May 02, 2008

Teen Book Bloggers Review Eat Cake

I'm bringing everyone another review from our teen book bloggers. Enjoy!

Reviewer Name: K from 9th grade

Title:Eat Cake (located in the adult room under Fiction Ray)
Author: Jeanne Ray
Month/Year of Publication: 2003
Genre: Novel

Purchase Recommendation:
_x_ Definitely Purchase – one of the better books of the year
Age Recommendation:
_x_ This book is geared toward high school students/adults

Do you like to bake? If so Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray is definitely a book for you! When her husband, Sam, loses his job, Ruth isn't sure what to do. So, when Sam says he wants to discover himself and isn't ready to find a new job just yet, Ruth realizes that she must take matters into her own hands. She decides to bake cakes and sell them in an attempt to save her family from going bankrupt. Can she pull it off, or will her business fall flat? This book was very relate able for me. I have a passion for baking and it made me feel like I'm not alone. The characters are very realistic. For example, Ruth's daughter, Camile reminded me of a typical teenager. She tried to weasel her way out of things, threw a hissy fit, and pushed her mother to her limits.

Posted by Caitlin at 03:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 24, 2008

Middlesex Visit

Here comes summer...

And our annual spring visit to Middlesex! We'll be visiting Middlesex Middle School May 28 & 29.

We're bringing new books in every genre and information about summer programs for teens, from beading to martial arts.

See you there!

Posted by joan at 01:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 22, 2008

Teen Book Bloggers Review The Hollow People

Here's the latest review from our teen book bloggers!

Title: The Promises of Dr. Sigmundus, Book1 The Hollow People
Author: Brian Keaney
Month/Year of Publication: Sep/2007
Reviewer: S - Grade 10

On an island where having dreams means being branded a maniac and everyone has their own place in society the harsh laws of Dr. Sigmundus reign control of every aspect of life. Dante is nothing but a kitchen boy, while Bea is the daughter of physicians. The two meet accidentally and quickly grow fast as friends. They start to share their ideas and their dreams and knowing how dangerous it was to do so. With the arrival of a infamous prisoner to the islands asylum they begin to wonder if all promises they've based their life on is nothing more than an illusion in the scheme of things. Will they turn their backs on everything they've ever knew and fight or will they stay and be broken down by the promises of Dr. Sigmundas?
This book is a great read and I encourage others to read it as well.

Purchase Recommendation: Possibly purchase
Age Recommendation: This book is geared to middle school students

Posted by Caitlin at 04:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 17, 2008

Amazing Duct Tape Creations

Did you know that duct tape is not only extremely useful around the house, but has also taken on a life of its own as a craft material? People are even using duct tape to make prom dresses.

In our Duct Tape Mania program at the Library yesterday, we made wallets, bags, cell phone covers, and even duct tape roses. Our hands got a little sticky, but that couldn't stop us! Now we all have fashionable and one-of-a-kind items to turn heads this spring and summer. Yay for duct tape!

Posted by joan at 11:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 16, 2008

Teen Book Bloggers Review The Debutante

Had a lovely surprise today - one of our teen reviewers stopped by the Library today and dropped off her review of The Debutante by Kathryn Williams (of which I would looove to have a cover image, but it isn't out until May, and I cannot find a cover image anywhere). At our April Galley Party, 15 teens attended and took home free advance copies of books, in exchange agreeing to be 'guest bloggers' on our teen site. So, in the first of many such posts (I hope!) and without further ado, here is her review.

The Debutante by Kathryn Williams
Reviewer: B

Annie is your typical high school senior, dealing with the stress of college applications, school, and cheating ex-boyfriends. Aside from the stress, her life is great. But then she arrives home from school one day to hear her father announce that they are moving back to his hometown. Now Annie is being thrust into the southern culture with her overbearing grandmother threatening to not pay for her schooling if she does not become a debutante. Before Annie knows what has hit her, she's on a roller coaster ride of emotions and trials to becoming the lady her grandmother "knows is in there somewhere" otherwise she may be stuck in the south for good. This story contains all the elements of a typical teenage drama but has a refreshing style. As opposed to the mundane predictable plotline common in pop literature, this story stays closer to home and explores the bonds that arise between people whether it be in friendship or love. I would highly recommend this book to any teenage girl that is looking for a light read that will bring a smile to your face.
Happy Reading!

Should the Library purchase? B said: Possibly purchase, average book
Suggested age? B said: high school students

Thanks, B, for being our first teen reviewer. For my other teen reviewers, if you have an avatar (computer generated image that looks nothing like the real you!), feel free to email it, and I'll include it with your review!

Posted by Caitlin at 05:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 29, 2008

Duct Tape Mania

Wednesday, April 16th from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Grades 6 and up
Call 655-1234 x117 to register.

Go crazy with duct tape - learn to make colorful wallets, bags, clothing, and more!

Posted by joan at 01:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Teen Galley Party

Thursday, April 3rd
6 to 7 p.m.
Register at 655-1234 x117

What is a galley? It's a copy of a new book that hasn't been released yet.

Come to our Teen Galley Party and get copies of the latest books before they're released!

Posted by joan at 01:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Snuggle Knit-a-Thon

Friday, April 25th
3 to 5 p.m.
Call 655-1234 x117 to register.

Join us as we knit Snuggles, security blankets for shelter animals. We will donate our finished Snuggles to Connecticut shelters for homeless cats and dogs. More info on the Snuggles project can be found here.

You'll need size 8 US or size 11 US needles (available from most craft stores). The Library will provide acrylic yarn, although participants are encouraged to use their own leftover acrylic or cotton yarns to create their Snuggles.

If you can't make the April 25th Knit-a-Thon, no problem! Knit a Snuggle on your own and bring it to the Children's Room by June 1st.

Posted by joan at 09:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 17, 2008

PrepMe: The SAT Preparation Course

Now available on our website: PrepMe SAT prep software!

The PrepMe SAT preparation course offers 40+ hours of instructional content, practice quizzes, and full length tests.

Use it in the library, or log in from home with your library card number.

Posted by joan at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)