BTLog

New Blog!

2011-09-13T10:42:00.004-04:00

You can now view our blog directly on the teen page of the Library website.

Check it out!
http://www.bernardslibrary.org/drupaldev/?q=teenservices

New in June!

2011-05-31T11:41:00.001-04:00

Z. Raptor- Steve Cole
Dead Rules- Randy Russel
Uncommon Criminals- Ally Carter
Cruel Love- Kate Brian
Passion- Lauren Kate
Demon's Surrender- Sarah Rees Brennan

College Support for Students with Learning Differences or ADHD

2011-05-26T12:34:00.000-04:00

Join Rana Slosberg of Slosberg College Solutions on June 14 from 7:00-8:00 for this free program for high school students and their parents, covering the following topics:

College as compared to high school
Should a student disclose LD or ADHD at college?
Descriptions of support available at college
How to learn what support a particular college offers

Sign ups are required. Visit the program calendar at www.bernardslibrary.org or call us at 908-204-3031 ext. 5 to register!

After by Amy Efaw

2011-05-24T12:44:00.000-04:00

I'm re-posting this review I did of After from 2009 because it was nominated for a Garden State Teen Book Award! It was one of my favorite books that year. Here's what I wrote:

After is the story of Devon, a straight-A student from a working class family who hides her pregnacy, gives birth alone and throws her baby in a dumpster. Following Devon through her hearing and first days in juvenial detention, the author explores how a teenager who had everything going for her got to this place and the denial and panic that led her to perform such a horrific act. It's interesting to hear about the attempted murder from the mother's side but be prepare- it's an addictive read and you might be up all night!

Soul Pancake

2011-05-19T12:05:00.001-04:00

What is the biggest mistake you've ever made?
(Decca Records reject the Beatles in 1962 saying, "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out anyway.")

What does art have to do with the soul?
("Originality is undetected plagarism- W.R. Inge)

How do you determine truth?
("Intense feeling too often obscures the truth."- Harry Truman)

These are some of life's big questions posed by Rainn Wilson (you might know him as Dwight from The Office) in the new book Soul Pancake. Each question is accompanied by quotes, images and sub-questions that get you thinking about the question, speaking your mind and helping you "figure out what it means to be human".

In addition to the book, Rainn Wilson also created SoulPancake.com, a social networking site. In his own words, "SoulPancake is more of a mission than a Web site. It's a MOVEMENT to wrestle with and chew on LIFE'S BIG QUESTIONS. It's a way to EXPLORE why we believe the things that we believe. It's a place for you to TALK about your soul and the existence of God. It's a space to ENGAGE in art, philosophy, creativity, truth, and beauty. And ultimately, SoulPancake is a community of people who are digging DEEPER to figure out what it means to be human and to experience this rich, strange, difficult, and awesome journey called life." Check it out at www.soulpancake.com

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman

2011-05-17T11:34:00.001-04:00

Wes and June are high school juniors. June is new in town. Her father's job doesn't let her stay in one school for very long. After six schools in four years, June has finding friends and boyfriend down to a science- find smart, fun people to hang around but no one who is so unique that she'll actually miss them. Wes's best friend Jerry fits the bill perfectly. Geeky but not too geeky, fun but not too fun. But Wes and June keep finding themselves thrown together and they fall hard for each other despite the many obstacles in their way. Big Crunch tells a story that's both sweet and simple and it manages to stay away from a lot of "teenage love story" cliches. If you are looking for a realistic story of two nice kids in love than this one is definitely for you!

Garden State Teen Book Award 2012

2011-05-12T12:26:00.003-04:00

The nominees for the 2012 Garden State Teen Book Awards are here! Each year, New Jersey teens vote for their favorite books in three categories.
The ballot lists twenty nominees for each category, based on teen appeal and quality of writing. Follow the links to see the nominees in each category and to place your vote (if you are ready!)

Voting will run through January 7, 2012 so you have plenty of time to read a few and vote for your favorite! Paper ballots can be picked up at the library and all the books will be on display until voting ends. I'll be featuring some of the nominated books here in the future using the tag "GSTBA" so check back later!

Reach Out Reads

2011-05-12T11:05:00.001-04:00

ReachOut is an organization that helps teens cope with tough issues and mental health problems. For the month of May, they are featuring teen novels that have characters facing different issues such as depression, anorexia, cutting and how to help a friend. If you or anyone you know if facing tough times, you may want to check this out. They also will be hosting a bunch of live author chats so you may want to see if any of your favorites will be featured!

Shine by Lauren Myracle

2011-05-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

When 16 year old Cat's former best friend Patrick is found beaten, unconscious and tied to a gas pump at the gas station where he worked, everyone in rural Black Creek, NC assumes it was local college students that put Patrick in a coma because he refused to sell him alcohol and that it had nothing to do with the fact that he is openly gay. Cat, however, knows that's not what happened. She has drifted apart from Patrick and her other friends in the last few years but she's determined to find out exactly what happened to Patrick that night. As Cat begins to investigate, she turns up twisted relationships, shocking evidence and disturbing memories. This book is raw and gritty and at times difficult to read but it will definitely have you turning the pages and second guessing yourself! I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery with rough characters.

Free Comic Book Day

2011-05-06T08:30:00.003-04:00

Free Comic Book Day is being held at comic stores across the country this Saturday 5/7! Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores. Find a store participating near you!

For the Win by Cory Doctorow

2011-05-05T12:01:00.002-04:00

Cory Doctorow (you might know him as the author of Little Brother) is back with this fast-paced story about a group of teenagers from around the world who work in harsh conditions playing for virtual gold in several different massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Their bosses then turn around and sell the virtual gold for real money, very little of which these "gold farmers" ever see. That is until the mysterious Big Sister Nor brings these teens together, convincing them to unionize and bring their virtual sweatshops to a halt. This book is action packed (in the real and virtual world) as the gamers take on corrupt local bosses, social indifference, crooked cops and big business. You don't have to be a MMPORPG lover or a future economics major to love For the Win but both of those things would make this book perfect for you!

New in May!

2011-05-03T11:24:00.013-04:00

What Happened to Goodbye- Sarah Dessen
Shimmer- Alyson Noel
Beauty Queens- Libba Bray
Everfound- Neil Shusterman
Dead is Not and Option- Marlene Perez
Cryptic Cravings- Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses)
Bitter End- Jennifer Brown
The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group- Catherine Jinks

Between Here and Forever- Elizabeth Scott

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

2011-04-29T10:15:00.001-04:00

The trailer for the last Harry Potter movie is here!

Children's Choice Book Award 2011

2011-04-28T10:12:00.000-04:00

Voting has begun for this years Children's Choice Book Awards! The Children's Choice Book Awards is the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens of all ages. The nominees for the teen category are determine by TeenRead.com readers. The site asks readers to write in their nominee for best book of the year. The list in compiled and the top 5 vote getters became the award nominees.

This year, the nominees are:

Burned (House of Night, Book 7) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Fang (A Maximum Ride Novel) by James Patterson
Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, Book 5) by Richelle Mead
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Cast your vote by tomorrow at http://www.bookweekonline.com/voting/7-12.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

2011-04-26T10:15:00.000-04:00

In Megan McCafferty’s new novel, Bumped, everyone in the world has contracted a virus that causes infertility after the age of 18, making teen pregnancies the only way to continue civilization. Chapters alternate between twins Melody and Harmony, separated at birth and just meeting for the first time. Melody has become the first “Reproduction Professional,” or “RePro”, in her school. She has a contract to “bump” and produce a baby for a wealthy couple. Harmony has recently run away from her religious enclave in order to convince Melody to break her contract and embrace God instead. In a case of mistaken identity, Harmony intercepts the news the Melody will “bump” with the world’s most famous surrogate father and the plot (and a huge mess!) unfolds from there. Each twin begins to doubt their motives and original plans.

I think you’re going to love this book! It’s fast-paced and upbeat (if you can call a dystopia upbeat!) and once you get the hang of all the slang it’s a quick read. The end is a bit of cliff-hanger though so you’ll have to wait for Book #2 for the conclusion!

Program Today!

2011-04-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

Stop in to the library after school from 3:00-4:00 PM today for some Wii, PS3 and snacks!

Paper Cranes for Japan

2011-04-13T08:57:00.000-04:00

Come out to the library today anytime from 3:00-9:00PM and you can help Japan by making paper cranes! In response to the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, the Seattle based organization Students Rebuild has partnered with the Bezos Family Foundation to donate $2 for every crane received to Architecture for Humanity's reconstruction efforts in Japan. The cranes will be used in an art installation as a symbolic gift to Japan. An origami teacher will be on hand at 3:00 PM to teach those present how to make the cranes and staff, and volunteers will pass on the instructions for anyone who drops in later. Come at any time and make cranes for as long or as short as you want!

Book review and Give Away!

2011-04-12T11:32:00.000-04:00

Lauren Oliver, the author of Before I Fall, is back with her second novel and it's quite a bit different from her first! In Delirium, the United States borders are closed to the rest of the world with an electric fence and everyone is treated for the deadly disease amor deliria nervosa (formerly known as love and now called delirium) at the age 18. Without love, Lena and others who buy the government line believe that without love there will be no suffering and unhappiness. Lena meets Alex, a member of the resistance and quickly succumbs to delirium. Once Lena sees the world outside the fence where freedom and love reign, she is desperate to save herself and escape before her 18th birthday. The plot may be a little predictable but it's definitely worth the read anyway. Lena is likable, the world Oliver creates is creepy and interesting and you'll want to know how this one ends (and be ready for the release of book 2!).

Now for the GIVE AWAY! I have a copy of this book signed by the author to give away. Just comment on this post by Friday 4/15 and I'll randomly select a winner!

Cool site alert!

2011-04-11T15:34:00.000-04:00

Turnstyle is a just-launched website written and produced by young adults. In their words, "Turnstyle delivers a mix of news, opinion, commentary, and entertainment produced by bloggers, filmmakers, photographers, and poets. It’s content with an edge that has visual allure and eclectic pacing". Partially funded by Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Turnstyle features high quality writing on a bunch of topics, both serious and light-hearted. In just the last few days, they've covered Coachella, safe investing, the government shutdown, how to make great coffee, trends in online dating, NASA news and a photo series titled "Old People in Bathing Suits". Check it out at http://turnstylenews.com/.

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

2011-04-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

If you are a Potter fan and have nothing to do over Spring Break, I’ve got a couple ideas for you!

Next Friday, April 15, we’ll be showing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 here at the library on our big screen at 1:00 PM! Everyone is welcome to attend (not just teens!) but keep in mind that it is rated PG-13 if you are bringing younger siblings or friends!

Also, Discovery Time Square in NYC is hosting Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The exhibit features more than 200 authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films displayed in settings inspired by the films sets - including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut and the Gryffindor common room. I can't wait to go! Check out the museum’s ad:

HP WEB 30 sec from Discovery Times Square on Vimeo.

New in April!

2011-04-06T13:42:00.000-04:00

Eona: The Last Dragoneye- Alison Goodman (Sequel to Eon)

The Anti-Prom- Abby McDonald

Where She Went- Gayle Forman (Sequel to If I Stay)

We'll Always Have Summer- Jenny Han (Book #3 in the Summer Series)

The Gathering- Kelley Armstrong

Shine- Lauren Myracle

Red Glove- Holly Black (Sequel to White Cat)

The Last Little Blue Envelope- Maureen Johnson (Sequel to Little Blue Envelopes)

City of Fallen Angels- Cassandra Clare (Book #4 in the Mortal Instruments series)

Abandon- Meg Cabot

Plague- Michael Grant (Book #4 in the Gone series)

Forever Summer- Alyson Noël

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta

2011-04-04T11:40:00.001-04:00

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta is the sequel to Saving Francesca, although you don’t really need to have read Saving Francesca to enjoy this book. The story focuses on Francesca’s friends, Tom Mackee who abandoned the circle of friends and his sort-of girlfriend Tara after his beloved Uncle Joe was killed by a suicide bomber in London. Unable to handle his grief, Tom fell in with new friends who party hard. After a particularly reckless night, Tom decides to leave his new friends, move in with his pregnant aunt, work on reconnecting with his old friends, sort out his deep feelings for Tara and reunite his parents who separated after Tom’s recovering alcoholic dad started drinking again to deal with his grief. This all sounds like the makings of a depressing novel, but Tom’s family is loving and realistic despite being slightly dysfunctional and you are really rooting for Tom through all of his struggles and I think you’ll be as pleased with the ending as I was!

Inheritance Cycle Book 4!

2011-03-30T11:19:00.000-04:00

The cover and the release date for Book 4 of the Inheritance Cycle has been announced! It will be out November 8, 2011. Only 222 days to go!

Win $3,000 for the Library!

2011-03-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

Do you love to make videos? You could help the library win money that you can help us spend and a $50 gift card for yourself!

The American Libarary Association is holding a contest for students ages 13 to 18 to create original videos on why they think libraries are needed now more than ever.
Check out the details in this video or at www.ilovelibraries.org:

Attend Our SAT/ACT Practice Test This Weekend!

2011-02-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

Join Kaplan for this FREE 3.5 hour Combo Practice Test that will help students decide which test is right for them. Students will receive results that compare their performance on each of the analogous test sections of the two exams—for example, SAT math section vs. ACT math section. This is a perfect opportunity to experience both tests. Results will be given out and discussed at a second meeting on Thursday, February 17 from 7:00-8:00 PM.

Registration is required. Registration will close on Thursday, February 10 at 4:45.

2011-01-25T10:12:00.001-05:00

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. This year's winner is Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi. “This taut, suspenseful novel is a relentless adventure story featuring nuanced characters in thought-provoking conflicts. Bacigalupi artfully intertwines themes of loyalty, family, friendship, trust and love,” said Printz Award Committee Chair Erin Downey Howerton.

Check out my review here.

The committee also named four Printz Honor Books:

Stolen by Lucy Christopher
The rugged Australian outback becomes Gemma’s prison after she is drugged and abducted by a handsome, obsessed stranger in a first novel filled with searing imagery and archetypal characters.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Vera Dietz wants to be ignored, but the ghost of her ex-best friend won’t leave her alone in this dark comedy that examines relationships, identity, grief and flowcharts.

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
In Sedgwick’s grim, chilling story set in the Arctic Circle, Sig finds his father’s frozen corpse as human predator Wolff arrives seeking retribution and a hidden Gold Rush treasure.

Nothing by Janne Teller
Pierre Anthon’s nihilism causes his classmates to begin a search for life’s meaning in this bold, unsettling parable translated from Danish.

The Library has an iPhone App!

2010-12-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

The library has an app for Apple devices called BookMyne! You can place holds, renew items and search the catalog by keyword or by snapping a picture of the barcode on a book. If you need suggestions, the app allows you to place holds directly from the NYT Bestseller lists or recommendation lists using your Goodreads account. Get the app for free from the App Store or the MAIN homepage. Next time you are browsing the bookstore you can check right away to see if the library has the book and can save you some money!

Flipped: The Movie!

2010-12-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have another book-to-movie post for you! We just got in a DVD copy of Flipped which is of course based on the much loved novel by Wendelin Van Draanen., about Bryce and Juli and their feuding egos. Come in and check it out!

Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

2010-12-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

This is another great postapocalyptic adventure for all you dystopian fans! Nailer is a teenager living in extreme poverty in a shanty town along the American Gulf Coast. The only source of income for his people is scavenging washed up oil tankers for copper. Every day Nailer strives to stay alive, “make quota” and avoid his violent, drug-addicted father. After a violent hurricane, Nailer and his friend Pima find a "lucky strike"- a luxury oceanliner filled with riches. As they are making plans for how to unload the treasures and get rich before anyone on their crew discovers the ship, they realize there is a survivor onboard. The daughter of a shipping-company owner is trapped in the wreckage and promises to show them a world of priviledge if they free her. Nailer and Pima must decided whether to believe her and take the time to save her and risk others finding the ship or slit her throat and scavange as much as they can from the ship before anyone else gets there. Can they trust her? Can they keep her hidden from Nailer's father? This book is faced paced and exciting and the story is really original which is hard to do given the huge amount of dystopian books that have been coming out lately! If you love this book, Bacigalupi has a couple adult books you can check out!

Scott Pilgirm Takes Over the Library!

2010-11-17T13:51:00.000-05:00

If you didn't get to see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in the theater, now's your chance to check it out on DVD! The movie is based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley (which we also have!) and follows professional slacker and part-time muscian Scott Pilgrim as he tries to win the heart of the super cool Ramona Flowers by defeating her seven evil exes. It's a super fun movie with an awesome soundtrack (we have that too!) that you don't want to miss!
All 6 books are in the Teen Graphic section, the CD is in our music collection and you can check out the DVD from the rental collection.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting

2010-11-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

TAB will meet tomorrow night 11/10 from 7:00-8:00 PM. We'll be making holiday cards to send to the troops and planning our project for next month! If you need volunteer hours for school this is a good way to get started on your hours!

New CDs have arrived!

2010-11-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

New CDs are here! The ones pictured and more are now available at the library
with your library card.

YA Book to Movie Alert!

2010-11-04T11:02:00.000-04:00

The book It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini has been made into a movie staring Zach Galifianakis, Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Lauren Graham (the mom from Gilmore Girls!) and a ton of other actors you'll recognize. I haven't seen the movie yet but if it's anything like the book you won't want to miss it! It's out in limited release (mostly in NYC and LA) but watch for it coming to a theater near you or possible to DVD soon. While you're waiting, check out the book. You know what they say- even if the movie is good, the book is always better!

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

2010-11-03T19:43:00.000-04:00

Phoebe meets Mallory in seventh grade when Phoebe shuns the popular clique and befriends the odd new girl Mallory. Mallory and Phoebe are inseparable for the next four years until Mallory reveals she has a never-before-mentioned brother and it's revealed to the reader that Mallory and her brother Rylant are faeries out to manipulate Phoebe and bring her to the Faerie Queen for some unknown and mysterious purpose. If you like faeries and paranormal fiction you are going to LOVE this book. But even if you tend to like more realistic books, I still think you'll enjoy reading about the drama that arises when two friends as close as sisters are torn apart because of a boy. If you like this one, also check out her last novel Impossible about a girl who has 9 months to break an ancient curse in order to save herself and her unborn baby.

If you really hate faeries but think this books would be perfect without them, check out some of Nancy Werlin's other fantasy-free books, like Rules of Survival, Locked Inside and Double Helix

Steampunk Display!

2010-11-03T17:57:00.001-04:00

This month's Teen display at the libary features Steampunk books...come check it out!
If you aren't familiar with steampunk, the Wikipedia Steampunk page is really helpful as is this great booklist!

Accepted: Getting Into Your First Choice School

2010-10-14T11:05:00.000-04:00

This Wednesday 10/20 from 7:00-8:00 PM we'll be hosting a college prep program here at the library! Join a Kaplan expert for this free 1-hour workshop designed to show students and parents what college admissions officers expect from applicants’ high school experiences. Topics covered include a variety of admissions policies and the key factors used by admissions officers when making admissions decisions.

Naruto Super Fans

2010-10-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

Anime Clubbers will enjoy this fun video about Naruto Super Fans!

National Book Award Nominees

2010-10-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

Check out the National Book Award nominees for Young People's Literature!

Paolo Bacigalupi, Ship Breaker
Kathryn Erskine, Mockingbird
Laura McNeal, Dark Water
Walter Dean Myers, Lockdown
Rita Williams-Garcia, One Crazy Summer

Copies of every book are available at the library. Winners will be announced November 17.

Summer Reading Wrap Up!

2010-09-01T14:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2010 Summer Reading Program and our Teen Writing Contest!

Congratulations to our Writing Contest Winners!
Grand Prize : Maja Wittrup for her short story "Happy, I Hope."
First Prize- Poetry : Akshaya Sekar for "Not Quite a Society Woman, Are You?"
First Prize- Comic : Amanda Luthy for "Greek Gods and the Corneila Crisis"

The winning entries are available to read in the Teen Corner at the library.

Congratulations to our Summer Reading Raffle Winners!
Grand Prize: Emma Smith
Week #1- Nicole B.
Week #2- Regan A.
Week #3- Sam C.
Week #4- Lianna S.
Week #5- Eliza E.
Week #6- Austin B.
Week #7- Jackie T.
Week #8- Maddie E.
Week #9- Eli H.
Week #10- Tim C.

As we start planning for the fall, we want to hear from YOU!
Help us plan future library events that you want to attend by filling out this short, anonymous survey:

We want to hear from YOU!
Help us plan future library events that you want to attend by filling out this short, anonymous survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QGWQQQC

Review of Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

2010-08-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

This book was... EPIC!! It was so heartfelt and touching, and it showed that you need to confront what's bothering you to get over it. It's about a 17 year old girl, Amy Curry, who is asked to make a cross-country trip from California to Connecticut, with Roger Sullivan, an old friend. And, with her father recently dead, and her brother in rehab, she has a lot of stuff on her plate. And maybe, just maybe Roger is hiding something too. This book was too cute. The characters were people we could relate to and the side characters were developed surprisingly well (Bronwyn). And, not to mention the playlists throughout the book... they were amazing! I looked up some of the songs and they were really good. All in all, anyone who likes a cute (but maybe not so light) read should definitely check this out.

-Review by Avani M.

Review of Savvy by Ingrid Law

2010-08-02T10:27:00.000-04:00

This book was AMAZING! I couldn't put it down! Savvy is about a girl called Mibs, a nickname for Mississippi. In her family every thirteenth birthday is special. This is because on this birthday thry discover their magical power, their savvy. Her brother, Rocket, is full of electicity, her brother, Fish, causes storms, and her momma is perfect. But days before her birthday her father is in a car accident and is rushed to the hospital all the way in Salina Hope hospital, 90 miles from their house. Suddenly Mibs, her brothers Fish and Samson, and the preachers children Will and Bobbi are on a wild journey to Mibs' poppa. This is a story that has everything in it, advanture, romance, fantasy, and even a story about friendship. If you haven't read this story I seriously suggest that you do! You will not be sorry! =D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D =D

-Review by Annie C.

Live Chat With Cecil Castellucci Tonight!

2010-07-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

Calling all fans of Cecil Castellucci! Tonight (7/20) at 9PM Goodreads.com will be hosting a live chat with the author of Plain Janes, Boy Proof, Beige, Queen of Cool and Rose Sees Red! Get your questions ready and head over to http://www.goodreads.com/topic/video_chat/363129 to chat with the author. Goodreads.com plans to archive the chat so even if you are coming upon this post late you should be able to check it the conversation!

Review of Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith

2010-07-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

This book is about Jenny, who while searching for something to do at her boyfriend Tom's birthday party, stumbles upon the More Games shop, she goes in. There, a stunningly handsome boy name Julian hands her The Game. She and her 6 friends open it up, and agree to the rules, thinking it is a joke. Suddenly they are all on an extremely perilous journey of love, lies, and deception. To win, they must face their deepest fears, and to lose is to die. All in all, this was one of the weirder books I've read, but it was fantastic. The idea was so original that I immediately loved it and it had a little bit of everything; peril, love, friendship, and horror. This is a must read that I will be rereading possibly every halloween.

Review by Avani M.

Review of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-07-12T15:00:00.000-04:00

I absolutely loved this book. It was so good and so different from other stuff I have read. The author never really tells you who the bad guy is in the novel, you think you know who it is, but then a curve is thrown at you. So the main character is Nora who starts to develop a crush on her new seating partner, Patch. Except Patch seems to know really specific things about Nora, which scares her and he won't tell her anything about himself. He seems dangerous, but also really HOT and nice. Then weird things start to happen to Nora, she is attacked, someone goes through her house, etc. And Nora thinks dangerous (but HOT) Patch is behind this, EVEN though she really likes him. I cannot give the ending away, but you have to check this book out. I cannot wait for the next book, Crescendo!!

Reviewed by Manisha D., Grade 10

Summer Opportunities in the Community

2010-06-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Check out the bulletin board in the YA area for ideas! We have information from local organizations and colleges about class and camps geared towards teens. Come in today to find out more!

Volunteer this summer!

2010-05-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

We're looking for students in grades 9-12 to help sign kids and their families up for summer reading! You need to be available between June 22 and July 6 and would work for 1-2 hours. We will be holding a mandatory training meeting on June 16 from 3:30-4:00. If you would like to help but cannot attend the meeting we can schedule a seperate time for you to come in for some training. Email kolivari@bernards.org if you are interested!

Students going into grades 7 and up are also needed all summer to help with shelving in the teen area and other tasks in the library. Stop by the reference desk any time to fill out an application if you are interested!

Beginner Knitting Class!

2010-04-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

In two weeks we'll be offering the first of two knitting classes for teens! Join Sammi Sherwin for a free 2-part program on knitting basics. You'll receive a kit with all the materials needed to knit a scarf. Ms. Sherwin will teach you how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off- everything you need to know to make a scarf! Classes will be April 28 and May 12 from 7:00-8:30 PM. Registration is required so email me at kolivari@bernards.org or sign up by visiting our program calendar at http://www.bernardslibrary.org/.

Review: All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

2010-03-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

I just finished Anna Jarzab's debut novel All Unquiet Things and it was awesome! I could not put it down. The narration switches between Neily and Audrey, the ex-boyfriend and cousin of Carley, a student at an elite private high school who was murdered one year ago. Audrey's father has been convicted of the murder but Audrey doesn't believe he did it and approaches Neily to help her further investigate the crime and the dark underside of Brighton Day School. Any one who loves good drama and mystery or loved Looking for Alaska by John Green or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher will definitely not be disappointed! We also have the audiobook of All Unquiet Things and the narrators do a great job. Still not convinced you must read this? Check out the book trailer:

TAB Meeting Cancelled Tonight 2/10

2010-02-10T13:41:00.001-05:00

The TAB meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled due to the weather. Enjoy the snow day!

2010 Printz Award Winner!

2010-01-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. This year's winner is Going Bovine by Libba Bray. It's the story of Cameron, a 16 year old slacker who contracts Mad Cow Disease and sets off on a road trip with a dwarf, a garden gnome and a punk angel. I can guarantee it's definitely unlike anything you've read before!

The committee also named four Printz Honor Books:

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith

by Deborah Heiligman

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

Punkzilla, by Adam Rapp

Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes

Teen Book Club next Wednesday 1/20!

2010-01-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give you heads up that next Wednesday 1/20 from 7-8pm we'll meet to discuss the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. If you haven't read the book you can pick up a copy in the YA area at the library. If you don't have a chance to read it but are interested in participating in the book club feel free to come anyway! We'll discuss other books you've enjoyed or hated recently and we'll pick out a few books to read for upcoming meetings. Hope to see you there!

Free Book!

2009-12-23T12:52:00.001-05:00

As a holiday gift to all her faithful readers, Maureen Johnson is giving away free and unlimited electronic copies of her book Suite Scarlett until January 15! You can download the whole book to you iPhone, Kindle, B&N Nook or just a copy you can read on your computer. All you have to do is visit her blog before the 15th!

Friend them!

2009-12-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

Love history and looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out the Somerset Hills Historical Society Facebook page!

Mark Your Calendars!

2009-12-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

Watch out for new books in your favorite series in 2010!

Heartless- Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars Bk. 7)- January 2010
Fang- James Patterson (Maximum Ride Bk. 6)- March 2010
Lord Sunday- Garth Nix- (Keys Bk. 7)- March 2010
Burned- P.C. Cast (House of Night Bk. 7) - April 2010
This World We Live In- Susan Beth Pfeffer- April 2010
Spirit Bound- Rachelle Mead (Vampire Academy Bk. 5)- May 2010
Runaway- Meg Cabot (Airhead Bk. 3)- May 2010
Linger- Maggie Stiefvater (sequel to Shiver)- July 2010
Hunger Games 3 (Title to be announced) by Suzanne Collins- August 2010

Review: After by Amy Efaw

2009-11-30T11:28:00.000-05:00

Program Reminder: Creative Writing Workshop!

2009-11-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

Next week we'll be having a Creative Writing Workshop on Wednesday 11/18 from 7-8:30. Have a great idea for a story or poem? Writing instructor Steve Andriolo will help you transform your ideas into well crafted poems and short stories. He is the same instructor that did the workshop this summer but the activities will be different so if you attended that one you can still come to this one as well! You need to register for it so email me at kolivari@bernards.org or register on our website if you'd like to come!

2009 Teens' Top Ten

2009-10-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

More than 11,000 teen voters chose Paper Towns as their favorite book in the 2009 Teens' Top Ten! Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teen nominators from teen book groups in 15 school and public libraries around the country choose their favorite books of the previous year. Then teens from all across the country vote on their favorite of the nominated titles each year during Teen Read Week.

This year's winners are:

Paper Towns by John Green

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Identical by Ellen Hopkins
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Wake by Lisa McMann
Untamed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-10-20T11:45:00.001-04:00

Grace has always had a strange connection with the yellow eyed wolf who roams in her backyard. When a wolf attack on a high school student sends her town into a panic, she runs into the woods in an attempt to save her yellow-eyed wolf. When she is met by a yellow-eyed boy named Sam she knows that he is her wolf and it's love at first sight. The narration alternates between Grace and Sam as they revel in the fact that they can finally be together and panic as they try to prevent Sam from turning back into a wolf forever.

If you like romance of the supernatural variety, Twilight (or wanted to like Twilight but thought it fell short), or wolves than this one is definitely for you.

Still need more convincing? Check out the book trailer: