Ridgewood Library Teen Blog

2012 AWARD WINNERS!

2012-01-23T23:51:00.002-05:00

The American Library Association (ALA) -- which sponsors a load of book awards, including the famous Newbery Award -- just announced the 2012 winners today.

Here are the winners for the awards aimed at young and old teen readers like you . . .

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
          Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
NEWBERY HONOR BOOKS
          Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
          Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD for excellence in literature written for young adults

          Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOKS
          Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
          The Returning by Christine Hinwood
          Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
          The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

YALSA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery
by Steve Sheinkin
YALSA NONFICTION AWARD FINALISTS
Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science
by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine and the Lawless Years of Prohibition
by Karen Blumenthal
Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires
Along the Way) by Sue Macy
Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin

ALEX AWARDS for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences

Big Girl Small by Rachel DeWoskin

In Zanesville by Jo Ann Beard

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

The New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens

by Brooke Hauser

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Robopocalypse: A Novel by Daniel H. Wilson

Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures by Caroline Preston

The Talk-Funny Girl by Roland Merullo

Posted by Gina Mitgang

Best Books of 2011 - A Random Roundup

2011-12-31T11:56:00.000-05:00

So here we are on the last day of 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR! By now, there are lots of "Best Books of 2011" lists out there. I've posted links to a few of them below. See how many of the books you've read. Or pick up ideas for good books to read in 2012. Or better yet, submit reviews of your own favorites of 2011 for our Teen Reviews page. You can open the review form from the left-hand column of this blog page. THANK YOU for sharing your own favorites of 2011.

Publisher's Weekly Best Children's FICTION 2011

Here are the teen faves from the list ...

The Future of Us
by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Chime

by Franny Billingsley

Beauty Queens
by Libba Bray

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Legend by Marie Lu

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Variant by Robison Wells

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Publisher's Weekly Best Children's NON-FICTION 2011

Here are the teen faves from the list:

Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from

2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert by Marc Aronson

Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin

Amazon's Best Books of 2011: Young Adult

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Divergent by Veronica Roth

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard paul Evan

Kirkus Reviews - Best Teen Books of 2011 FICTION

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Anya's Ghost by Vera BrosgolAshfall by Mike Mullin
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones
Brooklyn Burning by Steve Brezenoff
Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Chime by Franny Billingsley
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando
Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
   The Fitzosbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper
   The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
I Am J by Cris Beam
If I Could Fly by Judith Ortiz Cofer
Island's End by Padma Venkatraman
The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey
Life: An Exploded Diagram by Mal Peet
Mangaman by Barry Lyga
Misfit by Jon Skovron
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
   Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams
   Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace
Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Stay With Me by Paul Griffin
Strings Attached by Judy Blundell
Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore
This Thing Called the Future by J. L. Powers
Tighter by Adele Griffin
Tilt by Alan Cumyn
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Winter Town by Stephen Emond

Kirkus Reviews -Best Teen Books of 2011 NONFICTION
Black & White by Larry Dave Brimner
Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal
I. M. Pei: Architect of Time, Place and Purpose by Jill Rubalcaba

Goodreads Choice Awards - Best Books of 2011
according to goodreads.com reader votes
Favorite Book - Divergent by Veronica Roth
Best Young Adult Fiction - Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction - Divergent by Veronica Roth

Completed Sci-Fi/Fantasy Series

2011-12-21T16:33:00.000-05:00

There are several YA series that finished this fall. I'm going to focus on three of my favorites.

Leviathan is the first book in a trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. It is Steampunk, which means it takes place during World War I. But there's one major change: the British have beasties, giant fabricated animals, and the Germans have walkers, huge pieces of machinery that lumber around waging war. The second book is Behemoth and the third book is Goliath.

Terrier is the first book in a trilogy by Tamora Pierce. It is set in a medieval fantasy world where girls are allowed to be knights and in the police (in contrast to Pierce's earlier books set later in the timeline). The book is written in diary format, and follows Beka Cooper on her first days in the police.The second book is Bloodhound and the third book is Mastiff.

Erag on is the first book in a quartet by Christopher Paolini. It also takes place in a medieval fantasy world, but one with an evil dictator and dragons. This is a story of how a simple farm boy becomes the stuff of legend. The second book is Eldest, the third book is Brisingr, and the fourth book is Inheritance.

As mentioned in the title, these are all series that were completed this fall. That means there will be no waits for the next book. Check them out today!

Posted by Elizabeth, Teen Volunteer

Thanksgiving: The Great American Holiday

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone in the US celebrates Thanksgiving. You learned the story when you were younger, right? The Pilgrims and the Native Americans sat down to a meal of turkey and other North American delicacies, like cranberries and pumpkin. There are grimmer, grittier, probably more truthful versions of the story. I don't know all the gory details myself but I trust that Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James Loewen can help you with that.

Instead of telling you the true story of Thanksgiving, I thought I would highlight some Native American/American Indian tales for your reading pleasure.

Trickster: Native American Tales, A Graphic Collection collected by Matt Dembicki
A varied collection of Native American trickster tales. One of my favorites is "How Wildcat Caught a Turkey," written by Joseph Stands With Many with art by Jon Sperry. I love the bold, bright, simplistic illustrations that show how a rabbit saves his own life by helping a wildcat catch a turkey for dinner instead. There are so many different art styles in this book, some I love, some of which I am not too keen on. But that's the best part of a collection of short stories--you only have to read the ones you want to.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
This is like Diary of a Wimpy Kid all grown up and even funnier. Arnold Spirit AKA Junior lives on the Spokane Indian reservation ALL the time. And it sucks. They have no money, but worst of all: they have no hope. So Junior leaves to go to the all-white high school in a nearby town. If 22 miles qualifies as "nearby." As you might guess, this is not a perfect situation either. Fortunately, Junior is a budding cartoonist with a sense of humor.

The Trap by John Smelcer
I have nothing but love for this book. It's also on our Short Reads booklist, clocking in at a breezy 170 pages. It starts out fast:Johnny Least-Weasel's grandfather was supposed to be home by now. In the Alaskan cold, you don't want to be out for too long. What if his grandfather is caught in one of the traps he's supposed to be checking? Will Johnny find him in time?

Do All Native Americans Live in Tipis? 101 Questions and Answers from the National Museum of the American Indian
I started us off by talking about myths vs. facts. The National Museum of the American Indian knows much more than I do and gets some very interesting questions. For example: What do Indians do for Thanksgiving? Or why do American Indians run casinos? Some of the answers might surprise you!

Other great books about Native Americans:
Almost anything by Joseph Bruchac and Louise Erdrich. Seriously!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Ebooks--Are You Reading Them?

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ebooks--they are everywhere! On your iPod or iPad or other device. You can check them out from the library using Overdrive. You can buy them on Amazon or using Google. You can get the classics for free on Project Gutenberg. But are there ebooks on your devices?

Some people people like having a new gadget to read on. The Kindle Fire. The Nook Touch. Or everyone's favorite tablet, the iPad.

Or maybe you want to be able to download new books any time.

There's also a dictionary, very helpful, especially if you're downloading some of the classics.

I thought ebooks weren't for me until I tried them. I put some books on my iPod Touch just in case I got stuck with nothing to do and then I just couldn't help reading them. It's like a book in your pocket! A very small book that also plays music. It's not exactly the same as having a big book with pages to turn. You can't take it into the bathtub. I'm not sure I want to bring mine to the beach. But you can have a ton of books in your bag and it won't weigh a ton! I think the lightweight nature of ebooks is the best part of the deal. But that's me.

What do you think about ebooks? Tell us in the comments.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Octavian Nothing: A Serious Book Review

2011-11-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

I just read a book that has a really long name, weighs a ton, and started out a little slow. Maybe it's not the book you grab on your way to the beach. Fortunately, we are way past beach season. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume 1, The Pox Party by MT Anderson (phew, I told you it was long!) is the kind of book you read when you need a REAL book. A book with issues. A book that makes you think. A book you can impress your friends, family & teachers with, if that's what you're into. Plus--it's really, really good. At least I think so.

I know what you're thinking: What could be so great about such an old-fashioned looking book? At the beginning of the book, Octavian Nothing is just as confused about his life as you might be. He has been raised by the members of the Novanglian College of Lucidity. Mainly by Mr. 03-01. Yes, they are odd, even for the year 1760. Octavian learns, over the course of the book, that these people raising him do not see him for the prince of Africa his mother has taught him to be. They see him as a slave. It is, after all, the 18th century.

Here's the problem: Octavian is a slave who speaks Latin and Greek. He reads and plays beautiful music. Octavian lives in a time when slaves were expected to be stupid, ignorant and basically inhuman. At heart, Octavian is an oddity, and a dangerous one at that. What kind of life can he lead?

Even though the subject matter is not exactly uplifting, this is a book you can re-read. Actually, it's been very hard for me to write this review because every time I turn the pages of The Pox Party, I want to curl up in a corner and read it all over again. Octavian is a hard guy to get to know. But I think he's worth the effort. And if you really like him, you can read more in Volume 2: The Kingdom of the Waves.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Teens' Top Ten

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

9000 teens voted on their favorite books of the past year. 10 books came out on top. YALSA did the counting and even made an announcement video.

Here's the list so you can check'em out today and see what you think. But before you do, can you guess how many are in the SCI/FAN area of the YA Room? Scroll down for the answer.

#1: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

#2: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

#3: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

#4: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

#5: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

#6: Matched by Ally Condie

#7: Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson

#8: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

#9: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

#10: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

(Answer: all of these books are shelved in the science fiction & fantasy section. Fans of non-SCI/FAN, stay tuned for next week's post.)

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Goodbye, Ridgewood!

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello faithful teen readers (and others)! I am so glad we've gotten a chance to know each other, or at the very least, I've gotten a chance to post things that you may or may not glance at as you log onto the computers in the Young Adult Room. Or maybe you're one of the lucky few who subscribe to the blog and are ready at 9 am every Friday for a new post. Either way...I'm glad you're here.

By the time you read this, I won't be in Ridgewood any more. I am sad to say that I have left my job at the wonderful Ridgewood Public Library and moved to Chicago. It's only 800 miles away but I'll still miss my NJ and my NJ library very much. In fact, even though I'm sitting in Ridgewood now, I know that by the time you read this I'll be in the Windy City, thinking fondly of all the wonderful people I met in Ridgewood.

If you're worried about not having more great blog psots to read, never fear! There will be more posts. Some of the posts I've written have not yet been published so you'll continue to see my name at the bottom of each and every post for a little while. Then, Mrs. Mitgang will take over, continuing to spread the love for all things teen. She might need a little help from some teen bloggers. If so, leave a comment and let her know.

Thanks for reading!

Your faithful blogger,
Alexa Hamilton

P.S. If you really miss me, find me and friend me on Goodreads, my favorite bookish website.

Clarity: An October Book Review

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Clarity by Kim Harrington is the perfect book for October--especially if, like me, you get really scared of the super-spooky books. Clarity AKA Clare can see visions. Just give her an object and she can tell you what happened while someone was holding it. She's not the only person in her family with a supernatural ability. Her mother can read your mind. Her brother can talk to dead people. Together, they can find out many things about you that you might not usually reveal. It sounds extremely cool. Unfortunately, most of the people in Clarity's town think her family is freaky.

But that's okay this summer because Clare has a mystery to solve. The police may not believe in her abilities but they'll do anything to solve the murder that is tarnishing the reputation of her Cape Cod town. Including asking Clare to help out. It could get dangerous. Fortunately, Clare has not one but two very cute boys looking out for her.

I have to say, I'm not much for psychics solving murder mysteries--most of the time. But Clare sold me. She's not your typical spooky, weird supernatural girl. She's just a girl (apparently a blonde one) with a very special ability. Plus, the mystery is quite...mysterious.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Round-Up: Book Trailers

2011-10-14T14:05:00.000-04:00

Almost every week on this blog, I push books that I think you should read. This time, I'm going to let the book trailers sell you on these awesome titles.

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers--Summers writes about some girls that are not so nice.

A very creepy, very recent book is Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star. Take 30 seconds out of your life and check it out--it's a great Halloween book! Unless, of course, you don't like scary stories.

And now for something completely silly. You may remember Lemony Snicket from The Unfortunate Series of Events books, which, as I recall, are rather darkly funny. If you liked those, you'll laugh at this (even though it is a trailer for a picture book. A darkly hilarious picture book called 13 Words. It's especially for those of you too busy to sit down and read a whole novel.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Librarian

Video Friday: MAC Movie Fun

2011-10-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

Did you enjoy The Adventures of Eduardo (the video)? Then you should think about signing up for the upcoming MAC Movie Fun workshop series. There is a ton of talent in Ridgewood, and we're lucky enough to have some of it making short, animated films and then teaching you to do the same. In this workshop series, you'll learn how to use Picnik, iMovie and GarageBand and whatever moveable characters you choose--clay figures, puppets, actions figures--and make your own (very) short animated film.

MAC Movie Fun
Gr. 6-8
Saturdays, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Oct. 15: Picnik
Oct. 22: iMovie
Oct. 29: GarageBand
Nov. 5: Finish Project
Ridgewood's own teen tech team ofCatherine Urbano & Katie Rigdon will show you how to use Picnik, iMovie& GarageBand to make your own short animated film.

I stole the title of this post from Betsy Bird's fabulous Video Sundays on the Fuse #8 blog. Check them out.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Are you ready for The Son of Neptune?

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'll tell you something: we are. If you're not excited about Rick Riordan's new book, I'm sure there's a reason. Maybe you don't like adventures and mythology. Or action and heroes. Maybe you just didn't like Percy Jackson. If that's the case, you can look around at some of our new books for some non-mythological reading and come back to the blog next week when I promise, I'll talk about something else. But for now....check out that cover.

Can't wait to see what's inside the cover? There is a 12-page preview available online, but I'm warning you--there is a cliffhanger! Just like the end of The Lost Hero. Riordan is the master of the cliffhanger. That's why everyone is dying to get their hands on a copy of this book. I just finished The Lost Hero last week and I wonder--what will happen next? You'll probably find out before I will! Place your holds now by clicking here and entering your library card number in the box in the upper righthand corner.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Book Clubs!

2011-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Announcing our fantastic fall book clubs! We are thrilled to offer book clubs for everyone in Ridgewood in grades 6 through 9. Join us for discussion, snacks, games and fun! Bring your friends. Bring your enemies.

TRU*Grade 6
*Teen Readers Unite
Wednesdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 16, Dec. 21
@7:00 pm The first book is
Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce
What would you do if you found a million dollars in cash?
Copies available at the Circulation Desk.

TRU*Grades 7-9
*Teen Readers Unite
Thursdays, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1
@7:00 pm
The first book is
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
Jenna wakes up from a 2 year coma only to realize she doesn't recognize herself. Copies available at the Circulation Desk.

We have many more programs for teens this fall--check out the column on the right for a full listing. Register for any of these programs HERE using your Ridgewood Library card.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Astronaut Academy: Another Back to School Book Review

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hakata Soy, space hero, has a new challenge: school. Specifically, Astronaut Academy. His first hurdle: the space bus. Like a school bus but in space. Then: dinosaur driving lessons.

You've probably guessed by now that Astronaut Academy is not the kind of school I talked about in my last back to school review. First of all, it's not real (though it is really cool). Second of all, it needs no integration. There are all kinds of people at Astronaut Academy--and I do mean all kinds. The Spanish teacher is a panda. And then there's Cybert, an artificial robot student,whose main goal is to....kill Hakata Soy! Which is where things get exciting.

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman is not just exciting, it's hilarious. I laughed my head off while reading this book--even when I was out in public. If you like manga-style humor, check this book out now (though it does read American-style, left to right). To get your hands on some of Roman's trademark humor right now, I suggest you head over and check out Teen Boat, a webcomic by Dave Roman & John Green. It combines "the angst of being a teen" with "the thrill of being a boat!" Enough said.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

And We're Back to School!

2011-09-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Or should I say you're back to school? I'm just here at the library watching all of our teens come in lugging huge backpacks and already complaining about homework. That's right--it hasn't even been a week but the teachers here in Ridgewood do not mess around.

Are you ready for school? If not,here's a list of things you definitely need.

Your library card! Always useful for things like:

Research databases: including everything from World Book Online for your basic encyclopedia needs to EBSCO which can show you the full text of many magazine & scholarly articles (very good for in-depth research). Then there's my favorite: Novelist, to get book recommendations based on books you like. Or you can stop by the library and just ask me! Then you'll need your library card for...
...checking out books. Yes, some people still use those. In fact, I hear that some teachers are requiring students to read at least one physical book this year. Of course, you'll still need your library card to check out our ebooks!
Using the computers. We love it when you sign in to our YA computers--fabulous fully loaded MACs.
Let's not forget about DVDs, audiobooks and video games, all available at the library--though not usually necessary for school.

That's the whole list! Assuming your parents are in charge of buying pencils, pens, backpacks, binders, book sox, calculators, USB keys, folders and all that jazz. But if you're in need of some cool stuff, I love this list of stylin' back to school gear.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Warriors Don't Cry: A Back to School Book Review

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to go back to school? I bet a lot of you are shaking your head no and I have to say, I understand. So would Melba Patillo Beals, the author of Warriors Don't Cry: The Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High (phew, talk about a book title!). But trust me, after you read this book you'll think that going to school in Ridgewood is a piece of cake.

Melba Patillo Beals was one of the Little Rock Nine: 9 black teenagers who were the first to attend Central High, an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was not easy. First, it was a legal battle that required the schools to integrate immediately. Then it was a daily battle for the Little Rock Nine. It wasn't just the students who wanted to keep Melba and her eight companions out of the school. It was the governor and the National Guard and many members of the community Imagine going to school accompanied by a soldier because going to school endangered your life. Not easy.

What made this situation bearable for Melba were two things:

The teachers and students who helped her succeed, who offered secret smiles and assistance to help avoid the worst of the bullies.
She knew how important her role in integration was. Melba had been to the North and seen that things could change--that she could be respected as a young black woman.

You know that eventually Melba and the integrationists succeeded but what makes this story so powerful is that when she was there, Melba didn't know if she would succeed. She didn't even know if she would live through the school year. Even though I knew the outcome, I still feared for Melba's life as I turned the pages of this book.

Warriors Don't Cry may not be an easy back-to-school read, but it is certainly an inspiring one.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Harlan Coben is Coming!

2011-08-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

Everyone's favorite local author is coming! Harlan Coben is coming to talk about his new book for teens--join us and find out all about teen sleuth Mickey Bolitar, Myron Bolitar's nephew.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Teen Read Week Photo Contest

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, we love photo contests! So here's another one which we are NOT hosting. No, we're relying on the friendly folks at YALSA and the wonderful author Jay Asher to do that for us. You could win a gift bag from Penguin Books for Young Readers which includes a signed copy of Thirteen Reasons Why and Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler's new book The Future of Us (which sounds awesome!).It's open to anyone ages 13-18--which means I will not be entering. But you should!

All you have to do is think of a book, take a photo that represents the book and post it on Flickr with the tag TRWcontest2011. The librarians of YALSA have given us their sample for a particularly popular book...can you guess which one it is?

That would be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Get it? All of the games in the photo are somehow related to food or being hungry (like my childhood favorite Hungry Hungry Hippos).

Easy, right? Also fun! You've got until 11:45 pm on October 31. Go!

YALSA explains everything in more detail here. For even more details, see the contest guidelines.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Pottermore!

2011-08-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

I blogged about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (the movie) and then Part 2. And I thought by that point we would be done with Harry Potter, which made me cry a little bit--both on the inside and on the outside. Fortunately, JK Rowling is here to rescue us from a Potter-less future!

Tell me, how many of you have registered for Pottermore? Raise your hands high, Potter maniacs! Rest assured, I am one of you. I am proud to say that I got up early enough to get one of the coveted early registration spots for Pottermore. When will I get to see it? Who knows! The magic of Harry Potter means that the email will be a magical surprise.

For the uninitiated, you're probably wondering what Pottermore is. J.K. Rowling gives a good explanation in her video--and since she's the one behind it, I think she might know best:

If you're not feeling in the mood for video watching, here's the short version: Pottermore will have new content! More Potter! (Hence the name). More than that, it's an online reading "experience," where you'll get sorted into a house, get a wand and follow the story, some of which will be new content; including Professor McGonagall's backstory and possibly the story of how Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia met. Besides, you'll be able purchase Harry Potter ebooks & eAudio, finally!

Tell us what you're most excited about in the comments.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant AKA WalnutNimbus33

Free Books!

2011-08-05T09:00:00.016-04:00

Isn't that what the library is all about? Usually, you have to bring your free books back to the library (and you know what happens if you don't). But not this time. Our Teen Summer Reading Club has free book for you to keep. Here's what you have to do:

Register online before August 25.
Stop by the Children's Desk to pick up a "frequent reader miles" log.
Fill in the log. It's easy! Every page you've read this summer (since school got out) is a mile. You only need 100 to get your first prize--that's not even a whole book! Other ways to earn miles are volunteer hours, attending programs or writing book reviews.*
Redeem your miles! Come into the library, stop by the Children's Desk, get your log stamped and go home with your prizes today. Today! I know some of you have come in asking for prizes but today, and all the days after, we really have them. So stop by!

That's not all! Free books aren't the only prizes we're offering this summer. You can win a $50 VISA Gift Card (works like cash!). For every 2000 miles you accumulate, you can enter to win one of two gift cards! That's right every 2000 miles. That's just 3 Harry Potter books! Or the Inheritance trilogy by Christopher Paolini (that's Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr). Or really, you can just read any book you like--manga & graphic novels included.

The Prize List

100 miles = Free DVD/video game rental

500 miles = Fun give-away item (like collectible rubber duckies, pencils, Glee gear, coupons for bowling, & more)

1500 miles = A new paperback book!

2000 miles = Chance to enter random drawing for $50 VISA Gift Cards!

4000 miles = Another chance to enter random drawing for $50 VISA Gift Cards!

6000 miles = Another chance to enter random drawing for $50 VISA Gift Cards!

8000 miles = Another chance to enter random drawing for $50 VISA Gift Cards!

You get the idea--the more you read, the more chances you have to win.

$50 VISA Gift Card drawing will take place right before the Harlan Coben event on Tuesday, September 6 @ 6:00 pm. More information on the flyer.

Hope to see you soon!

*Key to earning miles:
1 page = 1 mile
1 book review = 10 miles
1 volunteer hour = 25 miles
1 program attended = 50 miles

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Library Closed Today

2011-07-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

Today is a sad day. The library is closed on this lovely Friday, July 29. That means no books are going to be checked out today and no events will be going on. What will you do without the library? If you're like me, you may have a stack of books that looks like this at home.

It's towering! It's overwhelming! Maybe I would rather be at the library but instead I will be sitting home reading, starting with these two books....

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool: Newbery award winner! On your Literary Lineup! You should be reading this, too. I started it before Friday because I just couldn't help myself! When we meet Abilene, she is on a train to Manifest, all by herself. Manifest is a small town in Arkansas, one of many small towns Abilene has lived in with her father. But this time, her father stayed back in Iowa and she's been sent on all by herself to live with Pastor Shady. Fortunately, she makes fast friends with Lettie and Ruthanne AND they find a mystery to solve. Who is the Rattler anyway and what could he be spying on in the tiny town of Manifest?

Shine by Lauren Myracle:Another story, another small town in North Carolina. There is another mystery, only this time, it's slightly more sinister. Cat's best friend Patrick has been beaten and left to die because he is gay. The mystery this time--who would perpetrate such a crime? Who has that much anger and hate? If you've read Lauren Myracle before (TTYL or Peace, Love and Baby Ducks), you may be surprised by this book. It's written well, just like everything else Myracle does, but it is about homophobia--a big, ugly issue that Cat & Patrick's small town would like to sweep under the rug. Not Cat. She's determined to find out who did this nasty thing and this is her story.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

You Are Here: A Book About a Far Away Place

2011-07-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed, the theme for our Teen Summer Reading Club is "You Are Here." So what does that really mean? I mean, for the most part we are all here in Ridgewood but that doesn't mean we have to read about people in Ridgewood, or even people in the United States. Books can take you anywhere you want to go even while you sit in your chair. I want to highlight a book that took me to a place I've never been: the Otavalo region of Ecuador--and into the mind of a person who is living a totally different life.

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango is the story of Maria Virginia Farinango's life, a life that is hard to imagine unless you read the book. (See where I'm going here?) Virginia lives with her family in a small Andean village in Ecuador. They live together, in a small house, and they farm to live and to eat. Virginia likes farming, not school. Until she is sent away to live with the Doctorita and Nino Carlitos and their new baby, in a far away town where everyone speaks Spanish not Quichua like her family does. Not only does she have to live with them and speak a new language, she must cook, clean and watch the baby. Did I mention she is only 6 or 7?

It's not easy for Virginia, but this book isn't a sob story the whole way through. Virginia is a tough cookie and she can find hope anywhere. Even locked away in a house, far from home and told that she is a "stupid crazy Indian!" I have to tell you, in case you're getting sad just reading this, Virginia finds hope. She finds a way to become the person she is today (since she is a real person!).

I loved this book for many reasons, one of them being Virginia. The other big reason is the writing. I love Laura Resau's writing because she can make you feel like you're in another place using sentences like this one:
"I'm in the valley pasturing sheep under a sky the dull gray of cow intestines." (p. 4) Magical sentences like this one are Resau's specialty and she found the magic even in Virginia's struggle.

I also heartily recommend any of Laura Resau's other books, especially The Indigo Notebook. Though it is also set in Ecuador, it's a totally different story about a fictional girl named Zeeta who has traveled the world and is writing about all of it in her indigo notebook. (There are sequels!)

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Happy Harry Potter Day!

2011-07-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

The last, the very last Harry Potter movie! Are you excited? Are you dressed up like Harry Potter and carrying around a stuffed owl that looks like Hedwig? If so, you have been spotted in the library! And I am very impressed.

Not excited for Harry Potter? Try the trailer. Or stop by the library and check out the earlier movies to catch up on the story. If you aren't into Harry Potter, I don't think I can convince you otherwise. But if you're on the edge, just think about the amazing special effects and the final conclusion to the story. Rumor has it, it made some of your favorite YA authors cry (John Green admitted it on Twitter). So bring your tissues to the theater whenever you go!

Have you seen it already? Be honest, I know all the cool people had tickets for the midnight showing. Many people are also probably sitting in air-conditioned theaters this afternoon, watching Harry Potter fight Voldemort. If you are one of these people, tell us what you thought in the comments. For anyone who doesn't want Harry Potter book/movie spoilers, skip the comments!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Hidden Gems: Singing the Dogstar Blues

2011-07-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

I read Singing the Dogstar Blues by Alison Goodman after I read one of Goodman's later books, Eon. Eon is some serious fantasy, involving dragons and girls disguised as boys and magic and all that fun stuff. Singing the Dogstar Blues is pure science fiction. Time travel? Check! Aliens? Check! Time traveling aliens? Absolutely!

Joss is an independent young lady--that is, she's been kicked out of more schools than you've ever been to but this time she's determined to stick around. Why? Because this time she's one of an elite 12 who are going to learn how to time jump as part of the Centre for Neo-Historical Studies. Maybe the head of the school doesn't like her but she doesn't care. Joss is determined to stay, even when they announce that they are allowing the first alien from Choria into the time traveling program.

Chorians are not just blue humans. They have two noses and two mouths and they always come in pairs. Except for Mavkel, come to Earth because his partner is dead. Who will be his time travel partner? Who will be able to telepathically communicate with an alien? Will it be Joss? Will she manage to stay in school this time around? Are you interested in reading this book yet?

Hidden gems are books that are more than 10 years old but are still worth checking out. I have made it my mission to read some of the older books on our shelves and share them with all of you. My best words of advice: ignore the cover!

Have a hidden gem to share? Comment or write a review!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Summer Has Officially Begun!

2011-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not talking about the summer solstice or the end of school. I'm talking about the Teen Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Event last night!

Were you there? 22 Ridgewood teens were there, and they enjoyed pizza & games & fun! Mostly Wii-themed fun but there was some Monopoly, Scrabble & Diary of a Wimpy Kid Uno being played. There were game winners and there were game losers but everyone got to eat pizza & deliciously cold watermelon!

Many of them registered for our Summer Reading Program. Sign up and you can earn "frequent reader miles" for the books you read, the programs you attend, the volunteer hours you complete AND the reviews you post on this blog! Why bother racking up "frequent reader miles"? One words: prizes!!

At these milestones, you get the following prizes:

100 miles = Free DVD/video game rental

500 miles = Fun give-away item

1500 miles = A new paperback book!

2000 miles = Chance to enter random drawing for $50 VISA Gift Cards!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Literary Lineup Highlights

2011-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Calling all Ridgewood middle schoolers! Are you ready for reading this summer? Because the librarians at BF & GW are--and they've got their Literary Lineup together and it is full of book suggestions for you to take outside and read this summer.

I thought I'd put together is a round-up of all the Literary Lineup titles that have been highlighted on the blog in the past year. Click on the book titles to see the related post. These are organized in the same way the Literary Lineup is, if you're reading along in your own copy (download one here). Keep in mind, some Literary Lineup books may be highlighted on our Teen Book Reviews page (as well as lots of other great books, recommended by your fellow Ridgewood teens).

Schneider Family Book Award
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Michael J. Printz Award for YA Literature
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

YALSA Award for Excellence in Non-Fiction Award
They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (scroll all the way down)

National Book Award for Young People
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
Dark Water by Laura McNeal
You can read what I thought about all the National Book Award winners & finalists in this post.

Realistic Fiction
The Summer I Turned Pretty (and 2 sequels) by Jenny Han
Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler

Mystery
Trash by Andy Mulligan (scroll to the bottom)

Historical Fiction
A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper
Chains & Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson (2 separate reviews because I love these books so much!)
Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

Science Fiction & Fantasy
Evil Genius (and sequels) by Catherine Jinks
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (in case you've missed all the hype)
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (also listed under Books Into Movies)
Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series (#5 The Warlock) by Michael Scott

Moving Up--For the HS Bound
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Summer Reading Club Kick-Off!

2011-06-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

Congratulations! School is almost over for the year! Here at the library summer = Summer Reading Club. Many of you may remember this from when you were younger, coming to the library with your reading logs in hand. This year, you can be a teen and still come to the library with a (different kind of) reading log in hand. Earn "frequent reader miles" by reading books, coming to programs and completing volunteer hours. There will be prizes!

Want to find out more? Come to our Summer Reading Club Kick-Off! And check out our brochure.

Thursday, June 30

4:00 to 7:00 pm

Stop by any time to:

Register for the Summer Reading Club & learn about all our summer events!
Enjoy refreshments--including pizza at 5:30 pm.
Get your game on! We've got Wii, classic board games, cards and Jeopardy competition going on.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Getting Ready for Summer

2011-06-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

The weather outside is not just getting ready for summer--it is summer out there. It's also finals out there for most of our high school students. What this means to me: summer reads! Books about the heat, books for the beach, or just books to read to help relax in between cramming for finals at the library. And what could be better than series to start now and keep reading all summer long?

Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series

The Warlock

Josh and Sophie are ready for a boring summer working at a tea shop and a bookstore. They don't know the true identities of their employers--and when they find out, everything gets a little bit magical.

The Summer novels by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty

It's Not Summer Without You

We'll Always Have Summer

For Belly, summer is always the best time of year. Everything good and everything interesting happens to Belly in the summer, which is what you get to read about.

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels

I'll be honest: I can't remember if this book starts in the summer. But it doesn't really matter because this book moves so fast. Clary witnesses a murder that no one else can see--is it supernatural? Absolutely! Bring on the Shadowhunters!

Got a great summer read to recommend? Leave a comment and let us know.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

TRU Girls Recommend

2011-06-03T14:23:00.001-04:00

At the end of the year, each of our book clubs comes in with recommendations for summer reading. Our TRU Girls would like to share their recommendations with you. Over the year, we've read and loved books like A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass and Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller. Here are some of their picks for fun summer reading:

Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

Airhead series by Meg Cabot

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Poison Apples by Lily Archer

And last, but certainly not least....

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Everybody Loves Green Lantern

2011-05-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

Green Lantern: comic book hero for the ages! But who is Green Lantern really? Perhaps you're familiar with the Green Lantern oath:

In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power... Green Lantern's light!

Does the name Hal Jordan ring any bells? If not, never fear!

You can find out in Green Lantern: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns:

I'll be honest: until I picked up this book, I had no idea what a Green Lantern was. All I knew was the oath. If you're in the same boat, this is a good place to start. Hal Jordan is just a nobody, a pilot on the wrong track, until he is chosen. Chosen as a Green Lantern, to train, to take the oath, to learn what it means to join the other beings who are Green Lanterns. But my explanation is not as goodas Geoff Johns', coupled with the art of Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert. And there are many other stories featuring Hal once you've finished this slim book!

Of course, there is another way to learn about Green Lantern in the upcoming movie with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively (of Gossip Girl fame). In theaters June 17!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

The Things A Brother Knows: A Review

2011-05-20T17:39:00.000-04:00

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt
Review by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant
Review done in the style of our Teen Book Reviews
Review posted May 20, 2011
Rating: 8 out of 10

What I liked: Levi. This is a book where you have to like the main character--and I loved Levi Katznelson. His brother Boaz has just come back from his service as a Marine and he is not the same person he was when he left. Boaz before the Marines was the prodigal son, the cheerful, obedient one. Now he's the sullen one who won't leave his room and leaves the radio on to static. He calls himself Bo now. Levi doesn't know how to interact with his brother and neither does anyone else. Their parents are basically ignoring him. What's a brother to do?

Levi is persistent, with a quirky pair of friends (Pearl and Zim) to support his efforts to follow his brother on his confusing, walking journey. Levi is smart, funny and mostly normal. Plus, he goes on a bit of a wacky adventure, which makes everything more interesting.

What I didn't like: We never really got to know Bo. I understand that if we did, there might not be a story for Levi to tell. But I really did want to get to know Bo. This is not the kind of book that usually gives us a sequel, but if there were, and it was about Bo, I would read it.

Who I would recommend it to: That is a hard question. Anyone who is interested in war and soldiers. It's also a mystery. What is Bo really up to? So I recommend it to fans of thoughtful mysteries.

Other comments: Memorial Day is right around the corner (next weekend) but it's never a bad time to think about what a holiday like Memorial Day is really about. I promise, it's not just about getting a Monday off from school & work! According to World Book Encyclopedia (which you can access using your Ridgewood Library card if you don't believe me!), Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in any war while serving the United States--though it was originally conceived to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War.

While The Things a Brother Knows is not strictly a Memorial Day book, since Bo comes back alive, it does look at the big questions like what does it mean to stand up for your country? What are the effects of war on people who fight it? What does it mean to be a brother? What does it mean to be a patriot? All good questions for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Photo Contest Deadline Almost Here!

2011-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

If you want to know exactly how much time you have to submit your photo to the 4th Annual "Ridgewood Through My Eyes" Photo Contest, look over to your left. That's our countdown clock! When it reads zero, that means it's deadline day. So actually, you'll have until midnight to submit your photos. In the olden days--or when I was a kid--2 days might not have been enough time to take a photo, develop a photo and submit it.

Fortunately for all of you, it's the 21st century! You still have time to point, shoot and email your photo to photocontest@ridgewoodlibrary.org. Don't forget to include your name, grade & school, phone number and a title for the photo! The deadline, again, if you need reminding is this Friday, May 20, 2011. No extensions!

Need inspiration? Here are three great books featuring phenomenal, thought-provoking photos that might help inspire your entry.

Frogs by Nic Bishop (or really, any book with photos by Nic Bishop)
It's hard for me to explain exactly what Nic Bishop is so good at when it comes to photography. But you don't need to be a professional to enjoy his photos. The colors, the angles, the composition, and the care put into all of these photos make the frogs (or butterflies or lizards or whatever animal he is photographing) practically leap off the page.

It's Complicated: The American Teenager Portraits & Interviews by Robin Bowman
These are photographs of teenagers, all across America, as the title implies. Ignoring the fact that the interviews are really interesting, it's the photos that really ties everything together. The black and white photos of teenagers in their element somehow show us who these people really are on the inside, even though the photos just show the outside. The other two books here have a lot of action but Bowman really shows how interesting, informative and just plain beautiful a quiet photo can be.

Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls and Rhythms by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
A book about basketball is a book about action. Smith's photos convey the movement from the basketball court right into your lap. That's really all that needs to be said here. Check out some of his other books for more action (and more basketball).

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Teens' Top Ten: Read & Make Your Vote Count!

2011-05-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

More awards! And this time, you get to vote on them. This is YALSA (that's the Young Adult Library Services Association), asking teenagers to pick 10 best books from a list of 25 great nominations. The best part is that the 25 nominated books are picked by teen book clubs all over the country. But the absolute, total best part of all of this is that you have 3 months to read the fabulous nominated books before voting opens on August 22. Of course, you don't have to read all of them to vote...that doesn't mean you can't try!

The full list can be found here: http://bit.ly/3msp7k (Full disclosure: it is chock full of fantasy & science fiction!)

Some highlights:

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card: If you've ever asked Mrs. Mitgang for a book recommendation, you've probably heard of the book Ender's Game. I'll admit, it's an awesome science fiction book. Fortunately, it is not the only book or series Mr. Card has ever written. The Lost Gate is the beginning of a new series featuring Danny North, a teenage mage in exile. A very powerful mage, more powerful than any that have been around in a long time, which gets him into a lot of trouble.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White: Evie is a part of the International Paranormal Containment Agency). From what I hear, she's a clever girl who likes to have fun with Tasey, her pink, rhinestone-covered taser. Having a pink taser means that there is some girl-powered paranormal action in this story. You've been warned!

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson: I have called this my favorite book where a sibling dies. Books about getting over the sudden death of a sibling are rarely easy to read, but this one is somehow a page turner. For this I blame (and thank) Lennie's strong emotions about her sister and her sister's death. If you like tearjerkers, definitely pick this one up.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Best Book of the Year (So Far)

2011-05-06T14:02:00.000-04:00

If you follow @ridgewoodlibya on Twitter, you know how excited I am about the release of Divergent by Veronica Roth. It is, so far, the only book to receive a publication day tweet. I am sure there will be more to come. I can honestly say that, as of today, Divergent is my favorite read of the year so far. 5 months down, 7 months to go....

Why this book rocks:

Mostly it's because of Tris. If you liked Katniss Everdeen (heroine of the compelling Hunger Games trilogy), you will love Tris. Tris is smart and gutsy. Most of all, she is unpredictable and that is what kept me hooked.
In Tris's world, you must choose a faction. Whichever faction you choose, you must live by their rules and go through their initiation. It's not easy, which makes everything in the book much more interesting. Your options are:

Abnegation--the selfless
Dauntless--the brave
Erudite--the intelligent
Amity--the peaceful
Candor--the honest
BONUS: To find out which faction you are, there is a quiz! http://on.fb.me/fdStAI

It's set in Chicago, in the future. There are abandoned skyscrapers and trains crossing every which way across the much quieter city. To me, cities of the future are a great setting and I happen to have a great love for Chicago.
The story will leave you on the edge of your seat. Tris is no pushover, she takes real risks. Exciting!

I can't tell you any more than that because I will spoil the book for you. Just trust me, there are twists and there are turns and you may stay up past your bedtime reading this one.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Upcoming Events for May

2011-04-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

May is a wonderful month for fun things! School is almost over...but not quite. The flowers are blooming and it's beautiful outside. Which makes it a great time to go to the library--because the best time to go to the library is all the time. In my opinion.

But you won't even need to set foot in the library to submit a photo to our digital photo contest "Ridgewood Through MY Eyes." All you need to do is take a photograph that features people, places or activities in Ridgewood (as suggested by the name of this contest). When you've taken the best shot, the one that you think will win you a cash prize of $100 (for first place; $50 for second; and $25 for third). Then, send it on in to photocontest@ridgewoodlibrary.org. Don't forget to include your name, grade & school, phone number and a title for your photo.

You can only submit one photograph, so be picky! Your photos will be judged by professional photographers and there will be a prize reception on June 6 where you & your fabulous photo will be honored. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: middle school and high school. Separate prizes for each!

Most important information: the DEADLINE IS MAY 20, 2011! No exceptions or extensions. Period. For more information, take a look at our flyer.

There's also events happening at the library. Take a look:

Chinese Knotting Crafts
Tuesday, May 10 @ 4:00 pm
Bring your friends to this workshop where you will learn to knot beautiful satin cord into even more beautiful necklaces and key rings. This workshop is led by Christal Chang, who is quite a crafty lady! I have seen her knotted necklaces and they look much prettier than they sound. Don't forget to register!

Twitter Lab
Thursday, May 12 @ 3:30 pm
Twitter is the new Facebook! It's the new everything! And if you haven't see yet, Ridgewood Library is on Twitter! Look to your right ------------------>
that's us @ridgewoodlibya.
Help us market the library in under 160 characters. We'll also have fun with 6-word stories and Twitter poetry. Register here!

If you're feeling really adventurous, why not trek into New York City? May 25 is the big day when Rick Riordan & James Patterson will be LIVE. On stage. Right in front of you. For $5. At Lincoln Center. You've been warned! Tickets go on sale this Saturday, April 30 at 10:00 AM. You have until then to convince your parents to take you/let you go. More details at Lincoln Center's website.

We hope to see you soon! (Or hear reports on how cool Rick Riordan and James Patterson are in real life).

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Book Review: A Brief History of Montmaray

2011-04-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

Sophia is a princess. The villagers on the tiny island of Montmaray call her Your Highness. She lives in a castle--or at least a very big house with a drawbridge and a moat full of sharks. But she is not your usual fairytale princess.

In fact, A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper is far from a fairytale. Sophia FitzOsborne's parents are dead, which, I suppose, is like some fairytales. She lives with her sister, Henry (do NOT call her Henrietta!), her cousin, Veronica, her uncle, King John (who is quite mad) and their housekeeper, Rebecca. It is not all fun and games living on an island located between Spain and France with just your family, one Portuguese water dog, and 4 villagers for company. Few ships stop at the island and the FitzOsbornes are basically broke--making life in the castle a mess. A leaky roof, tattered clothing, and a LOT of work is not fun.

But like I said--Sophia is not living in a fairytale of a life in 1936. A fairytale for her would be getting to be presented in society in England by her Aunt Charlotte. Going to parties, meeting eligible young men. This is what Sophia desperately wants. She might get it, too, except for the trouble that lands on the shores of Montmaray. Two German men wearing swastika are unwanted guests that bring a whole host of trouble. Plus, a little bit of adventure for the girls on Montmaray!

If you pick up A Brief History of Montmaray and expect an adventure from page 1, you'll be sorely disappointed! But if you stick with it, if you read about Sophia and her family, you'll grow to love the FitzOsbornes. In the end, you'll fear for them when they get in way over their heads. By the last 60 pages, I couldn't put it down.

If you like the sound of this book, you'll be glad to hear that the sequel just came out. Take a look at the ontmaray Journals #2: The FitzOsbornes in Exile, for more adventures with Sophia.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-04-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

And with it a bunch of fabulous new YA books! Have you stopped by our new shelves lately? Because I have to say, they are absolutely bursting with books. Come on in and help us relieve the pressure. I'm serious--and I have some suggestions.

Chime by Franny Billingsley

First lines:
I've confessed to everything and I'd like to be hanged.
Now, if you please.
I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't bear to tell my story. I can't relive those memories--the touch of the Dead Hand, the smell of eel, the gulp and swallow of the swamp.

Why you should check it out: Swampfolk and strangers. Guilt and betrayal. Add to that some witchcraft and twin sisters and, well, you see where we're going here. It's a dark book (as evidenced by the first lines), but it's more than just dark: it's a story about truths and secrets and lies and mythology and magic.

Karma by Cathy Ostlere

First lines:
A brand-new diary
How to begin.
Click.
How. To. Begin.
Click. Click. Click.
I like the sound of a ballpoint pen.
Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

Why you should check it out: I know you all like the diary format--at least, judging from the number of you who loooove the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. But don't expect Wimpy Kid style cartoons or jokes here! Maya is no wimpy kid--she's a 15-year-old girl who is on a journey from Canada to India with only a diary for company (and her father but...when you're 15, your father isn't all that interesting). What happens? It's all in the diary--from first loves to a country in chaos.

Trash by Andy Mulligan
First lines:
My name is Raphael Fernandez and I am a dumpsite boy.
Peaople say to me, 'I guess you just never know what you'll find, sifting through the rubbish! Today could be your lucky day.' I say to them, 'Friend, I think I know what I find.'

Why you should check it out: Perhaps Raphael does find something that he doesn't expect among the human muck he picks through in the dumpsite in the Third World country he lives in. Perhaps there is a mystery hidden in these pages.

Red Glove (Curse Workers, #2) by Holly Black
You might have read my review of White Cat, the first book in the series. And if you're into that sort of book, I bet you read White Cat. Whice means you don't need to be told why you should check out Red Glove. This is just an update to let you know that #2 has been released! Check it out or put a hold on it today! If you haven't yet been tempted by these books, think about it. It features people who can work curses just by touching you. That was enough to get me to read it...does it intrigue you?

For an updated list of new books on our shelves, stop by our New Books page at any time!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Favorite Poem Project

2011-04-08T15:39:00.001-04:00

April is poetry month! Which means that we've got poetry on display. Have you seen it? If you've come into the library through the parking lot entrance, you have no excuse for missing the giant display of wonderful poetry books. Stop by to check one out all month long.

You can participate in poetry month at the library through our annual Ridgewood Favorite Poem Project, run by Mrs. Mitgang, everyone's favorite Young Adult Librarian. Bring your family, bring your friends and most of all-bring your favorite poems!

Why submit a poem? The reason we have poetry month is so that everyone, poetry-lovers and poetry dabblers alike, can take a moment to appreciate what a good poem can do. This is also an opportunity to share something you love with people who care about poetry. If you're an artist, you can take those words and translate them into an illustration to accompany your poem. There are many reasons to submit a poem, some of them personal and some of them whimsical. It doesn't really matter why you submit a poem, but I hope you will!

You can submit your favorite published poem by delivering it to Mrs. Mitgang in person, or emailing favoritepoems@ridgewoodlibrary.org. Illustrations are welcome but not necessary! Tell us:

Your name
Your age & grade
Your phone or email
Title and author of the poem
Why this poem has significance for you.

A flyer with all the details can be found through the Ridgewood Library website, or by clicking here.

Here's my favorite poem, about one of my favorite cities (and my adopted hometown), Chicago.

The Fog

by Carl Sandburg

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Don't forget about our poetry reading! Get selected to read the poem you submitted to the project at our Ridgewood Favorite Poems Reading on Sunday, April 17 @ 3:00 pm. Or just come to enjoy hearing poetry read by poetry-loving friends and fellow community members.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assitant

Heist Society: An April Fool's Kind of Book

2011-04-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I thought about posting a tricky post on this first day of April, so commonly known as April Fool's Day. But then I thought you might not trust my posting any more. Also, I'm not a very tricky person. April Fool's Day is not my thing. But it just might be something Kat, the heroine of Heist Society by Ally Carter, could get into. I'm going to feature Kat's story on this day for all you pranksters.

As you might have guessed from the title, Kat Bishop is a thief. Actually, she's a reformed thief. Her family has always been involved in pulling cons--involving art or jewels or other things that can make them rich. But it isn't about getting rich, it's about pulling it off. When we meet Kat, she's involved in the biggest con of her life: convincing the girls at a ritzy private shcool that she's just like them, a 15-year-old girl only worried about grades and hair and fun.

Unfortunately for Kat, once you're in a crime family, it's very hard to get out. Especially when other people need your help. Like Kat's father, who has apparently stolen something he shouldn't have. Kat doesn't even think her father stole them but no one is playing nice here. To clear her father's name, Kat is going to have to step up and step back into a life of crime.

Fortunately, being from a family of criminals has its perks. Will she be able to pull it off?

My advice? Don't run cons like Kat. It's rather dangerous. But reading about it? Perfect for the pranksters among you. You might even pick up a few (legal) tips.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Hidden Gems: The Other Side of Truth

2011-03-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

There are lots of great new books out there--with more coming out every day (check out to the New Books tab to see what has just hit the shelves)--but there's more to life than new books. Our regular YA shelves hold some books that were published a long time ago (okay, not that long ago) that might get overlooked. These will be posts about books I love that I think you will, too.

The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo was published in 2001 (which, like I said, isn't really that long ago). But it's dark cover camouflages it on the shelf, making it hard to find and disguising its true nature. This is a book that can be hard to read but also hard to put down.

The story: When the book opens, Sade and Femi's house is in turmoil. Their father, a Nigerian journalist, has been writing the truth about the problems in Nigeria and they have been published in the newspaper. The government has been trying to silence him--with guns. This morning, their bullets have hit Sade and Femi's mother, who is dying right in front of their eyes. Following the tragic death of their mother, Sade and Femi's father decides that it is time to get out of Nigeria. It's too dangerous for them to leave using real names so Sade and Femi must be smuggled out by a willing person. They wind up in London, where they are left to fend for themselves in a country they've never been to before and they don't know anyone. How will they ever find their way? And how will their father ever find them in such a large, unfriendly city?

Why you should read it: How much do you value the truth? Is it ever right to lie? These are big questions, important questions--ones that are not easy to answer. Sade doesn't have the answers either but she is trying to figure it all out, despite all the obstacles in her path. I was inspired by her for her strength and courage, even when she didn't have all the answers. Wanting to know what would happen to Sade & Femi ensured that I could not put this book down.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Welcome to Women's History Month!

2011-03-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

I know we're already halfway through the month but that still gives us 2 weeks to enjoy books about women who have already made history and some who are working on it. I'm sure you've all already read my review of The Good, the Bad and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone which traces the history of the doll and the woman behind the doll, Ruth Handler. Here are some more titles that are not to be missed:

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: Totally classic, if you haven't read it yet, you should. Yes, it takes place during the Holocaust while Anne is in hiding--a depressing and hopeless situation if there ever was one. But Anne was a real girl, coping with real challenges every day, even in hiding. This is a firsthand view of the Holocaust written by a girl you will recognize, and by the end of the book, you will feel like you knew her.

Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. It was an incredibly deadly fire killing 146 people--mostly women. How did these women wind up trapped at the top of a burning building with no way out? In 1911, there were few fire precautions and more primitive fire equipment than we have today. Worst of all were the working conditions, which were not regulated they are today. This book tells not only the story of those who perished in fire, but of the many brave women who worked tirelessly and often went on strike to secure better working conditions for working women.

Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill: The girls who were the driving forces behind the Salem Witch Trials may not have been good girls (as you can tell from reading the title), but they certainly were powerful. What were Ann, Mercy and Margaret thinking when they sent so many people to their deaths? This book tries to imagine what it would have been like to be these girls, to think their thoughts and inspire a historical event on the scale of the Salem Witch Trials.

Looking for more books by and about strong women? Stop by the YA Room and check out a book from our display.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Super Science Saturday!

2011-03-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

The celebration that calls itself "The Biggest Science Extravaganza in Northern New Jersey" is taking place this weekend! Will you be there? I confess that I will not be there but it is not because I dislike science. I like science very much--especially in books and film! To celebrate science, this week you get a list of science-related books--not about school, or how to learn chemistry--but about how science can be inspiring, useful and sometimes even fun!

Deadly by Julie Chibbaro
It's a mystery--who is infecting the citizens of New York City with typhoid? 16-year-old Prudence Galewski is on the case! It's her senior year of high school in the year 1906. Most girls are looking for secretarial work but not Prudence. She is going to assist the city epidemiologist in solving this deadly mystery.

Evil Genius series by Catherine Jinks
Cadel Piggot is too smart for his own good, which may be why he winds up enrolled at the Axis Institute. At Axis, students learn about infiltration, misinformation and embezzlement. In short: how to be an evil genius. But being the computer hacking prodigy that he is, he's not sure that this evil life is the life for him.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (This book is also featured on the Girl Power booklist on this website, which just goes to show how much I love it.)
Calpurnia Tate doesn't want to be the girl that everyone expects her to be in 1899. This summer, she's cutting off her hair one hot inch at a time and spending time in her grandfather's lab, where he is exploring the newfangled theories of Charles Darwin. For Calpurnia, it's an exciting summer of science and quiet but steady rebellion against her family.

October Sky (the movie) or October Sky (the book) by Homer Hickam
Homer Hickam comes from a small coal mining town in West Virginia, but he doesn't think much about coal mining. He's obsessed with rockets--and so are his friends. Could their rockets win the science fair and catapult them onto the national stage? It's possible and pretty darn exciting.

The Radioactive Boy Scout: The True Story of a Boy and His Backyard Nuclear Reactor by Ken Silverstein
What happens when 17-year-old David Hahn's backyard experiments go too far? So far, in fact, that the EPA has to come clean up the radioactive mess. What's even weirder is how Hahn managed to get his hands on radioactive materials in the first place, and why no one--his parents, classmates, or otherwise--bothered to notify the authorities when he bragged about his work with dangerous material in a nuclear reactor in his backyard. This is one of Mrs. Mitgang's favorites!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

The Good, The Bad and the Barbie: A Book Review

2011-03-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

Tell me: Did any of you play with Barbies when you were little? And does anyone still use them to experiment with clothing, hair color, etc.? If you answered yes to either of those questions, this book is for you! Actually, even if you answered no to both of those questions, this could still be the book for you. Personally, I never liked Barbie or any other dolls but I still loved this book. I mean loved. In fact, it was so good I'm thinking of rating it a rare 10 out of 10. Read on to find out...

The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone
Rating: (drum roll please!) This fantastic book gets the top rating, 10 out of 10!

What I liked: When I was growing up, all the Barbies that came my way were tan and blonde. Maybe they were Malibu Barbie or Superstar Barbie--I don't know what they were but they certainly looked different than my Barbies. The cover shows how Barbie was originally imagined by Ruth Handler, a woman with a vision. Not only did Handler have a vision, she was absolutely determined to create a doll that children could use to imagine their futures, rather than the baby dolls. Reading about her life was one of my favorite parts of the book because she was a woman that worked hard for what she wanted and she got it (mostly). I also loved how the author incorporated lots of personal stories about Barbie love (and hate) into the text.

Last, but certainly not least, I really learned a lot through discussion of whether Barbie's body shape affects young girls. Does it make girls feel bad about themselves and the way they look or does it do what Ruth handler envisioned--invite girls to imagine what they might be in the future? There is no definitive answer but there are a lot of great arguments. It is a short book but Stone manages to pack a lot of great information into those glossy pages.

What I didn't like: Not enough color pictures! There were tons of black and white photos but with all the talk about Barbie's skin color and hair color changing over the years, I really wanted to see it in color. There is a great section full of color pictures.

Who I would recommend it to: Of course, this books would be great for anyone who loved or hated Barbies as a child. I would also recommend it to anyone who is interested in psychology and human development because so much of the discussion about Barbie has to do with how girls relate to her, especially if they are exposed to her at a young age (which most of them are).

Other comments: For another review of this book, check out what Reading Rants (one of my favorite sites about books) has to say. [SPOILER: It's all good things!]

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Back to the Books: After Ever After

2011-02-25T16:23:00.001-05:00

I really like reading the teen book reviews--in part, because everyone has great ideas about books they loved, and books they didn't like so much. But I have also decided that I quite like the format of the reviews. It distills a book into a few different, distinct parts and it makes all the reviews hit the same notes. I do have trouble rating books, but I'll do my best. Just so you know, I am judicious about handing out 10s to the books I like. Some books I love just don't get a 10. But that doesn't mean I love them any less!

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Rating: 8 out of 10

What I liked: Jeff is over cancer. Not just a little bit--a lot. He's been in remission for five years and now he has a new problem to tackle--8th grade girls. Particularly Lindsay. But wait, that's not all. He & his best friend Tad are--there's not good way to say this--really funny, ridiculous 8th grade boys who get to have laptops in school. Of course, this is actually because both Jeff & Tad are cancer survivors whose treatments gave them a number of learning and physical disabilities. It could be a whiny book, but Jeff and Tad aren't whiny. They're fighters, and most of all, they are just two 8th grade boys dealing with annoying teachers, annoying assignments and, well, annoying each other sometimes.

What I didn't like: It made me cry! Which, really, if you think about it, is probably a good thing. It means the story was so good and I got so into it that I got really emotional. Of course, it also means that there is a sad part, even in this mostly funny book. I'm not telling you what it is because that would spoil the whole book. But...if you don't like anything sad to ever happen in your books, this is not the book for you.

Who I would recommend it to: Anyone who read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie and is wondering what happened to cute, not-so-sick-anymore Jeffrey. But that is obvious. Also, any 8th graders thinking about what high school is going to be like.. And anyone who likes funny books about boys in middle school. Ooh, or anyone interested in what it's like to have a learning disability. I think that just about covers it.

Other comments: Looking for an award-winning book? Or is your mom wishing and hoping and praying you'd read an award-winning book? Show her how excited you are to pick up After Ever After, the 2011 Schneider Family Award Winner for Middle School. Don't know what that means? Check out their website or quote me: it's a great book (about a teen with a disability).

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Movie News!

2011-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

I know, this month is Reading Marathon month, which means all your evenings should be spent racking up those pages, right? Well, right if you're in middle school maybe. Then again, a person can't stay in every night. Luckily, there are some very exciting looking new movies coming out based on teen books.

If you've been reading this blog, you know that I enjoyed I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore--the book (see my blog post). And even back in October, we knew the movie was coming out soon. How soon? Release date = February 18, 2011. Look at your calendars everyone--that's today!

Now, what do I know about the movie? I know it stars Alex Pettyfer, Rotten Tomatoes (my favorite movie rating website) gives it a 27%, and that I have not seen it yet. Oh, and also thatthere are a lot of crazy tie-ins: things to dowload onto your computer, iPod Touch, and other gadgetry. It's a whole alien experience! Let me know if you've experienced the alien world of Number Four in the comments.

Coming in March is yet another movie starring Alex Pettfyer. Like him or not, he may be the new Robert Pattinson (gasp!). Beastly the book is by Alex Flinn and it is, as you might have guessed, a twist on the story of Beauty and the Beast, a tale most of us know from the Disney movie. This, my friends, is not a Disney tale. Oh no. This one stars Mary-Kate Olsen and Neil Patrick Harris, along with our teen movie rock star. Despite the fact that I haven't quite read the book yet (it's on my shelf!), I cannot wait to see this one.

Beastly the movie has got its own site at beastlythemovie.com--not to be outdone by I Am Number Four--they've got a Twitter feed, wallpaper, a quiz that says it's "coming soon," and the trailers! I think they look good and if you do, too, then you'll be waiting for the March 4th release date just like me.

Happy reading and watching!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

It's Officially Black History Month!

2011-02-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I bet you already knew it was Black History Month, even without my reminder. Schools still take time during the month of February to focus on black history--the civil rights movement, George Washington Carver, my favorite astronaut Mae Jemison, Malcolm X, etc., etc. And I'm here to tell you that we here at the library noticed it was Black History Month, too!

Look for this picture in the Young Adult Room to find some great titles that tie in with Black History Month:

But you don't have to come to the library to learn more about Black History Month. One of my favorite blogs, The Brown Bookshelf, celebrates February every year by interviewing some incredible authors and illustrators of color in a feature they call "28 Days Later." Some of them are writing books for teens, some are illustrating books for kids, but all are interesting and really informative--about lots of subjects. I was just reading the interview with Randy DuBurke, illustrator of the graphic novel Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri. He talks about illustrating graphic novels, how it's different from illustrating children's books and how he got to where he is as an artist. This is not just a celebration of history but history in the making.

Another of my favorite blogs showcases issues and books about people of color is Reading in Color, who does this all year round. Why? She explains it eloquently here--the idea that having one month to read and think and learn about people of color is not enough. Well--she actually explains it twice. The second post is entitled "February=Time to Show We Love and Understand Black People." Some of it is a rant, but it's an interesting one, raising issues that don't often see the light of day, especially in school. What does it mean to have a specific month for a culture or gender? Next month is Women's History Month, so we can keep on discussing this issue right through February and March. And April? That's Poetry Month--not nearly as divisive, unless you're standing in a group of poets!

Themed months? Love'em or hate'em we got'em and will be highlighting them here. Let us know what you think.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

The Grimm Legacy: A Book for Book Lovers

2011-02-03T17:59:00.001-05:00

In honor of our new teen book reviews (click on the "Teen Book Review" tab at the top if you don't know what I'm talking about), I am going to review The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman using the same format.

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Reviewed by Alexa, 18th grade (AKA graduate school)
Review posted on February 4, 2011
Rating: 7 out of 10

What I liked: Elizabeth has a job that librarians can get behind--she is a page at the New York Circulating Material Repository that lends out objects. But not just regular everyday objects! There are magical objects available for check out, too. Who takes out a flying carpet? And what do they have to trade to get it? Because, let's face it, you can't just take out magical items with a swipe of your library card. No, ma'am. You've got to leave something important as collateral. Like your firstborn child or your sense of humor. I loved the things that people swapped to gain the privelege of checking out magical items, from magic mirrors to seven league shoes.

But what could happen when magical objects start losing their magic? Who knows enough to steal magic? Not Elizabeth. Could it be one of her co-workers? Or (gasp!) a librarian? I really like mysteries, iand this one was no exception. There was enough suspense in this book, and enough clues that you thought you knew who was responsible--but like in most mysteries, you're wrong (unless you understand more clues than I do and you guess right).

What I didn't like: I wanted there to be more loose ends at the end of the book! This book is a fairy tale, in the sense that everything wraps up beautifully. Maybe I was just hoping for a sequel...

Who I would recommend it to: Book & library lovers! Also, anyone interested in the real Grimm fairytales, who might recognize some of the cool magical items Elizabeth deals with.

BONUS: There is a great book trailer for this book created by the publisher, Penguin. Click here to check it out!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

February is Reading Marathon Month!

2011-02-01T09:00:00.006-05:00

Hello Ridgewood middle school students! Are you reading and raising money as part of the annual Reading Marathon? We sure hope so! We're making it better than ever with fun programs & prizes all month long. It might be snowing outside but at the library it is warm and just full of good books to check out and read (even if you're not the right age to participate in the Reading Marathon.)

Fun Reading Marathon Activities:

Submit a review to the teen blog and you will be entered in a prize drawing to win a Starbucks gift card. We'll be selecting a winner every Monday this month; February 7, 14, 21 and 28. Will you be a winner? Not if you don't write any reviews! Just head over to our book review form and start typing! Don't forget to leave an email address so we can contact you when you win.
If you missed our first Reading Marathon Lock-In on January 28--never fear! We'll be wrapping up Reading Marathon month with another chance to hang out with your friends, rack up pages for the Reading Marathon, eat pizza, play games and win prizes. The best part? You get to stay in the library after closing! Our February Finale Lock-In will be on February 25 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. Register here! (For all of you who came to our first ever lock-in last week, thanks! The next one will be new and improved with more games and more fun!)
Want to make a really short movie? Stop by one of our MAC Labs to use the Library's digital cameras and iMovie to create trailers for your favorite books--solo or working in groups. You'll be aided by teen iMovie experts. What's a book trailer? Check out 4 awesome ones over at another teen blog: http://bit.ly/fUjzUI , then stop by our MAC Labs on Fridays (3:30-5:00 pm) & Saturdays (11:00 am - 12:00 pm) in February. No need to register!

Fun & Crafty February Activities:

Chinese Brush Painting--Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit by painting with traditional materials & techniques. Christal Chang is back to share her brush painting skills on Tuesday, February 8 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. ($5 materials fee) Don't forget to register!
Paper Marbling--more artsy fun with Nick Sunday, Wednesday, February 23 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. ($5 materials fee) Don't forget to register!

Need a Reading Marathon form? Click here for the middle school form or stop by the Library to pick one up.

Want a flyer with all of this information? Click here to download & print or save.

Happy reading!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

New Feature: Reviews by Teens!

2011-01-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen our new feature this week? We have book reviews written by Ridgewood teens! To check them out, click on the "Teen Book Reviews" tab above. It's easy! In case you need a reminder, the tab looks like this:

Why would you want these reviews instead of mine? Well, I'll still be posting BUT wouldn't it be nice to know what other teens (in grades 6-12) who live in your town read and loved/hated? We thought it would--and we had some of our fabulous volunteers (and big readers) write some reviews for you.

Want to submit a review? Get typing! You don't have to be as good a typist as the person pictured above to write for us, and you don't have to be a library volunteer to post either. If you're on this blog, that means you're on a computer connected to the internet--which means you can write us a review, too. Here's a link: http://bit.ly/gcKPEo OR click on the permanent link located at the top of the left-hand column on this blog.

I hope to see & post some of your reviews soon!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Upcoming Events!

2011-01-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

Special Saturday post--next week we're having two awesome events which we think you'll LOVE. So sign up now! Starting at 4:00 pm this Friday, January 28:

Author Visit with WENDY MASS

Grades 4-8
Friday, January 28 at 4:00 pm

Meet this NJ-based author of ten novels including Every Soul a Star, 11 Birthdays, Finally, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, A Mango-Shaped Space and her newest book, Candymakers. Free for Ridgewood Library cardholders and Kids Card guest members; $5 for all others.

Have you met authors before? Authors as cool as Wendy Mass--check out her blog to see what I mean? If so, you know what to expect. If not, join us to see how much fun hearing an author's thoughts about books and writing can be.

For more info, check out this flyer (or print it out to show your parents). And don't forget to register online!

Reading Marathon LOCK-IN
Grades 6-8
January Jumpstart - Fri., Jan. 28 @ 5:00-9:00 pm

We're staying open after hours to help students rack up pages for our annual Reading Marathon fundraiser. Hang out and read at the library - with breaks for PIZZA, GAMES (adapted from the hit TV game show Minute to Win It ) and PRIZES (free books)!

It's going to be awesome! Seriously, when is the last time you've ever been allowed to stay in the library after hours? Never? Well, this is your chance! Bring your friends!

Here's a flyer for this event, too! Register online for this one too so we can make sure to have enough pizza and prizes.

Questions? Give us a call at (201) 670-5600 ext. 110. Or leave a comment, as always!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton & Gina Mitgang, Young Adult Department

Awards! (Printz, Morris, Nonfiction)

2011-01-21T14:24:00.000-05:00

As many of you Golden Globe watchers know, the beginning of the year is the time for awards--for movies, TV--but also for books. Though they might not be televised, they were live blogged on Monday, January 10. The awards I'm referring to are those given by YALSA, the Young Adult Library Services Association. Lots and lots of young adult librarians spend their time reading books so they can pick out the best of the best in several categories. Here, I'm highlighting my favorite YALSA awards. You can also find these books on display in the Young Adult room.;

Now I may be a reading machine, but I can assure you--I haven't yet read all the books on these lists. In fact, the library might not even have the copies of all these books (yet). So I'm not going to write much about the books I haven't read. If you've read them, let us know in the comments! For now, you'll just have to settle for a sentence that I hope will inspire you and me both to start reading these books.

Michael L. Printz Award (the "best" YA book, judged on literary merit):
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
You might remember this one from my post about the National Book Awards. Obviously, there was some love for this book. And for good reason! If you like books about the ocean, dystopian future worlds, saving the earth, determined individuals, or just really good stories, you might want to give this book a shot.

Honor Books:
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
16-year-old Gemma is kidnapped and taken to the middle of the Australian outback where she could try to get away, if she thought dying was better than being stuck with the gorgeous Ty (even if he is her kidnapper). This book is gripping, as Gemma struggles with her feelings about escaping Ty.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
What to do when your best friend (who you're secrelty in love with) dies? That's a choice Vera Dietz has to make. (BONUS: book trailer!)

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Sig Andersson is cold & alone in the Arctic, except for his father's dead body. Intrigued? Me, too!

Nothing by Jane Teller
Danish 7th grader Pierre Anthon realizes life is meaningless & tells his classmates, who decide to find meaning for him.

William C. Morris YA Debut Award (for promising books by authors who have not written for young adults before):
The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston
More death here--after Loa's younger sister dies, everything else seems to go wrong. But studying astrophysics may help Loa just enough to get her through an ugly time.

Honor Books:
Hush by Eishes Chayil
The suicide of Gittel's best friend leads her to speak out about the abuse in her small, religious Jewish community.

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
The word dead may be in the title but there is less about death in this book! There is, however, some awesome New-Zealand-folklore-inspired creatures that you won't expect. Ellie Spencer lives at boarding school and life is mostly normal, until she makes friends with mysterious Mark. Weirder and weirder things keep happening until it's clear that this is not your usual boarding school book.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Necromancer=someone who raises people from the dead. Like Sam, our main character here.

Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber
Iris is sent to Missouri by her father to be the paid caretaker of an elderly woman. It doesn't sound like an exciting summer for her either.

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults (just what it sounds like):
Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel
If you haven't heard of Janis Joplin, you're probably under the age of 30--which is why you're reading this blog! But she was a rock and roll woman with a rock and roll lifestyle, which should make for good reads.

Honor Books:
They Called Themselves the K.K.K: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
What do you know about the KKK? As I found out, I knew a lot less than I thought about a group that was formed during Reconstruction. If you have any love for American history, even the ugly bits, this book will suck you in. I read it in one sitting!

Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement by Rick Bowers
Sneaky government operatives in Mississippi? Sounds like a movie but this is a true story of spies in the good ol' USA.

The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul Janeczko
More true spy stories--these are mostly about spies you might have heard of, like Mata Hari, Choctaw code talkers and more.

Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw
As anyone who has ever watched the TV show Bones can tell you, bones contain a lot of information! Here are stories about real bones discovered and studied by archaeologists.

Want to write a review for the blog? Online form for that coming soon; stay tuned!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Road Trip!

2011-01-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

This post comes to you live, from my vacation! Well, actually, it comes to you from before my vacation, when I wrote it and scheduled it to post. But I am currently on vacation, on a road trip actually, from our great state of NJ to another cool state, North Carolina. Traveling, especially in a car crammed with family and/or friends, is not only an adventure but often an eye-opening experience.

How to Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, & Lauren Myracle: 3 girls, 1 weekend, 1 car and 1 trip from their tiny town in Florida to Miami. Vicks, Jesse and Mel may be friends but they aren't exactly three peas in a pod. Jesse is uptight, Vicki is a wild child with a long-distance boyfriend and Mel is the new girl. Will their road trip pull them together or push them apart?

Going Bovine by Libba Bray: Let me just say here that I would read anything with this cover. Seriously. That being said, this book is also the winner of the esteemed Michael L. Printz Award and the author is hilarious ( her musings can be found on twitter @libbabray). When 16-year-old Cameron is diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease AKA mad cow disease, he knows it's fatal and even though he's a slacker, he is going to do something awesome before he dies. Fortunately, he has some help from his hospital roommate Gonzo as they take a major road trip to search for a cure. This is not your ordinary road trip--it's filled with punk rock angels and superstring theory and the search for the mysterious Dr. X, among other, even weirder things.

Savvy by Ingrid Law: Mibs Beaumont's family is like no other--on each of their thirteenth birthdays, each Beaumont gets a "savvy," a special supernatural power all their own. Mibs' is two days away from her thirteenth birthday when her father winds up in the hospital. Will her savvy be able to save him? Nobody knows, including Mibs, but she's going to find out--if she can sneak onto a bus headed in the right direction!

Even if you can't go on a road trip during these cold winter weeks, these road trip titles will bring the adventures to you!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2011 everyone! You know what happens during at new years--resolutions. And I've been thinking about what kinds of resolutions I should make for this blog. But before I make resolutions, let's take a look back at the blogging accomplishments of 2010:

I have posted once a week since the beginning of May 2010. Have you read all 35 posts? You still can!
Carol Lynch Williams, author extraordinaire, commented on this blog! Plus, her comment led to a video chat with the TRU Girls.
We revamped the look of this blog. Now it's blue!
I hosted two giveaways through the blog but no one commented and the books are still sitting on my desk. Sad.

Photo by Flickr user beX out loud

My blog resolutions for 2011:

I will continue to post once a week (on Fridays).
I will post one original book trailer on this blog made by a Ridgewood teen (or, if I can't find a willing teen, I'll just have to make one myself).
At least one original post by a Ridgewood teen. (Are you willing to be that teen? If so, comment!)
I will actually give away a book based on comments on this blog. Anyone interested?
There will be some special Reading Marathon stuff on this blog! Details TBA closer to February.
More comments please!

Is there something you would like to see on this blog? Leave a comment! That will help me with goal #6 on the list AND it means you get a say in what you see on this blog.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

The Last Day of 2010 (and a book review!)

2010-12-31T09:00:00.002-05:00

Photo by Flickr user theodevil

Today is New Year's Eve, a holiday for everyone! People in every country celebrate the coming of the new year, as anyone who has turned on the television on December 31 knows. Flip on the tube and you'll see celebrations in all other countries and all other time zones. Fireworks, orchestras, rock shows--all of these are ways you'll see the new year celebrated all over the world.

So what does the new year have to do with anything? That's what I've been thinking about. Next week, you'll see a list of resolutions I've made for this blog in the upcoming year. But before we go there, I thought I would recommend a book that is about new beginnings. Because you're probably all tired of holiday books at this point. This is a book about reinvention--a topic you might run from if your mother recommended it. But I am not your mother, and I say if you like good books about real life, read this one.

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John is a book about Piper, a girl who is deaf and wears bright pink hearing aids. She was supposed to get new ones but instead, her parents raided her college fund and bought cochlear implants for her baby sister Grace. It's insulting to Piper, who is a wiz at lip-reading but prefers to communicate in sign language. Grace may have been more deaf than Piper to begin with, but now everyone in her family is obsessed with how well she can hear.

As if that's not enough drama, Piper somehow manages to become the manager of Dumb, a rock band at her school. How? Well, I'm not going to tell you that. But I will tell you that it makes sense. I know, having a girl who cannot hear manage a rock band not only sounds unlikely, it seems impossible. In fact, even Piper's parents think it might be impossible. Piper, the girl who hides her pink hearing aids and does everything right, so she can slide by under the radar is not cut out to be the manager of a hard rock band. Does Piper really has an aggressive, confident personality hiding underneath her good girl exterior--enough to get Dumb some paying gigs in a hurry? And will those paying gigs add up to enough for her to go to college next year?

I love Piper and I think you will, too. Plus, it's rare to get to read from the point-of-view of a person who is deaf. It makes you hear the world in a whole new way. Definitely one of my favorite books of 2010. Will it be your favorite in 2011?

BONUS: Check out an interview with the author Antony John over at Katie's Book Blog where he explains how Piper and Five Flavors of Dumb came to be.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Hot Reads for Cold Days

2010-12-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's the end of December and I think the temperature might have finally dropped for real. As in no more 60 degree days until April and beyond. Some of you may be sad. Some of you (like me), may be excited for crispy winter nights and snowy days. When it's cold outside, you can curl up with a good book! And just like movies, some of the good ones are released toward the end of the year. Like these that have just made it to our shelves.

Most of them are so new and fresh that I haven't had a chance to read them yet. If you have read any of these books (or any other great new titles), comment and tell me if these ones are as good as they sound! Here are some new books, in no particular order whatsoever:

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card: Orson Scott Card writes classic science fiction--and this book looks like it delivers. At the very least, it delivers in length, clocking in at 672 pages. There is time travel here, coupled with some seeing down the paths of people's past and a classic journey from the mountains to the big city for Rigg, our main character. If that sounds intriguing, check out this book for an adventure.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I have not read this book but I am dying to because everyone--EVERYONE--including the venerable John Green (Printz winner, Edgar Award winner, & awesome vlogger). He includes it as the first thing he loves in his "8 Things I Love" video. If you haven't yet decided to read this book, go watch the video! Seeing as he has read the book, he does a better job describing it than I would. Oh, and in case you hadn't guessed: it's a romance!

Matched by Allie Condie: Word on the street (and some reviews, available through our online catalog) says that this book isn't a romance, but there is a love triangle in a world where everything is decided for you--from where you work to who you marry to when you die. Sure, Cassia knows her soul mate is Xander--her best friend since forever--and of course, his face shows up on the screen at her Matching banquet. But before she sees Xander, she catches a glimpse of Ky on the screen. Ky, a boy who is not even eligible for matching in their world, seems quite interesting to Cassia. But how can she change anything in a world where everything is set?

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson: Okay, I admit--I read this one. I loved Chains and I am not a fan of books set during the Revolutionary War. So I was surprised and curious to see if I could love the second book as much as the first. And I did! If you liked Chains, read Forge. Be warned--this one is told from Curzon's perspective which was a little confusing at first but never fear: Curzon is just as interesting as Isabel.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan: The authors of Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist have done it again! Written another book, that is. What happens when Dash finds a red notebook on the shelves of the Strand bookstore? Will he "dare" as the book's cover suggests? He does dare, and this is the story of two teens communicating & learning about each other via that ancient method--handwriting on paper. This story is set in NYC at Christmastime, which makes it a perfect winter read.

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of An American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti: And now for something completely different...The United States has some ugly history, and this book does not shy away from the ugliness. How did the Ku Klux Klan become such a hate-filled and often violent group? This books begins to tell the story, but it is a hard story to tell and to read. Still, it's worth it to understand the real history of the US, even the parts we might prefer to forget.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

P.S. Happy holidays everyone! Enjoy your winter break! Don't forget to stop by the library and check out some of these books.

GSTBA: Make Your Vote Count!

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our humble state of NJ, AKA the Garden State, gives out a book award every year to a teen book that has been voted to be the best by teens in NJ. That means you! And you can vote online for the Garden State Teen Book Awards (GSTBA) until January 8, 2011. So get reading and get voting--there's still time!

There are three separate lists: fiction for grades 6-8; fiction for grades 9-12; and non-fiction. But don't take my word for it! Head over to their site and check out the lists: http://www.bccls.org/gstba/2011/

There are some really good books on these lists. Some highlights--maybe to help you decide what to read over your holiday break:

Fiction for Grades 6-8

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson--My review on this blog. LOVE this book (and the recently published sequel, Forge)

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd--How will Ted & Kat ever find Salim, their cousin who has disappeared while boarding the London Eye (the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe)?

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson--Scarlett's family business requires that she stay in NYC for the summer. Boring. Until the eccentric Mrs. Amberson comes to stay and Scarlett learns just how bizarre life can be even when you're stuck at home.

After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson--You don't have to like Tupac to love this sweet story about how 3 girls become and stay friends, throughout a challenging time.

Fiction for Grades 9-12
Graceling by Kristin Cashore--Katsa is a powerful girl, so powerful that her uncle the king uses her to keep his enemies in line. But Katsa hates the violence she inflicts on others and one day, she decides to stop--and then things really get interesting. And she meets the fabulous Po.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow--Marcus is a revolutionary in the near future, using his hacking smarts, some cool gadgets and people power to change the world. Can't wait to read it? Doctorow's own revolutionary ideas about copyright make the full text available for free his website.

Night Road by A.M. Jenkins--Cole is NOT a vampire, he's a hemovore. You know, a creature that feeds on blood to survive. On a road trip with a newly converted hemavore that is hungry for blood. Fun times.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart--Frankie can't believe that her boyfriend is ignoring her to hang with the boys in his secret society. But it isn't that secret a society if Frankie can figure out how to make these boys do her feminist bidding.

Non-Fiction

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Rediscovery of the Past by James M. Deem--Mummified bodies from the ice, with photos and stories of how they came to be there. History meets science!

No Choirboy: Murder, Violence and Teenagers on Death Row by Susan Kuklin--Did you know that there were teenagers on death row in Texas? These are there shocking, sad and very true stories.

We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson--My review on this blog, plus some more baseball books.

What It Is by Lynda Barry --If you're looking for inspiration, look no further! This book is like being inserted in the brilliant and hilarious mind of graphic novelist Lynda Barry.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Calling All Writers!

2010-12-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I know we have some teen writers here in Ridgewood--at least judging from the popularity of our writing workshops this past summer. Jacob Lewis & Dana Goodyear, the founders of Figment .com--a social network for writers aimed at teenagers. Their slogan: "Write yourself in." So what exactly does that mean?


Image from Figment's home page

I joined to see what the hype was all about. I found a library of original works by users of the site. Unlike the library, it's tagged and you can search the full text instantly. Want to read something about zombies? Search for the word zombie and you'll find some stories that mention zombies--some of which have incredibly cool cover art. When you click on a cover, it takes you to a page that tells you how long the work is and how long it might take to read.

Figment isn't all about long-form works--by which I mean, it's not just about book-length stories. There are lots of different options. Their first contest is called Flash 5. The challenge: Write something (story, poem, whatever floats your boat) under 500 words that incorporates 5 very interesting words (delirium, corner, stagger, bathtub, oval). Think you can do it? Sign up! Top entries will be determined by user votes (which means all you readers can read and vote) but the winner will be picked by Lauren Oliver, author of the incredibly popular book Before I Fall.

What about the writing part? Figment is about writing, right? It sure is and it makes it easy. Give your work a name and just get started writing. You get to pick a cover design and a page design and a genre. Plus, if you want to share drafts of your writing with just a few people, it offers a way to do that, too. This is a site for writers who want to share and talk about writing--all kinds of writing. And anyone can be a writer. That seems to be what "write yourself in" truly means.

Is it going to be the next big thing? I don't know. But it sure looks like fun for writers! Have you tried it? Let me know what you think in the comments.

BONUS: Check out what The New York Times had to say about Figment before it launched: http://nyti.ms/eZA0Vw

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Words & Pictures

2010-12-03T14:12:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you love graphic novels! Yes, that includes you comic book lovers. I'm with you--they are awesome. Being able to see the action and emotions is not just for your younger siblings in their favorite picture books! Pictures are for everyone!

Last night, TRU Girls discussed a favorite graphic novel of mine, The Plain Janes by Cecil Castelluci & Jim Rugg. They thought it was a really quick read--most finished it in under an hour! We made bookmarks to leave in the YA room for our own public art project. Everyone agreed the cool art projects were the highlight of the books. Also, no one realize there were that many ways to spell/include Jane in a name. If you're intrigued, stop by and check out a copy!

Other great graphic novels to check out:

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale
Already seen Tangled? Here's another reinterpretation of Rapunzel's story, this time with a bit of a Wild West touch.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
What was it like to grow up in Iran as a religious state? Marjane Satrapi knows and she tells us in her autobiography, which is both funny and honest.

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee, illustrated by Sam Hart, colored by Artur Fujita

Another twisted classic--this telling of Robin Hood is as dark and as action-packed as the cover suggests.

The Stonekeeper (Amulet, book 1) by Kazu Kibuishi

When Emily and her brother Navin move back to their mom's childhood home in the middle of nowhere they expect it to be boring. Which is probably why Emily puts on an amulet that winds up unlocking a whole world of monsters and mechanical rabbits and demons. And then their mother gets eaten by a monster. Oops.

Great graphic lists:

Graphic Fantastic at Reading Rants

2010 Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens from YALSA

A to Z list of graphic novels and manga (with reviews!) at Teenreads.com

Or stop by the Children's Desk and ask a friendly librarian for recommendations!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Part 1: A Movie Review

2010-11-26T11:21:00.000-05:00

Everybody have a good holiday? Are you stuffed full or turkey, tofurkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, etc.? Me too! In fact, I'm amazed no one had to roll me to work. So what's a lethargic person to do on a gray, rainy holiday weekend such as this one to do? Go to the movies!

You could see...Tangled!

Or...Unstoppable!

Or...Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Part 1!

I haven't seen the first two but I did manage to find some time last weekend and check out the newest and next to last Harry Potter movie.

The short review: Do you like the most recent Harry Potter movies? Then go see this one!

The long review: Every time I go see a Harry Potter movie, in the first five minutes, a thought pops into my mind: "I want to read the book again." Then, for the next half hour I think that I should have just stayed home, saved $12 and re-read the book. But then after about half an hour, I get into it. I like seeing how they bring to life the magic of the book. In this movie, I loved seeing (*slight spoiler alert if you haven't read the books*) Harry, Ron & Hermione take Polyjuice Potion and infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. And I still love seeing Patronuses come to life.

There was some suspense in this movie, even for Harry Potter devotees like myself: when will it end? At what point will they make you wait for the second movie? The ending did not disappoint.

What disappointed? Well, they still changed some things--but not a lot this time. A bit in the beginning which made me cranky (I won't tell you, you'll have to figure it out yourself). But for the most part, this movie is the same long, drawn-out journey that takes place in the book. No more magic classes and fun teachers. It's all business in the seventh movie. And it is dark--in tone, I mean! Torture, injury, desertion, death--you name it, it's in here. You won't come out of the movie happy but if you're like me, you'll run home and crack open the book (or the audiobook, in my case) and immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter once again. For me, anything that sheds new light and inspires new thoughts about Harry Potter is worth $12.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

P.S. Remember my contest for the ARC of Ship Breaker? Nobody entered but you can still enter with a comment on this week's post (if you're a Ridgewood resident). Free book!

And the Winner Is...

2010-11-19T10:00:00.028-05:00

On Wednesday night, a major awards ceremony for book lovers took place: The National Book Award Ceremony. It may not be televised like the Oscars but maybe it should be. But even better than the ceremony (I think) is the fact that a list of 5 finalists are released about a month before the awards ceremony--which, of course, means you can read them and judge for yourself. The National Book Awards have 4 categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature. Though I am sure all the books are awesome, the ones I read were for (of course) Young People's Literature.

And the finalists are...

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Starring: Nailer, a teenager who risks his life to keep food on the table, for himself and his team.
First lines: "Nailer clambered through a service duct, tugging at copper wire and yanking it free. Ancient asbestos fibers and mouse grit puffed up around him as the wire tore loose."
Why I liked it: This book takes place on the American Gulf Coast, and anything around the water is appealing to me, even if it is in the future, when the water is oily and there are few resources--which is why we meet Nailer stripping a boat of worthwhile copper.
Why I thought it could win: This book is a gritty picture of Nailer's life in the not so distant and not so pretty future. With the recent oil spill devastating the area the book is set in, it seems very relevant and very possible (and with that, very frightening).

Dark Water by Laura McNeal
Starring: 15-year-old Pearl who lives with her mother in a rundown cottage on her uncle's avocado farm & is kind of obsessed with Amiel, a silent migrant workerwho works on the farm
First line: "You wouldn't have noticed me before the fire unless you saw that my eyes, like a pair of socks chosen in the dark, don't match."
Why I liked it: That first line. Just like the rest of the book, it is full of foreshadowing that pulls you through because you need to know what happens. The last 70 pages of the book kept me up way too late because I just couldn't stop before I knew what happened at the end.
Why I thought it could win: It's a beautifully written book about some ugly subjects--fire, divorce, poverty. Pearl may tell the story in a beautiful manner, but she's still a teenager on the inside.

Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers
Starring: Reese who is in juvie for the one crime he ever committed. To find out what the crime is, you'll have to read the book.
First lines: "I hope you mess this up! I hope you blow it big-time! You're supposed to be smart. You think you're smart, right?"
Why I liked it: Reese is smart, and he is given a chance to go out and be part of a work program while he is incarcerated. Cleaning a nursing home doesn't sound glamorous but being on the outside is. During his time, he befriends an unlikely old man. I mean really unlikely. Mr. Hooft is racist and Reese is definitely the wrong color in his mind. But somehow, they work it out. I liked that.
Why I thought it could win: This is Myers executing a unique story like he always does--just enough words to tell the story, more than enough story to keep the reader interested. If you haven't read anything by Walter Dean Myers, check one out today! You've got a lot of options.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
Starring: 10-year-old Caitlin, living with Asperger's syndrome and struggling to deal with the sudden death of her older brother Devon.
First lines: "It looks like a one-winged bird crouching in the corner of our living room. Hurt. Trying to fly everytime the heat pump turns on with a click and a groan and blows cold air onto the sheet and lifts it up and it flutters for just a moment and then falls down again. Still. Dead."
Why I liked it: Being inside the mind of someone like Caitlin, who sees the world so very differently, is always interesting for me.
Why I thought it could win: Because the reader gets to see and understand clearly the black and white world that Caitlin lives in. The writing is almost too perfect--every word has been selected with care.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Starring: 11-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, who have been sent to Oakland, California to live with their mother
First lines: "Good thing the plane had seat belts and we'd been strapped in tight before takeoff. Without them, that last jolt would have been enough to throw Vonetta into orbit and Fern across the aisle."
Why I liked it: I didn't just like this book--I loved it. Delphine might have been the oldest sister at 11 but she was wise beyond her years, unlike her mother. Plus, I learned some interesting things about the Black Panthers that the history books don't show.
Why I thought it could win: The emotions of the girls in this book are just so real and timeless. Even though it is set in a very specific time in history, you get the feeling that you just might know girls like Delphine, Vonetta & Fern.

One of the most interesting things about the National Book Award is that the books are judged by other authors. I wonder who the winner would be if librarians or "young people" chose their favorite. But that doesn't matter because the winner this year, picked by Laban Carrick Hill, Kelly Link, Tor Seidler, Hope Anita Smith, Sara Zarr, is:

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Have you read any of these books? Would you give them awards? What other books do you want to see win awards? Let us know in the comments!

BONUS: I have an Advance Reading Copy of Ship Breaker on my desk. Want it? If you're a Ridgewood teen, leave a comment telling me what book you think deserves an award this year. I'll pick a commenter randomly next Friday, 11/26/2010, and they'll get an ARC of Ship Breaker.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

What to Read When You're Sick in Bed

2010-11-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to the second to last month of the year! It's finally cold--meaning that lots of people have colds and wish they could just lie home in bed (this blogger included). But what to do when you feel so crummy it's hard to keep your eyes open? Read a good book! Watch a good movie! Or, if you really can't keep those eyes open, naps are good, too.

Personally, I've been reading some great books. This past weekend, in between sips of tea, I devoured White Cat by Holly Black. It did make me feverishly dream about cats but it was worth it.

Cassel Sharpe is the only non-worker in a family of workers. Workers, in this case, referring to curse workers. People who can kill you, hurt you, change your luck or change your shape with the touch of a bare hand. Everyone in Cassel's world wears gloves all the time, even though only a small percentage of the population have these abilities. Working is illegal now, but that just means it's gone underground. Being a worker is like being in the mafia, and Cassel's family is no exception. It makes things very complicated for the non-worker Cassel, who is frustrated and confused--especially after a mysterious white cat enters his life and his dreams.

You can probably guess how important the white cat is from reading the title. I won't spoil the story but it's a good twist, and there are more twists to follow both in this book and the sequel Red Glove which comes out in April 2011.

Book #2 on the "sick list" was Countdown by Deborah Wiles. This work of historical fiction is actually a documentary novel. What, you ask, is that? I said the same thing, especially upon picking up this heavy book. All that weight goes towards a good cause--beautiful photos from the 1960s that help show the reader exactly what was going on during the Cuban Missile Crisis. But it's not all about the photos--it's about Franny! Franny--11 years old and invisible. Fighting with her best friend over a BOY. Ignored in school. And scared of being blown up by the Russians, just like all of America. Will they be blown up? Do you know enough about history to know the answer? I did, and I liked the book anyway because of Franny. If you've ever felt invisible, you'll like this book, too.

Last but not least, once you've read about curse workers and Franny's fears, cheer yourself up with that fluff I promised--I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter--the first book in the Gallagher girls series.

Gallagher Academy is an exclusive, academy for spies, and all these spies are girls. Butt-kicking, foreign language-speaking, pick-any-lock-with-a-bobby-pin kind of girls. Cammie is the headmaster's daughter, but that isn't her biggest problem. Her biggest problem is Josh--a normal boy from town, one who doesn't know that Cammie is a spy-in-training. Life is far more complicated when you're a spy. Normal boys could be honeypots, working for the enemy, luring the Gallagher girls into a trap. Which is why Cammie & her friends start to do some extra credit work by spying on Josh. It's not easy sneaking out of school for a boy, but it sure is fun. The Gallagher girls' spying fun continues in three other books! Not a bad thing if you're stuck in the house.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

The Chosen One: The Recap

2010-11-05T16:36:00.002-04:00

If you missed it, last night was our TRU Girls book discussion, featuring the book The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams. But the real big feature of our book discussion was the actual author Carol Lynch Williams who joined us via iChat. Welcome to the 21st century! Carol joined us in our fabulous Habernickel Technology Training Center where we were able to use one of our beautiful big-screened Macs.

This was my first time having a virtual author visit, and I was worried. Would we be able to hear each other? Would we be able to see each other? Would something else crazy happen? As you can see, everyone gathered 'round the big screen to talk to the author. And she was there! With no technical difficulties whatsoever. Carol Lynch Williams sat in her home and answered our questions about writing in general, her books, being a mom--anything we wanted the answer to, she answered. It was fantastic! The TRU Girls thought it was fantastic, too. We had so much fun with Carol Lynch Williams! I highly recommend both the author and her books. They may be sad (our girls definitely thought The Chosen One was a sad story) but they are thought-provoking and compelling to read. Or as one of the girls said "I wasn't sure I liked [the book], and [the story] was really sad, but I just kept turning the pages." Well-put.

Next month, really, no author visit (that I know of) this time. Stop by circulation to pick up the fun and artsy graphic novel The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg.

Program information:

TRU* Girls Book Discussion

for Ridgewood girls in grades 6 & 7

Thursday, December 2

7:00 pm

Join us for snacks, games and discussion of The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg!

Ask for the book at circulation.

*Teen Readers Unite

Register online at http://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

I Am Number Four

2010-10-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

"The events in this book are real.

Names and places have been changed to protect the Lorien Six, who remain in hiding.

Take this as your first warning.

Other civilizations do exist.

Some of them seek to destroy you."

From I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Number Four AKA John Smith is one of the Lorien Six. He is one of 9 kids who made it to Earth with their Guardians when the Mogadorians came to Lorien and obliterated everyone living there. Some might say that Number Four is lucky. But how lucky can you be if you have to spend your whole life on the run?

There have been many stories about aliens from other planets hiding out here on Earth. Superman, anyone? Or even the more recent Daniel X? Maybe you've just had too much of those pesky aliens and you don't want to bother with Number Four. Let me tell you why you should check it out:

Lorien culture is kinda neat.
The Mogadorians are awesomely evil, especially their crazy beasts. Don't think too much about them before bedtime--especially their hypnotizing eyes.
Sometimes John Smith is just a boy with a nerdy friend named Sam who is into alien myths and a pretty girlfriend named Sarah. Then it's just a good story about a boy.
Bernie Kosar = coolest dog ever. What a beagle!
Gotta read it before the movie comes out!

It's already being made into a movie, scheduled for release in February 2011, and produced by Michael Bay, whose name you might recognize from the Transformers movies he directed. Sounds action-packed to me. Check out the trailer to see the action for yourself.

Can't wait to read it? Browse inside the book at HarperTeen's website.

BONUS: More books about aliens hiding as humans on Earth. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson & Firestorm by David Klass

EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS: Want to know more about the characters, upcoming movie or your Lorien horoscope? Head over to iamnumberfourfans.com.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

It's Time for Databases!

2010-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever used a database before? Do you even know what a database is? If the answer is no to either of these questions, I can help--and so can the library.

Databases might not seem like as much fun (except in the above image) as some of the books you see reviewed on this blog, but they can be super useful. Ridgewood students who use databases have written about everything from microscopes to math to American Studies papers--and their teachers have been loving it!

So back to important stuff--what is a database?
yourdictionary.com says: A collection of data arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval
Alexa says: Yes! And it's an extremely useful tool for finding sources from home. That's part of the secret of databases--you don't have to be at the library to use most of them. But you will need the internet and a valid Ridgewood Public Library card (but I know you have that, after our library card drive, right?).

Okay, now that you've gotten your library card out and ready to go, you can head on over to our Research Databases page. I know it's not pretty but it is pretty useful. Now you'll need to figure out what you're looking for. All of our databases have different kinds of information. Need an article from The New York Times published between 1851 and 2006? There's a database for that. If you need information about literature, head over to Facts on File to Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts on File is also where you should look for historical information. Plus, we've got access to articles from lots of different magazines. For a complete rundown of what's what, check out our Online Resources brochure. And if that's not enough, stop by the library and talk to one of the librarians. They don't bite and they like research--which is good for you.

What if you're just looking to explore? I have some ideas.

Check out The New York Times Archive and search for the front from the day you were born by changing the document type to "Front Page" and typing your birthday into the "On this date:" field. Hint: If you get it printed up real nice, this could be a great gift for parents' or grandparents' birthdays.
Find out how to cook up delicious fruits and vegetables--or just how to defend your favorite foods when your parents say they aren't nutritious. Head over to Facts on File and click on the "Health Reference Center." Search any fruit or vegetable and you'll find out what nutrients are in it and how to prepare it. Or just search for your favorite foods and see what comes up. I just found out that the flavoring in salt & vinegar potato chips (my favorite) is used to help increase the longevity of concrete. Who knew?
Looking for product reviews? Check out MasterFILE (click EBSCOhost and then click through to MasterFILE) which has pdfs of everyone's favorite consumer magazine, Consumer Reports. Up-to-date unbiased reviews in color. 'Nough said.

Any questions? Leave them in the comments. I'm happy to answer anything that gets you into the fabulous world of databases!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

How I Made It To Eighteen

2010-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

No, no, this post isn't about how I personally made it to eighteen. That just happens to be the title of a new graphic novel by Tracy White, which looks like this:

You may not have seen How I Made It To Eighteen lying around the YA Room lately because it's been getting checked out. In fact, when I finally saw it sitting on the shelf (okay, it hadn't even made it to the shelf--I grabbed it off the to-be-shelved cart), I grabbed it and took it home with me to read over the weekend. It is a fast read, but not a light read.

Stacy Black's story is a mostly true one, based on the experience of the author Tracy White (see the similarity in their names?). It's a record of the time she spent in an institution at the age of 17, having just graduated from high school and just put her hand through a glass window. When she's bleeding, that's when she knows it's time to look for outside help. It's good for Stacy, and she knows it, but that doesn't mean she does everything they say. In fact, she rarely does anything they say. When her shrink asks her to talk, she's silent. Will Stacy ever fix herself? Time elapses quickly in the institution.

The artwork is simply done in black and white. And all those times when Stacy refuses to talk? We see her body language and her blank stares in the empty space the author leaves. It seems like Stacy's life feels so awful to her that the color has just been drained out of her life, and by extension the pages of this book.

This book is a good read, but it isn't for everyone. Or for every mood. Still, for an almost-true picture of being institutionalized, this is a good pick.

BONUS: Check out the resources on the left under "Feeling Down? Need Help?"

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Karma Bites--The Recap

2010-10-08T17:15:00.002-04:00

Valerie Thomas

Last night was the first TRU Girls book discussion this year and I am not exaggerating when I say it was awesome! Our discussion was about the very new book Karma Bites by Valerie Thomas & Stacy Kramer. We hosted Valerie Thomas, one of the authors of the book who lives in a nearby town (my hometown!). She was wonderful and willing to answer lots of questions. We learned about how she met her writing partner, why they chose to write about a middle school girl, and lots of very interesting tales of the jobs she suggests you NOT take. (Full list of crazy jobs held in her bio on the book's website, karmabitesthebook.com) Even better, she brought snacks--cooked up from the recipes in the book!

We loved having Valerie but what we loved even more were the girls who made it to our discussion! We heard about their experiences in middle school and how they related to Franny, the fictional star of Karma Bites. They ate Valerie's snacks, plus some that Mrs. Mitgang and I cooked up from other recipes in the book. I had fun! Mrs. Mitgang had fun! Valerie had fun! And I hope that all of TRU girls had fun--from the looks on their faces, I think they did.

So next month, we're doing it again! The book discussion at least. No author visit this time but there will be food, games and discussion. I hope you'll join us. The book is The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Kyra is 13. She has 20 brothers and sisters. Her father has three wives. They live in a small community isolated from everything, including books. But Kyra knows where to get books. And she is learning that maybe not everything she's been told is right. Especially when she is told that she has been chosen to become the seventh wife of her own uncle. Then she knows that she has to get out.

Program Description:

TRU* Girls Book Discussion

For Ridgewood cardholders in grades 6 & 7

November 4 @ 7:00 pm (school break)

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Reading the book is not required to attend but starting it is encouraged. (I promise you, if you start this one, you won't want to stop until you've turned the last page.)

*Teen Readers Unite

Book available at circulation.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

New Books!

2010-10-01T14:52:00.007-04:00

We just got in a ton of fresh new books! And these books are so fresh and so new that I haven't had a chance to read and review them. So I need your help! Have you read these books (or other new ones I missed)? Let us know what you think in the comments!

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Seventeen-year-old Bianca knows she's not the prettiest of her friends, but she doesn't like being called "Duffy" by Wesley, the hottest guy in school. So she throws her soda in his face. But that's not the end of things. Somehow, Bianca kisses Wesley. Which leads to more. Which leads to a LOT of confusion for Bianca.

Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks
The third installment in the Evil Genius series stars the incredibly intelligent Cadel Piggott, who seems to have finally gotten his life in order at the age of 15. That is, until his friends are attacked and Cadel knows who must be behind it. If you haven't read the other two books in this trilogy , Evil Genius and Genius Squad, you might want to start with those--so say the reviewers.

Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas
Franny just started 7th grade and things are looking to get weird. Her parents just got divorced and her hippie grandmother moved in. Her best friends are fighting. Her English teacher is annoying. But it's not all bad--Granny has some magic recipes sure to help!

BONUS: TRU Girls Book Discussion (for Ridgewood girls in grades 6 & 7) featuring author Valerie Thomas!
Program Information:
Thursday, October 7 @ 7 pm
Join us for treats and discussion inspired by Karma Bites! Register here. Copies of the book available at circulation.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher
I read this one and if you're not into creepy, pick another book on this list! Gemma is kidnapped in an airport on while on vacation with her family in Australia. Her kidnapper isn't mean, he's just...well, a kidnapper. But Gemma is isolated in the middle of the Australian outback. There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Will she ever escape? Or does she really want to stay?

Bullet Point by Peter Abrahams
Wyatt's dad is out of sight and out of mind, serving a life sentence in jail. But when Wyatt moves across the state, he winds up near the prison and nearer to Greer, a girl whose father is in prison with Wyatt's dad. Which make Wyatt think: did his dad really commit the crime he's imprisoned for?

Ender's Game: Battle School by Orson Scott Card with art by Pasqual Ferry and Frank D'Armata
This classic, epic, award-winning science fiction novel is now a graphic novel! Or six. Ender Wiggins winds up in battle school at the age of six. He is a star pupil, who is going to save the world. Unfortunately for Ender, that means he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.

BONUS: TRU Guys Book Discussion featuring Ender's Game (the original novel)
Program Information:
Thursday, November 11 @ 7 pm
Join us for games, refreshments and discussion of Ender's Game! Register here. Copies of the book available at circulation.
[Interested? Check out our first TRU Guys Book Discussion of the fall on Thursday, October 14 @ 7 pm. Bring your favorite books to talk up--or defend!]

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford
The Sullivan sisters are in trouble with their grandmother, nicknamed Almighty. Almighty is offended and she will leave all her money to charity unless she gets a confession, in writing, from the offending party. Faced with a penniless future, Norrie, Jane and Sassy confess all in this book. Start with Jane's confessions at myevilfamily.com.

The Eternal Ones: What If Love Refused to Die? by Kirsten Miller
Snopes City, Tennessee can't hold Haven Moore--especially not once her visions show her that her love from another life is reincarnated and living in NYC. New York is full of surprises, including Iain Morrow, her love from another life. Trouble is, he's keeping secrets from Haven in this life.

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt
Levi's older brother Boaz dropped out of high school to join the military. Boaz went to war and now he's back, but his brother knows something isn't right. Especially when Boaz announces his plans to hike the Appalachian trail. This is not Boaz. So Levi follows him on a very intriguing journey--on foot.

Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Everyone in town thinks Kate is a witch because she is a master woodcarver, in the tradition of her family. So what's a girl to do? Make a bargain with Linay, a real witch, trading her shadow in order to leave town and get someone to talk to--her cat, Taggle, now imbued with the power of speech. But Kate learns too late that Linay has other motives and she must figure out how to get back what she lost before it's too late.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Fall TV Premieres!

2010-09-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

I know, I know--this blog is usually about books, and sometimes movies. But I'll admit it: I love TV. At least when it's good. TV is just one more way to tell a good story in chapters, and I'm a sucker for chapter books.

I know you're all excited about your favorite new and old shows premiering this fall. TVguide.com has a quick guide to what shows are on when--and what's new--over here. So take a look and let me know in the comments: what's at the top of your to-watch list? And just how much do you love or hate my top choices?

Here's mine:

1. House: Everyone's favorite surly doctor is back for another season of curing the uncurable. How cool is that?

2. Gossip Girl: I am telling you, the show is better than the books. It is scandalous. And that's why I love it.

3. Community: Community college is not just funny--it's hilarious. And it might be a good inspiration to get your grades up so you don't have to go there...

4. Bones: You probably know this show--it's going into its 6th season! David Boreanaz stars as a gun-toting FBI agent who gets the help of the fabulous and funny nerds at the Jeffersonian, including the infallible Dr. Temperance Brennan (played by Emily Deschanel), solve mostly gruesome crimes. Actually, the crimes are usuallygruesome. Not to be watched while eating!

5. Top Chef: Just Desserts: A spin-off of my absolute favorite reality show ever! Though I'm not sure the pastries will live up to the dinners on Top Chef, I'm willing to watch and find out. I'll admit there isn't as much of a story here, but isn't it fun to predict who will have to "pack their knives and go" every week?

Rock On at Comic Con NY

2010-09-16T09:00:00.010-04:00

Everyone wants to be at Comic Con--at least everyone in the know does. Are you in the know? You might be if you're a fan of comics, manga, graphic novels or video games!

Who's in the know? [Hint: they are going to be appearing in NYC October 8-10]:

Stan Lee
John Romita Sr. & Jr.
the whole New York Anime Festival
Jeph Loeb
Lou Ferrigno
Dave Roman
Ann Telnaes
...and many more!

Don't know who these people are? Never fear! (I, too, needed a little help to be in the know.) You can get in the know by coming to NY Comic Con 101 on Wednesday, September 29 at 7:30 pm. Ridgewood's own resident comics expert Ed Catto will share insider tips on how to navigate Comic Con. But that's not all! You could walk away with posters, pins, Magic cards, or an exclusive comic book. Plus, there will be a raffle for two $50 Convention passes (for Ridgewood cardholders only). Not too shabby, huh? Bring your friends! Bring your favorite superhero! Bring your favorite supervillain! The more, the merrier. Just register here first, please (that's the link to registration).

Check out the NYC Comic Con website for lots more information about the event.

Program Information:
NY Comic Con 101
Wednesday, September 29 @ 7:30 pm
All communities welcome, Grades 6-adult
Register HERE!

Bonus: If you're a comics fan and you want to read a novel [not a comic book/graphic novel] about someone just like you check out The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga. Plus, if you can't go to Comic Con this year, you'll get to experience a comic book convention through the eyes of a fanboy. [Goth Girl Rising, the companion to this brilliant novel, is also phenomenal and comes highly recommended.]

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Chains: A Must-Read

2010-09-10T14:53:00.001-04:00

Maybe you've never read historical fiction before. Or maybe you think it's boring--like history class. I used to feel the same way. But I've been proven wrong. Good historical fiction is awesome. Good historical fiction is just like good fiction--it's got good characters, great emotion and a good plot. It just happens to be set in the past somewhere. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is not just a good historical fiction book--it's an excellent book, period.

Isabel and Ruth are sisters and slaves whose sweet mistress Mary Finch just died. In her will, she freed Isabel and Ruth upon her death. Isabel is getting ready to be free, getting ready to find work and place to live for her 13-year-old self and her 5-year-old sister. Only trouble is they get sold anyway--to a pair of British Loyalists who take them to New York City. It is a time for revolution, the summer of 1776. As a reader, we know who wins this war but Isabel doesn't know what's going on. She doesn't know who she should side with--the Loyalists or the Rebels. Who will let her be free?

Isabel's only friend in New York is Curzon, a boy who runs off to join the Rebel army. He believes that the Americans should be free of the British and he infects Isabel with his views. Through him, she makes connections, she meets people and best of all, she gets her hands on a revolutionary book. Because Isabel is a lucky girl--her mistress, the good and kind Mary Finch taught her to read. And reading is a kind of freedom for Isabel. Though she is stuck in the dank, dark, wormy basement of a cruel couple, she can still think her very own thoughts, inspired by the words on the page. As an avid reader, I found that to be quite inspiring. The real question you keep asking yourself throughout the book is not about Isabel's reading, it's about her bodily freedom. Will she ever get to be free like she deserves?

Isabel is a wonderful character. She is curious about her world and the reader reaps the benefits. Reading this book, you get to step into 1776 not as a historian but as an insider, as someone who does not know what history says but is in the process of making history (or historical fiction, in this case). If you like a good story with strong characters and strong emotions, this book is for you.

I know this book was on the Literary Line-up this past summer, so many of you may have read it. But if you haven't, stop in and check out a copy today. There is a major cliffhanger at the end of the book and the sequel, Forge, will be out next month. Reserve your copy today by clicking here and entering your library card number! (Yet another reason to get yourself a Ridgewood Library card...)

Bonus: Laurie Halse Anderson will be stopping by Books, Bytes and Beyond in Glen Rock on November 1, 2010. Details to come on the bookstore's website!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Get Carded!

2010-09-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love my library card. And I bet if you had one you'd love it, too--especially this month. For all of our cardholders in grades 6-12, we have a special treat! Bring your library card in, this month ONLY, and we'll give you an instant prize (while supplies last). Get a cookie OR a coupon for free Ben & Jerry's OR a coupon for a free DVD rental. And that's not all! At the end of the month, we'll take all the entries and pick 4 winners to win a $25 Visa gift card. All you need is your Ridgewood Library card.

"But Alexa," you say, "I lost my library card."
"That's bad news," I reply, "Got $3 for the replacement fee?"
"Nope," you say, "I guess no new library card for me."
"Aha! Lucky for you this month only, you can replace your card for free (if you're in grades 6-12)," I inform you. Then you can go get a replacement library card AND enter our contest AND get an instant prize (while they last). Sounds good to me!

Never had a card? Stop in and get one today. It's easy! Just ask us.

To claim your instant prize, just stop by the Children's Desk and let them know that you want to get carded. You've got until September 30th. Go!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

On Vacation

2010-08-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Flickr user jayRaz

It seems to me that everyone goes on vacation in August. The streets in town are quieter than usual. The library is quiet as I sit here and type, with a few people quietly playing on computers and a few more checking out audiobooks to take on a road trip. Personally, I did some vacationing early this week and I highly recommend it! Can't get it together for a road trip? Can't drive? There's always NYC or just taking some time to explore some part of town you've never been to before. Or, my personal favorite, taking a book and a snack to the park on a nice day.

Of course, most vacationers have one question in mind before they leave: what book(s) should I take? While I'm probably too late to give you recommendations for your vacation, here's some of the books I've seen taking trips around the country and the world:

Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard: Recently turned into a series for ABC Family, we can barely keep these books on the shelves. In a nutshell, these are books about girls who are running scared from an old friend who disappeared years ago. But now someone who knows all their secrets is trying to get back in touch. Could it be Ali? Will she tell the world all their dirty little secrets?

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson: What better book to take on vacation that one about a girl on a whirlwind tour of Europe armed only with her backpack and one little blue envelope? Ginny's recently deceased aunt has sent her to Europe on a quest to find and do everything her aunt wrote out for her in 13 envelopes. Each envelope is a stop on her quest, and all the stops are full of surprises, just like Ginny's aunt always was. Follow Ginny on her quest and you'll feel like you're on vacation, even if you haven't left the backyard.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan:
Some people may still be reading the Percy Jackson series, and that's just fine. Percy is a cool kid charged with saving the world. But the new kids in town are Carter and Sadie Kane--and they are dealing with their own connection to the gods. A connection which may be even closer than Percy's... I know I've mentioned this book before but that's only because it's good. A nailbiter and a page-turner that I know has hit the trail with some of our Ridgewood teens this summer!

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King: I know for a fact that this book recently made it to England and back , in the bags of one of our devoted teen volunteers. She said it kept her enetertained and interested on her trip. Though I haven't read it, it sounds like a wonderful mystery--especially for all you Sherlock Holmes lovers! (Or lovers of Enola Holmes, one of my favorite girl detectives.) Everyone needs a good mystery to take their mind off the heat during the summer and I am recommending this one!

On my vacation, I read The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. It's the epic story of 5 women in the Congo whose lives are defined by one man--the father of the 4 daughters and the wife of the 5th woman mentioned. He dragged them to the Congo as a family but they left on their own legs, changed by the experience. It is not an easy read, or a fast read, clocking in at 576 pages. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but if you're interested in Africa, missionaries, or what it means to grow up in a family of girls, I highly recommend it.

What did you read on your vacation? Let us know in the comments.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

MOCKINGJAY!!!

2010-08-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

That's right, it's happening this week: Mockingjay, the final installment in the thrilling Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins is coming out. And if you couldn't tell from the capital letters and multiple exclamation points I put in the title--I am very excited about this book!

Katniss Everdeen, our teenage heroine, lives in a world in which the government requires that each district, numbered 1 through 12, send two tributes each year to compete in the Hunger Games--a fight to the death broadcast live on TV. Did I mention the tributes have to be between 12 and 18 years old? Some of them train for it their entire lives. If you win, you get all the glory. If you lose...well, it's a fight to the death. Losing is not recommended.

This, my friends, is a mockingjay. A bird that exists in the world of The Hunger Games. Mockingjays are a hybrid bird, created in the wild from a jabberjay and mockingbird. Jabberjays weer a genetically engineered bird, bred to serve the government by spying on people and repeating their messages. Only trouble for the government was that people knew how to trick the jabberjays. So the government released them, thinking they would die out. But they didn't! They bred with mockingbirds and they persist--despite the government's planned neglect. As Suzanne Collins points out in her interview with School Library Journal, they are a symbol of resistance. Resistance--a theme that has run through the other two books but I am sure will be the main point of the final installment.

There are other books about fights to the death & surviving ugly, deadly situations. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines. Battle Royale by Koushun Tamaki. Even Lord of the Flies by William Golding has a similar feel. So what makes this book stand out? Katniss. She is one of the bravest characters you'll ever meet, volunteering to take the place of her younger sister in the Hunger Games. Is it foolish? Maybe. But Katniss knows enough to believe she might have a shot at staying alive. Katniss may be the centerpoint of our story, but that does not mean that Collins ignores the other characters, the setting or the plot. The plot will keep you hooked, the setting--especially the setting of the actual Hunger Games--has layers that keep being revealed as the story unfolds and the rest of the characters will make you care what happens to both them and Katniss.

Catching Fire, the follow-up to the fabulous first book, could be disappointing. After all--well, I don't want to put any spoilers up here. Let's just say that after the twists and turns in the first book, I was surprised that the author could think up any more insane twists and turns. But she can! And she did! About 150 pages into this book, I was totally hooked. Refused to budge from the couch until I finished the whole thing. Let me tell you something: it was worth it.

If none of that has convinced you to put a hold on Mockingjay, or just run to the store and buy a copy the second it comes out, check out the book trailer on Scholastic's website. [Warning: trailer contains SPOILERS for the first two books in the series!!]

Where will I be this Wednesday, August 24th? I wish I could say I'd be standing in line as the clock hits midnight waiting for my fresh, new copy of Mockingjay to be stamped by the author Suzanne Collins. But instead, I'll be joining the rest of you on the hold list for a library copy. Grab your library card and click here to get on the list with me!

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Best Series EVER!

2010-08-14T09:39:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love a good series? Percy Jackson? Alex Rider? Harry Potter? Gossip Girl? Hunger Games? Pendragon? Confessions of Georgia Nicholson? The list goes on and on and on...And some of the series go on and on and on, too.

My favorite series of all time is (of course) Harry Potter [and the cover you see is from my absolute favorite book in the series]. The readers get to watch Harry grow up, starting from a boy who doesn't even know wizardry exists and becoming a capable wizard charged with saving the world. But one of our volunteers just pointed out that EVERYONE loves Harry Potter. It's not very original. And yet they are incredible books. It's just that they probably don't need to be talked up very much.

A not-so-recent series that I just got into recently is The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. No, I hadn't seen the movie but I thought they might be fun. And I was right! These are books to stack up and take to the beach. Mia Thermopolis is just your regular NYC vegetarian living with her mother in a funky old apartment, until her father tells her something very important. He is royalty and she is next in line to be the princess of Genovia. What's a girl to do? Why, start princess lessons! And write enough diaries to fill 10 books--plus 7 bonus books. While I can only vouch for the first 3 books in the series, I bet the rest are worth a read.

A less girlie, much shorter series--okay, trilogy--is the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness, starting with The Knife of Never Letting Go. They knows a secret that Todd doesn't. He is waiting for his 13th birthday to turn into a man. He is the last boy in town; a town full of men. Unfortunately, before that can happen he gets run out of town. Now, this isn't just any town. Todd lives in a place where everyone can hear each others' thoughts. All the time. The way that Ness shows us the sounds that Todd hears makes it feel like your brain is being overrun--just the way Todd feels. And then, the surprise he feels when he finds (gasp!) a girl. During their adventures, they explore the whole weird world that Todd has always taken for granted. It's a dark book but it feels like you are right there with Todd and Viola. It's no wonder this book won the Guardian's children's fiction prize (that's a British award). Just a note to all of you who might get hooked on the books--the third book (Monsters of Men) doesn't hit the shelves until September 28!

Tell us what your favorite series is! Leave us a note in the comments.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Your Book Reviews: Take 2

2010-08-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

Last time I posted your book reviews, there was a clear favorite: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. A couple more weeks have gone by, we've received 61 more reviews (a record 39 last week alone!) and things have changed. It's summertime and everyone has time to sit back, relax and crack open a big fat fantasy or sci-fi book. Quotes below are from various teen book reviewers in Ridgewood who submitted their reviews to our prize drawing.

Growing in popularity is The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. In this dystopian series, "the districts choose a person from each town to go fight in the arena. Only one person can survive and Kat finds Peeta and they help each other until the very end." In the sequel, Catching Fire, another reader "loved it because it had so many mini plots (that were enough to make it interesting instead of confusing) and it had great detail. It also ended on such a great cliffhanger that I'm dying to read the next and last book." That would be Mockingjay, which will be coming out on August 24 (see the countdown at the top of our blog).

Another big fat book is the classic Odyssey by Homer, the story of "Odysseus's journey back from Troy where he tries to go to Ithaca but has to face many perils at the whim of the gods." Our teen reviewer loved this book because "the action is relatable and you can sympathize with the main character's plight as he faces mythical challenges." Mythical challenges, huh? Sounds to me like another book for all you Percy Jackson lovers.

Some adventures are true stories--like Shackleton's in South: The Endurance Expedition by Sir Ernest Shackleton. Shackleton's captained an "expedition to the Antarctic, ship sinks, captain goes to get help, gets rescued," and this leads to another expedition. This book depicts "an interesting adventure," it "shows survival skills" and there is "a lot of suspense because they have life and death situations and must be quick."

And for a more contemporary option, check out Going Bovine by Libba Bray, the 2010 Printz award winner. But even better, it is highly recommended by one of our reviewers from last week: "I couldn't put it down not even for minute!" The book is about "a boy named Carter who one day suddenly gets mad cow disease. He goes searching for Dr. X for a cure and finds something he never knew about himself." Having read the book myself, I can definitely say the search for Dr. X is intense, thrilling, weird and fun--all at the same time. And who doesn't want to see what kind of book could inspire a cover like that?

Amazingly, no books made the hate list this week. For a book I loved, you can try Hate List by Jennifer Brown. Valerie survived a school shooting--one perpetrated by her boyfriend who killed himself. But not before Valerie took a bullet to end the massacre. She should be a hero except for the fact that the people her boyfriend went after were those on a "hate list" they had created together. She feels guilty but whats worse is the hate she endures from her fellow classmates. Now, it seems, she's on everyone's hate list. Despite the hatred in this novel, I loved it because it felt real. This book is obviously not a situation that occurs often (and thank goodness for that!), and I am not usually a fan of books about school shootings. Something about Valerie spoke to me and I think it might speak to you, too.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant

Audiobooks: To read or not to read?

2010-07-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Or the even bigger question: does listening to an audiobook even qualify as reading? I can't speak for your teachers but I can speak for myself when I say that listening to an audiobook IS reading. It's just reading while you rest your eyes or knit or cook or drive or clean your room or walk (that's my favorite). But not all good books make good audio books. There are some awards, like YALSA's Odyssey Award--given once a year to the best audiobook produced for children. This year's winner was Louise: The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo (author of The Tale of Despereaux and The Magician's Elephant). There are runners-up and winners from past years listed on their website, www.ala.org/yalsa/odyssey. Or check out the Audie Awards, an award sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association. Teen winners and honorees can be found here.

If you ask me, the best audiobooks are full of action! A recent favorite is the 39 Clues series. It's quick, action-packed and read by the actor David Pittu, who puts on a number of voices and accents to illustrate all the international members of the Cahill clan.

Summer is a great time for audiobooks. On a road trip? Would you rather listen to your parents' music or get into a good book? Personally, I vote for the latter. If you can convince your parents to listen with you, pick out something everyone can enjoy--from your younger siblings on up. Sure, The 39 Clues can work but what about something classic? Like Harry Potter! (Okay, okay, it's a recent classic...) As an added bonus, audiobooks don't make me carsick!

I just finished listening to A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, narrated by Josephine Bailey. If you like the boarding school books with a magical twist, this book is for you! Gemma Doyle starts out in India but after her mother dies, she gets shipped off to boarding school in England. Oh, and did I mention it's set in the late 1800s? It's Victorian! Once Gemma gets to school, it is mean girl central--but Gemma knows how to deal with these girls. Her biggest problem is trying to figure out how to stop having visions, and hide them from her roommate. But it turns out her visions may be the key to an even bigger mystery.

Last but not least, if you are worried about your audiobook playing on your (non-existent) CD player, never fear! No longer must you check out chunks of CDs to lug around or even set foot in the library to get your audiobook fix. ListenNJNW.com is your source on the web for audiobooks you can download to your home computer. Depending on the book you want to read, you may be able to put the files onto your mp3 player or burn CDs of the tracks. Just go to the website, find the book you want, put it in your cart and then just enter your library card number at checkout (indicating you're a member of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System). Best of all, when the book is due back, it will magically disappear from your computer. Easy! And they are now offering ebooks, for those of you who enjoy reading on a screen.

Posted by Alexa Hamilton, Library Assistant