A "Star" in the making...

TITLE: Stargirl

AUTHOR: Jerry Spinelli

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: Jerry Spinelli wrote some of my favorite books when I was growing up. I wanted to see what he was up to now, and this won several awards.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Spinelli still creates compelling characters. I absolutely loved the character of Stargirl, and Leo was a good narrator. The story kept me interested, even though I knew what was coming based on the blurb on the book jacket.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes good, heartfelt stories and generally true-to-life characters.

OTHER NOTES: Notice how I said "generally" true-to-life characters?

Yeah. There's a reason for that.

A lot of Stargirl's awkwardness and unusual behavior is blamed on her having been homeschooled. The excuse is made that she doesn't know how to behave around other kids because of her lack of social interaction.

*Rolls eyes*

Oh, please.

I know plenty of homeschooled kids. My nephews are homeschooled. They get plenty of social interaction. And believe me when I say that they don't act that way. They wouldn't act that way. Not even ten years ago when this was published, before homeschooling really moved into the mainstream as a viable alternative to public school education.

Stargirl may be eccentric. Her parents might have (probably did) encourage her individuality and urge her to express herself creatively. But let's not blame it on homeschooling.

Stargirl is a good character. But this whole aspect of the story really didn't sit well with me.

Still, though. A good read if you overlook all that.

(The library has the sequel, Love, Stargirl, if you are interested in reading more of Stargirl's story.)

See you at the library!

Teen Read Week Winners (Part Two)...

As promised, here are the reviews submitted by our runners-up, sisters Maddy & Abbigail Mathis.

12-year-old Abbigail reviewed Lauren Oliver's Delirium:

TITLE: Delirium

AUTHOR: Lauren Oliver

REVIEWED BY: Abbigail Mathis

BRIEF SUMMARY: Love is a disease. The only way to escape it is the cure. But some people don't see it as a disease, so they attempt an escape to the wilds.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It sounded interesting.

WHY I FINISHED IT: It was a suspenseful book that I couldn't put down.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: My best friend, Emma.


17-year-old Maddy reviewed Thomas E. Ricks's Making the Corps:

TITLE: Making the Corps

AUTHOR: Thomas E. Ricks

REVIEWED BY: Maddy Mathis

BRIEF SUMMARY: A Marine tells about his journey through boot camp the trials everyone has to overcome and get past in order for them to come together as one.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I am joining the Marines.

WHY I FINISHED IT: I wanted to know everything he went through.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: My other friends who plan on joining the Marines as well.


Thanks, Abbigail and Maddy! And -- Semper Fi!

See you at the library!

Teen Read Week winners...

We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Teen Read Week contest. We will be publishing the reviews submitted by the winners here over the next few weeks.

We begin with the grand prize winner, 13-year-old Bridget Magness:

TITLE: Poison

AUTHOR: Bridget Zinn

REVIEWED BY: Bridget Magness

BRIEF SUMMARY: 16 year old Kyra is a skilled potion master and is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the edge of destruction. So she does the unthinkable and attempts to poison the future ruler, but misses and becomes a fugitive on the run.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I read the summary of the book and thought it seemed like an interesting and intriguing read.

WHY I FINISHED IT: I got so caught up in the magical world that Poison is placed in, that I had to know what happened to Kyra and the kingdom.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: I would give it to anyone who would take a moment to appreciate an epic and entertaining read.

Congratulations once again, Bridget!

And remember: just because Teen Read Week is over doesn't mean you can't submit book reviews anymore.  We're always looking for new submissions.  If you can't find the review forms, ask Miss Jo or one of the other librarian for help.

See you at the library!

The "Shadow" knows...

TITLE: The Watcher in the Shadows

AUTHOR: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When fourteen-year-old Irene Sauvelle moves with her family to Cape House on the coast of Normandy, she's immediately taken by the beauty of the place -- its expansive cliffs, coasts, and harbors. There, she meets a local boy named Ismael, and the two soon fall in love. But a dark mystery is about to unfold, involving a reclusive toymaker who lives in a gigantic mansion filled with mechanical beings and shadows of the past.

As strange lights shine through the fog surrounding a small, barren island, Irene's younger brother dreams of a dark creature hidden deep in the forest. And when a young girl is found murdered, her body at the end of a path torn through the woods by a monstrous, inhuman force, Irene and Ismael wonder -- has a demonic presence been unleashed on the inhabitants of Cape House? Together, they'll have to survive the most terrifying summer of their lives, as they try to piece together the many mysteries and secrets hidden in a town torn apart by tragedy, amidst a labyrinth of lights and shadows.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: Carlos Ruiz Zafón is one of my favorite authors. I picked up this book hoping it would be better than his last YA book, The Midnight Palace, which left me a little disappointed.

I wasn't disappointed this time. Zafón is back in top form here.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The book was fun, frightening, and kept you interested. This is good old scare-your-pants-off stuff -- no vampires, no werewolves, just creepy houses, looming shadows, and deadly secrets. This is the kind of stuff I really like.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes scary stories, suspense, and well-written books in general. If you liked the movie of The Woman in Black, this is right up your alley.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: A few minor obscenities, but that's all.

See you at the library!

Are You a Reader? Get Social!

We just wanted to take a minute to let you know about a free online site for teens who love reading! It's called PULSEIT from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing,

So...what is PulseIt? 

PulseIt is an online community for anyone ages 14 and older that loves teen books! It’s where you can read free teen books and exclusive excerpts, "heart" (like) comments, books and content that you love, and share your reviews on books, your ideas, and more! Plus - it's free to join & participate!

What can you do?

• Read books for free (on your computer, tablet or phone)
• Review and discuss books
• Win free books
• Enter contests
• Interact with your favorite authors (including Cassandra Clare, Jenny Han, and Lisa M. Stasse!)
• Create a profile
• Make friends
• Write personal blogs
• Write fan fiction, theories on where the story will go, or just your general thoughts about a book
• And more!

 So what are you waiting for? Visit the site now!

Do you DOGO?

Looking for something to read? Want to rave about the book you just read? You can always submit a review to be published here.

But you might also consider giving DOGOBooks a try.

What is DOGOBooks? We'll let them explain.

DOGObooks is where kids discover, review and rate books. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and interactive environment...to share their reactions, thoughts and opinions about books. All book selections and reviews are moderated prior to being published.

All books, ages K-12, are covered. Simply click on "Reading Level" on the right-hand side of the screen to limit book reviews to your age range. Set up a free account (with your parent's permission, of course) and submit your own reviews!

And right now, they're having an online Summer Reading Club! Simply read and review three books, and you can choose a free book from their list (while supplies last; limit five books per person).

Discovering new books? Encouraging other teens to read the books you loved? AND earning free books? You can't beat that!

Check it out.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Official Trailer!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opens in theaters November 22nd, 2013!

 

A couple of quickies...

Hey, there! It's Miss Jo with a couple of quick reviews for you:

TITLE: Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous

AUTHOR: Kathryn Williams

BRIEF SUMMARY: Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to persuade her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America’s finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame. Once on set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself.

REVIEW: This was a fun book to read! If you like reality TV and cooking, you will like this book. There is drama, cooking, and a little romance all thrown into the pot. There are also some great recipes stuck between the pages.

TITLE: A Soldier's Secret : the Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero

AUTHOR: Marissa Moss

SUMMARY & REVIEW: Two thumbs up! What an exciting and sad book. If you like history, and the Civil War in particular, then you will like this fast-moving book.

The main character is a young girl names Sarah Edmonds. Sarah lives on a farm and is mistreated by her father. She isn't happy, and when her father says that he is going to marry her off to the old man on the farm next to them, she has to make a quick decision: stay and be miserable or run away. Sarah throws away her girl clothes, cuts her hair, and runs away from home, pretending to be a young boy. She found a job selling books, but what she really wants is to join the Union Army and fight in the Civil War to help end slavery.

Pick up this book and see what happens to Sarah. Did she pull off the deception, or did it all backfire on her? Based on a true story, this is a moving tale of courage.

Don't Stop the Revolution....

TITLE: Lemonade Mouth

AUTHOR: Mark Peter Hughes

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Poets. Geniuses. Revolutionaries. The members of the legendary band Lemonade Mouth have been called all these things. But until now, nobody's known the inside story of how this powerhouse band came to be -- how five high-school outcasts found each other, found the music, and went on to change both rock and roll and high school as we know them. It all started at that fateful detention where they found inspiration from a dentist's jingle, a teacher's coughing fit, and a beat-up ukulele. Of course no one knew back then, that this was the start of the Lemonade Mouth revolution.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I saw the Disney Channel Original Movie and enjoyed it, but I heard that it was substantially different than the book. When the sequel came out, I decided I needed to go back and read the original book.

WHY I FINISHED IT: While it IS very different than the movie, it's a very entertaining book. Told by all five members in alternating chapters (plus a few other people), you get to see all sides to the story.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes stories about music, books about high school, and underdogs. People who enjoyed Five Flavors of Dumb or Bandslam.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: As I noted, the book is very different from the movie -- it is clearly aimed at older YA readers (similar to Five Flavors of Dumb). Moderate language warning, and some sexual references (especially in regards to Wen's story).

A sequel, Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up, is available that continues the story. 

Wen also appears as a character in I Am the Wallpaper, which is set before the events in Lemonade Mouth.  While a companion piece of sorts, each book stands alone.

While there is actually an adapted movie tie-in edition available for this title that tones things down for tweens, the library does not have a copy in its collection. You can request it on Interlibrary Loan if you wish.

See you at the library!

Movie Review: Flipped

TITLE: Flipped

DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When second-graders Bryce and Juli first meet, Juli knows it’s love. Bryce isn’t so sure. In the days and years ahead, Bryce does all he can to keep his wannabe girlfriend at arm’s length -- and the smart, independent-minded Juli continues to give him the benefit of the doubt. This tender coming-of-age romantic comedy from director Rob Reiner takes the pair from grade school to junior high, through triumph and disaster, family drama and first love, as they make discoveries that will define who they are -- and who they are to each other.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: My sister recommended this movie to me.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The movie was very well-acted and directed, and the characters and story pulled you in. It was a very sweet movie, suitable for the family (with a few warnings).

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes dramas, love stories, or stories about young people. Also, anyone who was young in the 1960s (although the book is set in modern times, the movie is set during that time period).

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This movie is based on the novel Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. Rated PG for language and some thematic material, some of the language may push the rating towards PG-13. If your family is easily offended by such language, proceed with caution.

While the library does own the book, we do not have the DVD in our collection.

See you at the library!

Ranker's Best Film Adaptations of Young Adult Novels

While looking for information on upcoming films based on YA novels, I came across this list from Ranker.com of "Best Film Adaptations of Young Adult Novels".  How do their rankings stack up? Do you agree?  Disagree?

[This is a] List of best movies based on young adult literature. These films were all inspired by or adapted directly from novels written for a young adult or teenage audience. Many of these books are widely regarded as "classic children's literature" that has been popular and even assigned to students in schools for decades. Others - such as recent hit films like "The Hunger Games" and the "Harry Potter" series - are based on newer works that have become important cultural phenomena in the past few decades. Some of the most popular and beloved of recent Hollywood filmmaking, in particular, originated in stories from young adult books.

The massive success of "The Hunger Games" - which scored one of the highest opening weekend totals in US box office history - has inspired other studios and filmmakers to look to young adult literature for ideas, and a number of other YA books are already set to be adapted in the coming years. (For example, Orson Scott Card's sci-fi thriller "Ender's Game" has long been considered for a big-budget film version.) A few young adult book adaptations came out to considerably less fanfare, such as the first release from the ongoing "Percy Jackson" series - "The Lightning Thief" - but these are widely seen as exceptions rather than the rule.

This list compiles the best films ever made based on books for young adults. Be sure to vote for your favorites and move them up the list, and if your favorite movie based on a book for tweens or teens has been left off, be sure to add it at the bottom of the page.

-- http://www.ranker.com/list/best-film-adaptations-of-young-adult-novels/randolph

If you like lists like this, don't miss our previous blog entry about Flavorwire's 10 YA Novel to Film Adapatations That Kept Their Edge.

From "Grim" to Great

TITLE: Knightley Academy

AUTHOR: Violet Haberdasher

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Henry Grim is a servant boy at the Midsummer School until he passes the elite Knightley Academy exam, a test that every Midsummer boy has mysteriously failed the past five years. Henry suddenly finds himself one of the first commoners studying at the Academy, alongside the cleverest and bravest -- and most arrogant -- young aristocrats in the country. But someone isn't too happy about Henry, and two other commoners, who have been let into the prestigious school. And that someone is out to sabotage the three from becoming full-fledged Knights of the Realm -- the goal of every student at the Academy. As Henry and the two other boys try to ward off their classmates' attempts to thwart their paths, they soon uncover a conspiracy that violates the Hundred Years' Peace treaty -- and could lead to war! Can Henry manage to save his school and country from their enemies -- and continue to study at the Academy?

WHY I PICKED IT UP: One review I read described it as "Lemony Snicket meets Harry Potter." Although there is no magic in this book, Knightley Academy and Hogwarts do seem to share some similarities, and yes, the narrator is a bit Snicket-ish. (Is that even a word?) 

WHY I FINISHED IT: Although the book did drag in a few places, the story kept me interested, Henry and his friends are great fun, and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Theobold Archer is truly a villain in the Draco Malfoy mold -- one you simply love to hate.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes stories about underdogs. And yes, I would recommend it to the Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket fans, albeit with a warning not to expect magic. (Or a series of unfortunate events, for that matter; one or two unfortunate events, yes -- but not a series.). Still, it's a good read, and there's a sequel, The Secret Prince, if you want more.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: If "Violet Haberdasher" sounds just a bit too British to be true, that's because she is... Violet is really American-born videoblogger Robyn Schneider!

See you at the library!

"When you spend your whole life living in a hole, the only way you can go is up."

TITLE(S): Holes / Small Steps

AUTHOR: Louis Sachar

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY:  

Holes: Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment -- and redemption.  

Small Steps: Two years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit is home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. But it's hard when you have a record, and everyone expects the worst from you. The only person who believes in him is Ginny, his 10-year old disabled neighbor. Together, they are learning to take small steps. And he seems to be on the right path, until X-Ray, a buddy from Camp Green Lake, comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme. This leads to a chance encounter with teen pop sensation, Kaira DeLeon, and suddenly his life spins out of control, with only one thing for certain: he'll never be the same again.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I first read Holes several years ago. I had watched the movie and felt compelled to read the book. I enjoyed it and left it at that for several years. This past year, I decided to read the sequel, Small Steps, which focuses on Armpit, one of the other Camp Green Lake boys.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Holes is a quick, fun read, and Louis Sachar did a wonderful job of tying together three different stories in three different time periods. Small Steps, while a bit harder to get into, was just as rewarding in the end. You get to see a different side to Armpit than you get in Holes.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes mysteries, adventure stories, humor and good old-fashioned fun. While lessons are certainly taught (and learned), the books aren't preachy, but they do stick with you.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: While Holes is probably suitable for younger readers, Small Steps is definitely aimed at teenagers. There are some mature themes in both books, but while Holes is generally rated PG, Small Steps pushes further into PG-13 territory. Both are worthwhile reads.

See you at the library!

Rock On, Honorable Ones!

TITLE: Perry's Killer Playlist 

AUTHOR: Joe Schreiber

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When Perry ends up in Venice on a European tour with his band Inchworm, he can’t resist a visit to Harry’s Bar, where Gobi told him she’d meet him someday. The last time he saw Gobi, five people were assassinated one crazy night in New York City. Well... Gobi shows up, and once again Perry is roped into a wild, nonstop thrill ride with a body count. Double crossings, kidnappings, CIA agents, arms dealers, boat chases in Venetian canals, and a shootout in the middle of a Santa Claus convention ensue.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It's the sequel to Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. I had to read it.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Once again, the book started with a bang and never let up. It was great to see Perry and Gobi again, and Joe Schreiber did a great job joining the two stories seamlessly.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes action/adventure stories. People with a good sense of humor. Anyone who liked Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick and wanted more.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Like the first book, this one comes with a PG-13 level language warning, and a handful of sexual references (not explicit). Gobi is still an assassin, and people still die in violent ways. Definitely aimed at the older YA reader.

See you at the library!