Playground / Fifty Cent

TITLE: Playground
AUTHOR: Fifty Cent
OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

Playground is the story of thirteen year old Butterball; a modern day bully. Butterball is a teen growing up in suburban Long Island who finds himself meeting with a therapist twice a week after viciously attacking a fellow classmate with a sock filled with batteries. Maurice (the boy who he attacked) is so traumatized that he transfers out of Watkins (the school that both boys attend) and out of Butterball's life. Will Butterball take his therapy seriously and open up about why he did what he did? Or will Butterball resists therapy and continue down the same destructive path?

M's Verdict: Want to know what made me pick up this book? Similar to Hilary Duff's Elixir, I wanted to see if 50 Cent (a.k.a. Curtis James Jackson III) could actually write a book that would appeal to teens and be worth reading. In my opinion, it's good. I don't know how much 50 Cent wrote and how much co-writer Laura Moser wrote, but the tale is believably harsh, realistic, and honest.

Author (and rapper) 50 Cent created an authentic story of a teenager growing up in a dysfunctional family in a less than stellar neighborhood. Supposedly semi-autobiographical, Playground tells the story of a teen bully (similar to the author) who made some terrible choices and had to live with his consequences and decide whether or not he wanted to change. Although there may be a connection between the author and main character in regards to being a bully in school, which opens itself up to both a great novel and a great lesson for teenagers, there are many differences between the author and main character of Playround.

Here's what the real 50 Cent story includes but Playground did not:

• In the story...


• Butterball lived with his mother who spent all of her time working and going back to nursing school
  


• In real-life...


• 50 Cent's mother was a crack dealer who was murdered when he was only eight years old


• 50 Cent was raised by his grandmother
  


• In the story...


• Butterball's father lived the bachelor life in NYC
  


• In real-life...


• 50 Cent's father abandoned him shortly after his mother died

For Additional Information:
http://allmusic.com/artist/50-cent-p372609/biography
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/50-cent/biography

NEW Graphic Novels

Alright, so I just recently acquired a Kindle Fire and although you'd think this would provide me with additional opportunities to read, it (along with the upcoming holiday season) has kind of put the brakes on my reading. Instead, I find myself getting sucked into various games/apps that I was able to download from free from Amazon (and I'm not talking about Angry Birds, I'm talking about old-school Bejewled/Tetris kinds of games).

Anyhow, I'm saying this because I fortunately have some saved up graphic novel info. that I am able to post now. I promise that I will try to get some reading done over the holiday season and I'll post some reviews of whatever I read. For now, here's some new graphic novel news...

TITLE: Mangaman
AUTHOR: Barry Lyga ; illustrated by Colleen Doran

SUMMARY: Interested in manga, but not quite ready to dive in? Try Mangaman. It's a kind-of-crossover between manga and the traditional comic. Ryoko is a manga character who has fallen through a rip in the "real" world and finds himself trying to function in a modern American high school setting. It's a great tale of teen angst and of fitting into a new environment while still trying to stay true to yourself.


TITLE: George R. R. Martin's Doorways
AUTHOR: George R. R. Martin

SUMMARY: Dr. Mason treats a rather unusual woman named Cat in his ER one night who speaks in broken English, wears skimpy torn clothing, and has a weapon of futuristic types attached to her arm. Of course, after this initial encounter, things only keep getting more bizarre. Dr. Mason tries to protect Cat from the sci-fi monsters that are in pursuit of her and in an attempt to flee from these ne'er do wells, both of them are transported into an alternative Earth. How will it end?


TITLE: Shadoweyes in Love
AUTHOR: Ross Campbell

NOTES: Sequel to Shadoweyes (which was awesome!), and even though I'm still in the process of reading it--it's good:) If you haven't read Shadoweyes, I recommend it. If you loved Shadoweyes, then definitely read Shadoweyes in Love.

Upcoming TEEN Program

WHAT: Teen Fundraiser
WHERE: Five Below @ Camp Hill Mall
WHEN: December 16, 17 & 18th

Five Below Holiday Teen Fundraiser Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 18 The Fredricksen Library’s Teen Advisory Group is raising money to purchase teen materials, as well as furnishings for the teen area in the library. You can help by shopping at Five Below in the Camp Hill Mall on December 16 - 18. Vouchers will be available at the library, on the library’s website, and here: VOUCHER. Bring a voucher with you to the store and 10% of your purchase will go to a fund for the teens. This is a great way to get some fun holiday gifts and help the library.

Upcoming TEEN Program

WHAT: Gingerbread House Extravaganza

WHERE: Fredricksen Library
WHEN: Sunday, December 18th from 2-4:30PM

Join us for our 2nd Gingerbread House Extravaganza for teens! Teens are challenged to create a spectacular holiday gingerbread house using graham crackers, candy, and frosting! Join us as we welcome the holidays with this yummy event! For teens in grades 6 – 12 with a $2.00 fee. Register starting Dec.1. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen.

Holiday Music

Looking for something new to listen to this holiday season? Check out some of these NEW and CLASSIC tunes...

CLASSICS

Album Title: Christmas Favorites
Artist: Nat King Cole

Tracks:
1. The Christmas Song
2. Adeste Fideles
3. Hark the Herald Angel Sing
4. The First Noel
5. O Tannenbaum
6. Silent Night
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. O Holy Night
9. Away in a Manger
10. A Cradle in Bethlehem

Album Title: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio

Tracks:
1. O Tannenbaum
2. What Child is This?
3. My Little Drum
4. Linus & Lucy
5. Christmastime is Here (Instrumental)
6. Christmastime is Here (Vocal)
7. Skating
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9. Christmas is Coming
10. Fur Elise
11. The Christmas Song
12. Greensleeves
13. Christmas is Coming (Alternate


Album Title: White Christmas
Artist: Bing Crosby

Tracks:
1. Good King Wenceslas
2. Silent Night, Holy Night
3. Adeste Fideles
4. The First Noel
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6. Happy Holiday
7. Deck the Halls
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
9. White Christmas
10. Jungle Bells
11. The Christmas Song
12. Joy to the World
13. Silver Bells
14. Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!, Let it Snow!
15. Away in a Manger
16. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Album Title: Santa's Greatest Hits
Artist: Various

Tracks:
1. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree / Brenda Lee
2. Jingle Bell Rock / Bobby Helms
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Gene Autry
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Judy Garland
5. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus / Jimmy Boyd
6. A Holly Jolly Christmas / Burl Ives
7. Feliz Navidad / Jose Feliciano
8. The Chipmunk Song / Chipmunks
9. I'll Be Home for Christmas / Bing Crosby
10. Sleigh Ride / Ella Fitzgerald
11. The Little Drummer Boy / Harry Simeone Chorale
12. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) / Mel Torme
13. Santa Baby / Eartha Kitt
14. White Christmas / Bing Crosby

A "New" Twist on the Classics...

Album Title: A Very Special Christmas 7
Artist: Various

Tracks:
1. Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas / Colbie Caillat
2. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! / Carter Twins
3. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree / Miley Cyrus
4. Winter Wonderland / Vanessa Hudgens
5. The Little Drummer Boy / Sean Kingston
6. The Christmas Song / Charice
7. Do You Hear What I Hear? / Kristinia DeBarge
8. Jingle Bell Rock / Mitchel Musso
9. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) / Leighton Meester
10. Santa Baby / Kellie Pickler
11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Carrie Underwood
12. Last Christmas / Ashley Tisdale
13. Silent Night / Gloriana

Album Title: NOW That's What I Call Christmas! 4
Artist: Various

Tracks:
1. A Child is Born / Rihanna
2. Merry Christmas Baby / Sheryl Crow
3. Mistletoe / Colbie Caillat
4. All I Want for Christmas is You / Mariah Carey
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Christina Aguilera
6. What Child is This / Carrie Underwood
7. Where Are You Christmas / Faith Hill
8. Silver Bells / Martina McBride
9. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree / Toby Keith
10. Candy Cane Christmas / Darius Rucker
11. Christmas You and Me / Brian McKnight feat. Vince Gill
12. Wonderful Christmastime / Kelly Rowland
13. Drummer Boy / Sean Kingston
14. Christmas Tree / Lady Gaga feat. Space Cowboy
15. My Only Wish (This Year) / Britney Spears
16. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! / Michael Buble
17. Christmas Time is Here / Diana Krall
18. Happy Christmas (War is Over) / Maroon 5

Album Title: This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday Vol. 2
Artist: Various

Tracks:

1. Party Hard / Zach Gill
2. Jingle Bell Rock / Rogue Wave
3. Christmas Blues / G. Love
4. In the Morning / Jack Johnson
5. Christmas Must be Tonight / Bahamas
6. Home for the Season / Neil Halstead
7. Frosty the Snowman / Zee Avi
8. Let it Ride / ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra)
9. Make Time / Money Mark
10. Winter Swell Blues / Paula Fuga
11. Christmas Cookies / G. Love
13. Angel (Holiday) / Jack Johnson

ALBUM TITLE: Under the Mistletoe
ARTIST: Justin Bieber

Tracks:
1. Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas
2. Mistletoe
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
5. Fa La La
6. All I Want for Christmas is You / feat. Mariah Carey
7. Drummer Boy
8. Christmas Eve
9. All I Want is You
10. Home This Christmas
11. Silent Night

Album Title: A Very She & Him Christmas
Artist: She & Him

Tracks:
1. The Christmas Waltz
2. Christmas Day
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas
5. Christmas Wish
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
8. Silver Bells
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside
10. Blue Christmas
11. Little Saint Nick
12. The Christmas Song

Upcoming TAG Meetings

2012 TAG Meeting Dates

(all meetings @ 7PM @ Fredricksen Library)

Thursday, January 12th
Tuesday, January 24th
Thursday, February 9th
Thursday, February 23rd
Tuesday, March 6th
Thursday, March 22nd
Tuesday, April 3rd
Tuesday, May 1st
Thursday, May 17th

Shatter Me / Tahereh Mafi

TITLE: Shatter Me
AUTHOR: Tahereh Mafi
OWNED BY CCLS? On order.

Juliette is untouchable. (Scratch that.) Juliette's touch is lethal. Her special powers are actually to blame for the death of a young boy at a supermarket. Due to this particular incident, Juliette finds herself locked away by The Reestablishment (a futuristic type of government) with no hope of ever seeing the outside world. She has been deemed a monster and a criminal and even her parents were glad to see her go.

While Juliette is "living" in her cell, The Reestablishment offers her the chance to live a life free of cells in exchange for using her special power to torture other prisoners and parterning up with Warner, a Reestablishment leader.

Will Juliette's desire for human connection force her to choose to use her powers for evil or will a surprising encounter with a guard cause her to believe in a better life, and in love?

M's Verdict: I'm on the fence. The premise was interesting and the ending left me wanting more, but I wish the beginning had been more to the point and less wandering. It seems like Mafi took a long time working up toward the roller coaster romance between Juliette and Adam and the thrilling escape from The Reestablishment.

In regards to the actual writing, something that drove me absolutely NUTS in the beginning of the book was Mafi's lack of commas. I'm the first to admit that I am queen of run-on sentences, but come on! Plus the strike through text and repetitive phrases was kind of annoying too (I do understand that it was a way of understanding Juliette's thinking process, but I still found it bothersome). Here's what I'm talking about:

Just like all of the other new YA books I've read recently, I smell a sequel if not a series... So if you enjoy Shatter Me, find comfort in knowing there must be another one coming along shortly!

Click on the title header (above) to check out Tahereh Mafi's site (book trailer & more available online).

Racing in the Rain / Garth Stein

TITLE: Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog
AUTHOR: Garth Stein

OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

(Adapted from Stein's adult novel The Art of Racing in the Rain).

Racing cars is similar to life in that it is not just about the speed; there are many other factors that come into play and can change the outcome. Enzo, a wise and wonderful canine, is one such "person" that has come to understand this in his many years as a dog.

On his deathbed, Enzo (named after Enzo Ferrari) explains to the reader how he has come to become a knowledgeable soul (by watching television and listening and observing his owner--race car driver Denny Swift) and how all of his acts as a dog will hopefully allow him to become a human in his next life (he believes in karma).

Enzo tells of the many events that have impacted his life and the life of his owner. From the time Denny picked Enzo out of his litter, to when Denny first brought home Eve (his future wife), to when Denny and Eve's daughter Zoe was born, to the nasty custody battle between Denny and his in-laws.

Reminiscent of John Grogan's Marley and Me, Racing in the Rain offers dog lovers a new inspirational story. Enzo's perspective is refreshing and the storyline is both unpredictable and an emotional roller coaster (so have the tissues nearby).

M's Verdict... If you are a dog lover, like to read fictional dog tales or enjoyed John Grogan's Marley and Me, you'll love Racing in the Rain! I couldn't put it down and am looking into some of Stein's other books. After reading Racing in the Rain, you will likely look at your dog(s) a little differently than you did before. Because if, like Enzo, they really do understand everything that is going on and are simply unable to verbalize their happiness, disgust or frustration with us, perhaps we'd better listen a little more carefully!

a MUST read! check it out @ your library!

Dark Eden / Patrick Carman

TITLE: Dark Eden
AUTHOR: Patrick Carman
OWNED BY CCLS? On order.

Seven teenagers, including Will Besting (the fifteen year-old narrator) have irrational fears that have caused them to be sent away to Fort Eden to be cured.

One by one they go into a secret room to be cured. When they come out of the room they not only feel different, but they also experience new ailments like stiff joints, headaches, and dizziness. Will Fort Eden, nicknamed Dark Eden, hold the cure that these teens so desperately need or will Dark Eden simply scare them to death?

M's Verdict: MUST READ!!!! Patrick Carman (also the author of the Skeleton Creek series, some of the 39 Clues books, and The Land of Elyon series) wrote a real winner in Dark Eden.

I read this book about a month ago and have been waiting to post this review. Dark Eden is a gripping read that I flew through because it was sooo good. It reminded me of a great movie--it was action packed, full of suspense and kept you guessing.

If you're not into suspense and don't like to be kept on the edge of your seat, definitely skip this book. But, if you're looking for a real thrill--go check it out. It was so intense, it actually gave me nightmares! I would definitely read another of his books. So, to sum it up... Carman's Dark Eden is a great horror fiction book filled with suspense, that is unpredictable, creepy and fascinating...a MUST read!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer / Michelle Hodkin

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I FORGOT TO POST THIS EARLIER! I read this book during the summer and saved the post in anticipation of its publication (in late September) and it totally slipped my mind! My apologies for the lateness, but here's my take...

TITLE: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
AUTHOR: Michelle Hodkin
OWNED by CCLS? On order.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin is a haunting read. Although it's 400+ pages, it is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know.... what, how, and really? I was fortunate enough to be able to read an uncorrected proof of this particular novel and it was worth it! Here's the story...

TUOMD is Hodkin's first novel. It is a story (some truth to it possibly??) of a seventeen year old girl named Mara Dyer who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of the tragic event that led to the death of her best friend, her boyfriend, and a friend of her BFF. It is this tragedy that causes her whole family to move from Rhode Island to Florida in order to allow Mara to start over. With the help of her lawyer father, her psychologist mother and her two brothers (one older and one younger), will Mara be able to move on and come to grips with the accident that may or may not have been her fault?

Read TUOMD if you're looking for something that is sure to keep you guessing. It's a twisty mystery with suspense, intrigue, romance, murder, and more....

M's Verdict: Whoa...what a story! Although it may be 400+ pages, I guarantee (no money back though;) that you won't be able to put this book down! It's gripping and has such a crazy premise that you will want to know what's coming next. What the description doesn't mention is that Mara seems to have some slight psychological issues that she needs to come to grips with. I definitely see a sequel in Hodkin's future. We'll have to stay posted for that one!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Shadoweyes / Ross Campbell

I just finished a GREAT, but truly creepy fiction novel, however, I have to wait to post my review because the book isn't due to be published until November! Stay tuned for that one, it's a CAN'T MISS! ...

Instead of making you wait until November for a review, here's an update on the graphic novels in my "to read pile."

Batman R. I. P. / Grant Morrison
I started it and let's just say I got bored, wasn't wowed and therefore decided to cut my losses and move on to something that would hopefully retain my interest and be a bit more... interesting. [In case you haven't noticed from my reviews, if I start reading something and it really doesn't grab me and I don't have a huge incentive to read it, I will stop reading. There are soooo many books either in my "to read pile" or about to go into my "to read pile," that I feel that I cannot waste precious time on a stinker of a book; that's just my own personal theory.]

The Griff / Christopher Moore
Dare I say it, I was all ready for a good graphic novel, after not being sucked into the above GN. Unfortunately, even though I tried and almost succeeded in getting all the way through Moore's The Griff, I felt like the pay off would not be great... and ... I ... yup, cut my losses and ended the pain. I must say that the foreword and afterword were interesting and very insightful in regards to the creators--rather cynical and bitter individuals they must be. However, the GN as a whole was not put together well. The story line was weird and disconnected and the illustrations weren't anything spectacular. So, I'd say--skip it--unless you already checked it out and you've got no other GNs in the house.

Shadoweyes / Ross Campbell
My saving GN grace in my pile--Shadoweyes! Black and white illustrations with an interesting story line (both done by Ross Campbell) are just what I was looking for!

Scout Montana is a teen living in a futuristic society in a city called Dranac. Crime runs rampant and Scout is determined to help rid the city of evil-doers by becoming a superhero. In her first attempt to aid a neighborhood victim, Scout is hit in the head with a brick. Although many would think this would put a kibosh to any future heroism on Scout's behalf, the incident actually has a morphing affect on Scout. She shape shifts into a blue creature that has superhuman powers--Shadoweyes. Can Shadoweyes help Scout to fight Dranac crime or will Shadoweyes, like many superheroes, be feared by locals just as much as the criminals?

If you're just starting to read graphic novels or are interested and not quite sure what to read, try Shadoweyes. It's a bit sci-fi, realistic, romantic, adventurous, urban fictitious (yup, totally made that one up) and truly entertaining. I will certainly be reading the second book in the series: Shadoweyes in Love.

AP Study Guides

Teen Input Needed!

Some teens recommended that we purchase some AP study books for the Teen Collection. Since there are soooo many subjects that one could take an AP test for, I need to know WHAT AP subjects you are taking/most interested in/will be taking a test for.

Danke. (Thank you.)

It's Not Summer Without You / Jenny Han

Okay, I'm not quite ready to write another book review, but I just had to post this:

Last week I read Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty.

This week I finished the second book in her Summer series, It's Not Summer Without You. I am not much for series, but I couldn't help myself! I breezed through both books and enjoyed every minute! You know you're reading a good book when you look forward to reading it and make a point of taking reading breaks throughout the day or at least once a day (because sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day).

There's one last book in Han's Summer series called We'll Always Have Summer and I am going to try to wait until next summer to read it. I feel that it's only appropriate that I save the finale for actual summer-time. It'll be a definite good read that I can look forward to.

For now here are the books that are in my possibly next pile:

An Abundance of Katherines / John Green
Batman: R.I.P. / Grant Morrison
New Ultimates: Thor Reborn / Jeph Loeb
Wolverine, Weapon X Vol. 2, Insane in the Brain / Jason Aaron

Book Sale @ Fredricksen

Friends of Fredricksen Library
Book & Media Sale

Thursday, September 29 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm –Special Preview Sale!

Friday, September 30 from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday, Oct. 1 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – BAG SALE!

Banned Books Week

BANNED BOOKS WEEK
is September 24-October 1, 2011

For more information, check out : www.ala.org/bbw

Help celebrate your right to read what you want! Check out the website above or the list below for a great, and often controversial, read.


Top 10 Banned Books of 2010:

1) And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson;

2) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie;

3) Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley;

4) Crank, by Ellen Hopkins;

5) The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins;

6) Lush, by Natasha Friend;

7) What My Mother Doesn't Know, by Sonya Sones;

8) Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich;
(challenged @ Easton, Penn. School District in 2010)

9) Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie;

10) Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

The Summer I Turned Pretty / Jenny Han

TITLE: The Summer I Turned Pretty
AUTHOR: Jenny Han
OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

Belly, her older brother Steven, and her mother have been spending their summers at Cousins Beach ever since she can remember. They stay at Susannah's house (her mother's best friend) along with Susannah's two sons Conrad and Jeremiah. Every summer the boys go out and do fun things while Belly is often left at the house to hang out by herself. As Belly gets older she vies for Conrad's attention and is miffed when he not only does not give it to her, but goes out of his way to ignore her. The Summer I Turned Pretty is a great summer read about unrequited love, summer romance, and everything that a teen (or adult) could want in a summer. This book is sure to keep you counting down 'til summer break and looking forward to Belly & Conrad & Jeremiah's next summer @ Cousins Beach.

M's Verdict: Great read! If you're looking for something to read by the beach (or in the fall while pretending it's still summer) this is a great book for you. If you like Sarah Dessen and need something new--try out Jenny--it's well worth it and I guarantee that if you read this book, you'll go on to read book #2 and 3 in the series (#2--It's Not Summer Without You, #3--We'll Always Have Summer).

For biographical information or to stay posted on Jenny Han's upcoming books, check out her website:

http://www.dearjennyhan.com/

Guantanamo Boy

TITLE: Guantanamo Boy
AUTHOR: Anna Perera
OWNED by CCLS? On order.

Guantanamo Boy is a fictional tale of a 15 year old boy named Khalid who is kidnapped while on vacation with his family in Pakistan and sent to Guantanamo Bay. For two years Khalid is held without being charged (considered to be an enemy combatant) and forced to endure torture, interrogations, and less than humane conditions, despite the fact that he is a juvenile, has not been charged with a crime, and is innocent of any terrorist thoughts or acts.

M's Verdict: Whoa! I recommend this book to someone looking for a great tale of overcoming extreme obstacles despite having all of the odds stacked against you. Similar to Markus Zusak's Book Thief, this book took me a while to read due to the intense topic. Although the topic was rather intense and moving, a fictional tale of such a serious and relevant topic is a great way for teen audiences to get involved in current events and become aware of the human rights violations. It would be a great choice if you're looking for something new that has a male teen as the main character and is relevant historical fiction. It will appeal to both guys & girls and is sure to provide a great bridge to other nonfiction titles relating to Guantamo Bay, the Geneva Convention, human rights, the Iraq War, Iraq, Afghanistan, England, and the muslim culture. I have a feeling this book will be used in schools as a teaching tool before too long. Long story short--check it out @ FRE--I recommend it.

Some additional comments on Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera:

"An important work that deserves a wide audience."--Guardian UK Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award (UK)

"This powerful book shows that hatred is never an answer."--Sunday Times (UK), Children's Book of the Week

Check out the book's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GuantanamoBoy#!/GuantanamoBoy

As well as the author's page: (not exactly what one would expect from someone who wrote Guantanamo Boy)
http://annaperera.com/books.php

SEPTEMBER TEEN EVENTS @ FRE

Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 2PM

Book Purses

You will WOW your friends with the purse you made from a BOOK! Instructors will guide you through the process of making this hip craft project. Program fee covers half the material cost for the project. Registration required starting August 20th with a $5 fee. For teens in grades 6 – 12. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen.REGISTER ONLINE August 20

Sunday, September 18, 2011 @ 2PM

Pizza & a Movie

Join us for an afternoon movie and pizza at the library! We will be showing a Touchstone Pictures/Dreamworks production. This movie is PG-13. Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen. REGISTER ONLINE SEPTEMBER 1

"Anyone going through Harry Potter withdraw? "

CALLING ALL HARRY POTTER FANS!

Here's a great link that I wish I had posted earlier!

For all of you HP fans, here's a great list of websites that Alicia (@FRE Reference) found that should help you cope with your HP withdrawal.
Check out the link above or below for some HP fun. THANKS ALICIA!

http://fredricksenlib.blogspot.com/2011/08/anyone-going-through-harry-potter.html

COMING SOON... NEW Graphic Novels

First to Know...

Be the 1st person to know about what's being added to YOUR Teen Collection @ FRE.

The following titles are on order and will shortly be added to the TEEN Graphic Novel Collection @ FRE. Be sure to check them out!

Bad Island /Doug TenNapel
Batman R. I. P. / Grant Morrison
Batman: The Long Halloween / Jeph Loeb
Naruto, Volume 46 / Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto, Volume 49 / Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto, Volume 50 / Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto, Volume 51 / Masashi Kishimoto
Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 1 / Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 2 / Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 3 / Bisco Hatori
Toto! The Wonderful Adventure, Volume 5 / Yuko Osada
Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates: Thor Reborn / Jeph Loeb
Wolverine Weapon X: Volume 1: Adamantium Men / Jason Aaron
Wolverine X: Volume 2: Insane in the Brain / Jason Aaron
Wolverine X: Volume 3: Tomorrow Dies Today / Jason Aaron

Ultimate X-Men: Volume 1 / Mark Millar

TITLE: Ultimate X-Men: Volume 1
AUTHOR: Mark Millar
OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

FYI... If you're looking for a popular read, check out a copy of Mark Millar's Ultimate X-Men: Volume 1. This is the MOST checked out graphic novel in both the Teen and Adult graphic novel collections @ FRE! I think that speaks for itself! This GN has checked out so much, multiple copies have had to be purchased to replace the worn out and lost ones!

Another pattern... Batman seems to be rather popular among Cumberland County patrons. If you're interested in some popular Batman GNs, head to the shelves and look for some of these titles:

T GN BATMAN

Batman: Child of Dreams

T GN BATMAN

Batman: Dark Victory

T GN BATMAN

Batman Huntress: Cry for Blood

T GN LOEB JEPH

Batman: Hush, Volume 1

Creature Tech / Doug TenNapel (graphic novel)

TITLE: Creature Tech

AUTHOR: Doug TenNapel

OWNED by CCLS? Yes.

Description from the library catalog, which was borrowed from Booklist:

"Out in Turlock, California, all hell breaks loose when a mad scientist's spirit opens one of the crates of top-secret stuff at the Research Technical Institute, aka Creature Tech because of rumors, essentially correct, about what sort of things go on there."

M's Verdict: This is the first time I really had to refer to the library catalog description in order to, well, describe a book I read. Creature Tech is a great read for anyone who is intrigued by mad scientists, giant dead space eels, demonic cats, slugbeasts, the supernatural, and alien organisms. Although it's a bit of a bizarre premise, it is definitely not a dull storyline and the illustrations, as always, are impressive. If you're looking for something a bit less bizarre, try TenNapel's Ghostopolis, which is still pretty unusual, but a bit less... supernatural??

Last Week of the Teen Summer Reading Program @ FRE

Build ‘Em and Smash ‘Em Contest

Monday, July 25 at 1:00 pm

Teams of 2 to 4 will build a structure using predetermined materials and within set size parameters. Then we’ll see which structure holds the most weight before it’s smashed to smithereens! Sign up with a team or join one when you get here. Spectators welcome for the smashing at 2:30. Registration required starting July 11, for Teens entering grades 7 – 12. REGISTER ONLINE

Video Game Day

Tuesday, July 26 at 1:00 pm We’ll have 3 game systems set up, with Wii Party on our 10’ screen. Open play, no tournament, just an afternoon of gaming fun. Snacks and drinks provided, as well as board games. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen. No registration required. For Teens entering grades 7 – 12.

Aquapalooza III

Wednesday, July 27 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Join us for an afternoon of water fun-in-the-sun! There will be a water slide, water balloons, kiddy pools, and sprinklers. Bring your own water guns. Come dressed to get drenched! Permission slip required. Pick one up at the library or download from the library’s website. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen. For Teens entering grades 7 – 12 only. DOWNLOAD PERMISSION SLIP

Thursday Afternoon Movies for Teens @ 1PM

Call for title or check your Email Patron or Teen E-Newsletter Enjoy a newer release or classic movie including some of the HP movies as we countdown to the final one. Popcorn and drinks provided courtesy of Friends of Fredricksen. No registration required. For Teens entering grades 7 – 12.

Weekly Challenge #8

The LAST weekly challenge of the 2011 Summer!!! Opportunity for double tickets too!

Weekly Challenge #8 (week of July 25th)
PERFORMANCE!!

This week you have (2) options:

1. 
   
   Stop by the Reference Desk and show off your magic skills! Perform a magic trick for this week’s weekly challenge.


2. 
   
   Stop by the Reference Desk and show off your great sense of humor! Tell a joke to a member of the Reference staff for this week’s weekly challenge.

Friendly's Fundraiser--TONIGHT!!!

Don't feel like cooking tonight?

Are you hungry for a sundae?

Just want to get out of your house?

Then gather your friends, neighbors, and family and come out to

Friendly's on Market Street in Camp Hill tonight!

Place an order between 5 and 8PM and up to 15% of the proceeds will go to support Fredricksen Library's Teen Advisory Group!

We hope to see you there--thank you for your support!

Weekly Challenge #7 (week of July 18th)

Weekly Challenge #7 (week of July 18th)
Word Problem

Tom, Macy, Jack, and Sally hold these jobs in their city: veterinarian, mail carrier, police officer, and zoo keeper. Tom and Sally work with animals. Macy and Jack wear uniforms. Jack refuses to touch a gun. Sally does not like dogs. The veterinarian is 5 years older than the mail carrier. Macy, 24 years old, is 3 years younger than the zoo keeper. The 20-year-old delivers letters.
Can you match each person with an age and a job?

Tom is a _____________________ and he is ________ old.

Macy is a _____________________ and she is ________ old.

Jack is a _____________________ and he is ________ old.

Sally is a _____________________ and she is ________ old.

July 11- Teen Summer Reading Program Events

Hootenanny Jam Session Monday, July 11 at 7:00 pm

If you like music or you play an instrument; this is a program for you! Join other teens in a jam session on the lawn at Fredricksen. Bring your guitar, bring your ukulele, bring your harmonica, bring your voice. We’ll have a good ol’ fashioned hootenanny! Drinks will be provided by the Friends of Fredricksen.

No registration required. For teens entering grades 7 – 12.

Annual Tie Dye for Teens Tuesday, July 12 at 1:00 pm

Bring your own t-shirt, socks, shirt, whatever. We’ll supply everything else. Natural fibers (cotton, rayon, etc.) work best. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen.

No registration required. For teens entering grades 7-12.

Ultimate Frisbee Wednesday, July 13 at 7:00 pm

With the help of Messiah College coach, Pat Wright, and members of the Messiah team, learn the basics of Ultimate Frisbee on the lower lawn of the library. Bring a Frisbee, if possible. Sneakers suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of Fredricksen.

For teens entering grades 7 – 12. Registration IS required. Register starting July 1.

HP Movie Thursday, July 14 at 1:00 pm

Enjoy a newer release or classic movie including some of the HP movies as we countdown to the final one. Popcorn and drinks provided courtesy of Friends of Fredricksen.

For teens entering grades 7 – 12. No registration required.

Weekly Challenge #6

One day early;)

Weekly Challenge #6 (week of July 11th)
Brain Teaser II

1. How many of each species did Moses take onto the ark with him?
   


2. If 3 cats catch 3 rats in 3 minutes, how many minutes will it take 100 cats to catch 100 rats?
   


3. I am very heavy, but backwards I'm not.

Elixir / Hilary Duff

TITLE: Elixir
AUTHOR: Hilary Duff
OWNED BY CCLS: Yes.

This is a hard book to summarize and explain. Oddly similar to something I've read before. Perhaps comparable to Lauren Kate's Fallen. See for yourself...

Clea Raymond, the seventeen year old daughter of a prominent U.S. politician (mother) and surgeon (father), leads an unusual life to say the least. Clea works as a photojournalist and travels the world taking photos that she believes "capture the soul." Both of her parents are also constantly "on the go" with their work, leaving Clea to fight the paparazzi on her own or spend time with her BFF Rayna and her bodyguard/best friend Ben.

During one of Clea's father's missionary trips to Brazil he goes missing. There are no answers, only questions surrounding his disappearance. Fortunately, one of Clea's photojournalist assignments takes her (and Ben) to the festival of Carnival in Brazil. Clea's trip morphs from a simple photo shoot expedition to a bizarre adventure of sorts that includes fear, love, mystery, intrigue and tales of 500 years past. Perhaps the trip to Brazil will provide Clea with some closure, but it sounds like it may only stir up more questions.

Check out Elixir today @ FRE--only 1 copy is currently available!

M's Verdict: A few things...
(1) This book is hard to explain/describe.
(2) This book leads well into a sequel (coming out this October : Devoted).
(3) I wish that when I had started reading this book that I hadn't known who wrote it. I'll admit that the only reason that I picked up this book is because I wanted to see if actor/singer/songwriter Hilary Duff could write. Unfortunately, I can't help but wonder if this didn't influence how I read this book.

For example, have you ever watched a movie or seen a trailer for a movie and then tried to read the book? How many of you picture what the characters look like? (i.e. When I read Twilight it was after seeing previews of the movie. This meant that as I read the book, I pictured Kristen Stewart as Bella and Robert Pattinson as Edward. I think this definitely changes how you read as well as how you think about a book. The same applies for when you see a movie after reading that book it was based on. More often than not I think--"that is soooo not what I pictured him/her as.)

Weekly Challenge #5

Weekly Challenge #5 (week of July 4th)
RIDDLES

Can you figure out the answer to these riddles?

1. A cowboy rides into town on Friday. He stays two days and then leaves on Saturday. How can this be?

2. The more I dry, the wetter I get. What am I?

3. I always run, but never walk. I have a bed, but I don't sleep. I have a mouth, but I don't eat. What am I?

Emiko Superstar / Mariko Tamaki

TITLE: Emiko Superstar
AUTHOR: Mariko Tamaki
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.
FORMAT: Graphic Novel

Emiko is a geek. With summer right around the corner, rather than head off to finance camp with her friends, Emiko decides she needs to figure out who she is. Her mother does not think this is going to happen while Emiko lays around watching TV, so Emiko gets a job babysitting.

It is through her babysitting job that Emiko finds a secret journal that gives her the inspiration that she needs to shine at a local underground "freak club." Will the change in friends and atmosphere be what Emiko needs to find herself or will she realize that being a geek isn't actually that bad?

M's Verdict: Emiko Superstar is a quick read. Although not particularly inspiring or thought provoking, it does provide homage to Andy Warhol and '60s culture. Perhaps readers new to graphic novels would be better served reading Cecil Castellucci's Plain Janes and Janes in Love, which were GREAT, had a bit more of a story line and certainly seemed to have a bit more depth to them.

Weekly Challenge #4

After speaking to a few of you, I've decided to try and keep the Teen Summer Reading Program Weekly Challenges posted on both Facebook and this blog. Below is the Weekly Challenge for this week (paper copies available @ FRE).

Weekly Challenge #4 (week of June 27th)
TITLE SCRAMBLE

Unscramble the words below to form the titles of movies that were books before they made it to the big screen.
(HINT: All of these titles can be found in FRE’s Teen section).

TSI IDNK FO A NYFUN YSRTO

PDFLIPE

CTSOT MGRIPLI

ATSYLEB

RAYRH TOTPER NDA HET EAYHLDT WLOHLSO

I ONKW TAHW YOU IDD STLA SURMEM

STDESHROIO FO EHT LIGETRVAN NSAPT

CSIEEPL

OMMSRIE FO A GETENAE AMINECSA

HAKNTIER

HTE OYB NI HTE ESPTIDR AAAJMSP

Latest & Greatest...

So...I haven't been posting much to the blog lately. We were deciding whether or not to keep the blog going and although we've created a new FB page (Teen Scene at Fredricksen Library) apparently not all teens actually use FB (or so they tell us). I've also heard that some of you actually look at the blog, which means....I will continue adding to the blog in hopes that either more teens start looking at it or in hopes of completely converting you all to FB.

3 weeks since Teen Summer Reading Program registration began, 2 weeks of programming already over! Time is flying, so be sure to get into Fredricksen to either register for this AWESOME program or stop in for a FREE program. Here's the schedule for next week:

MONDAY 06/27 @ 1PM--AUTHOR VISIT

Local young adult author Neil Connelly joins us to share his new novel, The Miracle Stealer, which has earned a starred review from Booklist. He will do a reading, a question and answer session and a mini-workshop for budding writers. Copies of The Miracle Stealer will be given out as door prizes. No registration required. For teens entering grades 7 – 12.

TUESDAY 06/28 @ 1PM--YOGA
Join us for an hour of yoga with an instructor from Yoga-Scripts. Yoga strengthens the body, increases flexibility and helps relieve anxiety and stress. Suitable for all physical abilities or fitness levels. If you've never attended a yoga class, come give it a try, you'll stretch and strengthen your body and mind. Bring a mat or beach towel. No registration required. For teens entering grades 7 – 12.

WEDNESDAY 06/29 @ 1PM--VIDEO GAME DAY

Call of Duty 2 on the 10' screen! 3 Game systems set up; 1 on the BIG screen. Open play, no tournament. Snacks & drinks provided. Board games available. No registration required. For teens entering grades 7-12.

THURSDAY 06/30 @ 1PM--MOVIE

For movie information, please call the Fredricksen Library Reference Desk at 717-761-3900 x225. For teens entering grades 7-12.

Alright, that pretty much wraps it up until next week. Have a nice weekend, and if you're interested, here are the books/graphic novels in my "think about reading" pile:

> Elixir / Hilary Duff (fantasy fiction)

> Flink / Doug TenNapel (graphic novel)

> Emiko Superstar / Tamaki Mariko (graphic novel)

> Creature Tech / Doug TenNapel (graphic novel)

> Pretend You Love Me / Julie Anne Peterse (realistic fiction)

> What Happened to Goodbye / Sarah Dessen (audiobook)

> Confessions of a Blabbermouth / Mike Carey (graphic novel)

Teen SRP Program #1

The 1st Teen Summer Reading Program program is finally here! Tomorrow, Monday, June 13th, the Fredricksen Library will be hosting it's 1st VIDEO GAME DAY of the season @ 1PM in the Community Room.

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to attend this FREE event. Snacks will be provided in addition to a plethora of video game systems & games. There will be traditional board games too!

I hope to see you there!

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Teen SRP (Summer Reading Program) Update

It's official!

The Teen Summer Reading Program @ Fredricksen Library has begun!

Even though today was the first day of registration, we already have:

* 42 Registered Teens (but there are more @ the computers as I type!!!
* 12 Bk Reviews (one being typed right now) and quite a few Teens registering for our upcoming programs!

YAY TEENS! You're awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing some old & new faces at our Summer Programs!

Clarity / Kim Harrington

TITLE: Clarity

AUTHOR: Kim Harrington

OWNED by CCLS? YES!

Clarity by debut author Kim Harrington is not a book that you're going to want to miss! I read this book a month or so ago and have been waiting for the opportune time to showcase it on the blog. I cannot say enough good things about this novel! Anyhow, just because I love it, doesn't mean you're going to, so read the description below to see if it's something you might like. (May I suggest it for your first summer reading book!! It would be a great beach read!)

Clare Fern, who belongs to a family of psychics, is sixteen and lives in the tourist town of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Unbeknownst to her, she and her family are about to have the summer of their lives. When Clare's brother becomes a suspect in a murder of a teen girl in a local motel, Clare must work with the police detective, her cheating ex-boyfriend, and the new detective's quite hot son to prove that her brother is innocent. Will her gift, which is sometimes unpredictable, be able to help clear her brother's name and keep her safe from the lurking murderer? Check Clarity out if you're looking for a suspenseful novel filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing.

M's Verdict: Obviously it's AWESOME! (If you cannot remember why, read above:p) I will definitely be eagerly awaiting Kim Harrington's upcoming novels, including Perception (the sequel to Clarity and expected to be released in March 2012).

Teen Scene @ Fredricksen Library

NEW to FB!

The Teen Scene @ Fredricksen Library is now on Facebook! Use the link above (or below) to check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Teen-Scene-at-Fredricksen-Library

Eventually our blog will disappear and we will rely on our FB page; so please use it. Feel free to add comments, tell us what you like/dislike, and what we should add/change. It's your page, so let's use it to share book reviews, information on Teen Programs & events, and upcoming changes to the Teen collection @ FRE and anything else relevant.

Three Black Swans / Caroline B. Cooney

TITLE: Three Black Swans
AUTHOR: Caroline B. Cooney
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.

Do you remember The Face on the Milk Carton series? The author, Caroline B. Cooney, has written over 75 novels for teens and they just keep getting better! Three Black Swans is a great choice if you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat-can't-stop-reading and am-dying-to-know-how-this-can-possibly-end novel!

Missy is a sixteen-year-old high school student who comes up with great prank for her science class; she and her cousin are going to convince her classmates that they are in fact long-last twins rather than cousins. The whole thing turns Missy and her cousin Claire's lives upside-down when a video of the two of them go viral and the girls begin to believe their own prank. Could the girls actually be identical twins? After sixteen years of sleep overs and family get-togethers, is it possible that their parents have kept such a secret hidden for so long?

M's Verdict: Read Three Black Swans if you like surprising twists and turns. Although it's sure to make you a bit tense (due to anticipating and waiting for what could possibly happen next), it's worth it.

Check out Cooney's website (below) for more information on her book or her life.
http://www.carolinebcooneybooks.com/

Ghostopolis / Doug TenNapel

TITLE: Ghostopolis
AUTHOR: Doug TenNapel
OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

One of the graphic novels that I frequently recommend to readers new to graphic novels is Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel. I read Ghostopolis a few months back and I have continued to search out and read all of the TenNapel GNs that I can get my hands on.

Ghostopolis is a bit weird and unusual, but that's what makes it fun. Once you start reading, I guarantee you'll want to read another of TenNapel's comics, if not--see me!

Picture this...
You have an incurable disease, that's as bad as it can get, right? Think again! You're zapped into the afterlife by a ghost wrangler, along with a horse skeleton (that appears to be alive--weird), and the ruler of this afterlife is not pleased with your arrival, so he sends his minions after you. Fantastic! Fortunately the ghost wrangler who accidentally sent you to this other world has an ex ghost girlfriend, who can hopefully get you back to where you belong. All this and more is jammed into Ghostopolis. Want to know how it ends? Check it out! If it's already gone, don't worry, there's another copy on order!

Check out Doug TenNapel's website too : http://tennapel.com/ .

I am currently reading Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner and Power Up by Doug TenNapel.