Book to Movie Review

Usually I review books...and I HAVE read a lot, so those will be coming later this week, but this past weekend, I watched two movies that were made from YA books and I have decided to review them compared to their books, here.

The first film I saw was The Giver, based on the book by Lois Lowry written decades ago.  

The Giver is a Newbery Award winner, and in my opinion, the catalyst for all Dystopian novels.  The Hunger Games...The Maze Runner... they would not be here if Lowry had not started this genre!

The Giver at IMDB

In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.

I will start out by saying at the end of the movie, I cried. I had big fat wet tears rolling down my face.  When the world changes for the better, it's hard not to.  I would highly suggest seeing this film.  There are quite a few differences and discrepancies when compared to book, but I think you will find that it adds to the story, rather than takes away.  Meryl Streep's character is nearly nonexistent in the book, but in the movie, she completely takes the cake.  I even heard rumor that once the movie was finished, Lois Lowry said she wished she HAD written Streep's character into the book.

You will NOT be disappointed in this movie--however, like every book to film situation, I suggest reading the book FIRST! 

The second movie I got to watch was the famous Maze Runner, based off of the novel by James Dashner. 

The Maze Runner at IMDB

Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

Now, I have told many people that the series by Dashner, is in my opinion, hands down better than The Hunger Game series.  I say this for a few reasons...I think the book is better written, with a solid plot and language among the characters.  I also appreciate the ideas behind the story--one of survival and teamwork, rather than bloodthirst and destruction. 

The movie stayed nearly side by side with the book until the last 30 minutes or so.  Chuck is definitely my favorite--he was in the book, he is in the film. The only difference I noticed (though it HAS been awhile since I read the book), was the location of the escape and its surroundings.  Also, the very end differs slightly with who is present in the WCKD facility.  I love the actors and actress the director got to portray the characters, and I feel very strongly that this movie brought the book to life in a way that would make James Dashner, the author, very proud.  There is action, struggles, great cinematic effects, panoramic views, and to my great pleasure, little to no "love story."  You MUST see this one. 

Fortunately, MCPL has both of these movies.  The Maze Runner is being cataloged this week, so we may have to wait a bit for it, but get your behinds in to the library to check them out!

It's the Most Wonderful Time!

Well, teens, I know you are getting busy helping your parents get ready for Christmas, buying presents, and psyching up for 2015.  Here is a lil booster of Christmas spirit for you all--

This is Cindy Miller...she helps with most of the teen stuff.  The great homecooked food you all eat--that's her.  The Christmas candy we made last week? Also her.   Cindy loves to get in the middle of things going on with teenagers.  She worked at Northridge High School from the '90s up until the high school moved to the new building.  Then she worked at the middle school for a good 8 years or so. She is now working part time at Orchard View Elementary in the cafeteria.  If you haven't met this lady, you need to.  She cares about all of you, and she LOVES helping out for programs and volunteer days.  She will always greet you with a smile, and will bring joy to your day!

I am fortunate enough to have this lady as my mother.  I may be biased, but I think the teens she's met will agree just what an incredible woman she is! I hope you come to some programs so you can meet her!

Young Hoosier Book Club

Well, we have 4 clubs down, 5 to go! I think I have outdone myself this year with programs :D Today we discussed Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus

Summary:
Shadow on the Mountain recounts the adventures of a 14-year-old Norwegian boy named Espen during World War II. After Nazi Germany invades and occupies Norway, Espen and his friends are swept up in the Norwegian resistance movement. Espen gets his start by delivering illegal newspapers.  When stopped by the Gestapo, he shows them his alibi—jam to take to his uncle. With the code name, Odin, Espen delivers much information and eventually graduates to the role of courier.  In his free time, Espen plays soccer, but when Stein, the soccer captain is replaced by Aksel, a new informant for the Nazis, nearly everyone walks out.  Some locals are pro-Nazi, but those in his town wear red stocking caps to promote solidarity and show their pride in their country (red is a huge part of the Norwegian flag).  His best friend Kjell seems to be a Nazi spy, but can Espen be sure? His sister Ingrid has been spying on him as well, but she thinks he just found a new girlfriend.  Which, he is working on.  While Espen has no problem performing illegal acts, he struggles to talk to Solveig. When Espen’s friends and confidants start disappearing and dying, will Espen maintain the courage to do the right thing? During five years under the Nazi regime, he gains—and loses—friends, falls in love, and makes one small mistake that threatens to catch up with him as he sets out to escape on skis over the mountains to Sweden.

6th Grade

 7th Grade

8th Grade

Christmas Candy

I am soooo happy we had almost double the amount of teens at Christmas Candy 2014 than at 2013! And a few of them came to it as their first library program.  Teens, I LOVE providing fun experiences for you.  Any feedback you ever have, please feel free to give me so I can make YOUR reading experience better.

In the meantime, enjoy these pictures:

 Oh Hannah...

The gang with Cindy, who orchestrated these shenanigans! (Also, my mommy!) :D

Next TAB member!

Let's hear it for the boy! Chris Peters!

Hi! I'm Chris Peters and I am in TAB! I like to help with 3rd Fridays. I usually carry the heavy stuff.  I am also in Book Buddies.  Book Buddies is fun.  I like TAB because I like to decide what the teens will get to do.  I also like that I get free food every month.  My favorite TAB food is soda; root beer is delicious. 

My favorite book or book series is the Scream Team.  I don't love reading, but I don't mind it.  I am a really cool guy, the only guy in TAB, which makes me the coolest.  Other male teens should join up!

Another TAB member!

Meet Elisa!

Hi! My name is Elisa Peters. I am in TAB because it is fun to interact with people and I am in Book Buddies my buddy is so cute he is 6 years old and so adorable but I keep him focused. I love reading, my favorite book is The Tail of Emily Windsnap. It's a book about a half mermaid girl. I love being with people at the library because I feel more comfortable, I am normally a shy person.   

Meet Rebekah!

Our next TAB member is:

Rebekah Waggoner, :D

Hi! I'm Rebekah and I am in 8th grade this year.  I help with student council, and I also try to volunteer for Kelsey at the library.  I love being a part of TAB, because I get to help Kelsey decide what to do for the teens.  I always get to voice my opinion, and I think that is really cool.

I usually help out at 3rd Fridays, serving refreshments or helping with crafts.  I also go to the Young Hoosier Book Club Kelsey has at the middle school every month.

I LOVE the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series and I'm currently reading The Blood of Olympus.