Teen Space

What do you think of the Hunger Games trailer?

2012-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Is it what you pictured? Do you think the movie will live up to the book?

Book Trailer: Clockwork Angel

2012-01-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Clockwork Angel (Book 1 of The Infernal Devices series)

by Cassandra Clare

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the secretive demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork demons, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.…

Book Trailer: Dark Inside

2012-01-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to HBPL!

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

After tremendous earthquakes destroy the Earth's major cities, an ancient evil emerges, turning ordinary people into hunters, killers, and insane monsters, but a small group of teens comes together in a fight for survival and safety.

What's New in Teen Romance?

2011-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Instructions For A Broken Heart
by Kim Culbertson

While high school junior Jessa is on a Drama Academy trip to Italy with ex-boyfriend Sean and his new girlfriend, she opens her heart to change by following all of the outrageous instructions in her best friend's care package.

Check it out!

Beatle Meets Destiny

by Gabrielle Williams

When superstitious eighteen-year-old John "Beatle" Lennon, who is dating the best friend of his twin sister, meets Destiny McCartney, their instant rapport and shared quirkiness make it seem that their fate is written in the stars.

Check it out!

We'll Always Have Summer

by Jenny Han

The summer after her first year of college, Isobel "Belly" Conklin is faced with a choice between Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher, brothers she has always loved, when Jeremiah proposes marriage and Conrad confesses that he still loves her.

Check it out!

Between Here and Forever
by Elizabeth Scott

Abby has always lived in the shadow of her older sister, Tess. But when the popular, beautiful Tess is in a coma-inducing accident, Abby is unbearably lost and confused. She is desperate for Tess to wake up--and desperate to discover an identity independent of her sister's. It's at the hospital, during Abby's daily vigils, that she meets Eli. He's intensely good-looking and shockingly shy, and once Abby finds out why, she begins to let down her guard. But in the midst of their budding relationship, Abby learns an alarming secret about Tess, one that changes everything. In order for Abby to understand the truth that was always in front of her eyes, all while allowing herself to love and be loved, she must put her trust in the one person she's always pushed aside: herself.

Check it out!

Book Trailer: Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

2011-10-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Check out the trailer below!

Picture It @ Your Library photo contest!

2011-10-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Teen Read Week, October 16-22, by capturing photos in your library!

Email digital entries to hbplya@gmail.com between October 1-21, 2011

Contest submissions will be posted on HBPL’s Facebook page and the one with the most "likes" by Monday, October 31st at 9pm, will be our winner!

Download the flyer here for more information.

Banned Books Week 2011

2011-09-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

In honor of Banned Books Week, you can see some of your favorite authors participating in the Banned Books Virtual Read-Out on YouTube right here!

Here's Lauren Myracle reading from her latest novel, Shine:

What are some of YOUR favorite banned books?

Teen Book Review: Ender's Game

2011-09-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Title: Ender's Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: It takes place in the future during a war with an alien race.

Teen Book Review: Finding Hope

2011-09-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

Title: Finding Hope (Love Inspired #216)

Author: Brenda Coulter

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: A wonderful romantic Christian story with a rich doctor!

Get ready for Talk Like A Pirate Day with Mango Languages!

2011-09-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Avast, ye landlubbers! International Talk Like a Pirate Day is Monday, September 19!

Ahoy, mateys! Be ye ready fer some swashbucklin' and carousin'? Learn the art of pirate parley from a true gentleman o' fortune: the Mango Languages Pirate Language course has risen from the depths o' Davy Jones's Locker. Ye'll be learnin' the proper way to hail yer cap'n and get the landlubbin' scallywags on board a-sailin' smartly, among other phrases ye'll be needin' on the high seas.

Learn more about Mango's Pirate Course on YouTube:

Watch the original Pirate Course trailer

Our favorite pirate jokes

Did you know that you can change your Facebook page to read in Pirate?

To turn your Facebook feed into Pirate, click on "Account Settings" in the upper right navigation bar, then click on "Languages > Edit," and scroll down to "English (Pirate) - and automatically your Facebook page is translated into Pirate!

Mango Pirate is now also available to library patrons through the Mango Mobile Library Edition iPhone app !

Teen Book Review: Band of Brothers

2011-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Title: Band of brothers : E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest

Author: Stephen Ambrose

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Nonfiction about World War II but funny & true. Great book.

Teen Book Review: Fortress in the Eye of Time

2011-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Title: Fortress in the Eye of Time

Author: C.J. Cherryh

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: High fantasy book with a lot going on. It's a great read.

Teen Book Review: Faerie Wars

2011-09-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Title: Faerie Wars (Faerie Wars Chronicles #1)

Author: Herbie Brennan

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: This book is so unrealistic yet it maintains believability.

Teen Book Review: The Silver Crown

2011-09-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Title: The Silver Crown

Author: Robert C. O'Brien

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: I became entranced with this book and could not put it down.

Teen Book Review: The Queen's Fool

2011-08-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Title: The Queen's Fool

Author: Philippa Gregory

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: Hannah lives between the conflict of 2 sisters - Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth.

Teen Book Review: All-American Girl

2011-08-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Title: All-American Girl

Author: Meg Cabot

Rate It: 5/5

One interesting thing about this book: It always keeps you laughing!

Teen Book Review: Unbelievable

2011-08-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Title: Unbelievable: a Pretty Little Liars novel

Author: Sara Shepard

Rate It: 5/5

Review It:This book was indeed one of her best books. It was very exciting with relationships being ruined because of cheating scandals, Hanna's memory, and the uncovering of Real "A!"

Reviewed By: Leah G.

Teen Book Review: The Woman in the Wall

2011-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Title: The Woman in the Wall

Author: Patrice Kindl

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: The main character hides herself in the walls of her house for 7 years!

Teen Book Review: The Birth of Venus

2011-08-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Title: The Birth of Venus

Author: Sarah Dunant

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: It tells about the Renaissance & the art during that time in Florence. It's really good!

Teen Book Review: Hunted

2011-08-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Title: Hunted: a House of Night novel

Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Oh. My. Gosh. I loved it. I don't think I will ever look at ravens the same way again, though.

Reviewed By: Sara P.

Teen Book Review: White Fang

2011-08-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

Title: White Fang

Author: Jack London

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: You feel that you know the dog and endure his trials with him.

Teen Book Review: Demon In My View

2011-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Title: Demon In My View

Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: You don't see many vampire books by young authors. It's really good with dealing with teen problems in a fantasy mood.

Teen Book Review: Sharpe's Rifles

2011-08-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Sharpe's Rifles: Richard Sharpe and the French Invasion of Galicia, January 1809 (Sharpe series #1)

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Fantastic characters and battle scenes!

Teen Book Review: The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1)

2011-08-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Title: The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1)

Author: Robert Jordan

Rate It: 5/5

One interesting thing about this book: If you're gonna read one you'll have to read the others!

Meet the Author: Tom Kirkbride

2011-08-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Who: Tom Kirkbride

When: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 @4pm

Where: Tabby Theater, Central Library

What: Author Tom Kirkbride will be here to talk about his sci-fi surfing adventure series Gamadin, as well as what it takes to be an author and insights into the creative writing process.

About Gamadin:
Sixteen-year old Harlowe Pylott and Matt Riverstone are body surfing the gnarliest waves of the new century when their fun is interrupted by a yacht capsizing off the Newport coast. After rescuing the famous movie star Simon Bolt and the half-alien socialite Leucadia Mars from certain death, Fate sends them on the greatest ride of their lives.

Robobs and the undog are only the beginning! Dakadude killers have swooped down from the heavens looking for the galaxy's most powerful weapon: an ancient Gamadin spaceship named Millawanda. If the Daks cannot capture Millawanda, they will kill her while she is still weak and unprotected . . . along with the Earth and anyone else who gets in their way. If you think finding an ancient spaceship in the middle of the desert is cool, wait till you get a load of what Harlowe and his friends dig up . . . And it still works!!!

About Tom: Tom Kirkbride grew up on the beaches of Southern California where the location of Book I, Gamadin: Word of Honor of his GAMADIN saga, begins. Tom was a lifeguard in college at La Jolla, California, and is an avid bodysurfer, skier, world traveler, and artist. All the artwork on the book website is his own, including the front covers of this books. His GAMADIN series evolved from his love of sci-fi adventure and the desire to write a thrill-packed, character-driven saga for young adults he wanted his kids to read. Today, Tom lives in the San Diego area. His daughter, Lara, attends an east coast college.

His teenage, Southern California heroes have captured the hearts of young readers across the nation. When he is not at his computer writing his next GAMADIN installment, he is visiting classrooms across the country, engaging his young audiences in the fun of writing adventure novels.

Be sure and drop by Tom's website for the latest Gamadin Series Book Events @ WWW.GAMADIN.COM

Teen Book Review: The Legend of Luke

2011-08-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Title: The Legend of Luke

Author: Brian Jacques

Rate It: 4/5

One interesting thing about this book: This book kept me reading & reading. Martin goes on a quest to find out what happened to his father & finds lots of interesting facts & friends!

Teen Book Review: Lady Knight (Protector of the Small #4)

2011-07-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

Title: Lady Knight (Protector of the Small #4)

Author: Tamora Pierce

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: There are a lot of funny parts, even though much of the story is serious.

Teen Book Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2011-07-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J. K. Rowling

Review It: J. K Rowling creates the most interesting characters - it was hard for me to stop reading!

Read the first 50 pages of Glow, by Amy Kathleen Ryan, for free!

2011-07-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Glow, by Amy Kathleen Ryan, will be released September 13, 2011.

If a violent battle destroyed the only world you’ve ever known, would you be brave enough to save who was left? Would love be strong enough to survive the fight? Either way, there’s no turning back.

The Empyrean is the only home 15-year-old Waverly has ever known. Part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space, she and her boyfriend Kieran will be pioneers of New Earth. Waverly knows she must marry young in order to have children who can carry on the mission, and Kieran, the handsome captain-to-be, has everything Waverly could want in a husband. Everyone is sure he’s the best choice. Still, there’s a part of Waverly that wants more from life than marriage, and she is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

Suddenly, Waverly’s dreams are interrupted by the inconceivable – a violent betrayal by the Empyrean's sister ship, the New Horizon. The New Horizon’s leaders are desperate to populate the new planet first, and will do anything to get what they need: young girls. In one pivotal moment, Waverly and Kieran are separated, and find themselves at the helm of dangerous missions, where every move has potentially devastating consequences, and decisions of the heart may lead to disaster.

You can read the first 50 pages here for free, and then enter to win a copy of your very own!

Teen volunteer application now available!

2011-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you're 12-18 years old and looking to volunteer at the library this summer, here's your chance! Applications will be accepted online until June 1st, at which time we will begin contacting prospective volunteers.

Click here to apply tday!

Teen Book Review: The Thief Lord

2011-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Title: The Thief Lord

Author: Cornelia Funke

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: An astounding book! Funke's storytelling abilities are impeccable! With understandable vocabulary, The Thief Lord is a very enjoyable book to open. The characters are very insightful, and the plot moves at a reasonable pace. This book is impossible to put down before finishing!

Teen Book Review: Stranger With My Face

2011-04-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Title: Stranger With My Face

Author: Lois Duncan

Rate It: 8/10

Review It: I thought that this story was very suspenseful and most often you were on the edge of your seat. However, I thought that the story had an incomplete ending; there should have been something bigger.

Teen Book Review: Define Normal

2011-04-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Title: Define Normal

Author: Julie Anne Peters

Rate It: 10/10

Review It: Define Normal is a very good book filled with lots of adventure. I would definitely recommend it because I know that everyone will have a character that they will relate to well.

Book Trailer: Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy, Book 1) by Lauren DeStefano

2011-04-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out here at HBPL for Lauren deStefano's smashing debut, Wither. Intrigued? You can read the first chapter here.

Teen Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)

2011-04-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)

Author: J.K. Rowling

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: J.K. Rowling has such an amzing talent for writing! Her plots are very closely thought out and Harry, Ron and hermione have so much depth in their characters. the way Rowling grabs everything from the previous books in her series to play a role in this last book is amazing!

Book Trailer: Red Glove by Holly Black

2011-03-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Holly Black is back with Book 2 in her Curse Workers series, Red Glove! Check out the trailer below: For more information, you can also visit the official website for the Curse Workers series. Here's what the publisher has to say: Have you been a victim of hyperathygammic assault? Don't remember what you did last night? Lost time? Maybe your purse? Have you run out of luck? Have trouble sleeping at night? Has a loved one suddenly turned his or her back on you? Have you been injured, but can’t remember how it happened? You may be the victim of Hyperbathygammic assault! If something strange has happened to you resulting in damage or losses, Mason, Wilson & Black can help. Our law firm fights for the rights of curse victims, like you, every day. If you think that you or someone you love has been cursed, please contact us. Curse working is never a laughing matter. We'll believe you. Tell those curse workers you mean business! Log on to http://news.simonandschuster.com/servlet/cc6?kpuhgQCSUQTVKOHtsLjxkmjMJplPqoIQhjnVaVSSV8312Xb9VWWRYYYVXLX or call us at 1-908-670-1810 to schedule a consultation. Legal disclaimer: Mason, Wilson & Black is associated with New York Times bestselling author Holly Black's new novel Red Glove, book 2 in The Curse Workers series.

Middle School Book Club: Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

2011-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

The Middle School Book Club begins April 9th at the Huntington Beach Central Library! We'll be meeting every other Saturday from 3:00-4:00pm in the Tabby Theater at the Central Library. Join us for fun activities, tasty snacks and great books! We'll be reading Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin. All middle school students are welcome!

Teen Book Review: Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven, Book 5)

2011-03-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Title: Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven, Book 5)

Author: Brandon Mull

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Kendra and Seth Sorensen are about to face the biggest challenge of their lives. The fate of the world rests upon their shoulders.

Teen Book Review: Ender's Game

2011-03-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Title: Ender's Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: Set in Earth's near future, Card tells the story of child genius Ender Wiggin as he matures into a master strategist and understanding person. The book blends an engaging plot, interesting characters and themes.

Big thanks!

2011-03-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank our sponsors

for making our first-ever Teen Tech Week: Mix & Mash @ Your Library possible!

Pei Wei at Bella Terra
Corner Bakery at Bella Terra
Del Taco at Seacliff Village
Fred's Mexican Cafe on Main Street
RA Sushi at The Strand
Adam's Electronics at the corner of Edinger and Goldenwest
Stater Bros at the corner of Warner and Goldenwest
Starbucks at Seacliff Village
Bank of America at Seacliff Village

If you happen to stop by any of these businesses,

please let them know how much you appreciate their support of the library!

Teen Book Review: Great Expectations

2011-03-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Great Expectations

Author: Charles Dickens

Rate It: 3.5 out of 5

Review It: Great Expectations was an okay book. The plot was quite interesting to unravel, but I found that Dickens' style of writing was difficult to decipher. His flamboyant descriptions were quite showy, and I thought they were very unnecessary and made the book much thicker than it was supposed to be.

Teen Book Review: Dear John

2011-03-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

Title: Dear John

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Rate It: 3/5

Review It: It was an ok book. The beginning and middle of the book were very good, but it had a poor ending. The way he (the author) talked about love and fate really got the point across.

Teen Book Review: Of Mice and Men

2011-02-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Title: Of Mice and Men

Author: John Steinbeck

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: This book taught me about the American Dream and how often it can not be accomplished. I was also taught of the value of friendship.

2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

2011-02-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) publishes a list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens. The following graphic novels were singled out for its annual Top Ten list:

Aristophane. The Zabime Sisters
Experience the first day of summer vacation with three sisters on their island home of Guadelupe.

Iwaoka, Hisae. Saturn Apartments V. 1
Mitsu takes on his late father's dangerous job as a window washer on the space ship Saturn Apartments.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Kim, Susan, et. al. Brain Camp
Two teens discover there is something far more sinister than nature hikes going on at their summer camp.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Neri, G. and Randy Duburke. Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
The life, death and aftermath of an eleven-year-old gangbanger, based on a true tragedy.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Shiga, Jason. Meanwhile: Pick Any Path
3,856 Story Possibilities. Have you played any comics lately? Choose your own adventure.

Telgemeier, Raina. Smile
Brace yourself: Middle School plus orthodontia equals dental drama.

TenNapel, Doug. Ghostopolis
Garth Hale has gone to the other side, but he’s not dead yet.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Weing, Drew. Set to Sea
A lumbering poet discovers hardship and wisdom on the high seas.

Teen Book Review: Dreamland

2011-02-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Dreamland

Author: Sarah Dessen

Review It: I thought this book was very good. It was very emotional. It was like you could be there with the girl in the story.

2011 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults

2011-02-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) selects their top 10 best fiction titles for ages 12-18. Here are their favorites for 2011:

Bacigalupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker
Nailer is a light crew scavenger tearing up old hulks of ships, living day to day, until a rich girl and her gleaming ship run ashore in a storm on the beach and his life gets more dangerous.

Donnelly, Jennifer. Revolution
Haunted by the death of her brother, Andi is taken to Paris by her estranged father where an encounter with a mysterious diary may bring her back from the edge.

Marchetta, Melina. Finnikin of the Rock
Finnikin and his fellow exiles from Lumatere wish to return to their cursed homeland. Finnikin must go on an epic journey with a mute novice named Evanjalin to return home.

Matson, Morgan. Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour
Amy and Roger must both learn to deal with loss while on a road trip across the country which doesn't go as expected.

McBride, Lish. Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
When Sam discovers he is a necromancer he must learn to control his power in order to defeat a powerful and corrupt rival and save his friends.

Mulligan, Andy. Trash
Three garbage-picker boys find an item of great value to a corrupt politician on their rounds, setting off a tense hunt to see who will triumph.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Perkins, Mitali. Bamboo People
Chiko, a Burmese soldier and Tu Reh, a Kerenni refugee meet on opposite sides of war and each must learn what it means to be a man of his people.

Reinhardt, Dana. The Things a Brother Knows
Boaz is back and hailed as the hometown hero, but he is not at all the same. Can his younger brother Levi help him truly make his way home?

Saenz, Benjamin. Last Night I Sang to the Monster
Weeks in therapy go by and 18-year-old Zach is still unable to remember the monstrous events that left him alone and haunted by nightmares.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Sedgwick, Marcus. Revolver
Sig is alone with his father’s body when the lawless man his father had managed to escape appears out of the icy wilderness.
Coming soon to HBPL!

Teen Tech Week March 7-12

2011-02-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

March 7-12th is Teen Tech Week!

All events are free and welcome all teens (ages 13-18).

There are three contests going on:

Design your own 'read' poster, Create your own short story audio book, and Create your own book trailer. Teens can come in to the Children's conference room at the Central Library Tuesday 3/8 through Thursday 3/10 anytime from 3:00-8:30pm to work on their entries. All entries must be submitted to Chris Zobel by Thursday 3/10 at 8:30pm. Every entry will receive a raffle ticket. Contest winners and raffle winners will be announced at the Awards Party.

All teens who attend ANY tech week event will get a raffle ticket just for showing up.

Monday 3/7:

5-8:30pm

Tabby Theater

Wii Game Night

Tuesday-Thursday 3/8-3/10:

3-8:30pm

Children's Conference Room

-Create your own short story audiobook

-Design your own Read poster

-Create your own book trailer

Friday 3/11:

3-4:30pm

Tabby Theater

How to use the Library presentation

Saturday 3/12:

3-4:30 pm

Tabby Theater

Awards Party

Teen Advisory Poll - Book Club

2011-02-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hey there! Please take a second to fill out this quick survey about Teen Space programs here at the library. We want to know what YOU want!

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Title: Dragon (The Five Ancestors, Book #7)

2011-02-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

Title: Dragon (The Five Ancestors, Book #7)

Author: Jeff Stone

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: This was an amazing series! Stone had suspense lurking in every other page, thrilling adventures written from different points of view, and cloudy mysteries woven into the plot. The characters are very exciting, and they bring out the best in this book!

Teen Book Review: Inkheart (Inkworld trilogy, Book 1)

2011-02-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

Title: Inkheart (Inkworld trilogy, Book 1)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Rate It: 4 out of 5

Review It: This book was a really interesting book to pick up. The author had a very flamboyant style of writing and descriptions, and it was a pleasure to join Maggie and Mo on their writing/reading adventure.

Teen Book Review: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows

2011-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Title: 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows

Author: Ann Brashares

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: This novel is about 3 friends, Polly, Ama and Jo, and their summer adventures and experiences over the transition from middle school to high school. Written by the same author as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 3 Willows holds a sinilar atmosphere as the Sisterhood books. But, it is still a great read in itself.

Teen Book Review: TTYL

2011-02-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Title: TTYL

Author: Lauren Myracle

Rate It: 5/5 Awesome Gold!

Review It: TTYL was an amazing story that was shown in IMing form. This book was filled with drama and proved how friendship can survive in high school. Once I checked it out, I couldn't stop reading until the next day. Sadly, I finished it in one day and it means no more until I visit the library for the second book! Can't wait!!! :)

Reviewed By: Pamela Ponce

Teen Book Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, Book 4)

2011-01-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, Book 4)

Author: J.K. Rowling

Rate It: 10 :)

Review It: I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I liked how Harry Potter displayed his bravery and kindness when he rescued his opponents from danger in the Triwizard Tournament. It was very inspirational!

Teen Book Club starting February 5th

2011-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

A Teen Book Club will be starting soon!

Starting Saturday February 5th, meeting every other Saturday from 3:00-4:30 in the Tabby Theater.

The members will be reading the Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Teens do not have to have read any of the book for the first meeting.

Teen Book Review: Wondrous Strange

2011-01-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Title: Wondrous Strange

Author: Lesley Livingston

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: Mystical and magical, a great book. Definitely recommend.

SAT, ACT, PSAT Workshops

2011-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Children’s Library are offering SAT, ACT, PSAT Practice Tests and College Admission/SAT Essay Workshops

Be Prepared! Improve Your Test Scores!
$10 per test and workshop. Buy your tickets at the Children’s Desk

BE ON TIME! BRING A #2 PENCILLength of Tests and Workshops Estimated

SAT Practice Test, Saturday, January 29, 2011
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Talbert Room $10 per student
SAT Test Review, Thursday, February 3, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tabby Theater

SAT & ACT Combo Practice Test, Saturday, March 5, 2011
9:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Talbert Room $10 per student
Combo Test Review, Monday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tabby Theater

PSAT Practice Test, Saturday, July 16, 2011
9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Talbert Room $10 per student
PSAT Test Review, Thursday, July 21, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tabby Theater

SAT Practice Test, Saturday, August 20, 2011
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Talbert Room $10 per student
SAT Test Review, Thursday, August 25, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tabby Theater

College Application Essay Workshop, Saturday, September 17, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Talbert Room $10 per student

SAT Essay Workshop, Saturday, October 15, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Talbert Room $10 per student

Teen Book Review: Moonraker's Bride

2011-01-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Moonraker's Bride

Author: Madeleine Brent

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: AMAZING! It's full of suspense, mystery, and romance. Everything needed to make a good book.

Teen Book Review: Marked (House of Night #1)

2011-01-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Title: Marked (House of Night #1)

Author: P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

Rate It: 100% Like It!

Review It: This book is very enjoyable if you like suspense & danger. My most favorite part in the book is when Zoey, the main character, meets Eric Night.

Teen Book Review: Messenger

2011-01-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

Title: Messenger

Author: Lois Lowry

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: An exciting book! The descriptions are so real that they seem to leap off the pages and engulf the reader! Reading about the different "jobs" was very entertaining; Lowry seems to have a natural hand at writing fictional fantasy.

Teen Book Review: Here's To You, Rachel Robinson

2011-01-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Title: Here's To You, Rachel Robinson

Author: Judy Blume

Rate It: Super

Review It: Very funny story. Easy to understand. Good for everyone!!!

Teen Book Review: Never Cry Wolf

2011-01-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

Title: Never Cry Wolf

Author: Farley Mowat

Rate It: 4.5 out of 5

Review It: A marvelous book to enjoy. Farley Mowat's descriptions of his adventures with the wolves open readers' eyes to the little-known world of the wolves in Canada. With minor jokes here and there, Mowat's storytelling is a wonder to behold.

Teen Book Review: Runaway (An Airhead Novel)

2011-01-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Title: Runaway (An Airhead Novel)

Author: Meg Cabot

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: The third book in the Airhead series. Good book, definitely recommend =)

Teen Book Review: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book One)

2010-12-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

Title: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: This was a hilarious book! Percy's constant lighthearted jokes, Annabeth's never-ending wisdom, Grover's innocent desires, all keep me so intrigued! This author's casual way of writing makes this book a bestseller.

Teen Book Review: Crocodile Tears (An Alex Rider adventure)

2010-12-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

Title: Crocodile Tears (An Alex Rider adventure)

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Rate It 4.5/5

Review It: Horowitz's newest book in his Alex Rider series continues the story of Alex in his new, exhilerating mission to stop the massacre of the African continent. It is a great enjoyment to read for anyone who loves spy/action fiction.

Teen Book Review: Night Embrace (A Dark-Hunter Novel #5)

2010-12-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

Title: Night Embrace (A Dark-Hunter Novel #5)

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Great book! Very suspenseful but exciting. I love the author! These books are amazing!

Teen Book Review: Living Dead Girl

2010-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

Title: Living Dead Girl

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Rate It: 5 out of 5

Review It: A very intense book, Living Dead Girl kept my attention for a period of time. The content may be horrific, but the style of writing was the readon I couldn't put it down. Even after reading the last 3 words, I still felt an impulse to flip back and reread some parts.

Teen Book Review: Playing With The Boys

2010-12-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

Title: Playing With the Boys

Author: Liz Tigelaar

Review It: Good book about a girl who plays for her high scholl's football team. Funny and interesting.

Teen Book Review: Evermore

2010-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Title: Evermore

Author: Alyson Noel

Rate It: 5/5!

Review It: This book cannot be changed to be better. I love it. I keep flipping pages, reading word for word, I read it twice! I'm just waiting for someone to FINALLY return the second book!

Reviewed by: Pamela Ponce

Teen Book Review: Surfers

2010-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

Title: Surfers

Author: Matt Griggs

Rate It: =)

Review It: This book tells about the lives of many different surfers & their surfing stories. It's really interesting and I would recommend it to anyone who surfs.

Teen Book Review: Of Mice and Men

2010-12-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

Title: Of Mice and Men

Author: John Steinbeck

Rate It: 3/5

Review It: This novel is quite depressing, for it displays how futile the American Dream and how necessary companionship is. Though it is short, it can get slightly boring.

Teen Book Review: She Said Yes

2010-11-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

Title: She Said Yes

Author: Misty Bernall

Rate It: Very Very Good

Review It: This book is sad and touching. Teens going through hard times should read it; it should really help. I recommend it to everyone.

Teen Book Review: Kira-Kira

2010-11-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

Title: Kira-Kira

Author: Cynthia Kadohata

Rate It: Excellent

Review It: I <>

Teen Book Review: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy)

2010-11-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Title: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy)

Author: Richelle Mead

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: I liked reading about Rose & Dimitri, and I enjoyed the suspense of Dimitri trying to find Rose to turn her into a Strigoi so that they would live forever in eternity.

Teen Book Review: The Quillan Games (Pendragon, Book Seven)

2010-11-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Title: The Quillan Games (Pendragon, Book 7)

Author: D.J. MacHale

Rate It: SUPER

Review It: I have not much to say, it is one of the best series ever!

Teen Book Review: You Shouldn't Have To Say Good-Bye

2010-11-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

Title: You Shouldn't Have To Say Good-Bye

Author: Patricia Hermes

Rate It: Very nice

Review It: This is one of the saddest books I have ever read. If you are going through hard times, read it! It is very touching & is a good book.

Teen Book Review: The Darkangel (Darkangel Trilogy, Book One)

2010-11-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Title: The Darkangel (Darkangel Trilogy, Book 1)

Author: Meredith Ann Pierce

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: Aerial, the main character, is very kind and gets lots of help from her friends. Despite coming from a poor background, she's stubborn and has an undying spirit to help and save others.

What If... (If you liked Mockingjay, you may like...)

2010-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to read now that you've finished Mockingjay and the Hunger Games trilogy? Luckily for you, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has come out with a list of suggested readalikes. The "What If..." list highlights titles featuring alternative history and worlds, steampunk, apocalyptic fiction and cyberpunk, among other settings.

Also, feel free to make your own suggestions in the comments below!

FIC (YA VL) Arakawa, H. Fullmetal Alchemist

What would you give up to bring back someone you love?

FIC Barry, M. Jennifer Government

In a world where you take the name of the company you work for nothing is off limits.

FIC (YA) Bodeen, S. The Compound

After his parents, two sisters, and he have spent six years in a vast underground compound built by his wealthy father to protect them from a nuclear holocaust, fifteen-year-old Eli, whose twin brother and grandmother were left behind, discovers that his father has perpetrated a monstrous hoax on them all.

FIC (YA) Caletti, D. Fortunes of Indigo Skye

Indigo Skye loves her waitressing job and thinks she knows where her life is going- until a customer leaves her a 2.5 million dollar tip.

X SF Christopher, J. The White Mountains (The Tripods #1)

Young Will Parker and his companions make a perilous journey toward an outpost of freedom where they hope to escape from the ruling Tripods, who capture mature human beings and make them docile, obedient servants.

FIC (YA) Dashner, J. The Maze Runner

Thomas wakes up in an enclosed environment with 60 other boys and no memory. He must learn to work with the group if he expects to survive.

FIC (YA) Doctorow, C. Little Brother

Marcus must fight for his freedom after a terrorist attack.

X SF DuPrau, J. The Diamond of Darkhold

Lina and Doon venture back to the City of Ember to find a gift left by the Builders.

FIC (YA) Fukui, I. Truancy

It's students vs. teachers in a fight to the death.

SF Gibson, W. Neuromancer

The book that started it all...

FIC (YA) Grant, M. Gone

What will kids do when all the adults have disappeared?

FIC (YA) Kostick, C. Epic

On New Earth, a world based on a video role-playing game, fourteen-year-old Erik pursuades his friends to aid him in some unusual gambits in order to save Erik's father from exile and safeguard the futures of each of their families.

FIC (YA) Lloyd, S. The Carbon Diaries 2015

It's the year 2015, and global warming is ravaging the environment. In response, the United Kingdom mandates carbon rationing. As multiple natural disasters strike and her parents head towards divorce, Laura's world spirals out of control. Chronicling the daily insanity is all Laura can do to stay grounded in a world where disaster is the norm.

X SF Malley, G. The Declaration

For others to live forever you must not exist.

FIC (YA) Marsden, J. Tomorrow, When the War Began

Group of teens go on a camping trip. Upon return discover their country has been invaded by an army and all their family and friends held captive.

FIC (YA) Ness, P. The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking, Book 1)

One month away from officially turning into a man, Todd learns his world isn't what he thought it was.

X Oppel, K. Airborn

A luxury airship, pirates, and an undiscovered species make for a great adventure for Matt and Kate.

FIC (YA) Pfeffer, S. The Dead and the Gone

Alex must fend for himself and his sisters after an asteroid hits the moon.

FIC (YA) Pfeffer, S. Life As We Knew It

The world changes when a meteor hits the moon.

FIC (YA) Rosoff, M. How I Live Now

War breaks out across the ocean, teen and her family must cope and survive amidst danger.

FIC (YA) Ryan, C. The Forest of Hands and Teeth

The zombies have breeched the fences and Mary must venture out into the forest or die in the village.

FIC (YA) Simner, J. Bones of Faerie

Liza, born after the Faerie War, flees her town when she discovers she is developing magical abilities, a certain death where she lives.

FIC (YA) Sleator, W. Test

Ann, a teenage girl living in the security-obsessed, elitist United States of the very near future, is threatened on her way home from school. Soon she and a new friend are caught up in a vast conspiracy of greed involving the school testing company. Students who pass this test have it made; those who don't, suffer. For those who question the test the results may be deadly.

FIC (YA) Westerfield, S. Leviathan

In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.

Teen Book Review: Girls Under Pressure

2010-11-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Title: Girls Under Pressure

Author: Jacqueline Wilson

Rate It: Four and a half stars!

Review It: I think this book shows and sets a fine line between being skinny and healthy and being skinny and sick. Because as long as you make the right food choices, you're healthy, the book basically says in bold letters.

Teen Book Review: Chessie Bligh and the Scroll of Andelthor

2010-11-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Title: Chessie Bligh and the Scroll of Andelthor

Author: Thora Gabriel

Rate It: Excellent

Review It: It is somewhat scary and exciting. I like the idea of elves and flying and finding Atlantis. It is a good story about family love.

Teen Book Review: Slaughterhouse Five

2010-10-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Title: Slaughterhouse Five

Author: Kurt Vonnegut

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: The best book I have ever read!! It makes the reader question thought, morality, war, and just about everything. Slightly confusing (the timeline jumps a lot) but a great read!

Teen Book Review: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book One)

2010-10-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Title: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Rate It: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Review It: As Percy Jackson finds out that he is the demigod son of Poseidon, he embarks on many journeys and adventures to seek the lightning bolt. When he was accused of an act he hadn't done, it was up to him to fix it by retrieving the bolt before war broke out in Olympus.

Teen Book Review: High School Bites

2010-10-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Title: High School Bites

Author: Liza Conrad

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Romance and action put together in one book. Interesting storyline that is well-developed. The allusions to Dracula offer a lot of insight into the story.

Teen Book Review: The Firebird Rocket (The Hardy Books, Book 57)

2010-10-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Title: The Firebird Rocket (The Hardy Books, Book 57)

Author: Franklin W. Dixon

Rate It: OK

Review It: It's kind of scary, but somewhat boring. It is a little mysterious but mostly obvious.

Teen Book Review: Bewitching Season

2010-10-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Title: Bewitching Season

Author: Marissa Doyle

Rate It: 4.5/5

Review It: In her magical debut, Doyle writes of two sisters - Persy and Pen Leland - who are ready to make their debut before the royal court. This not only means they are of marriageable age, but is also a chance to meet their idol, Princess Victoria. However, when the twins' tutor and friend Ally disappears and their beloved Princess Victoria is threatened, it is up to Persy Leland to save her friend, sister, and idol from danger.

Teen Book Review: Inkdeath

2010-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Inkdeath

Author: Cornelia Funke

Rate It: Awesome

Review It: I <>

Teen Book Reviews: Sunrise Over Fallujah

2010-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Title: Sunrise Over Fallujah

Author: Walter Dean Myers

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: A story of a man named Robin, also known as Birdy, joining the Army to help serve his country.

Teen Book Review: The Last Song

2010-10-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Title: The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Ronnie, a goth 18 year old, grew up with a mom and no dad. When her mom sends Ronnie and her little brother out to see her dad, she falls in love and begins to love her dad again. Her dad dies later of cancer, and she realizes that her mom was the one who cheated, not her dad.

Teen Book Review: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

2010-10-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Title: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

Author: Betty Smith

Rate It: Super!!! Awesome

Review It: I really liked it. Sad and happy in many parts. Very touching. A book to read over & over again. I recommend it to ages 12-adult. Very enjoyable.

Teen Book Review: White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1)

2010-10-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

Title: White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1)

Author: Holly Black

Rate It: 4/5 - Really Good

Review It: Cassel is the only member of his family not to be born with a curse power. But when a myseterious white cat appears in his dreams and he begins questioning his brothers, he realizes there's more to him and his life than he originally thought.

Teen Book Review: Witch Child

2010-09-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Title: Witch Child

Author: Celia Rees

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: This was a really stimulating book. It used very understandable vocabulary, and it was very easy to see from the main character's point of view. It kept my attention occupied for a while, and very suspenseful parts kept me reading to find out more. All in all, a fun book to enjoy.

Teen Book Review: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

2010-09-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Title: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Author: Mark Twain

Rate It: 3.5/5

Review It: This book had quite an interesting plot, but the difficult vocabulary theft most of my fellow readers nonplussed. If Twain had used simpler words and phrases, the book would have been half as thick, with probably twice as many readers.

Teen Book Review: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Book Five)

2010-09-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Title: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Book 5)

Author: Rick Riordan

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Overall, the book was great. This book had lots of action and unexpected turns in the story. I would recommend this to others to read sometime.

Teen Book Review: Aishiteruze Baby

2010-09-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Title: Aishiteruze Baby

Author: Yoko Maki

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: I thought this book was really good! It was very cute and had a sweet story to it. I read the first two and now I want to read them all! I will be back in the library for more!

Teen Book Review: Exultant (Destiny's Children, Book Two)

2010-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Title: Exultant (Destiny's Children, Book 2)

Author: Stephen Baxter

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: Stephen Baxter's latest sci-fi novel explores the future of humanity in its battle against the alien Xeelee. Pirius and his comrades are led away from the war's interstellar front to discover secrets that could change the course of the war and all humans. Exultant truly is exceptional.

Teen Book Review: The Call of the Wild

2010-09-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Title: The Call of the Wild

Author: Jack London

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: This book is about a boy named Buck who was kidnapped from his very comfortable home and put into the harsh conditions of sled dogs.

Teen Book Review: Soul Surfer

2010-09-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Title: Soul Surfer

Author: Bethany Hamilton

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: I really liked the idea of the book, but it could have been written better.

Teen Book Review: Victoria, May Blossom of Britannia (The Royal Diaries)

2010-09-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Title: Victoria, May Blossom of Britannia (The Royal Diaries)

Author: Anna Kirwan

Rate It: 5/5

Review It: I enjoyed this book very much. Although it didn't have much suspense, I still just had to turn the page! This is a book I'd read again!

Teen Book Review: Shakespeare's Secret

2010-09-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Title: Shakespeare's Secret

Author: Elise Broach

Rate It: 10/10

Review It: I thought that this book was very good. It was filled with suspense and adventure. I would definitely recommend to somebody.

Teen Book Review: Spells & Sleeping Bags

2010-08-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Title: Spells & Sleeping Bags

Author: Sarah Mylnowski

Rate It: 5/5!

Review It: Miri and Rachel go to camp along with Prissy, their stepsister. They get sent to camp because their dad and their stepmother are trying to have a baby. At camp, Rachel and Miri find out they have a cousin. Also, Raf & Rachel have a romance going on.

Teen Book Review: Found (The Missing, Book One)

2010-08-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Title: Found (The Missing, Book 1)

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Rate It: 4/5

Review It: This novel captivates you from the first page. A mystery that haunts you until all the secrets are revealed. Unfortunately, with this not being the end for the young heroes, we will have to await for the next chapter in the story. We will wait to know the fate of the heroes.

Reviewed By: Kimberly Barba