Sellers Library Teens

Book Review: What Happened to Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:19:49 PST

Visit the online library catalog to reserve a copy from home!

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

What I like about Sarah Dessen's writing is how her characters seem like people you could actually know. Mclean Elizabeth Sweet's parents had a messy, public divorce during her sophomore year, and she fought to live with her dad. After living in three towns in two years, Mclean is starting over again in a new one. Instead of adopting a persona (Beth, Eliza, Lizbet), she accidentally ends up as the "real" Mclean again. And, when life gets real, families, friendships, and relationships take on depth and meaning that can be hard to handle. As in most of Sarah Dessen's books, there is a great guy in store (Dave, in this case)! I also have to give Dessen credit for including characters' parents, and giving them their own problems and viewpoints. I didn't love this book as much as some of her others, but it was a satisfying read. It does have a few connections her previous book, Along for the Ride, which was fun. This is a good book to curl up with on a rainy day or quiet weekend!

Shiny and Blue!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:44:39 PST

We have a new cart in the teen section! It is a shiny sky blue and it lives near the doorway into the room. Right now, it is holding a selection of new books. Also, I flip-flopped the locations of the teen graphic novels and nonfiction to make everything fit better. The teen section is getting more and more crowded because we keep buying more great stuff for you, so come check things out!

I had to put on the wheels before I took it out of the box. Tool time!

Fully loaded

Hunger Games Movie Countdown!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:44:58 PST

Winter Nintendo Night

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:45:54 PST

Last Friday, 29 teens showed up for our winter Nintendo Night. This was a relatively small group for this program, so things were a bit more relaxed than usual! The Super Smash Bros. Brawl tournament had 27 entrants and I made a full bracket of 32 by randomly selecting those who lost to re-enter the tournament. The final ended up being Colin and James vs. David J. and John E. David and John won, each receiving a $20 gift card to Game Stop. They are not allowed to team together next time! The other six guys in the semi-final round (Siaka, Le, Munir, Colton, Colin, and James) received candy.

In the Naruto Shippuden III tournament, 12 people competed down to a three-way final. We played that final round-robin style, and Alex P. was the winner of the $10 Wawa gift card after two games. David T. beat out Dennis W. for the second-place prize, a $5 Wawa gift card. Dennis W. got candy for being a finalist. (The Wawa cards were purchased with donations from our recent gift card fundraiser!) Both tournaments ended a little early, leaving time for free play on both games. People also enjoyed DS games, Pokemon Stadium on the N64, and sodas during the evening. And yes, the Yu-Gi-Oh cards were allowed, even though they're not from Nintendo!

Thanks to John E. for keeping the controllers under control, to David J. for bringing his Wii and games, and to Maria for digging up her N64. This program would not have run as smoothly without your help! Look for another Nintendo Night program on the spring schedule, which will include a DS Pokemon tournament. Also, don't forget about Mario Night on Friday, March 9.

TAB Gift Card Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:46:44 PST

For the last two months, the TAB has been collecting partially used or unwanted gift cards from library patrons. We combine the amounts left on the cards to purchase snacks, supplies, and prizes for teen programs. This time around, we collected a total of $136.10! That's our best year ever! Cards ranged from $50.00 down to $.10, and covered a whole bunch of stores, including Walmart, Target, Macy's, Wawa, Old Navy, Kohl's, CVS, and Barnes & Noble. Thanks to all of our library patrons for their donations. We already purchased two Wawa cards to use as prizes in the Nintendo Night tournament last week!

2011 Gift Card Fundraiser
2010 Gift Card Fundraiser

Hunger Games--Peeta's Cupcake Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:02:33 PST

We had a cupcake decorating challenge at our Hunger Games Lock-In! Everyone had to decorate a cupcake that was in some way related to the Hunger Games. Of course, that could really be anything if you have a creative mind! To represent Peeta's skills, we not only had cans of icing and sprinkles and stuff, we had actual decorator icing in bags with special tips. It was an activity...it was a snack...it was a snacktivity!! Everyone had 15 minutes to make their best cupcake, then they had to get a Gamemaker to photograph it. The pictures ended up on three different cameras, but it helped us determine the winners without making everyone wait to eat!

Everyone working to decorate their cupcakes:

Some cupcake love:

Some completed cupcakes:

"Obey" (representing the Capitol)

"Me" (representing the Capitol)

A flower

This person creatively pulled the wrapper out and made a turtle. (Rotate it 90 degrees in your head.)

A building from the Capitol

A leaf

A fiery sunflower

Hunger Games--Capitol Costume Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:03:10 PST

One of the activities at our Hunger Games Lock-In was to design a costume fit for a tribute to enter the Capitol! Each district got identical materials: duct tape, masking tape, four trash bags (two black, two white), one entire New York Times newspaper, and scissors. They had 20 minutes to dress up one team member and plan his or her entry into the capitol. It was hilarious! Most groups followed the tradition stated in the book, of dressing the tribute to represent the main specialty of their district. But, how they went about it was so funny. I mean, we had a mermaid and a cow along with some really crazy-looking outfits! We had everyone walk down the steps and pose in their costume while other members of their district provided music and commentary. I wish I had video!

Working on the costumes:

Preparing to enter the Capitol:

Some tributes making their entries:

A publicity shot of all of the tributes:

RIP, Brother Jamar

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:14:01 PST

Ra called me today to tell me that DJ Brother Jamar died this weekend from cancer. I was so sad to hear that news, but grateful to Ra for his thoughtfulness. Ra and Jamar did great positive hip hop programs for teens, and we had them at the library several times over the years. Jamar had an incredible knowledge of and passion for music, and a genuine spirit that made him very approachable. I loved how he would always invite everyone up to check out his equipment after the show! We will definitely miss him, as will many others in the Philly area.

The One Sun Lion Ra, DJ Brother Jamar, DJ Hot Blast, and me

October 2009

Jamar and Ra performing

June 2009

Checking out the DJ equipment after the show

June 2009

Check These Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:35:33 PST

Here are the newest of the new in the teen section:

FICTION

The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel by Kate Brian
The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (Seven Realms series)
The Project by Brian Falkner
Salt by Maurice Gee (replacement copy)
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Now Playing: Stoner & Spaz II by Ron Koertge
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Across the Universe trilogy)
Between by Jessica Warman
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

NONFICTION

Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style by Ann Shoket and the editors of Seventeen (additional copy)

Shiny!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:50:39 PST

Here are the newest additions to our teen collection:

Doing My Own Thing by Nikki Carter
The Shattering by Karen Healey
Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Wisdom's Kiss: A Thrilling and Romantic Adventure Incorporating Magic, Villainy, and a Cat by Catheirne Gilbert Murdock
The Fire by James Patterson (Witch & Wizard series)
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
A Web of Air by Philip Reeve

CCC Seussical Auditions

noreply@blogger.com (Emma) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:18:32 PST

For all of you out there who love to act, sing, and dance, I have a treat for you! On Monday, the Catholic Community Choir will be having auditions for their Spring musical, Seussical the Musical. (This is the full version, not the Jr. version.) Auditions will be in the at 4:30 in St. Kevin's cafeteria in Springfield. The audition song is 'Oh the Thinks You Can Think.' Auditions length depends on the number of people who come out. This program is for people in grades Kindergarten through 9 only. Callbacks will be Tuesday at 4:30 in St. Kevin's cafeteria in Springfield. People will be let go once they are cast. This process can be very lengthy.
Rehearsals for those who are cast as leads and principle players are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45 to 6:30. Rehearsals for those who are cast as dancers are on Wednesdays from 4:45 to 6:30. All cast members, including ensemble members, have rehearsals on Sundays from 2 to 4. (Sorry TAB members!) The show dates are March 15, 16, 17, and 18 at the Ridley Community Center in Fulsom. For the full rehearsal schedule visit ccchoir.net.
CCC is an amazing theatre group! In addition to two productions a year, they offer a church choir, a youth group, Saturday acting classes, and a summer camp! The fee for joining CCC is $75.

NOTE: Although this is a Catholic organization, you do not have to be Catholic to join. All are welcome!

For more info check out the Catholic Community Choir's Facebook page or visit them at ccchoir.net!

Questions? Leave a comment on this blog post or on the Sellers Library Teens Facebook page! (Please make sure it somehow gets back to me because I'm not on Facebook.) Hope to see you at auditions!

Fresh Picks!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:25:34 PST

Here are the new books in the teen section this week:

Lie by Caroline Bock
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories edited by Kelly Link and Calvin J. Grant
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Potter vs. Twilight

noreply@blogger.com (Emma) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:43:23 PST

This just shows how severe Potter fans feel about Twilight. Enjoy!

Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Emma) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:41:16 PST

The last book I read before this was Beautiful Creatures. After the somewhat horrible ending to that, I was ready for something else. But when I read the back of Fallen, I thought I would be reading the same thing. I, as I often am, was wrong.
Fallen tells the dystopian (why is everything dystopian nowadays?) tale of Lucinda Price who has (possibly) been the reason for the death of her friend, Trevor. She has been sent to Sword & Cross, a reformatory school for teens. There, the live triangles (SHOCKER!) start. Luce must choose between cute, smooth Cam (who sounds like he's the beachy blonde type but he isn't) and Daniel (who sounds tall, dark and handsome but is only the former and the latter) who flips her off on their first encounter.
On top of her brewing love triangle, Luce must worry about the shadows that cause so much trouble in her life. When they take the life of the new kid Todd, things start to get crazy at Sword & Cross. Cam and Daniel get in fights (sound like Twilight much?) that are pretty violent and Luce decisions are much more difficult. She begins to sway toward Daniel though when she has dreams of him in an angelic state.
Can Luce discover things about the twisted and mysterious past of Daniel? Does it involve her? Will Cam turn out to be sweet like he came on or turn into something worse? Will Luce EVER get out of Sword & Cross? Don't expect me to tell you! Go get Fallen today!

Stamped Wrapping Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:14:20 PST

Last Wednesday, 16 teens came out to make stamped wrapping paper. We made worked in groups to make giant rolling stampers using mailing tubes and self-sticking foam shapes. (Tip: Double up the foam shapes to make a sharper impression on the paper.) Then, the groups quickly painted the foam shapes and rolled out their designs on Kraft paper. Yes, it was messy, but at least I had the forethought to cover the carpet with roofing tarps! The finished products turned out nicely. The wrapping paper did require some drying time, though, so I just hope everyone comes back to pick up their papers if they are planning to use them for Christmas. Here are some (slightly blurry because I took them with my phone) action shots:

Gift Card Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:49:22 PST

The Teen Advisory Board is collecting partially used and unwanted gift cards from library patrons until January 15. Make space for new cards in your wallet and help us fund teen programs in 2012! We combine the amounts left on the cards to purchase supplies, snacks, and prizes.

So far, we've collected $74.72 for stores like Wawa, Old Navy, Target, Kohl's, CVS, and Barnes & Noble. Thanks to everyone who has donated this month! We still have a month to go, and all contributions are tax deductible. No amount is too small. :)

2011 Barnes & Noble Bookfair!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:33:41 PST

Saturday was the library's bookfair at the Barnes & Noble in Broomall, and it was a success! Thanks to all of our library patrons who came to do personal shopping, plus some purchases we made for the library, we are on track to make the most money ever! We are taking our fundraising money in books again this year, which will be awesome for our teen section.

If you missed the day, don't worry. You can shop in any Barnes & Noble store or online until December 17. Just give them our bookfair ID number (10554343) when you check out.

Here's what I bought with my library budget at the fundraiser:

FICTION

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices series)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games trilogy; additional copy)
L. A. Candy by Lauren Conrad (replacement copy)
The Fight by L. Divine (replacement copy)
Frenemies by L. Divine (replacement copy)
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Lorien Legacies series)
l8r, g8r by Lauren Myracle (replacement copy)
Heartless by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars series)
Ruthless by Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars series)

NONFICTION

Guinness World Records 2012
It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller
Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style by Ann Shoket and the Editors of Seventeen

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Yotsuba&!, volumes 1-3, by Kiyohiko Azuma
Naruto, volumes 51-53, by Masashi Kishimoto
Bleach, volumes 36 and 37, by Tite Kubo
Pandora Hearts, volumes 3-5, by Jun Mochizuki

Three Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:01:06 PST

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
In The Red Pyramid, Riordan faces the challenge of introducing us to new characters and a whole new mythology! He is famous for writing the Percy Jackson series, which is based on Greek mythology. The Kane Chronicles series focuses on a brother and sister, whose Egyptologist father endangers all of their lives during a research experiment gone wrong. Soon, Carter and Sadie realize that the gods of Egypt are real, and that saving their father means trying to stop the most evil among them. I had to read this for middle school book group, and I was actually surprised to find myself liking it. Of course, there was a lot of action and some great battle scenes, but my favorite part of the book was actually learning about Egyptian mythology. The second book in this series, The Throne of Fire, is already available, and the third (unnamed) book will be out on May 1, 2012.

Heist Society by Ally Carter
Ally Carter is known as the author of the Gallagher Girls spy series, starting with I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You. But, in this book, she goes in a different direction, featuring Kat Bishop, who has been raised as a thief since birth. Kat attempts to escape into a "normal" life, but is sucked back into the family business when her dad is implicated in a major heist that she knows he didn't commit. This book reminded me of a cross between Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman and a heist movie (like Ocean's Eleven or Tower Heist). It was an easy and fun read, with plenty of action, cliffhangers, and plot twists to make it interesting. There's also a sequel, Uncommon Criminals, so look for that as well!

Birth Marked by Caragh M. O'Brien
16-year-old Gaia is a midwife-in-training who hands over a quota of babies to the Enclave every month, even though she's never been allowed inside. But when Gaia returns home and finds her parents have been arrested by the very people they serve, she starts a dangerous journey into the city to find them. This dystopian fantasy's strengths are the character of Gaia and the medical problems caused by the small gene pool in the Enclave. Several of the plot elements are a bit too convenient, but a disturbing twist at the end made the reading worthwhile. This book is a good choice if you are a fan of the genre, or particularly interested in science or in childbirth. And, if you like this book, the second book in the trilogy, called Prized, was released last month.

Newest of the New

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:46:52 PST

Here's what you can look for in the teen section this week:

FICTION

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore
So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
Caleb's Wars by David L. Dudley
Lies by Michael Grant (replacement copy)
Stay with Me by Paul Griffin
The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines
Addie on the Inside by James Howe
Silhouetted by the Blue by Traci L. Jones
Passion by Lauren Kate (Fallen series)
The Other Girl by Sarah Miller
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diary, Volume 3: The Craving by L. J. Smith
Deadly Little Voices by Laurie Faria Stolarz (Touch series)
A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

NONFICTION

How to Survive Anything by Rachel Buchholz
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones

Fall DDR Day

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:21:38 PST

Yesterday, 15 teens came after school to play Dance Dance Revolution. We had free play for a while, then 14 people entered a tournament. Everyone played cards and games between dancing, and, of course, there were snacks. There were four really good players in the tournament, but Jennifer surpassed them all to win! She earned two five-dollar gift cards, one to Burger King and one to Five Below. (I usually do a $10 to one store, but I had to use up some leftover gift cards from summer reading.) We'll do some more DDR over the winter, so look for it on the schedule!

Get That New Book Smell...

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:24:03 PST

Here are this week's additions to the teen section:

Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Shelter by Harlan Coben (Mickey Bolitar series)
Legend by Marie Lu
Blood by K. J. Wignall

Asian Culture Club 11/23/11

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:12:35 PST

The day before Thanksgiving, 21 teens came by to watch the amazing anime movie Howl's Moving Castle. Thirteen of them were regular Asian Culture Club members and eight were visitors, including some college students home on break! We finished off 14 bags of microwave popcorn during the movie, and also had a drawing contest on the theme of "buildings." Here are some drawings that won prizes:

by Christine

by Tracey

by Alvin

by ?

Book Review: Across the Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:49:33 PST

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

(Click here to find a library copy.)

This book opens with a chilling description of Amy and her parents undergoing the cryogenic freezing process, in hope of being the first to colonize the distant planet of Centauri-Earth. It grabbed me from the start! When Amy is purposely unfrozen 50 years early and left to die, she is found just in time by Elder. The generations have been manipulated on the ship to provide strong leadership, and Elder, a leader in training, is the only other teenager. In the claustrophobic environment of the ship, Amy must navigate a society that has changed dramatically from what she knew on Earth. She doesn't look or talk like anyone else, and she certainly doesn't know who to trust. As Amy and Elder get to know each other, they also start to realize that something is desperately wrong aboard the ship. Told in alternating chapters between Amy and Elder, this gripping science fiction story will keep you guessing until the end. This is a great book for guys and girls, despite the slightly girly hardback cover. If you are looking to read the next big teen trilogy, this might be it! Want to find out what happens next? The second book in the trilogy, A Million Suns, will be released on January 10, 2012.

As you're reading, check out a clickable map of the ship at http://www.acrosstheuniversebook.com/ to help you visualize the layout.

Mini Wreath Magnet Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:17:22 PST

Last Wednesday, 18 teens showed up after school to make mini-wreath magnets. Someone donated a giant box of mini wreaths to us, so everyone got to make as many as they wanted. Everyone made at least two, but some people did as many as seven! We decorated them with odds and ends of ribbon, lace, fake flowers, buttons, rosettes, bells, and patches. People did seasonal ones, of course, but also branched out and made themed wreaths like "three-year-old ballerina" and "picnic." And, for the first time ever, I let teens use the glue guns! (It worked out really well and no one injured themselves.) Check out our work:

Look! New Books!

noreply@blogger.com (Gretchen) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:53:07 PST

Here are what's new this week:

FICTION

Bite Club by Rachel Caine (The Morganville Vampires series)
Last Breath by Rachel Caine (The Morganville Vampires series)
Drink Slay Love by Sarah Beth Durst
Damned by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri (replacement copy)
The Hidden by Jessica Verday

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Fractured Fables
Bleach, volumes 20 and 26, by Tite Kubo
The Sons of Liberty, volume 1, by Alexander Lagos (replacement copy)
BoBoBo-Bo Bo-BoBo, volumes 1 and 2, by Yoshio Sawai

NONFICTION

Strutting It! The Grit Behind the Glamour by Jeanne Beker