Blog for teens from the Fox River Valley Public Library District in East Dundee, Illinois. Find new books, recommended reads, and information on upcoming teen programs.
Animal Farm by George Orwell Old Major a thoughtful boar describes his dream for farm life that allows all animals to determined there destiny free from the farmer who oppresses them. The animals overthrow the farmer and create their own society. Old Major’s dream becomes distorted.
Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaugh From one of America's most acclaimed comics writers a startlingly original look at life on the streets of Baghdad during the Iraq War inspired by true events. In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. In documenting the plight of the lions, Pride of Baghdad raises questions about the true meaning of liberation - can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live life in captivity? Based on a true story, Vaughan and Henrichon have created a unique and heartbreaking window into the nature of life during wartime, illuminating this struggle as only the graphic novel can. Watership Down by Richard Adams First published in 1972, Richard Adam's extraordinary bestseller Watership Down takes us to a world we have never truly seen: to the remarkable life that teems in the fields, forests, and riverbanks, far beyond our cities and towns. It is a powerful saga of courage, leadership, and survival; and epic tale of a hardy band of Berkshire rabbits forced to flee the destruction of their fragile community and their trials and triumphs in the face of extraordinary adversity as they pursue a glorious dream called "home"
"When I was little, I used to go to the local ice-skating rink. In my mind, I always felt like I could twirl and jump, but when I got out onto the ice, I could barely keep my blades straight. When I got older, that's how it was with people: In my mind, I am bold and forthright, but what comes out always seems to be so meek and polite. Even with Evan, my boyfriend for junior and most of senior year, I never quite managed to be that skating, twirling, leaping person I suspected I could be. But today, apparently, I can skate."— Gayle Forman
Merle Haggard, Country Legend: 1937-2016
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Country legend Merle Haggard passed away Wednesday, April 6, in Palo Cedro,
California. Haggard recorded more than 3 dozen number one hits over the
past...
Spotlight: Short Stories
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*“A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick – a couple of thousand
words to take you around the universe or break your heart.” – Neil Gaiman*
*A ...