Sold by Patricia McCormick

“My name is Lakshmi.
I am from Nepal.
I am thirteen years old.”
That much she is sure of. Lakshmi’s and her family live in a small mountain village in Nepal and are incredibly poor. She is innocent, enjoys the simple things in life and isn’t afraid of a little hard work.
However, when the harsh monsoons destroy the family crop, their only lifeline, her life is also devastated. Lakshmi believes that she is being sent away to work as a maid in the city, but it isn’t long before she realizes she is trapped, sold into the world of prostitution.
Does she have the strength to survive in this cruel world? What choice does she have?

Oggie Cooder by Sarah Weeks

Fourth grader Oggie Cooder is someone you might call “one-of-a-kid”, “unique”, or “unusual” and he likes those descriptions. His parents own a second hand clothing store, which explains his eccentric wardrobe. Oggie also crochets his own shoelaces. But the most interesting thing about Oggie is his talent—CHARVING. What is charving, you ask? It’s what Oggie does to a piece of processed American cheese –he CHEWS and CARVES the cheese into shapes, namely the shapes of the States.
Oggie is disappointed when he learns that his entry into the Bakestuff Company’s name-the-new-bagel contest is rejected. His submission “Raisin’ the Roof” is SO much better than the winning name “Sunshine”. Which would you rather eat?
So while bagels aren’t the food that will make Oggie famous, his weird charving ability is about to propel him from weirdo to Mr. Popular. Can Oggie Cooder handle being the Big Cheese?

How to Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, & Lauren Myracle

Three acclaimed teen authors have joined forces to create a tale of the ultimate girl power road trip. Jesse, Vicks, & Mel take a break from summer jobs at the Awful Waffle in Niceville, FL and hit the road on a journey complete with hurricanes, hungry crocodiles, and an ugly station wagon. The girls learn that no matter how rich, poor, happy or miserable you are, sometimes you need to learn how to be bad in order to finally be good with what life throws your way.

*This book will be published in May 2008.*

Find out more about the book and authors on their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/how_to_be_bad

Mary's Review: xxxHolic by Clamp

Chances are good that if you've ever picked up a manga, you're familiar with CLAMP. Chances are good that if you know CLAMP you're familiar with their opus, Tsubasa. Perhaps less famous but just as, if not more, excellent is Tsubasa's periodic crossover series xxxHolic (most often pronounced as 'Holic'). Be not afraid, dear reader; one need not follow Tsubasa in order to enjoy this bizzare gothic/horror/romantic drama, though it does add an interesting layer to the story. Ignoring the intertwining elements, the basic story of Holic can be related thusly; 15 year old Watanuki Kimihiro (last name first) is an emotional young man (almost overly so; his spastic mood swings are a highlight of the comedic scenes) who lives alone, having lost both his parents to an accident at an early age. On top of that, he is cursed with the ability to see spirits who in turn follow him relentlessly. One day Watanuki passes a peculiar house which dispels the spirits once he steps inside. From there he is drawn against his will inside and meets a mysterious woman named Yuko. She claims to run a shop that grants wishes, for an appropriate price of course. That includes ridding Watanuki of his cursed spirit vision. And so, almost unwittingly, Watanuki becomes a part time worker at the shop in order to have his wish granted by hard work. This setup places Holic into a comfortably episodic scene similar to Petshop of Horrors; customers are drawn to the shop for whatever reason, taking away an object or instrument that could help them if only they could realize their flaw. As the series progresses it introduces the cheerful Himawari, on whom Watanuki nurses a crush, and the taciturn Doumeki, a young man with whom Watanuki bickers constantly but seems to be connected to by fate. As interesting as the customer episodes are, it is when the trio comes together that Holic truly shines. Luckily the series trends towards this, using the relationship of the three characters as well as the mysterious relationship between Yuko and Watanuki to form a solid basis for the episodic stories. The limitation of the series is that the stories themselves recall gothic horror using old myths and legends, calling on a love or at least tolerance of horror from the reader. And of course an acceptance of CLAMP's art; that is to say, many attractive young men and women whose slender frames and long limbs could only have been acheived by putting the victim into a taffy puller. That aside, the pacing and subtlety of the story have a way of hopelessly addicting the reader. CLAMP has not been one of the most popular artist groups in Japan for the past 15 years for nothing.

Final Verdict: 5Q, 3P

*This series is not owned by NCPL but can be requested through InterLibrary Loan**

Carrie's Review: Deception Point by Dan Brown

After a NASA satellite discovers a rare meteorite buried far down in the Arctic Ice, the White House calls upon Rachel Sexton, a intelligence analyst who works for the NRO, the National Reconnaissance Office. The President knows that this discovery will not only save NASA's falling reputation but will guarantee his victory in the upcoming election. Rachel Sexton travels to the Arctic where she teams up with the charming Michael Toland and a number of other scientific experts. This is where they uncover a mind blowing conspiracy which indicates the meteorite, which contains bug-like specimen, to have not come from Outer Space, but which was instead inserted from underneath the ice shelf. Before the scientists can learn more about this treachery, a highly skilled team of assassins that branch off of the U.S. Army attacks their camp and kills most of the scientists. Michael Toland and Rachel Sexton barely escape and now must find a way to survive the harsh environment of the Northern Arctic. However, the only way to truly save not only themselves but the entire Nation as well is to uncover the greatest deception of them all. This is an action-packed and fast paced read, full of intense plot twist sand shocking surprises it will have readers begging for more.
Rating: 5Q, 5P

Jessica's Review: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is the well-renowned philosopher and author of Atlas Shrugged as well as The Fountainhead. The Fountainhead is a story of humanity and what many would consider the corruption fueling it. What one would believe as corruption is in fact the fine divide between the two types of society: the creators and the second handers. The entire novel is a story of humanity's struggle against individuality and the true meaning of ego. The ego being assumed as the sacrifice of others for oneself and the opposing "ideal" of altruism which believes we must sacrifice ourselves for others and yet in sacrificing ourselves for others aren't we all still looking for something in return? Some accolade? The key characters of this story stress the very ends of the spectrum and ideals commonly or uncommonly held in our society. Howard Roark, architect, is the ultimate egoist. He does not sacrifice others for himself as one might believe, but sacrifices himself for himself, his creations. He is an individual who lives for no one but himself, he does not require the social attitudes of those around him. Ellseworth Toohey is a columnist who knows that there are creators like Roark and he is of the belief that such individuality should be looked down on by society. He uses his column to turn society on Roark's ideals but in the end Roark's character finds the purest way to live.
I would suggest this book to anyone who is interested in a more humanistic/deeper view of life. I know at first it seems strange that the entire book is based around architecture but that is merely a metaphor for the construction of life and different ideals.
Rating: 5Q, 2P

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

Imagine going on the dream vacation of a lifetime, to a place you’d dreamed of and studied for years. You would probably believe just about anything in order to achieve your dream. But what if that dream vacation became your worst nightmare? For Sym, Antarctica is the place she’s always wanted to go. She’s read and researched and knows everything there is to know about the first expeditions to “The Ice.” When Uncle Victor decides to take a holiday to Paris, she’s excited to see the Eiffel Tower. And when he makes “arrangements” to extend their trip to the bottom of the Earth, Sym believes her 14 years worth of dreams are coming true. But the expedition to Antarctica is not all it’s cracked up to be. Uncle Victor has a hidden agenda and before she knows it, Sym is fighting for her life in The White Darkness that is Antarctica.

The White Darkness is the 2008 Printz Award winner.

Mary's Review: Quirkyalone by Sasha Cagen

For many among the community Valentine's Day is a special kind of torture, wherein one watches the rather nauseating romantic displays of others while questioning one's own worth. For those who find themselves often alone, not willing to settle just for the sake of a relationship, there is a book for you. Know that you are not alone. The great thing about quirkyalone is that it is so relatable in a nation that is obsessed with the wedding. The insights of this book have a way of ringing true in an 'aha, I never thought of that before, but yes!' sort of manner. Its regretable that the book is so short (fewer than 200 pages, with many photographs), and that it never quite seems to strike a rhythmn between its personal stories and the overarching cataloguing of the quirkyalone in its various guises. Because both aspects are enjoyable this is quite easy to overlook, and the pacing of the book never feels lagging or dull. A warning to readers-heed the quiz at the beginning of the book. This is not a read for those outside of the quirkyalone affinity, who will more likely find it to be ridiculous and even pathetic than insightful and comforting. To those of you among the club, welcome. We've been expecting you.
Final verdict: 4Q, 3P

Jessica's Review: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown is a book that needs almost no review. One needs only to read the reviews of movie critics to get the basic gist of the story. This book has been raved about as well as its author's other books (Deception Point, Digital Fortress, Angels and Demons) and every book has been talked about from book club to book club, coworker to coworker, friend to friend. There are few people who haven't recommended any of Brown's books to another. Even if you are not a specialist in the history of Christ or the reason behind thousands of years of the Masons who've been protecting Christ's secrets, it is still easy to understand the plot of the book and the educational experience one has when learning about DaVinci himself and what he has hidden in his paintings. Although many people are of the belief that books made into movies are the worst thing you could ever do to a book considering they never do the story justice (a belief of which I usually agree). I find that the film version of this story starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, the lead character, was in fact brilliant. Each actor/actress carried themselves in such a way that made every moment believable. I would recommend the book, the movie, and the author to anyone who loves a good mystery, a good adventure, or just a good story.
Rating: 5Q, 5P

Carrie's Review: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Fat Charlie Nancy has been embarrassed by his father for as long as he can remember, so when he finds out his father has died of a heart attack while singing in a karaoke bar, it only adds to his mortification. Fat Charlie has no choice but to leave England and attend his father's funeral in Florida which he ends up missing after mistaking another funeral party for his father's. Charlie knows that his father must be laughing at his son's mix up. Then everything turns for the worst after Fat Charlie finds out that his father is a God. Anansi, to be more exact, a trickster spider God found in African folklore. From then on Fat Charlie's world is turned upside down: he meets his long lost brother, Spider, who has seemed to have inherited all of his father's powers and charm and who has taken a liking to Fat Charlie's fiancé. If that isn't enough to deal with, Fat Charlie learns that his boss is succeeding to frame him with embezzlement charges! This novel is an exciting and fast paced read, which integrates pieces of African mythology with the fast paced world of today's society. Neil Gaiman, author of Stardust, now a famous motion picture, spins an exciting tale which is sure to captivate any audience of readers looking for action, humor, and family acceptance no matter how bizarre the circumstances may be.

Rating: 4Q, 4P

Dane's Review: The Theory of Everything: the origin and fate of the universe by Stephen Hawking

Holy camoly bro. I HEART science and what better sci-fi wonder than the universe itself. The greatest mysteries are those of our own world! Hawking is a must read author. He takes the vast complexities of the universe and explains them through easy to understand metaphors and combines wit and humor into his writing with ease. The craft of his work is outstanding and marvelous, and even if you don't understand, have a huge interest in or an extensive background of science, specifically the micro and macro sciences of the universe, you can still read Hawking.
After finishing this book I went straight for more and I suggest you do the same because it really isn't any universal mystery as to why Hawking is a best seller.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Jackie's Wild Seattle by Will Hobbs

Shannon (14) and Cody (7) have just arrived in Seattle and are excited to spend the summer with their mysterious Uncle Neal while their parents are volunteering with Doctors Without Borders in Pakistan. Right away they realize that Seattle is worlds away from their home in New Jersey and Uncle Neal failed to mention several things to their mother. First of all, he is a full time volunteer for a wildlife rescue center called Jackie’s Wild Seattle and they will be living at the center for the summer. Neal rescues all kinds of animals, great and small, and brings them to the center. On their first day, Shannon and Cody assist Neal in rescuing a bald eagle that has fallen from its nest. Neal names the eagle, Liberty, and spends all his free time with her. Normally he has no interaction with the animals after he brings them to Jackie but Shannon soon learns that Neal is hiding a secret. What is it about Liberty and the circle of healing that has brought Uncle Neal to Jackie’s Wild Seattle? How will this summer complete with a red-tailed hawk, a coyote in an elevator, a stranded baby seal, a talking raven named Kickstand, and a bear cub change their lives forever?

Jack's Run by Roland Smith

Because Alonzo Aznar and his drug cartel found the Osborne’s in Nevada, the Witness Security Program has moved them to a new location and changed their identities once again. Jack has now become Mack and the Greenes have been joined by their father, who is set to testify against Alonzo in an upcoming trial. Christine –once Joanne- has moved to L.A. for college and a shot at hitting it big in Hollywood and as a safety precaution Mack will be joining her for the duration of the trial. But is the city of “lights, camera, action” really going to keep them safe and undercover? Will someone slip up and will Alonzo find the Osborne/Granger/Greenes once again? How does American Idol figure in to the mix?

Jack's Run is the sequel to Zach's Lie

The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson

Cameryn is your typical 17-year-old high school senior, other than her seemingly morbid fascination with death and forensic science. She wants to be a forensic pathologist and has studied all the books she can get her hands on. And lucky for her, she has an opportunity most teens her age don’t. Her father is the county coroner, although in their sleepy little town of Silverton, Colorado, you don’t see much action, so he’s accepted her request to be his assistant. But that all changes when the serial killer penned “The Christopher Killer” takes his fourth victim and strikes close to home. Cameryn is faced with not only attending her first autopsy but finding out whether she can keep her cool when faced with the death of a close friend. Does Cameryn have what it takes to help find and capture The Christopher Killer?

Sequels: The Angel of Death and The Circle of Blood

Breaking Dawn & Stephenie Meyer

Attention Stephenie Meyer fans! It was announced yesterday that Breaking Dawn the 4th book in the Twilight saga will be release 8/2/08. Check out her website for more info on Breaking Dawn and the movie version of Twilight.

Here's a link to a CNN video interview with Stephenie.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Do I dare disturb the universe? That quote screams out from a poster hung in Jerry Renault’s locker. It’s hard enough being a freshman (at a boy’s Catholic school), going out for the football team, and trying to fit in. But Jerry has been targeted for an initiation by The Vigils, a secret society of elite students. His assignment is simple, really. During the school wide fundraiser, Jerry must refuse to sell the chocolates for 10 days, after which he may accept the chocolates. Quite a difficult task considering that this year the boys are being asked to sell twice as many (50 boxes each) at double the cost. As day 10 approaches, Jerry decides to disturb the universe and continues to refuse to sell. The Chocolate War that ensues could have Jerry wondering whether life is worth taking a stand or if it’s better to follow the crowd.

February is for book lovers

Princess Mia by Meg Cabot

How can a princess survive without her prince? Mia isn’t sure and would rather stay in bed forever watching bad TV, wearing her Hello Kitty pjs, and eating meat (OMG?!) than figure out how to live without Michael. To make matters worse, Lilly isn’t speaking to her and someone has created the website ihatemiathermopolis.com, which is worse than bad tabloid rumors. Is it possible that a therapist, Lana Weinberger, the 300 year old journal of a past Genovian princess, and a bomb in the Chemistry lab could help Mia find her own way?

(PS... try the site. It really works!)

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

You know the drill. Mom isn’t home so you leave a note on the fridge to let her know where you are and when you’ll be back. In turn, Mom needs you to run errands after school so she leave you a shopping list and hopefully some money. For Claire and her mom, who is a doctor, their relationship is maintained by notes on the refrigerator door. But when life throws them a curve, will notes be enough to sustain them? Have you ever experienced Life on the Refrigerator Door?

Check out this cool book trailer for Life on the Refrigerator Door created by the Topeka Library.

Looking for Alaska being challenged

The book Looking for Alaska by John Green is being challenged in a New York high school. Watch this video of John discussing the challenge and what you can do to stand up for your freedom to read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHMPtYvZ8tM

Walking on Glass by Alma Fullerton

Mercy or murder
Which would it be
Relieving the suffering
She brought on herself.

How do you choose
When you can’t move
forward or back
Being in this limbo is like
Walking on Glass


Check out the book trailer for Walking on Glass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdI5tlDUU9U

You might also enjoy the book trailer for In the Garage also by Alma Fullerton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPE3R6xuvzA

Mary's Review: Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Its been proven that these two authors work well together: in the right circumstances they create an amazing kind of chemistry. Which is why No Kiss List is something of a disappointment. Drama abounds: Ely makes a move on Naomi's not-exactly serious boyfriend (she, of course, is clinging to the childhood dream of marrying Ely), they get into a serious fight, and soon their friends and entire apartment complex is split between the two of them. Here's the thing though; these are selfish people. So much so that at times its almost impossible to sympathize with either Ely OR Naomi. Luckily there's some other narrators as well. Bruce I, Naomi's first boyfriend, wants her back. Bruce II, the current Bruce is increasingly confused. The doorman is in love with Naomi, and the pair's friends Robin and Robin (one boy, one girl) are just caught up in the middle of it. They all have their moments, but only Bruce II truly succeeds in gaining the reader's affections. The poor kid is just so normal in a sea of divas and pseudo-stalkers, 15 and hitting the clubs. Unfortunately there's just enough to keep the reader there hoping that these people will grow and mature. And they DO...right before the novel's conclusion. In its own way it becomes more satisfying that way. If only there had been a little more reason to care along the way.
Final Verdict: 3Q, 3P

Jessica's Review: From Heaven Lake by Vickram Seth

From Heaven Lake is the travel log of Vikram Seth, a Stanford student traveling in China doing research and seeing the sights. He has spent at this point two years as a graduate student at Nanjing University and in 1981 instead of going straight home (New Delhi, India) for the first time in three years, he delays the reunion by deciding to hitchhike across China through Tibet particularly to see the city of Lhasa. He meets different obstacles along the way but also discovers the kinds and peculiarities of the people of China. I recommend this book to anyone who reads diaries or travel logs, or loves the realistic down to earth real life adventures.
Rating: 4Q, 2P

*This book is NOT available at NCPL but can be requested through InterLibrary Loan*

Dane's Review: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Honestly non-fiction is your friend. Read it! It sharpens the mind like a whetstone.

Into Thin Air is a book of accounts, previous goings on, summits, treks, and historical achievements of the tallest peak worldwide. No, not the mountains of peas kids won't eat, EVEREST. The book is brutally real, written by a news writer who went on the 1996 Everest "Disaster", where many met their end to unpredictable winds. However, it's a great read to anyone interested or just a lover of climbing or misery. Either way it's informative and KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Rating: 4Q, 2P

Slam by Nick Hornby

Sam is a skater (READ: Skateboarder) and was 16 when he experienced the hardest slam of his life. He’s used to the bumps, bruises, scrapes, and broken bones that come from the occasional slam of a trick gone wrong. He’s also used to being looked down upon by others because he’s the son of a teenage mom. Sam’s mentor and hero is Tony Hawk (TH) and if you know anything about skating, you know that TH is the man. Sam’s read TH’s autobiography “Hawk-Occupation: Skateboarder” so many times, he knows it by heart. Sam is such a super fan that when he needs advice or someone to talk to, TH is his man. I know, he doesn’t REALLY talk to TH but he does talk to the poster on his wall and TH talks back (using quotes from the book, but still its advice that can be very worthwhile!). When Sam meets Alicia, he never expects that the next slam will change their lives forever? Is it possible that TH help him deal this slam?

Josh's Review: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye

The first time that I saw this book I thought it looked just about as ridiculous as the title sounded and that was that. I hemmed and hawed over picking it up for a long time. Each time I would pick up the book, read the insert on the cover, say that sounds like it would be interesting, and then put the book back down and walk away. Finally curiosity got the better of me and I picked it up, opened right to the middle and read. Well long story short I ended up reading the whole thing even though it took me awhile; I can’t wait to get home to start the second one in the series. Onward and inward. If you are looking for something that is really just off the wall, then I would suggest that you read this book. For starters, the way that Skye writes is kind of addicting and the way he writes the story pulls you along for a ride that is truly like none I have ever read. Some of the things that he writes and put in to his stories are things that I have always dreamed about writing but have been to chicken to actually write about. In a way it reminds me a little of Kafka’s Metamorphosis in whichGregor Samsa wakes up as a giant cockroach. What makes this book different for others is the outrageous things that he puts in it. Talking toothpicks, burns, nits, etc, etc, etc, so on and so forth. I would recommend this book for anyone that is tired of the old and want something a bit out of the ordinary and looking for something a bit off the wall.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

How do authors wish each other a Happy Birthday?

YA authors Maureen Johnson, E Lockhart, David Levithan, Scott Westerfeld, Bennett Madison, and Libba Bray send John Green a Happy Birthday video. See these crazy teen authors in action!!!

A Day in the Life of Meg Cabot

For those of you who can't get enough of Meg Cabot, or mearly wonder what it must be like to be a famous author, check out this video of a normal day in her life. LOL!!

Author Rick Yancey

Learn more about Rick Yancey, author of The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp and Alfred Kropp, the Seal of Solomon by checking out this video on youtube.

Coraline Book Trailer

Looking for something good to read? Take a look at this book trailer!!

(click on the cover or title)

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (book trailer by Bonsaininja Studios)

Booktalk Podcasts by Nancy Keane

Looking for something good to read? Listen to these suggestions from

Booktalks Quick and Simple by Nancy Keane (look for more on her website, http://nancykeane.com/rss.html).

Click on the title or the book cover to hear more about the book!!

The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie






The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt






Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah






Beastly by Alex Flinn

What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles




You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! by Fiona Rosenbloom

More Twilight and Stephenie Meyer

For those of you (like myself) who can't wait for the fourth volume in the Twilight series, here is an audio podcast of Nancy Pearl interviewing Stephenie Meyer.



Book Lust with Nancy Pearl featuring Stephenie Meyer

Christopher Paolini & the Inheritance Series

For those of you anxiously awaiting book 3 in the Inheritance Trilogy, you'll be delighted to hear the book 3 will be released September 23, 2008. There will also be a 4th book in the series. Click here to hear from Christopher Paolini himself.

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

When Quincie Morris’s parents died, they left her their family legacy, the Italian restaurant Fat Lorenzo’s. Since Quincie was only fourteen, her Uncle Davidson was put in charge of caring for her and the restaurant until she turns 21. Unfortunately she’s still only 17 and a senior in high school but she’s been taking a more active role in the restaurant which has been completely remodeled and redesigned. When it reopens, it will be Sanguini’s: A Very Rare Restaurant, the first vampire themed establishment in Austin and it’s hitting headlines even before the Friday the thirteenth grand opening. You see, the chef has been brutally murdered in the kitchen and the new hire, Henry Johnson, has created a menu to die for. Will Sanguini’s be able to tantalize the taste buds of Austin’s culinary critics? Or will it turn out to be more than Quincie bargained for?

Emily's Review: One for Sorrow by Christopher Barzak

I was at first hesitant to pick this up, perhaps because I had heard it compared to The Lovely Bones. I enjoyed said book but found it toothachey, in spots, so when i read the summary for Barzak's first novel, I decided it was a no-go. Then I found the first chapter online, printed as a short story of a different title--and decided I had to find it immediately.
After that, I waited months.
I am lazy aobut buying books. But now I have it, so all is well.
So, One for Sorrow: boy meets boy, latter boy disappears, girl finds latter boy murdered, first boy meets girl, latter boy haunts first boy, plot and writing becomes increasingly more surreal. It is utterly bizarre, often confusing, and TOTALLY AWESOME. The main character's voice is pitch-perfect teen.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Jessica's Review: Fugitive Pieces by Ann Michaels

Fugitive Pieces is a fantastic book told by a man who as a Jewish child in Nazi Germany had to listen to his parents be murdered as he hid for his life in a wall. This man is Jakob Beer and at that young age he literally rose from the mud to be saved by Athos Roussos. Athos took Jakob to live with him in Greece where he taught Jakob to love the earth he came from and love the structure of life around him. I believe that the story of the changes and most importantly the influences in his life to be fascinating. He went through times beyond difficult during his life and was the better man for it. I would recommend this book to readers interested in either post-Holocaust or philosophical stories.
Rating: 5Q, 2P

*This title is available through InterLibrary Loan*

Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t 24 hours in the day, there are 25. For most people, the 25th hour is unnoticeable, and passes by in an instant. For a select few, the Midnighters, the 25th hour is an extra hour of the day where you can wander around bathed in blue light while the rest of the world is frozen. The secret hour only seems to occur in Bixby, Oklahoma and not everyone is capable of being a Midnighter. You must have been born exactly at midnight.
I know it sounds like fun, which it could be if there weren’t slithers and darklings lurking, ready to attack. The only protection against a slither or darkling is something made of stainless steel and a thirteen letter word.
Are you ready to discover the Midnighters? Splendiferous!

Discover the rest of the story in Touching Darkness and Blue Noon!

2007-The Year of Harry Potter

Time Magazine named the Person of the Year yesterday. A runner-up to the crown was J.K. Rowling. Here's an interview with her and the answers to the 10 questions about Harry. (Beware of spoilers!!)

Dane's Review: The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind

As I look back at 2007, yes I have regrets, like ever watching the movie Ghostrider and falling in love with Chuck, the TV show that is, but one thing that I don't regret is the ending to the BEST book series every. Harry Potter was "OK" but it pales in comparison to The Sword of Truth novels.

Confessor wrapped up this AWESOME collection and the book itself was spectacular, unreal, a good ending to a great series. The series is12 books long and it's hard to explain. Basically it's fantasy, wizards, magic, and surreal. The world created in these novels is simply fantastic and I recommend reading my review on Wizard's First Rule, the first book in the series. If you like fantasy and need a new series to read, this is it, BUT its for mature teens only.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Rebecca T's reviews: Keturah and Lord Death AND The Looking Glass Wars

Check out two more reviews that were written by Rebecca T and published in the Casper Journal this summer! (Click on the titles to access her reviews.)

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Mary's Review: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

A boy, trying to avoid his ex-girlfriend, asks a nearby girl to be his five-minute girlfriend. Said girl, for reasons of her own, complies. Through various and asundry circumstances, the two end up on a tumultous night out together. One would never know it from his usual fare, but it turns out that Levithan is exceedingly GOOD at writing straight romance. The chemistry between these two people is realistic and exciting. Sadly, the reviewer can't speak for Ms. Cohn on a pro OR con basis. The novel is set up in a first person format, switching between Nick and Norah on a chapter by chapter basis. Though Nick is interesting, and goes through his own changes throughout the narrative, its Norah that's the truly compelling one. Struggling with her background and inhibition in order to keep something potentially wonderful from slipping away. It helps that they are both sympathetic characters, basically good people despite their hang-ups. The novel's short run time (about 160 pages) makes it a few hours' work, and well worth the investment; at least as an afternoon read.
Final Verdict: 3Q, 4P

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith

HEADLINE: Dad in prison for drug trafficking. Family in Witness Protection Program. Is safety possible?

Check out the sequel Jack's Run.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

It was a dark and stormy night, a night that would radically change Meg’s world. A night where she would meet new friends, travel through space and time, and risk her life in an attempt to save those she loves.

Emily's Review: The College Woman's Handbook by Rachel Dobkin and Shana Sippy

This is a generously-sized book for the young woman going away to college. I'm in my freshman year and I'm planning to transfer; this book has helped me with applications, with homework, and with staying healthy. Authors Dobkin and Sippy wrote it while at Barnard, so the parental, dry tone found in most advisory books is absent, here.

The guide presents information on all a manner of topics and lists every option and alternative available to a young woman away from home. If you're in high school, read it and know what to expect. If you're a parent, give it to your daughter.

Empowering, comforting, and smart.

Rating: 5Q, 5P

**This title (copyright 1995) is available through InterLibrary Loan, not in Wyoming libraries.**

Jessica's Review: Rhymes with Witches by Lauren Myracle

As high school students, we have all felt at some point or another that sense of insignificance and invisibility that comes with the uncertainties of new surroundings, new people, new everything. In Rhymes with Witches, Jane is the figure that everything surrounds, even though she believes herself to embody that invisibility. The book is divided into 3 parts: beg, speak, and roll over. To get the popularity and the attention that Jane wishes for, she must become a part of this untouchable group, she has to be willing to do anything, and she believes she is. Throw in a strange cat, a little bit of theft, and some uncanny connections and you have the end result of this book. As quoted in the mini author bio at the end of the book, "There's a price to pay for turning into someone new. There always is." This book tempts the unnatural limits and unfortunately, I found it a little difficult to relate to as well as keep my attention. I would suggest this book for a quick easy read, maybe during a long drive.
Rating: 3Q, 3P

Dane's Review: Big Coal by Jeff Goodell

So personally, I never thought much of coal. I knew it was out there and I knew Wyoming abused its vast coal resource to become a powerful state; but that was about the extent to which I diverted my brains "coal capacity" toward. It was almost an apathy thereof. But coal is much more than an old energy that once was shoveled into the furnaces of trains and barges, and in a quote from this book, "It didn't go the way of corsettes and hop hats."
Reading Big Coal AKA "America's Dirty Little Secret", reveals our dependence on this black rock is so deep that coal fuels 60% of the energy used in the US. This book goes into political aspects of coal consumption and how coal is dug up, burned, and used. It's literally outlook changing.
Definitely worth the time. GO SCIENCE!
Rating: 5Q, 3P

Mary's Review: Hero by Perry Moore

The thing about YA is that it all starts to blend together after a while. Once the book is over, the individual details start blurring together. In Hero, you start with one or two genre cliches; the kid with super powers trying to lead dual lives, the gay kid agonizing over the reaction of his parents. And, inevitably, there's a twist that you will see coming from a distance of 50 yards. Here is where most novels settle, content in their place of ho-hum mediocrity. But not Hero. It goes from hum, to engrossing, to something that even the incredibly cheap (moi) would shell out $25 to put on their bookshelves. The characters are three dimensional human beings; Thom is more than his sexuality, his mother more than the victimized, disappeared wife. And, because art imitates life, the ending is not strictly a happy affair. Sacrifices are made, and even with super powers there are no easy fixes. Moore also left some of his threads deliberately loose, hinting in interviews at the possibility of other books. If this is only the man's first novel, you can guarantee I'll be there to see him improve.
Final Verdict: 5Q, 4P

Chew on This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

You are what you eat. So don’t you think it’s about time to find out what’s really in fast food, where it comes from, who makes it, and what happens to your body when you eat it.

Did you know:

*Every month 9 out of 10 American children visit McDonald’s (90%). (p.7)

* In 1970, about $6 million was spent by Americans on fast food. In 2005, the total was $134 Billion. Americans now spend more on fast food than college, computers, and cars. More than all entertainment (movies, books, magazines, music, newspapers) combined. (p.10)

*Americans eat 13 Billion hamburgers per year. If you put all 13 billion in a straight line, they would circle the Earth over 32 times. (p.36)

*There is only 1 make-believe character that is better known by children than Ronald McDonald and that is Santa Claus. (p. 47)

*Research shows that children can recognize company logos, like McDonald’s Golden Arches, before they can even recognize their own names. (p. 49)

*1 out of 3 new toys that kids receive each year come from a fast food restaurant. (p.59)

*Cochineal extract (aka carmine or carminic acid) comes from the dead bodies of small Pervian bugs. The bugs get the pink color from the cactus they eat. The bugs are collected, dried, and ground to make the additive that is used in lipsticks and McDonald’s strawberry shakes. 70,000 bugs make 1 pound of carmine. (p.121)

*The typical American drinks 54 gallons of soda (575 12 oz cans) per year. The typical teen boy gets 10% of his daily calories from pop. Drinking a can of pop is the equivalent of about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Teens drink twice as much soda as milk, and 20% of 1 and 2 year olds drink pop daily. (p.143) A large Coke at McDonalds has 310 calories and the equivalent of 30 teaspoons of sugar. (p. 211)

*Think chicken is a healthier fast food choice than hamburger. Think again. Chicken McNuggets still contain more fat per ounce. (p.173)

As an informed American, the ball is now in your court. The next time you’re hungry, will you make the impulsive choice or the healthy choice? Chew on This.

Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande

“For those of you who like your science with a dab of religion on the side, check out Bible Grrrl for the latest.” (p. 209)

Through Bible Grrrl, you’ll learn that science and religion do share a common ground (gasp!). If you are tired of the Back Sitters in Ms. Shepherd’s class, the picket lines outside New Advantage High protesting the inclusion of evolution in the classroom, or if you are just tired of being a quiet follower of the flock and are ready to find your own place in the field, you’ve come to the right place.

BIBLE GRRRL SEZ: HAVE FAITH –EVEN RELIGIOUS FANATICS CAN EVOLVE.

Ever been the outcast? Alienated from your friends, parents, church group, (or anything one else) because you spoke the truth? What if all of these were rolled up into your first day of high school? Here you’ll find tips to help you survive and evolve into a person who believes in science AND religion. You may also find that while you have evolved, the typical high school drama has not.

BIBLE GRRRL SEZ: CHECK OUT EVOLUTION, ME, & OTHER FREAKS OF NATURE!

Think it over people. Join the discussion here.

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

What innocently began
as family day at the
beach, was forever changed
in an instant.

Someone caught it
all on film and
it’s all over
the news.

Jane would just
as soon forget.
But can you ever
be the same

missing a limb.

How can you move
on? Can she ever
be more than the
Shark Girl?

Strange Relations by Sonia Levitin

Marne was looking for an excuse to have a fun summer vacation in paradise. Her parents were looking for a safe place for Marne to stay while they are working in Paris. The answer: Oahu, Hawaii at Aunt Carole’s. But paradise isn’t quite what Marne has envisioned. Aunt Carole is now Aunt Chaya and she has seven children. Her family is deeply religious, her husband is a rabbi and besides hosting the weekly Shabbos in their living room, they don’t believe any type of work over the Sabbath (including working the electricity). They are so modest that Marne begins to feel uncomfortable in her tank top and capri pants. But when Marne’s bff Kim arrives, Marne begins to see her strange relations in a different light.

House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

Think of all those horror movies you’ve seen. Blood, chainsaws, screams, horrors hidden around dark corners. Welcome to House. The rules are simple.
1. God came to my house and I killed Him. 2. I will kill anyone who comes to my house like I killed God. 3. Give me one dead body and I might let Rule #2 slide. You have until dawn.
You may have stumbled upon the House by no choice of your own but once you enter, you can’t leave. Those are the rules set by White, the man in the tin mask, the man of the House.

This is the selection for the January Teen Book Club.