Teen Reviews

 
Dragon Moon by  Carole Wilkinson is a great ending to the Dragon Keeper Series. The journey to the Dragon Haven probably was the best of Ping and Kai's travels yet. They surprisingly meet up with a few people from the past and make amends. The most interesting one would be Jun, who helps Ping and Kai through a skirmish by the Great Wall of China. The best part of the book would without a doubt be their arrival at the Dragon Haven. It's a surprising turn, when the Haven is found to be deserted, but all is well when Ping and Kai find the Dragon Plateau. Although it's not the Haven, I find the mystical Plateau a cool home and satisfactory place for Kai.

 
The Invaders by John Flanagan would be one of my favorite books. One big reason would be the characters themselves. I particularly enjoy the constant, friendly bickering that happens within the story from character to character. Thorn especially cracks me up. The training session at Shelter Bay was a great part to go by; it was fun to watch the Heron's get into ship-shape, and Thorns revealing moment. The battle at Limmat against Zavac was the best part, Hal's ingenious battle planning put up to quite an interesting fight. There's nothing like a bunch of Skandians on a war rampage. Out of everything, the Mangler was the best. I could completely imagine the pirates running away as their towers and walls collapsed.

--A Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Entwined by  Heather Dixon is a story of the twelve dancing princesses, but retold with new twists and turns that leave the reader spellbound. After the death of their mother, the 12 princesses are thrown into mourning, which includes a ban on dancing. With the help of a secret passage and a magical pavilion guarded by a dashing keeper, the princesses are able to dance every night away without being found out. A happy ending is not in sight, however, when it becomes obvious that a dark force is on the horizon, and the blood of the king is the only way to stop it from destroying everything the princesses hold dear. Dixon has created a magical must-read, with romantic characters, shadowy magic, and a breathtaking plot that is sure to keep readers up all night.

Sara Elizabeth, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

I find it very interesting to read books written by those who have come before us, specifically those on government. Machiavelli has some very interesting ideas on what it really means to be a monarch. In this book he discusses all manner of principalities, both those had by birthright and ones conquered in different ways. He puts forth the idea of religion and how it is helpful or destructive to a ruler. He talks about the best way to hold kingdoms and if it is better to be feared or loved by the people. All in all, a great read that is great for the mind too!

--Karis, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Claim to Fame by Margaret Peterson Haddix is an amazing novel from one of my favorite authors. Lindsay was a child star of a hit TV show. Her life was perfect, until she began to develop her special "talent," but it seemed more like a curse. She seems to have a mental breakdown and ends up in hiding, a prisoner in her own home. Claim to Fame has all the drama of a teenage girl's life, plus a star's. It shows how Lindsay grows from being a star to a home-schooled girl in hiding, to a girl with a mission. It captures your attention from the start and holds onto it.

--Emma, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman

If someone asked you if you were a fan of Jesus, what would you say? You know all the Bible stories, and you go to church sometimes, but that's about all you're interested in doing. In his book, Not a Fan (teen edition), Kyle Idleman distinguishes between being a fan and a committed follower. Using Scripture and personal experiences, Idleman increases your understanding of the faith and leads you closer to making the commitment to become a Christian. His stories, most of which are humorous, make you want to keep reading to find out what happened and how he handled it. This book is great for new Christians or those that want to become Christians.

--Abby, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern is a story of a girl who decides to defy the standards of cool and make friends with a group of "social outcasts." Jessie has always been friends with Bizza and Char, but when they change to fit in with a new crowd, Jessie decides it is time to make new friends. Despite what people have said about her new pals, Jessie likes spending time with them playing Dungeons and Dragons. This story of unlikely friends and new enemies shows that when you defy social normality you can often enjoy yourself the most.

The List by Sibhan Vivian is about superficiality and how it affects those judged by superficial standards. This book is about a school tradition where an anonymous student creates a list of each of the prettiest and ugliest girls in each of the four classes (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) around homecoming week. It follows each of the eight girls through the week before the homecoming dance to show their reactions to the list. This tale sheds light on the traditional views of beauty and how people react to society's standards, either purposefully or accidentally. With a wicked twist and a shocking ending, this book is sure to please.

--Hannah, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

. . . Then I Met My Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso is a beautifully written novel and (although it's fiction) the author has written it so well that it will make you laugh at the funny parts, cry at the sad ones, and "awww" at the romantic ones. This novel is about a girl named Summer. As happy of a name that she has, her life has not all been light blue skies and rays of sunshine. All her life, Summer has been shadowed by the memory of her dead sister. Always she thought that her sister was the perfect one, and her? The unperfect. Or so she thought until her aunt had given her a diary her sister Shannon had kept before she died. But instead of learning more, she has more questions, and the answers to those change her and her family's lives forever.

--Snigdha, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever is an insightful look into the life of a teen who is pressured to be perfect through trying situations. This novel is about a sixteen year old girl named Macy, who, after losing her father to a heart attack, becomes obsessed with perfection and making her life predictable as to protect herself from any other catastrophes. While on this hunt to perfection, she stumbles upon a catering crew who is anything but perfect. Sarah Dessen shines with this tale of life, love, and the courage to be yourself. While still remaining upbeat and funny this realistic novel is sure to make you think about what forever really means.

--Hannah, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Who Are You? by Joan Lowery Nixon

The book isn't the best of her dozens of mysteries, and it also isn't the worst. The intrigue and heartbreaking climax are up to her usual standards, but there is something about the book that gives this book a different feeling than others. However, not counting that difference, the plot is good, and the character development and turns are quite suspenseful. As the main character, Kristi Evans continues to learn more and more secrets about the mystery surrounding her and even more about her personal life, she learns about trust and appreciation for her family. Nixon also includes her usual sideline of romance, blending it in to the plot nicely. So, if you're looking for a great mystery overall, check out Who Are You and other books by Joan Lowery Nixon.

--Emma (Teen Reviewer)

Teen Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is a book about a futuristic land that is ruled by the cruel capitol. Every year there is the annual Hunger Games which Katniss Everdeen seems to be caught up in. This book is a fantastic blend of romance, action, and adventure that will leave the reader in speechless amazement. This book would be good for anyone over the age of twelve. This book was written very skillfully; this sure is a delicious book!

-Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

Garion is a young boy who is being raised by his aunt on a farm. For him, everything is black or white, bad or good. That changes when the storyteller comes, bringing a storm of events that will rip Garion from his comfortable world and throw him into one of deception, treachery, and the unknown. He begins a quest for a mysterious item, discovering that his aunt and the storyteller are not who they seem to be, and his friend Durnik becomes his only reliable link to home. In the sea of his confusion, he must find a path in order to discover the real threat before it overtakes him.

-Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Moon White: Color Me Enchanted by Melody Carlson

Ever since Heather's mom died, she's been a little lost spiritually. Christianity isn't working for her; then she starts dabbling in Wicca. At first, she feels in control of her life, but after the new girl shows up and she loses her boyfriend, she feels like Wicca is now controlling her. She begins to be confronted by evil spirits, and her life spirals out of control until she's ready to take her own life. Then she meets Diane, a steady Christian. Will she be able to turn her life around, or will Wicca get the better of her and send her over the edge?

-Teen Reviewer

Upcoming Teen Events!

Looking for something fun to do at the library? Well mark your calendars, because we have some exciting programs planned for the next two weeks and teens receive raffle tickets just for showing up!

Tomorrow (June 19th, Tuesday) we'll be hosting Yoga for Teens from 3:00-4:00pm in the Lewis Auditorium:

Whether you're an expert yogi or have never been on the mat--you're invited to Yoga 101 with Maggie Taylor from Amara Yoga & Arts. We'll learn fun poses and breathing techniques. Bring a towel and wear comfortable clothes. We'll cool down with fruit smoothies after class.

Are you a teen who likes to draw manga?

In case you didn't know. . . Manga Club and Art Day @ Your Library joined forces to turn June into Manga Month!  

We invite you to bring your own 8 1/2" x 11" drawing to Art Day on June 25th from 4-5 pm in the Lewis Auditorium.

Chat with fellow teen manga artists, share drawing techniques, and present your artwork to your peers. Afterward, we'll feature your personal artwork in our 1st floor glass showcase for the entire month of July! Be sure to put your name and contact information on the back of your drawing so we can return it to you at the end of July.

For even more manga fun, join us June 30th from 1-4 pm in the Lewis Auditorium for the 2nd ever Manga Mini-Con!!

Have you ever wished you could go to an Anime Convention? We’re hosting a mini-convention here at the library with tons of cool activities, including a Manga Trivia Quiz, a Cosplay (costume) Contest, prizes, raffles, snacks and more!  

 

Manga Club meets on the 1st Friday of most months from 4-5 pm in the Lewis Auditorium. All things manga, with snacks and prize drawings every month.

Art Day @ Your Library meets on the 4th Monday of most months from 4-5 pm in the Lewis Auditorium. Different art activities planned each month.

Any questions? Contact Amber or Joel at 367-4405, or ask for us at the Reference Desk.

Teen Review

Forgotten, by Cat Patrick, is about a girl named London who loses her memories of that day every night, and during the night she sees the future. She writes herself notes about the important things and struggles through everything else. When she gets a boyfriend, she's happy, but then, she starts discovering things about her past and her world starts changing. With the help of her boyfriend, she must sift through her "memories" of the future to uncover her past. But what she reveals may change her life forever. I highly recommend this book for teenagers that like romance/drama stories.

-Teen Reviewer

(Urbana Free Library's copy is on order!!)

Chalk Walk Fun

Last Thursday the Urbana Free Library hosted our first Teen Summer Reading Program Chalk Walk. The day was very chilly and rainy, but two teams toughed it out and made some fantastic murals! Thanks to all who joined us!!! 

Here are my favorite pictures from the day, I hope you enjoy them as well!

CHALK WALK!!!

Five days and counting until The Urbana Free Library’s Chalk Walk!  Join us on Thursday, May 31st from 11:00am-2:00pm along Cherry Alley for the Summer Reading Program Kickoff. In the event of rain, we’ll meet in the Lewis Auditorium on the ground floor of the library. We’ll start signing up groups and passing out boxes of chalk at 11:00am. It takes a while to plan and draw a chalk mural, so be sure to arrive on time!

What is a chalk walk, you might ask? A chalk walk is a competition where people work in groups to create sidewalk murals, sometimes based on a theme. Each group works to design a mural that fits within the theme, and judges vote to determine the winning group.

For the Teen Summer Reading Program Kickoff, this year’s UFL Chalk Walk theme will be “Reading is So Delicious”. Start planning your designs now, and think about who you want to be on your team! Teens can work in groups of 2-3 for the competition, and prizes will be given for 1st and 2nd place murals.

We’ll provide chalk and lunch, just come wearing clothes to get dirty in and bring some friends!

Looking for chalk art design inspiration? Check out these awesome Google Images of other chalk walks.

See you on Thursday!

Summer Reading @UFL

Hey teens! We're entering our 4th week of Get Caught Reading Month, which means there are still 2 more chances to win!

Classes are finally at their end for the school year, meaning it's time. . .
 for the 2012 Teen Summer Reading Program!

Find out why Reading is So Delicious @ The Urbana Free Library by signing up for the Teen Summer Reading Program: read great books of your choice (including graphic novels and Manga), watch recommended films, listen to audiobooks, read aloud to a younger sibling, write a short book review, or come to some of our teen programs. The more you participate, the better your chances of winning our weekly raffle!

Winners get their choice of $10 gift cards to places like Art Mart, iTunes, Art Coop, Barnes & Noble, and more. And everyone who reads six books can choose a free book from our cart of popular teen titles. Teens who are entering grades 7 through 12 in the coming school year are eligible to participate.

On Thursday, May 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join us at the kick off and show off your artistic talent at our Chalk Walk. We’ll provide lunch and the chalk – just wear clothes to get dirty in and bring some friends!

Other activities and events during the summer include the Manga Mini-Con and Yoga for Teens. And don’t forget our monthly programs, like Second Saturday Video Gaming, Art Day @ Your Library, and Urbana Otaku Manga Club.

Registration for Reading is So Delicious began on Monday, May 21. For more information about the library’s summer reading programs, call Teen Services (367-4405). For dates and times of library programs and events, visit the library’s e-calendar at urbanafreelibrary.org.

The Other Side of Dark (by Joan Lowery Nixon)

The Other Side of Dark is about a girl named Stacy McAdams who wakes up after being in a semi-comatose state for four years. She soon remembers that she had been shot after coming face to face with an armed robber, who had also killed her mother. Now it is up to Stacy to remember who the murderer is, and also to adjust to living as a seventeen year old rather then a thirteen year old. Along the way she befriends Jeff Clinton, who isn't what he seems to be. He helps Stacy adjust to her new life and later helps when she is once again face to face with the murderer.

- Review by Sara

The Merchant of Death (by D.J. MacHale)

Bobby Pendragon is a typical fourteen year old. He plays basketball, has friends, and only fights with his sister occasionally. He is normal...until his mysterious uncle shows up and asks for his help. Suddenly, he's flying through a flume and entering a world that he never knew existed. Two groups are battling each other, and Bobby is in the middle of it without the aid of his uncle. With only the help of the fierce and beautiful Loor, he must save the territory from the real threat: a scheming shape-shifting menace named Saint Dane who wants to control everything that ever existed.

- Review by Abby

Assassin's Apprentice (by Robin Hobb)

He had always been known as "boy". His grandfather hadn't provided a name as he threw the child into the castle gates. He was the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry, and everyone let him know it. He is pledged to the King at an early age because he is seen as a threat to the kingdom. One night a man shows up in his chambers and tells him that the King wants him trained as an assassin. Later on, he is trained in the Skill, but he fails and is left in shame. However, when he goes on a mission for the King, he uncovers a plot to kill the Prince and knows that he must stop it.

- Review by Abby