The Summer Before (Baby-Sitters Club prequel) by Ann M. Martin

Back in the late 1980s through the 90s, the Baby-Sitters Club was a hugely popular series about a group of friends from Stoneybrook, CT who babysit. It all started with four girls: Kristy Thomas, Mary Anne Spier, Claudia Kishi, and Stacy McGill. This book looks back at the summer between 6th & 7th grade, right before the Baby-Sitters Club was born. It's about being a girl, the bonds of friendship, and how life changes.

Why I picked the book up: As a preteen my friends and I LOVED the Baby-Sitters Club books. I still have a box of them hidden somewhere in my garage (which I may be pulling out to read again!).

Why I finished it: It was like having a reunion with old friends. Although it has been at least 15 years since I read the original series, it was easy to fall back into. I remembered the characters, the neighborhood, and the kids they babysat.

I'd give it to: girls (and 20-30 somethings) who have read the original series and want to take a trip down memory lane. I'd also give it to fans of the BSC graphic novels. Scholastic is re-releasing the first three books in the series, so I'm sure new fans will be born.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

The teenage years can be brutal. Discovering who you are and building friendships that will hopefully be lifelong. Testing the waters of relationships and hopefully not drowning. It can be a difficult journey, especially when so much is unknown and unspoken.

Sarah has been best friends with Brianna since Kindergarten. The friendship has benefited both girls, but often seems lopsided, with one giving more support and encouragement than the other. Sarah has harbored a secret crush on Ryan since 8th grade but when Brianna began dating him 8 weeks ago, Sarah has tried to do the right thing, support her friend, and hide her feelings. Because every girl knows that the biggest taboo of friendship is liking your friend's boyfriend. He is off-limits. But can your head tell your heart to ignore its feeling, especially when you know you are a better match? What happens when you cross the line and break the unwritten rule? Can that friendship survive?

Why I picked up the book: The advanced reviews were good and the cover drew me in. I read Living Dead Girl and wanted to read another of Scott's books, especially one that was a little less intense. The author was kind enough to send me a copy of the book so I was able to pass the library copy onto the next waiting reader.

Why I finished it: I identified with Sarah because during high school I had a best friend like Brianna. I remember what it felt like to be part of a lopsided friendship and want more for yourself while trying not to hurt your friend. It is a fast read, with short chapters.

I'd give it to: teenage girls (and their moms). Being a teenager is tough and it can be hard to maintain friendships while also growing as a person. It's important to find the balance between caring for others and respecting yourself. I recommended the book to Shelby before I was even finished, because I knew she liked Perfect You. Her review is here: http://booksncpl.blogspot.com/2010/04/un...

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Vamped

Name: Serina

Grade: 12th

Title: Vamped

Author: David Sosnowski

Martin Kowalski, also known as Marty, is a vampire in a thriving world of bloodsuckers. Humans practically don't exist and everything is set to the theme of the walking dead. There are no day clubs, only night clubs, and synthetic blood is served at all the bars. It's a vampire's paradise. However, life among the undead can get pretty, well, dead. And Marty has gotten into the habit of finding different ways to try and kill himself after a hundred years of walking the earth, dating all the way back to his turning in World War II. On one particular high speed drive in his car during the pouring rain, Marty pulls over as the scent of human blood floods in. And what he smells isn't the kind made from stem cells, it's the real deal. Enticed, he follows the scent to discover 6-year-old Isuzu Trooper Cassidy, who is fleeing from the vampire who killed her mother. Unable to eat her, or turn her, for that matter, Marty takes her home to his apartment, thinking he'll have her for a snack later on down the line. However, Marty becomes attached and ends up having to do the one thing no vampire possible could do, and that's be a dad. Marty and Isuzu suffer many trials and errors in coping with each other, ranging from Isuzu super-gluing Marty's hands to his face while he is asleep, to Marty having to handle Isuzu's coming into puberty, and all the womanly troubles that come with it. Eventually, Marty meets a tattooed dancer from a club named Rose, and she is able to shed some light on the situation, as well as give Marty a new interest in long forgotten romance.

Vamped is hilarious, full of gritty scenes, sarcastic commentary, life like characters (considering they are dead) and the hardships of caring for someone that everyone else wants to eat.

I picked up Vamped because it sounded so amusing

I finished this book because it was near impossible to stop reading it once I had started.

I'd give this book to anyone who wants a lot of laughs at morbid humor and a more mature Vampire themed plot.

***** It was amazing!!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Briana

Grade: 11

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This is a wonderful classic novel, set in the southern United States during the late 1800's. Huckleberry Finn, a boy about 12 years old, who is illiterate, and uneducated finds himself living with his abusive father. Huck hates his life with Pap, and so he decides to fake his own death, and to venture out onto the Mississippi River. Along the way, Huck runs into a runaway slave named Jim, and together they are forced to distinguish between right and wrong. Because Jim is a runaway slave, Huck is responsible for his safety and wellbeing, so Huck also learns about morals. Throughout the book, the reader sees Huck mature into a responsible young man. This novel is very humourous, lively, exciting, and it will leave the reader with cliffhangers ever so often!

I read this book because it was required for my english class, but I am very glad I did, because it is a great novel, and it has something for everyone in it! I would have read and finished this book even if it wasnt required, because it is a classic, and gives a good insight about what life was like back in the 1800's.

I would reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys classic novels, historical fiction reads, or just to anyone who needs a good book. The dialouge can be a bit confusing, but if one reads it thoughouly, the humour will be very obvious!

***Liked it

The Unwritten Rule By: Elizabeth Scott

Shelby
12th Grade
The Unwritten Rule
Elizabeth Scott


"Everyone knows the unwritten rule. You don't like your best friends boyfriend".
Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years, but she keeps that secret hidden deep within her heart. No one knows, not even her best friend Brianna. Brianna and Sarah have been best friends since Kindergarten when Brianna had first rescued Sarah from a bully- since then they have been inseparable best friends. That is until lately. When Brianna begins dating Ryan, Sarah feels hurt and torn. "you're not suppose to like your best friends boyfriend, that's the rule". So Ryan is untouchable, and Brianna is consumed within her wonderful life. What is a normal teenage girl to do in a situation like that, one that it seems girls are placed in at some point to deal with, and why does Sarah feel Ryan has been paying extra attention to her, understanding her, and a good friend to talk to lately? Because Ryan begins paying more attention to Sarah she responds by avoiding Ryan and convincing herself not to like him. She feels guilty for wanting him, and the last thing in the world she wants to do is hurt her best friend; however, when she and Ryan are alone for a few minutes one night, something happens between them. It's fantastic and horrible at the same time. Sarah is torn between the love that she desires, and the support and love she should give her best friend. Continue with Sarah as she discovers the truth about the unwritten rule, the hardship and trust between two best friends, and the person she wants, but can't have and changes that will make her life into something different than expected.




Why I picked it up: I enjoy reading Elizabeth Scott's books, and have read most of them. I am pleased to add this one to my list. The cover also looked intense ;) so that added to the desire to read it.

Why I finished it: This book like many of Elizabeth Scott's books have the ability to keep you hanging and make you read more, and that's exactly what happened. It was different and first, and the plot line and climax made me want to continue reading.

I'd give this book to: I would highly recommend this book to any teenage girl who wants to read a good story. Anyone who enjoys Elizabeth Scott as much as I do would enjoy the newest of her novels. :)

My Rating for this Book:
**** Really Liked It! (Because I love Elizabeth Scott books, and this one kept me reading more).

The Lonely Hearts Club by, Elizabeth Eulberg

All you need is Love right? Maybe not for Penny Lane Bloom after having her heart broken for the last time. Penny and her entire family are Beatles fanatics, and after a devastating betrayal from her first love and best friend, Penny decides to take matters into her own hands. She creates the Lonely Hearts Club, a high school club that allows herself and any other girl in an emotionally abusive relationship to rant about the male scum that populate the hallways. A deeply touching and humorous novel that includes the mending of long forgotten friendships, strengthening new ones, and finding love, this novel is sure to entertain.

Why I picked it up: I love anything Beatles related, and being an 18 year girl I have experienced my share of awful relationships and my own friends are the ones who helped me move on from them.

Why I finished it: It's witty and cute humor made it a very quick and enjoyable read.

Who I'd give it too: Anyone who loves the music of the Beatles and has ever had relationship problems with a boy.

P:4 Q:5

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Kyle was your typical good-looking, A-list, private school, rich jerk until the day he pissed off the wrong witch and found himself turned into a beast. Now Kyle's gone from hottie to horrible and has two years to break the spell. In order to break the spell Kyle must find someone to fall in love with him, truly love that person back, and their kiss will set him free. But even New York City can't appreciate someone this freaky, and to top it off, Kyle's father has sent him away. Will Kyle discover the true beauty in life or will he forever be beastly?

Why I picked this book: It is being made into a movie and someone in our high school book club had suggested we read it.

Why I finished it: It's a tale as old as time.... yet relevant to 2010. I wanted to see how the story compared to other versions of Beauty and the Beast.

I'd give it to: fans of fairy tales and romance.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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And the winner is...

Wyoming's Soaring Eagle Book Award results were just announced.

The Hunger Games, first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins, is the winner of the 2010 Soaring Eagle book award for young adult literature.
The first runner-up for the award is Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, with Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer, coming in as second runner-up.

The nominations for 2010-2011 are as follows:
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
*Marked (House of Night #1) by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
The Roar by Emma Clayton
*After by Amy Efaw
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Erak’s Ransom (Ranger’s Apprentice #7) by John Flanagan
Football Genius by Tim Green
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Cracker!: the Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata
Do the Math: Secrets, Lies and Algebra by Wendy Lichtman
*Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
*The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Riordan
Tentacles by Roland Smith

* denotes content/older readers

http://www.wyla.org/news/newsdetail.php?nID=501

Carter Finally Gets It Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford

What can I say? I laughed for hours while listening to this book. I now feel a bit like I have ADD and can't focus on writing a synopsis, booktalk, or review of the book. Carter is any & ever guy (freshman or not) I've ever met... obsessed with girls, more specifically their bodies, but clueless as to how to interact with them. Being a teenager is tough, but thankfully Brent Crawford has given readers the ability to find the humor in it.

I think the back cover of the book says it best: "Warning: This book contains lewd humor, underage drinking, illicit fantasizing, and very bad decision-making."

FYI: The sequel Carter's Big Break will be released in June 2010.

Why I picked it up: I was driving to Denver for a conference and needed something to listen to. I had heard from other librarians that the book was hilarious. I had just finished listening to If I Stay so I needed something a bit lighter.

Why I finished it: HIL-AR-IOUS! OMG! The book is great and the narrator did a perfect job of capturing and creating Carter's voice. I kept taking short trips to the store for nothing just so I could hear some more.

I'd give it to: Tyler P, who liked Twisted and The Outsiders and who I think might laugh harder than I did. Girls who want to understand why their brothers or classmates act the way they do and guys who will realize they aren't alone.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Cool Beans: A Maya Davis Novel by Erynn Mangum

Maya is a barista and she loves her job at Cool Beans. She's enjoying the single life, has a great dog (and great friends), and spends Sunday nights having dinner with the 'rents. But life becomes less than perfect when: Jen (Maya's roommate/best friend) starts dating Maya's high school sweetheart (and he doesn't recognize her!) and Maya's older brother (a doctor) moves back home. Is growing older the same as growing up? Why is life so complicated and can excessive caffination really be good for you?

Why I picked it up: I needed a change in what I was reading and I was drawn in by the cover (I love coffee & chick-lit!)

Why I finished it: I love Jack and kept waiting for Maya to open her eyes and see what was going on. It was a fun, fast read. I like the fact that it had a Christian message without trying to beat you over the head with the issue.

I'd give it to: Shelby, who reads a lot of Christian fiction. Anyone (teens or adults) who like to read series and has patience to wait until July for the 2nd volume.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

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If I Stay by Gayle Forman (Audiobook)

It started out as a great day for some family bonding. The Oregon snow canceled school for Mia and Teddy as well as Dad, who is a teacher, so Mom decided to play hooky from her job too. Since the snow has already stopped falling and no one wants to waste the day, an impromptu road trip to visit family friends and have dinner with the grandparents sets the day's events in motion. One second seventeen year old Mia is listening to Beethoven's Cello Sonata no. 3 and practicing it in her mind, the next second she is witnessing the devastation of a horrible car wreck. Mia is the only survivor and while her body is in critical condition and her life hangs in the balance, she must make the ultimate choice. Would you want to live if your whole life was gone? Would the dreams of your future and the memories of your past be enough to keep you alive? How do you decide if you stay or if you...

Why I picked up the book: I'd heard great things about the book and I was looking for something to listen to on a car trip.

Why I finished it: From the beginning you are pulled into the story. The flashbacks allow you to form a bond with Mia and her family. I had to know what was going to happen to Mia. I didn't want to reach my destination and turn off the CD player.

I'd give it to: fans of books like Th1rteen R3asons Why, teens who like music, and anyone who has ever wondered what if.
WARNING: You may want to have a Kleenex handy while you read this one!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer. Art & Adaption by Young Kim

If you've seen the movie or read the first book in the series, then you know the story of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. The first installment of Twilight: the graphic novel will allow fans and newcomers to enjoy the tale in a whole new medium.

Why I picked it up: I've read the Twilight Saga and have seen the movies so I wondered what the graphic novel/manga would bring to the table.

Why I finished it: Quick read, as it is only vol 1 (or about half of the story). The illustrations do a great job of telling the story.

I'd give it to: Twilight fans and manga readers.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary by Jeff Kinney

If you're a fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you already know there is a movie and you've probably already seen it. But do you know how it was made and why they decided to use live action rather than animation? How much do you know about the making of a movie?
Here's your chance to discover the answers to all your questions and go behind the scenes of the Wimpy Kid movie. This book should help satisfy your Wimpy Kid cravings until the 5th book of the series is released in November 2010.

Why I picked up the book: I enjoy the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and was interested in what this book had in store for readers.

Why I finished it: It was a fast read and was written in the style of the other books (text, illustrations, and now photographs). It was fun to learn what goes on behind the scenes of movies and find out why things were changed.

I'd give it to: fans of the Wimpy Kid books and those who are interested in how movies are made.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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