The Hunger Games: First trailer!

We had our first look at the film adaptation of The Hunger Games during Sunday's Video Music Awards on MTV. In the short clip we see Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) running from fireballs in the arena and hear a pep talk from Gale (Liam Hemsworth) in voiceover: "You're stronger than they are. You are. They just want a good show, that's all they want. You know how to hunt. Show 'em how good you are."

Are you ready? I know I am. I can't wait for March 23!

Just released: "Bloodlines" and "The Power of Six"

Today marks two big teen book releases: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead and The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore. Bloodlines is the first title in the spin-off series of the same name from the author of the Vampire Academy books. Some of the same characters from Vampire Academy, including Sydney, Jill Dragomir, and Adrian, also show up in Bloodlines. Via Entertainment Weekly's site you can watch the book trailer and read the book's first four chapters!

The Power of Six is the second installment in the Lorien Legacies series. The first book, I Am Number Four, was made into a movie and is now on DVD. We also added two paperback copies of I Am Number Four in addition to our two hardcover copies, so jump into the Lorien Legacies series and see if you like it!

Teens' Top Ten 2011

Teens, be sure to vote for books on the Teens' Top Ten 2011 list through September 15. The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week (October 16-22). Here is the list of nominees:
Drought by Pam Pachorz
I am J by Cris Beam
You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin
Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Love, Inc. by Yvonne Collins
Matched by Ally Condie
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Lies by Michael Grant
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
The False Princess by Ellis O'Neal
Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Thanks for participating in summer reading!

Our summer reading program, A Midsummer Knight's Read, ended on July 30. We had 19 teen summer reading finishers, and several teens read substantially more than the required 4 books. Summer reading finishers celebrated at our End of Summer Reading Lock-In Party on Friday, August 5. Francesca's Campagna of West Dundee donated food to the party (yum!). Teens explored the library while participating in a scavenger hunt and then had fun playing the Wii games Just Dance and Just Dance 2.

In total, teens and adults read 797 during the summer reading program!

The winner of the $100 Target gift card was Stacy E. We also had 10 weekly winners who each won $15 gift cards to Barnes & Noble. Thank you to Francesca's Campagna in West Dundee for donating 20% off coupons and the food for our party. And thanks to all the teens who signed up for summer reading, turned in their reading slips, and wrote their own reviews of the books! Stay tuned to next summer's theme, "Reading is So Delicious."

Recommended books from summer reading

Summer reading ended on Saturday but you can still check out these recommendations from teens (and adults) about teen books they read during the program!

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
TEEN ANDERSON
"If you like and of Anderson's previous books you will enjoy Chains and the cliffhanger ending leaves you excited for the sequel." Rating: 4 out of 5
-- Maria A.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
TEEN BOYNE
"It was a little easy for me but it was a sad, touching book and I enjoyed every page!" Rating: 3
-- Alyssa M.

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
TEEN CAST
"I really liked how the authors put a twist into the stereotypical theme of vampires. It kept me wondering what would happen next and wanting to read more throughout the book." Rating: 4
-- Martha Z.

Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
TEEN CAST
"I liked the chemistry between all the characters. Although there were many loose ends, I feel like the book was good on the story line and it left me wanting to read the next book in the series." Rating: 3
-- Martha Z.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
TEEN DONNELLY
"It has a very slow start, but it starts picking up towards the middle. Andi, the main character, really grows throughout the book and by the end you don't want to put it down." Rating: 4
-- Maria A.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
JUV FICTION GRAHAME
"The book offers a good dialogue. The characters have great detail talks. The author creates amazing pictures in your head." Rating: 4
-- Alyssa M.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
TEEN KAGAWA
"I was so impressed by the fantasy world of this book. Almost every fantastical creature existed there (gnomes, goblins, satyrs, centaurs, trolls, ogres, etc.). The plot was great as it was fueled by so much adventure and discovery. Fit perfectly with reading program theme." Rating: 5
-- Lindsey S.

Hero by Perry Moore
TEEN MOORE
"Moore brings a world of superheroes and teenager problems and questions on their sexuality beautifully. A read for everyone and has the Disney stamp for those who are scared to read a homosexual novel." Rating: 5
-- Tiffany V.

BFF (A Girlfriend Book You Write 2gether) by Lauren Myracle
TEEN MYRACLE
"Funny! Really made me laugh, and think about stuff. It really is a good book." Rating: 5
-- Dania S.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
TEEN OLIVER
"This book takes place in a frightening dystopia, where the ability to love is seen as a sickness, and it is removed by brain surgery at age 18. I think the author did a good job creating this world since I felt so sick in some parts; she really brought the dreariness and horror of this world to life." Rating: 4
-- Lindsey S.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
TEEN PERKINS
"Anna is sent to Paris for her senior year of high school. She doesn't know the language and misses her friends. After meeting some new people they encourage her to explore Paris. Her friendship with Etienne grows into something more but neither admits to their feelings. Realistic dialogue, fun concept. I loved how Perkins wrote the character of Anna -- a cinephile who is quite self conscious at the beginning and really has no clue about the effect she has on people. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for Perkins' next book, Lola and the Boy Next Door!" Rating: 5
-- Danielle P.

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
TEEN ROSENTHAL
"LOOVEDD IT! This book is amazing, but mostly because I could really relate to it. Also it even helped me in a way. And in another way gave me advice." Rating: 5
-- Dania S.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
TEEN ROWLING
"I love all of the Harry Potter books and this was my second time reading this book. It's so well-thought out and it's just a great book." Rating: 5
-- Audrey M.

"I couldn't put it down!": Teen reviews from Summer Reading

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
"Awesome book! Definite page turner. It keeps you hooked on. Read the first book to understand this one. Both books are great. :) " -- Dania S.

Party by Tom Leveen
"Great book. It keeps you interested. One of those books that you can't put down, and just keeps you wanting to read more to see what happens next. Very interesting! :)" -- Dania S.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
"I couldn't put this one down. Mystery, dystopia, space, science fiction told by alternating male and female narrators who have lived very different lives up until they meet one day on the megaship Godspeed." -- Lindsey S.

Story of A Girl by Sara Zarr
"I loved it! Great story. It is also inspiring. Even gets you thinking about some stuff. And definitely has you hooked on. You won't want to stop reading it!" -- Dania S.

Teens share their favorite Harry Potter book and movie moments

"I like a few parts but my favorite is when Professor Quirrel screams, "Troll!!... In the dungeons. I thought you want to know," then faints. I love all moments though and have read all 7 books. J.K. Rowling is the best author ever!" -- Haley

"My favorite moment was when in the movie we got to see Fred and George's joke shop. It was really cool seeing all of their inventions and how amusing they all were. Not to mention I also loved the score that was playing during the scene. It was so giddy, which made the atmosphere complete." -- Stacy

"When Harry kisses Ginny because it is romantic." -- Oliva

"At the end of the chapter 'Horacruxes' in Half-Blood Prince, Harry thinks that even though he is marked for death, he can face it bravely, I really liked that, because Rowling wrote it very well, and I thought the choice was very wise." -- Lexi

The Hunger Games series: Reviews from Summer Reading

The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is popular reading material this summer, for both teens and adults alike! Check out a few reviews from participants in our summer reading program:

The Hunger Games

"Even though the theme was hard to think about, it was an exciting book. I couldn't put it down." Rating: 5 out of 5
-- Martha Z.

Catching Fire

"Excellent! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read Mockingjay. I'll be impatiently waiting to read it!" Rating: 5 out of 5
-- Shannon M.

"I thought it was an okay book compared to the first. What I really liked was the twist towards the end. It sets up a really good way to get readers interested in the following book." Rating: 4 out of 5
-- Martha Z.

Mockingjay

"Not my favorite of the trilogy, but nonetheless a great book." Rating: 4 out of 5
-- Linda S.

"Good end to the series. Lots of surprises. A book you will not be able to put down." Rating: 4 out of 5
-- Shannon M.

Teens share their favorite Harry Potter movie in the series

"My favorite movie would have to be the Half-Blood Prince, because it was really memorable to me. It was the first Harry Potter movie I've seen in theaters, so it seemed a little more magical in a weird way. Also, I watched it while I was on vacation, so now that movie reminds me of the destination." -- Stacy

"My favorite Harry Potter movies is Order of the Phoenix because of all the action in it especially at the end in the Ministry Battle." -- Ernesto

"The third [Prisoner of Azkaban] because it has hippogriffs in it and there is no Voldemort. Also they travel in time." -- Olivia

"My favorite is the third [Prisoner of Azkaban] because even though they took out a lot, it moves quickly, and really, no one cares if Harry didn't go to Florean Fortescue's." -- Lexi

Favorite characters in the Harry Potter series

At last Wednesday's Harry Potter party and viewing of Part 1 of the Deathly Hallows, teens shared their favorite characters in the series. Luna Lovegood (played by Evanna Lynch in the movies) was the most popular character; she was voted the favorite by 4 people.

If you have not read all 7 books or watched all the movies please note this SPOILER ALERT! if you do not want to know about major plot developments!

"My favorite character is Sirius Black, because I always love a good mischief maker. I loved every scene he was in, so I was pretty upset when they cut his character so much out of the fourth movie. And when he was killed off, I was practically speechless. It seems like every character I like in a book has a nasty habit of dying. Still, I've enjoyed his character until the bitter end." -- Stacy

"Luna because she is funny but she doesn't know it. Also she thinks gnargles are in mistletoe. Also when she wears shoes to bed because she sleepwalks." -- Olivia

"Luna Lovegood is my favorite character in the series because she's very intelligent. Not in the way that Hermione is, but very wise. She isn't in Ravenclaw House for nothing, you know she's very wise and confident, unaffected by what others say, but still very happy to have friends." -- Lexi

"Dobby, he is hilarious, I like how he talks in a third person point of view, and he is as cute as a button!" -- Chris

"Luna because she is funny and smart and not afraid to let people hear what she thinks and doesn't care what others say about her." -- Haley

"My favorite character is Hermione because she is smart and cool." -- Elitania

Teens recommend Graceling

Graceling by Kristin Cashore has received positive reviews from two teens participating in the summer reading program! Check out what they have to say about this book:

"I loved the world this book was set in. Katsa was such a believeable character. I hope there are many more books in this series, though, this one can stand alone." -- Lindsey S.

"Brilliant! I couldn't put it down and bought a copy after I returned it. Cashore is no slouch on imagination and it's a book that everyone will want to know how it ends the moment they read the first chapter!" -- Tiffany V.

New books in June!

Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror edited by R.L. Stine	XVI by Julia Karr
The Gardner by S.A. Bodeen	Thief Girl by Ingrid Lee
Rival by Sara Bennett Wheeler	The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
Amelia O'Donohue is So Not a Virgin by Helen FitzGerald	Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman	Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith
Divergent by Veronica Roth	BADD by Tim Tharp
The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

Graphic novels just added to the collection

Dragon Ball Z by Akira Toriyama

Volumes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9

Vampire Kisses

Volumes 2 & 3

Bart Simpson Prince of Pranks

Superman: Earth One

The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis

Teen Gaming Club meets this Friday

Enjoy snacks and refreshments and meet up with friends at this week's meeting of the Teen Gaming Club. During the summer we'll meet from 2-4. Come join the fun!

Sign up for summer reading and win prizes!

Summer reading for teens begins today and runs through Saturday, July 30. Have you signed up yet? All you have to do is read 4 books in order to finish. If you want to read more, go ahead! The more books you read, the more chances you will have in the weekly prize drawings and grand prize drawing. And for each reading entry you return you get to pick out a bookmark. The grand prize is a $100 Target gift card! The weekly drawings will be for $15 gift cards to GameStop or Barnes and Noble.

Each summer reading participant that finishes will:

• receive a certificate for 15% off your family's meal at Francesca's Campagna
• be invited to our End of Summer Reading Lock-In Party (where we will have food from Francesca's as well!)
• be entered into the grand prize drawing

Stop by the Information Desk and sign up, then walk over to the teen area and pick up some books!

Join TAG this Saturday

Our next TAG meeting is this Saturday the 4th at 11 AM in the library's downstairs Craft Room. We will be creating fun decorations and crafts for our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party. We will also talk about other teen events planned at the library for the summer. Plus there will be food and music! Come join us and get in the spirit of our summer reading theme, A Midsummer Knight's Read, which begins on Monday, June 6.

More new books!

Several of these new additions are the beginnings of new teen series. Start stocking up for your summer reading list now!

Jenna & Jonah’s Fauxmance by Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin	What Can(t) Wait  by Ashley Hope Pérez
Wither by Lauren DeStefano The first installment in the new Chemical Garden Trilogy	Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck The first book in the new Tiger Saga series
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins The sequel to Hex Hall	Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith The sequel to Tantalize
Enclave by Ann Aguirre	City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare #4 in the Mortal Instruments series
Delirium by Lauren Oliver New series	Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins