Even writers as great as Shakespeare often “skimped” on their endings. However, The Order of Odd-Fish by James Kennedy (Delacorte, 2008), is an interesting read from start to finish. The world of Eldritch City is enthralling as well as original. Many of the ideas, such as a talking digestive track, or the inconvenience, are all the more interesting for their originality as well as their oddity. It is an enjoyable fantasy that pushes that which is “normal” out the window. A fantastic read. “*****” 5 stars! (Sam, ETHS)
The Order of Odd-Fish September 5, 2008
Surviving Middle School… August 28, 2008
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Amulet, 2007), is about a sixth grade boy; Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf by Jennifer Holm (Atheneum, 2007), is about a 7th grade girl. The books are similar in that they employ simple prose, hilarious illustrations and a relaxed style which result in an easy to consume, fun read. Neither is quite a graphic novel, but their styles should appeal to graphic novel consumers.
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley (who is either the “52nd or 53rd most popular in his class”) keeps a journal (NOT a diary) documenting his attempts to navigate his sixth grade year, which includes bullies, family dynamics and mishaps of his own making. In Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf, the trials and tribulations of Ginny Davis are told through her “stuff,” which begins with a “to do” list for seventh grade, and includes notes from her mom, pizza coupons, report cards, bank statements, ticket stubs and more.
I always enjoy books that contain characters and story lines to which I personally relate. I also like books filled with humor. Both these books fit both criteria, and I highly recommend them to readers of all ages (including parents trying to remember what it’s like to be a middle-schooler.) For those that enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, it is the first in a series. Roderick Rules was published earlier this year, and The Last Straw will be released on January 17, 2009. (Marcia, South Branch)
Friday Afternoon Gaming! August 21, 2008
Wii will rock you! Friday afternoon gaming, August 22, 3-5:30 in the Loft! For teens!!
Guitar Hero & Wii.
2008 Beijing Olympics August 16, 2008
Looking for a good book on China? Check out our young adult recommended titles that focus on China.
Visit our sports bibliography for teens to find a book about one of the Olympic sports in the news, such as swimming, diving, or running.
2008 Hugo Awards August 12, 2008
2008 Hugo Awards were announced at the Science Fiction Convention in Denver on August 9th.
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form:
Doctor Who “Blink.” Written by Steven Moffat and directed by Hettie MacDonald (BBC). The complete third series of Doctor Who is available at libraries in our consortium. You can place a hold through our library catalog.
Best Novel: The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (HarperCollins, 2007).
Best Novella: All Seated on the Ground by Connie Willis (Asimov’s Dec, 2007; Subterranean Press).
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: Stardust Written by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (Paramount, 2007), based on the novel by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins, 1999).
The Hugo Awards are sponsored by the World Science Fiction Society. For a complete list of this year’s awards, click here.
Friday Afternoon Gaming! August 8, 2008
Guitar Hero and Wii open play in the Loft today, Friday, August 8, from 3-5:30. For teens in middle and/or high school.
Cross My Heart & Hope to Spy August 5, 2008
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter (Hyperion, 2007)
This is a typical, atypical book geared toward middle-school girls. Huh? Typical, because it has all usual stuff … good girlfriends, boy issues, parent issues, clothes, a school dance. Atypical, because it all takes place at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, which looks to the world like a preppy boarding school, but is actually the U.S.’s foremost spy school for girls, complete with classes like “Covert Operations” and sub-basements filled with cool spy gadgetry.
I liked this second book in the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter better than the first. The heroine, Cammie Morgan, has a new love interest (Zach), although she’s still thinking about her old love interest (Josh) even though her super-spy mother erased Josh’s memory of her. While I still find the dialogue a bit stilted, it’s clever, as is the storyline (which involves several suspenseful, undercover missions.) This book is good, light fun. According to Carter’s website (which is worth checking out) a movie is in the works, as is a third book (to be published on June 9, 2009) I’m looking forward to both! (Marcia, South Branch)
Also available on CD and eAudiobook.
Vampire Stories August 1, 2008
Vampire books await your bloodthirsty visit to the Loft. Visit our Vampires: Books with Bite Bibliography for a choice novel to sink your teeth into…
Breaking Dawn Release Party in the Loft July 29, 2008
Breaking Dawn Release Party in the Loft!
This Friday evening, August 1, 7-9 pm! For teens!
Trivia, crafts, contests, games, vampire movies, and red velvet cupcakes! Join other Twilight fans in the Loft.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (2008, Little, Brown)
Peeled July 29, 2008
Peeled by Joan Bauer (2008, G. P. Putnam’s Sons)
I love Joan Bauer’s books. All spring I waited with high expectations for Peeled. Maybe I expected too much, but I am disappointed. The book’s main character, Hildy, is a reporter for her high school newspaper. There are evil-doers afoot in her small town, and she and her friends (with the help of a curmudgeonly adult advisor) uncover their shenanigans. If you’ve read Landry News by Andrew Clements, or more recently, the Adam Canfield of the Slash books by Michael Winerip you won’t find anything new here. If you really like the “high school journalist” genre and are looking for a new book, I prefer Defying the Diva, by D. Anne Love, over Peeled. If you haven’t read Joan Bauer, start with Hope Was Here and Best Foot Forward. I thought they were great; Peeled is just okay. (Marcia, South Branch)
