Why I checked it out:

Why I liked it: This book is one of those rare gems in which you want to be friends with all the characters (not just the three main characters, but also parents, school staff, etc.). The clever narration is delivered through school papers, e-mails, diary entries, instant messages and class notes. While I was skeptical of the format at first, I soon eagerly followed the three main characters journeys through high school. If you want an intelligent and fun read that covers a variety of seemingly unconnected topics such as love, identity, sign language, high school divas, baseball, Mary Poppins and more, then read this book.

Three words that describe this book: heartwarming, romantic, hilarious.

Similar books include: “Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto” by Eric Luper and “Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

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2013 Callaway Poetry Winners

Thanks to all the young poets who submitted entries in the 2013 Callaway County Youth Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Callaway County Public Library and the Auxvasse Creative Arts Program. These organizations honored the winners of the contest on Tuesday, April 25 at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton. This year’s contest was judged by Anne-Marie Thompson, an instructor in the English Department at Westminster College. Garett Ballard, Beth Barnhart, Scott Strough and Bethany Smart were among those teens recognized for their exemplary work.

“Dreams” by Garett Ballard (1st place)

I am from the night of jazz swaying, blues playing
Nights in Louisiana.
I am from the world of vibrant colors and streaks of paint
Splashed across the canvas
I am from the twirls and dances of the dancer’s swirls
Around the stage
I am from long nights rehearsing my lines and character
During long hours of the day
I am from the runs tacked on as the ball flies from
The diamond
I am from the fancy parties and the penthouse
Bathing in my suite
I am from the years of educating and teaching
Young children of reading and math
I am from the laughter erupting from the people
In the crowd, joke by joke
Yes, I am from the goals and dreams made of nothing from
The men and women before me
Yes, I am from those nights of music, art, dance
Drama, sports, riches, teaching, comedy,
And the dreams of men and women, girl and boy
Anyone, everyone.

“I Am From” by Beth Barnhart (2nd place)

I am from Clint and Wendy, Clayton and Shirley, Don and Janice.
I am from the center of the great red, white and blue, where people are free, the weather often varies, and life is good.
I am from blacktop pavement, busy streets, traffic lights and the roar of passing vehicles.
I am from love, goals, kindness and morals, where hard work, determination and undying respect is as important as breathing.
I am from Saturday morning cartoons and a time where reality shows weren’t a trend and the lives of celebrities weren’t a part of life.
I am from long car rides as music radiates from the stereos, with your cares and worries blowing in the warm summer wind.
I am from laughter, hugs and smiles with a best friend who knows what you’re thinking before you even really know yourself.
I am from a special place and time that I am lucky to call all my own. It could never be duplicated nor imitated.

“Where I Am From” by Scott Strough (3rd place)

I am from the woods,
filled with natural life.
I am from the summer,
a kid’s favorite companion.
I am from freedom,
freedom to run and to play.
I am from the hay fields,
where the sun and dust dominates.

I come from a town where squirrels abound,
and the geese feel at home.
I come from a town,
a town were the people are friendly.
I come from a town where friends are made,
and where friends are friends for life.
I come from a town,
a town where families love and prosper.

I live in a world full of hate,
where despair seems king.
I live in a world where home is an idea.
an idea of days gone by.
I live in a world dominated by politics,
instead of dominated by common sense.
I live in a world where people stress about the lives of celebrities,
more than they stress about their won shortcomings.

I am from a family,
a family I love dearly.
I am from a passion,
a passion for doing what is right.
I am from an understanding,
an understanding of happiness and justice.
I am from a hope,
a hope that good will once again prevail.

“I don’t need easy; I just need possible!” by Bethany Smart (honorable mention)

I am from John and Corrine, Richard and Helen, and Donald and Sharon.
From the rivers, hills, valleys, and towns in the middle-of-no-where-my-GPS-can’t-locate-you Missouri.
From farmers and hard workers where you have to give it all, from herds of cattle that are chocolates in a creamy vanilla snow, from scorching hot days where 98degrees is considered (and called) “a cold front.”
I am from a place where you know you’re in the sticks if entertainment is considered to be watching the highway trucks paint the neon gold median stripes and lines on the road, from another form of entertainment of high school football games where we scream and jump out of our seats at ever touchdown to the final seconds of that basketball game to hear that sweet “swish!” of a perfect nothing-but-net. We put the “determine” in “determination.”
I am from a family of dedication and hard-workers where you take pride in what you do, from where it’s not 100%, but 120% that you give.
I am from a motto that sums me up in 8 simple words, “I don’t need easy; I just need possible!”
I am from a family who sticks together through thick and thin; perseverance is our middle name, from a family of whose get-togethers are as natural as the sun rising in the east; we are a close-knit family.
I am from a group of friends who are closer than 4 sisters could ever be.
I am from a place called home, where the sun sets and rises over clover-colored trees and casts every color in a Crayola box onto the crisp sky, from breathtaking beauty and laughs that occur each moment, or in simpler words, a place we call the country… home.

What I didn’t like: The plot jumps around a lot, and sometimes I like that, but in this book it was a little too much. The narrator kept referring to things which hadn’t been explained yet, and that frustrating. Now that the scene is set, I hope this will happen less in the remaining books of the “Abandon” trilogy.

Three words that describe this book: complicated, foreboding, funny.

Similar books include: “Paranormalcy“ by Kiersten White, “Dead Beautiful“ by Yvonne Woon and “Starcrossed“ by Josephine Angelini.

In addition, the library is planning a wide range of free programs to help you delve “Beneath the Surface.” We’ll invite teens to enjoy crafting over lunch, test drive our new Wii U gaming console, showcase their knowledge at Trivia Night, and take a creepy guided tour of the Columbia Cemetery. To receive email reminders of these and other teen programs, sign up for our blog updates! 

“Beneath the Surface” Teen Photography Contest

Use your camera to explore beneath the surface of your environment. Submit your photos in one of three categories by July 26 for a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card. This contest is open to all teens in Boone and Callaway Counties. Find contest rules and submission guidelines at teens.dbrl.org after June 1. Ages 12-18.

Teen Game Night

Test drive the library’s new Wii U game console. Become a ghost hunter in “Luigi’s Ghost Mansion,” defeat evil aliens in your own “Metroid” spaceship, or team up with your friends to conquer Bowser in the new “Super Mario Bros.” We’ll also have snacks and a selection of the library’s newest teen fiction, music and DVDs for you to check out.

Project Lunch in June

Create a keychain or jewelry out of washers, nuts, wire, buttons and beads. We’ll provide pizza and supplies. Ages 11-16.

Groundbreaking Trivia
Friday, July 19, 6:30-8:45 p.m.
Columbia Public Library

Come inside from the summer heat for a night of “groundbreaking” trivia. Gather a team of three to six people and come answer one hundred questions about important people and events in a variety of categories. You are also welcome to register individually and we will create a team for you. Prizes will go to the winning teams and refreshments are provided. Adults and teens. Registration begins Monday, July 1.

Project Lunch in July

Create an “I AM” poster that shows what interests you, what words describe you and what is beneath YOUR surface. Library will provide pizza or sandwiches, and craft supplies. Ages 11-16.

Cemetery Walking Tour
Monday, July 29, 7-8:30 p.m.
Columbia Public Library, Meet in Library Lobby

Join us on an atmospheric evening walking tour to learn about the history and art of the Columbia Cemetery. We’ll visit the graves of famous Columbians and examine the customs and symbols used in cemeteries. We’ll meet in the lobby of the Columbia Public Library and walk a block down to the cemetery. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. All ages.

Book Lounge
Wednesday, August 7, 6-7 p.m.
Shakespeare’s South

Join us for an informal happy hour book discussion. We’ll be discussing “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi, a post-apocalyptic novel in which a 17-year-old boy named Nailer scavenges from wrecked ships on the Gulf Coast. When he discovers a rich survivor alive in one ship, he faces a tough decision: should he help her and trust her to provide the promised reward or kill her and benefit from her death? Adults and teens.

Before long, Hector is standing up to the bullies, kissing a girl he never would have had a shot at before and alienating his friends. As Jack begins making suggestions that make Hector more and more uncomfortable, Hector realizes that he cannot listen anymore and vows to get rid of Jack. But, it’s hard to get rid of someone who knows your every thought.

I recommend this title to mature teen readers. Brain tumors are no laughing matter, but the book does a good job of being humorous without downplaying the importance of Hector’s situation. There is also the fact that the author is British, so you will run across things like “telly” or “bum” every now and then. Hopefully this isn’t a big deal.

In two weeks, the Rainbow House will be hosting a workshop for middle-school girls on body image. They will discuss healthy habits, messages sent by clothing and behavior choices, and how to preserve your reputation. The class will also address issues concerning self-awareness, self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Mark your calendars for this class which is scheduled for Wednesdays throughout May. The first class will be held May 8 from 4-6 p.m. at 1611 Towne Drive in Columbia. To register, please contact Ashton at Rainbow House at (573) 474- 6600, ext. 2106. A parent session will be offered at the same time as the first class.

Got a busy schedule? The library has several wonderful resources for young women looking for answers to many of the critical, self-searching questions posed during this chapter of their lives.

All the Wrong People Have Self Esteem: An Inappropriate Book for Young Ladies (or, Frankly, Anybody Else) by Laurie Rosenwald

This is a creative, irreverent book that helps us accept the quirks and flaws that make us all beautifully unique. As Rosenwald says, “Interesting people are full of doubt. People who are totally sure their way is the only way are always wrong.”

Be True to Your Self: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls by Amanda Ford

This book dispenses daily advice on a wide range of topics like dealing with divorce, maintaining healthy relationships, and stepping beyond your comfort zone to learn more about yourself. My favorite quote: “Today, remember that being comfortable with your imperfections is much better than being perfect.”

Please Read (if at all possible): The Girl Project by Kate Engelbrecht

Five years ago Engelbrecht sent cameras and questionnaires across the country asking teenage girls to share their thoughts of themselves and the world around them. She received an astounding 5,000 responses which have been compiled in to this insightful scrapbook of young womanhood.

Why I checked it out:

Why I liked it: While zombie stories are currently the norm rather than the exception, this book remains exceptional. Directionless Sam finds himself the center of attention as a recently discovered necromancer who can interact with the dead. Have you ever read a story that included a zombie panda? I’m betting the answer will be no. You’ll also find werewolf families, friendly feys, a corpse’s reanimated talking head, and a waffle-eating harbinger of death among other fun oddities.

Three words that describe this book: supernatural, witty, horror.

If you liked this book, you should try reading ”Warm Bodies“ by Isaac Marion.

Congratulations also goes to April Henry who is this year’s Truman Readers Award recipient for her book, “Girl, Stolen.” Griffin, a high school dropout, steals a car, but later realizes that he has kidnapped a blind girl, Cheyenne, who was sleeping in the backseat. Sick with pneumonia, Cheyenne tries to gain sympathy from Griffin, though she wonders if she can trust him.

This past October, April was a guest blogger for DBRLTeen and shared her thoughts on writing and kung fu. We hope you’ll enjoy her advice for young writers and check out some of her recommended reading which includes “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth
Pfeffer, “Ashes” by Ilsa Bick and more!

Wii U

Test drive the library’s new Wii U game console. Become a ghost hunter in “Luigi’s Ghost Mansion,” defeat evil aliens in your own “Metroid” spaceship, or team up with your friends to conquer Bowser in the new “Super Mario Bros.” We’ll also have snacks and a selection of the library’s newest teen fiction, music and DVDs for you to check out. Don’t have a library card? We’ll have library card applications on hand for your parent or guardian to sign. Ages 12 and older. Registration begins Tuesday, April 23. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign up!

Why I liked it: The story is told in the alternating voices of Delilah, a 15 year-old girl in the present, and Prince Oliver, a character in a fairytale book. When no reader is present, the characters in the book have other lives. Prince Oliver is unsatisfied with his life and wants to join the world of the readers. Even though the fairytale book is for young children, Delilah finds herself drawn to the story of Prince Oliver and is very surprised when he starts to talk to her.

Three words that describe this book: magical, romantic, funny.

You might this book if you like: Books about storybook characters coming to life include “Half Upon a Time ” by James Riley, “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke, “The Looking Glass Wars ” by Frank Beddor and “Into the Wild ” by Sarah Beth Durst.

Callaway County Public Library
Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. For ages 11 and older.
No registration required.

Southern Boone County Public Library
Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. Students in grades 6-8.
Registrations begins April 16. To sign-up, please call (573) 657-7378.

Columbia Public Library
Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. Families.
No registration required.

Unfortunately, none of his spells or magical items work and everyone around him believes he is crazy. But as he begins to come to terms with his situation, he is able to assemble a small group of friends who, for one reason or another, are willing to aid him in his quest to return home.

There are plenty of fantasy tropes thrown around throughout the course of the book, but they are used to poke fun at the genre and highlight the ridiculousness of Dirk’s situation. The story itself is pretty novel and quite enjoyable if you can get past most of the ridiculous plot elements. I had a hard time figuring out whether Dirk was actually a powerful sorcerer from another world or just delusional. You find out by the end, but I won’t spoil anything.

If you enjoy this book, the sequel, “Dark Lord: A Fiend in Need,” will be coming out in October.

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

All of our prize winners have been contacted. Stay tuned to teens.dbrl.org for our sneak peek at this year’s teen summer reading challenge, Beneath the Surface. Through this program, the library challenges young adults to read for 20 hours, share three book reviews, and do seven of our suggested activities. Complete the challenge, and you will be eligible to win cool prizes. Stay informed by subscribing to our email updates!

Challenge your friends to a game on our new Wii or to a board game tournament. We’ll have various games available as well as supplies for an art project. Refreshments provided. Please enter through the back door. Ages 12 and older. To register, please call (573) 657-7378. Sign-up begins Friday, April 5. 

If you’re into gaming, don’t forget that that Columbia Public Library will be hosting a Wii U Launch Party this Wednesday, April 3. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign-up. This event is also for teens ages 12 and older.

No, on second thought, give me some strong ladies.  I want to read books about women making hard choices and doing it well.  I want to see a girl save the day.  I want to see a woman find her happiness without the aid of some significant other.

I want characters I can respect like “Sabriel“ who travels into Death to rescue her father, a necromancer.  Is she prepared?  Not really.  Is it scary and dangerous?  Oh, yeah.  But, she does what she has to and she does it without much help.

Beatrice in “Divergent” leaves her family, her home, her friends and everything she has ever known because she needs to be true to herself.  She needs to find what will make her happy, not what everyone expects from her.

D.J. in “Five Flavors of Dumb” is a deaf teen struggling to fit in at her hearing school, manage a rock band, AND get into college even though her parents stole her college fund.

In my search, I have collected a pretty good list.  Hopefully everyone can find something that appeals to the hero in all of us.

March Madness Teen Book Tournament Finalists

1. “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins
2. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite title by Monday, April 1 at 5 p.m. You may vote online at teens.dbrl.org or pick up a paper ballot at one of our three branch locations.