Worst of Friends
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain
In this age of political awareness, this book is a great reminder for big and little kids of how two important American presidents weathered their friendship.
Thomas Jefferson was a tall, quiet man while John Adams was short and talkative. Their friendship was based on agreeable differences, until they became political rivals--eventually becoming the 2nd and 3rd president of the United States.
Time passed, allowing both to leave their respected offices, creating a new space that often time comes with age. On January 1, 1812 John decided to write his old friend a Happy New Years letter, unsure whether he would receive a response. Of course Tom wrote back and their friendship was rekindled, both acknowledging each had a right to their own opinion.
Amazingly these lifelong friends both passed away on the same day, July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of American independance.
----------Though a picture book written for younger readers, a good introduction to history for any age.
Without Tess
by Marcella Pixley
When I was little I loved to play all things make-believe.
I played Barbies, cops and robbers, house and school. At a certain age though, most of us stop playing make-believe. We stop believing in the magic of being someone or something else. But what happens when you don't stop believing? What if you grow up believing you have wings that help you fly or you become a seal in water?
In Without Tess, we discover that Tess, Lizzie's sister and best friend, is unable to grow out of her magic. Tess is gently shown as having a mental illness that the family seems unaware of until it's too late. The neighbor friends offer an honest voice, bringing the girls back to reality or showing the difference between realities.
At the beginning of the book I enjoyed the childhood make-believe, but found the sadness creeping in as I realized Tess was delusional. There are not many YA books written about mental illness from such a young age, but it is a reality that should be shared.
Always enjoying a happy ending (without spoiling it), I was pleased to see Tess let go and move on to the next phase of her teenage life.
Teen Psychic
by Julie Johnson
Author, Julie Johnson, does a wonderful job exploring ancient stories with current teen stories. From the first page, you receive an open, honest message from a teen who needed to explore her voice...her communication--hoping the reader will discover their inner voice.
Filled with information about listening to your own intuitive voice, chakras, shamanism and more, the reader--whether a teen or adult, are offered meditations, breathing exercises and ancient stories to help the reader listen to themselves. To become more sensitive. More psychic.
Since I'm on a zombie kick, I thought I'd add a few new titles hanging out on our shelves.
Jack and Jill Went Up to Kill by Michael Spradlin
Need a refresher course on your nursery rhymes? This book will offer you an undead, twisted version of the originals.
The Walking Dead, Volume 3 Safety Behind Bars by Robert Kirkman
We have the first three volumes in graphic novel print. Whether you're a fan of the TV series or simply love zombies, these books will leave you wanting more.
The Walking Dead Chronicles The Official Companion Book by Paul Ruditis
This is the official guide to one of the most popular shows on AMC right now. The story tells of a sheriff deputy who leads a group of survivors in a postapocalyptic world. Full of colorful graphics.
The Cellar by A.J. Whitten
Though this book has been out since the spring of '11,
it JUST caught my eye as I was glancing
through our newer younger adult titles. I'm not sure what
compelled me to physically pick it up, other than the reference
sentence leading into the title:
"Romeo and Juliet meet the living dead in..."
Really Romeo and Juliet meet the living dead?
Zombies?
Hmmm...Though I'm a fan of watching Zombie TV, I generally don't read zombie books, but I'll give any book a few chapters.
Initially, the voice of the book--Meredith--seemed rough in flow. But as I took myself 'there' as a teen, the voice made perfect sense. It sounded as if a teen was actually telling the story--not an adult in teens clothing. And then I was off....
I surprised myself by getting caught up in the main characters, Adrien--the 'Romeo-Zombie', Heather--his unknowing,angsty Juliet, and the families who don't want to see them together. The author did a great job adding in enough gruesome detail in the filler paragraphs and chapters, that lead the readers wanting more zombie action.
My heart was racing as the book had a shocker ending I never saw coming! Whether you're adult or teen who's looking for a quick zombie read, this book will keep you entertained. You may even find yourself wondering what your neighbor is keeping in their own cellar.
Grades 6- 9
Teen Advisory Board meeting
Thursday, November 17, 4pm – 5pm
Please attend the meeting for your specific grade.
Are you interested in becoming a Teen Advisory Board member? If so, register and come to this meeting.
TAB Meetings are for teens who want to get involved. We'll come up with ideas to encourage teens to visit the library more often for programs and services that better suit their needs and interests.
The group's purpose is to help make the library more interesting, fun, and friendly.
With all the basement remodeling, we've decided to expand our graphic novel section.
In the near future you can find the GN's next to the Manga section, but until then
you'll have to check out some of our new selections:
Blood Work
by Kim Harrison
Detectives Ivy and Rachel, vampire and witch, fight the evils of Cincinnati's
supernatural life. Part of The Hollows Series, Blood Work is the prequel to
Dead Witch Walking.
Castle: Richard Castle's Deadly Storm
by Brian Michael Bendis
"Castle's hero, Derrick Storm, comes to life in the pages of this
all new graphic novel. This 'adaptation' of derrick Storm's first novel
takes our hero from the gritty world of the private eye all the way
to the globe-hopping intrique of the CIA."
