Monday, December 28, 2009

Are You the Smartest Reader You Know?

Author Garret Freymann-Weyr (After the moment, Stay with me, My heartbeat, The kings are already here) put together this list for NPR:

Three Books For The Smartest Teens You Know
The publishing world likes to say that young adult literature is in a golden age, full of great writing, and most important, growing sales in an otherwise dismal market. But the genre is not without flaws: Many young adult novels don't set the bar very high in their language, character complexity or emotional nuance, which is why I — a young adult author — like to encourage young readers to venture into the adult shelf. Here are three non-young adult novels featuring young protagonists that anyone — young or old — will read with both joy and fervor.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Boombox!


Ok, so boomboxes saw their heyday when I was still in a stroller, but I have to confess to having fallen completely in love with Fred Flare's Boombox. It's the perfect mix of familiar and new music to keep me going hour after hour at the computer. They even have a holiday mix, if that's what you're looking for these days. Their mixes change monthly.

Take a listen. If you like what you hear, talk to your librarian and recommend we buy the stuff the library doesn't have. We can't place a hold on music or dvds that we don't already own, but we are ALWAYS eager to get requests - be they music, dvd, or books. Most of the time we buy what you want. 'Cause, really, we want to make sure that what's on the shelves reflects the people perusing them. And that would be you. So ask. Seriously.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

ECO-HERO? There's $500 in it.

From Action for Nature:

"WHY?
To recognize the individual accomplishments of young people (ages 8-16) whose personal actions have significantly improved the environment.

HOW?
Action For Nature will award cash prizes of up to $500 to young Eco-Heroes from around the world for their outstanding accomplishments in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research or protection of the natural world. Their individual initiatives will inspire others to preserve and protect our fragile environment.

ARE YOU AN ECO-HERO?

DO YOU KNOW AN ECO-HERO?"

Find out more.

Deadline is February 28, 2010.

Via SLJ.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Download the new Will Shetterly vampirish book

Will Shetterly has written some great books, including some of my favorite urban fantasy book (alas, many are now out of print). Now he has a brand new "vampirish" book called Midnight Girl you can read online for FREE!

Your dad used to be the spooky-mysteries TV show host Professor Midnight. Your grandmother lives in the basement and only comes upstairs after dark. Your mom died when you were a baby, and nobody will tell you about her. Oh, and you have two birthdays, both on Halloween. And that's the part of your life that's normal. But with this birthday, everything is going to change...

Sounds great! I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Morris Award

It's only in it's second year, but the Morris Award for best first book is quickly becoming my favorite teen literature award. I rather hope someday I'll be judged worthy to be on the selection committee. But you aren't hear to learn about my hopes and dreams, are you?

From YALSA, Ze List:

"2010 Finalists

Download a bookmark (PDF) featuring all five finalists to distribute to teens at your library!

Ash by Malinda LoBeautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret StohlThe Everafter by Amy HuntleyFlash Burnout by LK MadiganHold Still by Nina LaCour

ash

By Malinda Lo, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316040099).

Consumed with grief after the death of her father, Ash's only escape from her harsh life and cruel stepmother comes from re-reading the fairy tales that her mother once told her and hoping against hope that the fairies will appear to her. When the fairy Sidhean appears, Ash hopes that he will steal her away to his enchanted world; but when she meets the King's Huntress, Kaisa, she realizes that staying in her own realm can also lead to beauty, romance, and perhaps even love.

Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316042673).

Sixteen-year-old Ethan has lived all his life in Gaitlin, South Carolina, a town that hasn’t changed much since the Civil War. While coping with the loss of his mother, a father who spends all of his time in his study, and high school, his world turns upside down with the arrival of Lena, a new girl with whom he seems to share a psychic connection. As they grow closer, Ethan discovers that Lena and her family share a dark secret and that she is headed for doom on her sixteenth birthday.

The Everafter

By Amy Huntley, published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (9780061776793).

Maddy is a ghost, surrounded by things she lost when she was alive. By touching these objects, she relives the episodes in her life where she lost them. Even though Maddy’s dead, she explores the lessons these objects hold — and why are they still important.

Flash Burnout

By L.K. Madigan, published by Houghton Mifflin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (9780547194899).

Blake’s life is way too complicated. He’s a sophomore in high school with a girlfriend and a friend who is a girl. One of them loves him. One of them needs him. Can he please them both?

hold still

By Nina LaCour, published by Dutton Children’s Books, a Division of Penguin Young Readers Group. (9780525421559).

After Caitlin's best friend Ingrid commits suicide, Caitlin has a hard time making sense of the loss. She finds Ingrid's journal and slowly allows herself to read it and learn about why Ingrid felt the need to end her life. Caitlin also grapples with allowing herself to find another friend, to let in a boyfriend, and to understand why her favorite teacher is ignoring her. It is the haunting story of dealing with loss, moving on, and finding peace and hope."

I'm very excited about these titles, as I've heard good things about all of them. I already had Ash, Flash Burnout, and Beautiful Creatures on my list of books to read. What's a couple more?

Check out last year's list.

Have you read any of these? Are you especially excited about any of them? What do you think?


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Hunger Games 3

August 24th. No title yet. But doesn't it make you just a little giddy? Or is that just me?



You know they are making a movie, right?

There's a bit of a waiting list, but if you haven't read Hunger Games or Catching Fire there's still time to catch up!

via Publisher's Weekly

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Love Japanese Culture?

This Saturday the Mountlake Terrace Library is hosting our first Japanese Culture Appreciation Festival!

Small Meeting Room - Anime Marathon
Spirited Away 10-12:15
Howl's Moving Castle 12:30-2:30
Millennium Actress 2:45-4:15

Large Meeting Room - Classes
Learn to Play Go with instructors from the Seattle Go Center – 10-noon
Learn to make veggie sushi – 12:30-1:30
Learn how to dress in the Gothic Lolita style – 2-3
Gothic Lolita tea party – 3-4 (bring a donation for the foodbank, if you can!)

DVD prizes, popcorn and Japanese snacks provided by the Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library.

Saturday December 5th – 10-4:30pm

Mountlake Terrace Library
23300 - 58th Ave. W
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Looking for a Fun Volunteer Opportunity?

Do you need community service credits to graduate? Or perhaps are just looking for a way to make a difference? Here are two great ways to get involved:

1) If you are looking for a regular volunteer gig, join the Teen Advisory group at your local library. Most Sno-Isle Libraries have a teen advisory group where teens meet once or twice a month to decide what programs the library should offer for teens, help decorate bulletin boards, complete volunteer projects and more! Check our Events Calendar for more details. Or contact the Teen Librarian at your library. For additional information about other volunteer opportunities at Sno-Isle click here.

2) If you prefer a one-time volunteer event, check out Snohomish County Youth United. It is fun and easy. Just sign up for email updates about their monthly volunteer events hat happen all around Snohomish County for people aged 14-19, and pick the ones that fit your interests and schedule.

What do you get out of these? T-shirts, volunteer hours, a chance to meet new people, and a warm fuzzy feeling!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

2010 Prodigies for Peace Writing Contest

2010 Prodigies for Peace Writing Contest
Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12

Write an essay on the following question:

This year’s theme is “Stewards of the Common Good.” Applying the principles of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to the common good of all people, how do you believe that you can become a Steward of the Common Good in your community?

Background and Instructions:
Consider how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy affected the civil rights and other important issues of Americans. Take into account the principles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. suggested in his “I Have A Dream” speech and how they may have impacted our country for the common good of all Americans. How do you believe you can apply Dr. Rev. King’s message to become a steward of the common good in your community?

Entries may be returned to any Sno-Isle community library, or to the Everett Mayor’s Office, (2930 Wetmore Avenue, 10th Floor, Everett 98201), attention Kate Reardon. Entries may be typed or handwritten and should include: Name, Phone Number, School, Teacher, and Grade. This information should be on the upper right hand corner of the first page of the entry.

Word Limit:
Grades 6-8: 250-750 words
Grades 9-12: 500-1,000 words

Contest Deadline: No later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009

Awards for Students:

  • 1st Place Winners for each grade category receive series I Bonds – $500 for the high school category, $250 for the middle school category and $100 for the elementary school category.

  • 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners will be recognized at the MLK Community Breakfast Celebration in January 2010 and will receive awards.

  • Award Winners will be posted in The Everett Herald and displayed locally.


More information.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Teen Books and Swear Words - What Do You Think?

Some people strongly feel that books for teen should have absolutely no swearing in them at all. Other people think teen books should be as realistic as possible, and that this means using strong language sometimes.

Author Jackson Pearce was surprised that so many reviews of her new book As You Wish seem to focus on just one word...the "f-bomb" used only once in the book.



What do you think? Should authors clean it up, or is a little swearing realistic?

New Moon Trailer Spoof

Ok, I can't help myself:



The end is the best part.

Share your favorite spoofs in the comments!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Movie Trailers!

I just noticed that we hadn't recently shared movie trailers for movies that have been made from teen books. So here we go:

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief

The Lightening Thief is out February 12, 2010

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

The Vampire's Assistant is out now!


And, just for fun: New Moon

New Moon is out on November 20th. But you already knew that.

Personally, I can't wait to see the trailer for The Ranger's Apprentice.

Friday, November 13, 2009

New Moon Release Party!



The preparations have begun!

If you're in the Arlington area and want to celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of New Moon with other teens, drop by the Arlington Library from 7 pm - 9 pm tonight (Friday, Nov. 13th).

We'll have Twilight Saga Jeopardy, a scavenger hunt, and tons of fun prizes!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Need something to read?

Here's a list of some of the most popular books we're seeing get checked out the most. I've removed stuff like Twilight & Harry Potter, because I'm pretty sure you've already heard of those... (if not, ask your friend. Or some safe-looking stranger on the street. Or come in and I'll be happy to fill your arms with stacks of books. Actually, I'd do that anyway. So, yeah... We have books. For you. At the library.):

The Awakening and the Struggle by L.J. Smith
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Boys R Us by Lisi Harrison
Hunted by P.C. Cast
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Siege of the Macindaw by John Flanagan
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Prada & Prejudice by Amanda Hubbard
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
The Devouring by Simon Holt
Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Friday, November 6, 2009

Team Edward or Team Jacob?


Here's a way to let the whole region know about your Twilight love: The Seattle Times is having a contest on their website. Make your best argument as to which of Bella's love interests is better and the "authors of the most well-written, convincing arguments on each side will see "New Moon" and have their reviews filmed and featured on seattletimes.com."

All you have to do is comment on their post. You have until November 16th.

You could be famous!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

David Levithan!

I <3 David Levithan. I desperately wish I could go see him when he visits the Ballard Library a week from Saturday on November 14th. But, I'll be working here at the Lynnwood Library, so you should go for me and report back, k?

Levithan is touring for his newest book, Love is the Higher Law. You might know him better as the author of such books as: Boy Meets Boy, Wide Awake, or Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (perhaps you've heard of the movie?).

He's kind of a superstar.

The event starts at 3pm, but I'd suggest getting there early (really. I've been to author events there. Go early.).

More info here.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Deluxe Winners


We have our two winners:

David for his awesome Shaun of the Dead trailer, and the phrase "zombie goodness"and Pointless Dreamer for linking to a great zombie blog, loving zombie movies and dressing up as a zombie for Halloween. We want to see a photo!

To get your copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Deluxe Edition, email us teens@sno-isle.org, to let us know which Sno-Isle Library you want it sent to.

Thanks for playing!

Dawn

Monday, November 2, 2009

Leftover Halloween Candy?


From one of my favorite sites, I HEART DAILY:

10-30-2007.NH_30candy.G1J28UKGG.1Did everyone have a ghoulish Halloween this weekend? Eat lots of candy? I did, but even Candy Master Anne has a breaking point, and as I ate my last fun size Twix, I threw the gold wrapper down in disgust. ENOUGH!

I started researching what I could do with all my leftover candy. I found some great dessert recipes, and even some science experiments I could conduct, but I came across the best solution: I'm going to send my leftover confections to our troops overseas.

Soldiers commonly request candy and gum in care packages. The candy should be heat resistant, so stuff like chocolate won't travel well, but things like Twizzlers, Skittles and any kind of hard candy will do just fine.


Find out how to send a care package by visiting these sites: Support Our Troops, Operation ShoeBox, or Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude has even started a nationwide buy back program for leftover Halloween candy. You can trade in your candy for $1/lb. at participating dentists in your area! Last year they collected over 21 tons of candy to send to our troops. Wowee zowee!

Now that's what I call sweet charity.

Don't forget to enter Sno-Isle Teens' special Halloween giveaway by midnight tonight!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Special Halloween Weekend Book Give Away

Hey everybody!

This weekend we have a particularly awesome mini-contest - we are giving away two copies of the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Deluxe Edition! This version has cool paintings by Roberto Parada, a lovely faux-leather binding, and a very cool cover...making for a really nice zombie collectors edition.

How can you win? Post a link to your favorite bit of zombie culture, be it a clip from a movie, a t-shirt, a book, or a photo of yourself dressed up, and tell us why you love it! The most enthusiastic zombie lover will win :)

The rules: You MUST be between the ages of 12-18. You MUST be able to pick up your prize at one of the 21 Sno-Isle Libraries (or be on the bookmobile route). Find a library near you. Note that you can only enter ONCE!

Just post your link, reason, your first name and your local library by the end of Monday November 2nd...then check back to see if you won (winner will be announced on Tuesday November 3rd). Do not include your email in the post...we will ask you to contact us later with that info, as we want to keep it private.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Last Week for Art Contest



Don't forget...this is the last week to enter our 6th Annual Art Contest by creating a 2-D art piece that shows how you can Read Beyond Reality. Fantasy, science fiction, supernatural — if you can imagine it, we want to see it.


Check out previous winners here.

Top four entries win a $25 gift card from Amazon.com. Pick up an entry form from your teen librarian (or download it here) and turn in to any Sno-Isle Library by October 31. Must be age 12 to 18 and live in the Sno-Isle service area to enter. Funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Shiver and Ballad Book Trailer

Watch a fabulous book trailer for Maggie Stiefvater's books, Shiver and Ballad.



Intrigued? Here are the blurbs for the books:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
In all the years she has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house, Grace has been particularly drawn to an unusual yellow-eyed wolf who, in his turn, has been watching her with increasing intensity.

Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
When music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians, his talent attracts Nuala, a faerie muse who fosters and feeds on creative energies, but soon he finds himself battling the Queen of the Fey for the very lives of Deirdre and Nuala.

Win the New Sara Zarr Book!


Sara Zarr writes marvelous books about teens in tough situations. In her new book Once Was Lost you get to know a preacher's daughter who is questioning her faith after her mother has been put in a alcohol treatment facility, and a young girl from church goes missing. Anyone who has ever felt isolated and sad will love this powerful book.

Eager to read Once Was Lost, but don't want to wait? Tell us in the comments about a time you felt lost, and you will be entered in a drawing for a brand new hardback copy. (Don't you just love that cover?)

The rules: You MUST be between the ages of 12-18. You MUST be able to pick up your prize at one of the 21 Sno-Isle Libraries (or be on the bookmobile route). Find a library near you. Note that you can only enter ONCE!

You have until Wednesday October 28th to enter. We will have a random drawing and announce the winners Thursday morning - so you'll have to check back to see if you win - and then the winners will need to email us teens@sno-isle.

Here is a book trailer about this great new book:

Friday, October 16, 2009

Author Event at Mukilteo Library Monday

Liar’s Party With Author Justine Larbalestier
4pm - Monday October 19th
Mukilteo Library

In celebration of Teen Read Month, we are having a really spectacular author visit!

If you want an awesome "read beyond reality," pick up "Liar" ... a psychological thriller set in New York City told from the point of view of a compulsive liar, which will make you question truth, reality, and who you can trust. This is one of the best books I've read all year...you won't be able to put it down!

Meet author Justine Larbalestier, and celebrate the publication of "Liar" at our Liar’s Party! Dress up as anyone else (normally a goth? come as a jock!)a, and be prepared to tell your best whoppers as we play Two Truths and a Lie and other devious games. Mocktails and snacks will be served. Books will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Easy Way to Win a Hat


Don't forget...review a book during Teen Read Month, and get chance to win one of our limited edition Sno-Isle Teens hats in super-bright orange!

Every single library will be giving one away to the best review entered (as determined by that location's staff). So far there are not a ton of entries, so the odds are in your favor that if you write a decent review, you have a good chance of winning!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Cybilized

Have a favorite NEW book? Check this out:

2009 Nominations are now open

Welcome to the 2009 Cybils awards. All kids books published in English between Oct. 16, 2008 and the close of this year's nominations are eligible. Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. on October 15th.

We're doing nominations this year with a simple, electronic form. See this post for an explanation.

But not the form.

You'll get that in a sec. First, some important advice:

  1. Brush and floss daily.
  2. Nominate only one book per genre
  3. Pick a book you're passionate about
  4. See rule #3 above.

I mean, geez, if you're kinda iffy on a book, why would you want to inflict it on us? We want to read books you think we shouldn't miss.

With that said ...

HERE'S THE NOMINATING FORM

Knock yourself out.

Here's the complete list of nominated books, updated continually:

Easy Readers/Short Chapter Books
Fantasy/SF
Fiction Picture Books
Graphic Novels
Middle Grade Fiction
Non-Fiction, MG/YA
Non-Fiction Picture Books
Poetry
Young Adult Fiction

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Teen Read Month - Free Programs, Two Contests


Teen Read Month is here, where we celebrate the joys of teen reading! The theme this year is Read Beyond Reality. What does that mean to you?

We want to hear about the books you love that take you out of your world, stretch your imagination, and change your perception of what might be possible. How can you share your favorites?
  • Write book reviews about books you've read that took you beyond your reality, for the chance to win one of our awesome blindingly orange Sno-Isle Teens stocking caps. One will be given away at each of our libraries for that location's Teen Librarian's favorite review.

  • Enter our 6th Annual Art Contest by creating a 2-D art piece that shows how you can Read Beyond Reality. Fantasy, science fiction, supernatural — if you can imagine it, we want to see it.

    Top four entries win a $25 gift card from Amazon.com. Pick up an entry form from your teen librarian (or download it here) and turn in to any Sno-Isle Library by October 31. Must be age 12 to 18 and live in the Sno-Isle service area to enter. Funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

  • Meet up with other teens at our fun Read Beyond Reality events, including fortune tellers, ghost hunters, Oak Harbor’s Zombie Ball, great authors and the Survive the Library after-hours reality TV challenge party in Marysville!




Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The New Libba Bray book has Arrived

Check out this hilarious trailer:



Sno-Isle just got this book in. Only 15 people waiting right now. Get on the list today!

Going Bovine

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Celebrate the Freedom to Read

One of the wonderful things about living in America, is that we have the freedom to read what we want. This week is Banned Books Week, where libraries and booksellers across the nation celebrate the First Amendment and our freedom to read.



Celebrate your freedom to read, by exercising it and checking out a great book from the library today!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Teen Summer Reading Survey

Did you participate in Teen Summer Reading at Sno-Isle Libraries this year? If so, we would like to find out what you thought. Please fill out this brief survey so we can make Summer Reading even more enjoyable next summer.

We appreciate your feedback!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Entries for Teen Art Contest Now Available

Teen Read Month is coming up, and it is time to start working on your entries for our 6th Annual Teen Art Contest!

This year's theme is Read Beyond Reality. Create a 2-D (draw, paint, play with digital photography, etc) piece of art that shows how you can Read Beyond Reality. Fantasy, science fiction, supernatural - if you can imagine it, we want to see it.

Top four entries win a $25 gift card from Amazon.com. Pick up an entry form from your teen librarian (or download it here) and turn in to any Sno-Isle Library by October 31.

Must be age 12 to 18 and live in the Sno-Isle service area to enter. Prizes are funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block


I recently received an advanced copy of Francesca Lia Block's new novel, Pretty Dead. Here's what I thought of it...

Charlotte Emerson is dead, and has been for nearly a century. To everyone else, it seems like she has it all…beauty, riches, no parents. But she is dreadfully lonely. For the past two years she’s lived in LA, and has even gone to school, where she befriended Emily. Then Emily commits suicide, and Charlotte begins to change…

A different take on a vampire romance, Pretty Dead is really an urban fairy tale. The lyrical writing creates a dream-like atmosphere similar to that of an impressionist painting, with each piece of the story slowly brought forth. While the novel lacks world-building and has only brief moments of action, its strength lies in the development of Charlotte’s character. Charlotte’s world-weary attitude disguises a young woman who is evolving into her own person, and the romance between Charlotte and Jared, Emily’s boyfriend, is the next step in Charlotte’s growth. The Los Angeles landscape is the perfect background for this story, for it is both gritty and jaded like Charlotte.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Scott Westerfeld's new series

Scott Westerfeld's new series is coming out very soon, beginning with the exciting Leviathan. I was lucky to get to read a preview copy, and found this mash up of historical and science fiction - a genre known as steampunk, to be a wild ride, ridiculously fun and imaginative.

Publishers Weekly has a great interview with Westerfeld here. Find out where he got the idea for the new series, how he came to work with an illustrator this time around, and to what great lengths he will go to avoid winter!

Watch a book trailer for Leviathan here:

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Teen laptop winner announced

We have a winner!

Fifteen year old Jessica C. from Oak Harbor is the grand prize winner of our Teen Summer Reading Contest.

She will be receiving an Acer Aspire One netbook at a ceremony in early September at the Oak Harbor Library.

Here is her winning review of Forever, by Judy Blume:

4 stars.

Describe the book: This romantic book is about two high school seniors that struggle to make it with the love they share for one another. It's a vicious battle against family, friends, and even each other at times.

What did you think: This was an interesting look into the mid seventies, when the author wrote it, and how it compares to today's society. I enjoyed this book and it came with some good life lessons as well.

Who would you recommend it to: Older and younger teens in high school romances.

Congratulations Jessica!

And thanks to everyone who submitted reviews and made this a great summer :)