Same-Sex Marriage by Louise Spilsbury -- Discusses the legal debate of same-sex marriage, including the history of the gay rights movement, the arguments both in support and opposition of same-sex marriage, and how same-sex marriage is treated around the world.
Michelangelo by Phyllis Emert -- Explores the life and work of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Considered one of the greatest artists of all time, Michelangelo gave the world some of the most magnificent Christian artwork ever created, including his famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistene Chapel and his sculptures David and Pieta. Michelangelo's works are described in vivid detail and the text includes numerous color photographs of the artist's work.
Genetically Engineered Food edited by Debra Miller -- Explores issues related to genetically engineered and modified foods, including the potential hazards posed by engineered foods, the process of labeling modified food packaging, the role of genetically engineered foods in addressing global food scarcity needs, and the impact of biotech companies like Monsanto on world food production.
Native Americans edited by Lynn Zott -- Explores issues related to Native Americans, including key conflicts that still exist between the United States and tribal governments. Topics covered include the impact of discrimination on Native American culture, the current economic factors of concern to Native Americans, and how disputes over natural resources and cultural artifacts affect Native Americans.


Fiction:

Living Violet by Jaime Reed -- Cambion Chronicles #1 - Samara intends to enjoy her summer before Senior year, but when her coworker Caleb draws her into a world of danger, she's forced to take risks that endanger her entire future...
172 hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad -- when Mia and two other teens win a trip to the moon, they don't expect to discover terrible danger.
Cat Girl's Day Off by Kimberly Pauley -- Natalie Ng has always kept her ability to talk to cats a secret, but when she discovers - via a cat - that a celeb blogger has been kidnapped, her ability suddenly becomes crucial to discovering the perpetrator.
Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony -- in a love story told in photos and sketches, Glory finds herself falling for Frank but also falling into madness, deeper and deeper until the only thing she can play is Chopsticks.
Ship of Souls by Zetta Elliott -- D (for Dmitri) is a math whiz, and is asked to tutor Hakeem, the school basketball star. When he rescues a bird in the Park, it leads to an adventure they never could have imagined.
The Night She Disappeared by April Henry -- The police think Kayla is dead, but her co-workers, Gabie and Drew are certain they can find and rescue her if they work quickly enough, in this novel told from multiple viewpoints.
My Family for the War by Voorhoeve -- Ziska escapes Germany for England just before WWII and lives with a Jewish family there, where she is, for the first time, exposed to Judaism. She endures the hardships of war and tries to keep in touch with her parents, who are in Holland.
It's Our Prom (So Deal With It) by Julie Ann Peters -- Azure and Luke are on the planning committee for Senior Prom, which is inclusive of gays and lesbians, all the while they also deal with issues at home and in their romantic lives.
Fair Coin by E.C. Myers -- when evil versions of himself and best friend Nate appear one day, teenaged Ephraim embardks on a dangerous odyssey through parallel worlds to set things right.
Dangerous Waters: An Adventure on the Titanic by Gregory Mone -- twelve year old Patrick Waters leaves Belfast as a steward on the Titanic, is befriended by wealthy Harry Widener, and stumbles into a ring of book thieves, all the while the infamous ship sails toward its fate.
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould -- Laura was raised in a Convent, in 16th Century Venice. But when her elder sister drowns mysteriously, she enters high society in an attempt to find out what really happened.
Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble -- Nate and Adam fall in love in High School, despite prejudice and cruelty, but when Adam graduates and moves away, will their love be able to endure distance, homophobia and jealousy?
Academie by Susanne Dunlap -- Teenaged Eliza Monroe, daughter of a future president, Hortense de Beauharnais and Caroline Bonaparte, relatives of Napolean I of France, alternately tell of their year in school in France.
Always Upbeat & All That by Stephanie and Derrick Moore -- two novels tell the story of the same events from the points of view of Charli, a cheerleader and Blake, a Football player who attend HS in Atlanta, Georgia. First books in their series.
A Girl Named Digit by Abigail Monaghan -- After identifying a terrorist plot, a brilliant seventeen-year-old girl from Santa Monica, California, gets involved with the young FBI agent who is trying to ensure her safety.
Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl -- in this Regency era romance, a young woman with a pair of difficult stepsisters struggles to save her home without having to marry where her heart will be broken. Funny and satirical!
Comet's Curse by Dom Testa -- Galahad #1 - Desperate to save the human race after a comet's deadly particles devastate the adult population, scientists create a ship that will carry a crew of 251 teenagers to a home in a distant solar system.
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin -- In this twist on Edgar Allen Poe's gothic short story, a wealthy teenaged girl who can afford a special mask to protect her from the plague that decimated humanity in the mid-1800s, falls in love, becomes caught up in a conspiracy to overthrow an oppressive government, and faces the threat of a new plague. First in a new series.
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard -- Bria, an aspiring artist just graduated from high school, takes off for Central America's La Ruta Maya, rediscovering her talents and finding love.
Torn by Stephanie Guerra --High school senior Estelle Chavez's life in South Bend, Indiana centers on helping her mother raise her younger brother and sister, AP classes, and soccer until a new student, Ruby, draws her into a friendship that includes sneaking out out of the house, dating college boys, and worse.
Tomo: friendship through fiction edited by Holly Thompson -- One year after the tsunami, this benefit fiction anthology helps teens learn about Japan and contribute to long-term relief efforts.
Rush for the Gold: Mystery at the Olympics by John Feinstein -- Two teenaged aspiring journalists who are dating solve a mystery at the 2012 Olympic Games, while one simultaneously competes for a gold medal in swimming.
Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser -- Four teenagers from two families -- sisters Katie and Julie and brothers Alex and Kyle -- meet every summer at a lakeside community in upstate New York, where they escape their everyday lives and hide disturbing secrets.
Crossing the Line by Malin Alegria -- When Fabiola's sister Alexis joins her at Dos Rios High, she warns her away from the troublemaking superjock Dex Andrews, but Alexis does not listen, and soon it is up to Fabiola to make things right, even if it means breaking her sister's heart.
Immortal City by Scott Speer -- Jackson is the hottest Angel in the city, soon to be a full Guardian, and people will pay for him to save them. Then, he falls for Maddy, who likes him for who he is and not for his celebrity, but a serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame.
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood -- Cahill Witch Chronicles #1 -- In an alternate New England of 1900, where the Brotherhood dominates and controls society, sixteen-year-old Cate Cahill has struggled since her mother's death to keep secret that she and her younger sisters are witches, but when a governess arrives from the Sisterhood, everything changes.
One Moment by Kristina McBride -- Rising high school senior Maggie remembers little about the accidental death of her boyfriend, Joey, but as she slowly begins to recall that day at the gorge with their long-time friends, she realizes he was keeping some terrible secrets.
Phantom by L.J. Smith -- Vampire Diaries: The Hunters vol 1 - After Elena Gilbert and vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore help save their town from a demonic spirit, a new evil arrives and sets its sights on Elena, but this time she will only have one brother to protect her.
Moonsong by L.J. Smith -- Vampire Diaries: The Hunters vol 2 - Elena and her friends look forward to attending the beautiful campus at Dalcrest College, and Stefan and Damon seem to have reached an understanding, but moving away from Fell's Church does not mean Elena has left her dark past behind.
Ruthless by Sara Shepard -- Pretty Little Liars #10 - Hanna, Spencer, Emily, and Aria are trying to move on and forget about their old friend Alison DiLaurentis and all the torture she put them through, but someone is trying to keep her spirit alive.
Diva by Jillian Larkin -- When Marcus leaves Clara Knowles for another girl, Clara sinks into unhappiness and Lorraine Dyer tries to save Marcus from a loveless marriage, while their fellow flapper, Gloria Carmody, is hiding a deadly secret while living among socialites at Forrest Hamilton's Long Island villa.
Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justice Jack by Wendilin van Draanen -- When Justice Jack, a self-appointed superhero, begins trying to track down the missing Mrs. Wedgewod and some stolen cash, the older folks in Santa Martina are delighted, but Sammy knows it will be up to her to really solve the mystery.
The Wild Queen: the days and nights of Mary, Queen of Scots by Carolyn Meyer -- Convicted of plotting against her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England and awaiting execution in 1587, Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland, recounts her life story, including becoming a widow at age eighteen and her brutal campaign to regain her sovereignty after being stripped of her throne.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson -- Taylor Edwards' family might not be the closest-knit -- everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled -- but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then, Taylor's dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.
Jade Notebook by Laura Resau -- After down-to-earth Zeeta and her flighty mother, Layla, settle in the idyllic beachside town of Mazunte, Mexico, where Zeeta's true love, Wendell, has an internship photographing rare sea turtles, Zeeta discovers that paradise has its dark side as she and Wendell dig deeper to unearth her elusive father's past.
Last Breath by Rachel Caine -- Morganville Vampires #11 - When college student Claire Danvers learns that three of the vampires in Morganville have disappeared without a trace, only to discover that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is a mysterious new resident named Magnus, she begins to suspect that Magnus is not a fellow-human.
Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley -- When World War II breaks out, seventeen-year-old Betty, an American studying in England, trains as a spy and parachutes into German-occupied France to join the Resistance. But after meeting a young American pilot, she begins to realize fully the brutality of the war and their dangerous position.
Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross -- Steampunk Chronicles #2 - Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But, Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade -- the dangerous device Jasper stole from him for the life of the girl Jasper loves.
Dead Reckoning by Mercedes Lackey -- In 1867 Texas, Jett, a girl passing as a boy while seeking her long-lost twin brother, joins forces with Honoraria Gibbons, an inventor, and White Fox, a young Army scout, to investigate a zombie army that is terrorizing the West.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Winner of This Week's Drawing for a Pizza Is...

Hayoung P. !!

For those signed up for Summer Reading Club, keep filling out your book review sheets and turning them into your nearest branch. Each week, we do a drawing for a large pizza and post your reviews for all to see. The more you read and review, the better chance you have at winning the weekly drawing and the grand prize of an MP3 player at the end of the summer!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Do You Love Scrapbooking?

Here's a new twist! Altered Book Scrapbooking

On Saturday, July 28, learn to turn an old book into a personal inspired scrapbook. Create your own personalized work of art by altering a book.

You and your friends should make reservations now by calling 750-5944 or Text: AskWMCL To: 66746
Try this book or others like it at the Library.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Winner of This Week's Drawing for a Large Pizza Is...

Aimee S.!!


Congrats, Aimee! Of all the Summer Reading Club reviews turned in from all 4 branches this week, we drew yours out of the hat. For all you others who signed up, use your review sheets in the teen packet to review each book you read a week. Then turn as many as you can in to the library and have a chance a pizza for yourself and friends, AND you'll be entered for the grand prize of an MP3 player!

Although it's too late to sign up for Summer Reading Club, it's never too late to reserve your spot at any of our last 3 Saturday events, listed on the side. Just call us at 750-5944 to let us know you're coming!

Time Travel for All!

I just finished reading 2 really great time-travel novels!

Tempest, by Julie Cross, is the story of 19-year-old Jackson, who has discovered that he can go back in time to any point in his life, but not change anything while he is there. Then his girlfriend Holly is shot before his eyes, and suddenly finding a way to change time becomes critically important. Jackson explores the history of his own life, finding out that just about everything he had believed is a lie, and that those most dear to him may not be who he thinks they are. A likeable hero, fast action that barely lets up, a believable romance, and some real moral decisions all make for a great read. A bit of implied adult behavior makes this story a better one for older teens.

Singing the Dogstar Blues, by Alison Goodman, is also a time travel story, but it involves a college-aged girl named Joss, who is studying time-travel. When she is unexpectedly paired up with a telepathic alien, and she discovers that an assassin may be stalking it, life gets very complicated. Joss is a bit of a rebel, who has been thrown out of numerous boarding schools, and has a very uneasy relationship with her mother. The story isn't quite as fast-paced as Tempest, but the alien psychology is very well-done, and Joss is extremely likeable. I did think the "twist" was a bit clearly telegraphed, and a little predictable, but overall the story was very good.

If you like science fiction, either or both of these stories is well worth trying out!