Teens

Teens

Friday, July 31, 2015

Sharpie Mugs and Plates

Last night was our last activity for the summer, with the exception of the End of Summer Get Together tonight.  Thanks to all the teens that stopped by to create some incredible mugs.  If you ever choose to do these at home, there are a few things to remember:

1. DON'T use regular sharpies...get the oil ones.  The color will stay on the mug better

2. Put in the oven at 350 degrees for about an hour

3.  The color may scratch off, but shouldn't rub off. So just keep your finger nails from scratching it all off!

Here's some photos of the fun!

Cory and The Flash

Emma's musical mug

Hannah and Sid

The group and their mugs! 

Kayla's Superman

 Regan's wolf, howling at the moon!

 Snack Time with the Duongs!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Book Review: Fever

Second book of the Chemical Trilogy and it's a great continuation! I actually listened to this one on CD as well, but now for the last installation, I will have to get ahold of the book.

Fever
Lauren DeStefano

Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2) 
Goodreads summary:
Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.


There is a lot that happens in this story, and some of it is simply a different version of the first book--stuck in a group of people that wants to make Rhine a slave until the day she gets sick and dies, and her struggling to be free.

However, with that being said, the way DeStefano writes this story, a new situation is still created.  While Rhine is in a new horrible situation, it helps explain the post-apocalyptic world DeStefano is trying to create--what can happen when civilization breaks down and the lengths people will go to get what they want.

The illness killing girls around the age of 25 is still prominent in this story, and it is explained in more depth and exemplified by multiple female characters.  In my opinion, this strengthens and reinforces the story and setting DeStefano is building.  Yes, a lot of the story is obvious, but I always say, it's not the end of the story that's important, it's the journey!


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Return of the Jedi

Return of the Jedi was always my favorite Star Wars movie.  Maybe because of the teddy bear creatures.  Maybe because it was the last story and brought everything to a wonderful close.  Either way, I found this incredible picture of Princess Leia!

= Return of the Jedi.

Only 5 months until the new Star Wars film!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Book Review: Saint Anything

I have finally read my first Sarah Dessen book! I always thought these books girly and full of sappy love stories.  I was proven wrong.  I just finished this book, and it was phenomenally written...

Saint Anything
Sarah Dessen



Saint Anything


Goodreads summary:
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.


This was my first Sarah Dessen book...I'm not a big fan of "chick lit." BUT, this book is SO much more than that! This story, about a young man drunk driving and injuring and innocent bystander, is unfortunately, our reality these days.  This has happened, and will continue to happen as long as individuals (NOT JUST TEENS) drive drunk.

Sydney is a beautiful character--TRYING to be seen, and the only time she is, it is for the wrong things--the mistakes she makes, because she is always compared to her brother and what he did.  This story is one girl trying to independent, make her own choices, and proving to everyone that she is not her brother, but loves him to death, and she can make so much for herself if people just listen.  I highly recommend this story to any reader of any age, from chick lit. lovers to fantasy fans.  It's worth a try!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Book Review: Inhuman

Kat Falls, the author of Dark Life now has a new series starting! Check it out:

Inhuman
Kat Falls

Inhuman (Fetch, #1)

A disease spread across the country, killing thousands and infecting even more.  The infected have become violent creatures that have had their human DNA crossed with that of animals.  To stave off attacks and infection, the government has built a wall, splitting the country in two.

The Savage Zone is now forbidden, but find the right Fetch, you can retrieve lost items from the east.  When Lane's father, a Fetch, disappears, Lane must travel across the wall into the Savage Zone to locate him and bring him home.

Lane, having grown up in a posh, comfortable world on the west side must travel into a land that will literally eat her alive.  Accompanied by a young male Fetch, Rafe, Lane traverses the countryside in search of her father, and avoiding the "Manimals."

I had high hopes for this book, having read Dark Life, and I was sated.  This story takes the reader on a new journey of post-apocalyptic U.S.A.  The idea of manimals have the makings of an "Island of Dr. Moreau" feel, while adding government conspiracies and a love triangle.

As a reader, I disliked Lane for most of the story.  She is a spoiled brat who has learned nothing of the wild and the history of the infection.  Her father has tried to subliminally teach her where to go and what to do, but she has closed off her eyes and mind to the stories.

However, I see this as a success for Kat Falls rather than a failure.  The reader is supposed to dislike Lane.  But by the end of the story, there is redemption for the girl as she finally begins to see the world as it truly is, not what the West has led her to believe.  She is still not my favorite character, but Kat Falls develops her character exactly how a real girl might go through these experiences should something like this ever happen in real life.

The love triangle was very well done, going between Rafe and the son of the woman who began the infection in the first place.  Lane expresses feelings for both boys throughout the book, trusts where she shouldn't, and in the end, starts to realize which boy is telling the truth, and when.

This is a great new Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic story, especially to get your read on for the summer!


Sunday, July 26, 2015

TAB: More Tricia

Tricia is another middle schooler that has really stepped up and participated in almost every teen activity AND volunteering to work whenever I need her.  She has become one of my greatest assets at the library!

Tricia:



1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: special prizes available for people with allergies

2.  What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau

3. What book will you read next?
          Answer: The Strange Case of Baby H.

4.  What is the best/latest movie you've seen?
          Answer: Mary Poppins

5.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: writing

6. Will you go to the fair?  Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: no                         no

Saturday, July 25, 2015

TAB: More Rebekah

Rebekah is back with a vengeance at the library! These crazy kids get so busy, so I treasure the times they can show up.

Rebekah:


1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: Kelsey

2.  What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: The False Prince

3. What book will you read next?
          Answer: I don't know

4.  What is the best/latest movie you've seen?
          Answer: Insurgent

5.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: going to Kentucky

6. Will you go to the fair?  Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: maybe                no

Friday, July 24, 2015

Superhero Trivia Night

Last night we had trivia about Marvel Heroes, DC Heroes, Roman Mythology, Greek Mythology, and Norse Mythology! Everyone was great, I got to try out Kahoot (www.kahoot.it.), and we all learned quite a bit about heroes.

Here are some pictures of the 12 lovely competitors!

 Elisa & Taryn

Vicki, Regan, and Morgan

Sid struggling to get the answer

 Connor

 Mary is SO close to the answer

 Elisa, Taryn, and Ally


Mary figured it out!

 The whole group
 


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Book Review: Here Be Monsters

If anyone has seen the movie The Boxtrolls, congratulations! That movie rocks.  However, like most movies, it was a book first.  When I found that out and figured out the title, I read it immediately, so here is my review!


For Fans of:
Roald Dahl
Goblins by Phillip Reeve


Here Be Monsters
Alan Snow

Here Be Monsters! 

Ratbridge--a city unlike any other.  Young Arthur, living with his foster father underground must escape above to collect food and materials.  But one night, Arthur is trapped as the appalling Snatcher seals all sewer drains making escape impossible.

With the help of Willbury Nibble, some boxtrolls, cabbageheads, Marjorie the inventor, and the rats and pirates of Ratbridge Nautical Laundry, Arthur must find a way to save his father before he starves, find out Snatcher's evil plan and save the town before it's too late!

There are quite a few connections between this book and the movie, The Boxtrolls, but it's obvious the screenwriters took quite a bit of creative control.  Nonetheless, the movie was incredible, and the book was even more entertaining!

Snatcher is a most odious man, who you can help but hate throughout the entire story.  This whole story kind of reminds me of a fantasy story by Road Dahl.  A young boy must band together with his remarkable friends to save the day--and saving the day involved stopping a massive rat being fed an exorbitant amount of cheese on a daily basis.

This book also has some incredible illustrations that show up on every other page, if not more often.  The illustrations definitely add to the story and help develop the pictures of the fantastical creatures.  At a whopping 500 pages, this book seems daunting, but due to the illustrations and incredible story line, it will not take you long to finish it.


Wednesday, July 22, 2015

TAB: More Helen

Helen is pretty new to the library and TAB. But I have been very blessed to get to know her, and I hope she becomes more and more invested in Teen stuff at the library!

Helen:



1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: Black Light Party

2.  What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: I don't really know

3. What book will you read next?
          Answer: not sure

4.  What is the best/latest movie you've seen?
          Answer: Inside Out,   Tinkerbell and the Never Beast

5.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: sports

6. Will you go to the fair?  Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: probably not           no

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

TAB: More Hannah!

Hannah has been working at the library for a couple of years now, but she still makes time for the fun stuff, too!

Hannah:

1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: the programs

2.  What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: Melt by Selene Castrovilla

3. What book will you read next?
          Answer: not sure

4.  What is the best/latest movie you've seen?
          Answer: The Heat

5.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: vacationing

6. Will you go to the fair?  Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: maybe                no

Monday, July 20, 2015

TAB: More Morgan!

Morgan is quite the character, and I am super happy she is back at the library, working and playing!

Morgan



1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: the food and the programs

2. What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: Torch Red by Melody Carlson

3. What book will you read next?
          Answer: The Heart Breaker

3.  What is the best/latest movie you have seen?
          Answer:The Princess and the Frog

4.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: going to the creek

5.  Will you go to the fair? Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: yes                             no

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Book Review: Atlantia

Ally Condie is the author of the incredible Matched trilogy.  Now, she's come out with a standalone book--at least, I believe it will not continue as a series.  But this is based in an underwater dome world in post-apocalyptic Earth.  Fans of Matched, and any other Dystopia should definitely pick this one up!

For Fans of:
Matched series
Dark Life by Kat Falls

Atlantia
Ally Condie
Atlantia

The surface of the Earth is slowly being scorched, temperatures rising, and people unable to grow food.  In answer to this problem, domes have been erected at the bottom of the ocean.  Large enough to house a city, these domes give life to humanity.

Ever since Rio was a little girl, however, she dreamed of going up to the surface to work to provide for Atlantia.  When she is old enough, at the ceremony to decide who will live on the surface to work and who will stay in Atlantia, Rio is surprised by her sister's choice.  They had decided together to stay in Atlantia, even though Rio was dying to travel to the surface, but when Rio's sister chooses land, Rio is forced to stay below, by herself.

Alone, Rio must face the slow destruction of her home. She must find out what, or who, truly killed her mother.  All at the same time, Rio must hide the fact that she is a siren, a person who can get people to do what she wants by using her "true voice," a fact her parents forced her to keep hidden her whole life, lest she face dire consequences from the conspiratorial leader of Atlantia.

I can't even describe everything that happens in this book! Ally Condie has done it again.  Atlantia was read in about 2 days.  I stopped for water and work.

For some reason, I'm drawn to stories from under the sea.  Perhaps it is the mysterious unknown of what awaits humanity in its depths, but I applaud Condie for attempting to tell a young adult story based in the murky sea.  Rio is a solid character from start to finished, albeit mildly misguided.  She is a teenager, after all.  She is clever--developing a way to earn money to buy an air tank to escape, all the while, practicing swimming avoiding the mines outside the domes via a show for the public.

Rio's devotion to her sister and mother are also solid.  When Rio's aunt enters the picture, she reacts how you could assume a teenage might respond to the outreach of the woman suspected of her own sister's murder.

There is conspiracy, intrigue, betrayal, silence, and the supernatural that tears out of these page and will leave you breathless...Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

Saturday, July 18, 2015

TAB: More Regan!

Regan has become a fast supporter of the library and teen functions.  I'm super excited to see her commit to everything here!

Regan


1. What is your favorite part of SRP?
          Answer: the program, itself

2. What book are you currently reading?
          Answer: FairyTail volume #1-2

3.  What is the best/latest movie you have seen?
          Answer: Furious 7

4.  What is your favorite summer activity?
          Answer: swimming and riding my scooter

5.  Will you go to the fair? Are you involved in 4-H?
          Answer: no and no

Friday, July 17, 2015

Superhero Costumes and such

Last night we worked on making some superhero costumes and paraphernalia! Check out allllll the fun we had!
TEEN SUPERHEROES!

 Hannah struggles with sparkly duct tape...


Jesse tried to hot glue the pool noodles back together...it just melts the pool noodle.

 Morgan and Tricia working hard!

The middle schools separated from the high schoolers









 I made a Mario pillow

Morgan and Taryn...no words... 



Thursday, July 16, 2015

3rd Friday TOMORROW!

Tomorrow it's time again for 3rd Friday! We will be doing a ton of super hero crafts! I'm super excited, and my teens are incredible, so they will be helping me work for 4 hours setting up, doing crafts, and tearing down.  Here is what is in store:

Super Hero bracelets.  Great fine motor skill for your kiddo's + fun to create and wear.  50+ Superhero Crafts / by Busy Mom's Helper #superhero #crafts #kidcrafts

This Captain America shield DIY uses paper plates to make a toy that kids will love to play with. A superhero craft idea that's great for dressing up!

Make Your Own Superhero Snowflakes

super hero crafts - Google Search

3 Easy, Geeky Crafts for Kids | GeekMom | Wired.com

valentine's day crafts - Bing Images

Spider-Man as a Jumping Jack. Dowload template free. Another cool superhero puppet.

Come stop by from 5-8!