Peak by Roland Smith

Peak Marcello was born into climbing. His parents were rock rats so he comes by it naturally. His mom quit climbing years ago and his father hasn’t stopped. Josh was climbing the day Peak was born (hence the name) and has been absent for most of Peak’s 14 year life. Peak has gone to summer climbing camps and tried the indoor climbing gyms but they don’t provide the rush he desires. So he’s taken to climbing NYC skyscrapers and tagging them with a blue mountain. Unfortunately his latest climbing stunt has left him standing in front of a judge, about to be slapped with hard jail time and a hefty fine, not at all what the 14 year old was looking for. However Josh has returned to save the day and take Peak to Nepal. But it quite isn’t the father son reunion Peak anticipated. Is the experience of a lifetime worth sacrificing the truth? Is it possible that Peak will become the youngest person ever to summit Mount Everest? Talk about the climb of a lifetime.

Peak is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle Award Nominee and will be the November selection for Afternoon Book Club.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

It is 1958 and Landon Carter is beginning his senior year of high school. He is student council president, the son of a weathly Congressman, and getting ready to apply for college at the University of North Carolina. Landon expects this year to be a breeze and has even signed up for drama rather than endure Chemistry-II. What Landon didn’t except was that he would end up inviting Jamie Sullivan to the homecoming dance. Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a Baptist minister; the girl who wears plaid skirts, a plain brown cardigan sweater, hair pulled up in a bun, and carries an old Bible every single day; the girl who believes that everything is part of God’s plan. Jamie, the girl who will teach Landon that appearances aren’t everything and the love can change us forever. Join Landon on A Walk to Remember.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Peter Houghton is tired of being bullied. It started the first day of Kindergarten when he was tripped walking down the aisle of the bus and a bigger kid threw his Superman lunchbox out the window; it hasn’t stopped since. He’s tried to ignore it but the abuse has continued and escalated. He’s tried to defend himself but ended up being the only one punished. He’s tried to get help from adults, to no avail. He’s even lost his childhood best friend, Josie, who wants a shot at being part of the popular crowd.

Peter has retreated to the world in his computer, where he is in control, where he is smart, popular, and respected for his craft. But one fateful morning he finally snaps. The nineteen minutes he spends doling out his version of revenge to Sterling High School will forever alter the lives of everyone involved.


“In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game... It’s the length of a sitcom, minus the commercials… In nineteen minutes you can order a pizza and get it delivered… You can walk a mile… In nineteen minutes, you can bring the world to a screeching halt… In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.”

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

Greg is back for another year of middle school. He’s decided to continue his journaling, although he has a few secrets that aren’t even safe enough for the journal to keep.

Greg’s family is pretty typical. Mom is a preschool teacher who thinks any problem can be solved by talking it out and drawing pictures. His dad would rather be hiding out in the basement working on his model-size Civil War battle replica than watching chick-flicks with Mom. Greg has two brothers, Rodrick and Manny. Rodrick is in high school and loves to bully Greg. He also knows a secret from the summer that could ruin Greg’s life forever. Manny is 3 and a huge tattle tale.

So what else is new! Well, Greg still has the Cheese Touch from the end of last school year and he’s got to find someone to give it to. His parents decide to leave he and Rodrick alone for the night and Rodrick throws a huge party. Rodrick locks Greg in the basement but then threatens him to secrecy. Will the parents find out and if so, is there any sort of punishment that could make Rodrick finally leave Greg alone? Welcome to another addition of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley just started middle school and he’d like this year to be different from the past. He’d like to be more popular, right now he’s ranked about 52nd or 53rd; more muscular, so he wouldn’t have to wrestle Fregley—the weirdest and 2nd lightest kid in class; not be embarrassed by his family during the school play, which Mom made him tryout for; and get the new “Twisted Wizard” videogame for Christmas. Will this year be all the Greg imagines it will be or will it be only year in the life of Greg Heffley, the self-proclaimed wimpy kid?

By the way, he specifically told his mom to buy a JOURNAL not a DIARY, so don’t get the wrong idea. This book isn’t about “feelings”. It was his mom’s idea, but will come in handy when he’s older, rich and famous. And it has great cartoon illustrations and a plan for a spectacularly spooky Halloween haunted house.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an Indian Paintbrush Nominee for 2008-2009.

Tyrell by Coe Booth

Tyrell Green is 15 and ain’t been to school since December cuz someone gots to be out making money. Tyrell, his moms, and 7-year-old brother Troy are livin in a dirty, roach infested motel room cuz they got evicted 2 weeks ago. Moms knows Tyrell could make a killin selling weed but he don’t wanna go down that road. That road leads to jail, the same one where Tyrell’s pops is right now. Tyrell’s got a girl, Novisha, who says she loves him but has been keepin secrets of the worst kind. Tyrell just met a girl, Jasmine, who has a smokin hot body, a nicotine addiction, and don’t have a home either.

Tyrell’s gotta figure something out and fast. He got a plan and one week to make enough money to find a safe place to live. He gotta to find a location, equipment, promote, and host a party. Tyrell knows he gots the skills to DJ but will he be able to pull this off to save himself and his family before it’s too late?

August Teen Book Reviews

Review by Anna: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Vampires. True love. Possible death from either one. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer has it all. The first book of a 4 part series begins as seventeen year old Bella Swan moves to live with her father in Forks, Washington, where all is not as it seems. The "adopted" family of the local doctor Carlisle Cullen a little strange, not to mention, the most beautiful creatures on the planet. Especially Edward, who Bella can not help but be in love with.

I have seen book-haters become book-lovers when they picked up Twilight. These books are so wonderful, they haven't been off the reserve list for more than two days this summer! So you'd better either buy the book, or get on the reserve list. It's definitely worth the wait.

Review by Carrie:Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

What would happen if you were to fall in love with a vampire? Before her junior school year begins, Bella moves from sunny Arizona to the dull and consistently rainy Forks, Washington. Personally, she hates Forks, but she will do anything to avoid moving to Florida with her mom and her mom's, slightly annoying, boyfriend Phil. Her first day of her new, small school goes as terrible as expected. She is the center of attention at school, which is something she has never been comfortable. However her entire world is turned upside down when she catches the eye of the most beautiful person she has ever seen. He sits across from her in the lunch room and is as pale and smooth as porcelain. He has bronze tinted hair and the grace of an angel. He is surrounded by four other beautiful people. They are the Cullens, and the students at this high school keep their distance because their natural instinct tells them that these four are dangerous. Bella, though, ignores these instincts and slowly brings herself closer to a world of myths, legends and, at the same time, closer to the mysterious and dangerous Edward. Stephenie Meyer weaves an epic and fast paced love story for the ages. Currently a New York Times Bestseller, Twilight is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all kinds, not just fans of fantasy. This book is sure to be a fast read with hardly a dull moment. Unique and compelling, Twilight is sure to leave readers thirsty for more.

Review by Mark: Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Imagine a land ruled by an evil tyrant, his magic, and his dragon. A land where nomadic monsters called Urgals roam the countryside. A land where elves live in fear in the forests, and dwarves and a human resistance group, the Varden, take refuge under the mountains. A land that holds its breath for a rescued dragon egg to hatch, hoping for the dragon and her Rider to overthrow the king. This is the land of magical land of Alagaesia.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini, is an epic tale, filled to the brim with magic, swordfights, and journeys. There are ambushes and torture, and even a dash of romance. As Eragon the Dragon Rider and his dragon Saphira learn the skills they will need to defeat the king, they make new friends and enemies. An elf's life hangs by a thread, and they travel immense distances to try and save her. The excitement doesn't stop at the first book either. The Inheritance Saga will be 4 books long, and each one, if they follow their pattern, will be bigger and better than the last. And that's saying a lot.

Review by Zach: Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eragon had the simplest of lives. But one magical event was about to change it. You see, when Eragon went hunting in the mysterious spine mountains, Eragon discovered a smooth blue rock. But it wasn’t a rock, it was a dragon egg. With his dragon Saphira and the mysterious storyteller, Brom, they flee the clutches of the evil king Galbatorix; a journey that leads to mysteries, adventure, and their destinies. If you’ve seen the movie, don’t discount the book. Christopher Paolini creates a wonderful world of magic, elves, dwarves, and dragons that a movie could never illustrate. I’d recommend this book to any fantasy lover who’s looking for a great book.

Review by Mary: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld's work has always been a pleasant surprise, considering that a lot of young adult fiction these days is either overwrought melodrama or utterly shallow. His worlds are distinctly futuristic yet plausible to the reader, and his characters have to work for whatever they get. Uglies builds a society where everyone receives cosmetic surgery upon turning sixteen, which creates a face and body based on scientific calculations of perfect beauty. Younger children, the titular Uglies, are separated from these Pretties and raised to hate their appearances and count the days until the operation. Tally, the protagonist, is one such Ugly, waiting to turn so that she can join her friends across the river. Her new friend Shay isn't so keen on the operation, and runs away to a place called the Smoke, a sort of refuge for Uglies who don't want to become just the same as everyone else. Tally is rounded up by the shadowy organization Special Circumstances shortly after, and threatened with never receiving the operation if she doesn't reveal Shay's whereabouts. Tally is sent as a spy to infiltrate the Smoke, and the novel takes off from there. The novel is divided into three sections, the first and last of which move along at a steady clip. Tally's actual time in the Smoke is for the most part interesting, but is dragged down somewhat by a subplot of a love triangle and romantic betrayal. It feels out of place in a story where the possibility of a deadlier betrayal is pushing at Tally (although the reader will guess her decision long before Tally comes to it). Likewise, discoveries about the operation will be little surprise to those familiar with the concept of dystopian future style novels. It is to Westerfeld's credit that he spins these facts in and makes them interesting in spite of that fact. These are minor gripes, soothed by the sympathetic characters and the fascinating universe in which they exist. The author creates that universe subtly, bringing up objects such as hoverboards and the lack of penmanship as if they are everyday occurrences, mentions that everyone should know. In that way it's almost more authentic, and certainly more believable than if he had laboriously laid out every detail of this world. The ending makes no attempt to keep the novel a stand-alone, instead setting up directly for the novel's sequel, Pretties. Flaws aside, this is one reader who will most certainly be there.

Review by Rachel: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Tally Youngblood is a 15 year old girl, about to turn 16. Only when Tally turns 16, she doesn’t get a car, she becomes a “Pretty”. In Tally’s world, all of the 16 year old kids undergo an operation to make themselves beautiful, and nearly unbreakable. Only there’s something wrong with these doe-eyed teens—they’re mindless. Tally finds out her best friend is going to run away and stay an “Ugly”. Shay runs away to “the Smoke”, a place where everyone is “Ugly”. Officers know about Shay and they track Tally down to have her go find Shay. Tally has to find out where her loyalties lie in this action packed novel.

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

You may know Jack Gantos as the author of the Joey Pigza series as well as other children’s books. But did you know that his writing career almost never happened? In 1971 Gantos dreamed of being a writer and wanted to go to college. In the search for adventure and easy money, he found a way to make a quick $10,000 sailing a boat load of drugs from St Croix to New York City. What Jack hadn’t expected was the arrest and 15 months he would spend in federal prison. Jack bears his soul, not as a sob story, rather as an example of how a person can choose to be more than just the consequences of their actions.

This book is a 2008 Great Stories Club selection as well as a 2003 Printz Honor Book.

July Shelver Reviews

Mary's Review: Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan BrothersThis is the kind of book that a person could finish in two hour, if they really set their minds to it. Its more a novella than novel, which is both its greatest strength and greatest weakness. On the one hand its not a book about the ISSUES, its a book with an issue, and that makes it feel much less heavy handed than a lot of YA fiction. Johnny is a goth who accidentally overdoses at a club, and is sent to rehab where he decides he wants to go somewhere else with his life. This is the first time he hears the titular singer Debbie Harry. His single mom, still grieving the death of Johnny's father, sends him across the country to live with his uncle following the rehab. It's there that Johnny starts piecing life back together, finding a father figure in his uncle and a girl he loves.He also begins to realize that his love for Debbie Harry extends to wanting to be her. Or at least to wanting to dress up like her. Johnny's journey is covered nicely for the novel's short length, making it solely his journey in a way many books don't. The story is an emotional rollercoaster condensed, and the reader really feels for the protagonist. On the downside, the protagonist is more or less the only one the readers feel for. Barring Johnny's girlfriend Maria the cast is mainly peripheral. We see them when they affect Johnny's life, but not beyond that. We may like or dislike them, but we are never really allowed to care. We know that Johnny's mother suffered a crippling depression, for example, and that his uncle went through an ugly divorce, but we never see the details nor feel those characters' pain. It's Johnny's story from start to finish. Even considering that, the plot is interesting enough to warrant a read, though some readers might be turned away by the cross dressing subject matter.

Final Verdict: 3Q, 3P

Carrie's Review: After Dark by Haruki MurakamiAfter Dark is a chilling and mysterious novel that takes place in the streets of Tokyo between midnight and sunrise. During the course of these seemingly dead hours, readers find the city at its peak. Murakami intertwines several unsuspecting character plots together as strangers meet and help one another. The book also plunges into a spooky supernatural world where it is not impossible to unexpectedly fall into the other side of the TV. This novel was a fast yet intriguing read. It is certainly one that will have to be read more than once in order to understand the important lessons that make up After Dark. Murakami's novel is filled with symbolism and realistic human characters and make for an enjoyable and thoughtful read.

Rating: 5Q, 3.5P

Rachel's Review: Wolf's Rain 1 & 2 by Keiko Nobumato Bone

Four boys, Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and Tsume are all heading out of their city to find one thing; Paradise. Tsume is a gang leader, has no friends and is very prideful. Toboe, the youngest, is a boy looking of a home and friends. Hige, a boy who is always hungry, has no home, and an incredible sense of smell. Kiba never lets his guard down and always follows his instinct, which keeps him out of trouble. Normal sound boys, right? Wrong. They change into wolves and they're being chased for it. Can they find paradise before they get killed?

Rating: 4Q, 4P

Lori's Review: Questions You Can't Ask Your Mama About Sex by Craig Gross and Mike Foster This is an informative book for teens and pre-teens about sex and the dirty facts tabloids don't expose. This short read is intense, yet funny and factual. It's straight-forward, honest, and probably not for younger readers. Not because of inappropriate content, but rather for the blunt tone of the book. This novel was written for young teens so that they have informed answers to sex questions they feel they cannot ask their parents. As the book was written by a church (Christian) organization, it cites sections of the Bible to help enforce the idea of sexual purity. In a world so unwilling to educate teens to the real consequences of sex, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air.

Rating: 4Q, 2P

Lori's Review: Blackwater by Jeremy Scahill Blackwater is a complicated (challenging) read and the author is very opinionated. The book covers the use of mercinaries in Iraq, privitization of the Army, and the risks of Blackwater. It also covers the history of Blackwater and its founder, the modern threats in the war in Iraq, and why people need to be aware of the Blackwater organization. This novel exposes people and organizations inside the government who are corrupted and holding back the nation.

Rating: 4Q, 2P

And the winner is...

Morgan Wood. She won the $200 gift certificate to Eastridge Mall. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Teen Summer Reading Program. The 556 teens who signed up read over 12,900 hours this summer.

Olivia's Review: Pet Shop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino

Deep in Chinatown, there is a small pet shop. They have all of your typical pets: dogs, cats, birds, and then they have not-so-usual pets. Like tigers, mermaids, even dragons. But the question is, are these really just animals...or humans? This manga by genius Matsuri Akino is captivating, and the ending may even have you in tears. This is one book you can't pass up. It's amazing all the way through, from the beautiful art to the storyline. Next time you're looking for a good read, just look for Pet Shop of Horrors.
Rating: 4Q, 2P

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Aw, the joys of first love. Staring for hours into another’s eyes; feeling the electricity between you as you think about holding hands for the first time and awaiting that first kiss; whispered words and endless questions, discovering who the other person really is; wondering if they feel for you even a part of what you feel for them. First love can be wonderful and magical. It can make your heart rush and take your breath away. First love can also kill you, especially if you discover that you are in love with a vampire.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
“We always believe that our first love is our last, and our last love is our first.”~unknown

“Going Under” by Evanescence ©2003
Now I will tell you what I've done for you -

50 thousand tears I've cried.

Screaming, deceiving and bleeding for you -

And you still won't hear me.

Don't want your hand this time - I'll save myself.

Maybe I'll wake up for once

Not tormented daily defeated by you

Just when I thought I'd reached the bottom

I'm dying again

I'm going under

Drowning in you
I'm falling forever

I've got to break through

I'm going under

Blurring and stirring - the truth and the lies.

So I don't know what's real and what's not

Always confusing the thoughts in my head

So I can't trust myself anymore

I'm dying again

What would be worse: dying of a broken heart or losing your humanity, your soul, to become one with your true love forever? For Bella, the answer is clear. Without Edward, she is lost and drowning in her heartache. But Edward will do anything to keep her out of danger, which is why he broke up with her and left Forks. What Edward didn’t realize is that Bella’s attraction to danger and deadly monsters is too strong to be broken. When she finally awakens from her lovesick coma, she finds refuge in Jacob Black, an old family friend. While she can’t give him anymore than friendship, Jacob is her best friend and anchor from the storm still brewing in her heart. While Jacob seems too good to be true, he holds a secret just as strong as Edward’s. Jacob is a werewolf, the sworn enemy of the Cullens. Jacob is Bella’s new reason for breathing but will she ever forget her love for Edward? Can your heart love more than one? Which love would you be willing to die to save?

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Fire & Ice by Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,I

think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

Some people never find their true love. Bella has found it twice, once in Edward, the handsome vampire and again in her best friend Jacob, a werewolf. While it would be wonderful to have two soul mates, that can’t happen when the men you love are sworn enemies and especially when your future plans include becoming immortal. Can Bella live without either of the pieces that make her life complete? Is a danger far more menacing than a love triangle waiting for Bella?

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
We’ve all heard the playground chant: “Two little lovers sitting in a tree… K-I-S-S-I-N-G.. 1st comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…” But what happens when a human marries a vampire? What laws of the human and vampire worlds will Bella and Edward break in order to be together forever? How will those who love Bella react to the changes in her life? Can humans, vampires, and werewolves really find a way to live together peacefully? You’ll be surprised what you’ll discover as the dawn breaks on Bella’s new life.

A New Dawn edited by Ellen Hopkins

Are you obsessed with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series and impatiently waiting for the next installment? Fear not, for many of your favorite YA authors are in the same boat and they have come together to thrill and inspire with their own take on the series. Megan McCafferty discusses why “The Good Girl Always Goes For the Bad Boy”. Susan Vaught points out that while Edward meets the criteria for a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (read: Sociopath), this dangerous boy can still make us swoon. Robin Brande compares Edward to the heros of Bella’s favorite books (Romeo, Heathcliff, and Darcy) to ultimately decide which one would make the best boyfriend. And finally for those diehard Jacob fans, Linda Gerber takes us “Dancing With Wolves”. While this book won’t totally quench your thirst for blood, it should sustain you for the few weeks.

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

If you were on a deserted island and could have 3 items from your current life, what would you choose? For Steven, the choices would be easy—the 3 things he loves most in life: Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Okay, you probably understand the first two choices. Steven is a drummer, one of the only 8th graders chosen to play on the All-Star Jazz Band. He’s had a crush on the hottest girl in school, Renee Albert, for as long as he can remember. So those two selections make sense, typical teenage stuff, but Dangerous Pie?!? What in the world is Dangerous Pie? And why in the world would you choose IT over all of the other important things teenagers can’t seem to live without? What if Dangerous Pie and its creator turned out to be the only thing you wouldn’t want to live without?

This book is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle Award nominee and will be the Afternoon Book Club selection for September.

Jessica's Review: The Princess Bride by William Goldman

William Goldman's "The Princess Bride" is supposedly Goldman's abridgement of the Florinese man S. Morgenstern's original version. Goldman claims that as a child sick with pneumonia his father would come in and read to him The Princess Bride every night. "A tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts—The Princess Bride is a modern storytelling classic", or at least that is how the story begins. But truly it it! It's a story of true love and adventure. It begins with the milk maid Buttercup (nearly the most beautiful girl in the world) and the farm hand Westley. Every command she orders to him he answers 'as you wish' but what he is really saying is I love you. They share the greatest love ever known in the history of man, but Westley leaves to make his fortune for her. During his journey to America he is murdered by the Dread Pirate Roberts and so Buttercup decides to marry Prince Humperdinck. She is kidnapped before the wedding by a Sicilian, a Spaniard, and a giant but is soon kidnapped from these criminals by a man in black. The man reveals himself to Buttercup only after he has bested the Spaniard in fencing, out fought the giant, and defeated the Sicilian in intelligence. The man in black is in fact Westley, but they are soon separated by the evil Prince Humperdinck and his soldiers. At this point I realize I'm getting carried away with myself and must now stop giving away the entire story! It's a fairytale, an adventure, a love story, a tale of friendship and I suggest it to any and every one whether you're interested in these things or not. If you have seen the movie and loved it then read the book it's just as good. If you've seen the movie and hated it, I suggest you watch it again and learn to like it because this is one of the greatest stories of all time! Love it please! ;)

Rating: 5Q, 5P

Rachel's Review: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

Uzumaki Naruto is a normal student trying to pass in the Ninja Academy... or so he thinks. Naruto is actually a boy holding the ninetails fox demon possession in his body, while he doesn't even know about it. Having Sasuke, as scheming homocidal teen and Sakura, a love-sick girl crazy about Sasuke, all are in training to become true ninjas. Sasuke wants to learn just to kill; Sakura, to follow Sasuke around. Naruto wishes to learn to become the next Hokage. What will happen when their teacher is crazy, and doesn't like them?

Rating: 4Q, 4P

Surrender by Sonya Hartnett

Horror comes in many forms. Horror can be used to entertain, frighten, or disturb us. Horror can be far removed from us or horror can be so close that it rules our lives and disturbs our families and inner core. You are about to find out how much horror and damage a person can sustain and still remain intact. “I am dying: it’s a beautiful word. Like the long slow sigh of a cello: dying. But the sound of it is the only beautiful thing about it.” Gabriel lies slowing dying and remembers his childhood, growing up in a small town, a town that made being part of abnormal family more difficult. Around the age of nine Gabriel remembers the day he met Finnigan, a wild boy who lived in the forest, without a real home, family, or rules. A boy who wasn’t afraid to take revenge against the people who were cruel to Gabriel; a boy who didn’t care about being good; a boy who would make Gabriel regret the day they met. What will Gabriel have to do to make Finnigan surrender?

Printz Honor book 2007

August 08 Teen Book Club selection

Carrie's Review: City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

After an unknown disaster destroys human civilization on earth, 100 surviving adults and children known as 'the builders' create an underground city known as Ember. It's now the year 241 in Ember and 12 year olds Lina and Doon are drawing their careers as part of graduation. To her dismay Lina draws Pipeworks laborer meaning she will have to work down in the tunnels. Doon is also discouraged when he draws the job of Messenger. This duty is Ember's only source of communication. Naturally, the two switch. Doon has a passion for figuring out how to help Ember continue to thrive and the only thing keeping the town lit is an ancient generator hidden in the pipeworks. However, when the lights start flickering and food supplies start coming up short Lina and Doon realize they must find the legendary escape route established by the builders. Their biggest obstacle however may be escaping from the clutches of the corrupt Mayor. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is an electric, fast read with a cliffhanger ending that will leave readers desperate for more. Check out the motion picture coming in October!
Rating: 4.5Q, 5P

Jessica's Review: Geeks by Jon Katz

Geeks has been quoted as being "an uplifting and hugely compassionate book" (Philidelphia Inquirer) as well as "a story of triumph, friendship, love, and above all, about being human and reaching for dreams in a hard-wired world" (Seattle Times Book Review). The book opens with various descriptions and definitions of what being a geek truly means which is followed by a forward about the ascension of geeks through history. But this story in particular is told by journalist Jon Katz and is the story of two boys, lost and out of place in a small town in Idaho, who used their self proclaimed geek titles as well as the internet to get out into the world and start lives for themselves. This is a story of the struggle of Jesse and Eric, their struggles in life, and their need not for acceptance but to find a life that fit their own personalities, suspicious of authority and questioning the structures of society such as politics and religon. The strictly Mormon town of Caldwell, ID was not the place for their computer genius so they set off for Chicago. This book documents their trip as well as the struggle of geeks across the country as Columbine, the shootings in Littleton, CO, occurs . The profiling and cruel torment that geeks went through acorss the country is chronicled by this journalist that decided it was his mission to give these people a voice. I would suggest this book to anyone who reads stories of outcasts, modern biographies of struggle, or any book about getting by on anything but socal standard. Overall it was a great eye opening book.
Rating: 4Q,3P

Mary's Review: Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata

Everyone and their grandmother has heard of Death Note as of this review. The live action movie was recently released in theaters, the anime is a runaway hit on Adult Swim, US distributors are planning a remake, and there is enough fanfic on the internet to drown us all. But what about the thing that started it all? The original manga is in its sixth printing here in the US, and for good reason. Death Note is a very intelligent series, full of thought on the nature of right and wrong and whether the ends justify the means. Light Yagami finds the titular Death Note, the rules of which state that 'whoever's name is written in the note shall die'. Light, idealist that he is, decides that he'll utilize this tool to rid the world of criminals. Of course, he will also become the god of said new world. So he goes to work, and pretty soon people start noticing the mysterious deaths (the DN kills by heart attack unless other means are specified). People start calling the phenomenon 'Kira' (Japanese derivative of the English 'killer'), and Light garners the attention of the super detective L. From there its a spiral into traps and countertraps ('if I were in this situation I would do this, but that's what he'd expect me to do, but he KNOWS that I would know he knows' and the like) as the two genius young men face off. There's a lot to love here: Obata's art is of an unusually realistic style, resulting in a nice change of pace from your average manga; Light and L's mind games are compelling, as are their characters-you have to give credit to a series that makes you at least occasionally (and grudgingly) cheer for the manipulative sociopath; and best of all the series is a mere twelve volumes (plus a side novel and encyclopedia), a miraculously short length for a Shonen Jump title. The series has its downsides as well though, which bear mentioning in any recommendation: its wordy, enough that the thick volumes take approximately twice as long to read as the average manga. This is more apparant in the manga than the anime, and more than a few people have been scared off because of it. The series also takes a turn in its second half, introducing new characters and switching gears plot-wise, that is not popular with all of the fans. This part ultimately comes down to personal preference, though it is something for the prospective reader to keep in mind. And finally let us not forget that the characters have some crippling weaknesses along with their compelling strengths. Sure, Light is a fascinating protagonist, but he's also a sociopath who manipulates and lies to all of the people close to him. The female characters of DN are weak across the board, rarely rising above the position of killed/manipulated/totally useless. And though the focus on L and Light drives the plot, it leaves some of the secondary characters woefully underdeveloped (and never is this more clear than in the second half). By and large, however, this series deserves all of the high praise heaped upon it. It has drama, a strong plot, an attractive lead (for the shallow person in us all), a moral quandry, and (gasp) a strong stock of intelligence. A series like this does not come about every day.

Final verdict: 5Q, 4P

Coraline: Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman –adapted by P. Craig Russell

Adapted from the book of the same name, Coraline is the story of a girl who discovers a whole new world behind the doorway in the family room. Coraline must decide whether she is willing to leave her “real” family for this other world, a world in which her other parents lavish her with love and attention. A world where cats speak, rats sing, and her other mother’s long spindly fingers with blood red nails aren’t nearly as creepy as her shiny black button eyes. Will Coraline choose to stay “for ever and always”?

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

We already know the damage. Asteroid hit moon, moon pushed closer to Earth, horrendous weather, massive death tolls, tremendous suffering. This time we see the devastation through the eyes of Alex Morales, a 17-year-old Catholic Puerto Rican American, living on the upper west side of New York City. He’s working the counter at Joey's Pizza the night of May 18th. That night, as Alex and sisters Bri (14) and Julie (12) climb into bed, they only know the electricity is out and that they are alone. Alex’s father is in Puerto Rico for grandmother’s funeral, his mother has been called to the hospital where she works—requiring her to take the subway to Queens, and his brother Carlos is a Marine stationed in California. They will have to wait until morning to learn of the moon and the resulting devastation. And their lives will only get more difficult as the days with no word from parents, no electricity, and dwindling food supplies stretch forward. Will the chaos of New York City consume the strength and faith Alex and the girls need to survive? Is it possible that they too will be among The Dead and the Gone?
This novel is a companion to the acclaimed Life As We Knew It.

Joanna L's Review:The Young Wizards series by Diane Duane

This is a really awesome series. I like it because it is about wizards but it is not overwhelmingly fantastical. It has hints of science fiction in it as well. I think it is a great series to start on if you finished Harry Potter and you need a new series.

Rating: 5Q, 3P

Chanda L's Review: Eldest by Christopher Paolini

This book is the most awesome book in the world!!!!!!!!!!!! It is full of adventure and surprises. It was a very good book and you should put it on your must read list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating: 5Q, 5P

Jessica's Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

When you think of the average 12-year-old boy you think of games, getting dirty, and having fun. When you open the front cover of this book to discover what its about, you find that Artemis is by no means the average 12-year-old. A genius. A criminal mastermind. A millionaire. And to top things off, he has discovered a secret society of fairies and kidnapped one of them, Holly Short. This book is full of adventure and excitement as well as characters and events you would never expect. Its a quick easy read and very entertaining.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Rachel's Review: Tithe by Holly Black

Kaye Feirch was always considered odd, because she had "Little Fairie Friends" who used to watch her and play with her when she was young. Now 16-years-old, Kaye's friends have disappeared since she moved back to her Grandma's. Her mom is scrambling, trying to find another band to start so she and Kaye can get a new home. Kaye decides to go to a party with her best friend Janet, but when she walks home after enchanting Kenny, Janet's boyfriend, Kaye finds "The Dark Knight". His name is Roiben, and he is a fairie. He is tall, has silver hair, and is badly wounded when she finds him. There are two courts, the Seelie, which is the good court, and the Unseelie, the bad court. Roiben is the Knight of the Unseelie court, and has to obey everything his Queen demands. Problem is, Halloween night is soon, and on that night, there is a "tithe" given of human blood to bond the fairie folk not in a court to the rules of the courts. The Unseelie queen ordered Roiben to bring Kaye in for the tithe. It becomes a battle of wits, and of love, when Roiben and Kaye fall for each other and Roiben has to kill her.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Carrie's Review: Tiger by Jeff Stone

Tiger by Jeff Stone is book one of the epic teen series The Five Ancestors which takes place in 1650 A.D. China. It tells the story of five young temple brothers: Fu (Tiger), Malao (Monkey), She (Snake), Hok (Crane), and Long (Dragon). All five brothers live together peacefully in their temple mastering their individual animal styles of Kung-Fu with Grandmaster, the only parent they have ever known. However, this peace does not last as their evil brother Ying (Eagle), who abandoned the temple and now works for the corrupt emperor, moves in with emperial troops. Ying and his men destroy the temple and kill Grandmaster in a desperate search to find the sacred dragon scrolls. It is Ying's goal to use these scrolls to become a master of Dragon Kung-Fu and be the most powerful martial artist in all of China. Grandmaster planned ahead and hid the five young monks so that they could escape alive with the scrolls. After they successfully steal the dragon scrolls back they flee into the woods. Each ancestor must take is own path in order to discover who they really are and learn more about their mysterious paths. It is when they all five meet again that the mystery of Ying's deception and greed for the scrolls finally begin to unravel. These books are an excellent choice for those interested in foreign cultures, history, mysterious and of course, action and adventure.

Rating: Q: 5 P:5

Mary's Review: The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen

This book should be on a list of required reading somewhere; it not only compiles an extremely thick list of tips for the future college student, but makes the material easily readable. If all else fails, Cohen suggests its usefulness as a doorstop. Now, there is no way that a person could encounter every situation listed in this book. That's what makes its format so user friendly: the chapters each focus on a different area of college life, with approximately one tip per page (set up in a question, testimony, advice format). And the testimonies often turn out to be the best part, shedding light from a real rather than theoretical perspective. Occasionally this ends up being hit or miss: blurbs don't say much, after all. The advice too suffers from this problem. It is sound, solid advice that is applicable to the vast public, but Cohen's opinions also shine through on certain subjects. Fine, its documented that living on campus can be socially beneficial, but it does not mean that pushing such a lifestyle to the exclusion of most advice for other scenarios is the way to go. On the other hand, for the dorm set, this book is a veritable bible of information. With graduation only days away, this tome is worthy of a look see.

Final Verdict: 4P 3Q

Breaking Dawn info!!!!

Here's a sneak peek of the new Stephenie Meyer book, Breaking Dawn, due out on August 2nd. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20203238,00.html?iid=top25-20080530-Stephenie+Meyer%3A+Exclusive+book+preview

Also, check out the cover!!

Make sure to mark your calendars for Friday, August 1st at 5pm. Our end of summer reading party is a Breaking Dawn release party. We'll have Twilight inspired food and activities as well as costume and trivia contests.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza was born into a privileged life, as the only child of a wealthy Mexican family. She has never had to work a day in her life and has always had the finest clothing, toys, and parties. She is eagerly awaiting the end of the grape harvest which will mark her thirteenth birthday. However, when her father is killed by bandits, her world is turned upside down. During the 1930s it was traditional that women did not own land and so Papa’s will only leaves Mama and Esperanza a place to live and an income from the grapes. His brothers are now own the land and powerful Tío Luis wants more. He requests Mama’s hand in marriage and when she declines, all they have goes up in flames, injuring Abuelita. Again Tío Luis proposes marriage and swears that their beloved servants will die if Mama refuses.
What Tío Luis does not expect is for Mama and Esperanza to steal away in the dark of night and board a train for California. Esperanza soon finds herself living a life completely different from any she has known. Mama must work in the fields and Esperanza has to pull her weight cooking, washing, sweeping, and providing child care in the migrant field camp where they live. When Mama develops Valley Fever, Esperanza finds herself the sole provider to support her family. Can Esperanza rise to face the challenge?

Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold by James Rumford

An illustrated retelling of the ancient epic hero poem, this is the story of Beowulf. Grendel, an ogre, had been terrorizing the Danish kingdom for 12 years and no one, not even King Hrothgar, had been able to stop him. Long ago a young child named Beowulf, a Geat, had sworn an oath to help the king. He was bold, strong-willed, and fire-hearted and it was rumored he had the strength of 30 men. Beowulf and his men arrived in Denmark and the people believed them to be sent from Heaven. That night when Grendel came for his nightly meal, Beowulf was ready. He fought the ogre and cut off his arm. The kingdom rejoiced but Grendel’s mother was more evil than Grendel and hungered for revenge. Beowulf follows her into the depths of the swamp. Will he be able to defeat her and save the Hrothgar’s kingdom? If he does survive, will Beowulf be the greatest hero to ever live?

"Stephenie Meyer: The Next J.K. Rowling?"

For those of us that can't wait until August 2nd for the next dose of vampire romance Meyer style, take a look at this article from Time Magazine. (This image is part of the article.)

Stephenie's next novel, The Host, is due out May 6th and will be available at NCPL. While its not vampire romance, it might be science-fiction for those of us who don't read sci-fi.

Don't forget to check out Stephenie Meyer's website for all the details on Breaking Dawn, The Host, and the Twilight movie.

Carrie's Review: Missing in Tokyo by Graham Marks

Upon receiving a life-altering phone call which brings news of his missing sister, Adam Grey embarks on a terrifying journey on the other side of the world in order to do whatever it takes to find her. His older sister and been traveling across Asia with her best friend and her friend's shady boyfriend. However when Alice calls from Tokyo, Japan with the terrifying news that her friend has been kidnapped, Adam weighs his options and hops a plane to Japan. Once he gets there he must take on the busy, hectic, and largely populated city in order to discover the mystery of what has happened to his sister. This book is fairly slow in the beginning and doesn't start to pick up until quite a ways into Adam's Tokyo adventure. It does give the readers an interesting look into Japanese culture but the climax didn't live up to expectations.
Rating: 2Q 3P

Jessica's Review: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Metamorphosis written by Franz Kafka is an entertaining, but surreal book. The imagination couples with magical realism combines to create an image both startling and intriguing, almost horrifically so. The story centers around Gregor and his family. Gregor has woken up into what some would call a nightmare but unfortunately for him is reality. He and his family suffer through his trauma in which time we learn how strong or weak his relationships with each member of the family are and how the family views Gregor. Overall the book was decent and I would only suggest it to those interested in broadening their horizons of literature which may or may not be likeable in the end but at the very least something has been learned.
Rating: 3Q, 2P

Mary's Review: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

A warning: This is not a happy book. Nor is it a particularly child-friendly book; quite simply put, it is the slow descent of a young girl's self loathing and her eventual descent into madness. Pecola Breedlove has always hated her looks and her dark skin, wanting nothing more than a pair of beautiful blue eyes like child star darling Shirley Temple. To say more would be impossible without spoiling something, interwoven as it is like poetry. The story is told not from Pecola's point of view but by those around her; alternately in first person by a girl who befriended her, and in third person concerning Pecola's mother and father, as well as an old 'miracle worker' whom Pecola's wishes for her eyes from and a young boy whom she meets. In this way the reader views Pecola from all sides but never really "knows" her. This works to and against the book's advantage. It is less sympathy and more a true understanding that the reader achieves, but it nonetheless keeps them at a distance from the child. The ending is confusing; something, it is clear, has happened to Pecola, but the details are rather sketchy as to what exactly has occurred. These arguments don't detract from the poetic nature of the writing and puzzle-like story-telling that blessedly forces the reader to think rather than forcing things down their throat. For a first novel particularly, it is a spectacular effort.
Final Verdict: 4Q, 2P

Watch This!

If you are looking for a good read, check out this book trailer for Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles.

You might also try How to Ruin My Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles or Blue is For Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz

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.