Michael L. Printz Award- Winner and Honors Books

This month the winner Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature was announced, as well as the honor books.

Winner:




Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi








Honors:
Nothing by Janne Teller
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Title and covered released for Kane Chronicles, book 2!

Yesterday, the title and cover were released for Book 2 of the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan. Throne of Fire will be released in May 2011.

Don't forget to vote!

The deadline to vote for the 2011 Garden State Teen Book Awards is Sat. January 8th!

Each year, New Jersey teens vote for their favorite books in three categories:

Fiction: Grades 6-8

Fiction: Grades 9-12

Non-Fiction: Grades 6-12

To check out this year's nominees and to vote for YOUR favorite, visit: http://www.bccls.org/gstba/2011/

New Year, New Stuff

Fans of Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series have some good news for the new year. Four more books are being added to the series for a total of 12. The first new installment will be titled Twisted and will debut July 5.

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy News

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving holiday!
I usually 'unplug' over the weekend, but I did notice a few tidbits of news that made me smile:
Part 2 of the Harry Potter movie is only 8 months away with a release date of July 15, 2011.
The Superbowl added another reason to watch besides the commercials - The Black Eyed Peas will headline the halftime show on Feb 6. (Okay, I actually like to watch the game, too!)
Tech-savvy can save $ this holiday season as stores offer deals via Facebook and mobile apps.
What made you smile during the holiday break?

Move over Vampire Diaries...Teen Wolf is in town

This week, MTV released pictures and a trailer for their upcoming tv series Teen Wolf. This is a remake of the 1985 movie starring Michael J. Fox. The tv series though more resembles the style and feel of The Vampire Diaries though, not the original movie, as MTV tries to keep up with supernatural teen trend. The series will follow a teenage lacrosse player who gets bitten and then turns into a werewolf. Things get complicated when he finds out the girl he likes has a werewolf hunting dad. The show premieres next year and will run for 13 episodes.

Rick Riordan announces next Kane Chronicles novel!

Rick Riordan announced this month that second book of the Kane Chronicles series (the sequel to The Red Pyramid) will be released May 3, 2011. No title has been given yet. Riordan also plans to release his second book in the Heroes of Olympus series, titled The Son of Neptune in October 2011. He has a busy year ahead of him!

Attention Narnia Fans! Voyage of the Dawn Treader sets sail November 30!

For those of you who are fans of the Chronicles of Narnia, the third movie installment, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader", hits theaters on November 30! Watch the trailer below!

And the winners are...

YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) has announced the Teens' Top Ten 2010! The winners are:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
3. Heist Society by Ally Carter
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
6. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
7. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. Fire by Kristin Cashore
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

More than 8,000 votes were cast this year in an online poll that took place from August 23 to September 17, 2010. World Wrestling Entertainment Diva Eve announced the winners of this year's annual poll in a video posted at the Teens' Top Ten website on October 18.

The 2011 nominations will be announced at www.ala.org/teenstopten on April 14, 2011.

Did your favorite book from 2010 make the list?

But I can't stop texting

A recent survey by textPlus, a California-based company that offers a free texting application for phones and other devices, found:

43% of teens 13-17 say they text during class
52% say they text friends who are in the same class
66% say their parents text them during the day

So, how often do you text in class? And how often do you get caught?

If you need help

Teens grapple with many issues in their daily lives, and we have been reminded of that with recent news events. If you are looking for someone to talk to or know someone who needs help, please know there are many resources available, including materials at the library as well as hotlines:

• 2nd Floor Youth & Young Adult Helpline NJ (888) 222-2228
• National Youth Crisis Hotline (800) 442-4673
• National Runaway Switchboard (800) 786-2929
• Trevor Project (Anonymous suicide prevention hotline for gay and questioning teens) (866) 488-7386
• National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255

It's coming...

It's the beginning of the end for the Harry Potter movies! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will be in theaters on November 19. Check out the latest trailer!

Need More Twilight?

The blog has found out that The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide will come out April 12, 2011. The encyclopedia, written by Stephenie Meyer, will include "character profiles, outtakes, a conversation with Meyer, genealogical charts, maps, extensive cross-references, and much more," according to the publisher. There also will be art by Young Kim who illustrated the Twilight graphic novel. Meyer said she wanted to "incorporate as many details as possible, including character histories, like Alice's back story" in the book.

Are you over it? Or you can't wait for it?

Tech Toys

What's the best-selling gadget of the moment?

According to a CNBC report, sales of the Apple iPad blew past those of the iPhone and DVD players when they first came out in the market. At its current sales rate, the iPad will pass gaming consoles and cell phones to become the 4th biggest consumer electronic category. TVs, smart phones and notebook PCs are the top three categories. So, what tech toy do you most want/must have/most need?

The Next Twilight?

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain is one of the latest teen books being turned into a film. The first book centers on a 16-year-old pastor's daughter who falls in love with a boy. Of course, that boy turns out to be a werewolf. The second book is scheduled to come out this December.


Find the first book here in our catalog: Dark Divine

I Am Number Four

The book has generated a lot of buzz, but will the movie? Check out the trailer:

Will You Read It?

Lauren Conrad of MTV's The Hills found success as a reality star, designer and author. Now, it's Snooki's turn. Nicole Polizzi, who stars in MTV's Jersey Shore, just signed a deal to publish her first novel early next year. According to a statement, the book will "revolve around a girl looking for love on the boardwalk." Of course, the book is tentatively titled A Shore Thing.

So, will you read it?

Review Roundup: 8/27/10

Our teen book reviewers have spoken! See what they have to say about the books teens like you are reading!

Title of Book: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: Seventh-grade for Percy Jackson has been going pretty smoothly…too smoothly. However, everything changes when Percy has to play dodgeball against giant cannibals in gym class! And things just start to get worse when Percy finds out that Camp-Half Blood isn’t safe anymore because its magical borders have been harmed. It’s up to Percy and his friends plus his long lost half-brother, a Cyclops named Tyson, to journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp.
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Title of Book: Things Not Seen
Author: Andrew Clements
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: As an average 15-year-old boy, Bobby Philips leads a completely normal life. Until he disappears, no not running away or getting kidnapped. Bobby just plain disappeared. He can be heard and be felt, but he cannot be seen. Even his dad the theorizing physicist can’t figure it out. In Bobby’s head, this means HE is left with no life, no school, and no friends. That is, until he meets Alicia, a blind girl he meets at the library. She’s blind so Bobby can’t help but trust her after so long only talking to his parents, who aren’t really much to talk to. He tells her about his condition, and soon, people want to know where Bobby is. And if his invisibility became public, there would be dire consequences, and they only have a couple days. A story full of parent child bonding, friendship and a whole lot of excitement, that everyone will love.
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Title of Book: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This 1949 classic is about the dystopian society occurring in the year 1984. The novel serves as a warning of a potential totalitarian government in the future. The novel details the life of Winston Smith, a citizen of one of the three world superpowers Oceania. The society which Winston lives in is ruled by the omnipotent Big Brother. Every individual is carefully monitored and dictated on what their thoughts should be. Winston quietly begins to rebel against this society as he sees the hypocrisies created by the government. This novel is chilling and intellectual. While the year 1984 has passed without the government depicted in the novel, one cannot help but draw disturbing parallels between some instances in the novel with modern society. One should definitely read this novel. Not only is it referred to often in our society’s media, the novel is also fun intellectually and will leave the reader thinking for hours after the depressing yet realistic ending.
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Title of Book: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: Dune, often labeled as science fiction’s best-selling novel, is about Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto. The Atreides clan has just lost their home planet in favor of the desert planet Arrakis. Conspirators against the Atreides plan to gain control of Arrakis (and later, the universe) and its invaluable resource of spice. Meanwhile, Paul begins to discover new powers as he starts to resemble what an ancient prophesy embodies as a superhuman. This novel, despite its acclaim, is disappointing. The novel is excessively long and predictable. The characters lack depth. Transitions between attitudes, in particular with Paul’s attitudes, are unrealistic and shallow. Relationships, even between close relatives or loved ones, are distant and unfulfilling. Perhaps my negativity stems from my small dislike of science fiction overall, but the ending is as unsatisfying as the rest of the novel.
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Title of Book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Author: Mark Twain
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This novel is the sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and is narrated by Tom’s friend, Huckleberry Finn. Huck is a young boy who has recently acquired a fortune and is living with Widow Douglass and her sister Miss Watson. The two try to civilize Huck, but Huck resists and only decides against running away when Tom Sawyer announces he is going to make a gang of robbers. Huck is taken away from the widow when his father appears. His father brings him to the outskirts of town and beats him daily. Huck decides to fake his death and with Miss Watson’s slave, Jim, sails down the Mississippi River. Twain wrote this novel to satirize the antebellum South and does so by writing completely in the vernacular of the time and by exaggerating Southern behavior as it is encountered in the novel. He incorporates racism very casually, which both shocks the reader and makes the reader understand how societal norms were at the time. Because it is written as if Huck was the one directly telling the story, the novel is a bit difficult to read. However, this Great American Novel is worth the patience and deserves to be read.
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Title of Book: Inherit the Wind
Author: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This play is based on the Scopes “Monkey” Trial. The play is about teacher Bertram Cates who intentionally breaks the law by teaching the theory of evolution to his biology class. He is put on trial with the renowned defense lawyer Henry Drummond. Brady, the prosecuting lawyer, is loved by all and the small town is already against Cates. As the trial moves to a national scale, the trial becomes an argument against the law banning the teaching of evolution. This novel is thrilling with its courtroom battles. Drummond becomes the reader’s favorite as he demonstrates his prowess in the courtroom. Questions of morals rise up and challenge the small town to rethink its values. The play is relatively short and easy to read, but the reader should take his or her time with it due to the depth the plays goes into.
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Title of Book: Teen Idol
Author: Meg Cabot
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: Jen Greenley is the "It" girl in all the magazines. Reporters want to know what color she's wearing to the Clayton High School Spring Fling, and whether she's going to wear her hair up or down. Meg Cabot's trademark charming wit and ability to capture Jen's multitude of emotions make this book a delightful read for everyone. Jen's transformation from laid-back listener to instigator of social change, with inspiration from Luke Striker, will have you cheering for everyone touched by Jen's bravery. TEEN IDOL is a story with messages concerning self-image, confidence and friendships, but Cabot always keeps it lighthearted and funny. A perfect read for summer --- or fall, or winter, or spring.

Review Roundup: 8/20/10

Check out what the teen book reviewers are saying about some great new and classic books!

Title of Book: The Contender
Author: Robert Lipsyte
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: The Contender is the story of Alfred Brooks, a 17-year-old African-American high school dropout who is torn between the street life of his Harlem neighborhood and his dreams of becoming a champion fighter. Lipsyte's experience as a sports journalist is evident by his gritty depiction of the arduous and difficult training and discipline required of a boxer; this detail lends authenticity to his story and brings the reader into the ring. Alfred struggles to improve himself, even as he doubts himself and his ability. Boxing is a way to prove to himself he has the heart of a contender, even as he is swayed by his ties to a former life. His childhood friend James is involved with a gang and battling a drug addiction and Alfred is caught between two worlds. This novel's strong protagonist and engaging story make it suitable for grades 8-12, although some teachers may even use it with younger students.
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Title of Book: Dr. Franklin’s Island
Author: Ann Halam
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: This book is one of the most unusual I have ever read. Semi has just won a winning spot in the in the Planet Savers competition. She is among fifty British Young Conservatives and very shy. After they take off from Miami airport, disaster strikes over the Atlantic and they go down. Semi and two others are the sole survivors of the crash and are now stranded of a deserted island, or so they think. They are being watched by Dr. Franklin, a mad genetic engineer, who is waiting for the right to time to make his horrible visions a reality, starting with Semi. This book is a ticking time bomb full of friendship, sacrifice, and the will to be free.
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Title of Book: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: The novel takes place in 1939 in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of the book thief, Liesel Meminger. Liesel is given away by her mother to the Hubermanns, a relatively poor old couple living Himmel Street. There, Liesel begins loving relationships with her neighbors, her Papa, and books. However, danger lurks as bombs begin to drop and the Hubermanns take in a Jew. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite novels. Zusak writes darkly, humorously, and bluntly and manages to create the perfect opening to this fantastic novel. Zusak hints at historical references and produces a realistic fear of in the reader similar to the one at that time in Nazi Germany. He creates multidimensional, relatable characters that the reader creates a bond with. The novel is brilliant and deserves to be read multiple times for its ingenuity.
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Title of Book: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: In the Kingdom of Ayortha, singing and beauty are a person’s most treasured qualities. This story is about a young girl named Aza who has the best voice in the land; in fact, she can “illuse” or “throw” her voice so it seems like it can come from anywhere! However, Aza doesn’t have the second quality; she isn’t pretty. She has to hide from people and stay in her parents’ inn because of her appearance. But everything changes when Aza becomes the new queen’s lady-in-waiting. She asks Aza for a dangerous and risky favor or else people’s lives will be at stake, or even the whole kingdom! It’s up to Aza to save Ayortha as well as herself!
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Title of Book: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: This novel tells the story of the construction and execution of the infamous 1893 World Fair held in Chicago. The novel is centered on two individuals: Daniel Hudson Burnham, the chief architect of the Fair and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who amazingly remains under the radar throughout the 6 month Fair. Burnham constructs the White City for the Fair despite seemingly impossible conditions and for extremely important reasons. Holmes harvests a fortune through deceit and charm, while luring unsuspecting women into his castle. While the novel is entirely nonfiction, it reads as an entertaining narrative due to Larson’s style of narration and the incredible nature of the events unfolding in the novel. The novel transports the reader to Chicago in the late 19th century and teaches the reader while entertaining him or her. While the tale of the World Fair is not usually known, the events of the Fair are shocking and absorbing.

Review Roundup: 8/13/10

Enjoy the dog days of summer with these great reads reviewed by our teen book reviewers!

Title of Book: Scarlett Letter
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: Set in Puritan New England, Hester Prynne, a proud, understanding woman, has an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet A signaling that she is an Adulteress. Her husband witnesses her public shame after two years of separation and is consumed with the idea of revenge against Hester and her lover. Because Hester refuses to name her lover, her husband pretends to be a doctor for the extremely loved minister Dimmesdale while in the search of Hester’s true lover. The novel, published in 1850, has a different vernacular than the one used present day. Hawthorne writes in a rambling fashion and puts emphasis on emotions and scenery. I would recommend this novel. It has a lot of intrigue and teaches the readers of how Puritan New England society ran in terms of moral. Emotions, pride, and reputations are constantly put at risk and the novel is overall enjoyable.
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Title of Book: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Name of Reviewer: Bisma
Description: This epic classic tells the story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who goes on a treasure hunt overseas when he finds a treasure map in his parents’ inn. His yearning for adventure sets him aboard the Hispaniola toward Treasure Island. However, all goes well until Jim eavesdrops in on a secret conversation on the ship. While hiding in an apple barrel, he hears the cook, Long John Silver – aka the one-legged pirate, talk to some of the men on crew about teaming up with him and stealing the treasure for themselves. Now it’s up to Jim to see if he can warn the other people on board about Silver’s plan and to save his life.
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Title of Book:- The Ultimate Gift
Author:- Jim Stovall
Name of Reviewer:- Nidhi Thaker
Description:- This a novel which has made me to understand the gifts in my life. This is about Jason Stevens who is greedy on knowing that his uncle Red died and now he would get the massive fortune of his. Along with Jason his other relatives are also greedy.
One by one Red's beneficiaries receive their portions of the multi-billion estate but when its Jason's turn to collect his inheritance, he finds that their is something completely different in his fate. Further, the story continues with Jason's year long journey to get his inheritance and see what ultimate gift he gets out of this. This is a novel of about 154 pages which would captivate the hearts of young and old.
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Title of Book: A Separate Peace
Author: John Knowles
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: A Separate Peace is a coming of age novel about Gene and his stay at Devon’s prep school. It starts in the summer of 1942, in the middle of WWII, in a carefree atmosphere. Gene and his classmates have a year before they are drafted into the war, which provides them with a mixture of excitement and fear. Gene begins to harvest a jealously towards his best friend, Finny, who is impulsive, humble, and the best at sports at Devon. The carefree atmosphere is quickly disrupted as one of them has an accident and the summer session at Devon comes to a close. The novel is similar to Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye with its focus on teenagers and their small revelations of the world, but in my opinion, is much better. There is fantastic use of imagery and foreshadowing and the opening is written wonderfully. Gene is a likable character and thinks rationally and intelligently while often being the victim of common teenage troubles like jealously and fear. The book ends darkly and shockingly. The book was an overall enjoyable experience and deserves more acclaim than it is currently given.
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Title of Book: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Name of Reviewer: Vlad
Description: Ever wondered what a perfect world would be like? No war, poverty, racism, fear, and global warming? Jonas lives in a perfect world that takes place in the future. In this world, no one is different. Everyone is the same. Nobody can make a mistake since it would cause conflict. So that person would have to be released. To be released is the worst possible thing that can happen to you. When you are released you go to Elsewhere. Trust me once you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down.
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Title: Dark Visions
Author: L.J. Smith
Name of Reviewer: Vanessa
Description: A girl named Kaitlyn finds out that she has a very special psychic gift. A woman named Joyce comes to her school and encourages her to go to a school in California called Zetes Institute to study Kait and a few other people who have gifts like Kait. Their names are Anna, Lewis, Rob, and Gabriel. While trying to figure out what Mr. Zetes is he planning to do with their powers, which are evil, the group gets caught in a psychic link that threatens their sanity and lives. Continuing their journey to stop Mr. Zetes and his Institute, Kaitlyn is torn between Rob and Gabriel, not knowing which to love. This book has three parts to it and is enormous being 731 pages that swiftly fly by.