Have you ever felt like the world might be a better place if teenagers were allowed to make their own rules--and enforce those rules themselves?  The students at Themis Academy have learned that their teachers expect them to be so perfect, those same teachers never seem to notice when someone does something terrible.  But the students notice--and, don't worry, they've found a good way to take care of offenders.  A jury of their peers tries every case, and when someone is found guilty, they must give up the thing they love the most.  The punishment is voluntary, of course, but the Mockingbirds promise you won't want to live with the consequences of not following through.

Author Whitney tells a compelling story of a society of smart, successful teenagers forced to police their own community when the adults aren't quite up to the task.  At the same time, she brings up questions of the nature of justice and explores how law and fairness require the participation of everyone in the community.  What rules are the right rules?  How do you keep everyone safe and happy without infringing on the rights of others?  It's a fundamental question of democracy on a small scale . . . because even boarding school is a little like real life.

'Stand Against Racism Day' is Friday, April 29th. Events are happening throughout the month!

Each of us can make a difference.

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA, with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life - across the country - to help eliminate racism. Friday, April 29th is "Stand Against Racism Day," and the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA's and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated. Click the attachment at the end of this post to read about 10 simple ways each of us can make a difference.

Please visit Darien Library this month as we host programs and activities throughout the day in support of the Stand Against Racism:

One Page Poetry Circle – Poetry & Change
Wednesday, April 20 at 7 PM in the Conference Room
Civil rights. Ideas. Rebellion. Beliefs. Bring a single page of poetry by an established poet that is inspired by the evening’s theme, plus your enthusiasm, thoughts, questions, and curiosity about the poems that others bring. The discussions will be led by Madge McKeithen, faculty member of The Writing Program at The New School.

Color Me Beautiful!
Monday, April 25 through Friday, April 29 in the Children's Library
Like the many colors of crayons in a box, children come in all colors, too! Children of all ages are invited to color and design their own die cut people of all colors, shades, and hues to be displayed throughout the Children's Library.

Preschool Storytime
Monday, April 25 at 1:30 PM in the Children’s Library
For ages 3 to 5. The stories we read today will feature a "Celebrate Diversity" theme!

Toddler Tales
Tuesday, April 26 at 10:30 AM in the Children’s Library
For walkers up to 36 months and a caregiver. The stories we read today will feature a "Celebrate Diversity" theme!

Film Screening - Hairspray
Friday, April 29 at 2 PM in the Community Room
In this screen version of the Broadway play Tracy Turnblad is a heavy weight teenager with huge hair who is obsessed with Link Larken on the Corny Collins Show. She sings and dances her way into his heart and onto the show. However, she decides that the segregation of the show is not fair so she and her friends fight to integrate the show. (2007) Starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Allison Janney, Nikki Blonsky, Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer; Rated PG; 117 minutes.

Racism - No Way!
Friday, April 29 from 3 PM to 4 PM in the Teen Lounge
Teens, we'll have a variety of puzzles and group activities that explore issues relating to racism and cultural diversity. Bring a friend and join the discussion on what racism means to you.

Film Screening – A Class Divided
Wednesday, May 11 at 7 PM in the Community Room
In 1970, an innovative teacher attempted a daring experiment in her elementary school classroom. To evaluate how racial stereotypes affect young children, Jane Elliott divided her class between those with blue eyes and those with brown and gave blue-eyed children preferential treatment. This classic program presents the long-term effects of racial stereotyping in schools and suggest how new approaches can make a positive difference with students and teachers. Discussion to follow film screening. Co-sponsored by the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.

Warning: The books on this list are so bad...they're good!

Below is a list of books that will make you love to hate the mean girls, bad boys, and juvenile delinquents. 

Thanks to everyone who came to the Teen Writing Competition last weekend and congratulations to all of the winners!  If you couldn't make it or forgot to grab a book at the ceremony please stop by the Teen Lounge to pick up your very own copy of the 2011 edition of the Darien Library Teen Writing Competition  Book filled with your writing entries!