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!!