Books on the Big Screen: What's The Next Big Thing?

Now that The Hunger Games has hit theaters nationwide, everyone's already talking about what the next big YA Movie might be. Here are our top picks for most intriguing projects in development:

Matched by Ally Condie

All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, who to marry. When she is Matched with her best friend Xander, things couldn't be more perfect. But why did her neighbor Ky's face show up on her match disk as well?

NOISE says: Dystopian thriller with a juicy love triangle? Sounds familiar! We'd love to see what the seemingly perfect yet sinister Society looks like on the big screen.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.

NOISE says: With its action sequences, sci-fi monsters, and big plot twists, The Maze Runner has the potential wide appeal of the Harry Potter series. But with its huge ensemble of characters, we think its success will defintely depend on the casting.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

To free herself from an upcoming arranged marriage, Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, a futuristic prison with a mind of its own, decides to help a young prisoner escape.

NOISE says: Dark, urban fantasy at its finest! Incarceron will need hardcore visual effects and CGI to live up to any reader's portrayal of the book's setting.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged stranger who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low... and in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

NOISE says: Dark and twisty! We are hoping that chimerae and demons will be the new werewolves and vampires.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

In a small South Carolina town, where it seems little has changed since the Civil War, sixteen-year-old Ethan is powerfully drawn to Lena, a new classmate with whom he shares a psychic connection and whose family hides a dark secret that may be revealed on her sixteenth birthday.

NOISE says: The southern backdrop will set Beautiful Creatures apart from its otherwise fantasy- or future-based competition -- but is paranormal romance so over, or here to stay?


Did you see The Hunger Games this weekend? Do you think any of the above movies have what it takes to be the Next Big Thing?

What's On Display: March

 

In honor of Women's History Month, we've spotlighted books about girls who changed the world, girls who kick butt, and girls who stick together. Pick one of these up today!

Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Modern-day teen Emily March turns to Louisa May Alcott's famous book for a school assignment and finds herself mysteriously transported to the world of "Little Women," where she undergoes surprising changes. 

Girl Goddess #9 by Francesca Lia Block

The cutting-edge author of Weetzie Bat once again breaks new ground with Girl Goddess #9, nine stories about girl goddesses of every age and shape and color and size, wearing combat boots and spiky hair or dressed all in white.

Let Me Play by Karen Blumenthal

Up until the 1970s, if you were a girl, you were told you shouldn't play team sports, or go to college. But, in 1972, Title IX changed that, by ensuring that girls have the same opportunities as boys to participate in sports and classes. But that change did not come without a fight.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

During their first summer apart, four teenage girls, best friends since earliest childhood, stay in touch through a shared pair of secondhand jeans that magically adapts to each of their figures and affects their attitudes to their different summer experiences. 

 

All American Girl by Meg Cabot

A sophomore girl stops a presidential assassination attempt, is appointed Teen Ambassador to the United Nations, and catches the eye of the very cute First Son. 

The P.L.A.I.N. Janes by Cecil Castellucci

When Jane moves to the suburbs, she thinks her life is over, but she meets three friends who form a club called P.L.A.I.N., but can art really save a group of misfits from high school?

girlspoken by Heather Holland, Jessica Hein, and Carol Kauppi

From pen, brush, and tongue, girls and young women (ages 13-19) speak their truths, tell it like it is, and call for change.

Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Fed up with boys and the way they have treated her and her friends, high school junior Penny Lane--named after the Beatles song--forms a club whose members vow to stop dating, but the repercussions are surprising.

Jane by April Lindner

In this contemporary retelling of "Jane Eyre," an orphaned nanny becomes entranced with her magnetic and brooding employer, a rock star with a torturous secret from his past.

 

Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock

After spending her summer running the family farm and training the quarterback for her school's rival football team, sixteen-year-old D.J. decides to go out for the sport herself, not anticipating the reactions of those around her.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

During World War II, a light-skinned African American girl "passes" for white in order to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Staff Pick: Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson

15-year-old Laurel has just moved to a new town and stepped into what seems like a perfect life: cheerleader, member of the popular crowd, and girlfriend of the school's star basketball player, T-Boom. But nothing can make her forget the hurricane that washed away her hometown. Nothing can erase the painful memory of leaving her mother and grandmother behind to perish in the flood waters.

Then T-Boom gives her that first hit of meth. And as it washes over her, it also washes away her guilt and anguish. But this numbness comes at a price. As Laurel spirals into addiction, she alienates the people who truly care about her and ends up on the streets, desperate to get one more hit of "the moon" -- and closer to death than she even realizes.

What will it take for Laurel to pull herself out of the floodwaters of addiction?

Pick it: if you like intense, dark subject matter; you need a fast-paced, quick read; you like novels written in journal form.

Skip it: if you're looking for an in-depth portrayal of meth addiction and distribution in America (Laurel's story is very moving, but Woodson paints in broad strokes and spares the reader the grisly details of drug addiction.)

Pair with: Tweak: growing up on methamphetamines by Nic Sheff.

Check out our new 'zine! (...literally)

It's here!

It's here!

We are SO excited and proud to announce that the first issue of Bridges, our teen art and literary 'zine is finally here! And just as we promised, it's full of fantastic poetry, artwork, photography, and short stories by Cherry Hill teens like you.

But wait, you are thinking, How shall I access this great resource of local teen art and writing? Not to worry, dear reader. All you have to do is come to the Children's Desk at the library, we have copies just waiting for you to check them out! Stop by anytime!

P.S. Also keep your eyes peeled for an online version of this issue to be posted on our website and blog in March!

Say what you really mean this Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day, NOISE readers!

We here at CHPL recognize that many Valentine's Day cards you find in the store can be overly sentimental or awkwardly suggestive in nature. It can be hard to find something that truly expresses your feelings for that special someone. Never fear -- we've found a few cards that get straight to the point (and let you keep your street cred -- bonus!)

For those who take a literal approach to things. From some ecards.

 

Any vampire lover (or Joss Whedon fan) would be smitten after receiving this one. From etsy seller FaithHopeTrick.

 

Lame puns AND Harry Potter? Be still, my heart! From Yenniper.

 For that special someone who you'd travel across time and space for. This is my personal favorite. From this tumblr.

Enjoy!

Roundup: Ongoing Programs & Events

Want to get involved at the library? Join one of our clubs! No experience or special equipment necessary -- and did I mention they're all 100% free?

All of these programs meet at least once a month, every month. For specific meeting dates in this month, click here to view the library events calendar.

Teen Activity Board - Middle School/High School
 Local teens -- we want to hear your voice! Earn community service hours and help with book lists and purchases, plan and run events for young children and tweens. (There are two separate boards: one for middle school and one for high school.) - Meetings held every other week -

The Danger Diabolique Comic Book Club
Addicted to comics, manga and graphic novels? Come hang out, snag cool freebies, enjoy some snacks, and find out what's coming up in the world of comics! - Meetings held every other week -

Writer's Block
Calling all aspiring novelists and poets: find new inspiration, talk to fellow writers, and get feedback on your writing. Writer's Block members are also the editors and designers of our literary 'zine! - Meetings held every other week -

Anime Nite
Easily our most laid-back program! Come chill out with us in the library basement as we pop in a great anime series or movie, eat some snacks, and (sometimes) work on some anime-related crafts. Come early to vote on which movie we'll watch!  - Meetings held once a month -

Dungeons & Dragons
Transport back to the time of myth and explore a fantasy realm in this monthly 3-hour session of battling, puzzle-solving, and monster-slaying. Newcomers and veterans welcome! - Meetings held once a month -

And the winners are...

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

Winner: 

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Honor Books: 
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
The Returning by Christine Hinwood
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Yalsa Award for Excellence in Nonfiction 

Winner:

 The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin

Honor Books:
Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition written by Karen Blumenthal
Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy
Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin\

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens

Winner: 

 Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Honor Books:
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Click here to view all of the winners from the 2012 ALA Youth Media Awards!