Friday, August 31, 2012

Weekend Book Give-Away: Dust Girl

I like books with big surprises in them.  And that is just what Callie gets in Book One in The American Fairy Trilogy:  Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel.

On the day in 1935 when her mother vanishes during the worst dust storm ever recorded in Kansas, Callie learns that she is not actually a human being.  

That is a pretty big shocker, no?  For a chance to win this book tell me this:  if you were a character in what seemed like a historical fiction book who learned you were not human...where and when would your book take place, and if not human, just what are you?

Winner will be selected with Random Number Generator on Thursday September 6, 2012. Be sure to leave a name with your entry, and check back to see if you won. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Fantasy Fiction Meets the Western

I am a big fan of Fantasy Fiction....when it is done right. Although I freely admit there is a lot of dreck out there. I think that just makes you appreciate the good stuff all the more.

Joe Abercrombie is a relatively new author to the genre but he has made a big splash with each of his novels.

I like his books because of the brutally realistic way he portrays his world. Don't look for Elves, poetry, fair maidens, or even noble heroes in his books. The word most commonly used to describe his style is "gritty".  His world is bloody. His characters talk like real people and nobody is all good or all bad. Best of all his books are fun to read.
Each of his books has been better than the last which has me very excited for his latest, Red Country.

For this book he is writing a fantasy novel set in the usual pseudo-medieval world but is using themes and plot devices usually associated with Westerns.

Fans of Abercrombie are very excited because the book trailer seems to hint that Logen Ninefingers is going to make an appearance. The Bloody Nine is one of my favorite characters.


 I can't wait!

Trailer Tuesday: Lost Voices Trilogy by Sarah Porter

Last year's Lost Voices by Sarah Porter has a sequel in the recently published Waking Storms.

Here's what the publisher had to say about the first one:
"Assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of her grim Alaskan fishing village by her abusive, alcoholic uncle, fourteen-year-old Luce expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waters below, but when she instead transforms into a mermaid she is faced with struggles and choices she could never have imagined. "



And what they have to say about the second in the eventual trilogy:
"After parting ways with her troubled mermaid tribe, Luce just wants to live peacefullyon her own. But her tranquility doesn’t last long: she receives news that the tribe ison the verge of collapse and desperately needs her leadership. The tribe’s cruel queen wants Luce dead. Dorian, the boy Luce broke mermaid law to save, is determined to make her pay for her part in the murder of his family. And while the mermaids cling to the idea that humans never suspect their existence, there are suddenly ominous signs to the contrary."

Friday, August 24, 2012

Weekend Book Give-Away: Between the Lines

Do you ever wish you could meet the characters in a book you were reading? Just sink right into the story, or maybe have it pop out of the page? In this week's book is Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer, a girl gets to do just that.

Told in their separate voices, sixteen-year-old Prince Oliver, who wants to break free of his fairy tale existence, and fifteen-year-old Delilah, a loner obsessed with Prince Oliver and the book in which he exists, work together to seek his freedom. 


For a chance to win this book, tell me what character from a book you would like to meet, why you want to meet them, and what you would do or say.

Winner will be selected with Random Number Generator on Thursday September 6, 2012. Be sure to leave a name with your entry, and check back to see if you won. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

We Have Our Winners

Drum roll please...

It is that time you have all been waiting for, when we announce the winners of the Teen Summer Reading Contest!

For our Grand Prize of an iPad, drawn from 3670 entries we have Madison McA from Marysville!  Madison is a student at 10th Street Middle School and wrote some great reviews this summer.

For the coveted Librarians' Choice Award we have Carly B, a homeschooler from Lake Stevens.  The librarians loved that she brought back an old school book and breathed fresh life into in.

The Princess and the Goblin By George MacDonald 

Description: Goblins live and miners dig under Princess Irene's castle. One night goblins see Irene. They make plans to kidnap her and forcibly marry her to the cruel goblin prince. A noble miner boy, Curdie, is determined to help Irene. Meanwhile, Irene has found her mysterious great-great grandmother. Will Curdie and the woman be enough to save the princes? 

 My Thoughts: This is an old book, written in 1872, so occasional language is outdated--but that just adds to the charm of this lovely tale. The reader will come to realize that no matter one's lowly birth, one can be a prince or princess by one's noble, truthful actions. I admired Irene's truthfulness, even when no one would believe her. 

Recommendation: fantasy, princess, and fairy-tale fans 

Congratulations to all our readers, for being such awesome readers and reviewers.  We are really loved reading all your reviews and are so glad you shared the fun of reading with everyone this summer.

And special thanks to our very generous Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, without whom we would not be able to offer such fabulous prizes!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Trailer Tuesday: TeenBoat! by Dave Roman and John Green

I'm going to be completely honest with you guys about TeenBoat! by Dave Roman and John Green (no, not THAT John Green). I totally do not GET this graphic novel. Like, really? His superpower is turning into a boat? I think it's intentionally ludicrous, but I just... can't get on the boat wagon.



Have you read it? Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments. Or review it here!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Girls' Nightmare Out: Meet three of your favorite paranormal YA authors

The Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park will be hosting a Girls' Nightmare Out event with three highly popular paranormal YA authors on August 23 from 7:00-8:00pm.  Come out, ask

Lisa Desrochers, author of the Personal Demons series, came onto the YA scene in 2010 and has since taken it by storm.  The first book in the series starts with Frannie Cavanaugh being pursued by a demon (Luc) from hell and protected by an angel (Gabriel). It isn't long before Luc and Gabriel are fighting for more than Frannie's soul. Last Rite, the much-anticipated finale to the series, will be available August 8, 2012.


Kendare Blake amazed us all with her debut novel Anna Dressed in Blood in which Cas, a young ghost-hunter, comes across a very unique ghost and is doubly intrigued when she spares his life.  The sequel, Girl of Nightmares, brings Cas and Anna together once again and will be out on bookstore shelves August 7, 2012.



Marta Acosta's Dark Companion is a one of a kind gothic fairytale, written as a homage to Jane Eyre. This book tells the tale of Jane, a young orphan who manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy.  However, Jane quickly begins to realize that things are not all they seem at the academy.






Friday, August 17, 2012

Weekend Book Give-Away: Unraveling

Looking for a great story about near-death experiences, avoiding falling for the wrong guy, and trying to prevent the end of the world?  This week's book is Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris might be just what you've been looking for!

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

Right now there are 8 people waiting to check this out from Sno-Isle Libraries, but you can win your own copy right here!  For your chance to win, tell me in the comments if you could go back to any point in the last 100 years and save one person from an untimely death, who would it be and why?

Winner will be selected with Random Number Generator on Tuesday August 21, 2012. Be sure to leave a name with your entry, and check back to see if you won. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library. 




Thursday, August 16, 2012

Three Days Left to Enter to Win

There are only THREE days left to enter our Teen Summer Reading Contest!  It is your last chance to win an iPad or iPod Touch, or some dazzling LED glasses.  I know you've been reading this summer, so be sure to tell us all about those great (and not so great) books you finished between June 1st and now.

Entries will be accepted through Saturday August 18th 11:59pm.  Grand Prize drawing takes place on Thursday August 23, 2012, when we also plan to make the Librarian's Choice announcement.  With over 3,500 entries we need a few days to check for duplicates, delete invalid entries, and pick out our all summer favorite.

However, winners of the last batch of LED glasses will be announced on Monday August 20th!  So be sure to check your email...I still haven't heard back from a handful of winners!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Vote for the Teens' Top Ten

Teens' Top TenFrom YALSA:

Visit the Teens' Top Ten website to see this year's 25 nominees and vote between August 15 and September 15, 2012.  Winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, Oct. 14-20.

What is Teens' Top Ten?  It is your chance to vote on the books you love, which have been nominated by teens like you...some of them local.   You can vote for up to three of these great books:

All Good Children by Catherine Austen
Ashes by Ilsa Bick
Abandon by Meg Cabot
Tempest by Julie Cross
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge
Legend by Marie Lu
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Shine by Lauren Myracle
A Monster Calls, Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness. Illus. by Jim Kay.
This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Haven't read them all yet?  Don't worry...read as many as you can before the September 15th to be an informed voter.

Which ones have you read so far?  What do you think of them?

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Trailer Tuesday: This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

There's something terrifying about the trailers for This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. I'm a fan of her past novels, especially Cracked Up to Be. Since this centers around the idea of six students sheltering in a high school while a growing hoard of zombies try to force their way in... well, I'm tempted to stop typing and just dig in. In fact, I think I will.



Monday, August 13, 2012

Featured Teen Book Review of the Week: Inkheart

Inkheart by Cornelia Caroline Funke

4 stars.

Describe the book: Meggie and her father Mo live in a house filled with books that whisper their wonderful stories to them in the night, books that inspire them, books that call to them. But never once has Mo read aloud to Meggie from a book. But soon, Meggie discovers that whenever Mo reads aloud, the things that he reads about come to life.

What did you think: I really, really, really loved this book because the author touched my heart. When I read it, I realized that I wasn't the only person who feels like I can get lost in a book. Another reason I loved it was because at the beginning of each chapter, there was a very inspiring quote from another classic fairy tale that fitted the nature of the story.

Who would you recommend it to: People who like wonderful and inspiring stories.

- E.C. (Grade 7) from Sultan Library

A teen submitted review is featured every Monday. The reviews will be chosen from the Sno-Isle Teen Book Reviews. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library. If your review is featured, one of our librarians will contact you with a small prize!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Weekend Book Give-Away: When the Sea is Rising Red


This weeks' book is When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen.  The cover of this book reminds me of Pacific Northwest summers, and when I joke like that it makes me feel a little better about the fact that I haven't been able to go swimming all summer. 

Felicita fakes her own suicide to escape from the strict confines of her aristocratic family and an arranged marriage, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of living in the slums and the ultimate discovery that the boy she has fallen in love with is plotting a rebellion to destroy her family. 

Ok, so being frustrated about not being able to go swimming is nothing compared to having to deal with arranged marriages, abandoning your family, living in a slum, or having a complicated relationship.  Which is why I guess reading can be so great...it really puts our own problems in perspective, no?  

To win this book, tell me about a book that made you feel better about your own complaints, not matter how small or large, and what about it helped.

Winner will be selected with Random Number Generator on Tuesday August 14, 2012. Be sure to leave a name with your entry, and check back to see if you won. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library. 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Trailer Tuesday: Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Lisi Harrison is perhaps better know for the Clique novels, however, I admit to being stunned to find out that her newer series, Monster High, is based on dolls created by Matel. I had no idea. I vaguely knew about the tv shows... Nevertheless, the trailer (? music video is perhaps more apt) below is a total earworm.



submitted by Kathleen, via YA Bibliophile.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Featured Teen Book Review of the Week: Harmonic Feedback

Harmonic Feedback
by Tara Kelly

4 stars.

Describe the book: This book is about a girl names Drea who has ADHD and AS. She and her mother moved in with her grandmother up in Bellingham Washington.Drea meets her new neighbor Naomi and she almost seems to like Drea. She also meets Justin whom she starts to fall for even if he is annoying. Drea must decide if she can trust them with her secret.

What did you think: This book was amazing I did not expect it to be that good. I knew a little about Drea's action because I live with a brother that has AS. The part when she talks about he meds that suppress her appetite was one of my favorite part because it reminded me that on close friend has ADHD and takes those meds. This WHOLE book reminded me of my life.

Who would you recommend it to: For Anyone that wants to read a good story.

- M.G. (Grade 9) from Oak Harbor Library

A teen submitted review is featured every Monday. The reviews will be chosen from the Sno-Isle Teen Book Reviews. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library. If your review is featured, one of our librarians will contact you with a small prize!

Friday, August 3, 2012

Weekend Book Give-Away: A Midsummer's Nightmare

What were you hoping to do this summer?  Have you done it yet?  Well it is not over yet...plenty of time to do the things you want to do, review books, and maybe win some prizes!

This weekend's book give-away is A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger.  If you have read Keplinger's other books (The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) and Shut Out) you know she is a young author who knows what teens are really like, and doesn't pull punches.  This new book looks as edgy as ever, when Whitley's summer got off to a bad start almost immediately:

Suffering a hangover from a graduation party, eighteen-year-old Whitley is blindsided by the news that her father has moved into a house with his fiancée, her thirteen-year-old daughter Bailey, and her son Nathan, in whose bed Whitley had awakened that morning. 

Yipes!  Definitely sounds like a read for mature teens.

For a chance to win this book, tell me about a time someone blindsided or disappointed you, and how you got over it.

Winner will be selected with Random Number Generator on Tuesday August 7, 2012. Be sure to leave a name with your entry, and check back to see if you won. To win you must be a teen (6th-12th grade, or 12-18) who uses a Sno-Isle Library.