EWML Teen Space Blog

YALSA 2011 Top 10 Books for Teens have been announced. Watch the video to see teens' top picks for the year:

2012-01-29T16:21:00.008-05:00

Link to the YALSA website to learn about all the nominees. (Video created by the Young Adult Library Services Association)

Have you read DIVERGENT?

2012-01-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

Debut author Veronica Roth discusses her new dystopian YA thriller, DIVERGENT, the first in a series of novels filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences and unexpected romance.

Best of Dystopian and Paranormal

2011-11-29T11:35:00.003-05:00

Love to read books about futuristic societies where people are controlled by repressive governments and technology? Check out this link to Alice Marvels 10 Dystopian Must Reads for 2011.

More of a paranormal reader? Go to 25 Paranormal Must Reads suggested by the Alice Marvels blog.

The winner of the 2011 Nutmeg Teen Award is . . .

2011-02-14T16:25:00.005-05:00

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

"In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives 'unwound' and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to survive until they turn eighteen." - Summary from the EWML online catalog. Find out if this book is available here.

Nutmeg Voting

2011-01-28T12:24:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that Nutmeg voting ends Monday, January 31st. If you would like to vote for your favorite Nutmeg book (and haven't voted yet in school) stop by Teen Space this weekend and submit your vote in our ballot box. The Library will be open Saturday from 10AM to 4PM and Sunday from 12Noon to 4PM.

2011 Teen Nutmeg Book Award Voting

2011-01-03T12:07:00.003-05:00

Come in to Teen Space at the library and cast you vote for the 2011 Teen Nutmeg Book Award winner. Anyone in grade 5 through 9 who has read at least one of these Teen Nutmeg Book nominees can vote. Fill out a ballot and drop it in the box by the Nutmeg Books. Vote for just one book. Voting ends January 31, 2011. We'll announce the winner here and at the library on February 14, 2011.

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

2010-11-24T11:19:00.003-05:00

Looking for a gift idea? Teen Librarians from libraries across Connecticut have put together their annual list of the best books to give teens as a holiday gift. Once again The Hunger Games trilogy has made the list. One of this year's gift suggestions is the final installment, Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins. Let us know if you've read any of these books or have any suggestions for other books which would make a great gift!

Teen Read Week

2010-10-14T20:08:00.007-04:00

October 17th through 23rd is Teen Read Week. This year's theme is Books With Beat @ your Library. Stop by Teen Space this week to see books and audiobooks about poetry, music and more at our Books With Beat display. The Teens Top Ten books were announced this morning to kick off Teen Read Week. This year's winners are:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
3. Heist Society by Ally Carter
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
6. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
7. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. Fire by Kristin Cashore
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Teens' Top Ten Voting

2010-09-02T11:54:00.004-04:00

Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Vote now for the 2010 Teens' Top Ten! Voting takes place through September 17. You can vote online here . Winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, Oct. 17-23.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2010-08-17T11:06:00.003-04:00

Percy Jackson has been kicked out of the school every single year. He is now in sixth grade. It is the end of the school year and he hasn't been kicked out. Weird things start happening in his life and then his mom takes him to a summer camp, but this one is different. People are training for battles, there are creatures that aren't human there and they play games that campers could die in for fun. Percy has always known that something about him was different, but he is only just beginning to understand.

I liked this book because it was full of thrilling adventure and you are learning, but you don't realize it until you are done with the book.

The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series.

Reviewed by Madalyn

Summer Reading Book Review - Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

2010-08-05T13:49:00.003-04:00

This book is about a 22 year old girl. She goes to London to visit a friend she only met once! After things don't work out between them, she is stuck in London with no place to go. Luckily, she decides to take the Chunnel and stay with her friend in France. Now the only thing she has to worry about is staying out of reach from her friend in London and of course keeping her big mouth shut!
This is a great book. The author does a great job of making the characters believable. This book also lets you learn a little about European countries. I had a great time learning about other places around the world.

Submitted by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Book Review - Ice Drift by Theodore Taylor

2010-08-03T19:12:00.003-04:00

Ice Drift is a story about two adolescent Inuit brothers and their dog who were seal hunting on an ice floe attached to their island when an iceberg hit the floe and it broke off from the island. For six long, hard months the boys suffer with hunger, sickness, and a douse in the frigid ocean. The author's descriptive words painted a vivid picture, holding my attention from cover to cover.

Submitted by Timothy Vander Have

Summer Reading Book Review - The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander

2010-08-02T12:35:00.003-04:00

This book is about a ninth grader named Austin. Her biggest dream is to be a what is called a sweetheart in the Christmas parade. She has gone to the extremes to do things that would allow her to be a friend to other sweethearts. She has also gone to the extremes to get a good reputation so she could be one. Some of the wild things she has done was buy a rooster for Christmas, for herself, and have her arm bitten by a huge fish.
This is a great book. It was so funny to see all of the wild and crazy things that Austin put herself up to. She was always ready for a challenge. It was also suspenseful at times such as seeing whether Austin would win the poultry contest.

Submitted by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go, by Patrick Ness

2010-07-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

Summer Reading Book Review-Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

2010-07-19T11:22:00.001-04:00

This book is about three kids who all gather at a camp for one exciting reason, to see a solar eclipse. All three kids don’t want the eclipse to end because, once it’s over, their worlds will be turned upside down. Bree is moving into the wilderness, Ally is moving into the city, and Jack has learned to make great friends. Their lives as they knew them are definitely going to change dramatically.

This was a great book. One of the things I liked about it was that it was told from different characters’ points of view. It made it interesting to find out what different characters thought about each situation.

Reviewed by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Book Review-Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

2010-07-19T11:17:00.005-04:00

This book is about a boy who is about to turn thirteen. He doesn’t want to turn thirteen until he opens the box from his father. All he needs to do is find the keys then he will be able to find the meaning of life from the box.

This is a great book. It was very suspenseful for me to see if the keys would fit into the locks. This book is also very descriptive. One example is when it said that Jeremy’s couch was covered in patches.

Reviewed by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Book Review- Syren (Septimus Heap, Book 5) by Angie Sage

2010-07-14T16:49:00.005-04:00

Septimus Heap sets out for Jenna, Beetle, Nicko, Snorri and Ullr on Spit Fyre. On the back he ends up on a strange island full of surprises. Meanwhile, Wolf Boy is sent to do the Task by Aunt Zelda and meets up with Lucy, but gets stuck on the worst boat possible, the Marauder, with men who want to throw them overboard so that there is no interference with their dangerous mission.

I liked this book because it kept me captivated and was full of action. It is a wonderful tale full of mystery, excitement, and suspense.

Reviewed by Madalyn

Summer Reading Book Review - New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer

2010-07-12T16:24:00.003-04:00

This adventurous book takes place in the small town of Forks, Washington. Bella Swan's vampire boyfriend Edward leaves her, taking his family with him. Bella becomes devastated and barely leaves her room. In the meantime, her dad Charlie thinks it will be better for her to spend more time with his best friend's son, Jacob. Bella tries to risk her life so Edward will come back to saver her, so she gets Jacob to build her a motorcycle.

Bella spends more and more time with Jaob and soon her heart is healing. Just when her heart is almost fully healed, Jacob won't answer her phone calls and everything seems weirder. When Bella goes over to Jake's house, he is outside with his shirt off, with a weird looking tattoo on his shoulder and his hair is cut off. Jake is hiding something; something big.

This is an excellent book written by Stephenie Meyer and is perfect for readers who love adventure and are Twilight fans. I thought that this book was the best out of all of the books from the Twilight Saga.

Reviewed by Hannah Lee

Summer Reading Review: Better Late Than Never (Gifted series), by Marilyn Kaye

2010-07-08T12:36:00.003-04:00

This book is about a group of children who have powers which they call gifts. The children know they have to keep their gifts a secret. One of the children trusts someone so much she shows the person her gift. Will the person end up betraying her gift and using it for evil?

This is a great book. It is really suspenseful to see what will happen. Also, it is descriptive.

Reviewed by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Book Review - Unwind by Neal Shusterman

2010-07-06T19:25:00.002-04:00

The book Unwind is about kids who are supposed to be unwould but escape. Unwinding is when surgeons take apart children's body parts and sell them to people who need the body parts. The kids have to stay hidden, so they don't get unwound, but when their friend needs to be taken to the hospital they have no choice but to expose themselves and be in danger of getting unwound. Will the kids end up getting unwound after all their hard work trying to stay hidden? Read to find out.

This was a great book. It was really scary and I would recommend it to teens who want to have a scare. It is also suspenseful to see if the kids in the book will end up getting unwound.

Reviewed by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Book Review - Serpent Tide by K.L. Fogg

2010-07-06T16:53:00.002-04:00

Wesley Vandergrift is a 12-year-old boy who is the son of Imogene Vandergrift, a billionaire. He can't unerstand why he seems different than the other children or why he and his mom have nothing in common. While exploring in an attic he finds something that leads him to belive that Imogene is not his real mother. He journeys off to find his real parents, but Imogene is always after him.

I liked this book. It was an easy read, but very well-written.

Reviewed by Maddlyn

Summer Reading Book Review: Bad Girls Don't Die, by Katie Alender

2010-07-06T11:21:00.005-04:00

The book I read was Bad Girls Don't Die. This book is very interesting if you like books that can creep you out. It's about two girls named Alexis and Kasey. They live in an old house and the history of the house has been in the newspaper before. One time, there was a suicide and the victim is caught haunting the house. One hundred years before that accident occurred, an 11 year old died in the house and is roaming the house too. One of these girls has to get rid of these ghosts and help the other girl.

Reviewed by Peyton Northrop

Summer Reading Book Review- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

2010-07-02T14:17:00.004-04:00

This excellent book, written by Rebecca Stead, takes place in New York, NY. Miranda, a 12-year-old middle school girl's mom, is going to be on the game show The Million Dollar Pyramid. Miranda's best friend, Sal, gets punched by a kid named Marcus and, for some reason, doesn't want to be her friend anymore. As Miranda struggles through friendship she starts getting mysterious notes and things start getting stolen from her apartment. The notes say that something bad is going to happen to someone she cares about. Clearly the writer of the notes knows something she doesn't.

This book is perfect for teens who love mysteries and adventure. I loved this book very much because something exciting happens around every corner. I mostly enjoyed the ending to the story. Will you?

Reviewed by Hannah Lee

Summer Reading Book Review - Schooled by Gordon Korman

2010-06-29T14:56:00.003-04:00

The book Schooled is about a young boy who has lived separate from modern days in a community that only consists of two people, him and his grandmother. When his grandmother gets hurt and has to stay in the hospital, the young boy, Cap, is forced to live in a modern neighborhood and go to a public school. Having been homeschooled his whole life the only thing that will be a result of this is a disaster. He has no idea what to expect when he is forced to be around other people and live in the real world.

I thought this was a very good book. The author did a great job of making the characters believable. For example, since Cap was new, he thought everyone should be nice to on another so he did kind things for everyone.

Reviewed by Sophia Fagan

Summer Reading Program

2010-06-16T11:28:00.004-04:00

This year's teen summer reading program is "Make Waves at Your Library." Programs will kick off with the 2nd annual "Chalk It Up" sidewalk drawing event on Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the library. There will be other events going on as well on Saturday and throughout the summer. Check our website for more information. Come to the library to register for the summer reading program anytime from June 19th on. We even have a display of books set up in Teen Space if you want to read something with a watery theme!

New sequel out!

2010-04-14T13:17:00.004-04:00

This year's Teen Nutmeg Award winner, Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer has a brand new sequel. It's called This World We Live In and the library now has it. So if you want to find out what happens to Miranda and the rest of her family as life continues in the post-meteor world read this sequel. Check here to see if it's in. Once you read it post a comment and let us all know how you liked it.

Great New Teen Nutmeg Nominee

2010-02-22T11:54:00.004-05:00

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd is one of those books that is hard to put down. The mystery is introduced right away and, as the reader, you can't wait to see how it turns out. A brother and sister team, Ted and Kat, are the sleuths of this mystery. It's written from Ted's point of view which is very interesting because he has Asperger's syndrome. I haven't yet finished the book but I have my own theories, just like Ted, about what happened. If you like this book, try Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork another great book about a teen with Asperger's syndrome.

This Year's Teen Nutmeg Book Award Winner

2010-02-16T10:02:00.004-05:00

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer won the 2010 Teen Nutmeg Book Awards with 1309 votes. Total teen votes 7101; total schools and libraries 111.

Nominees for 2011 have been announced. Check out the Nutmeg Book Award website to see the new list. Copies of nominees are now available on the library's Nutmeg shelf in the Teen Space.

Check out this sequel

2010-02-08T14:41:00.003-05:00

Did you read Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, the 2010 Nutmeg nominee written by Jordan Sonnenblick? It was a favorite among Teen Nutmeg readers here in Monroe. For those who read it and want to know what happens to Jeffrey Alper, the adorable younger brother who is diagnosed with leukemia, check out the sequel. It's called After Ever After and we'll have it here at the library soon thanks to the generous donations of some of our patrons. Click here to reserve a copy.

Last Days to Vote

2010-01-28T16:33:00.002-05:00

Saturday January 30th is the last day to come in to the library to cast your vote for the best Nutmeg book. Here are the nominees. Winner will be announced February 14th. Come in and cast your vote!

Printz Award Goes To "Going Bovine"

2010-01-19T19:15:00.003-05:00

Each year a teen book is selected by the American Library Association as the best young adult book from the previous year. This award, called the Printz award, is similar to the Newbery medal given to children's books. This year the Printz award went to the book Going Bovine by Libba Bray. Bray, the author of the Gemma Boyle series: A Great and Terrible Beauty, The Sweet Far Thing, and Rebel Angels, takes a real departure from historical fantasy in this new book. School Library Journal says, "In this ambitious novel, Cameron, a 16-year-old slacker whose somewhat dysfunctional family has just about given up on him, as perhaps he himself has, when his diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jacob, "mad cow" disease, reunites them, if too late. The heart of the story, though, is a hallucinatory-or is it?-quest with many parallels to the hopeless but inspirational efforts of Don Quixote, about whom Cameron had been reading before his illness."

Find out if it's checked in at the library, then tell us what you thought of this book. We'd love to hear your review!

Teen Nutmeg Book Award Voting

2010-01-14T11:18:00.002-05:00

Come in to Teen Space at the library and cast you vote for the 2010 Teen Nutmeg Book Award winner. Anyone in grade 5 through 9 who has read at least one of these Teen Nutmeg Book nominees can vote. Fill out a ballot and drop it in the box by the Nutmeg Books. Voting ends January 31, 2010. We'll announce the winner here and at the library on February 14, 2010.

More Teen Book Reviews

2009-12-10T09:32:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-03T12:07:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-19T11:28:00.003-04:00

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"

2009-10-15T14:28:00.007-04:00

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

2009-09-17T14:44:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-10T11:43:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-31T11:11:00.012-04:00

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

2009-08-07T14:40:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-07T10:30:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-03T16:09:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-03T10:44:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-28T18:40:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-27T13:30:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-27T12:52:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-20T11:43:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-14T19:40:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-13T11:13:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-07T09:19:00.012-04:00

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

2009-07-02T10:17:00.007-04:00

"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

2009-05-21T14:36:00.006-04:00

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 nomin ees 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

2009-04-27T10:26:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-03T13:04:00.010-04:00

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

2009-03-17T18:08:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-07T17:46:00.005-05:00

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

2009-02-28T14:05:00.002-05:00

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 . . .

2009-02-14T10:42:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-02T11:46:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-21T11:24:00.002-05:00

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.

Nutmeg books

2008-12-23T18:22:00.003-05:00

Voting for the 2009 Teen Nutmeg Book Award will take place in January. This holiday vacation is a great time to read one or more of the Nutmeg nominees before voting takes place. elsewhere is one of the nominees. It is written by Gabrielle Zevin and describes an interesting afterlife where people and animals age backwards until they are reborn again. Take a look at all the Nutmeg nominees at http://www.ewml.org/teennutmeg.htm. If you"ve read elsewhere or any of the other Nutmeg nominees tell us what you thought of it. Look for voting ballots at the library sometime in January

Gift Ideas for the Holidays

2008-12-09T19:10:00.002-05:00

Teen Librarians from libraries across Connecticut have put together a list of the best books to give teens as a holiday gift. The most popular choice was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, a Connecticut author who also wrote Gregor the Overlander and its sequels. The Hunger Games is set in a futuristic society where teens are pitted against each other in a game of survival on a reality television show. Let us know if you've read this book or have any suggestions for books which would make a great gift. Here is the list compiled by some of Connecticut's Teen Librarians.

"Twilight" movie

2008-11-21T16:28:00.000-05:00

Today's the day. The "Twilight" movie was finally released. If anyone has seen it and would like to post a review, we'd love to hear about it. Just remember to keep your review free of spoilers because many of us have not yet seen it.

Fantasy Award Winner

2008-11-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

At the 2008 World Fantasy Convention held earlier this month in Calgary, Canada the award for best fantasy novel was given to Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay. It's here in the Teen fiction section. If anyone has read it, tell us if you thought it was the best fantasy book you've read this year.

Like audiobooks?

2008-10-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

If you liked any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, you'll enjoy this audiobook. It's the first in a series of books by L. A. Meyer about the adventures of Mary "Jack" Faber, a 13 year old orphan girl who disguises herself as a boy to escape street life. The narrator has a great British accent which takes a little while to get used to. Once you do, you'll be talking that way too (or at least want to.) If audiobooks aren't your thing, read the books. The library now has the sixth and latest in the series, My Bonny Light Horseman: being an account of the further adventures of Jacky Faber, in love and war.

New Teen Books

2008-10-17T20:18:00.000-04:00

These are some new books in the New Teen Fiction section which sound like they would make great reading for Halloween: Evernight by Claudia Gray, Generation Dead by Daniel Waters, The Graveyard by Neil Gaiman, and The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. Has anyone read any one of these yet? If so, tell us what you thought of it. Was it a good, scary Halloween read?

"Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist"

2008-10-08T15:37:00.000-04:00

I know everyone is anxious for the release of the movie "Twilight," but has anyone gone to see this new movie? Like "Twilight," it is based on a book "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" which was written by Rachel Cohn And David Levithan. The book was very interesting because the authors wrote alternating chapters--Rachel writing as Norah and David as Nick. I was wondering if the movie was as good as the book. If you read the book or saw the movie or both, let us know what you think.