COMING SOON!!!

COMING SOON!!!
The Teen Summer Reading Club will run from June 25th - August 10th. Teens and tweens entering grades 6 - 12 can sign-up at the Teen Librarian's desk starting Monday, June 11th. Click on the banner to view the special Teen Summer Reading Club blog and see what fun awaits you!

VIDEO GAMES LIST

VIDEO GAMES LIST
Click on Kirby to see the library's collection and "check out" policies. We'll be adding more games, so please feel free to let Denise J. the Teen Librarian know if you have any suggestions.

THE KANE CHRONICLES

THE KANE CHRONICLES
The final adventures of the Kane siblings is available for check out now. Click on the book to reserve your copy today in the library's catalog. You'll need a valid Mahwah Public Library card.

NEW CLUB!!!

NEW CLUB!!!
"Mahwah Library Quidditch Team and Harry Potter Alliance Chapter" -- Our next meeting will be on Friday, May 25th so teens and tweens in grades 5 - 12 can just drop-in between at 2:00 PM. This club is for fans of the Harry Potter series who want to spread the magic even further. Or, come to try out a new sport. (Ever played Quidditch before? It's played on broomsticks.) We'll play a version of the game called Ground Quidditch or Muggle Quidditch, and we'll bring the charity projects of the Harry Potter Alliance to the Mahwah community.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Things will really be heating up this summer, and the "Teen Section" could really use your help. Click on the smiley for more information or to print a volunteer form. Thank you!

"MANGA MADNESS"

"MANGA MADNESS"
Teens and "tweens" in Grades 5 - 12 Can Join This Fun Book Club Which Normally Meets Every Other Thursday. Our Next Meeting is on June 7th at 3:15 PM and We'll Be Discussing volume 2 of "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" by MAJIKO, volume 8 of the series "Black Cat" by Kentaro Yabuki, and also volume 4 of "D. Gray-Man" by Katsura Hoshino.

ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR

ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR
Click on the Image to Check Out What Fun Teen Events Will Take Place, and Even Sign-up "Online" for Many of Them!

FACEBOOK PAGE

SUMMER FACEBOOK PAGE

SUMMER FACEBOOK PAGE
Click on the "stars" to be directed to the special Teen Summer Reading Club Facebook Page.

TEEN TWITTER FEED

TEEN TWITTER FEED
Denise J.'s Tweets About What's Happening at the Library For Teens. Just Click on the Image to Follow Us.

DENISE'S GOOD READS

Denise's bookshelf: read

ScatHow to Train Your DragonI Am Number FourThe Power of SixThe Way of the WarriorCity of Bones

More of Denise's books »
Book recommendations, book reviews, quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists

FOLLOW MY "PINTERESTS"

Follow Me on Pinterest

COMING SOON! THE ANNUAL TEEN WINTER READING CLUB!!!


The club will run from Monday, January 24th through Friday, March 11th.  Earn fun prizes along the way, and all participants will be invited to a party! Sign-up begins on Monday, January 10th at the Teen Librarian's desk.

The 2011 Teen Winter Reading Club blog is under construction right now, but here's the link for a sneak peek: http://mahwahlibraryteenwrc2011.blogspot.com/.

NEW POLICIES TO USE THE LAPTOPS IN THE TEEN SECTION


Hi Teens!



Just so you know, starting Monday, January 3rd, 2011 you will ALL be required to show me your library cards every time in order to use the teen laptops. I will be jotting down your library card numbers the first time you show me, so you won't be able to use your friends' cards to jump on. In the near future, the teen laptops will be going on the same reservation system as the computers in the Reference Department, so it's good to get in the habit of bringing in your cards. Besides, this way you'll be able to take out more great books by having your cards handy as well!


Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian

THANKSGIVING FOOD FUN!

On Monday, November 8th teens enjoyed making (and eating) this delicious dessert which can be made at Thanksgiving time, or any time of the year. 
ENJOY, AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!




Microwave Apple Crisp: from Betty Crocker

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients:
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
***4 medium tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced (4 cups) or substitute canned baking apples
Instructions:
1. In ungreased 2-quart microwavable casserole or 8-inch square microwavable dish, arrange apple slices. In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
2. Microwave uncovered on High 7 to 10 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve warm.
3. Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or your favorite toppings and enjoy.

CHANGE TO NOVEMBER'S TEEN WRITERS' GROUP MEETING


Hi teens,

Just a quick note to let you know that we'll only be having one meeting this month, and it has been moved to Wednesday, November 17th.  I hope everyone can still make it.

Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian

TEEN WRITERS UNITE!!!

The "Create a Story" Teen Writers' Group met for five Thursdays this summer and created:

“The Mysterious Case of the Missing Sprinkles”

CHAPTER ONE

Walking to their home on 31 Pixie Stix Lane, Dunkin and Munchkin our donut brothers suddenly noticed something was terribly wrong with their chocolate covered, marshmallow filled, candy cane windowed, sweet house which also had a coffee filled Jacuzzi. Munchkin the younger brother exclaimed in his squeaky voice “oh goody gumdrops, what happened to our groovy, rainbow sprinkles!?” Dunkin then yawned and said, “I could really go for a sprinkled covered donut right now” causing Munchkin to shout, “Dunkin, you wouldn’t! You already ate Mom and Dad! Do you want a piece of me too?” Dunkin then said, “sure do!” CHOMP!!!

After Munchkin started crying, Dunkin covered his boo-boo with Laffy Taffy, and then the two brothers began to ponder what they would do about their missing sprinkles. Munchkin exclaimed, “oh I have an idea! Let’s go get Detective Twist at the Candy Palace. He’ll be able to solve the mysterious case of the missing sprinkles!” So the two brothers each packed a goody bag, and along with their Tootsie Roll dog called Sprinkle, set off on their journey.

As they were approaching the palace they happened upon an ongoing war between the armies from Candy Kingdom and Produce Valley. While walking they tripped over something they had never seen before which caused them to tumble down the hill and crash into a big tree (or so they thought). The big tree was actually a big stalk of celery named Professor Stalk who is actually an “EVIL” scientist who happens to be a real loony bird.

Professor Stalk has always been interested in experimenting on Candy Kingdom villagers, and did not hesitate to capture our poor, beloved donut brothers. Professor Stalk had long awaited the perfect subjects to test out his horrific, terrifying, detestable, bloodcurdling, deathly “Cowinator” machine which transforms innocent victims into cows which he will use to build a dairy of doom.

You see, Professor Stalk had a very bad experience when he was a baby celery and now he wants to take over the realms of Candy Kingdom and Produce Valley . About 60 years ago, when Professor Stalk (and FYI, don’t ever call him Prof. Stalk, or you’ll lose your head, in one vicious veggie blast), Larry the Lollipop was after the rulers of Produce Valley, Mr. and Mrs. Stalk. At this time, the war between the two villages, was raging even worse than it is now.

The Stalk Family was responsible for the increased violence in the war, and Larry the Lollipop was hired as a private assassin to destroy The Stalk Family. Larry (who’s lip’s weren’t glued together at this time) had arrived at the window of The Stalk Family House. His plan was that he would destroy the three members of The Stalk Family. As he looked though the window, he haphazardly licked his lips, cementing his mouth together. He pulled out his flying HERSHEY KISS phone, from the inner depths of his big brown hat, and sent a message back to Candy Kingdom, calling for his Candy Cane sword. It arrived as quickly as a flying KISS could travel. With his sword in hand, Larry so carefully snuck into The Stalk Family House and…..

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 111 TEENS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2010 TEEN SUMMER READING CLUB!!!!



TOGETHER YOU:


READ: 2,208 BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS (441,519 POINTS)


AND ACHIEVED: 494,532 POINTS BY LISTENING TO AUDIO BOOKS, READING NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES, ANSWERING CHALLENGE QUESTIONS, DONATING FOOD ITEMS & BOOKS, ATTENDING TEEN PROGRAMS, & DECORATING THE TEEN SECTION.


I'm extremely proud of everyone for working so hard, and making this summer a lot of fun too! Also, just so you know the annual Teen Winter Reading Club will begin in January 2011. More information will be available soon.


Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED AT OCTOBER'S TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING


T.A.B. members discussed their ideas for how we could change the format for our annual Teen Winter Reading Club.  For the past few years we've been using a fun "Bingo" Board format, but teens wanted to mix it up a bit.  The Teen Winter Reading Club will begin on Monday, January 24th and will run through Friday, March 11, 2011.  Sign-up will begin on Monday, January 10th, 2011.

A lot of great ideas were discussed, but unfortunately we ran out of time to finalize what the new format would be.  Some ideas included having teens blog reviews about books they've read, using a "point" system like is used for the Teen Summer Reading Club, letting teens answer "challenge" questions like we also did for this year's Teen Summer Reading Club, and even working with "puzzle" pieces somehow.  The teens also wanted to have a party afterwards to celebrate their achievements.

If you like any of these ideas, or have an idea of your own then please feel free to leave your thoughts in the "comments" box, stop by and talk to me, e-mail me at: jukniewicz@bccls.org, or even come to our next Teen Advisory Board meeting which will be on Tuesday, November 9th at 3:15 PM.  We're always looking for new members and fresh ideas!

Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian

SEPTEMBER'S TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING


Here's what we discussed at our meeting:

1)  Teens said they would act as volunteers to help keep other teens under control and make things less noisy in the library.

2)  Teens offered great ideas for possible upcoming teen programs such as: a "Homework Club," a "Lego City" program, a "Mockingjay" book discussion, a "Robotics Club," a "Science Club," "Karaoke" programs, art programs, cooking programs, art contests, and even making video skits to go along with the stories that the "Teen Writers' Group" works on.

3)  Teens also discussed a possible new format for the upcoming Teen Winter Reading Club which will start in January.  More information about the reading club will become available soon.

If you can't make it to the monthly meetings but would still like your voice to be heard, please feel free to e-mail Denise J. the Teen Librarian at jukniewicz@bccls.org.

HERE'S SOME EXCITING NEWS!!!



Hi teens,

Just to let you know your favorite "Anime" DVDs and teen audio books have been pulled out of the "Adult" collections and now have a special home to call their own.  You can now find these items on the shelves which face opposite my desk.  If you're not exactly sure where to find them, just feel free to ask me and I'll gladly show you.

Also, if you have any recommendations of titles to add to either collection please let me know.  I'm always open to your suggestions. : )

Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian

SPECIAL TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING




Here's what happened at a special "Teen Advisory Board" meeting held on Monday, August 30th at 2:00 PM.

The main issues that were discussed were:

*  Acquiring more laptops for the teen section.
*  Acquiring more space and more tables for teens to sit quietly and comfortably while doing their homework.
*  Acquiring more Audio Books, DVDs, and possibly Playaways and keeping them in a designated "Teen" shelving area. (The good news is, that progress has already been made to relocate DVDs and Audio Books that are considered as "Young Adult" (YA) and shelve them in their own section which is across from the Teen Librarian's desk).
*  Installing better and more up-to-date laptop software such as the Microsoft Office 2010 package, to help students more efficiently when typing papers and homework assignments.
*  It was recommended that the age that teens can use the internet for homework assignments be dropped from 14 to 11 or 12 years old.
*  The teens requested that there be more signs indicating where to find our section, and would like the walls to be painted a more vibrant color.
*  Many teens offered to be the Teen Librarian's volunteer assistant to help out in the teen section when she is busy having programs, or could use help with noise and crowd control.  They suggested being given special badges or nametags to wear also.
*  Several teens stressed again, and again the importance of their being an official library assistant to the Teen Librarian.  The reasons being that Denise J. could definitely use the help, it would help tip the balance of equality a little more favorably between the Teen section and the Children's Department, and most importantly having an official assistant in the Teen section would help to better serve the needs of more patrons.  It would also take some of the burden off of the Reference staff who kindly help teen patrons when Denise J. is not available.
*  Teens offered to help spread the word about teen programs, and volunteer opportunities.
*  Another issue that was mentioned several times was the need to have the YA "Nonfiction" books moved over into the area where the YA "Fiction," YA "Graphic Novels," YA laptops, and now the YA "DVDs" and YA "Audio Books" are located.  By doing so, teens expressed that they would feel more comfortable looking for books for their reports and wouldn't feel intimidated by having to go into the "Adult" Nonfiction area, it would be less confusing to find "their" books, and also it would generate a positive way of looking at this area as not a "section" of the library, but rather as an important and vital "department" of the library.

Denise J. the Teen Librarian, and all of the teens who attended the meeting would like to extend our thanks to both Mr. Hadeler the library's Director, and to Mrs. Bostrom the library's Supervising Librarian.  They graciously took time away from their busy schedules to hear our opinions, and to offer their support.  We are all truly excited and ready to move forward in a positive direction.

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS


Hey teens,

I hope you enjoyed a really great summer.  I just finished up a very busy, but totally awesome summer reading club as well as having had many other exciting teen programs too.  So now I'm looking forward to the start of what I hope will be a truly rewarding school year. 

Many teens only thought that there were programs for them during the summer, so I'm posting the September program schedule for teens in grades 6 - 12.  I'm happy to say that I try and plan as many fun and interesting programs as I can throughout the entire school year as well.  So I'm hoping that many of you will consider participating.

Thanks,
Denise J.
Teen Librarian


SEPTEMBER'S TEEN PROGRAMS:

 September is “National Library Card Sign-Up Month,” and during this special month teens in grades 6 & up receive a small prize or treat when they show the Teen Librarian their valid library card.


 “Write On!” Teen Writers’ Group for grades 6 & up; Thursday, September 2nd at 3:30 PM. Do you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, plays, comics or manga? If you answered yes, then join our Teen Writers’ group. The group meets twice a month so teens can share and work on their writing and ideas, receive feedback on their writing, and “free write” just for fun! Teens are asked to bring a notebook or a journal. (Sign-up begins on Monday, August 16th).


 “Miscellaneous Music” for grades 6 & up; Tuesday, September 7th at 3:15 PM. If you like music and want to share your thoughts with other teens, then you’ll want to join this great, monthly club. Bring your iPod or a favorite CD to share with the group. (Sign-up begins on Monday, August 23rd).

 
 “Anime/Manga Club” for grades 6 & up; Monday, September 13th at 3:15 PM. The club meets twice a month to watch anime, discuss manga and play games. (Sign-up begins on Monday, August 30th).


 “Teen Advisory Board” (T.A.B.) for grades 6 & up; Tuesday, September 14th at 3:15 PM. The group meets one Tuesday a month. Teens suggest and develop new, teen library programs, and also volunteer in the library. Come on in, speak up, and let us know what you think! (Sign-up begins on Monday, August 30th).


 “Scrapbooking Fun” for grades 6 & up; Wednesday, September 15th at 3:15 PM. Teens are asked to bring their favorite pictures and their own scrapbook or photo album. All other materials will be supplied by the library. (Sign-up begins on Monday, August 30th).


 “Write On!” Teen Writers’ Group for grades 6 & up; Thursday, September 16th at 3:30 PM. The group meets twice a month so teens can share and work on their writing and ideas, receive feedback on their writing, and “free write” just for fun!


 “Anime/Manga Club” for grades 6 & up; Monday, September 27th at 3:15 PM. The club meets twice a month to watch anime, discuss manga and play games.


 “Food For Thought Teen Book Discussion Group” for grades 6 – 10; Tuesday, September 28th at 3:15 PM. The group meets one Tuesday a month and teens can choose any book that they’ve read to discuss. (Sign-up begins on Tuesday, September 7th).


 “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” teen movie for grades 6 & up; Wednesday, September 29th at 3:15 PM. Refreshments will be served, and sign-up is not necessary. This film is rated “PG.”


 “Gaming Club” for grades 6 & up; Thursday September 30th at 3:30 PM. This cool club meets twice a month. Teens will have fun playing various Nintendo “Wii” games.


AND COMING IN OCTOBER.....


Calling all "Harry Potter" fans!!!  Do you love all things "Harry Potter?"  Are you NOT ready to say goodbye to this beloved series?  Do you like to play games, discuss great books, answer trivia questions, and make new friends?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, then come and join the new and exciting "Harry Potter Club."  The club will meet two Fridays a month unless there are special schedule conflicts.  Our first meeting will be on Friday, October 15th at 3:15 PM. 
(Sign-up begins on Monday, September 27th).

MAHWAH TEENS' NATIONAL POETRY MONTH WRITINGS

LINA FRIDMAN WROTE THIS GREAT POEM:


This is an example of a "Found Poem"
Title: "Frankenstein"

It was on a dreary night of November
I slept, but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams
It was already one in the morning;
The rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out
I saw grave-worms crawling in the folds of flannel
Breathless horror and disgust filled my heart
My teeth chattered and every limb became convulsed
I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created
His eyes were fixed on me
His jaws opened and he muttered some inarticulate sounds
One hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and ran downstairs
Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery
Drenched by the rain which poured from a black and a comfortless sky
My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to
Look about me
Coming towards me from the other end of the street
The miserable monster whom I had created


MARC NAGLE WROTE THIS GREAT HAIKU:

Title: "David Melendez Haiku"

Here comes Peter
He's my best friend sorta,
I really like his fancy clothes
A Puerto Rican.


JAMAL BUTLER WROTE THIS GREAT HAIKU:

Summer fall winter
The best seasons in the world
Rain snow sleet hail heat.



EMILY PANDISE WROTE THIS BEAUTIFUL POEM:

Title: "Apple Seeds"


apple seeds
a reminder of life
of fall
of my childhood
back when all things were simple
and nothing was questioned


small and bronze
they look dark
against my ivory palm
diamonds without the sparkle
trees so majestic grow from something
so very small


apple seeds
almost golden in the sunlight
from my kitchen window
as they fall
from warm hand to cold soil
a reminder of life


EMILY PANDISE WROTE THIS TASTY POEM: 

Title: "Coca-Cola"


On those lazy days of summer
we steal the bottles from the fridge
and pop the top off a nice frosty
Coca-Cola
in its tiny glass bottle.

The lazy days of summer fly
as we feel the fizz from the
Coca-Cola
tickle our tongues.


And we laugh until we cry or until
Coca-Cola
comes out of our noses.


The summer days get hotter and the
Coca-Cola
is gone at last
leaving the fridge empty and cold.


As the last of those lazy days go by
we save the cap
from each frosty glass of
Coca-Cola
to remember the good times by.

FUN WITH "WORDLE"

Check out Anonymous's "oput."  This is a cool, different approach to looking at the "Teen Blog."

Thanks Anonymous!

Denise J., Teen Librarian


Wordle: oput

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

I'd like to say thank you to all of the teens who participated in the "Lollipops for Letters" program. Teens earned a lollipop for each letter they wrote to show their support for The Mahwah Public Library.

The letters were sent to our local representatives and to Governor Christie in the hopes of stopping the Governor's proposed 74% budget cuts to library funding. Over 100 letters were collected. That's a lot of support, and a lot of lollipops too!

Click on the "Flickr box" to see some of the photos.

Denise J., Teen Librarian

THE TEEN WINTER READING CLUB RESULTS ARE IN!!!

I'm very proud to say that 53 teens participated in this year's Teen W.R.C.  They diligently filled in their "bingo boards" with all of the book pages, manga pages, magazines, and newspapers they read.  Some participants even attended a lot of teen activities and even volunteered at the library.  Here are the results:

Books Read:  115 (Average # of pages 200 per book)
Graphic Novels/Manga Read:  63 (Average # of pages 180 per g.n. or manga)
Magazines Read:  35
Newspapers Read:  22
Participants Who Attended Various Teen Programs:  26
Participants Who Volunteered at the Library: 2

Overall, teens said that they liked this year's format of combining a "bingo board" format with "pages read" to be a lot of fun, and easier for them because of all of their school work.

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!

Denise J.
Teen Librarian

TEEN TECH WEEK RAFFLE

Congratulations to Anna Radakrishnan.  She was the winner of the $15 dollar "iTunes" gift card for having answered some "tech" questions correctly.  Several teens entered the raffle to help celebrate "Teen Tech Week" this year which was March 7th - March 13th. 

During that special week, teens also participated in the "Show Us What You've Got!" program where teens got to show off their cellphones, "Apps," "iPods," "iPhones," "Nintendo DS and DSI" systems, and many other gadgets and gizmos.  I even brought in my "Nintendo DSI" and some games for the teens to enjoy.

Later in the week, teens had fun at the "Gaming Club" program and enjoyed playing "Just Dance," "Mario Kart," "Brawl," and other fun games.  Boy do I realize that I have a lot to learn about the latest trends and technology.  Thank goodness, I have the teens to help me. : )

Denise J.
Teen Librarian

FANG: A MAXIMUM RIDE NOVEL BY JAMES PATTERSON

Woo Hoo!  The book is finally here!!!  I've ordered several copies, so make sure you use your library card in the computer to reserve one.  Just go to: http://mahwah.bccls.org/ and search the library catalog.  Or you can ask me to reserve a copy for you.

Do you really think Fang will die?!?!?

Happy Reading,
Denise J., Teen Librarian

March's Teen Advisory Board Meeting (T.A.B.)

I'd like to thank everyone who logged into Facebook yesterday to be a part of our "online chat."  We were discussing some possible book choices for the two upcoming summer book groups (WOW!  Are we already thinking of the summer!). 

If you have a Facebook account feel free to click on the "fan box" below and take a look at the possible selections.  Also, leave your suggestions too.  I'd like some more feedback if possible.  If you don't use Facebook, I'm posting the choices below.  Please feel free to stop by, e-mail me, leave me a note, etc., with your thoughts. 

Thanks so much,
Denise J., Teen Librarian

HERE ARE THE POSSIBILITIES FOR "THE BOOK BRAWL" DISCUSSION GROUP FOR GRADES 6 -8:


"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne


Bored and lonely after his family moves from Berlin to a place called "Out-With" in 1942, Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, befriends a boy in striped pajamas who lives behind a wire fence.

"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead (Won the 2010 NEWBERY AWARD)


As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.


"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick


When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toyseller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.


"The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail" by Michael Spradlin


In 1191, fifteen-year-old Tristan, a youth of unknown origin raised in an English abbey, becomes a Templar Knight's squire during the Third Crusade and soon finds himself on a mission to bring the Holy Grail to safety.


"Witch & Wizard" by James Patterson

The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?


"The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart


After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.


"The Gravity Keeper" by Michael Reisman


Nerdy sixth-grader Simon Bloom finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics, but when two thugs come after him, he needs the formulas in the book to save himself.


"Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld

In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.


"The Demon King" by Cinda Williams Chima

Relates the intertwining fates of former street gang leader Han Alister and headstrong Princess Raisa, as Han takes possession of an amulet that once belonged to an evil wizard and Raisa uncovers a conspiracy in the Grey Wolf Court.


"The Clone Codes" by Patricia, Fredrick & John McKissack

On the run from a bounty hunter who arrested her mother for being part of a secret society devoted to freeing clones, thirteen-year-old Leanna learns amazing truths about herself and her family as she is forced to consider the value of freedom and what it really means to be human in 2170 America.


"The Secret of the Sirens" by Julia Golding


Upon moving to her aunt's seaside home in the British Isles, Connie becomes part of a secret society that shelters mythical creatures, and must use her ability to communicate with these beings to protect them from evil and the incursions of humans.


"The Alchemyst" by Michael Scott


While working at pleasant but mundane summer jobs in San Francisco, fifteen-year-old twins, Sophie and Josh, suddenly find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee, over the possession of an ancient and powerful book holding the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life.


"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow

After being interrogated for days by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, California, seventeen-year-old Marcus, released into what is now a police state, decides to use his expertise in computer hacking to set things right.


"Compound" by S. A. Bodeen


After his parents, two sisters, and he have spent six years in a vast underground compound built by his wealthy father to protect them from a nuclear holocaust, fifteen-year-old Eli, whose twin brother and grandmother were left behind, discovers that his father has perpetrated a monstrous hoax on them all.


"Monstrumologist" by Rick Yancey

In 1888, twelve-year-old Will Henry chronicles his apprenticeship with Dr. Warthrop, a scientist who hunts and studies real-life monsters, as they discover and attempt to destroy a pod of Anthropophagi.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERE ARE THE POSSIBILITIES FOR "THE READING RANT" DISCUSSION GROUP FOR GRADES 9 - 12:


"The Carbon Diaries 2015" by Saci Lloyd


In 2015, when England becomes the first nation to introduce carbon dioxide rationing in a drastic bid to combat climate change, sixteen-year-old Laura documents the first year of rationing as her family spirals out of control.


"Marcelo in the Real World" by Francisco X. Stork


Marcelo Sandoval, a seventeen-year-old boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, faces new challenges, including romance and injustice, when he goes to work for his father in the mailroom of a corporate law firm.


"Going Bovine" (Won the 2010 PRINTZ AWARD) by Cameron Smith


A disaffected sixteen year-old who, after being diagnosed with Creutzfeld Jakob's (aka mad cow) disease, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital in an attempt to find a cure.


"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner


Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.


"Graceling" by Kristin Cashore


In a world where some people are born with extreme and often feared skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace, the Grace of killing, and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.


"Gone" by Michael Grant


In a small town on the coast of California, everyone over the age of fourteen suddenly disappears, setting up a battle between the remaining town residents and the students from a local private school, as well as those who have "The Power" and are able to perform supernatural feats and those who do not.


"City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare


Suddenly able to see demons and the Darkhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizzare world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster.


"Num8ers" by Rachel Ward


Fifteen-year-old Jem knows when she looks at someone the exact date they will die, so she avoids relationships and tries to keep out of the way, but when she meets a boy named Spider and they plan a day out together, they become more involved than either of them had planned.


"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak


Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.


"What I Saw and How I Lied" by Judy Blundell


In 1947, with her jovial stepfather Joe back from the war and family life returning to normal, teenage Evie, smitten by the handsome young ex-GI who seems to have a secret hold on Joe, finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies whose devastating outcome change her life and that of her family forever.


"Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks


An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love--and face the hardest decision of his life.


"Break" by Hannah Moskowitz


To relieve the pressures of caring for a brother with life-threatening food allergies, another who is a fussy baby, and parents who are at odds with one other, seventeen-year-old Jonah sets out to break every bone in his body in hopes of becoming stronger.


"The Uninvited" by Tim Wynne Jones


After a disturbing freshman year at New York University, Mimi is happy to get away to her father's remote Canadian cottage only to discover a stranger living there who has never heard of her or her father and who is convinced that Mimi is responsible for leaving sinister tokens around the property.


"How to Say Goodbye in Robot" by Natalie Standiford


After moving to Baltimore and enrolling in a private school, high school senior Beatrice befriends a quiet loner with a troubled family history.


"Liar" by Justine Larbalestier


Compulsive liar Micah promises to tell the truth after revealing that her boyfriend has been murdered.


"The Reformed Vampire Support Group" by Catherine Jinks


Fifteen-year-old vampire Nina has been stuck for fifty-one years in a boring support group for vampires, and nothing exciting has ever happened to them--until one of them is murdered and the others must try to solve the crime.


"Soul Enchilada" by David Macinnis Gill


When, after a demon appears to repossess her car, she discovers that both the car and her soul were given as collateral in a deal made with the Devil by her irrascible grandfather, eighteen-year-old Bug Smoot, given two-days' grace, tries to find ways to outsmart the Devil as she frantically searches for her conveniently absent relative.


"If I Stay" by Gayle Forman


While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, seventeen-year-old Mia, a gifted cellist, considers whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.


"Tales of the Madman Underground" by John Barnes


In September 1973, as the school year begins in his depressed Ohio town, high-school senior Kurt Shoemaker determines to be "normal," despite his chaotic home life with his volatile, alcoholic mother and the deep loyalty and affection he has for his friends in the therapy group dubbed the Madman Underground.


"Shutter Island" by Dennis Lehane


A scorching psychological thriller set in 1954 at Ashcliffe Hospital--a federal institution for the criminally insane. As a storm threatens to strand U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule, they stumble into an evil darker than any nightmare.

Here's A Story Written By A Member of the "Teen Writers' Group"

"The Eleventh Moon" by Manan Garg

It was like a bad dream come true.  I looked around the corner, seeing a perfect sunset.  Seeing the sunset might not bring hope to my people.  But at least I can see it once more.  The more I speak, the more danger you all are in. 

The fight between the Pans and Humans draws the Earth's end nearer. Life here is dangerous, and the "Jukinators" are huge, ugly, wicked aliens.  These aliens kill anyone who won't worship them.  Our only hope is "Dragon Ri....."  Get out of here!  Our journey will start here......

TO BE CONTINUED

TEEN WRITERS UNITE!

On Thursday, March 4th members of the "Write On!" Teen Writers' Group created their first work of fiction together. The story began with "It was a beautiful, sunny day. But then, it happened." The sheet was passed around to each member who had a few minutes to add their thoughts to the story.

I must warn you that the story may get wacky and weird, but who cares, that's what makes fiction great right? Please enjoy, and feel free to leave comments and add your thoughts to it.

Sincerely,
Denise J., Teen Librarian

It was a beautiful, sunny day. But then it happened. Superman quickly dashed into the air to save a box that fell in the water. Then the Jokerman wanted to fight Superman. Then the Power Puff Girls raced Superman to save the day.

The smiley face sticker on the box peeled off as fat things invaded space. What were they? No one would find out until they landed.


The fat things were very overweight. Their augmentative weight caused a huge disturbance. Earth's only placid hero was the only skinny kid, Ozzy. Ozzy was so underweight he could absorb the fat and still be underweight. It was all up to him.


Ozzy went to the supermarket and bought skittles, "taste the rainbow" and went to Canada. There, he went to sleep as people were being attacked by overweight hobos all over the world. Then, the hobos started to feed Ozzy with as many hamburgers as possible. But, it didn't work. HE WAS TOO UNDERWEIGHT! Then, Amir dropped a ton into Ozzy's mouth. But it still didn't work; he was still 2 pounds.


So...What can defeat Ozzy? I know! "OBCT!" "OBCT" is a weapon so awesome, it's name is Mokana.


Then a Barbie came to life and walked around eating peanuts. She was beautiful and she was a princess. She ran away on her wedding day. She was desperately eating peanuts. Then a prince came from oblivion and went to her and chopped off her head which turned into a peanut because she ate too many peanuts. Then the princess hopped to the prince's house.


Other Barbies invaded the Earth then, and they tried to kill the prince who made their friend a peanut. So then all the Barbies took out all the guards to get to the prince. But the Barbies were eaten by a pack of wolves, and only one Barbie survived. Half of her face was missing. She then gets mauled by another pack of wolves, but she's still alive. Then, unfortunately the surviving Barbie also gets mauled by a bear and dies painfully and slowly.


THE END

Here's What Happened at February's Teen Advisory Board Meeting


Hi Teens,
Even though we're in the middle of our "Teen Winter Reading Club,"  T.A.B. members and I were already thinking of possible formats for the "Teen Summer Reading Club" which will begin in June.  Again, the "bingo board" format seems to be pretty popular, but some teens would like to go back to the old "Points" system.  If anyone has some fresh ideas, please feel free to let me know.  I'm always open to new suggestions.

Thanks,
Denise J.

Great "New" Teen Books

Hi Teens,

Starting in January, I will be posting ALL of the "new" books that are added to the Teen collection as suggested by a really cool teen through our "feedback" link on the Teen Webpage.  This teen had asked for monthly lists to be made, and I figured it would be easier to keep things updated by using the Teen Blog.  I would personally like to thank this teen, because I think this is a fantastic idea.  For anyone who would like a summary and any provided reviews about each book, just click on this link: http://mahwah.bccls.org/ to get to the Mahwah Public Library's homepage which also gives you access to the Library Catalog.


            Here's What's New for JANUARY 2010:

  • "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" by Jill Wolfson
  • "The Dark Devine" by Bree Despain
  • "The Goodbye Season" by Marian Hale
  • "The Reformed Vampire Support Group" by Catherine Jinks
  • "Riot" by Walter Dean Myers
  • "Surface Tension" by Brent Runyon
  • "Hearts at Stake" by Alyxandra Harvey
  • "Tangled" by Carolyn Mackler
  • "Raven" by Allison Van Diepen
  • "Journey of Dreams" by Marge Pellegrino
  • "Stealing Death" by Janet Lee Carey
  • "Wish" by Alexandra Bullen
  • "The Vast Fields of Ordinary" by Nick Burd
  • "After the Moment" by Garret Freymann-Weyr
  • "Nothing But Ghosts" by Beth Kephart
  • "The Princess Plot" by Kirsten Boie
  • "Counter Clockwise" by Jason Cockcroft
  • "No More Us For You" by David Hernandez
  • "Troubadour" by Mary Hoffman
  • "The Lost Conspiracy" by Frances Hardinge
  • "Silver Phoenix" by Cindy Pon
  • "Why I Fight" by J. Adams Oaks
  • "The Orange Houses" by Paul Griffin
  • "One Lonely Degree" by C.K. Kelly Martin
  • "Hannah's Winter" by Kierin Meehan
  • "Surf Mules" by G. Neri
  • "Almost Perfect" by Brian Katcher
  • "Once Was Lost" by Sara Zarr
  • "Sprout" Dale Peck
  • "Strange Angels" by Lili St. Crow
  • "Betrayals: A Strange Angels Novel" by Lili St. Crow
  • "The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook" by Dilara Hafiz (Non-Fiction)
  • "Traveling the Freedom Road" by Linda Barrett Osbourne (Non-Fiction)
  • "Recycle This Book" Edited by Dan Gutman (Non-Fiction)
  • "Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe" by Karen E. Lange (Non-Fiction)
  • "Magic Under Glass" by Jaclyn Dolamore
  • "Blade: Playing Dead" by Tim Bowler
  • "Ash" by Malinda Lo
  • "Toby Alone" by Timothee de Fombelle
  • "Because I Am Furniture" by Thalia Chaltas
  • "Days of Little Texas" by R.A. Nelson
  • "Rosie and Skate" by Beth Ann Bauman
  • "The Princess and the Bear" by Mette Ivie Harrison
  • "All the Broken Pieces" by Ann E. Burg
  • "The Carbon Diaries 2015" by Saci Lloyd
  • "Alis" by Naomi Rich
  • "Mare's War" by Tanita S. Davis
  • "Ruined" by Paula Morris
  • "Eyes Like Stars" by Lisa Mantchev
  • "Solace of the Road" by Siobhan Dowd
  • "Earthgirl" by Jennifer Cowan
  • "The Sweetheart of Prosper County" by Jill S. Alexander
  • "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han
  • "Burn" by Suzanne Phillips
  • "Heartless: A Pretty Little Liars Book" by Sara Shepard
  • "Tales of the Madman Underground" by John Barnes
  • "Player's Ruse: A Knight and Rogue Novel" by Hilari Bell
  • "Incarceron" by Catherine Fisher
  • "The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1-19" by Jocelyn Brown
  • "No Such Thing as the Real World" (Short Stories by various authors)
  • "Morning in a Different Place" by Mary Ann McGuigan
  • "The Lonely Hearts Club" by Elizabeth Eulberg
  • "Lips Touch Three Times" (A book of short stories) by Laini Taylor
  • "The Islands of the Blessed" (The conclusion of "The Sea of Trolls" trilogy) by Nancy Farmer
  • "Winter's Child" by Cameron Dokey
  • "Everything is Fine" by Ann Dee Ellis
  • "The Monster Variations" by Daniel Kraus
  • "The Morgue and Me" by John C. Ford
  • "Burn My Heart" by Beverley Naidoo
  • "My Soul to Save" by Rachel Vincent
            New Graphic Novels:

  • "Fullmetal Alchemist" -- Volume 22
  • "Rin-Ne" -- Volume 2
  • "Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE" -- Volume 25
  • "Case Closed" -- Volume 33
  • "Kamichama Karin Chu" -- Volume 7 (FINAL VOLUME IN THE SERIES)
  • "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" -- Volume 7
  • "Shugo Chara!" -- Volume 8
  • "Black Bird" -- Volumes 1, 2 & 3
  • "Children of the Sea" -- Volumes 1 & 2
  • "Beast Master" -- Volumes 1 & 2
  • "WaqWaq" -- Volume 3
  • "D. Gray-Man" -- Volume 16
  • "Hoshin Engi" -- Volume 17
  • "Vampire Knight" -- Volume 9
  • "Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation" -- Volume 15
  • "Eyeshield 21" -- Volume 30
  • "NG Life" -- Volume 4
  • "High School Debut" -- Volume 13 (FINAL VOLUME IN THE SERIES)
  • "Togainu No Chi" -- Volume 5
  • "The Record of a Fallen Vampire" -- Volume 8
  • "Hikaru No Go" -- Volume 18
  • "Domo: the Manga"
  • "Orange"

As you will also see, I like to blog about the books that I've been reading lately as well. So hopefully you'll give some of those books a try too.

Happy Reading!!!
Denise J.
Teen Librarian



 

"Teen Winter Reading Club"



The "Teen Winter Reading Club" will begin on Monday, January 25th and run through Friday, March 12th for teens in grades 6 - 12. Teens can sign-up beginning Monday, January 11th. So if you like to read, participate in fun teen activities here at the library, and earn cool prizes along the way, then you really should join.  

You'll be using a "bingo board" to keep track of the "pages," magazines, and newspapers you'll be reading, the number of "minutes" you'll be listening to audio books (if you prefer), volunteer time, and any teen activities which you may attend at the library.  As you'll see, most of the squares give you a choice between two "activities," which will help make things more interesting.

You'll still need to see Denise J. the Teen Librarian in person to sign-up, to have your "bingo board" checked and stamped, and also to collect the small prizes that you may earn.  But below is a link you can use to print out another sample "bingo board" to use at home, in case you lose the one given to you when you first sign-up.

Happy Reading!!!

http://mahwah.bccls.org/Library/teenwinterreadingclub2010.pdf

"CARDS FOR HEROES"

"CARDS FOR HEROES"
The Mahwah Public Library would like to say a BIG Thank You to everyone who made cards, pictures and nice letters to send to our troops serving overseas. Your well wishes are greatly appreciated! The library would also like to extend our gratitude to the Mahwah Marine Moms for graciously accepting the cards and delivering them to the troops on our behalf. We would also like to thank our courageous servicemen and servicewomen for their bravery in helping to defend our country. We hope for your quick and safe return!

"BOOKS FOR KIDS"

"BOOKS FOR KIDS"
The library would like to thank everyone who opened their hearts and gave to our annual book drive. Thanks to all of you, over 900 books were collected and will be distributed to children in need all over New Jersey.

2011 - TEEN READ WEEK REVIEWS

2011 - TEEN READ WEEK REVIEWS
Click on the image to see and read everyone's GREAT book reviews and redesigned book covers that were submitted for the "Teen Read Week" Raffle. Congratulations to all of the winners!!!

2010 - TEEN READ WEEK REVIEWS

Hi everyone,

I'd like to thank all of the teens who participated in this year's special raffle contest by submitting these AWESOME reviews. Congratulations to all of our winners too!!! Happy reading. : )

Denise J.
Teen Librarian











Reviewer: J. M. (Grade 7)



Title: "Life As We Knew It"



Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer







Review: This book is very addicting! It is about when the moon gets closer to the Earth and about how life changes for everyone.











Reviewer: C. K. (Grade 9)



Title: "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief"



Author: Rick Riordan







Review: Very good book; Descriptive, suspenseful, and full of action and adventure; Recommended.











Reviewer: M. G. (Grade 7)



Title: "Zatch Bell" (Manga)



Author: Makoto Raiku







Review: A little kidche's not a kid. He's running to become king. He needs help by a human. But who? Find out by reading.











Reviewer: J. C. (Grade 6)



Title: "Room One"



Author: "Andrew Clements"







Review: It's good. Do you like mysteries? Well this book has mysteries that will blow your mind away from this planet. So now would you like to read this book? I know I can't get enough of it.











Reviewer: A. H. (Grade 9)



Title: "City of Bones"



Author: Cassandra Clare







Review: It's a great book with major suspense and action. Plus the romance and humor teens love.











Reviewer: D. B. (Grade 12)



Title: "This World We Live In"



Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer







Review: I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was better than the 2nd one. I think it ended kind of badly though. I would have enjoyed it more if I knew she was writing another book.











Reviewer: A. N. H. (Grade 5)



Title: "Warriors" (series)



Author: Erin Hunter







Review: This book is about a cat named Rusty who adventures into the wild and becomes part of a clan. There are four clans in this book: Shadow Clan, River Clan, Wind Clan, and Thunder Clan (Rusty's clan).











Reviewer: D. L. (Grade 9)



Title: "Mockingjay"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: It was really confusing at some parts, but I still enjoyed the ending.











Reviewer: A. A. (Grade 7)



Title: "Tending to Grace"



Author: Kimberly Newton Fusco







Review: This book is about a girl who has a mom who ruined her life. She now lives with her great aunt who has a totally different lifestyle. This book is a great story about SOME everyday lives.











Reviewer: L. D. (Grade 9)



Title: "Crescendo" (sequel to "Hush, Hush")



Author: Becca Fitzpatrick







Review: It wasn't that good. Patch wasn't there for like half the book. Then the writing really wasn't that good, and the main character just annoyed me.











Reviewer: H. M. (Grade 9)



Title: "Mockingjay"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: I liked it because of Alma Coin.











Reviewer: A. W. (Grade 7)



Title: "The Red Pyramid"



Author: Rick Riordan







Review: I didn't like this book because there were too many characters and unlike Greek myths, there were lots of Egyptian myths that I didn't know of and it was hard to understand.











Reviewer: B. M. (Grade 6)



Title: "Elsewhere"



Author: Gabrielle Zevin







Review: "Elsewhere" is a very good book about a girl who dies and about her life in heaven. It's a good book for people who like to read about the afterlife.











Reviewer: A. W. (Grade 9)



Title: "Harry Potter" (series)



Author: J. K. Rowling







Review: Harry Potter is an absolutely fabulous series with adventure at every turn, plots to foil, and friendships to help young Harry along the way.











Reviewer: M. G. (Grade 7)



Title: "Whistle" (Manga)



Author: Daisuke Higuchi







Review: Gooooal! Love soccer? Well so does a kid named Sho. He loves soccer but never was put on the field. Find out what happens to him.











Reviewer: M. G. (Grade 7)



Title: "H. I. V. E." (Higher Institute of Villainous Education)



Author: Mark Walden







Review: Evil! One kid gets accepted to an evil, secret school. It's like any ordinary school but you can't leave. Join him and his friends on an adventure of a lifetime.











Reviewer: M. G. (Grade 7)



Title: "The Hunger Games"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: In Panem, a death game on live TV takes place. 16 year old Katniss needs to face deadly challenges to win.











Reviewer: D. B. (Grade 12)



Title: "Mockingjay"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: This book was amazing! I loved this series so much and this was a great ending for a great series! I would recommend this book to everyone!











Reviewer: D. B. (Grade 12)



Title: "Mountains Beyond Mountains"



Author: Tracy Kidder







Review: I had to read this as a required summer reading book and I thought it was terrible! I couldn't finish it, and I only got half way through it!











Reviewer: A. H. (Grade 9)



Title: "Unwind"



Author: Neal Shusterman







Review: It was a good book that makes you think of how you're living your life now.











Reviewer: J. C. (Grade 6)



Title: "Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence"



Author: Lynda Comerford







Review: It's about a girl that is going to middle school and is having trouble with friends.











Reviewer: A. N. H. (Grade 5)



Title: "The City of Ember"



Author: Jeanne DuPrau







Review: This book is about two kids, Lina and Doon. They live in a small town with many people in it. The lights that light the sky are running out of juice. These are the last lights the city of Ember has. Will this city be dark forever? You'll find out if you read it.











Reviewer: A. H. (Grade 9)



Title: "The Hunger Games"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: This is a very interesting twist to living life and will keep you absorbed for hours.











Reviewer: A. N. H. (Grade 5)



Title: "Harry Potter" (series)



Author: J. K. Rowling







Review: This book is about a boy that has magic powers and his parents are dead. He has an enemy that killed his parents. He goes to a school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.











Reviewer: S. G. (Grade 6)



Title: "Dork Diaries"



Author: Rachel Renee Russell







Review: "Dork Diaries" is about a girl who can't fit in with the crowd.











Reviewer: L. D. (Grade 9)



Title: "Beautiful Darkness"



Author: Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl







Review: The beginning was a little slow and it wasn't that good that Lena wasn't there the entire time. It really didn't start getting good until the end.











Reviewer: H. M. (Grade 9)



Title: "Catching Fire"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: I liked this book because of Beetee.











Reviewer: A. P. (Grade 7)



Title: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"



Author: J. K. Rowling







Review: I like this book very much. I have read this a couple of times already. My favorite part is at the end when Harry and Voldemort battle.











Reviewer: A. P. (Grade 7)



Title: "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle"



Author: C. S. Lewis







Review: I have read this book a couple of times already. So I like it very much. My favorite part is at the end when everyone from the series end up together.











Reviewer: L. D. (Grade 9)



Title: "Halo"



Author: Alexandra Adornetto







Review: If you enjoyed "Twilight" you'd like this book. It's about angels instead, but I thought that Beth (main character) was too obsessed with her boyfriend Xavier. It got to the point that it was annoying.











Reviewer: L. D. (Grade 9)



Title: "Reckless"



Author: Cornelia Funke







Review: I loved it! The first few characters were a little confusing, but once you get into it, it's really good. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Cornelia Funke's other books.











Reviewer: A. P. (Grade 7)



Title: "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"



Author: Unknown







Review: I liked this book very much. I have seen the movie. But I think the book is too descriptive.











Reviewer: S. L. (Grade 7)



Title: "Inkspell"



Author: Cornelia Funke







Review: It is my favorite book ever! It is a fantasy about a book that has many secrets.











Reviewer: H. M. (Grade 9)



Title: "The Hunger Games"



Author: Suzanne Collins







Review: I liked this book because of the games and suspense.











Reviewer: B. T. (Grade 7)



Title: "Hush, Hush"



Author: Becca Fitzpatrick







Review: I loved "Hush, Hush" because it was funny, suspenseful, and romantic. I loved Patch because he is funny, nice, and very chill. I really like this book and would recommend it for all teen girls.











Reviewer: M. T. (Grade 7)



Title: "Maximum Ride"



Author: James Patterson







Review: Great book. It's full of humor and action. Loved it!











Reviewer: M. M. (Grade 7)



Title: "Pretty Little Liars"



Author: Sara Shepard







Review: I love this book because it's mysterious and so funny.











Reviewer: A. P. (Grade 7)



Title: "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed"



Author: Unknown







Review: This book was very good. I have the game so I wanted to read the books. I like the end when the apprentice battles Darth Vader and the Emperor.











Reviewer: M. G. (Grade 6)



Title: "Twelfth Grade Kills" ****(SPOILER ALERT)****



Author: Heather Brewer







Review: Vlad finds his father in this book. I was surprised on how he was still alive. I particularly enjoyed how Heather Brewer described the scenes, and how parts turned out the way you didn't even think of. Like when Vlad was forced to kill his father, who turned out to want to kill Vlad. I enjoyed Brewer's method of writing.











Reviewer: V. Y. (Grade 9)



Title: "Fahrenheit 451"



Author: Ray Bradbury







Review: I didn't like this book. It was very confusing since it took place in the future. I would not recommend it.











Reviewer: S. N. H. (Grade 7)



Title: "Frogs & French Kisses"



Author: Sarah Mlynowski







Review: I like this book a lot. It was about a girl named Rachel and her sister named Miri. Miri has powers. The book was creative and had a lot of detail. Parts of it were really funny. I enjoyed it very much!!







"FUN IN THE SUN"

Together with Songwriter Kathy Moser, teens worked hard to create this fabulous song which pays tribute to summer.