Friday, December 18, 2009

Holiday Schedule

Wishing you a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, joyous Kwanzaa, wise Winter Solstice, and Happy Festivus (for the rest of us)!!!

From December 24th through January 3rd, the library will be operating on a modified schedule.

All locations will close early at 12 noon on Dec 24th. Starting on Dec 25th, 2009, branch libraries Banning, Helen Murphy, Main Street, and Oak View will be closed until Jan 3rd, 2010.
Central Library will be open with the shortened schedule.

12/24/2009
Central & Helen Murphy: 9am - 12pm
Main St & Oak View: 10am-12pm
Banning will be closed

12/25/2009
Closed
All Locations

12/26/2009
Closed
All Locations

12/27/2009
Closed
All Locations

12/28/2009
1pm - 6pm Central Only
Branches Closed

12/29/2009
9am - 6pm Central Only
Branches Closed

12/30/2009
9am - 6pm Central Only
Branches Closed

12/31/2009
9am - 12pm Central Only
Branches Closed

1/1/2010
Closed
All Locations

1/2/2010
Closed
All Locations

1/3/2010
Closed
All Locations

1/4/2010
Back to
Normal Hours

Friday, November 20, 2009

deliciously helpful links!

Did you know that we're busy finding and bookmarking the coolest websites out there so that you don't have to?



Well, it's true!



You can find us on delicious, where we've saved our favorite websites for you to check out.



Looking for homework help? How about some literary criticism to help you out in English class?



And it's that time of year again - time to finish up those college apps. We think these sites can help you narrow down your choices and give you helpful hints for submitting an awesome app that'll have schools begging you to attend!

Friday, November 06, 2009

Percy Jackson coming to theaters soon!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is arriving the theaters on February 12, 2010!

Watch the trailer here.

The movie will be directed by Chris Columbus, who also made Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and the first two Harry Potter movies. The film stars Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, as well as Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, Catherine Keener, and Pierce Brosnan.

Check out the books (The Lightning Thief is the first of five) here.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Viola in Reel Life



Viola in Reel Life

From the author of the "New York Times"-bestselling adult novel "Very Valentine" comes the first book in a fresh new teen series, about a group of boarding school friends navigating the ups and downs of living together, falling in love, and following their dreams.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Love is the Higher Law



Love Is the Higher Law


"First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . ."
The lives of three teens--Claire, Jasper, and Peter--are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents' frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he's okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire's, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him. Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other's in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by. David Levithan has written a novel of loss and grief, but also one of hope and redemption as his characters slowly learn to move forward in their lives, despite being changed forever.
© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

the show must go on

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will no longer be able to show Twilight at our pizza party on Wednesday, November 18. However! We will still be raffling off our Edward stand-up (he's starting to creep us out a little...I think he may be watching us in our sleep...) and chowing down on pizza while watching a movie.

What movie, you ask? Good question! We're very excited to show Coraline, the movie based on Neil Gaiman's creepy story about a girl who ventures into an alternate reality, where nothing is as it seems and she must battle an evil spirit to save her life and the lives of the people she loves.

So, to recap:


What: Coraline screening & Edward stand-up raffle

When: Wednesday, Nov. 18 @ 7pm


Where: Central Library Tabby Theater


How Much: $2 at the door

Monday, October 12, 2009

New teen fiction!

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

The Struggle by L.J. Smith

Blood Promise: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

Sunset Boulevard by Zoey Dean

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

More new books!

Hunted: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Touch by Francine Prose

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Friday, October 02, 2009

New books!

check out these recent additions to the library:


The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Night’s Child by Cate Tiernan

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

Better Late than Never by Marilyn Kaye

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Vampire's Assistant coming to theaters Oct. 23

Got a thing for vampires?

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.

Watch the trailer.

Check out the book.

Like it? Then read the rest of the Cirque du Freak series.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Crash Into Me

Crash Into Me

Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.


© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sea Change


Sea Change
After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, 16-year-old Miranda Merchant is happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island. There, Miranda finds a place with a mysterious, mystical history, and Leo, who challenges everything she thinks she knows about boys--and reality.

© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Monday, September 14, 2009

Wings

Wings
By Pike, Aprilynne
Check Our Catalog



When a flower blooms in the middle of her back, Laurel discovers that she is a faerie and was placed with human parents as a child. As Laurel learns about her true background and the dangers that face the faerie realm, she struggles to find her place in both worlds.

Indie Next
Recommendations From Independent Booksellers
"What a great modern-day twist on typical fairy stories! Laurel is that newbie high school girl who happens to find out she's really a fairy. Never believing in that sort of thing, she finds herself in situations and adventures she never dreamed of. I can't wait for the sequel!"
--Hallie Wilkins, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL


© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Monday, September 07, 2009

After the Moment


After the Moment
Leigh Hunter is completely and forever in love with Maia Morland. But life is not a romance novel and theirs will never become a true romance. For when Maia needs him the most, Leigh betrays both her trust and her love, in this new novel by the Printz Honor-winning author Freymann-Weyr.

Publisher Comments

A new novel by the Printz Honor author Garret Freymann-Weyr, about a boy who discovers what happens when love fails us--or we fail love. Maia Morland is pretty, only not pretty-pretty. She's smart. She's brave. She's also a self-proclaimed train wreck.Leigh Hunter is smart, popular, and extremely polite. He's also completely and forever in love with Maia Morland.Their young love starts off like a romance novel--full of hope, strength, and passion. But life is not a romance novel and theirs will never become a true romance. For when Maia needs him the most, Leigh betrays both her trust and her love.Told with compassion and true understanding, After the Moment is about what happens when a young man discovers that sometimes love fails us, and that, quite often, we fail love.

© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

The Lovely Bones coming soon to a theater near you!


We're very excited that the film adaptation of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will be released on December 11, 2009! It's directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy, and stars Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, and Susan Sarandon.
Watch the trailer, download the audiobook, and read (or re-read!) the book here.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

Title: Eagle Strike (An Alex Rider adventure)

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Number of Stars: 4

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
When Mlb didn’t believe Alex

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
Kind of

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
the ending

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
James Bond fans


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Twenty Boy Summer


Twenty Boy Summer
Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this debut novel explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

Blending love and memories
Review by Angela Leeper

Next-door neighbors Anna and Frankie have felt like sisters all their lives. In Sarah Ockler’s poignant debut novel, Twenty Boy Summer, the girls’ friendship is tested when a freak accident changes their lives forever.

Anna’s longtime crush on Frankie’s older brother, Matt, turns to love when he kisses her on her 15th birthday. They keep their romance a secret, since Matt wants to wait until his family’s summer vacation to break the news to his sister. But the night before the big trip, the three teens experience a tragic car crash which takes Matt’s life.

Now a year later, Anna joins Frankie’s family on their California excursion. While hanging out in all of Matt’s favorite locales, Anna meets Sam and finds instant, mutual attraction. She can’t help but worry, though, that falling in love with Sam means erasing her memories with Matt.

With friendship at the forefront, Anna explores grief and love and the pain and wonders of it all. The teen’s dilemma—how to remember Matt, move on with Sam and still be loyal to Frankie—gives a firm tug on the reader’s heart.

© 2008, All rights reserved, BookPage

© 2009 BookLetters LLC

Monday, August 31, 2009

Magyk by Angie Sage

Title: Magyk (Septimus Heap ; bk. 1)

Author: Angie Sage

Number of Stars: 5

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
it had a lot of description and it made me feel as if I was in the book going on an adventure.

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
yes, the eldest daughter, she was gentle and peaceful.

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
nothing, really, maybe more adventure and drama.

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
someone who loves to read adventure and love magic


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Charlie and the Shadow by Jenny Nimmo

Title: Charlie and the Shadow (Children of the red king ; bk. 7)

Author: Jenny Nimmo

Number of Stars: 4

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
The most interesting part was when Tancred (Charlie’s friend) survived after the drowning

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
No

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
The ending

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
Harry Potter fans

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The House of Night series by PC + Kirsten Cast

Title: The House of Night series


Author: PC + Kirsten Cast


Number of Stars: 5


What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE SERIES?

how they go to a school that is at night only and you sleep during the day.


WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?

Zoe Redbird


WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:

Nothing!!!


WHO else could you RECOMMEND this series to:

everyone


interested in reading this series? check it out!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Have you seen the Alice in Wonderland movie trailer yet?

We think it looks great! You can watch the trailer here, and check out the book again here.

So tell us...what's your favorite Tim Burton movie?

What about Johnny Depp?

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lucas by Kevin Brooks

Title: Lucas

Author: Kevin Brooks

Number of Stars: 5

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
The main character was such a likeable person. He is the person everyone wants to be.

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
No. But Lucas (main character) was very likeable and a great role model.

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
Nothing. The book was well written and had a great story line.

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
any older teenagers


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Revenge of the Wannabes by Lisi Harrison

Title: Revenge of the Wannabes

Author: Lisi Harrison

Number of Stars: 4

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
When they got in a fight on set.

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
No

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
They wouldn’t be so mean

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
my friends, but no guys

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Congratulations to Sera Adkins!

Sera is the winner of the iPod Shuffle raffle drawing!

Although the teen reading club is now over, stay tuned for more exciting Teen Space events in the near future!

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, et al

Title: Prom Nights from Hell

Author: Meg Cabot, Stephanie Meyer

Number of Stars: 2

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
There were different stories of different authors and it was nice to read other authors writing styles.

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
It was hard to tell about the characters because they were short stories so it was very vague.

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
I wish the short stories were longer or had a longer version

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
Readers of Meg Cabot and Stephanie Meyer and teen girls.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Title: Jinx

Author: Meg Cabot

Number of Stars: 5

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
The most interesting thing about this book is how the main character changes throughout the book and how she gains confidence when she knows about her powers.

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
No, unfortunately there wasn’t a character like me

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
I would change some of the characters characteristics to define them more.

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
I would recommend it to readers who like romantic novels


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Rakkety Tam by Brian Jacdques

Title: Rakkety Tam

Author: Brian Jacques

Number of Stars: 5

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
The Villain

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
yes

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story:
Nothing

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
My friends


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

title: Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers

author: Mary Roach

number of stars (5 being best):
FIVE!

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The places Mrs. Roach visited for her research.

what would you change about the story:
I wouldn't change a thing.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Anyone interested in science would love it.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Friday, August 14, 2009

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

title: My Sister's Keeper

author: Jodi Picoult

number of stars (5 being best):
5 stars *****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
I liked that the ending took such a drastic turn, contrary to what I thought.

was there a character like you?
I was most like Brian, Ana & Kate's dad.

what would you change about the story:
nothing! It was great as is.

who else could you recommend this book to?
any girls who don't mind shedding tears.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

title: New Moon

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The amazing twists and turns in the relationship between Jacob, Bella & Edward.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing, the whole entire story roxs! I can't believe how amazing of an author Stephenie Meyer is.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Everyone, it's just plain amazing.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

title: The Call of the Wild

author: Jack London

number of stars (5 being best):
4 ****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The most interesting thing in the story is that the book's narrator is a dog, unlike most other stories.

was there a character like you?
nope XD

what would you change about the story:
It's kind of hard to understand since it uses old-fashioned words in the story.

who else could you recommend this book to?
my friends; sisters

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Teen Library Services Survey

Your opinion matters to us!

If you are between the ages of 12-18, we invite you to complete this survey for a chance to win a free library DVD rental!

Your answers will help us plan fun things for YOU!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

title: Frostbite

author: Richelle Mead

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
the suspense at the end

who else could you recommend this book to?
My sis + anyone who reads vampire books

interested in reading this book? check it out!

The Babysitter by R.L. Stine

title: The Babysitter

author: R.L.Stine

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The part when Jenny got the phone call & thought it was a guy who <3 her.

was there a character like you?
no

what would you change about the story:
nothing

who else could you recommend this book to?
everyone...why not?

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Sunday, August 09, 2009

The greatest day in history by Nicholas Best

title: The greatest day in history: how, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the First World War finally came to an end

author: Nicholas Best

reviewed by: Alex Lam

number of stars (5 being best):
4.6

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
It provided many interesting viewpoints about the end of World War I.

was there a character like you?
No, it was nonfiction.

what would you change about the story:
Have more viewpoints of families of soldiers.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Anyone interested in history or World War I

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

The Knott's Berry Farm winner has been chosen...

...and the lucky winner is Martine Rintoul!

Don't forget that this Friday, August 14 is the VERY. LAST. DAY. of the teen reading club. The last raffle drawing is for an iPod Shuffle, so if you've been hoarding those raffle tickets, be sure to turn them in before 5pm on Friday!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

title: The Summoning

author: Kelley Armstrong

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
What I thought was most interesting about this book was how Chloe could raise and see the dead.

was there a character like you?
No there wasn't

what would you change about the story:
I wouldn't change anything! It was very well written.

who else could you recommend this book to?
I would recommend this book to my parents who love drama and suspense.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Friday, August 07, 2009

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

title: The Host

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
*****
what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
That it is not a bad book just because it's about aliens.

was there a character like you?
I think Melanie.

what would you change about the story:
The beginning wouldn't be so confusing.

Who else could you recommend this book to?
People who like twists in books

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrence McNally

title: Love! Valour! Compassion!

author: Terrence McNally

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
In the end, the characters tell you how they are going to die. It's not good.

was there a character like you?
Gary. He watches things happen, and reacts passionately - perhaps too immaturely, just like me.

what would you change about the story:
Bobbie and Gary would not die apart (oops, spoiler!)

Who else could you recommend this book to?
My friends interested in plays and scripts

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

The Treasure Keeper by Shana Abe

Title: The Treasure Keeper

Author: Shana Abe

Number of Stars: 4

What did you think was THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE BOOK?
Drakons live like us, but hate us

WAS there a CHARACTER LIKE YOU?
Not really

WHAT would you CHANGE about the story?
Girl would be more courageous

WHO else could you RECOMMEND this book to:
those who love fantasy


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

title: Vampire Academy

author: Richelle Mead

number of stars (5 being best):
4

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The suspense at the end

was there a character like you?
Nope

what would you change about the story:
Nothin

Who else could you recommend this book to?
My lil sis + ppl who read Twilight

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

title: Twilight

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
the constant adventure and all the vampires

was there a character like you?
No

what would you change about the story:
Nothing it rox

Who else could you recommend this book to?
everyone + also me I'll read it 10,000 more times

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Monday, August 03, 2009

Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen

title: Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash

author: Wendelin Van Draanen

number of stars (5 being best):
4

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
When Sammy saved Heather not Marissa and Heather didn't appreciate it.

was there a character like you?
I think I'm like Holly.

what would you change about the story:
I would have Sammy and Casey become a couple.

Who else could you recommend this book to?
I could recommend this book to someone that likes mystery.

interested in reading this book?
check it out!

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

title: Along for the Ride

author: Sarah Dessen

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
the way Sarah Dessen writes with humor is amazing

was there a character like you?
Maggie

what would you change about the story:
nothing

Who else could you recommend this book to?
anyone that likes other Sarah Dessen books or teenage books

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Twilight

title: Twilight

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
6 stars

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
Edward <3 Jacob <3

was there a character like you?
Bella

what would you change about the story:
Jacob to appear more <3 + w/ short hair

Who else could you recommend this book to?
Everyone

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

author: J.K. Rowling

number of stars (5 being best):
***** 5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The plot twist at the end.

was there a character like you?
Ron Weasley because we're both funny and sarcastic.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing

Who else could you recommend this book to?
Everyone

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Fool by Christopher Moore

title: Fool

author: Christopher Moore

number of stars (5 being best):
5

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
love the author's creativity and style

was there a character like you?
Pocket

what would you change about the story:
Nothing, great as is


interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

title: Perfect Chemistry

author: Simone Elkeles

number of stars (5 being best):
Five!!!!!

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The way the love grew and the challenges.

was there a character like you?
Well, Brittany sort of was.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing, it had a great ending.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Girls who are looking or romance.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Raffle winners for Week #5!

This week, 5 lucky teens won gift cards to Charo Chicken. They are:

Carissa Cespedes
Kaci Nishimura
Melody Lilazy
Sarah Yoo
Maricela Meza

...and Lauren LaBriola is the winner of the Hue Aveda salon gift certificate. Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to our sponsors!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

title: The Lovely Bones

author: Alice Sebold

number of stars (5 being best):
***** five

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
That the point of view just captures you and makes you feel like you are there.

was there a character like you?
not really

what would you change about the story:
nothing

who else could you recommend this book to?
Girls, my friends, anyone who likes mystery and suspense.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

title: New Moon

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
4 9/10 :)

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
Jacob was in it :)

was there a character like you?
Jacob <3

what would you change about the story:
Bella fall in love w/ Jacob

who else could you recommend this book to?
everyone!

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Deciding between the ACT or the SAT?

Free SAT/ACT Practice Test to be Held at Huntington Beach Public Library

As skilled test-takers know, the key to success is practice, practice, practice.

The library, in partnership with Kaplan, is sponsoring a FREE full-length practice SAT/ACT test on Saturday, August 8, from 9:30-1:30 at the Huntington Beach Central Library.

The practice test will be followed by a Test Results / Workshop Night for students and parents on Thursday, August 20 at 7:00pm.

Space is limited to 50 students, so reservations are required. You can reserve your space by contacting John Peterson from Kaplan at 949-756-2950, ext. 3017, or Lia Hernandez at Central Library, 714-374-1669.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

title: Crank

author: Ellen Hopkins

number of stars (5 being best):
*****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
That it proves how strong the monster can be, and how quickly you can get addicted to it.

was there a character like you?
No not really. Well I'm kinda like Sarah a little bit. I can be a chatterbox when I want to.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing at all.

who else could you recommend this book to?
My aunt Marie would really enjoy reading this.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Monday, July 20, 2009

In or Out by Claudia Gobel

title: In or Out

author: Claudia Gabel

number of stars (5 being best):
3 stars

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The most interesting part was at the end when Nola stood up for herself.

was there a character like you?
Yes, Nola because we are both artsy, and do arts and crafts, and we both have a friend who has ditched us.

what would you change about the story:
Something I would change in the story was the fact that Nola was so spineless.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Someone else I would recommend this book to is my best friend since earlier in the year we read a book very similar to In or Out, and we both enjoyed it.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

title: The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew series, #1)

author: Carolyn Keene

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
the adventure of the kidnapping

was there a character like you?
Yes Bess...timid and worried AT TIMES!

what would you change about the story:
I would still give the Tophams an equal share

who else could you recommend this book to?
my sister

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

4th raffle drawing winner!

Amanda Brown is the lucky winner of a $20 gift card to Fred's Mexican Cafe...congratulations, Amanda!

To see our upcoming raffle drawings, see the calendar to the right -->

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

title: Twilight

author: Stephenie Meyer

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
When Edward and Bella talked for the first time.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing, it was perfect just the way it is.

who else could you recommend this book to?
EVERYONE.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Kagetora, Vol.5 by Akira Segami

title: KAGETORA, VOL.5

author: AKIRA SEGAMI

number of stars (5 being best):
*****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
NINJA + COMEDY = HILARIOUS

was there a character like you?
Yuki Toudou...except I'm not as popular!

what would you change about the story:
Nothing. What an excellent part to an even more amazing series!

who else could you recommend this book to?
EVERYONE!!

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

title: Uglies

author: Scott Westerfeld

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
the action

who else could you recommend this book to?
everyone

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld

title: The Last Days

author: Scott Westerfeld

number of stars (5 being best):
****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
all the different twists he put in it.

what would you change about the story:
Take out the swearing.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Anybody.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

3rd raffle drawing winners!

Congratulations to Carolyn Yee & Marie Mosham...they've won gift certificates to the Surf City Store this week!

Next up in our Teen Reading Club raffle drawing: gift certificates to Fred's Mexican Cafe. Be sure to get your raffle tickets in by Friday, July 17th for the chance to win one of these great prizes! For a list of our other upcoming raffle drawings, check out the calendar to the right...

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Year 6 at Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is coming out in theaters next Wednesday, July 15th!

Get ready for back-to-school at Hogwarts by rereading the book, watching the first 5 movies, or checking out the audiobooks performed by the amazing Jim Dale.


Visit the official website

Watch the trailer here

Will YOU be at the midnight showing? We will!

2nd raffle drawing winners

Congratulations this week go out to:

Michelle Armendariz
Naomi Byrne
Angel Ng
& Isabella Vuong

They've all won gift certificates to Sugar Shack Cafe!

Next up in our Teen Reading Club raffle drawing: gift certificates to the Surf City Store. Be sure to get your raffle tickets in by Friday, July 10th for the chance to win one of these great prizes! For a list of our other upcoming raffle drawings, check out the calendar to the right...

Saturday, June 27, 2009

1st raffle winners!

Congratulations to Andrew Tong & Caitlyn Kane! They're the winners of our first raffle drawing of the summer - 2 tickets to a Dodgers baseball game.

Be sure to check out our raffle calendar to the right to find out what else we'll be giving away this summer!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Edward Cullen visits HBPL

We've got a few photos up on Facebook from our Twilight Party!

You can see them here...if you were at the party, feel free to post your own and tag the library!

Chasing the Bear




Chasing the Bear: A Young Spenser Novel

BookPage Notable Title
For almost 40 years, Parker's inimitable private investigator Spenser has been solving cases and selling millions of books worldwide. Now, for the first time, fans can see how it all began as the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master sheds light on Spenser's formative years spent with his father and two uncles out West.

A detective grows up
Review by James Neal Webb

Robert B. Parker's literary protagonist and alter ego, the Boston private investigator Spenser, is a man many readers would like to emulate. He's brave, witty, strong and smart, with a streak of impregnable integrity and a stubborn determination to do the Right Thing. He's also a wise-cracking detective who always seems to be up to his neck in trouble. Through almost 40 novels, Parker has given us glimpses of Spenser's past, but in his newest novel, written for teens, the details of his boyhood are fleshed out. Chasing the Bear: A Young Spenser Novel, takes us back to an incident that molds the boy Spenser into the man he would become.

Spenser (as in the adult novels, no first name is mentioned) is a teenager growing up in Laramie, Wyoming, being raised by his father Sam, and his two uncles, Patrick and Cash. As you might imagine, an all-male household means a lot of testosterone-influenced activities, including boxing and hunting, so Spenser is a tough kid who knows how to defend himself. What you might not expect is that the three men try to teach their young kin as best they can by exposing him to the classics (like Shakespeare and Milton) and by teaching him to always try to do what's right. These lessons come into play when Jeannie Haden, a friend from school, is taken upriver against her will by her abusive, alcoholic father, and Spenser has no choice but to follow them in a small, rickety skiff. The choices he makes in trying to rescue Jeannie will have repercussions both in the short term and for the rest of his life. As a result of his adventure, he learns a valuable lesson in dealing with both sides of the law; he is reluctantly drawn into a school racial dispute; and Jeannie (and her mother) give him an unexpected lesson in interacting with the opposite sex. In the process we watch as the adult Spenser takes shape.

Chasing the Bear will appeal to teen readers in much the same way the Spenser mysteries appeal to adults. Spenser's wit, strength, and moral rectitude serve as a stand-in for the way we want ourselves to be. He's the quintessential hero, and we all need a hero, no matter what our age.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Adam by Ted Dekker

reviewed by: Anonymous

title: Adam

author: Ted Dekker


number of stars (5 being the best):
*****

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
Suspense and the twisted ending.

what would you change about the story:
Nothing, it was too good.

who else could you recommend this book to?
Anyone and everyone.

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Sign up for the teen reading club NOW!

Visit our website to sign up for the reading club and print out your reading log!

Write your six word memoir!

Tell us about your favorite books!

And don't forget about our Twilight party @ 6pm on Thursday, June 25!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

get creative with a six word memoir




If you had to write the story of your life in six words what would they be?
Join a project that has swept the nation and submit your anonymous six word memoir at a box in the Teen Space or online at the teen blog. Our HB memoirs will be sent to our sister library to be posted, and we’ll post others here in the library and on the teen blog

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Night World by L.J. Smith

title: Night World

author: L.J.Smith

number of stars (5 being best):
***** 5 stars

what did you think was the most interesting thing about this book?
The vampires and witches

was there a character like you?
Thea

what would you change about the story:
Nothing

Who else could you recommend this book to?
All of my friends and anyone who likes mythical stuff

interested in reading this book? check it out!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Kickoff the Teen Reading Club with Twilight!


Come experience the movie Twilight and enjoys games of the UNDEAD, and mysterious prizes. For those with APPETITE, snacks will be served.
Teens age 13-18 only.
Thursday June 25th at 6:00 pm
Central Library, Tabby Theater.



Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Stay tuned for the summer reading club!

express yourself @ your library

June 23– August 14, 2009

Read a book that COMPELS you
Get involved and VOLUNTEER
Experience fun MOVIES and EVENTS
Be CREATIVE with a six-word memoir

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wintergirls


Wintergirls
By Anderson, Laurie Halse

Check Our Catalog

Six years after Cassie and Lia resolved to become the skinniest girls in their school, Cassie dies. Unable to bear the sadness and guilt following Cassie's death, Lia spirals deeper into her own eating disorder. Elijah, the last person to see Cassie alive, helps Lia find the strength to face her own demons and enter recovery.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Evermore


Evermore
By Noel, Alyson

Check Our Catalog

The first book in Nol's exciting new Immortals series. Since the accident that claimed her family, 16-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire history through one touch. She's been branded a freak at her new high school, but everything changes when Ever meets the mysterious Damen August.

Volunteers needed!

Hey teens! Looking for something fun to do this summer?

Why don't you volunteer for the Summer Reading Program?

To sign up, simply fill out this application and bring it in to the Children's Library.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Forest of Hands and Teeth


The Forest of Hands and Teeth
By Ryan, Carrie
Check Our Catalog

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best, and the fence that protects her village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth must remain intact. After fence is breached, Mary's world is thrown into chaos, and she must choose between her village and her future.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Join us on Facebook!


HBPL has a cool Facebook app that you can add to your Facebook profile. Just search for “HBPL catalog” while logged in Facebook and add our app. It will allow you to find a library book from Facebook.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Vampire Fiction ^^ Beyond TWILIGHT

Betrayed: A House of Night Novel

by P.C. Cast
Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She's come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend...or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Part of the House of Night series.

Blue Bloods
by Melissa de la Cruz
Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk behind the closed doors of New York City's wealthiest families? They're powerful, they're famous... they're undead. Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question-is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force. When one of the Gates of Hell is breached by Silver Bloods in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high; the battle is bloody; and through it all, Carnavale rages on. And in the end, one vampire's secret identity will be exposed in a revelation that shocks everyone. First in the Blue Bloods series.


Suck It Up
by Brian Meehl