I am Number Four

by Pittacus Lore
YA SciFi Lore P
440 p. 2010 SciFi/Romance
Grade: A+

I am Number Four is an awesome book filled with mystery. I can't wait for the next.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club and TAB member Kyra B.

Best Books of 2010?

Reading Rants, one of my favorite sites for YA lit., came out with its best books for 2010 list. I'm so far behind in my reading! Of her 10, I've read 2. But this gives me a great jumping off point to catch up.

Here's the list:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Forge.

Bacigalupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker.

Black, Holly & Justine Larbalestier, eds. Zombies vs. Unicorns.

Emond, Stephen. Happyface.

Green, John & David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

Hemphill, Stephanie. Wicked Girls.

Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall.

Oppel, Kenneth. Half Brother.

Yancey, Rick. The Monstrumologist: Curse of the Wendigo.

Yovanoff, Brenna. The Replacement.

I must say, I loved Before I Fall. Ship Breaker was also excellently written. The next one I'd like to read is Happyface.

My own list will be coming soon. How about you? What were your favorite books this year?

Nightshade

by Andrea Cremer
YA Horror Cremer A
454 p. 2010 Supernatural/Horror
Grade: B

Calla is that Alpha of the Nightshades, and she is arranged to marry the Bane Alpha, Ren. WHat will she do though when she finds a mystery boy that has everything to do with her world, is turning it upside down, and he doesn't even know it? Calla and everything she stands for is put to the test.

Marriage, prophecy, lies, secrets, enemies and allies. What can you do when nothing makes sense anymore? Follow Calla in her journey to discover the truth.

Nightshade was reviewed by teen volunteer Maggie K.

Matched

by Ally Condie
YA SciFi Condie A
369 p. 2010 Science Fiction
Grade: A

Take The Giver, Uglies and a dose of teenage angst, give them a good mix, and you've got yourself Matched. In a futuristic society, Cassia is matched with her friend Xander, but ends up falling for a "forbidden" boy, Ky. She must choose whether to follow the safe path she's always known or let her heart lead her. Although this was an enjoyable, engaging, page-turning read, I felt like the concept of her society had already been done in The Giver and Uglies. All in all though, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a page-turner romance (that's not too sappy!) or anyone who likes The Giver.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club & TAB member Allison P.

Free FAFSA Webinar

Our library will be doing our own FAFSA program in February 2011, but if you simply cannot wait to get all the info, there's a free webinar coming up on December 8.

You may be asking yourself what the FAFSA is. If you're a graduating senior or the parent of any college-bound student, now is the time to know.

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student eligibility for grants, work study, and loan amounts. The FAFSA application is critical because it is used for Federal Pell Grants as well as determining eligibility for other financial aid opportunities offered by colleges and universities.

The webinar is hosted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling and will be held on Wednesday, December 8 at 2 p.m. For complete info and to register, visit NACAC.

Love*com

by Aya Nakahara
YA Graphic Novel Nakahara A
2007-2010 Manga
Grade: A

Love*com is adorable, funny and most of all the characters are so believable. They don't have crazy family issues or unbelievable situations.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club member Liz F.

Prisoners in the Palace

by Michaela MacColl
YA MacColl M
367 p. 2010 Historical Fiction
Grade: B

When Liza's parents die, she becomes lady's maid to Queen Victoria in this lively novel, rich with historical detail and palace intrigue. Victoria is a vivid character, as is Will, the love interest, and the mysterious Inside Boy. The pacing drags in a few spots, but this is well made up for by the well-researched fun. Recommended to any fan of historical fiction!

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club member Mary G.

Unwind the Movie!

Attention TLC members & other teen lit lovers:

The fascinating book Unwind by Mr. Neal Shusterman is going to be made into a film! No news yet on casting or an actual release date. According to imdb.com, it's set to come out in 2012.

Any suggestions about who could play Connor? How about Risa? My personal picks? Justin Bieber and Dakota Fanning. Just kidding! ;)

If you haven't yet had the chance to read this book, now's the time. Stop by the library and pick up a copy.

Hey, writers...get ready!

November is knocking on October's door, and it's coming with the annual writing challenge--NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It's a personal goal you set for yourself to write a novel in November. Yes, a NOVEL. Think you have what it takes? Below is the scoop from the folks sponsoring the event. Read on...

What: To meet your word-count goal and write a novel from scratch in one month’s time. You will be able to enter your chosen word-count goal in your profile starting October 1.

Who: You!

You should sign up on the Young Writers Program site if you are:

•17 years old or younger participating on your own.
•In a K-12 teacher-led class that is participating in NaNoWriMo.
•An educator facilitating NaNoWriMo in your classroom.
If you are 13 or older, you can sign up on the main site at www.nanowrimo.org. Just know that you will have to write 50,000 words since the adult site doesn’t allow you to set your own word-count goal.

Why: The reasons are endless! To write freely without having to stress over spelling and grammar. To be able to talk about how cool your novel is any chance you get. To be able to make fun of real novelists who take far longer than 30 days to write their books...

When: You can sign up whenever you’d like to add your name to the roster of budding young authors and participate in the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach your word-count goal by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the celebration begins.

If you ever thought about giving writing a try, why not take the plunge during NaNoWriMo? The library has lots of books with tips for aspiring writers, so drop by and give us a shout.

Unwind

by Neal Shusterman
YA SciFi Shusterman N
335 p. 2010 Science Fiction
Grade: A+

Unwind was so great! I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they like science fiction or not. It is full of suspense and tension. Some parts are a little hard to follow, but overall, it was superb!

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club member Marlene G.

The Wide-Awake Princess

by E.D. Baker
jBak
261 p. 2010 Fairy Tales
Grade: A

The Wide-Awake Princess was a funny, quick, and light read that stayed true to the fairy tale spirit of The Frog Princess . In this story, Princess Annie, Sleeping Beauty's younger sister, is the only one left awake when the whole castle falls asleep. She sets out to bring home her sister's true love to break the spell, encountering many other quirky (often familiar) fairy tale characters along the way. The Wide-Awake Princess is a quirky, likeable twist on several well-known fairytales that I would recommend to anyone who's enjoyed E.D. Baker's other tales.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club and TAB member Allison P.

You

by Charles Benoit
Coming soon to WPPL!
240 p. 2010 Fiction
Grade: B-

Though the vocabulary was basic and the plot predictable, You was good. The main character, Kyle, is someone everyone can relate to either through his personality or the betrayal he goes through.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Club member Hannah W.

Reminder: Art Show entries due next Monday!

Hi all,

This is just a reminder that the entries for our 4th annual "art happens" Teen Art Show are due next Monday, September 27. For a submission form and complete details, please click here. Good luck!

Fat Vampire

by Adam Rex
YA Rex A
324 p. 2010 Humorous Fiction
Grade: C

I gave up on Fat Vampire by page 67 because it just didn't hook me. Nothing about it compelled me to read on, and I didn't really want to. The plot is good, but something about the way it was written--dialogue, perhaps?--just didn't fit well with me.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Marlene G.

Chasing Brooklyn

by Lisa Schroeder
YA Schroeder L
412 p. 2010 Verse Novel
Grade: A

I loved Chasing Brooklyn from the start. The form was interesting and really helped me make the plot and characters more realistic and relatable. The author did a great job with setting and characters. The end was surprising but not shocking (which is good). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes ghosts, romance or both!

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Marlene G.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
YA SciFi Collins S
374 p. 2008 Science Fiction
Grade: A+

The Hunger Games is a fast-paced, interesting book. It has few slow parts, and when they get slow, they throw in huge rollercoaster twists. The ending leaves everyone wanting more, wanting the sequel ASAP. At points, I actually prayed Peeta, Katniss and Rue would be okay.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club and TAB member Chelsea T.

Harmonic Feedback

Harmonic Feedback
by Tara Kelly
YA Kelly T
288 p. 2010 Fiction
Grade: A

Drea has Asperger's, but while reading her story, I identified so strongly with her at points that I wondered if I have Asperger's. It really shows Tara Kelly's skill in letting you enter her character's head. If you've ever felt socially awkward, you will cringe along with Drea as she makes new friends. An attractive and well-drawn love interest and other memorable side characters round out this absorbing and authentic debut.

Reviewed by Teen Lit Book Club member Jaclyn D.

Blood+ 01

by Asuka Katsura
YA Graphic Novel Katsura A
194 p. 2008 Manga
Grade: C-

As the name suggests, Blood+ is pretty bloody and keeps to the general sterotypical drama. They were also posing the question, "Are you your past or your present?" But it was poorly done and chunky. I also didn't like the way they portrayed the U.S. We looked stupid and bloody.

Reviewed by teen patron Sofia F.

The Arrival

by Shaun Tan
YA Graphic Novel Tan S
2006 Graphic Novel
Grade: A

I loved the way The Arrival is told in pictures only. It means everyone comes up with their own interpretations and meanings. The artwork is also very creative and beautiful.

reviewed by teen patron Sofia F.

Airman

by Eoin Colfer
YA Colfer E
412 p. 2008 Fiction
Grade: A+

Eoin Colfer is my favorite author, and I would recommend any of his books. I really liked Airman because it had a lot of action and an exciting plot.

reviewed by teen volunteer Danny F.

Artemis Fowl series

by Eoin Colfer
jCol
277 p. 2001 Fantasy
Grade: A+

The Artemis Fowl series has action, intrigue and a good plot with the occasional joke. It is the best series I have ever read.

reviewed by teen volunteer Danny F.

Bloody Kiss

by Kazuko Furumiya
YA Graphic Novel Furumiya K
2009 Manga
Grade: C+

In Bloody Kiss, the emotions were too chunky. On one page she's crying and the next she is ecstatic.

Reviewed by Anime Anonymous member Sofia F.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

by Gabrielle Zevin
YA Zevin G
271 p. 2007 Fiction
Grade: C

I liked the idea that losing your memories changes you, but I didn't like the way Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac was told.

Reviewed by Book Club member Liz F.

Deadly Creatures

Deadly Creatures
for Wii
Grade: A-

Deadly Creatures keeps the player on the edge of his or her seat. With an arsenal of moves and two alternating characters, the powerful scorpion or the agile tarantula, you progress through chapters, unlocking moves and uncovering new areas. But you also need to keep an eye out for grubs & crickets, which help unlock concept art. And with a variety of enemies like lizards or beetles, you don't get bored easily. But the fights get a bit repetitive, and I ended up using the same combo on EVERY enemy EVERY time. Nevertheless, Deadly Creatures is a fun game with a few minor flaws. Try it out!

reviewed by TAB member Tanuj B.

Before I Fall

by Lauren Oliver
YA Oliver L
470 p. 2010 Fiction
Grade: A+

Before I Fall is beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I had a hard time reading the last chapter because my eyes kept welling up with tears. It made me want to rethink my life and what I'm doing or not doing with the time I have.

Reviewed by teen librarian Lisa B.

The Lost Children

by Carolyn Cohagan
Coming soon to WPPL
313 p. 2010 Fantasy
Grade: B

This is a book that's about a girl named Josephine as she enters the door to a world she's never known. When this book comes out you should put it on the top of your list.

reviewed by TAB member Kyra B.

To see the cool book trailer, visit thelostchildrenbook.com

Want to win $1000?

Lisa McMann's final book in the Wake trilogy, Gone, was just released! Woo! As if that weren't cool enough, she's also got a contest going until March 8 where you could win $1000 just for vlogging about your dreams and goals. Here's the info:

The “Don’t Let Your Dream Fade Vlog” Sweepstakes
ENTER HERE: LisaMcMann.com

Are you dreaming big like Janie? Prove it!
Lisa McMann and Simon & Schuster want to hear from you:

How are your dreams and goals like Janie’s?

Answer this question via vlog in less than two minutes and see below to learn how to enter your vlog in the “Don’t let your dreams Fade” vlog contest!

Lisa McMann will choose a winner, who will receive $1000 toward furthering his or her life goals!

No purchase necessary. Starts on 1/5/10 at 12:01 a.m. EST. Ends on 3/8/10 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Open to legal residents of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia who are between the ages of 14-18 as of date of entry. Contest may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry. Subject to official rules.

Incarceron

by Catherine Fisher
YA SciFi Fisher C
375 p. 2009 SciFi
Grade: A-

Incarceron is truly a phenomenal book! Revolved around the ability of one mystic key and one everlasting prison, our protagonist: Finn, struggles against the powers of Incarceron, itself. If you're a fan of action and pure adventure, than Incarceron is the book for you! Filled with popping detail and intense suspense building at every corner, don't miss one moment of this lively tale!

reviewed by TAB member Patrick L.

Star Trek

Star Trek (2009)
DVD
Grade: A

I think that this was one of the best sci-fi movies of 2009. The special effects were done really making them look realistic. This movie features a good mix of action and character development. It includes some very funny moments in certain scenes. Fans of the original will like this movie a lot.

reviewed by TAB member Katy D.

Free New Moon movie poster!

The Library is retiring its copy of the New Moon movie poster, and I'd like to give it to one of you do to with as you wish. Leave a comment below telling me your favorite book of the past decade, and you could be the proud new owner of the poster!

What was my favorite book of the decade? Surprisingly, it's not Twilight! I have coupons for free Chick-fil-A food to anyone who can guess what my favorite book actually was.

Dead is the New Black

by Marlene Perez
YA Horror Perez M
190 pages 2008 Supernatural
Grade: B

Dead is the New Black starts out really good. It's one of those books that once you start reading you can't stop. It has everything. Romance, mystery, just overall a good book.

reviewed by teen patron Jade R.

Carter Finally Gets It

by Brent Crawford
YA Crawford B
300 pages 2009 Humorous
Grade: A

Carter Finally Gets It was totally hilarious! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to laugh.

reviewed by Library page Elizabeth F.

Harry Potter visits our next book club

Did you know that we had a Teen Book Club for grades 8-12? We've been meeting for about a year and a half now, and have a great group of people who love books and love talking about books. We read all different types of books: sci fi, classics, vampire stories, graphic novels and more! At our February meeting we'll discuss ALL of the Harry Potter books. We'll talk about our favorite characters, scenes and storylines as well as the impact this series has had on pop culture. I invite you to join us!

Here's look at the books we've read and discussed at previous meetings. I hope to see you there!

The Agency 1: A Spy in the House

by Y. S. Lee
YA Mys Lee Y
352 pages 2010 Historical Mystery
Grade: A

A Spy in the House is about a girl who went from being a crook to a spy in only a few years. From what I can tell, the series is going to be about her adventures. It's a good book. You should definitely read it when it comes out.

reviewed by TAB member Kyra B.

Ghostbusters the Video Game

Ghostbusters the Video Game
for XBOX 360
Grade: B-

It can get glitchy. It brings back the original cast and is able to remake the old feel and humor.

reviewed by TAB member James P.

What did you think of the game?

A new teen novel starring...me?

OK, this sounds extremely cool. For a mere $25, "You and your friends can star in these full-length personalized novels perfect for teens & preteens by selecting 25+ features to customize. Thousands of changes in each book! From high school comedy to mysterious vampire romance...you are the star!" Check them out on Facebook.

TAB Hot List -- The Best & Worst Movies of 2009

The Teen Advisory Board has spoken. Below are their favorite and hated movies for the past year. What do you think?

The Best

1. Up
2. District 9
3. Star Trek
4. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
5. The Hangover
6. Zombieland
7. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
8. Inglourious Basterds
9. Paranormal Activity
10.Watchmen

The Worst

1. New Moon
2. The Hannah Montana Movie
3. The Jonas Brothers, the Concert Experience
4. G Force
5. Dance Flick
6. Bride Wars
7. Watchmen (yep, it made both lists)
8. Jennifer's Body
9. Stepfather
10. Bruno

Peter and the Starcatchers

by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
jBar
451 pages 2004 Adventure
Grade: A+

If you're looking for a high paced adventure book, read Peter and the Starcatchers. It's based on Peter Pan, but it's nothing like it. When Peter and his friends are sent off on an old ship headed to a country with a horrible king, he encounters pirates and a very special crate. Will Peter defeat the pirates and find what's in the box? You'll have to read it to find out!

reviewed by teen volunteer Cedric B.

Watchmen

by Alan Moore
YA Graphic Novel Moore A
413 pages 1987 Graphic novel
Grade: A-

I'll just go ahead and say it; Watchmen is one of the greatest graphic novels ever written. The characters' motivations and values all intertwine to create an incredibly engaging plot; even if the ending falls a little flat in a few areas.

reviewed by Teen Book Club member Kevin G.