10.27.2010

Teen Pick: Monsters of Men

Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

War makes monsters of men. If you've read the other books in this series you've heard it before and now you get to see just how true it is.

Monsters of Men starts off with a bang, almost literally, wasting notime starting off where the last book ended: with the beginning of the Second Spackle war. It's up to Todd and Viola to save the New World as
war ravishes the planet once more. Tough decisions have to be made as once more Todd and Viola are separated as Todd stays back to watch over the Mayor while Viola gets to the settler ship. Does Todd let the Mayor go in hopes he'll lead the army. Should Viola launch a missile and start a full fledge war in order to save Todd? And most importantly, which side will come out the victors?

Monsters of Men was an exciting read. Like the second book in the trilogy you get to see the story through both Todd and Viola's eyes, narrated in such a way that you feel like your there inside their heads as these things happen. The difference is in this book you get a unique perspective, seeing things through the eyes of the Spackle Todd let free in the last book, 1017. Characters die and unexpected decisions are made. If you liked the rest of this series, you'll definitely enjoy Monsters of Men. It manages to stay well-paced and interesting throughout the entire book, moving in unpredictable ways.

It introduces new characters you can't help but fall in love with, such as Bradley and Simone and sheds a whole new light on ones we've met numerous times. All in all, Monsters of Men was a great conclusion to an amazing series, managing to tie up all loose ends in a clear and well thought through way, unlike some books *COUGH* Mockingjay *COUGH*.

Advanced Reader Copy reviewed by: Maya (8th grade) for Writer's Block


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Writer's Block meets twice a month in the CHPL Craft Room on the second floor. Participate in writing prompts and games, learn tips and tricks for improving your writing, and share your work with others. New members are always welcome!

10.20.2010

Staff Pick: Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom

Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious.
When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney. - from BarnesandNoble.com

The verdict: Fans of Georgia Nicholson’s hijinks will enjoy main character Violet’s wit and endearing (if not a bit self-centered) point of view. In fact, they might actually prefer her to Georgia – she’s less boy-crazy and more grounded. Even as Violet tries her best to intimidate her mother’s new boyfriend and meddle in her love life, she remains likable and even funny. Fun fact: Author Susin Nielsen was a writer for the classic Canadian series Degrassi Junior High!

Reviewed by: Melissa

10.09.2010

What's On Display?

In honor of LGBT History Month, the Youth Services Librarians did a display of Young Adult LGBT literature! Here are some choice selections from the display:

Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle
The kiss is no peck on the cheek, and therein lies the rub. Since the fateful event, Kate has been cold to her friend. At first Lissa misses Kate dearly, but gradually, through personal insights derived from some new and unexpected friendships (and forays into new-age dream therapy), she finds the strength to confront both Kate and her own sexual identity.
 Call Number: Y Myracle, L.

Gay America by Linas Alvenas
From colonial times, to the Victorian period and beyond, author Linas Alsenas demonstrates how, within one century, gay women and men have gone from being socially invisible to becoming a political force to be reckoned with and proud members of the American public living openly and honestly.
Call Number: YNF 306.76 ALV

Transparent by Cris Beam
When Cris Beam moved to Los Angeles, she thought she might volunteer just a few hours at a school for gay and transgender kids. Instead, she found herself drawn deeply into the pained and powerful group of transgirls she discovered. 
Call Number: YNF 306.7 BEA

Hero by Perry Moore
Thom Creed, the gay son of a disowned superhero, finds that he, too, has special powers and is asked to join the very League that rejected his father, and it is there that Thom finds other misfits whom he can finally trust.
Call Number: Y Moore, P.

Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
When Johnny completes an alcohol rehabilitation program and his mother sends him to live with his uncle in North Carolina, he meets Maria, who seems to understand his fascination with the new wave band Blondie, and he learns about his deceased father's youthful forays into "glam rock," which gives him perspective on himself, his past, and his current life.
Call Number: Y Brothers, M.

Want more? Of course you do! Come to CHPL for tons more books on display, a brochure with even more recommendations, and on October 13 at 6 PM, a special LGBT edition of Not Your Momma's Book Club (Grades 6 and up welcome).

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Are you struggling with, or do you know someone struggling with an LGBT-related crisis? The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among youth. Their 24-hour helpline is just a phone call away: 1.886.4.U.TREVOR.

Visit the It Gets Better Project on YouTube to see thousands of real people -- including some celebrities -- tell their stories and sound the alarm on homophobic bullying.