JMRL Young Adult Services

Book Review - Awakening

2010-08-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Awakening (Chasing Yesterday series)
By Robin Wasserman

I like this book because it really makes you think and keeps you guessing throughout the whole book. My favorite character is Daniel; he is trustworthy and goes through almost everything that happens to J.D. I first read this book in 5th grade, so I think that kids in the 4th grade and up would enjoy reading this book.

Rating: *****

Review by Holly, Grade 8

Book Review - The Lightning Thief

2010-08-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Lightning Thief
By Rick Riordan

This book is a fun read, because it has adventure and it teaches you a lot about Greek gods and goddesses. My favorite character is Annabeth. She is strong and brave and knows how to take charge. This book is good for people who like to learn about Greek gods and read fantasy books.

Rating: ****

Review by Holly, grade 8

Book Review - Maximum Ride

2010-08-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
By James Patterson

Maximum Ride is a cool, interesting, and flat-out weird book. Kids with wings who were experiments escape and try to live normal lives, but when erasers (half-man, half-wolf) come to kill them, they may be on the run forever

Rating: *****

Review by Madison, grade 7

Book Review

2010-07-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Solace of the Road

By Siobhan Dowd

Holly Hogan is a fourteen year-old Irish orphan in Templeton House in London. She's been there most of her life, and leaving is something she hates. She is going to be fostered by Fiona and Ray, two moggets on Mercucia Road. After a week of living with her foster parents, she's sick of the moggetty house and all its contents. When Holly finds a wig that was Fiona's in the stair case, she takes it, and the wig gives her courage and motivation to run and begin a new life in Ireland, with her Mam. She is no longer Holly Hogan with the thin brown hair and childish features, but Solace, a dashing girl on the run.

Solace of the Road is a must read. It is a heartwarming sweet-sad story about a girl on the run. This book is really brilliant. The story has suspense and adventure, and there is not one boring paragraph in the entire book. I love the way she acts and talks, so sure of herself and non moggetty. Moggetty has to be my favorite word in Solace of the Road. It is a way of saying that a person is "boring" or "snobbish." The details in the story were stunning, the way the author described the moments and places, it felt like you were right there, with Solace. In the book, Solace had flashbacks of when she was in the Sky house with her Mam and Denny-Boy, and they fit perfectly into the story, and revealing all the little mysteries in Holly Hogan's life.
"If I was where I would be, then I would be where I am not."

Review by Elisabeth

Book Review

2010-07-27T06:35:00.001-07:00

Thirteen Plus One

By Lauren Myracle

This book was amazing! It really shows girls how it feels to be in between a little girl and becoming a teenager. If you have read the Alice series, then I reccomend that you read the Winnie series. When I read this book I felt that I could relate to mostly all 3 of the main characters in some way. So I give a thumbs up to Lauren Myracle for being able to relate to us girls.

Rating: *****

Review by Kashontae, grade 9

Movie Review

2010-07-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

Nostradamus 2012

Nostradamus 2012 was an okay movie/documentary. I enjoyed it very much. It was very chilling but very entertaining. I would reccomend this to anyone who is interested in the future. It has a very interesting theory on the future.

Rating: ****

Review by Skylar, grade 8

Book Review

2010-07-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Project Mulberry

By Linda Sue Park

I liked the book Project Mulberry because it gave you lots of facts about silkworms and Korea. My favorite character was Kenny. He was the little brother. I liked him because he was just so michievous. I think kids in grades 5th or 6th grade would really like this book.

Rating: ****

Review by Michaela, grade 6

Movie Review

2010-07-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Eclipse
by
Stephenie Meyer

Rating *****

I loved it! It was the best one so far; it was very exciting. My favorite characters were Jacob and Riley.

Everybody would like this movie no matter how old or how young you are.

Reviewed by Phaedra, grade 7

Book Review

2010-07-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

Best Friends For Never

By Lisi Harrison

The book I am reading is called Best Friends For Never. It is the 2nd book in the Clique series, by Lisi Harrison. This book starts in a wealthy town called Westchester, with a girl named Massie Block. She is the lead girl in a small clique of four girls, that everyone calls, "The Pretty Committee." But when Massie hears other girls at OCD (a wealthy, private, all girls school that Massie attends), think she is slipping in her popularity; she tries to prove she is not. So she makes a Halloween party, that she wants everyone to come to, to prove she isn't losing popularity. But she only gets to do the party if she throws it and be the co hosts with Claire, a girl living in Massie's guest house. That is because Massie does not necessarily "like" Claire. So then Claire and Massie pretend to be friends around Massie's mother, who will allow the party if she sees Claire and Massie getting along. Thankfully, they get the party and convince Massie's mom.
The day of the party, Massie and the Pretty Committee wear their matching Halloween costumes to school. Then all the other girls at OCD want to match too, because of course, they want to be popular also. At the party one of the girls in the clique, Alicia, meets another girl and then they become BFF's. And when Alicia leaves the party without saying thanks, or goodbye, Massie gets mad. So she decides to give Alicia the silent treatment. But that is not the only problem. Since they wore their costumes to school, the principal gets mad. The problem about these costumes is: they violate the school dress code. So the principal is furious with the students so she tells them some very shocking news. They need to wear uniforms! Massie is so embarrassed because due to her costume idea, that's why they needed the uniforms. So she tries to fix it by convincing the principal that the students all get to design a uniform and the judges will pick whose design will win and be worn at OCD. Who will get the design? Will Massie win or will she lose? If she loses will she lose all her popularity too? And, will she become friends with Alicia again? Find out in this awesome book filled with excitement on every page!

Review by Nan

Book Review - Hatchet

2010-07-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen

What I did not like about this book was that there was only one character. I read this with a couple other people in school and we all agreed that a girl character should be introduced. It ended a little suddenly for me. Anyone who likes 100-200 page books will like this one.

Rating: **

Review by Holly, grade 8

Book Review - Worst Enemies/Best Friends

2010-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

Worst Enemies/Best Friends (Beacon Street Girls Series)

By Annie Bryant

This book is the first in a series about four very different girls who make their own club. The four girls, Charlotte, Avery, Maeve, and Katani, start out hating each other. But, once they have a sleepover, they become inseparable. I think anyone would love this book about the mishaps and mayhem of Junior High.

Rating: ****

Review by Clare, grade 7

Book Review - Midnighters

2010-07-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Midnighters #1: The Secret Hour

By Scott Westerfeld

I love this book because it keeps you guessing about what will happen next. My favorite character is Rex. He seems to understand the secret hour better than the others. People who like fantasy books will enjoy the Midnighters series. They are quick reads and will catch your interest in a second!

Rating: *****

Review by Holly, grade 8

Book Review - Inkheart

2010-07-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Inkheart

By Cornelia Funke

Inkheart was a book that was magical, action-packed, and made me not want to put it down. Its interesting plot earned it four stars. This book was about a girl named Meggie and her father, who could read people out of books. Not knowing his gift, he read out some villains, who were disrupting her world.

Rating: ****

Review by Hannah, grade 6

Movie Review

2010-07-13T06:32:00.001-07:00

The Blind Side

Directed by John Lee Hancock

The Blind Side could definitely be classified as a sad film, but it also has a good deal of happiness in it, and it ends joyfully. I don't recommend it for anyone under the age of eleven, mainly because of the language and the fair amount of violence. It's about the life of Michael Oher, who some claim to be the best defensive linesman of all time. Throughout the movie his adopted family helps him through high school and into college, ignoring the skepticism of their friends and relatives because they know it's right.

Rating: ****

Review by Cullen, grade 6

Book Review

2010-07-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

By J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the 6th book in the Harry Potter series; like the others in the series, it’s full of excitement and adventure. I must say that Ginny Weasley is my favorite character. She goes through a relationship with Harry’s classmate, Dean Thomas. After, their break-up, she falls in love with Ron’s close friend. This book is for anyone who loves to read, even if you’re not into fantasy.

Rating: *****

Review by YeRang, grade 7

Book Review

2010-07-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Red Pyramid

By Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid is about two siblings, Carter and Sadie. Their mom died in a tragic accident. Carter travels the world with their dad, while Sadie stays with their mom’s parents, but that changes when their dad gets trapped in a magic coffin by Set, the god of chaos. Then, they find out that they have the blood of the pharaohs. Next, they’re in a race a against time to save their father.

Rating: ****

Review by Trey, grade 6

Book Review

2010-07-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

City of Glass

By Cassandra Clare

I loved this book because it was an exhilarating, dark, well-written, fantasy page-turner. It was a mix of everyday teenage and family problems, and apocalyptic, fantastic problems. City of Glass will take you to a beautifully dangerous and extraordinary world. My favorite character is Jace Lightwood, because he is such a mysterious and fascinating person, who was brought up in terrible circumstances, but became a very good person. I think anyone from 12 to mid-twenties, who like dark fantasy, would love this book.

Rating: ****

Review by June, grade 8

Movie Review

2010-07-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Imagine That

Starring Eddie Murphy

I liked it because it was very funny and it made me laugh so much. My favorite character was the little girl, because she was so cute and she loved her blanket. It was so funny.

Rating: *****

Review by Octavia, grade 7

Book Review

2010-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare

I loved this book because it is a fantasy novel and fantasy is my favorite genre. My favorite character is Simon. I know he isn’t a super important character, but for some reason he is mu favorite. My second favorite is Clary. She seems pretty cool and if she were a real normal person, we would probably be friends. Anyone who likes Maximum Ride and The Percy Jackson Series will most likely like this book.

Rating: *****

Review by Holly, grade 8

Book Review

2010-07-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Titan's Curse

by Rick Riordan

The thing that I especially enjoyed about Riordan's book was the well thought out plot, and the mythical creatures that come and go throughout the book. Myths are pretty cool!

Another enjoyable factor was the sense of humor of the characters and their sometimes grudging friendships.

Last, but not least, I liked the slight sense of mystery that runs throughout the novel.

Review by Cullen, grade 6

Book Review

2010-07-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Becoming Naomi Leon

by Pam Munoz Ryan

In becoming Naomi Leon, Naomi Soledad, [aka] Leon Outlaw has an almost - perfect- if not normal - family, when suddenly something makes Naomi feel like an unraveling sweater. This is a great story about love, the real definition of family, and who Naomi finds out she really is with carving, Mexican culture, and collective nouns thrown in to complete one of the best stories I have ever read.

Any girl 10 and up should read it, but it would be most appealing to girls who enjoy learning about other cultures, animals and reading contemporary books, have family struggles or trouble speaking up. Not convinced? Read it!

Review by Sarah, grade 7

Book Review

2010-07-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Love, Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli

This book was excellent. Stargirl, the main character, is lovable and unique. She consistently surprises, making the reader desperately curious about what comes next. The other characters also make this book. Dootsie, Stargirl's five-year old neighbor, is a wonderfully written character, as is Berry Lou, the agoraphobic old lady in their town. Alvina, a rambunctious girl in town provides some spunk for the story.

My favorite part, however, was the surprise ending that ties back to the first book. This book is great for those who like realistic fiction and characters who aren't afraid to be themselves.

Review by Meg, grade 9

Book Review

2010-07-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

Alice In-Between

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

I read Alice In-Between. I liked the book a lot. It is a book about her and her 2 friends Pamela and Elizabeth and their adventure in Chicago. Ages 9-13 would really like this book. So I encourage you to read this book.

Rating: *****

Review by Taylor, grade 6

Book Review

2010-07-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Dog Crazy

By Eve B. Feldman

I think this book is very well written. I loved it a lot. My favorite character was Rhonda because she was always bossing Sara around. But then Rhonda also came out to be a good sister. I think that people who love dogs and are ages 8-10 would love this book.

Rating: ****

Review by Celia, grade 6

Book Review

2010-07-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Black & Decker: 24 Weekend Projects for Pets

By David Griffin

I thought this book was very interesting because I like to build things and this book showed lots of details on how to build stuff.

Rating: *****

Review by Jake, grade 6

CD Review

2010-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

21st Century Breakdown

By Green Day

I've recently listened to Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown and it was epic. It was truly an amazing CD to follow up American Idiot with. The first track "Song of the Century" is speaking of how America needs music that will help them find their way through this state of mass confusion. In the second track "21st Century Breakdown," lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong states how the generation of America is "zero," and how more bad has been accomplished rather than good, and he is technically breaking down the 21st Century. In the third track "Know Your Enemy," Armstrong belts Know Your Enemy and how you are your own worst enemy, and how the things you do effect your life and what happens. In the fourth track "Viva La Gloria," Gloria is just another character traveling through madness and the state of confusion in today's pop culture and trying to find a sense of individuality. The fifth track "Before the Lobotomy" was interesting but the main meaning of the song is how he's reflecting on his life and how he used to be happy but is now depressed with all of the violence and negative energy surrounding him. The sixth track "Christian's Inferno", Christian is another character that is going through a state of denial and rejection. In the 7th track "Last Night on Earth," there is a message trying to be sent through the song, and with all of the mixed messages and confusion of society, did the message ever get through clearly. In the 8th track "East Jesus Nowhere" is about all of the hypocrisy and self righteousness in Christianity. In the 9th track "Peacemaker" is about someone who calls themselves Peacemaker but goes around killing people for a so called good cause, for the sake of love/peace. In the 10th track -- "Last of the American Girls," Armstrong is speaking of his wife and if as the American Girl questions for what is right, and doesn't really support all of the propaganda and has her own views about life. In the 11th track "Murder City" is speaking about how all hope is lost and everything is "pathetic" and "hopeless." In the 12th track "Viva La Gloria (Little Girl)" is speaking of the character Gloria again and how she got caught up in the mass confusion, and how she runs from everything except suicide. In 13th track "Restless Heart Syndrome" -- is about how his heart is broken and all his pride is gone and how he wants to forget everything by medicine and there's just too much being prescribed. In 14, "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" is about how he's sick of everything and he's gonna take serious action, about America, and how we are almost to the point of destruction, "but almost only really counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." In Track 15 "The Static Age" is about how you can't find your own sense of personality because of all the confusion, "I can't see a thing in the video, I can't hear a thing in the radio, in stereo and the static age." In the 16th track "21 Guns," is about how you need to know what you're fighting for and how you need to think about if it's worth fighting for (21 guns at a funeral). In the 17th track, "Mass Hysteria" is pretty self explanatory. In the 18th track "See the Light" is about how there is a light at the end of the tunnel and how we can make it, just don't give up. This CD is mainly about how no matter what is going on around you with all of the confusion, don't give up on yourself!

Review by Cody

Book Review

2010-06-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

The City of Ember

By Jeanne DuPrau

The year is 241. An underground city, built to ensure the survival of the human race after a great catastrophe on Earth, is slowly disintegrating. The inhabitants of the city cower in fear as the lights above begin to flicker, sometimes going out and plunging the city in complete darkness. The canned food is running low, causing hunger within every home, and the Generator, which keeps every light in the city burning, is slowly beginning to fail. People are afraid to think of what could happen to them if all the lights of the city go out forever.

12-year-old Lina, a city messenger, and her determined friend Doon, a Pipeworks laborer, discover an old box with a torn piece of paper within. Together, the two study the piece of paper to find instructions that may lead them out of the underground city, and save them and the rest of the inhabitants of Ember from a dark and dangerous future...

I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic book tremendously. The characters and the city in which they lived seemed very real. The book was hard to put down, as there was always a surprise around the corner. I'd recommend this book to anyone!

Rating: *****

Review by Raven, grade 10

Book Review

2010-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Warriors: The Sight

By Erin Hunter

I loved this book because of the cats and action. My favorite character is Jaypaw because he is blind so he is different. I think people will like this book if they like adventure and cats.

Rating: *****

Review by Enoch, grade 8

Life as we knew it... in real life!

2010-06-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

I hope all of you are safe after Thursday’s microburst.

My husband spent two hours getting home from work. Worse still he was
trapped in traffic because someone may have been pinned under a fallen tree!
This was serious.

I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Thursday’s storm damage and Life as we knew it, by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Life as we knew it is a plausible disaster scenario complete with

• Cell phone circuits overloaded
• Phone lines down
• Loss of electricity for homes, business, and traffic lights
• Traffic backed-up for miles
• Strain on rescue services

What was going on in your world?
How did the microburst affect your life?
Leave a comment about your experience here.

Thanks, Jacqueline

Book Review

2010-06-24T07:06:00.001-07:00

Maximum Ride (the series)

By James Patterson

This is an awesome book because there are not many others like it. How many other books have you ever read that have kids with wings as main characters? My favorite character is Total. He is a black Scottish-looking dog that they find in a place they call the School. The School is where Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel were experimented on. That's how they got wings. This book would be good for kids in 5th grade and up. Also for people who like fantasy/adventure/action books.

Rating: *****

Review by Holly, grade 8

Book Review

2010-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Lucinda's Secret

By Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

I liked this book a lot because it had a lot of adventure and made up creatures. My favorite character was Mallory. She is the sister of Simon and Jared Grace. Mallory loves fencing and on this particular adventure brings her sword with her. This book is in a series of the Spiderwick Chronicles. I have not read all of the books but so far all of the ones I've read are great. I think most third, fourth, and fifth graders would like this book.

Rating: ****

Review by Georgia, grade 6

Question of the Week

2010-06-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

"Make Waves at Your Library," the summer reading program for teens, is in full swing at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library! If you haven't signed up yet, there's plenty of time -- it's open to anyone ages 11 to 18 between now and July 31. Stop by any library branch to register.

If you're busy completing the activities on your reading log, here's a way to cross one of them off your list. A couple of questions ask you to recommend a favorite book -- if you post a response to the question below, then you've completed that activity!

Of all the books you've read in the last year, which one would you recommend the most?

Make Waves at Your Library -- Summer Reading Program

2010-06-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

The warm days of summer are upon us, and soon there will be plenty of summer activities here at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library! If you're a rising 6th grader or older, up through age 18, check out "Make Waves at Your Library," the teen summer reading program!

Starting June 14, you can stop by any branch to register. You'll get a plastic bag containing a "Make Waves" mood pencil and bookmark, and a reading log to keep track of everything you read. Complete some of the challenges on the log, and you'll earn small prizes and be entered into weekly drawings for bigger prizes.

One way to complete a challenge is to write a review of a book, movie, or CD...or rate it from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. Write one and turn it in at the library, or you can e-mail it to us -- check the "Welcome" section in the upper right hand corner of this page for details. Either way, we'll post your review here on the blog!

You can also add a comment to what's been posted here. To help you with that, we'll post questions here on the blog. Check back soon for the first one!

Want to know about other programs for teens at the library? Check the JMRL Teen Page.

Do you have younger brothers or sisters? They might like "Make a Splash -- Read," the summer reading program from kids up through age 11.

And tell your parents about "Water Your Mind," a summer reading program for adults taking place at several of our branches.

Graphically Speaking and then some...

2010-05-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING: RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE

Graphically Speaking is a school-year discussion group for teens at the Central Library; we read graphic novels -- Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale was recently discussed at our May meeting.

Often times after we meet, I think of things I had wanted to share, but failed to do so because we ran out of time or our discussion went in another direction. Suddenly I had THE answer to a long-time conundrum/puzzle.

Question: WHY BLOG?

Answer: BECAUSE WE HAVE MORE TO SAY…

So, with reference to Rapunzel’s Revenge, do you remember when I asked if you had any favorite lines? Well, I had an example of satire that I wanted to share:

· Look at page 75, lower right corner to see the WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE poster.

What I wanted to discuss was:

· In what world would someone be wanted dead or alive for “using hair in a manner other than nature intended”?

If you want to answer this question or have us look at any other picture or quote that you did not get to share when we met, leave a comment here…

**************************************

Also, Life As We Knew It, the June book we will be reading and discussing for Chips and Chapters, the summer book discussion group for teens at Central, is also available as a talking book , which is another good way to ‘read’ it.

In any event, registration for Chips and Chapters begins June 1, and the first session is on Tuesday, June 22 at 2:00 pm. Space is limited, so stop by the Reference Desk at the Central Library, or call (434) 979-7151 ext. 4 to register.

Registration for Make Waves at Your Library, the summer reading program, in which you win weekly prizes, begins June 14 at all JMRL branches.

See you soon, I hope. And yes, if you have comments please post them here.

Many thanks, Jacqueline

2009-07-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

New Moon

By Stephenie Meyer

The book is about a girl named Bella, and she is in love with a vampire who is trying to protect her from other vampires.

Review by Max

Question of the Week

2009-07-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to check off one of the boxes on your Cheap Thrills Challenge sheet? One way to do that is to post a response to the question below:

Do you enjoy reading non-fiction? If you do, what are some of your favorite non-fiction titles?

2009-07-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Where We Are, What We See: Poems, Stories, Essays, and Art from the Best Young Writers and Artists in America

Where We Are, What We See claims to contain writing from the “best young writers and artists in America” (cover), but I doubt that.
First of all, the essays in this book contain a lot of profanities. Hanna Zipes used three f-words in her essay “I didn’t know.” David Weiss uses the s-word in the title, and his fiction piece contains one profanity word every sentence. Seriously, why did Scholastic give awards to the writers of profanity-written language?
Second of all, there’s a disturbing essay by a mystic girl called Katrina Gersie who claims she can communicate with her dead father. On page 135, she writers, as if to her father, “I remember the first time I realized I could do this – that I had the power to visit the world of dead…I could feel the tug on the cord that connects my soul to your soul…I began to follow the cord, mapping out the road as I went. The scenery surrounding the road is not such that we can perceive it with our ordinary senses…as my physical body tired and feel asleep, I arrived. My first glimpse of the world of the dead was a big blue sky…I could not see you, but you were there.”. She even claims that she can see, touch, and hear her dad (page 135-136). I wonder whether she dreamed about talking with her dead father (as she was asleep) or did she really visit the world of dead.
Of course, there are some essays that make enjoyable reading. “Manchurian Girl,” by Lisa Wang, is an honest piece about the author’s experiences about sexism in China. “Free Willy,” by Rebecca Bauman, is a funny piece about the author’s comfort from food (though still contains profanities).

Rating: **

Review by Shu-hui

Book Review

2009-07-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

The Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

I loved this book because it was a mix of my favorite genres. I think it's a good book for people 13+, and who like action, comedy, and Greek mythology.

Rating: *****

Review by Thomas, grade 8

Movie Review

2009-07-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Twilight

The Twilight movie is based off the book Twilight. The movie is not allways following the book but the actors are perfect for the job of the character. I like all the characters for this movie. So that's my review on Twilight.

Rating: ****

Review by Savannah, grade 8

Book Review

2009-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Next Thing on My List

By Jill Smolinski

I liked this book because what I expected happened except for some stuff. But it was all good. My favorite character was Martucci 'cause he reminds me of my friend and he is so fond of himself. The worst part about the book is when everyone was acting wierd 'cause June was adopting a kid.

Rating: ****

Review by Whitney, grade 9

Book Review

2009-06-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Jackie & Me

By Dan Gutman

This book is awesome! It's about a boy named Joe Stoshack, who has the power to travel to the past by using a baseball card. This time he is going to 1937 to meet Jackie, the African-American ball player. He found out how bad it was for African-Americans to live and all the exciting stuff. Anyone who like baseball or adventures should read this book! (I like both, so maybe that's why I like it so much...) By the way, I like all Dan Gutman's books, if you like this one, I bet you'll like the rest.

Rating: *****

Review by Jimmy, grade 6

Question of the Week

2009-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to check off one of the boxes on your Cheap Thrills Challenge sheet? One way to do that is to post a response to the question below:

Do you like to go back and re-read books you've really liked? If so, what's a book you've read many times over?

Book Review

2009-06-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J. K. Rowling

This book is the first of seven Harry Potter books. They are about an eleven year old boy who learns on his birthday that he is a wizard by a giant man smashing his front door! His parents are dead, and he lives with his horrible aunt and uncle, and their son Dudley. In the first book, Harry finds out he is a wizard and goes off to "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." There he makes friends, learns how to play quidditch, and trys to stop the evil wizard that killed his parents, from getting the sorcerers stone! This is a great book for everyone 8 and up! Five Stars.

Review by Hannah, 6th grade.

Question of the Week

2009-06-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to check off one of the boxes on your Cheap Thrills Challenge sheet? One way to do that is to post a response to the question below:

What's your favorite movie that was made from a book? Did you like the book or the movie better?

Summer Reading Program and Question of the Week

2009-06-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Summer's here, and this coming Monday (June 8!) is the start of Cheap Thrills, our annual summer reading program for teens! Stop by any of our libraries, we'll sign you up, and you'll be on your way to earning great prizes as you read! All the details are in our summer brochure, now available at every J-MRL library.

When you sign up, you'll be given a reading log to keep track of everything you read, and if you turn over to the back, you'll see activities you can do to be entered into weekly prize drawings. Complete any five of them, and you'll be entered in the drawings.

One way to complete an activity is to write a review of a book, CD, or movie...or you can rate it on a scale of one to five, with five being the best. Write one and turn it in at the library, or you can e-mail it to us -- check the "Welcome" section in the upper right corner of this page for details. Either way, we'll post your review here on the blog!

You can also add a comment to what's been posted here. To help you with that, we'll post a question each week for you. Here's the first one now:

What's the best book you've read in the past year?

Book Review

2008-07-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Teen Idol

By Meg Cabot

Teen Idol, a novel by Meg Cabot, is about a high school junior named Jen Greenley. She is nicknamed "Mayonnaise," by her best friend, Trina, because she always smoothes things out. She gives advice to people having interpersonal problems in her "Ask Annie" column of the school newspaper. So when Luke Striker, a famed movie star, comes to Jen's school to research a role, Jen is chosen to be his student guide and promised that she'd keep his true identity a secret. The kids at her high school find out who he really is, and the small town is thrust into chaos. Then, Luke lectures Jen about creating social change. Besides running away from eager reporters, trying to figure out what's wrong with her best friend, puting up with a grumpy choir teacher, having a crush on her friend, Scott, and trying to find a Latin's teacher priced doll, Jen acts and successfully changes the social environent at her high school.

I have absolutely nothing to say bad about this book. The protagonist is someone I could look up to. She is funny, witty, compassionate, determined, courageous, and smart. It deals with a lot of experiences in high school. It's one of the best books ever written! Read it!

- Reviewed by Shuhui, grade 8

Book Review

2008-07-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life as We Knew It is a science fiction novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer. In the story, the moon is knocked out of orbit by a meteor and causes massive weather change. Life as Miranda, the main character, knew it, has vanished. Her family no longer has electricity, enough gas for transportation, enough food, the chance to go shopping, and the opportunity to go to school. (Who knew she'd want to go to school so much?) Her relatives and friends move away. her family struggles to live through many hardships, and they learn the value of family and life.

I admired what Miranda did for her family. She'd skip a meal without complaining while watching her brother eat. She'd pedal miles on her bike to fetch a doctor from the hospital so her mom would have help for her sprained ankle. I also admired her wisdom. When her friend Megan wanted to starve to death in order to be with God, Miranda said, "This life, this everyday existence, is one gift we're given. To throw it away, to want to be dead, to me that's the sin." And when she discovered a rumor that wasn't true and wondered how much of the news she heard was true, she wrote "Better to delude myself that things are okay than to delude myself things are doomed. At least this way I smile."

But sometimes I felt like the book gets too depressing. Occasionally, I feel the book is giong to get worse and somebody's going to die. I am the sort of person who puts down depressing novels. One entry is just, "No Horton [the family cat]. No word from Jonny [her brother's away at camp]. mom and I didn't talk. Matt [her other brother] isn't talking much either." Miranda had a choice. She could've talked to her mom first. She could've lightened up the day.

I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Shuhui, Grade 8

Book Review

2008-07-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

All-American Girl, by Meg Cabot

During the first few weeks of summer I read a book called All-American Girl. This book is about a girl named Sam. Sam thinks that her life is normal and nothing special. But then she saves the president from being assassinated! There were many interesting events leading up to this and several events that follow. I recommend this book to girls ages 13-16. It really kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Reviewed by Megan A., 9th grade

Question of the Week

2008-07-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to check off one of the boxes on your Cheap Thrills Challenge sheet? One way to do that is to post a response to the question below:

What's the last book you finished? Did you like it?

Book Review

2008-07-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Elephant Run
By Roland Smith

This book reminds me of Tusk and Stone by Malcolm Bosse because of the subject and setting. Nick is a boy who grows up in a timber elephant training camp. When he is old enough he gets his own elephant named Hannibal. Elephant Run is a descriptive, engaging and has a good ending.

Reviewed by Lincoln S.
Grade 10

Book Review

2008-07-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Secrets of the Cirque Medrano
by Elaine Scott

Brigitte is forced to move from Poland to Paris and adopt the lifestyle of a chef. She befriends an acrobat named Paco who shows her what the circus is really life, and is drawn into the Russian Revolution. This book is moderately fast-paced and has a good storyline.

Reviewed by Lincoln S.
Grade 10

Book Review

2008-06-25T06:21:00.001-07:00

The Loud Silence of Francine Green

By Karen Cushman

The Loud Silence of Francine Green, a novel by Karen Cushman is a book set in the time of the Cold War. Francine Green, a shy and obedient girl of thirteen, attends a Catholic School headed by a strict nun. She is comfortable with her life until Sophie Bowman moves in. Sophie is courageous and often outrageous girl who the nuns call a "troublemaker" because she stands up to them. She and Francine quickly become best friends, even though their personalities are very different.

I love this book because it discards the common misconception that teens are self-centered and their opinions don't matter. Throughout the novel, the author emphasizes that teens should speak up and even challenge authority if they believe it is the right thing to do. Another reason why this book is so wonderful is because the main characters don't believe in revenge. Sophie doesn't support the bomb, even though a lot of people at the period of the Cold War do because they think US needs defense from USSR. But if USSR did throw a bomb at US, what good does it to throw a bomb back? All it would do it to start a nuclear war and leave millions dead.
What I didn't like about the book is sometimes Sophie goes a bit too far. Sure, I believe in speaking our beliefs, but we shouldn't question authority every chance we get. That just creates unnecessary trouble and frustration for us. I think if Sophie wasn't so extreme, maybe Francine would even try to see her point of view.

I think everybody from ages 10-16 should read this book. It is rare that a book combines inspiration, humor, and suspense skillfully. But I warn you: don't try to act like Sophie; she can be a little crazy sometimes.

Reviewed by Shu-hui

Book Review

2008-06-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare's Secret

by Elise Broach

I have just recently finished reading Shakespeare’s Secret, by Elise Broach. I enjoyed it immensely, and would most certainly recommend it. Before I began this book, I assumed that it would be geared more towards younger children, yet I found that it was actually suitable for children anywhere from third or fourth grade to sixth or seventh grade. The story has a very integrating plot involving a hidden diamond somehow connected to Shakespeare. I was very impressed b y the amount of factual information presented by the author about Shakespeare and other famous figures from that time period, including Ann Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I. I also appreciated the amount of details the author gives about each character and their personalities. Overall, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light but intriguing summer read.

By Emily K.
Grade 7

Book Review

2008-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Planner's Daughter, by Coleen Murtaugh Paratore

The Wedding Planner's Daughter is a great book! I liked it because the things that happened in the book were very realistic. The book pulled me in just by the title. The Wedding Planner's Daughter will make you never want to put the book down. My favorite character is Willa because she is peaceful, strong, and she plays soccer like I do. I think girls 10-13 will enjoy this book the most. If you want a book that's exciting, interesting, and fun, you have the right book! The book has a sequel, The Cupid Chronicles. Check this book out!

Reviewed by Adeline S.
Grade 6

Book Review

2008-06-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Penderwicks: a Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks are a family of four sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty; Hound (the beloved dog); and their father. The Penderwicks rent a cottage on the outskirts of the beautiful estate, Arundel. The sisters befriend Cagney, the gardener who impresses Mr. Penderwick with knowledge of Latin names for plants; and Jeffrey, the estate owner's only son who struggles with his mother about going to military academy. I think everyone should try to read The Penderwicks because there is something for everybody. Besides, if everyone started The Penderwicks, everyone would finish it because it leaves you hanging with questions like will Batty's wings be fixed, will Yaz be found, or most importantly will Jane finish her latest Sabrina Starr book?

Reviewed by Elinor B.
Grade 6

Question of the Week

2008-06-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to check off one of the boxes on your Cheap Thrills Challenge sheet? One way to do that is to post a response to the question below:

Several well-known authors of teen literature have new books coming out in the next couple of months. What soon-to-be-published book are you most eagerly awaiting?

Book Review

2008-06-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, is now one of my favorite books. My friend had told me about it, and I have enjoyed other books by the author, so I got it and read it in three days! I could not put it down. Ella Enchanted is about a girl, cursed by a foolish fairy, who goes on a journey to reverse the spell cast upon her at birth. The book was really a creative twist on the Cinderella story, and it had an adventurous theme that made it more exciting.

Ella Enchanted is a great book for girls between the grades of five and nine. It was easy to read and very interesting. I rated it five stars! Check it out!

Reviewed by Kaitlyn S.

Book Review

2008-06-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dusssie

by Nancy Springer

Dusssie was an O.K. book. I really liked that the author gave the snakes personalities. I was really disappointed in the ending. I liked how Dusssie began to realize that beauty is not love throughout the book. She learned a valuable lesson. So, I liked it when she decided to keep the snakes on her head. Then, it ends with the snakes leaving and Dusssie getting beautiful hair!!! I thought the ending completely went back on what the theme throughout most of the book was trying to say: You don’t have to be “beautiful” to be loved. That made me disappointed! Even with the ending, though, it was an O.K. book. I think people who like mythology/realistic fiction/sci fi would like this one. It is for teens and young adults.

Reviewed by Sydney G.
Grade 8

Book Review

2008-06-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Journey to the River Sea
by Eva Ibbotson

This book, Journey to the River Sea, is about a young girl (Mai) who attends the May Fair Academy for Young Ladies, which is located in England. As an orphan, that’s all she had. But when relatives of Mai are found, she is sent to the Amazon to live with the terrible Mr. and Mrs. Carter and, worst of all, their nasty twins.

I would give this book three stars out of five, because I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it. My favorite character was Finn, the mysterious Indian boy that befriended Mai and lives in a secret Lagoon. I think this book would be great for people around ages 10-13. If you like this book by Eva Ibbotson, then you’ll LOVE The Star of Kazan by her as well!

Reviewed by Sarah R.
Grade 6

Summer Reading Program and Question of the Week

2008-06-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Summer's here, and TODAY is the start of Cheap Thrills, our annual summer reading program for teens! Stop by any of our libraries, we'll sign you up, and you'll be on your way to earning great prizes as you read! All the details are in our summer brochure, now available at every J-MRL library.

You'll receive a reading log when you sign up, and there are all sorts of activities you can do on the back. Complete any five of them, and you'll be entered into weekly prize drawings. One way to do this is to write a review of a book, CD, or movie -- or you can rate it on a scale of one to five, with five being the best. You can write one and turn it in at the library, or you can e-mail it to us -- check the "Welcome" section in the upper right corner of this page for details. Either way, we'll post your review here!

You can also add a comment to what's been posted on the blog. To help you with that, we'll post a question each week for you. Here's the first one now:

What's your favorite series? (This can include a book with several sequels).

Booktalks @ Your School

2008-06-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Can't remember the names of those books you heard a J-MRL librarian talking about in your school recently? Here's a list to help jog your memory:

Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hot Lunch by Alex Bradley
The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
Double Dutch by Sharon Draper
This Is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis
Interworld by Neil Gaiman and Peter Reaves
Silverfin by Charlie Higson
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer Holm
Miracle Wimp by Erik P. Kraft
The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
Codebreaker by Stephen Pincock
Terrific T-Shirts by Chris Rankin
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
The Pig Scrolls by Paul Shipton
Venom by Marilyn Singer
Dusssie by Nancy Springer
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine by Sally Walker
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson
After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
When the Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

Share your Talents with Us!

2008-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

at the Crozet Library's Teen Coffeehouse

Friday, April 25^th, 6:30-8:00pm

Come to the Crozet Library after-hours and share music, poetry, stories, comedy, or anything else you wish to perform. Perform an old favorite, bring something new to share, or just come to relax and enjoy the show! Refreshments will be served.

Registration is required to perform - sign up soon to get your spot! - or just drop in to enjoy the show!

Call 434.823.450 or visit jmrl.org for more info.

Beads Beads Beads!

2008-03-20T12:51:00.001-07:00

Get Crafty with Beads!
Northside Library
Wednesday, April 9
2-4 pm

Break the spring break boredom with an afternoon of jewelry making! Learn how to make necklaces and bracelets from beads and wire. This popular event is sure to fill up so call Northside at 434-973-7893 to sign up starting March 24th!

VIDEO GAMES!

2008-03-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Game Night
Northside Library
Monday, April 7
6:30-8:30 pm

Start spring break with a night of video games! Show off your skills on the X-box and the PSP or kick it old-skool with board games. Snacks galore! You won't want to miss this.

Sign up starting March 24 by calling Northside at 434-973-7893.

Move over Monet

2008-03-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Get Crafty: Impressionism
Northside Library
Monday, March 31
6:30-8:30 pm

Impressionist artists played with color and light and painted every-day scenes. Learn how to make your own Impressionism masterpiece at this fun workshop. No skills required and we provide all the cool art supplies.

Sign up now by calling Northside at 434-973-7893.

Books to Check Out

2008-03-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

Red: the next generation of American writers - teenage girls - on what fires up their lives today. Edited by Amy Goldwasser.
This is a fantastic collection of essays from girls aged 13 to 19 about whatever is on their minds: school, parents, friends, boyfriends, their bodies, their planet. The range of emotion and subject matter is intense, and the talent these girls have is incredible. If you are a teen girl or just want to know a little more about them, you'll want to read this. If you're an aspiring writer, you'll want to read this as a way to focus your own writing and maybe get published yourself!

AND if you're a writer or want to play one on TV, you'll want to check out Musings, Crozet Library's teen writer's workshop. Each month, we get together, read our writing, do writing exercises, get feedback, get inspiration...you get the picture. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 1st (No fooling!) at 7pm at the Crozet Library. Call 823-4050 for more information or to get on the list.

Books to Check Out

2008-03-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Amigurumi! Super Happy Crochet Cute by Elisabeth A. Doherty

I was pretty excited to see this book come to into the library. I've looked online at a lot of this really cute crocheted stuff... amigurumi is (correct me if I'm wrong) Japanese for stitched, stuffed doll or toy - basically a name for this new craft movement coming out of Japan of making tightly-crocheted, funky-cute, stuffed toys - bears, bunnies, hamburgers, cupcakes, you-name-it. And now we've got a book that shows you how! This is definitely *not* your grandmother's crochet! What other book would have directions on making a fish skeleton out of yarn?!? This book in particular is pretty inspiring, with a bunch of cute patterns and down-to-earth explanations of which materials are best to use and things like that. If you're into Japanese pop culture or into making stuff, you're going to want to check this out.

And if you're interested in doing anything with yarn, come to the next Knitwits meeting at the Crozet Library. We're a group of teens who knit, crochet, felt, stitch and anything else you can think of, the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. Lots of fun for all levels of experience, newbie to pro. Next meeting is coming up on March 18th!

Cheap Thrills Logo Contest

2008-02-28T06:27:00.001-08:00

March 1 - 31, 2008
All Branches

Open to anyone in grades 6-12

Summer will be here before you know it, and one of the first signs is our annual Logo Contest for Cheap Thrills, the teen summer reading program!

If you love to draw, submit your original design to any J-MRL branch by March 31, and the winning entry will be featured on the front cover of our summer brochure listing all the library's teen programs!

A $35 gift card to Michael's Arts and Crafts Store goes to the winner, with $15 cards going to each of six runners-up!

You can see last year's winner in the upper right hand corner!

Pick up an entry form and guidelines at any J-MRL branch library or download one from the J-MRL Teen Page!

This program is generously sponsored by the J-MRL Friends of the Library.

What I've Been Reading

2008-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Pig Who Saved the World

translated by Paul Shipton

Gryllus has been a talking pig since he hid from Circe when she was changing the rest of Odysseus's crew back from pigs to men. Why change, he thought. Life is easier as a pig. Well, it was, anyways, until he had to save the world with the help of Sibyl, an ex-priestess of Delphi and Homer, a teenager who wants to become a poet and is always asking Gyrllus for details of his trip with Odysseus. Since saving the world once in The Pig Scrolls, Gyrllus has decided to track down Circe to become human again. That's where we catch up with him in The Pig Who Saved the World.

Sibyl, Homer an Gyrllus discover that Circe has been put to sleep along with all the other gods and demi-gods on Mount Olympus. Their old enemy, Death himself, has teamed up with Evil King Sisyphus and is threatening to destroy the world. Again. Can a cowardly pig, a moody teen aged poet and know-it-all ex-priestess saved the day? They are betting on the help of King Midas and his daughter with a heart of gold, a troop of monkeys, the stupidest of the Cyclops brothers, a talking, immortal grasshopper and the singing head of Orpheus. Find out if they pull it off in this hilarious sequel "translated" from the original Greek scrolls by Paul Shipton.

Books on the Big Screen

2008-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Northside Library Monday
March 3
6:30-8:30 pm
Rated PG
Movie night is back at Northside! Can you guess which one we'll see? I'll give you a hint: A young girl named Sophie is cursed by a witch and given an old woman's body. Shamed of how she looks, she flees to the woods and happens upon Wizard Hauru's strange Moving Castle. While in the castle, Sophie makes a deal with a demon named Calcifer who can return her to her 18-year-old self. This animated film was directed by the same man who did Spirited Away. Aaaaand it's based on the book you see on the right.

To find out the title of the movie or to sign up (starting Feb. 19), call Northside at 434-973-7893.

What I've Been Reading

2008-02-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Scrambled Eggs at Midnight, by Brad Barkley & Heather Hepler

Cal (short for Calliope - a name as eccentric as her parents' lifestyles) lives with her mother - but that means moving A LOT, sometimes every month. They drive into Asheville so her mother can set up shop at the Renaissance Fair, selling the jewelry she makes and working as a wench. Cal wants nothing more than to settle down in one place she can call home. That's when Cal spots the guy with green lips.

That guy is Eliot, who lives with his parents in Sonshine Valley, a weight-loss camp for Christian kids, and in his spare time makes fireworks (totally illegally, by the way). Eliot wants nothing more than to get away.

Throw in a Jewish guy who barbecues ribs, an egotistical jouster named Phi, a missing fat-camper, and a flood - and you're got a town full of great characters, and the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a summer of discovery and connection.

What I've Been Reading

2008-01-26T09:19:00.001-08:00

Life as We Knew It
by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Miranda is a normal sophomore in Pennsylvania. She writes about her friends, ice skating and her family in her diary. Until the day a meteor crashes into the moon. Soon, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes kill millions world-wide and shrink Miranda's world to the sun room of her house, where she lives with her mother and two brothers. Her dad and step-mom try to reach Colorado, where they think things will be better, but Miranda knows she may never hear from them again. Food, fuel and other supplies run low as a bitter cold winter begins in August. Can Miranda survive on one meal a day? Will her family drive her crazy while they are all cooped up together? Can she avoid the armed gang in town? Follow Miranda's scary story in a life that will never be the same.

Get Crafty: Chocolate

2008-01-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday
February 16
2:00 -3:300 pm
Northside Library

What's sweeter than St. Valentine's Day? Chocolate lollipops! Bring your sweet tooth for an afternoon of candy making. Give them to your sweetheart or treat yourself!

Sign up starting February 1 by calling Northside Library at 434-973-7893. Space is limited!

Game Night!

2008-01-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

Monday
February 4
6:30 -8:30 pm
Northside Library

Trivia, cards, board games and more! Meet new people and show off your skills at our game night. Try ours or bring your favorites!

Sign up now by calling Northside Library at 434-973-7893.

Vampires & Valentines

2008-01-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of Twilight? Is the last thing you want a typical Valentine’s Day?

Join us as we celebrate the dark romance of modern vampires at the Crozet Library on Friday, February 8th, at 7:00pm.

Wear red, black or your best vampire-glam outfit. We'll offer music, food, games, and lots of vampire and Twilight trivia. You'll be able to make some valentines or some anti-valentines. Come help us decide once and for all: Edward or Jacob?

Sign Up Now!

2008-01-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Get Crafty: Mosaic Printmaking
Monday, January 28, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Decorate like the ancients! Design a mosaic like you might see at Camp Half Blood. Bring a t-shirt and we'll show you how to create a mosaic stamp to decorate it.

Limited to 10 participants, grades 6 -12. Call Northside at 434-973-7893 or stop by Northside's information desk.

YouTube Video Contest

2008-01-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Now through February 22

All Branches

Open to teens ages 12-18 who have a J-MRL library card (get one @ your library today -- it's FREE!)

Are you a budding filmmaker? The Big Read is coming up this March and April, and J-MRL is encouraging the community to read Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

Why not help us promote it by making a video?

Get your filmmaking friends together and post your video on YouTube with the tag "JMRL_BigRead" by February 22. Winners will receive $300 in gift certificates toward electronic and video equipment, and the video will be aired on the J-MRL website.

Look for more details and download a flyer with the contest guidelines on our Big Read website!

Movie Night @ Northside!

2007-12-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

Check out Hollywood's take on your favorite books! Come out on Monday, January 7th to watch a movie based on a book by Annette Curtis Klause. (with snacks!) Because of our movie license, we can't tell you the name, but we can tell you that it involves Vivian, a mysterious young woman living in Bucharest with her family. They holds a strange and terrible secret: they are members of a rapidly shrinking colony of werewolves. When Vivian learns that she must marry their leader Gabriel she rebels and takes off with a new man and must decide between loyalty and true love. It's rated PG-13. For the actual title and to sign up (starting December 31), call Northside Library at 434-973-7893. Books on the Big Screen Monday, January 7 6:30-8:30 pm

What I've Been Reading

2007-12-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Click
by Various Authors

Have you ever been convinced that no matter what, you aren't going to like a book? I thought there was no way I'd like Click, a collection of short stories that claims to be one novel by ten authors. Turns out, I was wrong! Some of my favorite authors, like Roddy Doyle, Eoin Colfer and Nick Hornby have collaborated to write stories about fictional photographer George Keane, his international travels and the families he leaves behind. While each author writes about a specific episode or character, each story relates to the other nine. I was blown away by the coincidences and the way small decisions lead to big changes years later. Not only are there realistic stories, but Margo Lanagan and Gregory Maguire bring on the fantasy.

If you don't think you like short stories collections, try Click. You'll be surprised as I was!

What I've Been Reading

2007-11-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

Imagine you fell down the stairs in front of your school, banged your head, and got amnesia - you couldn't remember anything...how would you figure out who you were?

Naomi has forgotten the last six years of her life - which means she doesn't recognize her best friend Will or her boyfriend Ace, she doesn't remember that her parents are divorced or that she has a three-year-old sister, and she can't figure out why being on the yearbook staff meant so much to her. Not to mention forgetting how to drive and all the vocab for French class. But if she hadn't fell, she never would have met James, who doesn't want to remember his own past, anyway.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin tells the story of how Naomi finds her way back into her own life. This is by the same author as Elsewhere.

Have you read this book? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought of it.

Book Review by Shelby

2007-11-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dreamland Lake
by Richard Peck

I have read a few of Richard Peck's books but I have to say this is the absolute worst one I have read. I believe it had too many different plots and I think that it was not worded well. I would recommend it to others just to see what they think about it. I think a good age group to read it would be 6th grade to 8th or 9th. Read it; you might like it or you might not!

Golden Compass Movie Release Party

2007-11-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to see the Panserbjorn fight? Think you can read an alethiometer? Sign up now for the Golden Compass movie release party at Northside Library on Thursday December 6th from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Win prized in trivia and other book related contests. Snack on food from Lyra's world and discuss your favorite parts of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. Call 434-973-7893.

Make Jewelry Gifts!

2007-11-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 3rd, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Northside Library

Don't know what to give this season? Have you run out of money? Join us to make jewelry gifts! We'll provide the supplies and instruction, you supply the imagination!

Sign up now by calling 434-973-7893.

Book Review by Gabby

2007-11-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Babymouse: Heartbreaker

by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

This was a good book. In this one, Babymouse is trying to get a date to the dance. If you're a girl and like comics, you will like these books. Girls ages 7 - 14 would probably like these books. The books are short and very easy to read. I think most people will like this book.

What I've Been Reading

2007-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Beastly

By Alex Flinn

Had your fill of Beauty and the Beast retellings? Before you say “yes,” you may want to give Alex Flinn’s Beastly a try. Here the setting shifts from a fantasy land to an upper-crust New York society. Kyle is rich, good-looking, and privileged, and what’s more…he knows it. In his world, that’s what’s important, and anyone who isn’t blessed with it is inferior. Real prince of a guy, right? However, when he decides to use his status to humiliate a less privileged girl at a school dance, she uses her abilities to transform him into a hideous monster to reflect his “beastly” inner self. As in the traditional tale, only the discovery of true love will break the spell. If you’re a fan of fractured fairy tales, the modern, urban setting of Beastly will give you a different twist to an old story. Have you read this book? Let me know what you think by adding a comment!

Bored? Game!

2007-10-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Starting October 15th, sign up for Northside Library's game night!
Play our board and card games or bring your favorite to share.
Game night is a great way to meet new people and show off your trivia skills.
Bring a friend to team up for trivia.

Come for the food, stay for the prizes!

Game Night
October 29
and
November 26
6:30 - 8:30

Call Northside Library at 973-7893 to register.

Teen Read Week Is Here!

2007-10-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Teen Read Week is back! Celebrate this year's "LOL @ Your Library" theme with one of these activities:

Check out what's going on at the library in the "Current Programs" section of the J-MRL Teen Page.
Vote for this year's Teens' Top Ten winners.
Take the Smartgirl.org teen reading survey (open to both girls and guys!).

Teen Read Week is a reading initiative of the American Library Association.

LOL with a Good Book!

2007-10-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's a Mall World After All

By Janette Rallison

Looking for a light, breezy, humorous read for Teen Read Week? Try Janette Rallison’s It’s a Mall World After All. Charlotte’s job at the local mall isn’t as glamorous as it may look. She has the honor of offering perfume samples to store customers, which means she gets to stand around and spray the latest scents on unsuspecting passersby. Boring? Maybe. But it does open Charlotte’s eyes to other possibilities, even if they don’t work out as she intends. On the noble side, she’s the driving force behind a school project to help underprivileged kids. But her plans to prove her best friend’s boyfriend is cheating on her results in a small boy throwing soda on the boyfriend’s buddy by mistake and leads her to an upper-crust party where she inadvertently eats part of the centerpiece at the buffet table. If you’re looking for a light read about a girl with good intentions that don’t always turn out as expected, try It’s a Mall World After All. Have you read this book? Let me know what you think by adding a comment!

Anime Club

2007-10-05T06:25:00.001-07:00

Join the Anime Club at Northside Library on the second Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30! That's right, this Monday, October 8th come watch a selection of the latest anime and talk with other fans. Call Northside to sign up at 973-7893.

Chapter Chat at Northside

2007-10-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

We kicked off our first meeting of Chapter Chat, Northside's book club, on September 27th by discussing The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. We cheered Percy Jackson as he went on a cross-country quest to prevent war among the gods of Mount Olympus, now located on the 600th floor of the Empire State building. We also proved Percy's mom right by eating blue food (take that, Smelly Gabe!).

In October, we'll be reading The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. Interested? There's still time to sign up! Call Northside at 973-7893 to sign up for the October 25th meeting at 4:30.

Teen Poetry Contest in October!

2007-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Are you between the ages of 12 and 18 and enjoy writing poetry? Enter our Teen Poetry Contest to celebrate Teen Read Week! One winner will be chosen in each of three age divisions, with prizes to be awarded, and the opportunity for the winners to be entered into another teen poetry contest sponsored by the Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) library journal. One entry per person. Entries may be turned in at any J-MRL location and must be submitted by Saturday, October 27. Winners will be announced by mid-November.

Contest forms and guidelines are now available at all J-MRL locations, or you can go to the J-MRL Teen Page to download and print a copy.

Virginia and the Westward Movement!

2007-09-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever brushed your teeth with a stick or lived outside for months at a time? Join us on Thursday, October 18th at 4 p.m. at Northside Library for a program by the Virginia Historical Society and discover how people traveled out west.

To register, call Northside Library at 973-7893 starting October 4th.

Music Review by Lily

2007-09-28T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hannah Montana 2

by Miley Cyrus

I love the songs on this CD. They are very inspirational and fun to listen to. Get this CD 'cuz it is great!

Reviewed by Lily

Music Review by Naomi

2007-09-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

The Black Parade

by My Chemical Romance

This CD Changed my life. The emotion and soul that was put into it was so incredible that I couldn't stop listening to it for ANYTHING! This band is by far my favorite. They are a combination of rock, pop, punk and metal. If you like The Used, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday or bands like them, you'll like My Chemical Romance. They are just so devoted to making music; it is a huge honor that they share their music with the world. Off this CD the best songs are Welcome, Cancer, Famous Last Words and Teenager. But the entire CD is incredible. It is hard to choose. I am really grateful to this band for making their music.

Crozet No-Name Book Group

2007-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

We may not have a name yet, but the Crozet teen book discussion group got off to a great start this past Tuesday evening. We read Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, and had a fantastic discussion about living a society in which so much emphasis is placed on physical appearance, and whether we would have made the same decisions Tally would have made. One thing we all agreed on: hoverboards = cool.

We've got room for more teens, so anyone who's interested is welcome to join us next month, on October 14th at 6:30pm the Crozet Library to discuss Skellig, by David Almond. Call 434.823.4050 to register or for more information.

PS - Have you read Uglies? What did you think? Leave us a comment.

Book Review by Nadia

2007-09-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Pretty Little Liars

by Sara Shephard

It may seem like just another teen girl book on petty revenge, but Pretty Little Liars isn't quite as fun as I thought it's be. The book is on such an emotional roller coaster, it practically cuts itself. That's not to say it's not good - it has very fleshed out characters and it hold that type of felling of uncertainty that every teen surely has. You'd think watching the downfall of four teenage girls who did horrible things would be fun, but when bad things happen to the characters, you really feel bad for them (not to mention the complete mystery behind "A").

Here's to "A" . . . I think . . .

Book Review by Salem

2007-09-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

The Mates and Dates series
by Cathy Hopkins

The Mates and Dates series is really fun to read! They have everything a girl from age 12 to 15 wants. The four main characters are really likeable and you love to see what happens to them. I loved these books, and you will too!

Book Review by Nikolai

2007-08-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

One Piece Series

By Eiichiro Oda

I really like the series because it's creative. The books have detailed drawings. My favorite character is Roanola Zoro because he uses 3 swords. He carries one in his mouth and 2 in each hand. He uses deadly attacks to cut his enemys down both mentally and physically. Luffy D. Monkey is the main character and his signature is a straw hat that has been through a lot. The hat was given to him by a pirate named Shanks who inspired Luffy to become a pirate.

Book Review by Lily

2007-08-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Left Behind: The Kids Series

By Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

I love this series. It is awesome. This series tells about seven years coming soon of the worst! Chaos, death, and joy can be found. I recomend it for kids 10 and over. Fiction and at the same time non-fiction. Join 4 kids through the worst seven years of a lifetime. There are earthquakes, animals, plagues and more! So start reading.

Movie Review by Lilly

2007-08-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Are We Done Yet

I liked it because it's a great family movie. There weren't any bad scenes or words. The actors were great. I enjoyed this movie. It's great.