TEEN BLOG

Teen Lounge Thursdays, Creative Expression Relaxed Atmosphere

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Rosenblum) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 23:52:00 +0000

First Thursday's of the month starting Oct 6th, 4:00-5:30. Open Mic, Story Slams, Theater Games. Bring your favorite writing to share in a relaxed atmosphere.

College Essay Workshop, 9/20, 6-7pm

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Rosenblum) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:51:00 +0000

Join us Tuesday, Sept. 20th from 6-7pm, for a workshop that will show you what admissions officers really look for in great college essays. Marisela Gomez of Collegwise will also discuss how to approach the new UC insight question. Open to all teens and parents. No rsvp required.

5th Annual Teen Photo Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Rosenblum) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 21:29:00 +0000

Calling all Monterey County Teens - be part of our 5th Annual Teen Photo Contest! The theme of the photo contest celebrates Carmel's 100th birthday with Historical Images of Carmel. Teens 13-18, attending school in Monterey County, may submit one original unmatted photo by Sept. 27, 2016. Photos can be dropped off at the Main Library on Ocean & Lincoln or emailed as a jpeg or tif, min 900 x 720 pixels to: hml.reference@gmail.com. Include your name, age and school with your photo. All entered photos will be displayed at Carmel's Main Library, and awards announced in October: Judge's Prize Winner receives a $100 Del Monte Center Gift Card; People's Choice Winner receives a $50 Del Monte Gift Card.

So I'm Supposed To Write A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 19:32:00 +0000

Hello, my name is Cassidy. I am a writer, a voracious reader, and a volunteer at the Carmel Harrison Memorial library. My girlfriend and I were asked to review books, and so I am faced with a bit of a problem-- There are books I've read and enjoyed, and then there the books here in the library's teen section available for me to review. I've found some overlap, the Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games, for instance, but those are stories that are so deeply embedded into popular culture that there is little sense in reviewing them.

As such, I'm a little bit stumped. My reading tastes are... idiosyncratic and a bit... bizarre. I was the child who read The DaVinci Code as an eleven year old. The book I'm currently reading, while it does fall under the category of YA, isn't one the library currently has. What I can talk about is the YA genre, and my opinions on it and the writing style.

...While my girlfriend actually reviews books like a good volunteer.

The first books specifically written for a younger audience came out of the early 1800s, although Young Adult fiction wasn't recognized as a genre until the 1950s and 1960s. The YA novel is a rather ambiguous thing, although there are some defining characteristics. The main characters have to be young adults, The tone is often much more conversational, and given to being in first person. Although YA books are a lot more likely to be scifi or fantasy than books strictly for adults, they tend to deal with themes that would come up in our life as adolescents, or so the people writing them would hope. And that's, basically, what makes YA what it is. However, that leaves a whole lot of room for a wide variety of books-- both in content and style.
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A lot of the time, YA lit falls under the category of "genre fiction." For instance, maybe your book is a steampunk thriller or a vampire romance. Books that are described as genre fiction are often plot driven, and the characters are created to serve the plot. That's how Bella Swans are created. Her job was to follow the plot, and be ambiguous enough that almost anyone could identify with her. A book series like Harry Potter focuses more on the characters and their voices, and the plot follows them.

What we're left with are characters strong enough that if they suddenly started acting differently, we would pull back and say, "Wait a minute, Ron wouldn't do that."

Both styles of writing can make for intriguing and well written books, of course. I have a feeling that you can probably guess, however, which one I prefer. When I write, I am very much character first. I tend to hold the opinion that interesting characters acting as they would can and will create the gripping plot lines and deep intrigue needed for a good story.

Characters in YA fiction are slowly becoming more diverse and well articulated, in some regards, but also a lot more homogeneous. Stock and trope characters are common, and the challenge they provide for writers is as daunting as it can be rewarding-- How can we add something new and original to a character the readers have seen a million times before?

Common tropes I know very well are the Fearless Rebel Girl, the Mean Girl, the Goofy Side Kick Guy, the Mysterious Love Interest, the Broody Shadow Child, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, the Nerd, the Chosen One, the Jock, the Ultra Pretty/Petty Cheerleader and the disillusioned kid suffering from Generic Rebellious Royal Syndrome.

We've all encountered at least one iteration of each of these, throughout our YA reading adventures, I'm sure. Maybe we've found characters that are combinations of a few tropes, or characters who stick to one in particular. The question is, when does a trope become a cliche, and when is it time to stop talking about and devoting word count to a specific trope?

As time has worn on, the use and reuse of these stock characters have prodded writers to create an idealized, stereotyped version of teenage life and the people we interact with. YA, a genre that is built to mirror the experiences of teenage readers and the process of us coming into our own and our adulthood, has become far more removed and alienated from the lives of any real people. Writers like J.K, Rowlings, Matthew Kirby, Brittany Cavallaro and others know that the books we read as middle schoolers and high schoolers wll be among the most important books in our lives. Literature for a younger audience is meant to shape and form us, and even if what you are reading is high fantasy, the emotional heart of the story needs to resonate and be real. And that's why we were all a mess for The Deathly Hallows. And when Rue died. And that's why we were all vaguely disappointed at the epilogue to the Harry Potter series-- it implied cyclicality, that these characters had paved the way for everything they'd fought for falling apart again.

And that is the power and the strength of the YA genre.

So. Maybe I should read a few of these books. Hm. Any recommendations?

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:03:00 +0000

Greetings, my name is... I don't actually want to lie to you. Whatever I tell you my name is, it isn't really. This being said, I am seventeen years old and a writer as well as a reader. This summer I started volunteering at both the Carmel and Monterey libraries, and was asked to review some books available in the teen section of the Carmel library. This project was surprisingly difficult, because YA is not really what I read, however a few years ago I discovered this book and really enjoyed it.

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is a mesmerizing story that follows Jacob Portman, age sixteen, a normal boy with a paranoid, aging, ex-military grandfather. Determined that the monsters of his past will return for him, Grandpa Portman is prone to small fits of panic that are quickly dismissed by his family. When he is discovered dead, however, the monsters appear all too real. Jacob's father takes the recommendation of his son's psychiatrist, and searches for ways to distract him, including a trip to a remote island off the coast of Wales. Far from the peaceful diversion Mr. Portman had imagined, Jacob soon discovers a bridge to another world, frozen in time and filled with extraordinary children. But whether these children and their headmistress, Miss Peregrine, sealed themselves on the island or where intentionally quarantined for the safety of the rest of the world, is uncertain.

This book was recommended to me by some family friends, and although I was a bit hesitant due to the age of the child who suggested I read it, I found that I could not put it down and finished the book within a week. The book was fascinating as well as exciting and paced very well. The author, Ransom Riggs, uses vintage photographs throughout the book that are mostly unaltered images, lent by collectors to enhance the journey. The story is exciting, creative and fairly out of the ordinary, making this an adventure I would recommend.

Bookmark contest! Enter today!

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Chapin, reference librarian) — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 00:50:00 +0000

Enter the Friends of Harrison Memorial Library Bookmark Contest for teens. Pick up a form at either branch of the library. Grand prize is a $25 Target gift certificate. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners get their bookmark printed up. You can enter up to three times. Enter by July 16.

Sign up for Summer Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Chapin, reference librarian) — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 00:50:00 +0000

Sign up for our "Read for the Win" Summer Reading program. We have programs, prizes and lots of fun! Sign up at the Main Library. The program ends July 16.

New games have arrived

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Chapin, reference librarian) — Thu, 19 May 2016 19:05:00 +0000

We've beefed up our game selection in our Teen Lounge, adding Scrabble, Jenga and Yahtzee. We also have Exploding Kittens, Apples to Apples, Sorry, Outburst, Uno, Farkle, Catchphrase, and Taboo, as well as chess and checkers. Drop by with friends after school or on Saturdays.

Getting Ready for College The Highly Selective Admission Process

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Chapin, reference librarian) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 21:31:00 +0000

On Wednesday, April 6, Marisela Gomez of Collegewise will talk about getting into the college of your choice. Come to the Teen Lounge at 6 PM.

No matter where you want to go to college—USC, UCLA, or a tiny liberal arts college that could never beat either of those two at football—there are always things you can do to improve your chances of admission. Marisela Gomez, from Collegewise, will talk about grades, test scores, activities, even essays and interviews--she'll cover all the college admissions elements at this seminar. She'll also share strategies that will make you a stronger college applicant and make sure you avoid the most common application mistakes. Open to high school students, parents, and anyone headed for college.

It's Kind of a Funny Story Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:38:00 +0000

It's Kind Of a Funny Story is a coming-of-age -novel by Ned Vizzini about a fifteen year old boy named Craig Glinner who deals with depression. Craig was always a good kid. Got good grades, had good friends and was involved with his family but then after he gets accepted to his dream school with his two best friends, everything starts to go down hill. He starts to become stressed with all the heavy amount of school work and peer pressure. In addition to that, his best friend Aron starts to date Craig's crush Nia. In panic Craig tries to kill himself but instead of going through with his plan to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, he ends up checking himself into the hospital. The hospital psychologist recommends that he goes to the adult psychiatric unit for one week. Although he is hesitant at first he decides it is best that he goes.

In the adult psychiatric unit Craig meets many patients including some teens. Craig begins to make friends and even develop a relationship with a girl named Noelle in the unit who cuts her face. Despite her looks, Craig falls for Noelle. Craig begins to discover multiple hidden talents including map making which he had enjoyed as a kid but then stopped doing. He draws maps of the patients and everyone becomes amazed by his art.

Craig finds himself enjoying the psychiatric unit and even though it is way out of the ordinary he leaves there feeling relaxed and joyful than ever before. He then concludes that he wants to stay alive and just live his life.

This book is the best book I have ever read. It applies to all audiences. Although it may seem like a depressing book, it includes everything you would want in a good book, romance, adventure, suspense, humor and sadness. It can relate to most teens by the dialogue and the situations Craig is put through within his teen years. By the time you are done reading the book, you will be begging for more.

The Literary Genius: A Workshop for Wizards, Faeries, and Warthogs

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Chapin, reference librarian) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 01:12:00 +0000

Author Robin Gregory will lead teens in this creative writing workshop, focusing on creating characters we want others to care about. Bring a writing tablet, a pen or pencil, and your imagination.

The new SAT and ACT and the College Admissions Process

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 20:08:00 +0000

Saturday, Jan. 16 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in the Teen Lounge

Are you thinking about applying to college? Join Marisela Gomez of Collegewise and Brooke Higgins of Crosswalk Educational Services to learn how to prepare for the new ACT and SAT.

To RSVP, email Marisela at mariselag@collegewise.com

College Financial Aid: What You Need to Know--Saturday, November 7, 1:30-2:30 pm

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:27:00 +0000

Come to this free presentation and learn what you need to know about financing your college education from Marisela Gomez, of Collegewise. Marisela worked at the Admission Office of Santa Clara University for 12 years and is a director at Collegewise. She is passionate about helping college-bound students. Teen Lounge, Harrison Memorial Library, Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel
Questions? Call 831-624-7323

Winners of Teen Coloring Contest announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 17:59:00 +0000

Congratulations to Andrea Schumacher, Primrose Waranimman, and Kendra Hyles. Their gorgeous drawings are currently on display in the Teen Lounge!

Teen Coloring Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 17:47:00 +0000

Calling all creative teens! We invite you to channel your inner kid and enter our coloring contest. Submissions are due by Oct. 24 (turn in your entry at one of the desks in the Main Library) and the top five entries will receive a prize. Coloring pages and colored pencils are available in the Teen Lounge. Call (831) 624-READ for more information.

Youth Art Contest--California State Parks Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 19:31:00 +0000

Check out this Youth Art Contest sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation. The contest is open to all California youth ages 4 to 18. Artwork should be from 8" x 10" to 11" x 17". The deadline is Sept. 30! For more information and an admission form, see their website: http://www.calparks.org/whatwedo/advocacy/youthartcontest/

We want to hear from you!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:58:00 +0000

Contribute a quick and easy book review to the bulletin board in the Teen Lounge.

Need help writing your College Essay?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:26:00 +0000

Join us in the Teen Lounge on Saturday, September 19, from 1:30-2:30 pm to hear a presentation on The College Essay by Marisela Gomez from Collegewise. This workshop will show you what admission officers really look for in great college essays and which topics to avoid! To RSVP, email Marisela at mariselag@collegewise.com. Free 30 min. appointments will be available after the presentation on a first come, first served basis.

Worried about applying to college?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:19:00 +0000

Join us in the Teen Lounge on Saturday, July 18 at 2 pm for our free presentation, Fear and Loathing in College Admissions: How to Avoid it

Teens -- join our adult summer reading program!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Thu, 21 May 2015 20:36:00 +0000

Our Adult Summer Reading program, Read to the Rhythm, starts June 22. We encourage teens to sign up! It's free, easy, fun, and we will have prizes and entertainment.

"Donuts and Downloads" -- June 13 in the Teen Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:46:00 +0000

On Saturday, June 13, learn how to download free audiobooks from the library. Bring your phone (or MP3 player) and your Harrison Memorial Library card or student ID. Free coffee vouchers and ear buds for the first 10 teens! Stop by any time between 1 and 3 pm. Questions? Call (831) 624-7323.

NEW! Teen Movies and Audiobooks now available

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:57:00 +0000

Check out our selection of Teen Movies!

Check out our selection of Teen Audiobooks!

We have a new collection of "Teen Media" in the Teen Lounge. We've got your favorite teen movies and audiobooks on CD (perfect for that long, boring car ride to your summer vacation destination)!

Listen to a book with hoopla...

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:19:00 +0000

Running? Walking the dog? Heading to the beach? Download the hoopla app on your smart phone and start listening to your favorite books. It's fast, easy, free, and the titles are always available. Ask us how!

Teen Photo Contest winners announced

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 20:48:00 +0000

Congratulations to the winners of our Teen Photo Contest. Avery Yeatman from Carmel High School received the Judge's Prize, and Esteban Barajas from Monterey High School won the People's Choice Award. Clay Wilson and Billy Andrzejewski, both from Carmel High School, won Honorable Mention.

Avery Yeatman

Esteban Barajas

Teen Photo Contest--submissions due Feb. 28!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Good -- Reference Librarian) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:38:00 +0000

It's time again for our annual Teen Photo Contest! This year's theme is "motion". You may drop off your 8x10 print at the Reference Desk of the Main Library or email your photo to hml.reference@gmail.com by Feb. 28. Prizes will be awarded! Contact the library (624-7323) for more information and contest rules.