Teen Book Club @ the Central Library

Tuesday, April 14th from 3:30 - 4:30

Bring a good book to talk about!

Snacks provided.

Undercover, by Beth Kephart

"I think this book is terrific because the character in the book (Elisa) had such deep thoughts it made you think, wonder, imagine what it might be like to be in her shoes! The writing was great!!! Reviewed by Asha, who is homeschooled.

This is a beautifully written, engrossing tale of a painfully introverted and self-effacing teen who slowly finds herself, along with love, a passion for skating, and new words and ways to use them ~ School Library Journal

The Land, by Mildred D. Taylor

"This book is about the life of a male in the early 1900s. It tells about hardships, loss, and life. The book was not as exciting and adventurous as I wanted it to be. Also, parts didn't lead (anywhere). That's why I only gave it three out of five starts." Reviewed by Timothy.

This prequel to Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of a biracial boy raised in Georgia in the late 1860s, and the many hardships he endures while growing up. ~ Robbie

Tartuffe, by Moliere

"I give this book four out of five stars because it shows that not all plays are boring. It teaches the importance of trusting your family more than someone who says the right thing in front of you, and then does the opposite behind your back!" Reviewed by Trang, Hemphill Branch Teen Reader!

Dragon Keeper, by Carole Wilkinson

Hey, I've got a book review! Dragon Keeper is a book on Ancient China and Dragons. It is one of the best books I've ever read. It has Adventure,History, Action and Mystery all in one. It is a trilogy, it is comprised of: Dragon Keeper (Book One), Garden of the Purple Dragon (Book Two) and Dragon Moon (Book Three). ~ Way to go Peter for a great review! Thanks for emailing us. Keep those reviews coming!

This Perfect Day, by Ira Levin

In this futuristic tale there is no more crime, no fighting, or disease. Everyone conforms, and follows what UniComp (the all-powerful computer system leading their great society) tells them to do. But Chip gradually realizes begins to realize the truth - the power of being a free-thinking individual.

"I give this book five stars (out of five) because it was written with a great writing style that presented a clear and direct picture of what was going on, putting the reader into the story." ~ reviewed by Anna

From what I've seen, most professional reviewers didn't put the book in the same class as Orwell's 1984, but they still thought it was a decent read. ~ Robbie

YALSA Book Awards

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has just announced this year's awards for the top teen books written in the previous year. Take a peek to see if your favorite books and authors won!

• Alex Awards ~ Given to the top 10 books written for adults that have special appeal for teens.
• Margaret A. Edwards Award ~ Honors an author and their specific works that have made an important contribution to the world of young adult literature.
• William C. Morris Award ~ Given to a new, previously unpublished young adult author.
• Odyssey Award ~ Given to the best teen audiobook of the year!
• Michael L. Printz Award ~ Awarded every year to a truly outstanding new young adult book.

YALSA will also be awarding an award for the best teen nonfiction book starting in 2010. I can't wait to see who wins!

The Watchmen, by Alan Moore

Set in an alternative 1980s, Watchmen is the story of a band of retired superheros drawn back together by the murder of one of their own. Outlawed by the U.S. government, they race to solve the mystery of who killed The Comedian. Set against the background of a world on the edge of nuclear war, Richard Nixon still running for office, and rampant crime, this graphic novel (originally a comic book series) is a provocative look at the culture of superheros and their motivations.

Originally published by Alan Moore in 1986-1987, and then later republished as a graphic novel, the book is considered one of the classics of the genre. I read the book many years ago, and absolutely loved it! The movie adaptation that's out now does a good job telling the story, though in my opinion the heavyhanded use of flashbacks slows it down. ~ Reviewed by Robbie:-)

The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskins

On Halloween millionare Turtle Westing, owner of Westing Paper Company, dies. Days later 16 letters arrive to his potential heirs to informed them that they will be paired up and given clues to a riddle. The first team to solve the puzzle get Westing's vast fortune!

"This book was very interesting because I have never read a book (where the) problem all started with a game! The reason I only gave this book four out of five stars is because it was very confusing & difficult to understand." By Haejin, loyal Hemphill Branch Teen reader!

Haejin has turned in great reviews for 20 teen books now - a record for Cool Books for Teens! Way to go Haejin!

The 310: Boy Trouble, by Beth Killian

"This book is better than the previous one in the series, but still doesn't live up to the first book. Seventeen year old Eva (an aspiring actress) finds herself again, but unfortunately she's still involved with two guys. The plot is a little shallow for my taste." Reviewed by Adrienne.