Teen Scene @ Fredricksen Library

Ten Things We Did... / Sarah Mlynowski

2012-01-29T16:16:00.012-05:00

TITLE: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)
AUTHOR: Sarah Mlynowski
OWNED by CCLS? On order.

Let me set the stage by providing some background...

April is your typical teen; sort of. She's a junior at a high school in Westport, Connecticut and like every other teen on the planet, it seems that her parents are out to ruin her life. Her mother's affair with another man is the catalyst that causes her parents to get a divorce. And before the ink has even dried on the divorce papers, her mother and father have both remarried. April moves in with her father and stepmother so as to avoid leaving Westport, her school, her friends, and her boyfriend Noah, and April's younger brother Matthew moves with their mother and stepfather to France.

Now let's get to the good stuff...

It's now halfway through April's junior year of high school and her father decides to take a job in Cleveland. April obviously will not let her father's new job title and salary cause her to leave behind all that she loves. So... April and her BFF Vi (a senior) manage to convince her father to let her live the rest of her junior year at Vi's house. April's father, under the assumption that Vi's mother will be present, agrees.

Picture this... you're a junior in high school living in a house on the beach with your best friend and fellow student; alone. Your parents are a few states away and you have the house to yourself for the next six months. What would you do?

Would you be the responsible one? The one who goes grocery shopping, does the laundry, and takes care of the house? OR... Would you be the "wild child?" The one who hosts the parties, has boys over and buys a hot tub?

Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) chronicles three months in the life of April Berman. Everything that could possibly happen when two teenagers are living without adult supervision happens. This is a great story of what it takes to be a grown up; responsibility for your actions and your words. It's a true tale of teen angst, growing up, and forgiveness.

M's Verdict: If you're looking for a book with a hook, try this out. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Mlynowski and I was impressed. Great cover & title (which caused me to pick up the book) and a great storyline (which made me not want to put the book down).

I love that the book is so realistic, but not depressingly so. There is still plenty of comedy, but the reader is able to relate and connect to the characters without having that "Disney-feel". Mlynowski does a great job of making this story modern and believable. It involves underage drinking, sex, profanities, and plenty of totally irresponsible behaviors or minors, sp it's not for the more conservative crowd, but it's sure to hit close to home for many a teen.

Check it out... (coming soon to your library)

The Hunger Games Movie

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

In a winter slump? Need something to look forward to between now and Spring? Then it's time to begin your countdown.

If you enjoyed any of the Suzanne Collins Hunger Games books:

1. Hunger Games,
2. Catching Fire, or
3. Mockingjay,

you'll be excited to know (if you don't already) that the 1st of (hopefully) 3 installments will be in theatres March 23, 2012. Check out the trailer @ http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/thehungergames/ .

While you're at it, check out the new Hunger Games READ poster from ALA (American Library Association). For purchase information, click on the READ poster (to left).

If you haven't read the Hunger Games books yet, be sure to check them out @ your library today! The titles above are links to our catalog, so click on the one you want to read and go ahead and place a hold.

2012 ALA Award Winners

2012-01-23T11:05:00.010-05:00

(this is going to be a long one...)

2012 Award Winning and Honor Books

Alex Awards
(ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18)

Big Girl Small / Rachel DeWoskin
In Zanesville / Jo Ann Beard
The Lover’s Dictionary / David Levithan
The New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens / Brooke Hauser
The Night Circus / Erin Morgenstern
Ready Player One / Ernest Cline
Robopocalypse: A Novel / Daniel H. Wilson
Salvage the Bones / Jesmyn Ward
The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures / Caroline Preston
The Talk-Funny Girl / Roland Merullo

Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
Winner(s):

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery / Steven Sheinkin

Finalists:

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition / Karen Blumenthal

Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein / Susan Goldman Rubin—juvenile

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science / Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way / Sue Macy

Margaret A. Edwards Award
(honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, that have been popular over a period of time. It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world)

Winner: Susan Cooper
(click on her name--above--to see all of the books written by Cooper that are owned by the Cumberland County Library System)

Michael L. Printz Award
(award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature)

Winner:

Where Things Come Back / John Corey Whaley

Honor(s):

Jasper Jones / Craig Silvey

The Returning / Christine Hinwood

The Scorpio Races / Maggie Stiefvater

Why We Broke Up / Daniel Handler

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
(producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States)

Winner:

Rotters / written by Daniel Kraus; narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Honor(s):

Ghetto Cowboy / written by G. Neri; narrated by JD Jackson

Okay for Now / written by Gary D. Schmidt; narrated by Lincoln Hoppe

The Scorpio Races / written by Maggie Stiefvater; narrated by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham

Young Fredle / written by Cynthia Voight; narrated by Wendy Carter

Schneider Family Book Award
(honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences)

Middle School Winner(s):

Close to Famous / Joan Bauer

Wonderstruck: A Novel in Words and Pictures / Brian Selznick

Teen Winner(s):

The Running Dream / Wendelin Van Draanen

Stonewall Book Awards
(English language books that have exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered experience)

Winner:

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy / Bil Wright

Honor(s):

a + e 4ever / Ilike Merey

Money Boy / Paul Yee

Pink / Lili Wilkinson

with or without you / Brian Farrey

William C. Morris Debut YA Award
(honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature)

Winner:

Where Things Come Back / John Corey Whaley

Finalist(s):

Between Shades of Gray / Ruta Sepetys

Girl of Fire and Thorns / Rae Carson

Paper Covers Rock / Jenny Hubbard

Under the Mesquite / Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Best of the Best of 2011

2012-01-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

ALA Award Winners

With the New Year comes new award winning books. In anticipation of the upcoming ALA award announcements (TBA on January 23rd, 2012--1 week away) let's check out some of the nominees...

Alex Awards
honors ten adult books with special appeal to teens
Nominees

Morris Award
honors the best book by a previously unpublished author writing for teens
Nominees

Nonfiction Award
honors the best nonfiction written for teens each year
Nominees

Edwards Award
honors an author and specific works by that author for lifetime contribution for writing to teens
Nominees [Unlisted]

Printz Award
honors the best book written for teens each year
Nominees [Unlisted]

Odyssey Award
honors the producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States
Nominees [Unlisted]

Carter Finally Gets It / Brent Crawford

2012-01-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

TITLE: Carter Finally Gets It
AUTHOR: Brent Crawford
CCLS OWN? Yes--in print (book), electronic (e-book) and audio (CD)

This is not your average and oh-so-predictable coming of age tale of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, and that's a wrap. Carter Finally Gets It is told from the perspective of high school freshman Will Carter (aka Carter), a guy just trying to figure it all out before the end of his freshman year; how to get the girl, the cool nickname, the varsity letter jacket, the spot on the football, swimming and baseball teams, and ... the part in the school play. Carter is such a realistic character that readers will be rooting for him while simultaneously laughing at the horribly awkward situations that he finds himself in.

Still not quite hooked? Check out some of these can't miss lines from the novel Carter Finally Gets It...

We look like a pair of escapees from a mental hospital, or an S&M sex convention. My shirt is all ripped up and my hands are bound behind my back. EJ has puke all over his shirt, buttless pants, and only one shoe.

We're having chili for dinner tonight. It's my favorite thing Mom cooks, because instead of vegetables or rice or something on the side of the main dish, we have cinnamon rolls. I don't know who told her you could swap broccoli for a cinnamon roll, but I like it...

She definitely had a nice butt; I can tell that at any speed.

"Fight nothin', Mom! Let's talk about how Lynn had a huge party when we were at Grandma's funeral, and how the house was so jacked up that she had to hire a cleaning crew and a contractor to put it back together!"

If her wiggly walk was a crime and I was asked to testify against it at trial, I could give you every detail.

I learned a valuable lesson. Teachers are people...underpaid, poorly dressed, lame car-driving people.

I'm going to the dance with the hottest girl in my class, yet her dad will kill me if I touch her, and she's been ambushed by some demented makeover show.

In this process of becoming an adult, I think some people have got to get hurt. We hurt ourselves, and we hurt others. Some deserve it, while others are just waiting in line to play Ms. Pac-Man.

M's Verdict: I LOVED IT! This is the first book that I completely read on my Kindle and somehow it made the experience even better. I was able to save notes to use for my review and it was just as hilarious as if the book was right in front of me! I highly recommend it to everyone!
I chose to read this particular book because I felt like the books that I had been reading lately were written predominantly by and intended for female readers. I wanted something written by a man and told from a teen boy's perspective. Crawford hit that nail right on the head! (In other words, this was exactly the book that I was looking for!) It's the perfect book--it's filled with non-stop comedy, action, drama, and more.

It's a great choice for anyone who has gone through that awkward transition from middle to high school. Regardless of whether you are a guy or a girl, you are sure to find the totally bizarre (but believable) situations that Will finds himself in absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious! Whether it's when Will and his friends are running from the cops, driving on the wrong side of the road, practically draining themselves of blood while shaving, or totally striking out while trying to pick up the rival schools' hotties, this book is sure to keep you entertained while still giving that feel good message of... it gets better & everyone has a rough patch (or two). I promise that if you read this book, you will declare that it is of epic proportions;)

Did you know...

2012-01-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

that you can check out Video Games @ your Library?
Check out some of these NEW Video Games!!

for Nintendo DS:
Kirby Mass Attack
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-land Mayhem
Mario Kart

for Play Station 3:
Little Big Planet
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time
Uncharted 1
Uncharted 2

for Wii:
Kirby's Return to Dreamland

for XBOX 360:
Batman: Arkham City
Forza 4
Need for Speed: The Run
Split Second

Looking for a different video game?
Check out our catalog online:
www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/catalog

For faster results...
Look up a specific title using the "FORMAT" search
(under advanced search options) and type your game title in the last search box on the page: Software Title begins with:

Upcoming Programs

2012-01-02T15:38:00.010-05:00

Video Game Day: Mario Day!
Sunday, January 8 at 2 pm

Join us for a video game day of all games Mario - Mario Kart, Mario Party and Super Smash Brothers! We will have several systems set up around the room. No registration necessary. For grades 6 -12. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Fredricksen.

This Land is Your Land: Teen Writing Workshop
4 Part workshop- 4 Saturdays January 28th, February 4th, February 11th and February 18th 2 pm to 4 pm

In a world where analysis and left-brain thinking dominates, this creative writing workshop gently guides in the creation of a deeper, more imaginative universe. Where else can you create your own landscape and those who live in it? This workshop supports self-expression and enhances a new way of thinking in today’s hectic pace. As Tramp once said in “Lady and the Tramp:” There’s a big hunk of world down there with no fences around it…..And it’s all ours for the taking…..All ours.” This is exactly the spirit you will find in this fun-filled creative writing workshop presented by Real Simple Soul and Sherrie LeuVay.

Teen Movie: Call for title - PG-13 Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm

Escape the cold weather by joining us to watch a Steven Spielberg Production. After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Fredricksen. No registration necessary. For grades 6 -12. MPAA- Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some drug use.

Safe Sitter Workshop 2-part workshop, Saturdays, January 14 and 21 from 10 am – 4:30 pm

Holy Spirit Health System will be presenting this babysitter training program for ages 11-13. To register call Cheryl Sola at Holy Spirit Health Systems at 763-2427 and leave a message including your name, address, and phone number. A registration packet will be mailed to you. You must attend both sessions to receive a certificate of completion. There is a $25 fee which will include a manual, a backpack, and additional supplies. T-shirts and sweatshirts will also be available for purchase. Bring a bag lunch. (Snowdate - January 28)

Teen Craft: Valentine's Day Roses Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm

We will be combining the best parts of Valentine’s Day, roses and chocolate, to make Hershey Kiss roses. We will also be making roses from everyone's favorite material, duct tape! Great gifts for that special someone. For grades 6 – 12 with no registration necessary. Sponsored by Friends of Fredricksen.

Game Day- Unplugged! Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm

Join us for an afternoon of board games! Feel free to bring your favorite from home. For grades 6 – 12 with no registration necessary. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Fredricksen.

Program for All Ages
Birdie for Books! –Mini Golf @ Fredricksen Library Saturday, February 25 from 10 am to 6 pm

Save the Date! Our 3rd Annual Birdie for Books fundraiser is back again by popular demand! Don’t miss the chance to play 18 holes of miniature golf INSIDE the library and raise money for Fredricksen at the same time. Last year over 400 golfers came to Fredricksen to play our challenging course that meandered throughout both floors of the library, helping us to raise almost $10,000! The course includes sand traps, hazards, menacing greens, and other decorations designed by local high schools students. Our 19th Hole Café will once again be filled with wonderful treats, raffle prizes and food. Last year’s prizes included pool memberships, golf outings, toys, and gift baskets. Don’t miss this fun filled day for the whole family! Hole, Tee and Fairway Sponsorships are available for businesses, organizations and families to support Fredricksen. The library will be open for this unique Mini-Golf fundraiser, but closed for regular library business on Saturday, February 25th. For more information call the Development Office at (717) 761-3900 ext. 244.

Playground / Fifty Cent

2011-12-28T11:35:00.006-05:00

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

2011-12-14T18:52:00.001-05:00

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

2011-12-02T01:00:00.004-05:00

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

2011-12-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-20T16:22:00.006-05:00

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

2011-11-16T18:55:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-13T16:51:00.011-05:00

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

2011-10-27T18:53:00.007-04:00

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

2011-10-24T19:24:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-13T17:23:00.007-04:00

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

2011-10-06T16:13:00.004-04:00

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

2011-09-29T19:02:00.006-04:00

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

2011-09-28T18:04:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-22T18:19:00.009-04:00

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

2011-09-16T19:00:00.010-04:00

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

2011-09-10T12:05:00.012-04:00

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

2011-09-05T11:48:00.003-04:00

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? "

2011-08-25T15:00:00.003-04:00

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

2011-08-25T14:22:00.009-04:00

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

2011-08-18T16:27:00.004-04:00

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)

2011-08-15T12:07:00.004-04:00

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

2011-07-21T13:20:00.007-04:00

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

2011-07-21T13:09:00.001-04:00

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:

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

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!!!

2011-07-19T15:17:00.003-04:00

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)

2011-07-14T13:44:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-07T14:38:00.012-04:00

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

2011-07-06T13:12:00.001-04:00

One day early;)

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

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

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

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

Elixir / Hilary Duff

2011-07-06T11:06:00.006-04:00

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

2011-06-30T16:49:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-28T16:40:00.006-04:00

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

2011-06-27T16:25:00.003-04:00

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...

2011-06-23T16:37:00.007-04:00

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

2011-06-12T22:15:00.002-04:00

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

2011-06-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

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

2011-05-23T18:06:00.013-04:00

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

2011-05-19T18:43:00.004-04:00

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

2011-05-11T16:26:00.003-04:00

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

2011-05-09T16:48:00.006-04:00

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.

Mother's Day Button Bracelets

2011-05-07T16:39:00.003-04:00

Today we had our Mother's Day Button Bracelets program @ 2PM.

Although we had a smaller turnout than expected, the bracelets that resulted turned out great!

THANK YOU to our participants--we hope to see you at our next event: a showing of the 4th Harry Potter movie on Sunday, May 15th.

If I Stay

2011-05-02T17:16:00.007-04:00

TITLE: If I Stay
AUTHOR: Gayle Forman
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.

I will admit right off the bat, that I am totally swayed by the cover of a book. Covers pull me in and it's the first few pages and chapters that hook me (or totally turn me off). Don't get me wrong, a book with a great cover can be completely horrible, so don't let the cover be the only deciding factor. Anyhow, I do have a point...

One YA book that I recently picked up (based upon the interesting cover) was Gayle Forman's If I Stay. It's about a teen girl and her family who are in a terrible car accident. The entire story revolves around whether the talented teen cellist Mia will fight to live or succumb to the darkness of death that seems to be calling her.

I was drawn to the impending doom that seemed to drip off of the blurb of the book, but I can't say that that was enough to propel me through the entire book. For the readers of this blog, I can proudly say that I was able to power through the whole book; depressing topic, high level vocabulary, obvious outcome and all.

M's Verdict: Eh, not good enough for me to want to read the sequel: Where She Went. From looking at our copy, it's checked out a lot and the reviews are really good too, so obviously my opinion is not the same as many others. If you disagree with me, let me know! Share your thoughts and give me a teen perspective of If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

Hello!

2011-04-18T17:34:00.004-04:00

Time to get back into blogging! Before I post my first book review, I want to introduce myself. My name is Meaghan and I was the teen services assistant last summer with Mrs. N during the Teen Summer Reading program. If you attended any of the library's summer events during 2010 (Thursday movies, Bhangra dance, Aquapalooza, etc., etc.) I was there. I am pleased to be back working in the Teen Department and look forward to seeing many of your faces once again! Later this week I will post my first book review. Stay tuned and be prepared to provide feedback:-)

Hannah Just Read: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

2011-03-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

I would like to start by saying YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK. You will love it--guys, girls, anyone, really... you will like this book.
Sam (full name Samhain Corvus LaCroix) is a college dropout turned professional burger flipper at Seattle fast food joint Plumpy's. He hangs out with his friends, skateboards, and cracks jokes like any normal kid until the night that Douglas Montgomery walks into Plumpy's and recognizes Sam for what he is-- a fellow necromancer with the ability to raise the dead.
Douglas is less than thrilled that there is another necromancer in town, and now he's out to get rid of Sam, who has one week to figure out all this necromancer stuff with the help of his best friend, Ramon, a hottie female werewolf, a talking head, and his mom.
This book was all over the book blogs and lists screaming its praises since it was released in December, and for good reason. Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride is hilarious and exciting, and I hope it is the start of a series or a trilogy or something, because I loved it and I want to read more. I liked, too that it sort of took all of the fantasy stuff that's going on in teen lit right now and turned it on its head, poking fun at it, but at the same time embracing it. It was like the book was one big inside joke and everyone is in on it. I will say, though, just an FYI, Sam and his friends are a little older, like 19 or 20, and they do stuff in the book that people who are a little older do, but read the book if you want to, because I doubt you'll be disappointed. Unless you're boring or have no sense of humor.

Incidentally, this is also my last blog post. Starting the 21st of March I'm going to be moving to Allentown to be the Youth Services Librarian at the Parkland Community Library, so if you're ever in the area, stop in to say hi! I've loved reviewing books on here, and I hope you have liked reading them!

And the winner is...

2011-03-01T09:52:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Nia S. for winning our pre-pub giveaway! She won a copy of Wither by Lauren DeStefano and Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell, both of which are just being published this month.
Let me know if you liked this giveaway and if we should do more in the future!

Hannah Just Read: BADD by Tim Tharp

2011-02-22T11:32:00.001-05:00

First off, I hope I'll see everyone at the TAG meeting tonight at 7:00! And now, on to the review:

Tim Tharp is one of my favorite authors, and not just for teens, but for adults, too, because I think his books are so good that everyone, adult, teen, android, zombie, alien, should read Tim Tharp. He wrote one of my all time favorite books ever called The Spectacular Now, which Mrs. N reviewed and didn't like all that much, but it is good to have differing opinions in the world.
BADD is his newest novel, and we just bought a copy of it for the library, so you can go request it now if you think it sounds good (and it was). BADD is about Ceejay, who idolizes her older brother Bobby. Bobby is kind of wild and definitely tough, but not in a bully kind of way, he was always sticking up for the underdog, and defending people who couldn't defend themselves. After getting into some trouble, Bobby is sent into the army, and the book starts a few weeks before he is supposed to return home from Iraq. Ceejay can't wait to see him, but by the time he gets back he is very different from how she remembers him.
I love Tim Tharp's books because he creates great characters, and even when you don't actually like the characters all that much, they still seem real and complete. They are really complex. There's a lot going on in BADD. It isn't just a girl waiting for her brother to get home from Iraq, it is also about first love, and family relationships, and death, and somehow Tim Tharp ties them all together really well, creating a really intricate and well developed story. I loved it, and you should read it, too, but be warned, there is some drinking and drug use throughout the book.

Also, don't forget to enter the pre-pub giveaway from last week! You only have one week left! So scroll down a little and enter today!

What Hannah's Been Reading: books to GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-15T10:34:00.007-05:00

I've been reading furiously over the past few weeks. We've gotten some pre-published books in here at the library, so I've been trying to check them out and see which ones we might buy for the library. BUT we can't put the pre-pubs (see how cool I sound when I call them that?) into our teen collection here, so my plan is to give them away to one of you lucky lucky blog readers.
The first book I read is called Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell. She's an author of juvenile lit, but this is her first book for teens. The book is about Janie Gorman, who lives on a farm with her parents and little sister. Everyone else in her family is 100% into farm life, but starting high school with goat poop on her shoe is not what Janie had in mind. In her desire to fit in she tries joining a jam band, hanging out with senior citizens, and meeting a new friend named Monster.
If there was one word that I would use to describe Ten Miles Past Normal it would be Cute. With a capital C. It seemed to me like there was a lot going on in the book and that the characters could have used some further development. I feel like there were definitely some plot points that could have been developed more, but all that being said, the book was enjoyable, and it was cute, and it was a quick read, and PLUS, you'd get to read it before anyone else, because it isn't even being published until next month!

The other book I read is called Wither by Lauren DeStefano, who is another new teen author. This book is the first in a trilogy, and it is set in a future America where girls only live to 20, and men live until 25. Wealthy men marry early and have multiple wives, most of whom are kidnapped and forced into marriage, like the main character Rhine, who is taken from her home in New York and brought to Florida, where she forced into marriage with a wealthy young man. However it is one of the servants, Gabriel, who Rhine falls in love with as she also plots her escape.
I was surprised that I liked this book. I read it really quickly--it was one of those stay up late to finish it books. It reminded me of a lot of other teen books that are out right now, though. It was kind of Incarceron by Catherine Fisher + Twilight + Delirium by Lauren Oliver, though not quite as well done as any of those (except Twilight... don't get me started on Twilight). I'll be interested to see where the plot goes in the next two books though.

So, here's the giveaway part. Just enter your name and e-mail address here, and I will do a drawing for the winner on March 1, and just so you know, no one will be able to see your e-mail address, and it won't be used for anything other than me sending you an e-mail to tell you that you won.

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A completely self serving post in which I brag about my recent trip to Pittsburgh to see John Green

2011-02-01T13:25:00.007-05:00

Ok, so, last Friday I ventured over mountains, and through tunnels and snow to Pittsburgh so that I could see the king of all things nerdy, John Green, speak at the Carnegie Library. For those of you who don't know who John Green is, he is an author of such fine books as Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson Will Grayson (which was co-authored with David Levithan). John Green and his brother, Hank, also have a YouTube channel on which they make videos about various topics, from the political situation in Egypt, to conspiracy theories, to giraffes.
So anyway, I love John Green. I think he's brilliant, and I was exceptionally excited to see him speak, and he did not disappoint. He talked about books, and writing books, and how we read books, and Gary Busey, and other really ~~cool~~ nerdy stuff.

THEN I got a book AND, as my sister calls it, my nerd journal, which is a book I keep of all the books I read signed by him. I will proudly show it to you if you ask me to. Here are my new prized possession photos of this momentous occasion:

In other news, I recently read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins and it was FANTASTIC, and I happen to know that we recently ordered a copy for the library, so stay on the lookout for that. Also, I am cooking up another contest/giveaway. I just need to work out the details, so keep checking back for that, too!

Hannah Just Read: Hate List by Jennifer Brown

2011-01-18T10:42:00.003-05:00

Before I say anything substantial about Hate List by Jennifer Brown, I am just going to say that it is not an easy book to read. It is kind of scary and definitely sad and frustrating, too. That being said, Hate List is absolutely worth reading. It is primarily Valerie's story, who, after a lot of therapy and laying in bed, has decided to go back to her high school for her senior year, even though her boyfriend Nick open fired in the school's cafeteria at the end of the previous school year. Valerie and Nick, feeling like outsiders, had spent a lot of their time together venting their frustrations through a hate list that included not only people they knew but also things like "people who say 'sorry' after everything" and "fast-food commercials," and it was this list that Nick used to target his victims. Valerie didn't know anything about the shooting and, in fact, was responsible for stopping it while simultaneously saving the life of one of her classmates, but the people in her town, the kids in her school, and even her parents are having a hard time realizing that Valerie was not the one who pulled the trigger.
Like I said, Hate List is wonderfully written and well told, and I would recommend it very highly to upper high-schoolers. It kind of reminded me of the movie Elephant, which was directed by Gus Van Saint, which I saw and really liked, but it is very slow moving. Here's a trailer for the book and then a trailer for Elephant.

Hannah Just Read: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters

2011-01-16T15:25:00.000-05:00

I have this thing that whenever I read a book (that I like) I automatically want to move to wherever the books is set. For example, when I read The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart, I realized my desire to move to New England. When I read Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson I was overtaken with the uncontrollable urge to be a New Yorker. I read The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd last year. The book is set in a fictional city in the Midwest, and all of a sudden I thought to myself, "gee, I've always wanted to live in the Midwest." But that is so not true! I've NEVER wanted to live in the Midwest! I don't even LIKE the Midwest! They get tornadoes! You get the idea.

Anyway, the tradition was upheld as I read Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford last weekend. It is set in Baltimore, and now I am seriously considering moving... I mean, until I start a new book. But Confession of the Sullivan Sisters is told by Norrie, Jane, and Sassy, in letters to their grandmother, who has threatened the Sullivan family with dis-inheriting them unless the Sullivan who has offened her confesses to his or her transgression. The three sisters all have secrets to confess--big ones, and they are owning up to them now.

This book was a fun and quick read. I read it in just a few hours, and it was quite enjoyable, but definitely chicklit, even though the Sullivan sisters are smart and interesting, which not all girls in chicklit books are. I would recommend this book to anyone who just needs something fast and easy to read. It was like eating a fun-sized candy bar: sweet and delicious and just the right size.

Hannah Just Read: I Will Save You

2011-01-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

Last week I read I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña on my new Kindle. It is rare that I buy books (I mean... I work at the library) but I was impulsive and downloaded this one, and I don't regret it at all, though I kind of guessed the ending about half way through. I Will Save You is about Kidd Ellison, who runs away from his group home to work at a campsite on the beach in California. He meets Olivia, who rents one of the campsites with her family. Kidd doesn't think he's worthy of Olivia, who is beautiful and rich, but Olivia likes him, and they begin to spend time together. The one thing that could ruin Kidd and Olivia's relationship, though, is Kidd's best friend and worst enemy, Devon, who shows up uninvited and unannounced at the campsites one night.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the non-linear story line. The story starts off at the end and works its way back to the beginning, all the while jumping around in between. Sometimes this can be very confusing, but Matt de la Peña does it really well. Like I said, the story was a tad bit predictable, but the writing was excellent, and there are some really good lines in the book, which it is easy to mark with my fabulous new Kindle. Here's a few lines I really liked:

"...was it some group of people in the olden days that decided what pretty
looks like, or were we all just born knowing?"
"She rolled her eyes. 'You don't know much about girls, do you?'
I shrugged.
'The ones who claim they don't believe in
fairy tales are the ones who believe the most.'"
and my favorite:

"I thought how if two people see the exact same thing, at the exact same
time, their minds probably store the same memory, even way into the future, and
that's something in common."

Matt de la Peña also wrote a really good entry on his blog the day that I Will Save You came out. He tells a story about a frog and a toilet, but be warned, there's drinking and maybe a couple of swear words on there.

December's Gingerbread House Extravaganza

2011-01-05T15:01:00.009-05:00

Better late than never:
Fredricksen's inaugural Gingerbread House Extravaganza was a success! Twenty eight teens came to eat, I mean build gingerbread houses made from the finest icing and candy around! We had teens using their creative efforts to make houses, a village, a train, and our own Fredricksen Library! Two guys combined their materials to make a structure to resemble the library. Can you see the resemblance? If not, they'll be glad to explain every part to you!

Unfortunately several teens had a lesson in physics! Piling a lot of candy on one area may not hold the structure! But, they made the best of it by rebuilding or creating a great candy pile! Overall, it was a fun, tasty afternoon at the library! Look for this fun, festive activity again next December!

Please check out all of the photos of this fun day on our link!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fredricksenlibrary/sets/72157625688955700/show/

Hannah Just DIDN'T Read: Another Faust

2011-01-04T10:17:00.004-05:00

Okay, so, I was totally planning on reviewing Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri, but let me tell you, it was terrible, and I couldn't read it, so I put it down. I mean... it was bad. I feel like I gave it a fair shake. I probably read 60 pages of it, but I had NO IDEA what was happening and I was bored out of my skull. Has anyone out there read Another Faust and liked it and thinks I'm really lame for not liking it? Let me know in the comments, even if you're mad at me because Another Faust is your favorite book of all time.

Now I'm reading I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena on my Kindle that I got for Christmas, and I will have a review of that for next week, and maybe I'll talk about my Kindle more, because it is my new favorite thing ever.

So since I didn't give you an actual review of a book I'll give you a couple of links to some other, better reviews of books:
A review of If I Stay by Gayle Forman (which I still need to read!)

A review of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (which I still need to read and am SO excited about)

A review of The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King (which I just read and it was awesome, but the library doesn't own it)

Hannah Just Read: Road Trip Books- Two Way Street and Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

2010-12-28T11:11:00.011-05:00

I know that Christmas is just over, and maybe I should be reading books about snow and Christmas miracles and such, but quite frankly, it is COLD out, and I do not need to be reminded of that fact. Consequently, I have been feasting on road trip books lately, and over Christmas break I read two of them. The first was:

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt. I had been meaning to read this book since I first saw it go through the library more than a year ago. I finally got around to it, and I have to say I wasn't too impressed. I mean... it was good, but it wasn't great. If you're only going to read one road trip book, don't read this one. The two main characters, Jordan and Courtney, have just broken up, but they were planning on road tripping to college together. It is too late to change plans now, so they still set out to drive from Florida to Boston. The story is told from their alternating perspectives, which works sometimes, but in this case, the whole book was just kin of... lacking. I was mostly frustrated by this book and I really didn't like Courtney at all--she was really annoying. However, I also read:

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, which was excellent and funny and sweet and I loved it. This one is about Amy Curry, who has just lost her father, her brother is in rehab, and her mother moved across the country a month ago to start her new job and set up their house. Roger is a neighborhood kid (now a college student) whose mom has volunteered him to drive Amy to her new house. Amy's mom mapped out a very specific (and boring) route from California to Connecticut, but Amy and Roger decide to make up their own route. Like I said, I really liked this book. The story just seemed a lot fuller than Two Way Street, and, plus there were fun extras peppered throughout. I would definitely recommend this book.
So, now that I have done my road trip book study, I've noticed some similarities between road trip books. It seems like there is always a gender mix--it can't just be all girls or all boys, because without a mix there is less likelihood that hi-jinks will ensue. It is always summer in road trip books, too. It is either just after school lets out, or just before it starts again. Also there is usually a party pooper or someone who doesn't want to go or someone whose parents have forced them to go. This sets the characters up for self discovery which, too, is a quality of road trip books, which is expected, because a physical journey nicely sets up the ever present journey of self discovery. (I feel like journey of self discovery should be italicized or capitalized or something: Journey of Self Discovery; Journey of Self Discovery.) There is always a lot of terrible junk food involved, too, and, of course, an excellent playlist.
And here is a list of even MORE road trip/travel books if you, too, are feeling antsy cooped up inside.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Hannah Just Read: Twenty Boy Summer

2010-12-14T09:39:00.003-05:00

I have to say, I was really kind of nervous about reading Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. I was under the assumption that it would be about girls who were acting stupid and running around trying to lure boys in with their feminine wiles and that I would hate it, because I hate stuff like that. But the book is on the 2010 Teens' Top Ten Nominations for the Young Adult Library Services Association and I've been trying to read all of them (and I'm failing miserably-- I still have 14 left and only like... 17 days left in the year). So anyway, I picked this one up and, as it turns out, I really enjoyed it a lot!
Anna and her best friend Frankie are going with Frankie's parent's to Zanzibar Bay in California for the A.B.S.E. (Absolute Best Summer Ever). They make a bet that they can meet twenty guys in the twenty days that they're there. Frankie wants to meet boys for herself, but she really wants Anna to have a summer fling. Anna, however, doesn't want to meet anyone. She's still mourning the death of Frankie's older brother, Matt, who died tragically the year before. He was Anna's first kiss and first romance, and Frankie has no idea.
What I really liked about this book was how thoughtful and mature Anna is. Sometimes maybe even a little bit too mature--way more mature and thoughtful than I ever was at 16, but it works for the context of the book. When Anna meets Sam, just boy number four into the twenty-boy summer, and starts to like him, she gives a lot of thought to what liking someone else means to her short relationship with Matt.
I would recommend this book very highly, but probably to high schoolers mostly. It can get pretty intense sometimes. Also, if you've read this one already and liked it, Sarah Ockler has a new book that just came out called Fixing Delilah. I told Mrs. G to order it, so hopefully it will be in in the new year!

Hannah Just Read: It's Kind of a Funny Story

2010-11-30T10:30:00.007-05:00

As per the recommendation of one of our fabulous pages here at the library, I recently finished reading It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. The book is about Craig Gilner, who due to the huge pressures of his super fancy New York City high school, becomes clinically depressed. After a particular bad during which he plots to jump off of the Brooklyn Bridge, Craig checks himself into the hospital and is committed to the adult psychiatric ward.
As the book started I didn't know if I'd like it. The plot starts out pretty non-linearly--things jumped around a lot, but as I got more and more into the story I really started to appreciate Vizzini's humorous take on such a serious subject. There were parts in the book where I was thinking to myself, "should I be laughing at this, because it feels wrong, but it is also really really funny."
There were definitely some cringe-worthy moments, too, like when Craig calls the girl he likes and then she shows up at the hospital to visit. Ughh.
So I would very much recommend this book pretty much for anyone, even your parents, because I think Vizzini does a good job of showing what being fifteen is like, I mean, if you're clinically depressed and in a psychiatric hospital and you're really funny.

Oh! Also, I almost forgot, the book was made into a movie this year starring Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis. Here's the trailer:

The Movie and Some Changes and More

2010-11-23T12:40:00.005-05:00

Well, I loved the movie, and I confess: I saw it twice last weekend, once in IMAX and once on the regular screen. I won't say too much about it here for fear that people haven't seen it yet; but, I have to say, it was worth it. So congratulations to the winners of our Harry Potter ticket giveaway, because the IMAX is awesome. I wish I could see it again for the first time.

In other news, if you're really observant you might have noticed the labels tag cloud on the right sidebar of the blog. This is something I've been working on with my reviews as well as Mrs. N's old ones. I've been trying to label them with words that might help you delightful readers find a good book to read, so if you're into fantasy books, you can click on the fantasy label and see all of the books that Mrs. N and I have reviewed that were fantasy books. I went through a lot of old reviews on this blog, and I only wanted to label the books that Mrs. N and I have both read, so if you are ever looking through old blog entries and you see a book that you've read that wasn't labeled, let me know in the comments with what you think it should be labeled, and I'll get right on it.

I'm just finishing up It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, and I'll be back with my review of that next week! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Congratulations to our Harry Potter IMAX Ticket Winners!

2010-11-22T11:07:00.004-05:00

This morning we drew the names of the four lucky winners of our Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows IMAX tickets. They are:

Benjamin F. from Ravenclaw
Heather M. from Gryffindor
Corey H. From Ravenclaw
Austin T. from Gryffindor

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to the Whitaker Center for donating the tickets!

SPOILER ALERT!

2010-11-16T10:22:00.001-05:00

I've been attempting to avoid spoilers thus far in my Potter posts, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to break with tradition as I post my last post before I see the DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 on Friday. So if you haven't finished book 7 or you just like to avoid spoilers in general, turn back now. I'll scroll down to below the dark mark and then start my actual post, but before I do that I wanted to remind you all of the giveaway we're doing at the Fredricksen for one of four pairs of tickets to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 at the IMAX in Harrisburg! Come in and enter ASAP! It is easy, you just write your name and Hogwarts house down! You barely even have to do anything!

____________________________________________________________

I spent last evening debating with my sister and a friend where the first movie would end and the second one would begin. It is hard to say, because the book is pretty bottom heavy--there is a lot of stuff that happens in the last third of the book, and a lot of wandering around in the woods before that. When I first started thinking about where the first movie would end (which, admitedly, was about four seconds after I found out that the seventh book was being made into two movies rather than just one) I thought that it would likely end on a sour note, just after Ron leaves, because it would be very dramatic and suspensful leading up to the second movie.

But now, probably because I am a bit more than half way through book 7 and remembering all of the little things that I forgot about, I realized that that can't be where they stop, because NOTHING HAPPENS before that. I completely forgot how long Harry, Ron, and Hermione wander around in the forest doing very little before they actually destroy the first Horcrux. So I have revised my thinking about where the first movie will end, and I predict that it will end just after the three find out about the Deathly Hallows from Xenophilius Lovegood, listen to Potterwatch, and are captured and taken to Malfoy Manor.

When do you all think the first movie will end? Do you think my predictions are right, or do you have another idea. Let me know in the comments, and I'll be back next week with my movie review!

Smash Brothers Brawl!

2010-11-14T16:51:00.006-05:00

Wow, what a BRAWL! It was a good size crowd today, coming to take home the Smash Brother championship! Twenty one people battled, but it came down to three, Ruben, Darren, and Derek. After a very exciting game, Derek won with Ruben coming in second! (And to think, Ruben almost didn't enter the tournament!) Congratulations, Derek, who took home an iTunes gift card! While waiting their turn in the tournament, many played Mario Kart on the Nintendo or Smash Bros. Melee on the Gamecube. Oh, and a lot of popcorn and soda was consumed! Look for a Smash Brothers Tournament in the future!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows IMAX Giveaway!

2010-11-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

It is sort of last minute, I know, but the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg has just donated 4 pairs of tickets to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 at their IMAX theater downtown. We are passing on those tickets to YOU dear blog readers, and here is how to get one of them:

1. Be a teen currently in grades 6-12.

2. Come in to the Fredricksen Library Reference Desk

3. Fill out our Harry Potter IMAX Ticket Giveaway form and tell us what Hogwarts house you'd be in (Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Gryffindor)

4. Enter it into our sorting hat for a chance to win one of

four pairs of tickets to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg

The giveaway will begin today, November 10, and we will draw the four lucky winners on Monday, November 22.

Good Luck!

9 DAYS LEFT!!!!!

2010-11-09T11:36:00.008-05:00

According to theleakycauldron.org there are 9 days, 12 hours, and 22 minutes until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 is released. This is simulataneously exciting (because I really want to see the movie) and terrible (because I'm only on page 32 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) for me. I'm not saying that I'm not going to finish the books in time, but... well... I'm getting a little nervous.
I finished Order of the Phoenix yesterday at lunch, and I was very satisfied. One thing (one of the many things) that I think that J.K. Rowling does really well throughout the series is aging her characters accordingly, and that becomes most apparent in the fifth book, I think, when Harry is SO ANGRY all the time. I mean, I like that, and I can appreciate it, because he has every right to be angry, and he is, and he lets people know.
One of the other strengths of the fifth book, an annoying strength of the fifth book, is Delores Umbridge, because, oh man, she is so much fun to hate. And the Weasley twins' exit from Hogwarts... I love it, every time.
I remember reading Order of the Phoenix for the first time the night that it came out. I stayed up all night just zipping through it, and I remember that at about 3 in the morning I got close to the end and (I won't actually say what happens, just in case someone, somewhere hasn't read it) just crying and crying about the... ahh... end. It is a good ending though.
Ok, enough reminiscing, here's a YouTube video I found. It is the trailer for Part 1, but it is the literal version. I thought it was hilarious:

Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix and What Not...

2010-11-02T09:15:00.008-04:00

I feel like I'm way behind on my Harry Potter-ing. I'm about 100 pages into Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book 5) and I'm starting to worry about finishing. I only have 18 days left, and that's counting today! Then I'll read something different, I swear.

It took me a while to get through book 4, Goblet of Fire, because that is absolutely my least favorite book. I might cause some controversy by saying that. I know a lot of people think that Chamber of Secrets is the worst, but I maintain... Goblet of Fire... too long... so many tasks! And I have a really hard time picturing Quidditch, so that crazy Quidditch World Cup at the beginning just completely looses me.

Of course there is a bunch of pivotal information in the fourth book. It is, after all, the central book of the series, so it would be expected that it is pretty important, and I confess that I cried quite a bit at the end, especially when Dumbledore makes his speech at the end of the year feast. That gets me every time, I swear. I think the most important stuff in the fourth book, though, is the information that we get about Lord Voldemort. Besides the apparition that we see of him as a teenager in book two, this is the first time that we actually see a glimpse of Voldemort as an actual human. We see his father's home if the first few chapters and at the end, we see him needing the assistance of his Death Eaters and Pettegrew, and we get parts of his life story. I admit, I think that Voldemort is one of the most interesting characters in the series--he is one complex dude. I actually think he might be my favorite after Dobby, on a purely academic level that is, don't get me wrong, he's totally evil, and as a Gryffindor myself I certainly do not approve, but you can't deny that he is interesting.

Build 'Em, Smash 'Em Contest Holds Record Weight!

2010-10-20T11:27:00.012-04:00

On October 17th, five teams competed in the Build 'Em, Smash 'Em contest. The teams were given predetermined materials and asked to use all of the materials to build a structure. The structure that could hold the most weight before being smashed won the contest. This time the materials were drinking straws, uncooked spaghetti, hot glue, and a piece of notebook paper. The teams worked diligently for just over an hour building their structures and then the smashing competition began! The first team to test their structure was Team Awesome. Finally, at 11.8 pounds of sand on top of the structure, it was smashed! Unfortunately, no other team was able to beat this weight and Team Awesome lived up to their name.

Team Tri Tower, a brother-sister team and previous Build 'Em, Smash 'Em winners, came in second with 6.8 pounds. Team No Names and team Monster both had structures that held 5 pounds, and finally, team Jolly Ranchers' structure held 4.6 pounds. The competition was friendly and fun! Look for Build 'Em, Smash 'Em as a future program. It's a SMASHING good time! :)

Chamber of Secrets and Worldly Book Covers

2010-10-19T10:51:00.010-04:00

I finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets last week, and while I profess to being a huge Potter fan, I think that Chamber of Secrets is the book that I've read the least. I know that I've read it multiple times, but I don't think I've read it since the seventh book has come out. By that time I was really concerned with trying to figure out what was going to happen at the end, and I thought that the fifth and sixth books would give me the most relevant clues, but I completely didn't realize how important the second book is. I admit it. Chamber of Secrets was always my least favorite of the series, but I appreciate it a lot more now that I've re-read it after also knowing the end of the entire series. There's so much information in there! Like when Dumbledore gets suspended as headmaster he says, "I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me. You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it." I mean, that pertains to the end of Chamber of Secrets, but also SO MUCH STUFF that happens later. Genius!

Now I'm most of the way through Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and I found this totally sweet boxed set of the books that I want for Christams, and that got me thinking about the covers of the books from other countries. There are some really awesome ones. I think the Swedish one is my favorite:

But I really like the Dutch one, too:

And can we please discuss how hilarious the one from the Ukrane is? I think it is particularly awful:

Which cover is your favorite? Do you know of any other particularly good/really really terrible ones? Let me know! I should have Prisoner of Azkaban finished by the end of the week, which puts me perfectly on schedule to read one a week until the 19th. Is anyone else counting down the days? I can't wait!

Harry Potter Mania!

2010-10-12T09:59:00.005-04:00

There is something big happening in November. Not Thanksgiving or Black Friday or my mom's birthday, nay, but part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is coming out, and I could NOT be more excited. So in order to prepare, I have put myself on a strict Harry Potter diet. I am re-reading all of the books from Philosopher's to Hallows, from Quirinius Quirrell to Amycus Carrow, so get ready for some Harry Potter reviews and stuff, because I have seven books to get through in the next five weeks.

And while we're at it, let me know in the comments which Potter book is your favorite. Are you going to see the movie right at midnight, or do you think it looks more like a renter? Do you even like Harry Potter, or are you more of a Gandalf fan? Let me know!

Girls Day In!

2010-09-30T18:44:00.005-04:00

On Sunday the 26th thirteen girls gathered for a Girls Day In of pampering! While most enjoyed creating beautiful fingertips at the manicure station, several relaxed while sitting in a massage chair. A new feature this time was a foot soak, which provided bubbles and/or vibration for a foot massage. We will have the foot soaks again, but next time I will have help! Look for another spa day after the new year!

What Hannah's Been Reading: Suite Scarlett

2010-09-28T11:21:00.004-04:00

So, last weekend I went down to Washington, DC for the National Book Festival, (which was awesome. I saw Suzanne Collins, who was awesome) but I needed something to keep me occupied on the drive down, so I picked up Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson on MP3-CD, which I have to say, I wasn't all that excited about. I was sort of desperate for something to listen to, and this book isn't my usual style. It's the story of Scarlett Martin who lives in her family's hotel, the Hopewell, in New York City. It's summer, her friends are gone, and she's turning fifteen. Her birthday present is the care of a suite at the Hopewell, and along with the suite comes a guest-- Mrs. Amberson, who turns Scarlett's summer on its head. There's also a hot actor named Eric, a production of Hamlet, some tuna fish, and a lot of trickery.

I was really pleasantly surprised by Suite Scarlett. It was a lot of fun to listen to, and I was so into it that I had to pick up the paper copy when I got home so that I could finish it. I was worried that the plot was going to be predictable. I thought that I had it figured out about half way through, and I considered stopping the CD, but I'm glad that I didn't because I was completely wrong about what I thought was going to happen. The plot was fun and well thought out, even if it was a little repetitive. Scarlett is a pretty cool character. She is a smart and independent girl, which I think is really important in teen lit. She also has a cool older brother, and their relationship was my favorite.

I would recommend Suite Scarlett to anyone who has ever wished they lived in a hotel in New York. Also, if you've already read the book, or you're planning to, or you're going to now, here's a link to a Twitter discussion the blog readergirlz had with Maureen Johnson specifically about Suite Scarlett. Most of it is along the column on the right.

Guitar Hero Tournament Update

2010-09-14T17:15:00.003-04:00

The Guitar Hero Tournament this past Sunday was a rockin' good time! (Pun intended!) The competition was friendly and our winner, Robert D. warned everyone ahead of time that he was going to win! Huh, how about that? If he's that good at predictions, I'm going to ask him to pick my next lottery numbers for me! I think the finalists were out of breath after playing Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit in the "expert" round! Way to go Robert and runner-up Alex!

Hello Teens of Fredricksen!

2010-09-14T16:31:00.002-04:00

My name is Mrs. Gay and I am the new Teens Services Coordinator at Fredricksen Library. I am very excited to take on this new position! I have experience working with teens, as I was a middle school teacher for 10 years and I have tutored high school students as well. Having worked the reference desk for two years here at Fredricksen, I am familiar with a few of the teen programs and I have had the opportunity to meet many of you already. The teen programs already scheduled for the fall will remain as scheduled. I hope to see many of you there! I plan to continue this teen Blogspot, but you may see changes. Hannah, a librarian who works at both the reference and circulation desks, will be doing most of the young adult book reviews. She reads YA literature nonstop and is really looking forward to giving you these reviews! Mrs. N. has created an AWESOME Teen Program at Fredricksen and I look forward to working to keep it great, but it can't be great without YOU, the teens! Do you have an idea for an upcoming teen program? Consider coming to the next TAG (Teen Advisory Group) meeting this Thursday at 7:00 pm in the community room. We would love fresh ideas and new faces! There will also be a TAG meeting Thursday, September 30th at 7:00 pm. The next time you are in the library, please stop by to see if I am working! I would love to meet you in person!

So Long

2010-08-26T19:21:00.002-04:00

Many of the followers of this blog already know this, but I'll be leaving Fredricksen for a different job in a few days. This had been my dream job, and I got to work with some of the finest co-workers one could wish for, as well as some incredibly cool teens. A gigantic thank you to the Teen Advisory Group here, who made me look like I had a clue, as well as the front line staff here at the Reference and Circulation Desks who always made every single teen who walked through these doors feel welcome. You all made my job much easier. Hopefully my successor will have the time to keep up this blog. Thanks to this blog I was in contact with teen authors, librarians from as far away as Australia, and, again, some of the coolest teens on the planet. It's been one heck of a ride!

What Mrs. N's Been Reading - For the Win

2010-08-10T16:16:00.003-04:00

Just finished Cory Doctorow's For the Win. I'm a big fan of Doctorow's Little Brother, so I snagged this one when it came in. Although there are some similarities, this one is a bit different. If you're about to take a course in macroeconomics, or any history that covers the rise of unions, I'd suggest that you check out For the Win. Now, if you aren't, don't let that last sentence frighten you away from this one either. It starts out a little slow, and follows about half a dozen people in alternating chapters. Although you're getting several people's stories at once, you can see where Doctorow is heading to bring them all together later in the book. He does an incredibly good job of explaining basic economics, and labor relations, both of which can be incredibly dry, but does it by introducing them in a futuristic world based on gaming. In Doctorow's world, some online games have taken on a life of their own to such an extent, that the economies of the most popular games are larger than the economies of most actual countries. Kids are being used as almost slave labor in third world countries and the Pacific rim, to prop up those economies, and keep American kids pouring money into the games. Corporations and unscrupulous bosses are getting rich, while the main labor force struggles to eke out an existence. A movement starts, to unionize the gaming workers, but they need the backing of other unions to have a chance. The rich bosses use force, sometimes deadly, to try to keep their workers in line. A violent confrontation and uprising is almost guaranteed, given the circumstances. Highly recommended!

Another One Down!

2010-07-29T18:03:00.002-04:00

Well, we wrapped up our summer program today with the final movie and weekly prize drawing. We also held the prize drawing for the 4 additional $25 iTunes gift cards. Each book review submitted got you a chance in that drawing. A big thank you to Good Hope Middle School librarian, Susie Breaux for sponsoring that drawing, and to all of the local businesses that donated other cool prizes for the regular weekly drawings. Thanks also to the Friends of Fredricksen for sponsoring all of our individual programs again this year. We couldn't do this without their enthusiastic support. And another big thank you to Meaghan, my faithful, incredibly efficient, summer assistant. It was a great summer! Seemed to fly by awfully quick this year. Not sure why. Before you know it we'll be planning for next summer. Remember, there are lots of cool programs during the school year as well, so I hope to see lots of you in the coming months. Watch this space for details. One last thank you to the members of my Teen Advisory Group (TAG) that helped me plan all of those great programs. If you'd like to join them, just shoot me an email and I'll get info to you. New faces are always welcome. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and have a great school year!

Sudoku Tournament Update

2010-07-29T17:59:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Nick T for winning our sudoku tournament yesterday. (Yes, we can manage to make something like Sudokus competitive!) Matthew B was a very close second. Nick had been our second place winner a few years ago, when we last did this one. This is his last year of eligibility for the summer program, so it was nice to see him finally win it.

Aquapalooza Lost and Found

2010-07-27T17:02:00.001-04:00

A few abandoned items have already been claimed, but we still have a broken book and a water gun. If either are yours, they're now at the lost and found behind the Reference Desk. Come and get 'em, please!

Aquapalooza II

2010-07-27T16:45:00.004-04:00

Just wrapped up our second annual Aquapalooza. What a fabulous day for it! Couldn't have asked for better weather, and it was a great group of kids. We supplied the giant inflatable slip-n-slide, kiddie pools, 1000 water balloons, and beach balls. Lots of folks brought water guns. The music was much better this year since we took the big outdoor speakers out. Much better than the little boom box we used last year. If you missed, what can I say except "You missed a really good one!" Pics below.

Last Prize Drawing Reminder

2010-07-26T20:51:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, the summer program is rapidly coming to an end. This Thursday, July 29 is the last prize drawing so get any book reviews in by about 3:30 pm. Remember, we have the additional ITunes gift cards drawing with one chance for each book review submitted.

Aquapalooza Reminder

2010-07-26T20:49:00.001-04:00

Remember you need a signed permission slip to get into Aquapalooza tomorrow. Link to a downloadable version is to the right. Looks like fabulous weather, so I'll see you tomorrow!

Murder Mystery

2010-07-26T20:43:00.004-04:00

Always enjoy the interactive murder mysteries. This year's was Rock and Roll Over Dead, with a dead librarian case to solve. We ran 2 sessions to get everyone in without it being too crowded. It seemed like more of this year's participants solved the case correctly than some other years, so it came down to justifying your solution. Congrats to winners. Pics below. We do one every year, so look for a different one next year.

Video Game Day

2010-07-21T16:39:00.003-04:00

The video game days are always a lot of fun. Call of Duty and Nerf ping-pong were the most popular games of the day, but there was also plenty of board game activity, as well as a variety of Wii games, and some Guitar Hero. A big thank you to the guys who helped with cleanup. Look for tournaments in the fall.

What Mrs. N's Been Reading - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2010-07-21T13:38:00.005-04:00

This was another one of those "finally-got-around-to-this-one" books - Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. It's the story of Arnold "Junior" spirit, a young native American who decides as a freshman, at the urging of one of his teachers, to attend school off the reservation where he lives, in order to get an education that would give me a chance at attending college. Junior is smart and a kid whose heart and intentions are good. On the negative side, he's scrawny, with a host of medical issues. He has a hard time fitting in anywhere, since many on the reservation consider him a traitor, but the white kids at his new school aren't real receptive to an Indian attending their school either. It's a sometimes funny, sometimes sad look at both the positive and negative sides of reservation life, and a realistic look at the struggles and successes of a young man that almost anyone could relate to. Highly recommended. Enjoy

Build 'Em, Smash 'Em - Summer Edition Update

2010-07-20T16:06:00.007-04:00

We just finished up our latest round of, what we call, Build 'Em, Smash 'Em. We did this one back in the spring, and it was so much fun, we brought it back. Basically, teams of 2-4, are given a certain amount of set materials, some size parameters, and 90 minutes to design and build a structure using those materials and parameters. Then we smash 'em, by gradually adding sand to a bucket on top of the structure. The team whose structure holds the most weight before being crushed wins. If needed, pre-smashing height is the tie-breaker. Today's materials included hot glue, toothpicks, spaghetti, loose-leaf paper, and scotch tape. Materials change every time we do this one. We had 24 kids in 7 teams competing today. 2 teams' structures were DQ'd for not meeting the minimum height requirement. We smashed 'em anyway - why not? Of the teams remaining, first place went to DeAnne M., Maria O. and John Paul O. Second place went to Ameer Q., Cody P, and Riley F. Just watching this one is a lot of fun, since you get to see the very different approaches that different teams take. And, of course, when the weight is added, there's usually a surprise or two - either a great looking structure that collapses immediately, or a questionable looking one that turns out to be sturdier than it looked. Congratulations to everyone who competed. Look for this again in October.

Weekly Challenge July 26-29, 2010

2010-07-19T17:41:00.002-04:00

Next week's is easy (unless your brain is completely out of math mode for the summer). Here it is:

List 6 odd numbers that add up to exactly 100.

Good luck!

Video Game Weapons and Tactics

2010-07-19T16:16:00.003-04:00

We had a great program this afternoon, presented by Lt. Col. Kyle Burley from the Army War College. He looked at the wepaons and tactics used in video games like Call of Duty, and compared them to what is actually used by the military. He also talked a bit about the conditions that modern soldiers fight in everyday - a bit different from what you see in the movies or video games. He also brought along a WWII Mauser rifle and a modern AR15 (firing pins and ammunition all removed for safety) to give the kids an idea of the actual size and weight. We had originally planned to show a little of Call of Duty as part of the program, but there were so many good questions and great discussion that, in a room full of gamers, we never actually got to the game! Quite a testament to the program content! If you missed it, keep an eye out - we may try to bring him back sometime in the future. Pics below.

Ultimate Frisbee on the Library Lawn

2010-07-15T20:43:00.005-04:00

We actually ended up out on the adjacent lot. Despite the heat, everyone had a lot of fun learning the basics of Ultimate Frisbee with the help of Pat Wright, the Messiah College coach. Thanks Pat! Pics below.

What Mrs. N's Been Reading - Blood Brothers

2010-07-15T12:43:00.004-04:00

Just finished S.A. Harazin's Blood Brothers. Recent high school graduate, Clay, has had some tough breaks in life. His mom died giving birth to him and his dad has been kind of lost ever since. His older sister, who really raised Clay, moved out of town years earlier to pursue a music career, unsuccessfully. Joey has been Clay's best friend since Clay's family moved nearby when he was seven, and Joey's dad helped Clay's dad get a job. Joey's family lives in a nice house, has just about everything they want, and Joey is headed to Duke to study pre-med. Clay and his dad live in a tiny apartment and he works at the local hospital as a med tech, dreaming of someday becoming a doctor. On his way home from work one night, Clay finds Joey, uncharacteristically, under the influence of something and acting pretty wild, including attacking Clay. When Clay pushes Joey away in self-defense, Joey falls back and hits his head on a concrete floor. Clay had already been on the phone with a 911 operator trying to get help for Joey, so an ambulance and the police appear pretty quickly. Things seem to be OK, but Joey later slips into a coma before he can tell anyone what happened. The police, Joey's parents, and most of the kids in town think Clay tried to hurt Joey in a fight over a girl. Despite his life getting awfully complicated awfully quickly, Clay vows to find out what happened to Joey and set the record straight for both of them. The author is a former nurse, so I'm presuming that the medical terminology, which there is plenty of, is accurate. Don't let that frighten you away from this one. It's in there so that you can actually be inside Clay's head. Clay is a very likable character that I found myself pulling for. There are several back stories about Clay's family, his relationship with Joey, the issues with the girl, a planned cross-country bike trip, the relationship that develops between Clay and the police chief, Clay's job at the hospital, etc., that all get resolved by the end, some positively, and some not. A quick read that packs a lot of punch.

Enjoy!

Can Tab Bracelets

2010-07-14T16:48:00.008-04:00

Looks like we had almost 40 kids here in two sessions yesterday to make these very cool can tab bracelets. If you missed it want to try it on your own, please DO NOT use the instructions on the website that was listed on the resource sheet in your summer registration packet. I put that in there before I had a chance to try it out. As it turned neither Meaghan nor I could make heads or tails of those directions. I found much better ones - try this site. Some pics below of the two sessions. With decent directions they are actually very easy to make. Everyone was able to make at least two yesterday. Definitely look for this program again. We even had tabs leftover that we're saving for the next time. A big thank you to Nia for the suggestion, and to all of library staff, patrons, and anyone else who collected tabs for us the last few months.

Ultimate Frisbee Postponed

2010-07-14T13:47:00.002-04:00

We just made the decision to postpone the Ultimate Frisbee program until tomorrow, Thursday, July 15 at 7 pm down on our lower lawn. The weather report looks a good bit better for tomorrow. Sure, I know, playing in the rain is more fun, but lightning would have shut us down, and the potential for injury goes way up when it's wet, so we're going to play it safe. See you tomorrow!

PC Gaming

2010-07-12T14:55:00.004-04:00

Just wrapped up our Intro to PC Gaming program. A big thank you to Tim for suggesting the program, agreeing to present it, and doing a great job with it! You can download a list of links to some of the websites that he talked about here. Not a great program for pics, but a few here anyway.

What Mrs. N's Been Reading - Shiver

2010-07-12T14:17:00.004-04:00

Just finished Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver. I really liked this one! It's told in alternating points of view - that of Grace, a young girl who had been attacked by wolves six years earlier, and Sam, who was a member of the wolf pack that attacked Grace. Sam and the other members of his pack are actually werewolves. They live relatively normally during the summer months, but the cold weather brings about their change into wolves. They change for a number of years, but eventually reach a point where they remain wolves for the remainder of their lives. Grace has been fascinated by the wolves since her attack. Actually her attention is focused on Sam, who called the other wolves off of her during the attack, before she could be seriously injured. Sam and Grace have been watching each other for 6 years, and finally meet while Sam is in human form. Their bond has already been developing, and quickly becomes stronger. As they fall in love and winter approaches, Sam tries to avoid telling Grace that this will be his last summer in human form. This one was very well written. You really get inside the heads of the 2 main characters and connect with them. There's plenty of back story fleshed out, and some side stories about members of the pack, attacks on additional kids, Grace's dysfunctional family, some horrific events in Sam's young life, etc. to keep interest up. Some mature content, but nothing graphic or explicit, even with the wolf attacks. Highly recommended! Look for the sequel, Linger, coming soon.

Enjoy

Weekly Challenge - July 19-24, 2010

2010-07-12T13:57:00.004-04:00

Complete the Sudoku puzzle. If you enjoyed this one, sign up for the Sudoku Tournament on Wednesday, July 28.

Supersize Trouble

2010-07-07T15:38:00.004-04:00

This is one of my all-time favorite programs! It's just silly enough to be an awful lot of fun! We took a break from it last summer and tried Live Clue. Everybody loved that one too, so we'll probably alternate between the two. As usual, we filled two game boards, and everyone had a blast! If you can't tell from the pics, we use giant inflatable dice instead of the Pop-o-Matic (if someone's willing to build me a giant one of those, I'd be forever indebted to you!), and the kids are game pieces moving around a giant board. If you missed it, pics below. Look for Clue next year.

Tie Dye Pics

2010-07-07T15:06:00.002-04:00

Tie-dye is a perennial favorite here. We had over 50 kids this year! It's always a lot of fun and cleanup is much easier than most people would think, so look for it every year for the foreseeable future. As I say at school visits, "When you guys stop coming to it, we'll stop doing it!" The only disappointing part for me is not getting to see the finished products. So if you came, wear your your shirt the next time you're in the library, and find me and show it to me. Some pics below, if you missed it.

Weekly Challenge - July 12-17, 2010

2010-07-06T11:35:00.001-04:00

Here's next week's Challenge, a little early for a change, instead of late:

You pull out a page in the newspaper and find that pages 8 and 21 are on the same sheet. How many pages did the newspaper have?

Good luck!