Peter Pan, WHA?!

Have you read the book, Peter Pan? There are all kinds of theories about the story, and its author, J.M. Barrie.

Some say J.M. Barrie killed his brother when they were younger, in an "accidentally fall on the ice."

Some say J.M. Barrie was a pedophile.

Some say that most characters in the story represent people in Barrie's life, like the Llewellyn-Davies children he became friends with.

Some say the boys in the story are really dead...

All of this DOES ruin my childhood and my view on Peter Pan, BUT I will ignore that...Ignorance is bliss. And I will continue to watch the Disney movie, the movie, Hook, and many other, because the general story and adventure of Peter Pan is one of 2 of my childhood favorites.

Amazing Librarian Things

So, thanks to Sidney Duong --

this girl ----->  ,

I was on Pinterest and found a TON of really cool librarian stuff! Reading is so stinking cool!

Yes, please!

Book Review: The Saints

I will begin this book review with a disclaimer: this book is VERY violent, with sexual occurrences, and many other very difficult parts to read due to content.  However, this book ROCKS! Fans of The Hunger Games, Gone series, etc. will LOVE this book (and the whole series)

Quarantine: The Saints

Lex Thomas

In the first book of the series, we are left with one teenager escaping the school.  In this new book, we THINK the teens are going to get out, but just when they taste freedom, a bus hurtles into the entrance and crashes, leaving the McKinley High students stuck, once again, in the high school.

McKinley High has been a battle ground for eighteen months since a virus outbreak led to a military quarantine of the school. When the doors finally open, Will and Lucy will think their nightmare is finished. But they are gravely mistaken.

As a new group of teens enters the school and gains popularity, Will and Lucy join new gangs. An epic party on the quad full of real food and drinks, where kids hookup and actually interact with members of other gangs seemed to signal a new, easier existence. Soom after though, the world inside McKinley takes a startling turn for the worse, and Will and Lucy will have to fight harder than ever to survive.

I was unsure of this series to begin with--it seemed so far-fetched that in a situation like this, teens would become so violent and outrageous and form gangs, and what not.  BUT, hey, we never know, so I took that with a grain of salt and began this series.  I was blown away.  Lex Thomas is actually TWO authors working together.  They are able to create such an elaborate community inside the high school, with psychological warfare among the teens.  You think, while you're reading, that there is a solution--an easy one, but when you're fighting for your life, this may not be the case.

This second book adds a new element--teens from another school that came to help McKinley, but end up trapped inside.  Now, the balance of power shifted, and the leader of the new group, The Saints, Gates, may not be entirely mentally stable.  There is so much going on with this book, so much drama, betrayals, plot twists, I mean, you will NOT get tired of this book.  I finished it in 2 days.  What I thought would be a stretch for post-apocalyptic fiction has now become one of my FAVORITE series.  

Quarantine: The Burnouts is the 3rd book of this series, and I will be ordering it for the library next month!

MWAH HA HA!

Some of you have asked me exactly what I do as the YA Librarian...and I have told you things like buying books, cataloging, creating programs, etc....

BUT

This is what's REALLY going on at my desk.

Book Review: The 5th Wave

Every once in awhile, I will mess up with my book order and order a large print, instead of regular print...I feel when I do this, it turns teens OFF to reading that book.  So I went ahead and read a large print book I bought to see for myself.

The 5th Wave

Rick Yancey

As far as Cassie knows, since the alien invasion, she is the last person on Earth.  There were 4 waves when the aliens came: disease, destruction, darkness, doubt.  Now alone, Cassie must struggle to survive the 5th wave, when no one can trust one another.  Do the aliens have control over humans?  When Cassie meets smokin' hot Evan, she has to consider that he might be the enemy... or an ally.  Charged with finding her brother, Cassie and Evan attempt to save Sammy from the soldiers.

Meanwhile, Code Name "Zombie" is a teen recruit for the army base.  He leads his team to attempt to wipe out any aliens by using new technology.  But when a field experiment goes wrong, Zombie is left wondering if what he has been told is the truth or if the aliens have infested the soldiers he works for.

This is a relatively new book about an alien invasion--so brownie points there.  I have not read a good alien invasion in awhile.  We got stuck with vampires and zombies and dystopians, so it was nice to finally get a good old-fashioned alien book.  However, the aliens play a very minimal part in this story.  We never see them, hear them, or really encounter them.  In fact, a lot of this story could be chalked up to a government conspiracy book.  And the love story between Cassie and Evan? Blech.  Cassie has spent a year being independent, trusting no one but her instincts, and all of a sudden some hot guy changes EVERYthing she has stood by in order to survive? No thank you.

However, the conspiracy/mystery part behind the soldiers and the army base is VERY well written.  There is a lot of build up to explain the whole situation.  Yancey makes sure he covers all his bases to avoid any plot holes, which makes the solution and ending of the story phenomenal and very satisfying after wondering throughout the book if it's really worth it.

This book is the first in a series.  The Infinite Sea will be coming shortly to MCPL.  Check this one out!

A long long time ago...

Here is another thing on my wish list...or wedding ring! HA! 

Any other Star Wars fans out there? The new movie comes out in 11 months!

Book Review

It's a sad day...Rebels by Jill Williamson is finished. Which means the Safe Lands series is finished after this third book.  You all need to check it out from the library...

The Safe Lands:

Rebels

Jill Williamson

In this third book in the series of fantasy/dystopian novels from award-winning author Jill Williamson, three teens must try to hold on to their values amidst the subjugation and lies of the government.

In this final novel of the Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson, Mason and Omar discover the true meaning of Liberation-a secret the Safe Lands have long kept from their people-but find they are trapped in the low lands with this crucial information. Meanwhile, Levi is forced to turn his attention elsewhere when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and becomes the Safe Land's new queen. His only choice to save her may be to take up the role of undercover vigilante that Omar began, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will that be enough to expose the Safe Land's lies and bring freedom to the people? And will they even want it if it comes?

This third book is a success in wrapping up the stories and lives of the three brothers that started the Safe Lands trilogy.  This series is a little more advanced, so if you think you want to read it, be advised that this isn't your quick read dystopian story.  This story has betrayals you won't even realize until it is too late.  There are underlying plots that you may not be clever enough to figure out until everything unravels.  This series, and especially this book ties in incredible relationships where everyone is bound together, and together they must solve the mystery of the Thin Plague and escape, with ALL the villagers alive and well.  

Book Review

Every month, I read a Young Hoosier book and create a book club activity for the middle schoolers during their lunch period.  This month, I got an early start and read

Lions of Little Rock

Kristin Levine

Set back in the 1950s, Lions of Little Rock brings about a new story dealing with segregation in schools.  In a time where African American people were separated for everything, there are a lot of changes going on in Arkansas that will change the future.  After the Little Rock Nine, the 9 black students that were accepted into the “white” school failed to meet the goals of the government, life in Little Rock is back to a life of segregation.

Marlee is a middle schooler who hates speaking in general, but absolutely loves math.  She compares people she meets to different beverages, i.e. hot cocoa, sweet tea, apple juice, but when she meets Liz, the new girl, it seems like Marlee might have  found a new friend—one that will help her overcome her shyness.  The two team up for a project, and they practice their public speaking for the animals at the zoo.  But when Liz doesn’t show up at school one day, Marlee finds out that Liz is, in fact, a black girl, but light enough to pass for a white girl, but one of the student’s mothers found out the secret.  The two girls are separated and must sneak around in order to stay friends, even though it is potentially dangerous and extremely rebellious.    When school closes for Marlee’s sister, she ends up losing her as well.  Judy must move to their grandmother’s house to attend a real school.  Marlee, feeling alone, must summon the courage to speak up for what she believes in, but avoid being attacked by local racists.

This is a great coming of age/segregation story set during a time in our history that remains bleak and disappointing.  However, we have overcome most of this segregation, thank the Lord, and this story is a fantastic representation of some individuals who were born black, but light enough they could pass for white.  Not only does Levine describe the segregation in the 1950s, she also adds the story of Marlee and her trouble with public speaking.  The interweaving of the two girls is incredible, and it just goes to show that it doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, if you're a good friend, you can help anyone overcome anything.  

I cannot WAIT to do book club for this story next month!

Craft Night?

I found this on Pinterest...

I'm considering doing this for a craft night. It seems pretty simple, as long as I can find really old books with spines I can dismantle.  What do you guys think? Would you come do this with me?

CATS!

Some of you know this, some of you don't...I am DEFINITELY a cat person.  I have a cat named Draco...yes, this is due to Harry Potter. Here is the story:

In 2009, I decided to get a cat (I was still living with my mother at the time and she abhors cats, so it was going to be a SECRET cat! It lasted about 2 weeks before my mom found out).  I found a lady in Elkhart who just had a litter born, so I took my cousin, Brock, who was visiting from Florida for the week, and we decided to pick one out.

Now, it was difficult choosing, because kittens are adorable.  However, the cat we fell in love with would NOT stop sticking his tongue out no matter what, so we took him.  In the car, Brock held onto my new kitty and we discussed names.  I kept laughing at his tongue and saying,

"He looks like a snake with his tongue out!"

and Brock says, "Like Slytherin in Harry Potter,"

and we both yelled, "DRACO!" and that is how my cat was named!

So, this is now Draco, almost 6 years old, and the master of the house!

And here is what I want to make for him...

Amazing Book Review

It's rare that a YA book just completely blows me away.  Usually I am satisfied with literature, but I don't have my mind blown or my life changed.  However, every few months or so I do find a book that rocks the very core of my librarian being.  This is one of them...

Falling Kingdoms 

Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdoms is a High Fantasy novel with magic, sorcerers, castles, murders, betrayals, love, sword fights, battles, etc.  The story focuses on 4 teenagers that have never met, but their paths are destined to cross to restore magic to the land.  Lucia, Cleo, Magnus, and Jonas are four teens that lived relatively normal lives, but when an accidental murder occurs, one of the three rulers of the lands uses the event to begin a massive war against the largest, most prosperous land.  When Lucia finds out her past, and that she has magic that could turn the tide in the war, she must decide which side she should aid.

I'm fairly certain Rhodes is a high fantasy genius.  This is not your average castle and sword fight novel.  There are layers upon layers throughout the whole story.  She takes her time to describe and introduce the four main characters and their backgrounds. This is a bad thing for impatient readers, but let me tell ya, you WON'T be disappointed when everything comes full circle.  You will understand why Rhodes takes the amount of time she does to introduce her characters and set up meetings among the four strangers.

This is an AR book, and the first of the series.  We have this one and the second book...

  

and I just found the 3rd book from the publishing company, which is now on my shopping cart for the library!

Contacting the Teen Librarian

We have updated the website for the library just this past week...now, for those of you too scared to talk to librarians, or even too scared to talk to me, you can submit a question or comment straight on the website and the inquiry will be directed to the email of the corresponding librarian...

http://www.mdy.lib.in.us/ is our website.  When you go to this, you will see "About Us." When you click on that link, you will then see the link for "Contact Staff" to choose from the different librarians here.  Try it out! Leave me a fun little message! I DARE YOU!

Here's the straight link for me: http://www.mdy.lib.in.us/Contact/contactform.php?contact=Teen 

(By the way, that's me with my nephew!)

Book Clubs are Fun

Our 5th book club just happened at the middle school! I had a total of 51 teens throughout the lunch periods...I'd rather have more,  but I'm impressed with the loyalty of those 51. This month, we talked about The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal...

One day, the princess wakes up and speaks with her parents.  That day, she finds out she is in fact, NOT Princess Nalia.  She is Sinda, a lowly peasant girl that has been raised by the royal family to avoid a prophecy fortelling of the princesses death by age 16.  Now that both girls are 16, Sinda is shipped out of the castle to live with her aunt, while Princess Nalia leaves the convent she grew up in to take over her princess duties.  Sinda will never know her parents, her father, under a wizard’s spell, believed his daughter to be dead, and died himself years later.  Sinda had only one friend, Kieran, who she can no longer see because he is royalty and she is not.  When she meets Tyr in the village, she falls head over heels because he is so good looking and charming.  But Sinda’s aunt warns her that he is trouble—he thinks he is better than he really is.  When Sinda finds out the truth, magic bubbles inside her and she burns a few flowers and the grass around her.  Scared by this new development, she leaves her aunt to attend the Wizard’s College in the city.  When they fail to accept her (she is too poor now), she finds Philanthia, the crazy wizard to teach her.  Fortunately, she also makes contact with Kieran again! Unfortunately, the real princess has requested from Kieran that he introduce the two. When Sinda and the princess meet, followed by a strange man in a dark cloak, Sinda begins to wonder if what the world believes about the princess is true, or if there may be a vengeful wizard behind everything wrong with the story.  When Sinda and Kiernan find out the oracle gave a false prophecy, and is related to one of the wizards, the story begins to unfold and Sinda finds herself in danger.

All who participated learned how to be princesses! I taught them to walk like a princess, greet royalty like a princess, and accessorize like a princess. And at the end of those 3 rounds, we chose the BEST princess--check it out!

6th Grade

7th Grade

 Our winning princess, Abigail!

8th Grade

 Our winning princesses, Elisa & Andrea!

NERDS UNITE!

IF anyone loves their Teen Librarian a ton, you can get me this:

I am a nerd, and I'm okay with it! I have a great life, a great job, and good times, so embrace your inner nerd!

The Walking Dead

Who, here, reads this blog AND loves The Walking Dead? You might find this GIF funny...

 I almost peed my pants when I read this! Bahahaha

Also, there are Walking Dead graphic novels...I'm considering getting them for the library. Thoughts?

Yay! only a few more weeks! Catch the return Sunday, February 8, 2015!

Manga Mania!

Some of you may know that I am trying to up my game when it comes to Manga.  I have asked quite a few teens what series I should get, and I've gotten GREAT feedback! Did you know that if you request a book, I generally buy it within the next 3 weeks for the library? So, here are some of the Manga series I have...not all of them, but a good start. Let me know if I'm missing some you want!

Conferences

At the end of January, I get to go to ANOTHER conference! I'm really excited about this one, because I will probably be getting a TON of free stuff--posters, pens, stickers, books, and more. If you are interested in anything you want me to get, let me know.  I will probably use books for prizes, and that includes ARCs which stands for "Advanced Reading Copy" which means you may get a chance to read a book BEFORE it's even published and in libraries!

Also, at this conference, I get to relive my childhood. Have any of you seen Reading Rainbow, the daytime book show on PBS?

 Well, Levar Burton...THIS guy from Reading Rainbow is speaking! Hooray! I hope I get his autograph!

For those "trekkies" out there, Levar Burton is also:

Whoah! Time warp!

What's YOUR favorite?

YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) has come out with the Teens' Top 10 Books of 2014! These were voted on by YOU, the teens as well as librarians across the country.  I regret to inform you that I only have 8 out of the 10, but I'm working on it.  If you see this sticker....

                                                                 on a book in the teen section, it's a 2014 top pick!

Here is a list of the books that made the cut...we will vote for 2015 books in October.

1. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell





















2. Splintered by A.G. Howard

3. The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

4. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

5. Monument 14: Sky on Fire by Emmy Laybourne

6. Earth Girl by Janet Edwards

7. The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

8.  Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

9. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

10.  The Eye of Minds by James Dashner