Monthly Poll: Best Teen Book-to-Movie Adaption Winner

The ballots have been counted and the results are in! A total of 49 teens cast their votes to let us know what is the Best Teen Book-to-Movie adaption. And the winner by a landslide is Harry Potter with 20 votes! Following this is Twilight (11 votes), Lord of the Rings (7 votes), Perks of Being a Wallflower and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (both 4 votes), and Princess Bride (2 votes). There was also one (1) write-in vote for Hunger Games. 

Our contest winner is Miranda Bouren. Congratulations, Miranda!

For our July contest, you'll get to let us know what popular book trend you're sick of.

Flying Aces: Rescheduled

Yesterday's weather may have prevented the Flying Aces Frisbee Dog show from happening as scheduled, but fear not! The show has been rescheduled for Thursday July 25 @ 6:30 p.m. 

Still have questions? Contact the library @ 248-628-3034.

Teen Reviewer: Tori Coker

Teen Reviewer Tori, 12, read Monster High, by Lisi Harrison (of Clique fame) and thought it was awesome! Here is her review:

"I really enjoyed this book and the rest in the (Monster High) series. I wouldn't say it was a realistic story, considering it's about a bunch of high schoolers who are monsters. One of the reasons I enjoyed it was because of the love story. I love books with that quality :) I would recommend it to any girl my age!"

Tori also loved Mockingjay, the final book in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy: 

"This book is the last addition to the series, and I think it ends well. It's got its ups and downs, but the main character heals herself. It kills off two of my favorite characters, which I wasn't very happy about. But it has an epilogue that shows 20 years later, which is always a good thing. I can't wait to read more books like this one!"

Tori recommends both books.

Want to be a Teen Reviewer for this blog? Stop by the Teen Desk and talk with Alissa Bach.

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Flying Aces Frisbee Dogs: Tomorrow!

There's still room to sign up to attend our Flying Aces Frisbee Dogs program, which takes place @ 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (June 27) on the lawn outside the library. Come be amazed, astounded, and awestruck as these adorable dogs run and leap and perform awesome stunts before your very eyes. Bring a blanket, but please leave your own pets at home.

As this is an outdoor program, we must keep the weather in mind. Tomorrow's forecast is (according to the Weather Channel Website) is mid-80s with a 30% chance of rain/thunderstorms. If the program gets rained out (and we hope it won't), the rain date will be July 25. 

T-Shirt Craft: Monday June 24

T-Shirt Craft: Sharpie Tie-Dye

Monday June 24 @ 3-4:30 p.m.

The OPL Teen Department will be hosting a Sharipe Tie-Dye program this coming Monday (June 24) @ 3-4:30 p.m. as part of our 2013 Teen Summer Reading Program. These T-Shirts achieve that cool tie-dye look, but without the mess. And, like traditional tie-dye, each Sharpie tie-dye outcome is one-of-a-kind. Plus, the craft is a lot of fun!

Registration is required for this program, and you must be a Teen (entering 6th grade in the fall-12th grade) to be eligible. So please make other arrangements for younger siblings and parents. Also, for those registered and planning to attend, please remember to bring a clean white or light-colored T-shirt (tip: the colors work better if the shirt is pre-washed). 

We'll see you there! --AJB

What's On Your Ideal Bookshelf?

What's on YOUR Ideal Bookshelf? Out of all the books you've ever read, which ones are your favorites? Which ones can you read again and again without ever tiring of them? Which ones made the biggest impact on you? If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have a few books, which ones would you take with you? Now's your chance to tell us--and maybe win a prize for doing so! 

Stop by the Adult Services Desk and fill out a "My Ideal Bookshelf" form for a chance to win a copy of the Thessaly La Force's book of the same name.  

Teen Reviewer: Annie White

Teen Reviewer Annie, 14, read an advanced reader copy of In the After, by Demitria Lunetta (due to be published June 25, 2013), and she loved it! Here is her review:

"In the After is told from Amy Ham's point of view. She is a 16-year-old girl who has survived an alien invasion on her own. After a month with no one to keep her company, she finds a toddler while out on a food run. She names her Baby. Together they survive nearly three years. They create their own language (a modified version of American Sign Language), they learn to be quiet, and they learn to survive. After a few years, they are rescued and taken to New Hope, a city full of people. Amy discovers many secrets about the city and the invasion. This book was a fantastic read. The writing style is very entertaining and the plot takes many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. My only complaint would be the ending. Other than that, In the After is a thrilling, heart-pounding novel I could hardly bring myself to put down."

Annie suggests this dystopian novel might be best for older teens, age 16-18. But she wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone she thinks would enjoy it.

Teen Reviewer

Teen Reviewer Tori Spring, 14, read and enjoyed The Hallowed Ones, by Laura Bickle. She picked the book because of its cover, but ended up being drawn into the story within its pages. Here is her review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was extremely well-written and, though somewhat graphic, it was still really fun to read. At no point did I feel not connected to the book. And the main character, Katie, was really easy to relate to. She had a rebellious streak that most teenagers also have, and the author described her romance with Alex, the outsider she helped against the other Amish people's wishes. I felt as though I was falling for Alex with Katie. I do wish there was a little more character development, but I LOVE the way that he knew a lot of the Greek and Egyptian myths.This added a lot of depth to Alex and made him very interesting. I also loved how the author made the romance slow and across a long time, not 3 days. It also summarized the Amish life. It would have been boring if they weren't Amish, so it was great. Overall, this was an amazing book.

Tori suggests this book for other teens ages 13-15. And she would definitely recommend it to someone else.

Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Clare, 13, read an advanced reader copy of SYLO, by D.J. MacHale (to be published July 2, 2013). Clare read this book because a friend suggested it to her. Here is her review:

The science fiction novel SYLO by D.J. MacHale was well-written with an interesting writing style and a plot that, while done before, was still exciting to read. The story centers around Tucker Pierce, who, after a series of unexpected deaths, finds his island town is being taken over by a government branch called SYLO. The rest of the novel shows Tucker and his newfound friends discovering the true motives behind SYLO. New discoveries and the book's mystery keep it fresh, but they are too few for the book's length. Major events are separated by pages of slow-moving chapters that make SYLO difficult to push through. Combined with a cast of characters that are mostly dull, unlikable, or stereotypical, SYLO seems to rely heavily on its plot, which doesn't always work. But for most of the book it does. While not a book everyone would find interesting, I would recommend it to a fan of science fiction or someone looking for a book of decent length to pass the time with.

Clare recommends this book for teens age 13-15. 

Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Olivia, 14, recently read The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Conpassion and Courage, by Eric Grietens and loved it. Here is her review:

In this book, Eric shares his life and the courage needed to become a Navy Seal. He writes with just the right amount of detail to where you feel you are actually with him. Through his hardships and battles, Eric encourages the reader to become their own person and live to be someone you're proud of. He really paints a picture of how important and influential volunteering is. Putting yourself before others is a great attribute to have, and Eric displayed that perfectly. Throughout the book, Eric becomes an amatuer boxer, visits refugee camps, and endures the world's most difficult military training to become a Navy Seal. This book has been adapted for teens, which I think was an excellent choice. Just because a memoir may seem too crude or violent doesn't mean we shouldn't know the truth. There were countless lessons in this book, which teens need to learn. Bravery, commitment, honesty, humility, integrity, just to name a few. Upon returning home from war, many soldiers cannot express their experience. It took an immense amount of courage for Eric to write about some very difficult experiences, and I thank him for doing so.

Olivia feels this books is most appropriate for teens age 13-15. She picked it up because of other reviews she read, and would not hesitate to recommend it to someone else.

Wanderlove

Ever want to do something drastic to escape your life? After nearly a year, Bria's mentally abusive boyfriend dumps her (without warning) to attend art school on the other side of the country, leaving Bria broken-hearted, mentally wounded, and with her own college plans in ruins. Desperate for a change of scene, Bria spontaneously signs up for a Central American tour group--only to discover it's not nearly as much of an escape as she'd hoped. Then Bria encounters the handsome and mysterious Rowan. Throwing caution to the wind for the first time in her sheltered, good-girl life, Bria leaves the tour group to travel with this fascinating, free-spirited boy, who seems to embody everything Bria wishes she could be. Their destination is the famed Laughing Bird Island, where Rowan supposedly has a job set up to teach scuba. As they travel across Central America, Bria heals from past wounds and begins to get her head together. She and Rowan (who also has his dark secrets) begin to trust each other and become friends...and maybe there's a possibility of romance. Or maybe not. Whatever happens next, it will be Bria's adventure of a lifetime. Something she'll always remember.

Wanderlove is one of those coming-of-age books that's so well done, you can't help but rave about it again and again. Bria's character does a tremendous amount of growing up throughout the story, transforming from a sheltered and mopey teen into a young woman who's got it together--or at least well on her way to getting it together. Her relationship with Rowan is interesting in that it's REAL. None of that insta-love stuff that so often crops up in books. That's very refreshing. Also, there are no vampires, werewolves, zombies, faries, trolls, wizards, or angels anywhere to be seen. Also very refreshing. Just a girl's journey of self-discovery and healing set against an exotic, tropical backdrop. So if you're looking for a beach book with a bit more depth than your typical chick lit, Wanderlove is for you. Awesome and highly recommended! --AJB

TSRP: Double Feature Wednesday

Teen Summer Reading Programming (TSRP) will officially kick off Wednesday June 19 with the first of four What Do You Dig Double Feature Movie Marathons. This week we will be showcasing Recent Release Adventure movies, Rise of the Guardians (PG) and The Hobbit (PG-13). Movies begin at 3 p.m. All who attend will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing that will be held at the end of the program. But remember: You must be present at the end of the second movie to win! You must also be signed up for the TSRP to be eligible for the drawing.

For a complete list of TSRP events or to inquire about a program, visit the Teen Desk. --AJB

Summer Reading Programming starts Monday!

And now... What you've all been waiting for! Library-wide Summer Reading Programming officially begins Monday (June 17). Stop by any of OPL's reference desk for lists of department-specific programming. And we've got a lot of awesome programs this summer! Everything from blockbuster movies to frisbee-chasing stunt dogs. But register soon, because space in several of these programs is limited--and they're are filling up fast!

Haven't registered for Summer Reading yet? Sign up today and discover why everyone else digs Oxford Public Library.

Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Margaret recently finished Impulse, by Ellen Hopkins. Here is her review:

Impulse is another work by Ellen Hopkins that depicts the lives of three teenagers, all of whom have very troubling lives and secrets they've never shared. I read this book in a matter of a few days, and just couldn't put it down! The ending is usually sad in most books by Ellen Hopkins, but this ending was bittersweet. 

Margaret also enjoyed A Storm of Swords, which is the third book of George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones series: 

"I love the characters and the intensely complicated storyline. The entire series is realistic and too difficult to put into a simple summary. But the author is brilliant and could never be given enough credit" 

Margaret ended up reading A Storm of Swords because a friend suggested it to her--and now she's recommending it to you! However, she does add that, because of some content, this book might be more appropriate for older teens than younger.

Stay tuned to the OPL Teen Reader blog for more reviews by area teens. And if you're interested in becoming a reviewer yourself, stop by the teen desk and talk with Alissa Bach. Or send an email to abach@oxford.lib.mi.us. 

TAB This Saturday

Teen Advisory Board
Saturday June 15 @ 1 p.m.

Programs? Books? Music? Movies? What would YOU like to see happening in the Teen Area? Stop by the meeting of the Teen Advisory Board this Saturday (June 15) and let us know what YOU think is important. Meeting begins at 1 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Bring all your great ideas!

Questions about Teen Advisory Board or other teen area programs, contact Alissa Bach: abach@oxford.lib.mi.us

Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Matthew is a big fan of action stories. He just finished Game, by Barry Lyga. He enjoyed this sequel to I Hunt Killers even more than its predecessor. If this is any indication, this series will only get more exciting.

Here is what Matthew had to say about this book: "I read I Hunt Killers and it was great, but Game was better. Ten fold! It was very well-written, and I would recommend it to anyone." 

From the inner cover of Game: Hoping to prove murder doesn't run in his family, Jazz teams up with police in the small town of Lobo's Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help, he can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force--running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop in a plane to the big city and get swept up in the killer's murderous game.

Matthew recommends this mystery for readers age 14 and older due to violence and some mature situations. 

Great Summer Road Trip Book: The Disenchantments

School's out for Summer! And even though it's been several years (not specifying a number) since I graduated, I still experience that excitement that goes along with the first day of summer vacation. That feeling that anything could happen over the next couple months! There's so much potential!

That said, my reading tastes this time of year often gravitate toward adventure stories. Not so much the ones featuring dragons, wizards, and unicorns (oh my!), but real life-type adventures. Involving real(istic) characters. And I just finished an awesome one: The Disenchantments, by Nina LaCour. 

Colby has just graduated from high school and, rather than go to college, he plans to backpack through Europe with his best friend, Bev, with whom he's secretly madly in love. This plan is four years in the making, and, for Colby, everything hinges on it. Everything. But first things first: Colby will accompany Bev on her garage band, The Disenchantments', final tour from San Francisco to Portland. Along the way, they will play gigs at questionable places, stay in run-down motels, eat greasy food, meet interesting people, and have exciting adventures. And maybe, just maybe, Colby and Bev will finally become something more than just friends. This is Colby's fantasy. But only a few miles into the trip, Bev drops a bomb that threatens to destroy everything: She won't be accompanying Colby to Europe like they had planned. Rather, she'll be attending college on the other side of the country. This is apparently something she'd been planning for nearly a year. Colby feels angry and betrayed: Firstly, because Bev, his supposed BFF, had kept such an important secret from him and, secondly, because he'd failed to make any plans for himself other than going to Europe with Bev (she left him hanging). 

Over the next few days and several hundred miles, Colby is forced to ponder a future without Bev constantly by his side. Painful secrets are revealed, old wounds are reopened, and drama is stirred up. There's also healing. And dreams realized. And the mystery involving the origin of a tattoo that was created before any of them were born. Everything works out in the end, but not in a way any of the characters could have expected.  

The Disenchantments is one of those ultimate summer road trip books that you're glad to have read. I highly recommend it! --AJB

Teen Reviewer:

Teen reviewer Annie just finished Pandemonium, by Lauren Oliver (the sequel to Delirium), and she enjoyed it--although perhaps not as much as she might have. Here is her review:

In Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver, Lena Haloway is forced to deal with many things at once: Facing the supposed death of Alex, the many troubles living in the Wilds causes, and the possibility she's falling in love with someone else. Overall, the book was very enticing and easy to read.

The book was told in a very simple and unique style, with the chapters alternating between "then" and "now," meaning the period of time right after Lena makes it to the Wilds and the period of time months after in which she's living in Brooklyn. It was very entertaining to keep up with two stories happening simultaneously. Both were captivating in the sense that I was eager to turn the page. Watching Lena's transformation and living it with her afterwards at the same time was intriguing.

However, I did miss a little of what happened in the middle. I wanted to know how Lena made it into the city. We're told throughout the series that there are many invalids living undercover in different cities. They get supplies from the Wilds and other invalids and, due to recent events, they spy. Lena's mission was to watch the DFA (Deliria-Free America) meeting. But who gave her this mission? How did Lena, Raven, and Tack all make it to Brooklyn? I wanted Lena's perspective on the difficulties of doing just that.

The book itself was not my favorite of the series, mainly because I feel that Lena turned into too much of a harder version of herself. She didn't even seem like the same person from the first book, Delirium. There were barely traces of that Lena. Raven told her she had to erase her past, but if Lena really did care for Alex and her cousin Grace, why was that so easy for her to do? Why was it so easy for her to begin to love the son of the founder of the DFA, Julian? Regardless of whether Alex was dead or not, her memories of him didn't seem like ones that could be easily forgotten. And as for Grace, she was the one who helped Lena escape in the first place. Lena literally left her behind when she took off. How could all of that just be wiped from her memory? Was it even important to her in the first place?

I do believe the book was very well written, because the way Oliver can pull you into a world is incredible. In every chapter of Pandemonium I felt like I was being coaxed further and further into Lena's position and her world. Lena had to be reborn into the Wilds. I felt like I was being reborn too. Pandemonium is a thrilling and magnetic sequel to Delirium, and fans of the series will not be disappointed. 

Summer Reading Registration: This Friday

Just a reminder, registration for Teen Summer Reading 2013 begins this Friday (June 7) as soon as we open our doors for the day. To be eligible for TSRP, you only need to be entering 6th Grade in the fall. And, if you register between June 7-June 16, you'll get an extra entry into our end-of-summer prize drawing (last year we raffled off an iPod). So sign up early!

Programming officially starts June 17. And we've got lots of cool activities planned for you, like: Craft projects, double feature movies, Henna (always popular), and more. Plus there are a ton of great prizes and there will be lots of chances to win. For a complete list of TSRP activities, stop by the Teen Department and pick up a program flyer--or just ask the librarian on desk. These next couple months are going to be lots of fun!

Are you going into 9th grade? Consider signing up to be a volunteer. For this, you'll be helping staff with lots of fun stuff, including: Working in the Youth Department Bookstore, assisting with art projects, helping with Youth's science program, and more. You'll have fun while earning community service hours for NHS or anything else you need it for.