More Teen Book Reviews

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie

Steven's younger brother has always been annoying. Then he ends up as the center of Steven's life when he is diagnosed with cancer. Steven's life completely changes after that.
This is a wonderful, heart-warming book. It shows how very important family is in a time of crisis. I suggest this to all readers.

Books as Holiday Gifts

Once again, Connecticut's librarians have put together a list for holiday giving of the Best Books for Teens of 2009.

On the list is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the sequel to one of last year's popular picks--The Hunger Games. Readers of The Hunger Games will want to know what happens to the winners after the competition is over. Already read the sequel? Check out the list for other suggestions or stop by the library and check with our librarians.

Happy Holidays!

Teens Top Ten Winner Announced

Paper Towns by John Green was the winner of the Teens Top Ten poll. More than 11,000 teens voted all together this year. Watch the official announcement in this webcast from World Wrestling Entertainment, hosted by Divas Brie Bella and Nikki Bella and featuring John Green. Thanks to everyone from EWML who voted.

More on "Crazy Beautiful"

Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted visits here at the library next Saturday, October 24th at 2PM. The library now has a copy of her book, Crazy Beautiful, which you can reserve from our catalog. Here is the review of it from Publishers Weekly (September):
"Baratz-Logsted's modern take on Beauty and the Beast is told from the alternating points of view of two sophomores as they begin class at a new school. Beautiful, kind Aurora is immediately absorbed into the popular crowd; she and her father, the school librarian, are especially close following the death of her mother a few months earlier. Lucius's family is more troubled: since he exploded chemicals in his basement last year, blowing up part of his house as well as his forearms, his father will barely look at him. Lucius brings his past with him to the new school, both externally (in the form of the hooks that he chooses to replace his hands) and on the inside. Lucius quickly attracts the attention of Jessup, a student who harasses him and nicknames him Hooks, but also that of Aurora, who is as drawn to Lucius as he is to her. Both Aurora and Lucius are remarkably resilient given the events of the preceding year, and following the highs and lows of their blossoming relationship makes for a fast-paced and intense read."
Come next Saturday to meet and talk with the author of this book. Please register ahead for this event.

Come Meet Teen Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

On October 24, 2009 at 2:00 PM Lauren Baratz-Logsted, author of the new teen novel Crazy Beautiful, will be at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library to talk about her book. Crazy Beautiful, a contemporary re-visioning of Beauty & the Beast, is told in he-said/she-said fashion, about a boy with hooks for hands and a gorgeous girl who meet on their first day at a new school. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Please register for this event here.

Teen Summer Reading Favorites

Looking for a good book? Teens who came to the "End of Summer Reading Party" said these were the best books they read this summer:

• Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan
• They Cage the Animals at Night by Jennings Michael Burch
• Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
• Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton
• Midnight Rider by Joan Hiatt Harlow
• Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
• The Clique by Lisi Harrison
• Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
• Long Shadows by Erin Hunter
• Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques
• Sand Dollar Summer by Kimberly Jones
• New Spring by Robert Jordan
• Epic by Conor Kostick
• Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

We have many of these books here at the library. Check our catalog here to see if they're checked in. Got favorites of your own? We'd love to hear about them!

More Teen Book Reviews

The Black Book Vol. I: Girls, Girls, Girls by Jonah Black

This book was about a boy named Jonah. He was just kicked out of his Pennsylvania school and transferred to his old (better) school in Florida. it's going to take him a while to get back into the hang of things. This book gets 4 out of 5 stars.

-Isabelle

The Black Book Vol. II: Stop, Don't Stop by Jonah Black

Finally everyone figures out why Jonah was kicked out. It was because of a girl. He had tried to save a girl and accidently drove the principal's car right into a motel. He falls for his best friend Posie but she falls for Jonah's diving opponent. Jonah is devasted. The best part of these books is that there is always a question at the end.

-Isabelle

The Beatles

This book was about the Beatles' life. Their first hit, "Please, Please, Me" was a number one hit. the Beatles in their day were more than a band or "musical act" they were a force of nature almost about everything. I love the Beatles songs and I think they should keep writing songs. I really enjoyed this book.

-Mark

Supercars

This book was about cars. My favorite car was the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1998. The super red color would look awesome in my hair. Just kidding, but this book is full of cool looking cars. I hope I get one when I'm older. I thought this book was really interesting. I'd give it a 9 out of 10.

-Mark

Another Week 6 Review

Talent
by Zoey Dean

Mac lives in Bel-air looking for an unknown actor to prove to her mom that she could be a talent agent. Then Mac sees a girl named Emily acting her way into a famous party. Mac thinks she could be the one she's been looking for. Emily and Mac practice to get better; then she tries out for a movie. Read the book to see whether or not she makes it!

I liked this book because the drama between her friends kept me reading.

-Hannah

Week 6 Bonus Book Reviews

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot
This book is about a girl who finds out she is a princess. When she is in the spotlight of a popular talk show she feels she couldn’t have been more nervous. Can her nervies overcome her and ruin what she says on the talk show?
This was a great book. I rate this book a 10 out of 10. It is a wonderful fun book.
- Sophia

Princess in Love by Meg Cabot
This book is about a girl who finds out she is a princess. When her picture is taken and put in the newspaper without her permission, will the picture cause people to think of her in a mean way?
This was a great book. It was fun to read and a 10 out of 10!
- Sophia

Another Week 5 Book Review

The book I read was Shug by Jenny Han. I liked this book because it was sad but good. Ann Marie Wilcox was a main character in the story and her parents called her Shug. Things happen to Shug in junior high.For example, Mark and Ann Marie were best friends until things fall apart. The story kept you interested because one event happened after another. I would recommend this book to girls only.

-Alana

Book Reviews for Week 5

Just Kidding by Annie Bryant

Everything is going wrong withe the BSG club. Charlatte's friend Mrs. Pierce has gone missing, mean and untrue rumors are floating around school about Isabel, Maeve and Avery weren't voted president of the sports and dance club, and Katani is sure the school has no spirit. Can the BSG get back into shape so Spirit Week is not a total spirit-less wreak?

This was a great book. It was really surprising! It was a 10 out of 10.

-Sophia

The Princess Test by Gail Carson Levine

Can all of her whining finally pay off? When a young girl is put to the test to find every flaw at the palace her whining finally comes in handy. When she notices everything wrong in the palacee and complains about it she passes the test. Does this mean that she'll get to be a princess or a royal pain?

This was a great book. It was really funny. It is a 10 out of 10.

-Sophia

Nutmeg Critics Book Review

Skulduggery Pleasant: Scepter of the Ancients by Derek Landy
Summary: When Stephanie's Uncle Gordan died he left his property and his royalties to Stephanie. Now it is up to Stephanie and Skulduggery Pleasant to protect the Scepter and the Book of Names from the Faceless Ones.
Review: Although I give this a 5 out of 5 rating, I still didn't read from 9:30 - 10:00 PM (Strange Days at Blake Holsey High is on.) Plus, I would suggest to the author for the next book he writes to have more vampires, and maybe one wolf pack. So, if you are a Harry Potter fan, then read this book!
- Ginny

Week 5 Book Reviews

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

by Gail Carson Levine

This is a book about a princess named Addie and her sister, Meryl. When Meryl comes down with a horrible disease called the Gray Death, Addie has no choice but to go on a dangerous adventure to find the cure before it is too late….. Can Addie stand up to her fears and go on her dangerous adventure in time to help her sister?

This was a great book because it was very descriptive. It was descriptive when it said that the magic tablecloth gave tasty roasts to whoever knew the magic words.

- Sophia

The Princess Diaries

by Meg Cabot

This book is about a girl who finds out that she is the princess of a small country called Genovia. Between fancy dinners, talk shows, and princess lessons can Mia live with the fact that she is a princess?

This was a great book! It kept me on the edge of my seat in suspense. It was suspenseful to see how Mia would handle being a princess.

- Sophia

Missed Week 3 Reviews

Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie Babbitt

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is about 10 year-old Winifred Foster who is faced with the decision to live or to die, to escape the cycle of life or to be like everyone else. To be specific she could live forever if she wanted to. Wow! You could watch TV, read tons of books and see what is going to happen in the future. You would probably say “yes” right away but Winnie has another reason to say “yes”. The Tucks who told her how to live forever have a son named Jesse. Winnie falls in love with him. Should she live forever with him? I like this book because it makes you think. If you were faced with the decision to live forever or die eventually what would you choose?
- Elisabeth


Life Stategies for Teens, by Jay McGraw

Have you ever wished that for once life would go your way, you could break your bad habits, or that you were more independent? If you have wished any of these you may have gotten overwhelmed just thinking about it. In this how-to book Life Strategies for Teens by Jay McGraw, Jay took his father’s book Life Strategies and translated it so that you and I can understand the 10 Life Laws. The 10 Life Laws help you to shape your life the way you want it to be. You can’t change life but you can change the way you respond to the events in your life. In the book there are examples from Jay’s experience and other teen’s experience. I really liked reading this book. I hope you will enjoy it too.

-Elisabeth

Still More Bonus Book Reviews

Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult

Picture Perfect is a book about an anthropologist named Cassie who gets amnesia. She wakes up in L.A. and doesn't who she is, or why she is there. After having the police station submit her name into the newspaper, Cassie finds out she is really married to a famous actor named Alex. After living in a lavish house for a while, she starts to get her memory back. Suddenly, she remembers that she is pregnant and she ran away to save her baby's life from her abusive husband. Cassie thens runs away and stays with Will, her friend whose family lives on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. After Cassie has the baby, she calls her husband and he comes to get her. I really enjoyed finding out the ending. Some parts are a slow read but the ending is worth it.

-Morgan

EPIC by Conor Kostick

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you are interested in science fiction and futuristic stories. The character development is fairly complicated as there are multiple characters to keep track of in the two main story lines. The setting is "New Earth", a planet where mankind fled to after Earth was torn apart by warfare. Naturally, their new planet has a law against violence. the general story line tracks the plot of a 14-year old named Erik and his online game avatar, Cindella. The moral or the lesson of the story is that the New Earth government system was faulty and could lead to war in direct violation of their own laws. EPIC is a good book.

-Brendan

The Saint of Dragons by Jason Hightman

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it if you are interested in fantasy stories set during medieval times. The character development is fairly simple as the story line follows Simon Saint George and his two companions through a series of dragon-slaying adventures. The setting is always changing as their journey takes them all around the world. The general story line focuses on Simon and his father as they fight to end the war between dragons and humans. Some of the battle scenes were very vivid and were definitely my favorite parts of the book. The moral or the lesson of the story is that family bonds are always strong no matter what challenges you are faced with or have to go through. The Saint of Dragons is an awesome book.

-Brendan

Even More Bonus Book Reviews - Week 3

Don't Judge a Girl By her Cover by Ally Carter

I thought this book was great because it was the third book in the Gallager Academy Spy series! In this book Cammie visits her friend Macy in Boston to watch her dad who's a senator. While they are there Macy is almost kidnapped. As the girls return to school the same question is on everybody's mind. As school goes on, old pals and foes seem to keep reappearing as Cammie figures out what's going on. Little by little, piece by piece, Cammie is closer than ever to the shocking truth!

-Nicole



Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies is the story of Tally Youngblood's fifteen- and sixteen-year-old life. In Tally's world turning sixteen brings an operation that turns you drop-dead gorgeous. However, Tally's friend Shay doesn't want to turn pretty, so she ran away to a city called "The Smoke ." Then, when Tally finally turns 16, the authorities give Tally the worst decision of her life--find Shay or never turn pretty.

-Ginny



One Last Kiss by R. L. Stine

Two years ago Elanore finally moved back to Virginia with her father. She hadn't been there since she was a baby. Her father moved away right after her mother died, killed by a vampire. now right before they move away, Elanore is invited to the Fears' party. Then, her father introduces her to Trevor right before he dies, stake in the chest, giving her Richard Fears diary. This book I recommend to Twilight fans.

-Ginny

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

I loved all the poems in this book, but my favorite was 18 flavors. It was so cute and funny.

-Isabella

More Bonus Book Reviews - Week 2

One Wish by Leigh Brescia

Fatty Wrenn Scott has a dented social life. Basically, she sucks. But she just landed a role in the high school musical. Everyone starts being nicer. Except for one person. Will Wrenn fix everything for her or will this girl be the end of everything?

I felt the ending was a surprise yet it really understood the book.

- Anonymous

Geek High by Piper Banks

Miranda joins a new advanced school for higher students but she runs into some problems along the way--such as an evil new stepmother and stepsister. I felt the ending was very heartwarming and nice.

I give this 9 out of 10 stars.

- Anonymous

Geek Abroad by Piper Banks

Miranda finally finds out her dream guy feels the same way but then after the ball she is hurried to London to spend Christmas with her mother. I felt the ending was very common but funny and cute with its own special twist.

I give this 10 out of 10 stars.

- Anonymous

Otis Spofford by Beverly Cleary

This was a great book. This book is about a boy named otis who is always rying to stir up a little trouble whether it's in class or a home. Nothing stops him from getting into trouble.

- Sophia

Karen's Sister by Elisabet McHugh

This was a great book. it was very detailed. This book was about a girl named karen whose family is adopting a child from Korea. Karen has to learn to be patient with a new little sister who is always getting into trouble. This was a great book.

- Sophia

Teen Summer Reading Reviews

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace


Betsy and Tacy go Downtown does not have an exciting plot but rather the excitement is found in the adventures that the girls have. The author, Maud Hart Lovelace, bases a lot of the girls’ escapades on ones she had with her friends “Bick” (Tacy) “Midge” (Tib) and Maud herself as Betsy. In the book, Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are old enough to do grown-up things like going downtown by themselves and bobsledding. They experience the excitement when Tib rides in a horseless-carriage (an old-fashioned car) and when they all go to see a play in the grand theater and later, act in one! They befriend the theater owner’s wife, Mrs. Poppy who, although she is very rich, is very lonely. Mrs. Poppy loved the girls’ company and soon she was not lonely any more. Mrs. Poppy wanted to do something for them so she arranged a surprise for Betsey and her family which caused much joy. What was the surprise? You’ll just have to read it for yourself in order to find out.

- Elisabeth

Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach

I loved this book because it was really exiting. If you like mysteries you will love this book. Shakespeare’s Secret which is written by Elsie Broach is about a girl named Hero Netherfield. Hero has a hard time finding friends because her family is constantly moving. Hero and her older sister Beatrice are both named after characters in the Shakespeare play “Much Ado About Nothing” because their father loves Shakespeare plays. Hero likes them but does not share her father’s enthusiasm until she figures out from a next-door neighbor that there is a diamond hidden somewhere on the property of her family’s new house. The diamond is old, from the time of Shakespeare and worth millions. Hero puzzles over the clues with her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Roth and they come up a clue to Shakespeare’s real identity. Who was the true Shakespeare? You’ll find out if you read this fast-paced book.

-Elisabeth

Teen Summer Reading Bonus Reviews - Week 1

"I'd Tell You I Love, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter

I thought this book was really cool because it was about a spy who is trying to live an everyday life. Cammie Morgan is the daughter of two spies and attends the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women that is really a spy school for super smart girls. She learns all sorts of things in all her classes. Like in P. E. she learns martial arts. In her hardest class, Covert Operations, where their teacher is a complete mystery himself, she learns the secrets of a real spy. As the book continues Cammie is faced with her most difficult mission yet, having a boyfriend.
- Nicole



"Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy" by Ally Carter
I thought this book was really fun to read because it was the sequel to "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You." Cammie starts with a clean slate for her second semester in 10th grade. She promises her mom she won't sneak out of school or break the rules. meanwhile, rumors of a Blackthrone are passing along the hallways. Little do the girls know that boy spies are coming and bringing exciting and dangerous secrets with them.
- Nicole





"Fast Friends" by Julia DeVillers
"Fast Friends" is about Maddy not making a team with her friends and then meeting 3 other girls who get discovered by limited 2.
- Isabella



"Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer
"Breaking Dawn is about Bella being pregnant and the whole family has to rearrange their living arrangements.
-Isabella

Come and express your views on Nutmeg books

In keeping with this year's Summer Reading Program theme, "Express Yourself @ Your Library, " we are inviting all teens entering grades 7 through 9 to our Summer Nutmeg Book Critics group.

If you've read, or think you might like to read, any 2010 Teen Nutmeg nominees join our group. Our first meeting will be Monday, June 29 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. We'll have some snacks and choose which Nutmeg books we want to discuss and how we want to publish our book reviews. We have lots of options such binders, blogs, book talks or web pages.

Additional meetings will be held at the same time (1:00 to 2:00 PM) on the following Mondays: July 13th, July 27th and August 3rd. Come to as many meetings as you can. Please sign up online on the Teen Programs calendar or at the Reference Desk or contact us at 452-2850 or reference(AT)ewml.org.

Nutmeg Book Review

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

I just read Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, one of the 2010 Teen Nutmeg nominees, and loved it. It’s a story about Steven Alper, an eighth grade boy who plays drums and whose annoying five-year-old brother is diagnosed with leukemia – oh no, you say, not another depressing cancer book! But wait, this one is different. It’s warm and funny and full of real emotion. Not to say your heart won’t be wrenched, but this story is told with honesty and humor from a real guy’s point of view. You’ll read it in a flash and enjoy every minute of it! Be sure to check it out.

Lorna Rhyins

Teen Digital Photography Contest Winners

Thanks to all our contestants. Your many fabulous submissions made this an exciting contest and a difficult one to judge. Bridgeport Photo Club's Eph Tobin and Jon Aspinwall helped to make the tough decisions and we thank them for their efforts and their expertise. To view our first and second prize winners, please link to our Teen Photo Page. Congratulations to the winners!

Most Original: First prize - Anthony Videira; Second prize - Alison Albino
Best Black & White: First prize - Abigail Grich; Second prize - Amber Dargenio
Best Creative: First prize - Alison Albino; Second prize - Samantha Post
Best Color: First prize - Anthony Videira; Second prize - Jonathan Benham

2009 Printz Award Winner

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is given out by the American Library Association and is similar to the Newbery Medal which is awarded to children's books. This year's award went to Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. Ms. Marchetta is an Australian author who has written other books for teens. Her books are set in Australia and give you a taste of what it's like being a teen there.

Teen Digital Photography Contest - Has been extended to March 28th

Celebrate Teen Tech Week by entering our Digital Photography Contest for 7th - 12th graders, March 1st through 14th. Photos will be judged in four categories: most original, best creative entry, best black and white, and best color image. All submissions must be 72 pixels/square inch resolution and no more than 1024 pixels wide x 681 pixels high. Entries will be posted on our Teen Photo page and should be submitted by March 28th as an e-mail attachment to reference@ewml.org with the subject heading: "Photo Contest" Contest will be judged by Eph Tobin and Jon Aspinwall of the Greater Bridgeport Photo Club. Winners will be announced April 4th on this blog.

2010 Teen Nutmeg Nominees

Teen Space now has the 2010 Nutmeg Book Award Nominees. Here is a complete list of the nominated books along with summaries. Which ones have you already read? I read Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer and highly recommend it. It's a story that really makes you think about how quickly life can change and how we all would adapt. If you've read this book tell me what you thought of it.

The Teen Numeg Book Award goes to . . .

ELSEWHERE by Gabrielle Zevin. There are no details yet on the exact vote tally. Over 30,000 voted statewide for the Teen and Intermediate categories combined. We'll post the final tallies as soon as they are available.

Nutmeg Voting Extended

The voting deadline has been extended to February 5, 2009. So there's still time to cast your vote for the 2009 Teen Nutmeg Award winner. Stop by the Teen Space and cast your vote.

Nutmeg Award Voting

Come in and cast your vote for your favorite Teen Nutmeg Award book. There is a ballot box in the Teen Space section. Voting ends on January 31, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 14, 2009. I just finished listening to the audio book version of Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver. It's an interesting story set 6,000 years ago. The best part was that it was narrated by Ian McKellen, the actor who plays Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies. His voice is wonderful.