Parrotfish - Featured Title

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger - This book reminded me a lot of a teen version of Middlesex, only with more humor. 13-year-old Grady used to be Angela, until he decided that he was transgendered and made the brave decision to let the rest of the world now too. To feel more like the boy she's always known herself to be, Angela cuts her hair, wears baggy male clothing, and changes her name to Grady. And although Grady deals with name-calling and the loss of a childhood friend, he discovers that his outing leads him to even truer friendships and the start of a first love.

Though the topic is not something many teens may relate to, the story is written in a way that will translate to many teens. Wittlinger does a great job introducing the tricky concept of gender identity, and shows how similar it is to other forms of self-identity that many teens face as they go through high school. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Bucking the Sarge - Featured Title

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis - What's not to love about a book based in Michigan? In this novel, 15-year-old Luther T. Farrell is wise beyond his years. His mother (a.k.a. the "Sarge") has Luther practically running her Flint group home, but all of his "minimum wage" pay is sent straight to his education deposit -- he doesn't get a dime.

On top of that, Luther struggles to find time to create a winning science project that will beat his arch enemy and love interest, Shayla Patrick. Luther's best friend, Sparky, is constantly scheming up bone-headed plans to get rich quick and get the hell outta Dodge (er, Flint). The crisp humor and witty remarks makes Luther a well-loved character, and the honest emotion keeps the story real. Luther's final plan to "buck the sarge" and show his mother who's boss is the most anticipated moment of the story, and it doesn't disappoint. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Newes From the Dead - Featured Title

Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper - Set in 1650, this book is based on the true story of Anne Green, a woman hanged for a crime and came back to life on a medical dissecting table. Sound unbelievable? I thought so too, until I saw the author's introduction and the official news articles written about her in the 1650's.

The story opens with Anne's narration from inside a coffin, and describes the events that led to her predicament. In her time, Anne Green was a housemaid who fell for the sweet words of her master's son, which led to the accusation of murder. This historical mystery will keep you captivated and rooting for Anne to get the happy life she deserves. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Movie Night: Speedracer @ 6:30pm

Tonight from 6:30-8pm we will be showing 'Speedracer' the movie downstairs in the YA Activity Room. Below are the details, and don't forget to register!

Starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, and Susan Sarandon. Hurtling down the track, running over and through the competition, Speed Racer is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless in his incredible Mach 5 built by his father. When he runs into a plot by the devious Royalton Company to fix the top races he must find a way to beat them at their own game.

Pretties - Featured Title

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld - From School Library Journal – This sequel to Uglies continues to provide a gripping look at a dystopian future, but does not stand on its own. Tally, the protagonist of the first book, has forgotten all that she did as an Ugly and has completely embraced the mindless life of a New Pretty, going to parties, drinking heavily, and thinking of nothing more than the next bit of entertainment. It is not until one of the Uglies from New Smoke comes and delivers a message for her that leads her to two pills, that she begins to remember the real reason she is Pretty: to see if the cure will work.

Tally and her new boyfriend, Zane, each take one of the pills and both begin to stay focused for longer periods of time. Then he has a bad reaction to the pill, and Tally has to make a desperate attempt to get him to the only doctors who can help him–the ones outside the city. Uglies and Pretties are both nearly impossible to put down. If you don't have the first one, make sure to purchase them both.–Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI

The Higher Power of Lucky - Featured Title

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron - In Hard Pan, California (population: 43), it can be hard to find things to keep yourself entertained. To pass time, 10-year-old Lucky evesdrops outside of AA meetings during her job at the Found Object Wind Chime Museum. Listening to these meetings inspires Lucky to search for her Higher Power, though it takes time for her to realize that she must hit rock-bottom before she can begin the search.

Since Lucky's mother got struck by lightning during a storm, she is taken care of by Brigitte, a young French woman who was once the wife of Lucky's absentee father. Later, Lucky worries that Brigitte is growing tired of being Lucky's guardian and fears that she may return to France without lucky. Not willing to risk the chance of being abandoned, Lucky makes a crucial and risky decision to run away into the desert.

This suspenseful and sentimental story imparts a lot of wisdom to its readers. The characters are well-developed and charismatic, making you believe that you are truly a part of the story as you read the story. Recommended for grades 4 and up.

Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas - Featured Title

Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison - From the book jacket: As I was going out of my bedroom door I remembered my nungas. Perhaps I should take some precautions to keep them under strict control. Maybe bits of Sellotape on the ends of them to keep them from doing anything alarming? I'd like to trust them, but they are very unreliable.

The irrepressible heroine of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging is back, and funnier than ever! Georgia has finally landed Robbie the Sex God, but he's never around, and Georgia's ex, Dave the Laugh, is starting to look quite dreamy. Strangely, so does just about every other guy Georgia meets, even the new French teacher. In this third installment of Georgia's hilarious confessions, Georgia's "red bottomosity" is out of control! Whatever will happen next?

Though, in my opinion, this book was not quite as enthralling as the previous books about Georgia Nicolson, fans of this series will still enjoy Georgia's quirky thoughts and conflicts she encounters with the Sex God and Dave the Laugh. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

P.S. Check out the trailer for the upcoming Georgia Nicolson movie, and get info from the official site!

Tie-Dye at the Library, TONIGHT @ 6:30pm

If you missed our first tie-dying event back in January, you’re in luck because it’s back by popular demand! On Thursday, September 18, you can travel back in time to the 60’s and 70’s by creating tie-dye, an iconic and retro style.

While your tie-dye item is pre-soaking, share your ideas at the TAB meeting. scheduled at 6:30 pm. All participants must bring a clothing item — tee shirt, pillowcase, etc — to tie-dye! RSVP online, by phone, or in person.

The Taker - Featured Title

The Taker by J.M. Steele - When Carly Biels gets a terrible score on the practice SAT, everything she's hoped for -- getting in to Princeton, going to college with her boyfriend, and pleasing her parents -- might be impossible. That is, unless Carly can find some way to radically improve her SAT score by the time the testing date rolls around.

As Carly stresses about how much she'll need to study in the next two weeks, she receives a mysterious text message from the "Taker", who promises her nearly perfect test scores. Although Carly also signs up for tutoring sessions with her smart and somewhat geeky neighbor, she decides to make a deal with the Taker in order to guarantee better scores. Carly's worries over getting caught cheating only intensify when she learns her best friend Jen is conducting a secret investigation for the school paper to oust the Taker and those connected with him.

The lure of cheating and the pressure to get great scores will be feelings that many readers can relate to. Many teens will enjoy this story and the fast-paced action, whether or not you've gotten to the point of needing to take college entrance exams. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Persepolis - Featured Title

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi -

From School Library Journal:
Marji tells of her life in Iran from the age of 10, when the Islamic revolution of 1979 reintroduced a religious state, through the age of 14 when the Iran-Iraq war forced her parents to send her to Europe for safety.

This story, told in graphic format with simple, but expressive, black-and-white illustrations, combines the normal rebelliousness of an intelligent adolescent with the horrors of war and totalitarianism. Marji's parents, especially her freethinking mother, modeled a strong belief in freedom and equality, while her French education gave her a strong faith in God.

Her Marxist-inclined family initially favored the overthrow of the Shah, but soon realized that the new regime was more restrictive and unfair than the last. The girl's independence, which made her parents both proud and fearful, caused them to send her to Austria.

With bold lines and deceptively uncomplicated scenes, Satrapi conveys her story. From it, teens will learn much of the history of this important area and will identify with young Marji and her friends. -Susan H. Woodcock, Fairfax County Public Library, Chantilly, VA

Nim's Island - Featured Title

Nim's Island by Wendy Orr - Meet Nim, a young adventurous girl who lives on a remote island with her scientist father, Jack. Nim's mother died when she was a young girl in a whaling accident, so when her father is off working Nim spends time with her friends: a sea lion, turtle, and marine iguana.

When her father goes off on a sciene expedition to study plankton, the sea lion Selkie takes care of Nim as a mother would. Nim is a modern day Robinson Crusoe with access to the internet and cell phones to keep in touch with her father as he sails off to begin his experiment. But when Nim doesn't hear from her father after three days, she becomes worried and contacts Alex Rusoe, a famous adventure writer.

This fanciful tale is full of adventure and courageous characters. The adventures that Nim goes on will have readers wishing they were the main character! This amazing book was also recently made into a video, which is now on DVD (and available at our library). Recommended for grades 3 and up.

Math Doesn't Suck - Featured Title

Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail by Danica McKellar - Not only can you learn to do math, but by reading this book you can also learn how to excel at math, too. This is so much more than a study guide -- personal anecdotes from this TV star are also included -- as well as stories of other women who have excelled at math. Depending on your needs, you can read this book entirely or just flip to the chapters you need (such as "Decimals" and "Unit Conversions").

The book also offers time-saving tips and tricks for homework and tests, and shows illustrated practice problems with detailed solutions. This book can definitely provide easy-to-understand help as you get ready for the school year. Also, check out her newest book, Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss.

Teen Video Games TONIGHT @ 6:30pm

Join us tonight for video games, from 6:30-8:30pm! We just bought a new Wii, and so far it's been a great hit! We'll also have Rock Band out for everyone to play, and maybe try to hook up the Game Cube as well. Registration is requested, but not required. Snacks and refreshments will be served. See you tonight!

ghostgirl - Featured Title

ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley - Charlotte Usher is usually ignored by her classmates at Hawthorne High, but this year she's determined to make herself noticeable (and popular). Charlotte spends all summer glamorizing and changing her hairstyle in hopes of fitting in and becoming just like Petula Kensington, the "it" girl at Hawthorne High. Charlotte even changes her school schedule around to match the most popular boy at school, Damon, in hopes of becoming popular.

And luck seems to pay off in Chemistry, when Charlotte is paired up with Damon for a lab partner. But suddenly everything goes wrong when Charlotte dies in a freak gummy bear accident. And that is when Charlotte discovers that even when she is dead, she still has to go to school!

But Charlotte won't let a little thing like death ruin her goals. With the help of Petula's goth sister, Scarlet, Charlotte tries to win over Damon. The rotten timing Charlotte experiences as she attempts to become popular is hilarious and the invisibility that she feels are sure to strike a chord with teens. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God - Featured Title

On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God: Further Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison - After a full summer of pining for Robbie (aka "Sex God"), Georgia Nicolson has finally become his girlfriend. Fabbity fab fab! Shortly after this fantastic miracle however, Georgia learns that she is moving to New Zealand ("Kiwi-a-gogo Land") to live with her family. Quel de mage! On top of it all, her best friend Jas is too worried about her relationship with Robbie's brother, Tom, to care about Georgia's latest crisis. And when the SG dumps her because she is too young, Georgia devises a plan to date his friend Dave "the Laugh" to get back at Robbie. Will the madness ever end?

This hilarious sequel will have you squealing with laughter and ultimately emphasizing with Georgia in these all too-familiar embarrassing situations. If you haven't read the first book, check out our earlier blog review of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Number the Stars - Featured Title

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry - Annemarie and Ellen are best friends who live in Denmark during World War II. In the beginning, the two young girls are oblivious to the Germans who occupy their country. As time goes on, the Germans begin to persecute the Jews and it is up to the Danish to help save their fellow countrymen. This touching and heartbreaking story shows the strength of a young girl as she risks her life to keep her best friend safe from the Nazis.

This story is a classic and should be read by all ages. Another noteworthy book is Anne Frank's Diary, which is a true account of a young Jewish girl's life in hiding to avoid being killed or put in a concentration camp. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Looking for Alaska - Featured Title

Looking for Alaska by John Green - Feeling unchallenged, 16-year-old Miles "Pudge" Harter chooses to move away from home in Florida and attend boarding school at Culver Creek in Alabama. The heat is sweltering and the students are smart, each with their own quirk to boot. Miles is fond of reciting people's "last words" before death, and he soon creates an unlikely bond with his beefy roommate, Chip (known to Miles as "Sarge").

Miles soon finds himself in the company of a group of nerdy rebels, led by a witty and sexy feminist, Alaska Young. From the moment that Miles sets eyes on Alaska, he becomes completely enamored with her. This group of friends spends as much time on sex, drugs, and rule-breaking as they do with studying, reading, and learning. The ominous chapter titles (ex: 300 days before), hint at a mysterious ending for this novel. This novel packs teenage angst, witty remarks, and great sentiment without becoming too emotional for guy readers to enjoy. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Ida B. - Featured Title

Ida B: ...And Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan - This story is another great summer read about a young girl, Ida B., who thinks her life is just about perfect. That is, until her mom gets sick, her parents sell half of their land, and Ida B. has to end her homeschooling days and enroll in a local public school.

At first, the only thing that consumes Ida B. is anger. And her anger is directed at her parents, classmates, and even her teacher. This deeply-moving story follows Ida B. as she learns to trust and care for the world again. Recommended for grades 4 and up.

Harry Potter Movie Delayed - A Silver Lining?

Last week it was announced that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been delayed until the summer of 2009! I was so disappointed to hear that now the fans would have to wait even longer to see the next big-screen installment. According to Reuters, it appears that the main reason for the delay is related to money, as the production company feels it would make even more money by releasing the movie during the summer.

But there is a bit of silver lining to this announcement -- Stephenie Meyer's Twilight will be moving up its release date from December to Thanksgiving Day weekend, in order to fill the void. At least us YA bookworms will have something to look forward to! Check out the official Twilight trailer here.

Uglies - Featured Title

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - Tally Youngblood lives in a futuristic society in which everyone undergoes an operation at sixteen to become "Pretty". Those who become pretty are then set free to enjoy a world full of parties and celebrations, while the younger "uglies" are housed in a separate part of the city, and yearn for their 16th birthday.

Tally's life becomes extremely lonely when her best friend turns sixteen a month before her, forcing Tally to stay behind in "Uglyville" until her birthday arrives. Tally quickly befriends another female ugly, Shay, who shares her interest in pulling tricks and riding hoverboards. Unlike Tally however, Shay disagrees with the "pretty" operation and tries to convince Tally to run away with her to the Smoke, a rebel community in which people remain ugly.

And when Tally's birthday finally arrives, she is faced with a difficult decision. In order to receive the operation to become pretty, she must give away Shay's secret and lead the Special Circumstances committee to the Smoke. Does Tally give her friend away in order to become a "Pretty", or does she remain loyal and stay ugly forever?

This fast-moving story is full of action and twists, and also provides an insightful look into societal views on beauty and self-concept. If you enjoy science-fiction, you're sure to love this book. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Teens Cook - Featured Title

Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat by Megan and Jill Carle - This is a great beginner's cookbook for teens who want to learn how to cook some of their favorite recipes along with some more uncommon delights. Those looking to independently navigate their way around the kitchen will have no trouble with this book as their guide. Delicious fixings such as potato skins, veggie lomein, baked french toast, chicken schnitzel, and much much more are featured in this book. In fact, I am tempted to try out a few of these recipes myself! Also check out the companion cookbook to this, Teens Cook Dessert.

Recommended for grades 6 & up, or for anyone younger/older looking to learn their way around the kitchen!