I am always thinking of new signs and posters to put up in the Teen Section, and when I ran across this one, I think it might be a good one to add to the collection.
Props to Lord of the Rings and JRR Tolkien fans!
Teens
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Librarian Comics
I found some great comics online for your Sunday viewing pleasure. I remember growing up reading the comic section in the paper as my dad finished with the Goshen News. Here are some librarian comics that I think are quite appropriate for today's age.
All comics are from: http://ebookfriendly.com/best-library-cartoons/
I'm OK with this, as your Teen Librarian...
But really, don't listen to them!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Book Review: No Easy Way Out
The second book in this series--full of twists and turns, in a highly intense story of a contagion loose in a quarantined mall!
The second book of the Infectious trilogy follows the second week of the viral outbreak in the quarantined mall. The senator is scrambling to restore some resemblance of order--assigning people home bases to sleep, eat, and shower. Her daughter Lexi is trying to help, but when she meets Marco, she has a few other things on her mind, namely, does he really like her and can she trust him?
On the other side of the mall are Shay and Ryan, desperately trying to be together, but knowing that would risk Ryan's freedom.
A couple of love triangles ensue, and when a new outbreak of the virus starts targeting teens, the scrambling is even more desperate...
No Easy Way Out picks up perfectly where No Safety in Numbers left off. Lorentz is true to all of her characters, especially the ones you hate--in this installation, you will hate them more. Rife with narcissistic teens, gang-type groups running the show, and love triangles, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Lorentz is able to capture the severity of the situation, and to create a teen atmosphere without too much use of inappropriate language or sexual content. While there is some of that, as well as drinking, Lorentz focuses more on her story-line and less on stereotypical actions of teenagers.
Book No.2 is a tad longer than the first, but I'm pretty sure it reads just as quickly as the first one. I can't wait to get my hands on the already published book No.3:
No Easy Way Out
by Dayna Lorentz
The second book of the Infectious trilogy follows the second week of the viral outbreak in the quarantined mall. The senator is scrambling to restore some resemblance of order--assigning people home bases to sleep, eat, and shower. Her daughter Lexi is trying to help, but when she meets Marco, she has a few other things on her mind, namely, does he really like her and can she trust him?
On the other side of the mall are Shay and Ryan, desperately trying to be together, but knowing that would risk Ryan's freedom.
A couple of love triangles ensue, and when a new outbreak of the virus starts targeting teens, the scrambling is even more desperate...
No Easy Way Out picks up perfectly where No Safety in Numbers left off. Lorentz is true to all of her characters, especially the ones you hate--in this installation, you will hate them more. Rife with narcissistic teens, gang-type groups running the show, and love triangles, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Lorentz is able to capture the severity of the situation, and to create a teen atmosphere without too much use of inappropriate language or sexual content. While there is some of that, as well as drinking, Lorentz focuses more on her story-line and less on stereotypical actions of teenagers.
Book No.2 is a tad longer than the first, but I'm pretty sure it reads just as quickly as the first one. I can't wait to get my hands on the already published book No.3:
Friday, February 26, 2016
Book Review: The Hobbit
Probably most of you have seen the movies, and maybe many of you have even read the book, but if you haven't, here's what it is about!
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.
This is the penultimate adventure story, and J.R.R. Tolkien the genius behind it. Tolkien takes generic fantasy and fairy tale creatures and weaves a tale that has never been told before. This book, written 75 years ago STILL has readers salivating.
From a small hole underground to the Misty Mountains, your imaginary world will be rocked and the adventure will not stop. I don't think Tolkien has one page in his story without some incredible action happening.
If you haven't read The Hobbit yet, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? Get it now!
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.
This is the penultimate adventure story, and J.R.R. Tolkien the genius behind it. Tolkien takes generic fantasy and fairy tale creatures and weaves a tale that has never been told before. This book, written 75 years ago STILL has readers salivating.
From a small hole underground to the Misty Mountains, your imaginary world will be rocked and the adventure will not stop. I don't think Tolkien has one page in his story without some incredible action happening.
If you haven't read The Hobbit yet, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? Get it now!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Book Review: I Am Princess X
Comic Book meets Mystery/Adventure!
Libby and May met in elementary school, became best friends, and began creating their own comic book, Princess X. But tragedy strikes, and Libby passes away after her mother's car drive off of the bridge into the river.
May, now living with her father, starts to see pictures and stickers of Princess X all around town, three years later. How does anyone know about her and Libby's comic? May comes to find out there is a whole fan-base revolving around Princess X, and it's possible Libby didn't die in that accident...instead she was kidnapped.
This book is an incredible mystery story, infused with incredible comics to give clues to the reader, and the characters in the book. Together, the novel and comic portions weave an incredible tale about 2 best friends that refuse to give up on one another. The story is a hunt for clues before time runs out, and May is one determined girl!
If you want an edge-of-your-seat kind of book, I highly suggest this one. I finished it in one sitting!
I Am Princess X
by Cherie Priest
Libby and May met in elementary school, became best friends, and began creating their own comic book, Princess X. But tragedy strikes, and Libby passes away after her mother's car drive off of the bridge into the river.
May, now living with her father, starts to see pictures and stickers of Princess X all around town, three years later. How does anyone know about her and Libby's comic? May comes to find out there is a whole fan-base revolving around Princess X, and it's possible Libby didn't die in that accident...instead she was kidnapped.
This book is an incredible mystery story, infused with incredible comics to give clues to the reader, and the characters in the book. Together, the novel and comic portions weave an incredible tale about 2 best friends that refuse to give up on one another. The story is a hunt for clues before time runs out, and May is one determined girl!
If you want an edge-of-your-seat kind of book, I highly suggest this one. I finished it in one sitting!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
TAB Tomorrow!
This month, we will be:
solidifying our TAB Mission Statement
discussing the Summer Reading Program
going over Disney Club and planning for the next one
watching movie trailers based off of YA books
playing a plethora of games
eating more junk food
and creating the new display for the Teen Section!
Come on down this Thursday, from 4:30-5:30 if you want to be a part of the action!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Harper Lee
It is with great sadness that I report that Harper Lee, the famous author, has passed away at the age of 89.
You can read about her at a few links:
Harper Lee is best known for her book To Kill a Mockingbird, written back in 1960 when the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Harper Lee stood up for all races in her novel, and really hit home as to what was happening to the African American population.
Harper Lee's FIRST book, Go Set a Watchman, was written before To Kill a Mockingbird, but published 50 years after.
Harper Lee has always been one of my favorite authors, and while your English teacher probably MADE you read her book for a grade, I hope you learned to appreciate its message. And if you haven't read anything by Lee, please get on that now!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Book Review: Trail of the Dead
Next book in this incredible trilogy by Joseph Bruchac:
Lozen won the battle against Haven and escaped with her family, friends, and the Dreamer. But now, they are alone in the wild, where genetically modified monsters lurk around every corner. At the same time, the leaders of Haven have sent out "Four Deaths" to assassinate Lozen. And "Four Deaths" doesn't fail.
Together, Lozen and her friends must fight the gemods and the assassin, and hope that Hally can come out of hiding to help them survive.
Bruchac is a veteran author, and while I haven't read a whole lot by him, when I started this series, I was amazed that I had missed all of his books for so long! Bruchac takes a classic post-apocalyptic setting and creates his own world--some elements are the general ingredients for this type of story, but what I love about Bruchac is that his main character is almost always Native American, which doesn't seem to happen often.
Bruchac infuses his knowledge of Native American culture and lore, so not only are his stories entertaining, but they are also educational. Trail of the Dead picks up perfectly where Lozen left off in Killer of Enemies. She is a butt-kicking, strong, and determined young woman who will stop at nothing to protect her friends and family.
Girls, especially, will love Lozen and her fight against corruption and futuristic beasts. Check this out! And I eagerly await the third, and last, installment!
Trail of the Dead
by Joseph Bruchac
Lozen won the battle against Haven and escaped with her family, friends, and the Dreamer. But now, they are alone in the wild, where genetically modified monsters lurk around every corner. At the same time, the leaders of Haven have sent out "Four Deaths" to assassinate Lozen. And "Four Deaths" doesn't fail.
Together, Lozen and her friends must fight the gemods and the assassin, and hope that Hally can come out of hiding to help them survive.
Bruchac is a veteran author, and while I haven't read a whole lot by him, when I started this series, I was amazed that I had missed all of his books for so long! Bruchac takes a classic post-apocalyptic setting and creates his own world--some elements are the general ingredients for this type of story, but what I love about Bruchac is that his main character is almost always Native American, which doesn't seem to happen often.
Bruchac infuses his knowledge of Native American culture and lore, so not only are his stories entertaining, but they are also educational. Trail of the Dead picks up perfectly where Lozen left off in Killer of Enemies. She is a butt-kicking, strong, and determined young woman who will stop at nothing to protect her friends and family.
Girls, especially, will love Lozen and her fight against corruption and futuristic beasts. Check this out! And I eagerly await the third, and last, installment!
Friday, February 19, 2016
Disney Club Results
Thank you to the 12 teenagers that came to celebrate the awesomeness of Disney! Together, we had TONS of snacks (remember, I feed you snacks, NOT dinner), Disney Pictionary, Pin the Nose on Olaf, and make your own Mickey Ears. I love creating programs for teens, and it really encourages me to do more and better programs when I get feedback from the teens--remember, it's all about you, but you HAVE to tell me what you want!
Finding Nemo crackers, Ursula Tentacles, Luigi's Tires, Olaf punch glasses, Treasure SweetTarts, Seaweed grapes, Mickey Mouse sandwiches, and Fairy Dust!
Here is Hannah desperately trying to help her team guess The Little Mermaid:
Here are some great pictures from the evening:
Disney Pictionary
Flynn Rider WANTED poster
Pin the Nose on Olaf
Thank you all who participated! I hope the next one is even more enjoyable!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Target Practice
If you watch Star Wars, you might have noticed that the Stormtroopers NEVER hit ANYTHING! It is kind of a running joke among Star Wars fans. I found this photo to throw out a chuckle
HOWEVER! I am actually and excellent shot, which surprised me, because I'm a pacifist (against violence). But when you are marrying a man whose family loves to go shooting, you have to jump on the bandwagon! I am actually a better shot than my gun-toting fiance! Check out my awesomeness:
HOWEVER! I am actually and excellent shot, which surprised me, because I'm a pacifist (against violence). But when you are marrying a man whose family loves to go shooting, you have to jump on the bandwagon! I am actually a better shot than my gun-toting fiance! Check out my awesomeness:
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Disney Club Part 2, This Week!
I am so excited to bring you another Disney Club at MCPL! The Teen Advisory Board has requested that I do one every other month, so we will have one in February and one in April.
This month, we will be meeting THIS THURSDAY, February 18, from 4:30-5:30 in the community rooms. All materials are FREE! I hope to see you there!
Here is the fun from last time...
And THIS time around, we will be doing the following:
Disney Pictionary
Make Mickey Mouse Ears
Eat AWESOME Disney themed snacks
![Tire Donuts ~ for car party, place mini donuts on a chopstick or skewer and pile rest of donuts around skewer [printable sign or customize]:](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ee/e8/c3/eee8c3b2d90b7e5bd97d50422444a919.jpg)
We will have a Tangled photo booth:
And here are our rules:
Monday, February 15, 2016
Book Review: What We Saw
What does it mean when we use the word, "consent"? This book deeply touches on this issue--disclaimer, this book is probably not appropriate for anyone under 15...maybe not even 15 year olds, but this book is absolutely incredible and wonderfully written.
Kate had a blast at the party over the weekend--such a blast, she got so drunk and had to be taken home early by her crush. But Kate never saw what happened at the party after she left.
So when the following week, when one of Kate's classmates (the stereotypical "white trash" girl) accuses multiple boys from the basketball team of raping her, one right after the other, while she was passed out drunk at the party, Kate starts to rethink her opinions of her crush, Ben Cody, and his teammates.
This is an incredible story, taken from real life events, though unfortunately in this day and age, definitely happens more often than people will talk about. This is a VERY tough book to read, and I really only suggest it to teens and adults with a very high maturity level. This book is very graphic, as it must be to address a real life issue that takes place so often.
Rape is, and has always been, something that people aren't sure about--did it really happen? Is it the girl's fault? etc., etc. But this book explores the idea of "consent" and the stereotypes all people have about victims--no matter what a person looks like or acts like does not negate their feelings, their well-being, and their own sexual choices.
This is another book I definitely cried, because I know this stuff happens--and I know it happens in high school! How is this even possible? How are we failing our children so badly that this can happen so often in our culture?
Please pick this book up, read with caution, and start to think about consequences.
What We Saw
by Aaron Hartzler
Kate had a blast at the party over the weekend--such a blast, she got so drunk and had to be taken home early by her crush. But Kate never saw what happened at the party after she left.
So when the following week, when one of Kate's classmates (the stereotypical "white trash" girl) accuses multiple boys from the basketball team of raping her, one right after the other, while she was passed out drunk at the party, Kate starts to rethink her opinions of her crush, Ben Cody, and his teammates.
This is an incredible story, taken from real life events, though unfortunately in this day and age, definitely happens more often than people will talk about. This is a VERY tough book to read, and I really only suggest it to teens and adults with a very high maturity level. This book is very graphic, as it must be to address a real life issue that takes place so often.
Rape is, and has always been, something that people aren't sure about--did it really happen? Is it the girl's fault? etc., etc. But this book explores the idea of "consent" and the stereotypes all people have about victims--no matter what a person looks like or acts like does not negate their feelings, their well-being, and their own sexual choices.
This is another book I definitely cried, because I know this stuff happens--and I know it happens in high school! How is this even possible? How are we failing our children so badly that this can happen so often in our culture?
Please pick this book up, read with caution, and start to think about consequences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)