The Heartbreakers, by Ali Novak

If it weren't for her sister, Cara, Stella never would have been caught at a Heartbreakers autograph signing. She hates that band! But Cara is deathly sick and the Heartbreakers are her favorite band. So of course Stella wants to do something extra special to lift her sister's spirits. Thankfully, the whole experience is made easier when Stella meets a cute boy at Starbucks before the signing and sparks fly. Unfortunately they part ways before exchanging info (or even names). Stella doesn't count on seeing him again at the autograph signing as one of the band members! Turns out Starbucks Boy is none other than Oliver Perry, singer and guitarist for The Heartbreakers. Could things get any more ironic?

Turns out, yes.

Stella and her brother, who came with her to the signing, end up at the same hotel as the Heartbreakers and bump into them in the elevator. One thing leads to another and, before Stella knows it, she's hanging out with the band and kissing Oliver. Then she's joining the band on the road as their official photographer and blogger.

Things continue predictablly from here. Stella and Oliver's relationship heats up...only to be shut down by the band's manager, who forbids the boys from dating in order to "increase fan appeal." Cowardly Oliver lets it happen and regrets it. Stella is naturally heartbroken. Things, of course, work their way out by the end of the book and everything is peachy. Even Cara's failing health begins to turn around. 

The Verdict:

The Heartbreakers, by Ali Novak reads like the script for a teenage chick flick: It's cliche, it's predictable, it's packed with stock characters doing stock things...BUT, like a cheesy rom-com, it's sweet, satisfyingly enjoyable, and a true guilty pleasure to read. Fans of Jenny Han and Susan Colasanti will devour this one. --AJB

Teen Book Store...THIS WEEK ONLY!

Hey Teens! You know those blue tickets you've been collecting all summer long? The Teen Summer Reading Prize Bookstore is now open for business! That means, now is time to put those tickets to use!

Hours are:

Monday July 27: Noon-8 p.m.

Tuesday July 28: Noon-8 p.m.

Wednesday July 29: Noon-8 p.m.

Thursday July 30: Noon-8 p.m.

Friday July 31: 10a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday August 1: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

We have awesome books, buttons, craft kits for the crafts we made this summer, and more! Stop by and spend, spend, spend those tickets!

You and Me and Him, by Kris Dinnison

You and Me and Him, by Kris Dinnison is a very real story about friendship and first love.

Neither Maggie or Nash are popular at their school. She's overweight (but "not one of those shrinking violet fat girls") and he's openly gay. Perhaps it is their outsider status that has brought them together, perhaps it's something more. Either way, the two are best friends until the end. And Maggie always thought nothing could change that. Then Tom moves to town, and Maggie and Nash both fall for him. Will a guy come between these BFFs? Or will their friendship prevail?

The Verdict: 

The story was very enjoyable. Maggie is a strong, likable character, and I found myself rooting for her (I always love an underdog I can root for!). My only complaint is I felt Nash's side of the story was lacking, and the book might have been even better written using alternating viewpoints. Either way, it's a great read and we at OPL Teen very much recommend it! 

You and Me and Him can currently be found on the New shelf.--AJB

LAST WEEK TO EARN TICKETS!

Attention! Saturday July 25 (that's this weekend!) is the LAST DAY to earn tickets to spend in the Teen Prize Bookstore. So NOW is the time to turn in any book reviews or collect points for completing Bingo sheet activities.

The Prize Bookstore will be open July 27 thru August 1. During this time, you can use the tickets you earned throughout Teen Summer Reading to purchase books, DIY craft packets, and other cool prizes. Stop by and see all the cool things we'll have for "sale."

p.s. We are also still looking for teen volunteers to work the bookstore. So if you're still in need of volunteer hours, please stop by the Teen Desk and sign up.

Teen August Volunteer Calendar

The August calendar is now available at the teen desk for you to sign up to work a shift or two if you like.
We really appreciate your help :)

Don't Miss "The PEEPS Show"

The PEEPS Show

Wednesday July 8, 2015

2:00-4:00 p.m.

Looking for something fun to do after the Fourth of July holiday? Sign up and come to The PEEPS Show (yes, we're talking about those colorful marshmallow bunnies and chicks you see all over the place around Easter time) on Wednesday July 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 

We'll be decorating PEEPS, but that's not all. We're also going to be creating scenery, writing scripts, and putting on skits with those PEEPS. So if you've got a flair for the dramatic (or if you're just curious), be sure to check it out for yourself. But you must register to attend. There are still openings, but they're filling up fast...so sign up today!

Parents: This program is for Teens ONLY (that is, young people going into 6th-12th grade). Please make other plans for younger siblings so the teens can enjoy this program with their peers. 

Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T. S. Easton

Boys Don’t Knit: In Public is about a young man that gets caught when his friends are doing something stupid. As a result he is sentenced to community service and continuing education. He decides to take the knitting class because his cute teacher is the instructor. When he shows up for class he discovers the teacher is the mother of a girl he has a crush on. Oops! 

He also learns that he is pretty good at knitting and he enjoys it. How will he hide his passion from his friends and his sports obsessed father? When will his parents quit embarrassing him? His community service is for an old lady that is grumpy and has a has a crazy dog that tries to bite him. Surprise Ending!

This book deals with friendship conflicts, awkward situations, etc.; living with and growing from the consequences of one’s actions, and learning to appreciate people for who they are. This book might not be for everyone. It has some mature situations.

SAL