Hello all! I've been super busy at the library recently...not just because it is the holidays...not just because Miss Barb's retiring and we're getting new staff... but also because we're updating the
Teen Zone!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?
Here is a sneak peak at how the Teen Zone will change! Leave a comment to let me know what you think! Also, don't forget to come to the New Teen Zone Open House on January 18th from 3:45-5:45! The Open House is a drop- in program. Come any time between 3:45 and 5:45, stay as long as you like! There'll be snacks and games; you can decorate a book end that will adorn the library's shelves forever! and you can enter to win some super sweet give-a-ways!
You. guys. rock.
Here is the beautiful coffee table slash comic book rack that my Dad built!
Here is is from a different angle!
Here is one of the two new blue chairs that just arrived...they are so cozy! Also, one of six new beautiful foot stool slash seats that Darwin built for us!
The Candy Sushi and Holiday Decoration program on Friday was a blast! Lots of sushi was made, lots of sushi was eaten....and I learned a little Japanese and a little about making paper snowflakes!
From the publisher: Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we've never been before.
video from youtube.com
Easily the strangest book trailer I've seen...but the author made it...so, enjoy!
Arielle's thoughts: There's a lot going on in this book. Psychics, old English history, domestic violence, a love triangle, mysticism, and so on and so forth. If you liked Stiefvater's Shiver series you'll probably enjoy The Raven Boys. Beware, there are huge gaps to be filled and the author's obvious hope is that you'll be so enthralled that you'll read the next book in the series.
Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Scholastic Press, 2012. Print. ISBN: 978-0545424929 Hardcover. U.S. $18.99
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro The first book in a new series by the authors of the Women's Murder Club, this is an action, adventure, sci-fi, thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Sixteen-year-old Tandy Angel awakes to bedlam the morning her parents are discovered dead. As if becoming a sudden orphan weren't enough: the doors were locked and she, her two brothers, and her mother's personal assistant are the only suspects. Tandy can't believe that her twin, Harry, or baby brother, Hugo, could murder their parents. She's not so convinced that she wouldn't do it herself...but why can't she remember? Mysteries around every corner, and plenty of questions to be answered in the next book in the series! Recommended for readers who love mystery and crime novels and readers who enjoyed Maximum Ride. Grade 8 and up!
From the publisher: On the night Malcolm and Maud Angel are murdered, Tandy Angel knows just three things: 1) She was the last person to see her parents alive. 2) The police have no suspects besides Tandy and her three siblings. 3) She can't trust anyone--maybe not even herself. Having grown up under Malcolm and Maud's intense perfectionist demands, no child comes away undamaged. Tandy decides that she will have to clear the family name, but digging deeper into her powerful parents' affairs is a dangerous-and revealing-game. Who knows what the Angels are truly capable of?
Patterson, J. Confessions of a Murder Suspect. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2012. Print. ISBN: 0316206989 Hardcover. U.S. $19.99
A lonely obese boy everyone calls "Butter" is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death-live on the Internet-and everyone is invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn't go through with his plans?
With a deft hand, E.J. Lange allows readers to identify with both the bullies and the bullied in this all-consuming look at one teen's battle with himself.
Watch the official book trailer!
Arielle's Recommendation: An anti-bullying story that's more heart-racing thriller than after school special. Butter's story will keep your attention til the very last page. Like an impending train wreck, you won't be able to look away. A powerful look into the psychological effects of, not just bullying, but neglect, shame, embarrassment, and high school. Most reassuring to me was that it all worked out in the end. This is a quick read, I'd recommend it to 9th through 12th graders who enjoy emotional, deeply personal stories with quirky, likable narrators.
Check out E.J. Lange's website at www.butterslastmeal.com
October was Bullying Prevention Month. If you or someone you know is being bullied speak out, speak up...the library is a great place to do just that. If you're in Boone come talk to me (Arielle) at or an other of the caring librarians at Ericson Public Library.
If you're not in Boone, visit your local public library and ask for the Teen or Children's Librarian.
Speak out, speak up! We're here to help!
Lange, E. J. Butter. New York: Bloomsbury, 2012. Print. ISBN: 9781599907802 Hardcover. U.S. $16.99
Because It Is My Blood Gabrielle Zevin Arielle's Recommendation: This is an awesome continuation of Anya's story. Now that she's out of Liberty for the second time Anya's ready to stay on the straight and narrow. Staying out of trouble isn't easy when you're the next in command of the Balachine Chocolate Family. This was an excellent addition to the series. Great for readers looking for romance, adventure, and dystopian settings! Perfect for readers seventh grade and up.
Ericson Library is celebrating by confessing our love to the freedom to read!
Come to the Teen Zone today and tomorrow from 3:30-4:15 to:
- Get your Banned Book Week mug shot taken
- Enter to win sweet prizes
- Make an awesome edible book
- Try your hand at trivia and brain puzzles
-Check out a Banned or Challenged Book!
Check out these librarians who got caught reading a Banned Book!
We can't help ourselves...we just love the freedom to read!
Speaking of which click here to read the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement....and find out why we're celebrating Banned Book Week in the first place!
I will be the very first to admit that my intellectual limitations are considerable.
I'm an excellent actress, and have made it this far pretending to be a functioning member of society. I've got you all fooled...
...but this book made me feel dumb.
I enjoyed and appreciated Bechdel's Fun Home despite the frequent literary and scholarly references. At times I even felt as thought I was able to follow along. Even if the reader doesn't absorb the deep, philosophical and artistic...um...stuff, her first novel had twists, turns, and engaged the reader. In Fun Home she depicted her father's story and how it shaped her own. In Are You My Mother she does the same for her mother. Both books appear to have been therapeutic outlets for the author, but whereas the first novel was engaging, the second was exhausting. The scholarly references were pervasive and I found myself hoping for action and dynamism. It is as though the reader is sitting in on a very long therapy session. True to life, I suppose, the resolution seems to accept the fact that life's great struggles never resolve themselves neatly. "Happily ever after" certainly wasn't warranted in Mother and I'm glad that she didn't try to include it. However, the ending felt hurried, unmotivated, and uninspired. Nice things to say? Well, of course.The art is excellent and I found the repetition of the same scene from a different angle interesting and innovative. I enjoyed thinking about the subtitle "A Comic Drama." That was clever. My thoughts on Fun Home Arielle's Recommendation: Readers particularly interested in parental psychology will find a treasure in Are You My Mother. For mature audiences.
Bechdel, A. Are You My Mother: A Comic Drama. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2012. Print. ISBN: 9780618982509 Hardcover. U.S. $23.00
The verdict is in! For the last month EPL's Teens have had the opportunity to weigh in on the best and worst books you read this summer!
SWEET READS Matched by Ally Condie Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen The Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan Graceling by Kristin Cashore Yes by Jordan Sonnenblick The Lying Game by Sara Shepard Only the Best Series by Beverly Lewis Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater and..."books by Lurlene McDaniel"
BELLY FLOPS!
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Drama is the word at Eucalyptus Middle School. It seems all of Callie's dreams have come true. So what if her crush, Greg, isn't in to her. She's designing the set for the the school musical, working with her friends on stage crew, AND Jesse, the new guy, seems to be just her type! But Drama has a way of catching up with you; and just when she thought things couldn't get better...they all fall apart.
Beautiful illustrations, bright colors, and expressive characters make this story come alive!
Telgemeier demonstrates the new realities of being in middle school with humor, style, and grace. Jealousy, embarrassment, sexuality, friendship, and family are all explored in an innovative and captivating way.
Arielle Recommendation: Much like Telgemeier's popular Smile, Drama is a quick read and explores some of the lesser represented realities of middle school. While Callie isn't an especially dynamic character she's easy to relate to and likable. Character's discussions of homosexuality are respectful and brief and may leave some younger readers with more questions than answers. This is a great pick for reluctant readers as the illustrations are so captivating and fun and the dialogue is substantial. This book definitely belongs on public library shelves and in school libraries where graphic novels are popular. Recommend Drama to reluctant readers, drama geeks, and graphic novel lovers.
Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. New York, NY: Graphix, 2012. Print. ISBN: 9780545326988 Pages: 233 Hardbound U.S. $23.99
Anya is torn between accepting her birthright and following her heart
--from the cover--
Image from amespubliclibrary.com
All These Things I've Done
by Gabrielle Zevin
First in the Birthright series
Anya is a powerful, no-nonsense character and, at the same time, she's a completely realistic 16-year-old. Not a lot is recognizable about New York City in the 2080s. Everything from water to chocolate, paper to coffee has been taxed, limited, and banned. Anya stands between her desires to honor her father's legacy (the former head of the chocolate mafia) and protect her brother and sister and rise above a life of violence and crime. This is a gripping, fast-paced story. Drama, intrigue, and romance combine with Anya's wonderfully unique humor and well-developed voice. Great read!
Video from youtube.com
Arielle's Recommendation: Every school and public library should make a place on their shelves for this fantastic book. There are zero instances of questionable language and the few mentions of sex are respectful and mature. Recommend this book to dystopian fans as well as realistic fiction and romance lovers. 7th grade and up.
Don't miss the brand new second book in the series:
Image from barnesandnoble.com
Zevin, Gabrielle. All These Things I've Done. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011. Print. ISBN: 9780374302108 Pages: 354 Hardbound U.S. $16.99
Arielle's Recommendation: Harry Potter meets Laura Ingalls Wilder, that's the way I like to describe this action-filled, innovative series. Eff is back for a second adventure in Across the Great Barrier. The first book, The Thirteenth Child, saw her struggles growing up as a supposedly dangerous and unlucky thirteenth child. (Thus the title, eh?) This book follows her post-upperschooling exploits as she harnesses her magical powers, discovers her passion, and (of course) saves the day. This is a must have for public and school libraries. Recommend this book to 5th grade to adult readers that enjoy magic, historical fiction, and quick reads. Excellent choice for middle school readers and those that don't like adult language or situations as the book is plenty satisfying without any iffy words or scenes.
Thomas, Rob. Rats Saw God. 1996.
New York, NY: Simon Pulse 2007. Print. ISBN: 9781416938972 Pages: 202 Paperback
US $6.99
Image from boone.lib.ia.us
Awards
ALA Best Book for Young Adults 1997
Annotation: Dangerously close to flunking out, Steve has been given one last chance
to save the day and graduate. Write a one-hundred-page paper that meets his
guidance councilor’s expectations. How did Steve, who was happy, surrounded by
friends, and boasting a 4.0 as a junior wind up in this situation? You’ll have
to read his last-ditch-effort paper to find out.
Open-end:
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas
Where did it all go wrong? Just last year Steve York was in love with
life. He loved his awesome, don’t-give-a-crap, friends. He loved being part of
a wacky, existential club at school. Most of all, he loved Dub, the girl that
made his life worth living. Now, pot and being a jerk to his dad are the only
things worth getting out of bed for. Where did everything he loved disappear
to? Where exactly, did it all go wrong? What are the chances he can make things
right?
Visit Rob Thomas' website....do you know what hit t.v. show he created?
You'll have to follow the link to find out!
Arielle's Recommendation: This is the perfect book to recommend to the mature reader who enjoys stories about self discovery and loves characters that are real characters, because Steve York is something else!
Yang,
Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. 2006.
New York, NY: Square Fish, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9780312384487 Pages: 240 Paperback
US $8.99
Image from boone.lib.ia.us
Awards!
Winner of
the Michael L. Printz Award
National
Book Award Finalist
Booklist Top Ten Graphic Novel for Youth
NPR Holiday
Pick
Publishers Weekly Comics Week Best Comic
of the Year
The Reuben
Award for Best Comic Book
The Chinese
American Librarians Association 2006/2007 Best Book Award
Eisner
Awards 2007- Best Graphic Album- New
Time Magazine Top Ten Comic of the Year
Amazon.com
Best Graphic Novel /Comic of the Year
Annotation: Beautiful, captivating illustrations, folklore, and humor bring to life three very different stories that merge to tell one complete tale
about the Chinese-American experience.
The Graphic Format:
Three different stories are told in American Born Chinese. First, the story of the Monkey King; pulled
from happiness by greed and brought to ruin by his own, unwise decisions. Next
is the story of Jin Wang, the son of Chinese immigrants who is trying his best
to fit in with his classmates. The final story is that of Danny, a teenager who
is mortified and embarrassed when his out-of-control, Chinese cousin comes to
visit every year.
Image from shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot.com
All three stories are told through bright, entertaining illustrations.
When the stories converge at the very end you’ll be shocked at how they tell
the single story of one Chinese-American kid’s experience.
Image from newyorktimes.com
Praise for American Born Chinese!
“Gene Luen Yang has created that rare article: a youthful tale with something new to say about American youth.”—New York Times Book Review
“. . . brilliantly written and designed, sophisticated and wise.”—The Miami Herald
“. . . one of the most powerful and entertaining works of literature to be published this year . . .”—The San Francisco Chronicle
“Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you'll already have reached out to others.”—Publishers Weekly
“Kids fighting an uphill battle to convince parents and teachers of the literary merit of graphic novels will do well to share this title.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Video from youtube.com
Arielle's Recommendation: Recommend this excellent graphic novel to the struggling reader, comic book fan, or adventurous type that enjoys a good plot twist. Best for grades 8 and up.
Alonzo, Sandra. Riding Invisible. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9781423118985 Pages: 234 Hardbound US $15.99
Image from amespubliclibrary.com
Awards!
None yet!
Riding Invisible by Sandra Alonzo illustrator: Nathan Huang Annotation: In an effort to escape his violent, mentally-ill brother Yancy prepares to survive with only his horse and a few supplies in the desert surrounding Los Angeles.
The Graphic Format:
For his birthday Yancy’s parents gave him a journal
Image scanned from Riding Invisible
Eight months later, he’s finally putting it to use.
Image scanned from Riding Invisible
Yancy needs the journal to chronicle his journey into the
deserts surrounding Los Angeles. Yancy’s escaping toward a better future, but,
more importantly, he’s escaping away from him crazy, scary brother, Will.
Image scanned from Riding Invisible
He and Shy, his beloved horse, ride off into the sunset but don't live happily ever after.
Through emotional, action-filled journal entries and sometimes-hilarious,
sometimes-beautiful illustrations, Yancy’s story is powerful and memorable. It
is the story of a normal kid’s journey from invisible to healing.
Image from Riding Invisible
Check out the trailer!
Video from youtube.com
Praise for Riding Invisible!
Alonzo’s first novel features the sort of likable, embattled narrator that brings to mind Arnold Spirit from Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007), but instead of being tormented by negative stereotypes and poverty, 15-year-old Yancy’s primary source of misery comes from his nearly sociopathic older brother, Will. The story is told entirely in diary form, complete with a handwriting-styled font and plenty of cartoony drawings (again reminiscent of Alexie’s book). After Will, who suffers from conduct disorder, violently threatens Yancy’s horse, teen and horse take off into the California desert. There, they encounter a kind Mexican worker, who helps Yancy begin to size up the challenges of living with his brother and the toll that it is taking upon the entire family. Alonzo skillfully handles teetering family dynamics, equestrian details, and the undertones of immigration and class, which add realistic depth. The resolution leaves a bevy of challenges and plenty of food for thought about family dysfunction. Grades 7-10.
--Ian Chipman
I highly recommend Riding Invisible for all male and female readers 13 or older, and a must-read for teen (and adult) horse-lovers. ” --Mountain Write Arielle's Recommendation: This is a fast-paced, involved story. Hand this book to struggling readers or someone looking for something different. Recommended for 6th-10th graders that enjoy adventure and horses.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
