Book Bite: "Paper Covers Rock"

"Read to your heart's content. Though if you are a reader, the heart is never content."

-- Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard (2011)

Help prepare for summer reading at this month's TAG meeting!

Summer is just around the corner, and that means two things:
1) No school
2) Summer reading!

Join TAG and earn volunteer hours as you help prepare for this year’s summer reading program “Have Book – Will Travel!” We will reuse old maps to make decorations for the teen area and Information Desk and discuss upcoming teen events at the library. Register for tomorrow's TAG meeting here.

Contact Danielle at dpacini@frvpld.info or 847-428-3661 x 5880 if you would like to volunteer but cannot attend a meeting.

New books out April 23!

The Elite by Kiera Cass
Book #2 in The Selection series
Sixteen-year-old America Singer is one of only six girls still competing in the Selection--but before she can fight to win Prince Maxon and the Illean crown, she must decide where her own heart truly lies.

Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher
When his father disappears while experimenting with a black mirror that is a portal to both the past and the future, Jake encounters obstacles when he tries to use the mirror to find his father.

Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter
Book #5 in the Shadow Falls series.
When Kylie's most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there's only one way to stop him--to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her.

manicpixiedreamgirl by Tom Leveen
Seventeen-year-old Tyler Darcy's dream of being a writer is starting to feel very real now that he's sold his first short story to a literary journal. He should be celebrating its publication with his two best friends who've always had his back, but on this night, a steady stream of texts from his girlfriend Sidney keep intruding. So do the memories of his dream girl, Becky, who's been on his mind a little too much since the first day of high school. Before the night is over, Ty might just find the nerve to stop all the obsessing and finally take action.

Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer
Book #2 in the Immortal City series
Life turned upside down for Maddy Montgomery when she found out she was half-Angel and was catapulted into the scene of flashbulbs, paparazzi, and the fervent adulation that comes with being in the celebrity Angel world. Shes trying to juggle her ordinary life--high school, family, friends--with the intense demands of being in the public eye as heartthrob Angel Jackson Godspeeds girlfriend. And now Maddy must face the most difficult choice of her life. Shes been offered the chance to become a Guardian. This means entering into dangerous and high stakes training, with no guarantee that she can succeed. But more than that, it would mean leaving her mortal life behind--forever--and allying with the Angels at a time when their relationship with humans is heading for war. . . .

How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer
Seventeen-year-old Zoe and her cousin Jess eagerly start summer jobs at New Jersey's Fairyland theme park, but Jess does not get her dream role and Zoe is assigned to be personal assistant to the park's "Queen," winning her no friends.

Book Bite: "Requiem"

"How can someone have the power to shatter you to dust--and also to make you feel so whole?"

- Requiem by Lauren Oliver (2013)

Congratulations to our WrestleMania Reading Challenge winner!

Congratulations to Sleepy Hollow teen Kenyan Gustafson for being selected as one of 18 winners across the United States and Canada in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge. This is the second year in a row that Kenyan has been a WrestleMania Reading Challenge winner!

In October students in grades 5-12 signed up at the Fox River Valley Public Library District for the reading challenge. They pledged to read five books between that time and April 7, the date of WrestleMania 29. The teens also wrote letters to their favorite WWE superstars to convince them to read their favorite book.

The library selected Kenyan's letter to wrestler Mick Foley about Ray Bradbury's classic book Fahrenheit 451 to move on to the next round of competition in the grades 9-12 age group. Other submissions selected to move on for judging from the library were Sky Gustafson (grades 5-6) and Emmanuel Moran (grades 7-8).

In February, members of YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) judged the 192 entries they received and picked Kenyan as a regional winner. Kenyan wins a trip to East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is the site of this year's WrestleMania, and $2,000 for the FRVPLD to purchase materials for the teen department.

In East Rutherford, Kenyan will participate in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge Championships, in the hopes of winning ringside seats to WrestleMania 29. Each age group will answer questions about a book assigned to them in a game show format. Kenyan's age group, grades 9-12, was assigned to read This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel. 

Kenyan and her mother, Jody, are looking forward to the trip later this week. Their hotel is two blocks away from Times Square, and they hope to have time for some sightseeing in between all the activities WWE has planned for them over WrestleMania weekend.

Best of luck to you, Kenyan!

See the complete list of 2012-13 WrestleMania Reading Challenge finalists here.

Michael Grant's final book in the "Gone" series, and more new books out today

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong
The race for survival comes to a thrilling conclusion when Maya and her friends--who all have supernatural powers--find help against the Cabals from unexpected places. Third book in the Darkness Rising series.

Light by Michael Grant
Answers to every mystery of the FAYZ are revealed, unexpected heroes emerge as sacrifices are made, and the Darkness is finally conquered by a force even more powerful than itself in this conclusion to the Gone series.

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
Perfect strangers Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet online when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an e-mail about his pet pig, Wilbur. The two 17-year-olds strike up an e-mail relationship from opposite sides of the country and don't even know each other's first names. What's more, Ellie doesn't know Graham is a famous actor, and Graham doesn't know about the big secret in Ellie's family tree. When the relationship goes from online to in-person, they find out whether their relationship can be the real thing. By the author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

In the Shadows of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
In this original, historical ghost story set in 1918, the year of the deadly Spanish influenza, 16-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to seances and spirit photographers for comfort. Mary's never believed in ghosts, until her first love, a boy who died in battle, returns.

Spring into reading these new books

So many new books to read, so little time.

Humor, apocalypse, Christian fiction, love, loss, mystery, science fiction, friendship, family, action and adventure, teen issues, zombies, superheroes... these new books have something for every reader!

Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati
Passionate about ballet, Ditty Cohen signs up for dance class despite being forbidden to by her Orthodox Jewish parents, then must face the consequences when the two worlds collide after five and a half years of study.

The Look by Sophia Bennett
When she is spotted by a modeling agency and her beautiful sister falls seriously ill, gangly fifteen-year-old Edwina "Ted" Trout must choose between fame and family.

The Sin Eater's Confession by Ilsa Bick
While serving in Afghanistan, Ben writes about incidents from his senior year in a small-town Wisconsin high school, when a neighbor he was trying to help out becomes the victim of an apparent hate crime and Ben falls under suspicion.

Unremembered by Jessica Brody
A girl, estimated to be sixteen, awakens with amnesia in the wreckage of a plane crash she should not have survived and taken into foster care, and the only clue to her identity is a mysterious boy who claims she was part of a top-secret science experiment.

The Prom Queen by Melody Carlson
Life gets more and more complicated for a high school girl who decides to do whatever it takes to be elected as prom queen

Me, Him, Them, and It by Caela Carter
Playing the "bad girl" at school to get back at her feuding parents, sixteen-year-old Evelyn becomes pregnant and faces a difficult decision.

Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker
Scarlett Blaine's life in 1960s Georgia isn't always easy, especially given her parents' financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli's hippie lifestyle. Then there's her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there's no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer's son, Frank, agrees to provide the peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if, someday, they could be more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett's view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she's lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother's dream.

Struck by Lightning by Chris Colfer
The story of outcast high school senior Carson Phillips who blackmails the most popular students in his school into contributing to his literary journal to bolster his college application; his goal in life is to get into Northwestern and eventually become the editor of The New Yorker.

The Ruining by Anna Collomore
Still feeling guilty over the death of her little sister leaves eighteen-year-old Annie vulnerable when she takes a nanny job in beautiful Marin County, California, and meets her very controlling employer.

Blaze, Or, Love in the Time of Supervillians by Laurie Boyle Crompton
Treated badly by Mark, on whom she had a crush, seventeen-year-old Blaze posts a comic strip featuring him as a supervillain and Mark retaliates by spreading a "sext" of Blaze, but her little brother and his friends heroically come to her aid.

After: Nineteen Stories of Apocalypse and Dystopia edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling
An anthology of nineteen tales by well-known authors of young adult and adult literature which explore the lives of teens raised after a catastrophe, either in the first few years after the change or in the distant future.

Panic by Sharon Draper
As rehearsals begin for the ballet version of Peter Pan, the teenaged members of an Ohio dance troupe lose their focus when one of their own goes missing.

Hooked by Liz Fichera
Invited to become her varsity golf team's only female member, Fredericka Oday pursues a dream of earning a scholarship only to be challenged by golden boy Ryan Berenger, who resents Fred for replacing his best friend on the team.

The Prey by Andrew Fukuda
With death only a heartbeat away, Gene and the remaining humans must find a way to survive long enough to escape the hungry predators chasing them through the night. But they're not the only things following Gene. He's haunted by Ashley June who he left behind, and his burgeoning feelings for Sissy, the human girl at his side. Their escape takes them to a refuge of humans living high in the mountains. Gene and his friends think they're finally safe, but not everything here is as it seems. And before long, Gene must ask himself if the new world they've entered is just as evil as the one they left behind. As their enemies close in on them and push Gene and Sissy closer, one thing becomes painfully clear: all they have is each other... if they can stay alive. Chilling, inventive, and electrifying, The Prey is the second book in Andrew Fukuda's The Hunt series.

Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up by Mark Peter Hughes
Following their debut at a school talent show, the members of Lemonade Mouth spend the summer working with a music promoter, recording an album, and appearing on a reality television program.

The Twelve-Fingered Boy by John Hornor Jacobs
Fifteen-year-old fast-talking Shreve is thriving in juvenile detention until he is assigned a strangely silent and vulnerable new cellmate, Jack, who just might have superpowers and who attracts the attention both of the cellblock bullies and sinister Mr. Quincrux.

Notes from Ghost Town by Michelle Jaffe
Young artist Olivia Tithe struggles to keep her sanity as she unravels the mystery of her first love's death through his ghostly visits.

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell
At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers, but when her mentor is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and best friend Alec struggle to do what is right in a world of crime of political intrigue.

Shards & Ashes edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong
Gripping and powerful original stories of dystopian worlds from New York Times bestselling authors

Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee
After her father's third divorce, seventeen-year-old Natalia decides to move with her stepmother, Maureen, from Spain to Florida to learn more of Maureen's faith and to discover who she is away from her father's expectations.

How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller
A teenaged pickpocket, haunted by the ghost of his brother killed by his father, is recruited for Mandel Academy, a school for criminals where only one student survives each semester.

Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz
Rudy's life is flipped upside-down when his family moves to a remote, magical island in a last attempt to save his sick younger brother, Dylan. While Dylan recovers, Rudy sinks deeper and deeper into his loneliness.

Foretold by Jana Oliver
As the ultimate battle between Heaven and Hell begins, Beck reveals his troubled past and grows closer to demon hunter Riley.

Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel and Raven by Lauren Oliver
This collection of short stories set in the Delirium world centers around Hana Tate, Lena's mother Annabel and the fierce rebel leader of the Wilds Raven. Each story was published originally as a digital novella. This collection also includes an excerpt from Requiem, the final novel in Oliver's New York Times bestselling series.

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
Performing community service for pulling a stupid prank against a rival high school, soccer star Tom tutors a Somali refugee with soccer dreams of his own.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
When an otherworldly library called the Archive is compromised from within, sixteen-year-old Mackenzie Bishop must prevent violent, ghost-like Histories from escaping into our world

Zom-B Underground by Darren Shan
Waking up in a military complex, months after zombies attacked school, B has no memory of the last few months. Life in the UK has turned tough since the outbreak, and B is woven into life- and battle- in the new military regime quickly. But as B learns more about the zombies held in the complex and the scientists keeping them captive, unease settles in. Why exactly was B saved? And is there anyone left in the world to trust?

Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
Set in a futuristic, hostile Orleans landscape, Fen de la Guerre must deliver her tribe leader's baby over the Wall into the Outer States before her blood becomes tainted with Delta Fever.

OCD, the Dude, and Me by Lauren Roedy Vaughn
Danielle Levine stands out even at her alternative high school--in appearance and attitude--but when her scathing and sometimes raunchy English essays land her in a social skills class, she meets Daniel, another social misfit who may break her resolve to keep everyone at arm's length.

Divergent and TFiOS casting news!

 Theo James is Four in the movie version of Divergent

Author Veronica Roth's response:

"Recently I saw Theo James' screen test with Shailene Woodley, and I was sure within seconds: this was ‘Four,’ no question. Theo is able to capture ‘Four’s’ authority and strength, as well as his depth and sensitivity. He is a perfect match for Shailene’s incredibly strong presence as Tris. I’m thrilled!"

via veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com

Shailene Woodley is Hazel in the movie version of The Fault in Our Stars.

Author John Green's response:

"Shailene Woodley loves The Fault in Our Stars. She really does, and in her audition, she just was Hazel—at least to me... her commitment to the book and deep understanding of Hazel make her the perfect choice."

via fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com

I don't believe I have seen any of Theo James' other work, so I can only respond to how positive Veronica Roth was about his audition... and I'm excited. ;) I look forward to seeing Shailene in both Divergent (as Tris) and TFiOS. Can't wait to see who will be cast as Augustus.

Because it is impossible for me to stop geeking out about all things Divergent-related, check back for a more in-depth Divergent casting post coming next week!

What are your thoughts about the Divergent and TFiOS movies so far? Will you be first in line for tickets? For other movie and TV adaptations in the works, check out my previous blog post: YA books on the big (and small) screen.

Book Bite: Across the Universe

I stare at the stars. There are so many here, so many more that I can see here than I could see when I stood on Earth’s surface. And even though there are so many more and they look so close together, I know they are light years apart. The glitter in they sky looks as if I could scoop it up in my hands and let the stares swirl and touch one another, but they are so distant, so very far apart, that they cannot feel the warmth of each other, even though they are made of burning. This is the secret of the stars, I tell myself. In the end, we are alone. No matter how close you seem, no one else can touch you.

- Across the Universe by Beth Revis (2011)

Fan Art Day is Saturday

Do you........

draw?

doodle?

paint?

sketch?

create?

Then come to our Fan Art Day this Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 pm. Paper, drawing utensils, and snacks will be provided. Bring in fan art to share with other teens or bring your creativity and create something new!

Review "The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey!

I have an Advance Reader Copy of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey to give away to one lucky teen (grades 6-12). This post-apocalyptic sci-fi book is due to be released May 7, but you can snag a copy now if you are willing to submit a short review of the book after you read it. I will post the review right here on the Teen Blog to share with other readers. Please contact Danielle Pacini at dpacini[at]frvpld[dot]info with your name and contact information if you are interested!

"Clockwork Princess" and more new releases

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
When seventeen-year-old orphaned shapechanger Tessa Gray is kidnapped by the villainous Mortmain in his final bid for power, the London Institute rallies to save her, but is beset by danger and betrayal at every turn. The third book in the Infernal Devices series, following Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince.

Fox Forever by Mary E. Pearson
Before he can start a life with Jenna, seventeen-year-old Locke, who was brought back to life in a newly bioengineered body after an accident destroyed his body 260 years ago, must do a favor for the resistance movement opposing the nightmarish medical technology. Third book in the Jenna Fox Chronicles, following The Adoration of Jenna Fox and The Fox Inheritance.

Plus a couple more that were released earlier this month:

Being Henry David by Cal Armistead
Seventeen-year-old "Hank," who can't remember his identity, finds himself in Penn Station with a copy of Thoreau's Walden as his only possession and must figure out where he's from and why he ran away.

Trinkets by Kirsten Smith
When three Lake Oswego High School girls from different social groups, good-girl Elodie, popular Tabitha, and tough Moe, meet in a rehabilitation group, they discover they have much more in common than shoplifting.