Of course, our first suggestion is to participate in the Summer Reading Program at the Library. Details are here. Don’t let it pass you by. This year’s prizes are pretty sweet.

Need something else? Here’s a couple of ideas:

• Visit a big city: Mom and Dad probably aren’t going to let you go to Chicago or Cincinnati by yourself, but they might let you plan the trip. Show off your skills with a budget and do some research to see what’s available. We’ve got the books to help!

• Volunteer at your local agency, hospital, shelter or church. There are always those who need help and those who provide it. Interested in medicine later on? Find a hospital to volunteer in and soak up some atmosphere while you help people.

There are so many other things to do. Learn to play guitar. Take up painting. Play a sport. Learn macramé. Figure out how computers really work. The list goes on and on.

Whatever you decide to do, the best place to start is the library. Stop by your local branch today and get started!!

–from Michael

If you don’t remember the book, here’s a quick review: Davey is a girl whose life is turning upside down. Her dad was killed in a robbery, her mom has decided to move to New Mexico to start over, and Davey has no anchors in her life anymore. Hiking in the neighboring canyons, she meets a mysterious boy named Wolf. He leads her on a path of self-discovery, forgiveness and healing, but the journey is so hard. Will she make it?

The author’s son is the director, we hope that helps keep the movie close to the book. Here’s a link to the trailer.

Can’t wait? Want to read it now? Here you go: Tiger Eyes.

And Tiger Eyes is also available as an audiobook on CD, a downloadable e-book, and a
downloadable audiobook.

Other good Judy Blume titles for you to read:

Forever

Just as Long As We’re Together

Then Again, Maybe I Won’t

See you at the Library!

This post was sent by Janet Spaulding and Michael.

“I see this person everyday, but I never know what to say.”

“One time, I bumped the wheelchair and she got angry. Why?”

“I want to ask him questions, but have no idea how to ask.”

“Do I offer help to someone or will that make them mad?”

….and more and more
What can you do? How do you act? What’s the right word? Well, the Mayor’s Advisory Council on People with Disabilities recently completed a 1-page etiquette guide that I wanted to share with everyone. It’s called “Celebrating Diversity: A Guide to Disability Etiquette”. Here’s the guide.
Hope this helps!

On Saturday May 4th, we will be giving away comic books for free! Comics will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Limit one per patron. Don’t forget to browse our extensive collection of comics and graphic novels that are always available for checkout. (At the Flanner House Branch, Free Library Day will be Monday, May 6th.)

You can also check out Free Comic Book Day at our friendly neighborhood comic book store, Downtown Comics.

They go quickly, so get out of bed and get to the Library early.

What will you get this Saturday? Let us know in the comments below!

Did you know that comic books are big business, generating more than $700 million in sales in North America alone last year? First created in the early 1930s, the modern comic book featuring superheroes has expanded into a wide range of storylines and characters, making the genre more popular than ever.

First up is Invisibility. It comes out on May 7, 2013. Written by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan, this title is written from both of the protagonists’ point of view and makes for some interesting reading. The title of the book is exactly what it is about. Except it isn’t. Yes, there is a Girl who wishes she was invisible. Who doesn’t? Just blend in, never be noticed, can’t be hurt if you aren’t seen, right? But check this out. There is also a Boy who was BORN invisible. Cursed from birth. Nobody can see him at all. Can you imagine? Never being seen for your entire life? Here’s the first twist, though. The Girl can see the Boy. And he wants her to see him, he’s been watching her for a while. Let the paranormal romance begin.

Did I mention the whole “she is a Spellseeker, kind of a witch-in-training” part of the story? And the ending! I very much hope that this is the first in a series.

Put your copy on hold today. If you are reading this blog post after May 7, 2013, pick up a copy and read it!

–Michael

April is many things to many people, but for us literary types, it’s “National Poetry Month”. Poetry can be traditional couplets, weird haikus, rap, old-school, modern, freeform, and the list goes on and on. The Library offers different programming not just through April, but throughout the year in various ways. We’ve offered poetry slams, weekly open mics, contests and more.

But one of the most interesting things that’s out there for our readers are teen titles that are novels-in-verse. Instead of the story being told in prose (the usual way), the tale is told through poetry. It makes for some unusual and wonderful reading. You’ll find some intense emotional scenes, interesting use of white space, and often some pretty edgy content tucked away between the covers. Instants can pass between pages. Or years. Viewpoints switch, sometimes in the same stanza or section.

It might seem like it’s hard to read or something to pass on, but the books are easy to read, great for reluctant readers and voracious readers alike. Are you up to it? Here’s a sampling of teen titles that are novels-in-verse.

Happy reading and comment below or on our Facebook page about what you’ve read!
www.facebook.com/teenscene

October Mourning by Lesléa Newman

Hidden by Helen Frost

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

Addie on the Inside by James Howe

The Girl in the Mirror by Meg Kearney

Sold by Patricia McCormick

After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Orchards by Holly Thompson

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe

The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Amiri & Odette by Walter Dean Myers

–sent by Michael

All in all, this was a stunning and captivating debut by Rush. Although only told in first-person from Anna’s perspective, Rush very deftly creates smart and descriptive dialogue that breathes life into every one of the characters and turns them into dynamic, three-dimensional individuals. The story is action-packed and suspenseful with a touch of humor, including several unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader breathlessly wanting to turn page after page to discover what happens next. The ending was satisfying, yet open-ended enough to merit another installment. Altered is a must-read!

–Emily Chandler, Lawrence Library

Seems overwhelming, doesn’t it? Well, here’s a list of books to help you with the whole experience. Pick one up today! And we hope that your prom experience is memorable and safe!

How-to books:

The Prom Book: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need by Lauren Metz

The Book of Styling by Somer Flaherty

Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style by Ann Shoket

Fashion Design Workshop by Stephanie Corfee

Lauren Conrad Style

Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty

Interested more in prom-related stories? Here are a few titles to check out and curl up with. Enjoy!

Princess in Pink by Meg Cabot

Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer

Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby

Prom by Ellie O’Ryan

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

A Really Nice Prom Mess by Brian Sloan

Prom Anonymous by Blake Nelson

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot et al

–sent by Michael, and by Janet Spaulding

Take a few minutes, explore the online services that the Library offers, write down your answers and turn the completed form in to a librarian. We’ll give you a free set of ear buds. Maybe you can listen to that music you just downloaded from us.

And don’t forget to check out all of the different events that are happening at different library branches. (Check out our earlier Teen Tech post for a schedule.) We’re offering MuVChat (text messages that appear on screen while you are watching a movie), Your Gourmet Girlfriends (make some nommish snackage for movie night) and Gamer Jewelry workshops (take a d20 and create something wearable).

Explore the Library today!