tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53183862024-02-06T21:58:51.537-05:00<~FPL Teen Blog~>The FPL Teen Blog! - put together by your friendly neighborhood YA librarian!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.comBlogger1036125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-21855505360157156202008-09-06T06:04:00.004-04:002008-09-06T06:23:06.092-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONE LAST POST</span></span><br />Greetings and salutations. I've been writing for about a month now about my last day at Framingham Public Library as their YA librarian. That day has come and gone, and though I'm still ordering some books for the YA department, writing <a href="http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/">blog</a> posts, and keeping up Facebook and Twitter, and I have indeed left the library. I no longer sit in that cool little office in the back of the YA area; I no longer get to put out book displays or consult on my favourite book; I no longer visit the schools for readers groups.<br />With that said, I'd like to make mention that after 5 years of writing this blog, this will be my last post. I have started a new blog for Framingham teens that is keeping up the tradition of book reviews, interesting news, library announcements, and other such things that the next YA librarian will take over eventually.<br />A big thanks to all my readers (over 600 of you per month!) and to those who found this blog and were interested in it enough to share it or use it as a template and example. I've appreciated "meeting" many of you virtually.<br />In the meantime, I've now relocated to Western Mass (and am looking for a job), so if you're nearby, be sure to say hello.<br />For more, be sure to check out the <a href="http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/">Framingham Library Teens Blog</a> at <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/">http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/</a></span>.<br />Thanks again! I've enjoyed writing!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-66278646206685168742008-08-26T16:36:00.002-04:002008-08-26T16:36:53.826-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CLOSURE WARNING</span></span><br />Wanted to let you know that the library will be closed all weekend -- Sat, Sun, & Mon -- so if you want anything for the weekend (last minute summer reading?), get it before Friday at 5pm (which is when we close).emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-2841659981933599052008-08-26T16:26:00.000-04:002008-08-26T16:27:11.147-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKENDS</span></span><br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2555365"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Host</span></a> by Stephenie Meyer<br />I'm sure, if you're a <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://library.minlib.net/search/?searchtype=X&searcharg=twilight+meyer&searchscope=14&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=aMeyer%2C+Stephenie%2C+1973-">Twilight</a> fan, you've already gobbled your way through Stephenie Meyer's newest in the series, <a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2576812">Breaking Dawn</a>. And if you haven't read it, you're probably on the waiting list for it at the library. But have you read the sci-fi piece Meyer wrote for adults? I read it this weekend, and truth be told, I think teens are a perfect audience for it. However, don't expect another <a href="http://library.minlib.net/search/?searchtype=X&searcharg=twilight+meyer&searchscope=14&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=aMeyer%2C+Stephenie%2C+1973-"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Twilight</span></a>.<br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2555365"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Host</span></a> recounts the story of an alien that has been implanted into a teenage girl's body -- part of a movement to take over the human population by these parasitic beings that have conquered many worlds before. And usually they have very little trouble when they conquer new worlds -- but Wanderer has trouble overcoming her host body and mind, Melanie. Her Comforter and Healer cannot help her and Melanie will not disappear -- she continues to bother Wanderer until Wanderer is persuaded to help Melanie seek out her brother and her boyfriend in the depths of the desert. They almost die in pursuit of Melanie's dream, but are found and rescued by her uncle who takes her to an underground mansion of caverns where he is hiding with dozens of other humans who have escaped implanting -- dozens of others, including Melanie's brother and boyfriend. However, trust is difficult, and Melanie and Wanderer are considered dangerous and almost killed a number of times before they begin to be accepted by the group. But greater dangers erupt, putting the whole group at risk, and Melanie and Wanderer face a question of huge importance to themselves and to the others in the caverns -- if they stay, will they bring more danger to the ones they love, or should they go and let everyone forget their existence? Melanie has one answer, Wanderer has another.<br />This was a surprising read for me. I wasn't sure I would like this new Meyer book, having received mixed reviews about it from other readers. It moves Meyer away from vampire teen fantasy fiction into science fiction, but it continues her themes of impossible love made possible and also reminds us that the individuality of humanity is important and powerful. My verdict? I liked it and I dare you to read it.<br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2555365"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FICTION Meyer</span></a>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-30946155044065378512008-08-15T09:27:00.001-04:002008-08-15T09:40:19.360-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LAST REAL DAY</span></span><br />As many of you know, today (Friday) is my last day on the job as the Young Adult Librarian for the Framingham Public Library. I am moving to Western Massachusetts, where I hope to find a job soon (hint hint, nudge nudge to any librarians out that direction who could help me out a little).<br /><br />In the meantime and for a little while, I will still be blogging for Framingham and purchasing books for the collection and updating the Facebook page and running some IM hours -- in other words I'll still be available, so don't disappear on me! However, your best place to find new blogging bits is at <a href="http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/">http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/</a>. (Yes, I do realize I've blogged that link before.) It's a new blog for the Framingham teens, and it will get the most updates in the future for the Framingham folks.<br />(I do expect to start up a new blog one of these days, so keep an eye out here to find out what exciting thing it will be.)<br /><br />I have absolutely enjoyed my time at Framingham -- I've learned a lot and made many friends. Best wishes to you all -- I'll miss seeing you around at the library and the high school and the middle school and at meetings and conferences and all that fun stuff. Perhaps I'll see you around.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-88515631013310500082008-08-14T15:21:00.002-04:002008-09-06T06:04:10.339-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONLY THE VERY BEST</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2329714"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1SR0Wu9TTGHEp9bdIVA-DAkIhPJ_RYdo-rFHrltuxJmtg996kZwdUtNdzy8CCl6KPjCJ87Th_FV0Wrq7horq1L4ZF9CP6jH3TdG0dgbw3bePjmJV1o14Y_mFysWswb1GJm8S/s200/naming.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234087239107760770" border="0" /></a>I've just put out a new display on the fiction end -- a display which should highlight the best books YA fiction has to offer -- and it will be a display that will keep changing to offer new great titles as the next couple of months float along. Be sure to take a look at the display if you're stuck for finding something great to read.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2338310"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YoqVytWESzQZ_svRd9zpXUehsMRkI9mEdK3xZDpf_vcyq_WqtiTVB0wTg4ZT0N_w96rzPhg1f5a1mWdgrrghk7SXcQsWXXwPREAeF_rcnX2aK27wLvAx-izrIO8obx3UJ-dL/s200/supernat.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234087625194255202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b1880885"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCTzE5NjwKKKwSTw4fLCVn4aYaOT-WnDRGzDEVscai2Siu2-EDgbYrKOpAhYdQ2zoF51AI7yWrTOu5kyPJujM2NbcBjs4TtO5Vkak4Zhgj0bqr_1ChXDz21Ozu0V3qzPrB9F0/s200/monstersm.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234087057655384690" border="0" /></a>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-18495811634060253712008-08-11T14:14:00.000-04:002008-08-11T14:15:00.619-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TWILIGHT READ-ALIKES</span></span><br />I've been rushing around like a madwoman for the last week trying to get some tasks accomplished before the end of this week, which is fast approaching. So, I've been delegating some things off to my marvelous intern -- including this list:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Can't Get Enough <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Twilight</span>? Try these read-alikes!</span><br />Now, I'm only including a few of the books on this blog post, but the others are posted at the library in the fiction shelves and also in the booklist binder. See what we've got to tide you over until the movie comes out and another book is born!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Vampire Kisses</span> by Ellen Schreiber<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thirsty</span> by M. T. Anderson<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Got Fangs? </span> by Katie Maxwell<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">High School Bites</span> by Liza Conrad<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Silver Kiss</span> by Annette Curtis Klause<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tantalize</span> by Cynthia Leitich Smith<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sweetblood</span> by Pete Hautman<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sunshine </span> by Robin McKinley<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Vampire High</span> by Douglas Rees<br /><br />This is some good stuff - -she did a great job!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-74421413708923082362008-08-08T16:11:00.002-04:002008-08-08T16:13:42.536-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MAXIMUM RIDE: THE MOVIE</span></span><br />I just Facebook-ed this article from Superhero Hype about <a href="http://library.minlib.net/search/X?SEARCH=maximum+ride+patterson&searchscope=14">Patterson's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maximum Ride</span> series</a> being acquired for film. <a href="http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7575">Check it out.</a>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-32565572460905677912008-08-07T13:18:00.000-04:002008-08-08T12:19:35.435-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">READING NOTES</span></span><br />Just a couple of notes on a few things I've read recently.<br /><br />I took a summer vacation last week, and what better to read than a mystery! I read <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2489704"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dead Days of Summer</span></a> by Carolyn G Hart -- a <a href="http://www.carolynhart.com/ondemand.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death on Demand</span></a> mystery. I started reading <a href="http://www.carolynhart.com/ondemand.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death on Demand</span></a> mysteries way back when Hart started writing them, and I've been enjoying them ever since. I'm a little behind on the series, but that's OK. The series centers around a mystery bookstore on an island, and the owner-turned-sometime-sleuth, Annie Darling (though she doesn't start out as darling). There's mystery, death, books, and a bit of romance in these enjoyable mysteries; I definitely recommend them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b1483009"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtpHDgodcYPRKEOIMZ3KsZJBs7t5pRlFAHdcJxaECixnm9ltfotMK0t3zJx-sISYVEXszqfSgq_QAJPiRvGEfy7Aa09YrLyGnSs6o2PRPlrJefff-oMxFYPNN6ob56Jp1lxo9/s200/moonheart.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231861850416972482" border="0" /></a>Next on my vacation reading list was <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b1483009"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Moonheart</span></a> by Charles de Lint -- a fine modern fantasy combining the world of Ottawa, Canada with the Otherworld and time travel, and including wonderful interpretations of myth and legend. The perfect reading-in-the-woods-while-camping book, this is truly a magical title superbly written. <a href="http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/moonheart-desc01.htm">An excellent advanced fantasy</a>.<br /><br />And last night I finished off by reading the newest Minx book, <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2513802"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Water Baby</span></a>. Up until now I have liked the Minx books for the most part, but this one didn't thrill me. It's a realistic fiction piece about a girl who gets her leg bitten off by a shark and is learning to cope with the adjustment. It's also about friendship and relationships. I was hoping to like it, but it left me feeling dull and empty.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-22686195445000498622008-08-05T10:36:00.002-04:002008-08-05T10:52:06.123-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONE OF THE LAST</span></span><br />This is my 1047th post to this blog, give or take a post or two that are actually just uploads for images. I created this blog years ago, before some of the newer technologies that allow bloggers more ease, but now I am leaving my job as the Young Adult Librarian at the Framingham Public Library and am transferring this blog to <a href="http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/">http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/</a>. But don't be so quick to leave this blog quite yet -- there are still a few updates I will be making. Stay tuned!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-80531984262525710852008-07-25T14:18:00.001-04:002008-07-25T14:19:43.964-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AWAY</span></span><br />Just a notice that I'll be not blogging for the coming week -- I'll be off relaxing on coastal mountains reading lots of books and cooking hot dogs over a fire.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-81289645310694274132008-07-25T11:53:00.000-04:002008-07-25T11:54:28.318-04:00<a href="http://www.drhorrible.com/"><img src="http://www.drhorrible.com/images/banners/button1.gif" align="right" border="1" /></a>I don't know if you've seen this yet, but it looks like Joss Whedon (and crew), creator of Buffy and Serenity and more, is back again with another great piece of work. I haven't been able to download the full piece yet (available on iTunes) to give a true review, but it looks like loads of fun and exactly the kind of thing I would have wanted to create with my brother when we used to collaborate on pieces together. Plus, it's made-for-internet, which is definitely a cool move.<br />And, by golly, it's a super-villain musical!<br />Enjoy!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-3594655898386900062008-07-24T16:46:00.001-04:002008-07-24T16:49:32.543-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUMMER MYSTERY</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2584177"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ64F_HYpgopd2x846aTHD6FLt1QnMTQgsPpWqVhMrF6hf_Xt7clVNNoi-6w55SYAoC8fRLnUjAv5RnSPTnx938B1-KZGeIB6Y751bx-aZ0JsY-BAwxhOllyILNZtPknEZQbQD/s200/deathbikini.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226683881763584962" border="0" /></a>If you're looking for a summer beach mystery to take with you on your next trip to the shore, take a look at <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2584177"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death by Bikini</span></a> by Linda Gerber. It's an entertaining murder mystery complete with a secluded island, a past-prime rock star, poison, spies, parents who don't understand, and a sprinkling of romance.<br />And if you like this one, there's a second coming out in September: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Death by Latte</span> (it's been ordered).emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-46340029976968527682008-07-23T11:17:00.001-04:002008-07-23T11:23:12.536-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKENDS: Japan Ai (from the Intern)</span></span><br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2550321"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan</span></a> by Aimee Major Steinberger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2550321"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP4gfMKK6B8ap_6lOjjGhyd_1XVcMH-0LpEw-RXZnHFiSjYzh4jTMF3VGA0VApZVWqhMHKata_EaJLhCVONRQQltHNy-TZgcpIcANzJ4Y_jPAd-YlekT4NJ7I7vb0VgKAQCkk/s200/japanai.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226229509874970306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is not your typical graphic novel. Basically, it’s a really cool travelogue describing Aimee Steinberger’s dream trip to Japan. Aimee (the author) is a professional animator, so she decided to illustrate the highlights from her trip. She also happens to be a major fangirl who loves all things Japanese, and she spent much of her trip to Tokyo and Kyoto dressing up as her favorite Japanese characters, watching Japanese musical theatre, and spotting scenes from her favorite anime and manga; basically soaking up the culture… especially the pop culture.<br /><br />I loved reading about Aimee’s adventures. I have been to Japan, so reading the book brought back some memories for me, especially because, like Aimee, I am a fairly tall girl and definitely at times had that feeling of sticking out like a big sore thumb! “Japan Ai” is a quick and easy read, and a great book for any manga/anime lover who wants to see Japan firsthand. Er, almost firsthand! Aimee’s descriptions are very accurate and her drawings are great, and the book is full of funny stories (like Aimee trying desperately to fit her size 11 feet into tiny Japanese shoes).<br /><br />PS- If you like reading the illustrated-travelogue-slash-diary-type-thing, you might also like <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2497889"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">You Can Never Find A Rickshaw When It Monsoons</span></a> by Mo Willems (the “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” guy).<br /><br />From the intern, Erinemilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-80796074328173217522008-07-23T11:16:00.000-04:002008-07-23T11:17:01.028-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Libraries & Economy</span></span><br />For some of you, this article may have absolutely on interest whatsoever. But for some of you, it might. It's all about how libraries can be (and are) useful when the economy is down and out. Take a look -- you might learn something new!<br /><a href="http://consumerist.com/5027723/7-ways-your-public-library-can-help-you-during-a-bad-economy">The Consumerist: Frugality</a>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-60807470529291625522008-07-22T09:38:00.002-04:002008-07-22T09:41:17.600-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;">NEW VIDS</span><br />We have a new animated <span style="font-weight: bold;">Batman DVD</span> (<a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2595106"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Batman: Gotham Knight</span></a>) and a <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2583773"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Speed Racer</span></a> DVD -- to go along with the animated <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2475000"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Iron Man</span></a> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ultimate Avengers</span> (<a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2400982"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">1</span></a> & <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2432582"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">2</span></a>) DVDs.<br />Enjoy!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-37423989035006980942008-07-22T09:34:00.000-04:002008-07-22T09:35:11.228-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKENDS</span>: Saga</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2575125"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw-xvOCDkhOCydPIv1-CLufy8jC0jy2wY1EPOgtu8ulu9kYGx6Fcvde1_4YQOT8XHXQLOKB2J5vscwL5DsCKiQG09YE32NWvtFF0AHKWmdrFN8S3O9vQjblvIig8HAh5hKNvc/s200/saga.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225826162063257650" border="0" /></a><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2575125"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Saga</span> by Conor Kostick</a><br />To those on New Earth, Saga is another virtual reality role-playing game, like their <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2485408"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epic</span></a> was. But they are becoming addicted, and many of the players can't pull themselves away from the game even to eat or sleep or brush their teeth. Within Saga, the characters are part of a real world ruled over by the Dark Queen. They have strict social class enforced by armed guards and electronics systems -- for most of the citizens, it is not a happy life. When players from New Earth discover that the citizens of Saga are real and that the Dark Queen is a threat to them all, they begin a revolution together, assisted by Michelotto (the Queen's assassin) and Ghost (a young girl with extraordinary talents and skills who has no knowledge of who she is). If they don't succeed in this revolution, thousands of lives will be lost to the Dark Queen's Saga.<br /><br />As much as I loved <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2485408"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Epic</span></a>, I found this book a little difficult to get into. Narrators vary by chapter, and are difficult to follow in the beginning (the Dark Queen narration I particularly had problems with). The plot also starts off a little hazy and undefined. However, as the story starts to flow, things pick up and it soon becomes an enjoyable piece to read, full of social consciousness, implications of a greedy ruling class, the power of rebellion.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://library.minlib.net/search?/cY+SCIENCE+FICTION+Kostick/cy+science+fiction+kostick/-3%2C-1%2C0%2CB/exact&FF=cy+science+fiction+kostick&1%2C3%2C"><strong>Y SCIENCE FICTION Kostick</strong></a></strong>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-28373650291857533012008-07-16T13:56:00.002-04:002008-07-16T13:58:46.048-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BATMAN</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCQa73KhpqjIVhhdnseWd5uGWQ46bJaD-zKGEIVzjtpzPtET5Hut-yQyoWF2ecoZTvzMjCv5UAJ5_gSKwCtDl_u1qYnuLB0a0kKGKjbVgsopy-6d5yArJXuR571PSlB2yHNY4KA/s1600-h/bat+signal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCQa73KhpqjIVhhdnseWd5uGWQ46bJaD-zKGEIVzjtpzPtET5Hut-yQyoWF2ecoZTvzMjCv5UAJ5_gSKwCtDl_u1qYnuLB0a0kKGKjbVgsopy-6d5yArJXuR571PSlB2yHNY4KA/s200/bat+signal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223672711786364146" border="0" /></a><br />Sending out the bat signal!<br />Tomorrow (Thursday), 2pm, Costin Room. Popcorn, candy,a/c, big screen, and awesome sound system provided -- for free!<br />Heed the call!<br />Grades 6-12.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-5757190732319564622008-07-15T17:33:00.003-04:002008-07-15T19:33:42.801-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKENDS</span></span><br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2516061"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac</span></a> by Gabrielle Zevin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2516061"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKiRiu5cOMH3r0-l2JSf2x3_okFGHAglz_wBj_kZGgWOWrBSGZoLTC2h8m58X1hvdedbwwdTagcy3NaNnOVlGG4a5D2FOBy5VW2pepW5mG_0JRra0q3hlTi5fEHwQejIIVbx_gw/s200/memteenam.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223366570290413554" border="0" /></a><br />Heads or tales. A simple coin toss and Naomi is off to retrieve the $3000 camera recently purchased for the yearbook staff -- and that's OK b/c she's co-editor of the yearbook this year. But on her way up the stairs of the school, she trips and falls and hits her head, clutching the camera in safety. The next thing she knows, she's being dashed off to the hospital in an ambulance with someone who says he's her boyfriend. But she doesn't remember him. She remembers her name, but she doesn't remember the year -- or her parents' divorce, or her best friend, or even why she was co-editor of the yearbook. With a simple conk of the head, Naomi has lost four years of her life; now she must set about rebuilding them, or remembering them, or reshaping them -- or whatever an amnesiac does.<br />What a great book. I've been wanting to pick it up since we got it, but it seems to be out all the time (which is a good thing). So I finally picked it up, on a weekend I was sick, and read through the whole thing quite quickly. Can you imagine, being an amnesiac in high school? Not remembering your classes or your friends or your clubs? School is crazy enough without all those other factors playing in. So to make it short, I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.<br />Does mention sex and birth control.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Y FICTION Zevin</span>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-92099617930762940322008-07-09T04:08:00.002-04:002008-07-09T04:09:12.829-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CANCELLATION</span></span><br />I hate to have to do this, but today's Book Share at McA is canceled. If you were planning to come, please let me know (contact info is on the sidebar)!emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-51782990780973260282008-07-08T13:56:00.003-04:002008-07-08T14:06:22.597-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BEING A FAN OF COURTNEY</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2591801"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYeBSSoNdJTBI1Wi7ZzGmbSy1Y_ktjEhWBBu0K9a1Pk8SKM8wl1IRNiuPQIy0NjdIKlRxJ36Wn2OZANGr8jnC9jDnYwQzhGTbiBP8D-pERLitLb395zg6645HMAKzq0VlCxVJzQ/s200/ccfirethief.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220704659915373330" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know which Courtney you're thinking of, but the Courtney I mean is Courtney Crumrin of the graphic novels by Ted Naifeh. We just received <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2591801">Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale</a>, and I had the pleasure of reading through it over lunch on the lawn. A delightful tale of werewolves, magic, faith, and love. It's a simple story told in black & white, but full of things to make you think just a little, if you want to.<br />I'll take more Courtney Crumrin any day of the week.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-19490876598805428222008-07-08T10:24:00.002-04:002008-07-08T10:34:41.977-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BACK FROM HOLIDAY</span></span><br />I hope you all had a great long weekend and had the opportunity to do something fun and relaxing -- because that's what summer's all about, isn't it?<br /><br />I wanted to remind you that tomorrow (Wednesday 7/9) at 2pm there will be a book share outside at the McAuliffe Branch library about fun books to read in the summer -- beach books and camp books and maybe a few random titles thrown in for fun. If you have favorite summertime reads, be sure to bring one or two to share. I have a whole pile of books in my office ready to bring (and you'll be able to check them out from me, if you wish)! Of course, if it rains, the meeting will be canceled because there's no room to have it inside. Hope to see you there! <br />Feel free to bring a blanket or something to sit on, since we'll be in the grass.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-60527738212149295082008-07-03T10:12:00.002-04:002008-07-03T14:20:18.310-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMMENTS ON RUMORS</span></span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2567987">Rumors: A Luxe Novel</a> by Anna Godbersen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2567987"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkq6NJYHvTuG4B8_3T0QNypKW0hEMQM0QkGC7-WKbxdivWor-HsbxKMI1ddgSaLOxN_5rGuKxx6sZX3mTl9kKjeDFteJrQKBaRtSKGsPOBLiHsNmRZ48Af-b-0nBk7p7YhyY_hg/s200/rumors.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218852906452134978" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://fplya.blogspot.com/2008/05/bookends-2-books-luxe-by-anna-godbersen.html">I reviewed the first in this series</a> not long ago. I would say that this one held up to <a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2526099"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Luxe</span></a> without any problems -- still a society story full of betrayals and secrets and lies and passions and dashed dreams and love and pride and gossip and sad endings. A just-right continuation of the first book in this series.<br /><br />And don't forget, if you decide to read this book during the summer -- or any other book, for that matter -- that you can pick up a 10-hour reading paper and earn yourself a new book and an entry into our end-of-summer prize drawing. This year, we're giving out gift certificates to Newbury Comics and Best Buy.<br />You can track your reading online and share reviews by clicking on the Teen Summer Reading link on the left.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-59863427964570746262008-07-02T13:14:00.001-04:002008-07-02T13:16:28.547-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CLOSURE REMINDER</span></span><br />The library will <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">close early on Thursday July 3 at 5.30pm</span> and will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday -- July 4-6. We'll be open as usual on Monday.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-71018218084668819972008-07-01T12:53:00.001-04:002008-07-02T10:12:13.462-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOK: THE HUNGER GAMES</span></span><br />On Monday I finished reading a preview copy of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Hunger Games</span> by <a href="http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/index.htm">Suzanne Collins</a> (<a href="http://library.minlib.net/search/a?SEARCH=collins+suzanne&searchscope=14">author of</a> the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://library.minlib.net/search/?searchtype=t&searcharg=Underland+chronicles&searchscope=14&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tUnderland+chronicles+%3B++bk.+1.">Gregor the Overlander</a> series) -- and what a read it was!<br />In a future North America, the Capitol rules harshly over what was once 13, now 12, outlying districts. Every year, in order to remind the citizens of its power, the Capitol requires each district to send one boy and one girl as tributes to participate in a nationally televised reality show -- the Hunger Games -- in which 24 teenagers are trapped in a remote environment and forced to fight to the death on live TV. The last one alive brings wealth and glory to their district. When her younger sister is chosen as a tribute, Katniss volunteers in her place, knowing that she will probably not survive. But once the Hunger Games begin, she becomes a real contender, struggling to survive <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> win while retaining her humanity and stick it to the system.<br />My first reaction to this book was that it's harsh! My second was that it was similar in content to many stories that I enjoy reading about the end of our world as we know it -- all those futuristic dystopia tales of hardship and struggle and a controlling centralized government. So despite the difficult premise and the hanging ending (this is the first book in a trilogy), I liked it; read it in about a day. Not for the faint-hearted, however -- there's blood and death and weapons -- but there's also love and redemption.<br />We don't actually own it yet -- it doesn't get published until October, but be looking for it then!<br />Until then, try reading the <a href="http://library.minlib.net/search/?searchtype=t&searcharg=Longlight+legacy.&searchscope=14&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tLonglight+legacy."><span style="font-weight: bold;">Longlight Legacy</span> trilogy by Dennis Foon</a>.emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318386.post-3285548322926682042008-06-28T11:41:00.004-04:002008-06-28T15:56:25.149-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKENDS</span></span><br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2565174"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Airhead</span></a> by Meg Cabot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2565174"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl5TJzeF1u2dt_AwXiVSoxaE386lY5sBr12dqfCsuTUEMI6XfSiH8RZPQGyf6ZNlUXZnH4TyzTjPEhWRQ3U2BoIL5C2Ak4Xq7ZqrroF23GZO74iG30C4e57_R9GvcCA4KQKbaBA/s200/airhead.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216997784148326034" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2582893"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Airhead</span></a>, audio version<br />Meet Emerson Watts, Em for short. She pays more attention to school than to what she wears there, appreciates the computer game JourneyQuest more than the scads of fashion magazines her sister reads, and believes more in supporting small local stores than the new superstore opening close by. Coerced into accompanying her younger sister to the opening of the Stark Megastore (where there are all kinds of pop stars, models, etc), Em is gravely wounded when a giant plasma-screen TV falls from the ceiling and lands on her. The next thing she knows, she's in the hospital, a month later, hooked up to wires and machines all monitoring her bodily functions. Except that her body wasn't her body. All of a sudden, she has the body of a super model -- <span style="font-style: italic;">the</span> super model, complete with contracts, BFFs, and everything. And she doesn't want it, doesn't want to be one of the so-called "walking dead."<br />I started this book by listening to it in my car, but then the hardcover finally arrived for me and I started reading <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> listening. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to finish it. And I enjoyed it; it was entertaining and took a good look at actually getting what many people think they want -- but not having a choice about it. Imagine having the regular life of a regular, nothing-too-special girl and then suddenly waking up in the hospital with a body to die for, except that it's not yours and you didn't have a choice about it and now you have to give up your whole previous life.... Definitely tough. <br />A reasonably interesting read; my biggest disappointment being that there was no resolution at the end -- just a first chapter of the next book. Whether this will be a long-running series like <span style="font-style: italic;">the Princess Diaries</span>, I couldn't tell you, but I would have been happy to have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Airhead</span> finish up in one read. Guess I'll be waiting for the sequel.<br /><a href="http://library.minlib.net/record=b2565174"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Y FICTION Cabot</span></a>emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089152085097415429noreply@blogger.com0