Teen Space Blog

Review: Variant by Robison Wells

2012-01-26T11:32:00.002-05:00

Variant by Robison Wells

This book is about a boy named Benson Fisher. He has atough life, going from foster home, to foster home. Then he heard about Maxfield Academy. Onlythinking to get out of his tough situation, Benson applied for scholarship. Heanswered some questions about school, exaggerated a bit about his grades, andfilled in a questionnaire on his family situation and got a call the nextafternoon. Little did he know that things were only about to get worse. Nextthing you know, he's trapped in a school where there are no adults at all, andvideo cameras monitor his every move. The school is surrounded by a razor-wirefence and no one has ever escaped from. Then Benson finds out a spine tinglingsecret and realizes that he might be stuck there forever. This book is filledwith tension and suspense and it seems really real. I would rate it 4.5 out of5.

~ Nida

Waiting on Hunger Games (still!)

2012-01-25T18:01:00.000-05:00

In today's Waiting on Wednesday, I thought I'd highlight a couple recent Hunger Games-related things...

First off, some bad news. The nail polish line that was going to happen is no more! Sad. See the details here. They look so pretty too!

But in good news, Lionsgate (the studio behind the movie) has launched a couture blog! Check out & drool over the gorgeous fashions here. The face of the blog? None other than Effie, of course!

Can you imagine wearing that to class? Gorgeous!

I can't wait for the film! Keep an eye on this blog for news about library events celebrating the launch of the film.

Review: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

2012-01-19T11:17:00.001-05:00

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

In anticipation of the fourth and final book in theInheritance Cycle coming out, I decided to reread all the books to refresh mymemory. These books are incredibly awesome, and I would encourage lovers of thefantasy genre to read them, if you haven’t already. Everyone can enjoy thesebooks, girls, young readers, adult readers, everyone.

Eragon finds a mysterious blue stone one day while hunting.Unsure what it is, he takes it home and keeps it. The stone hatches into a bluebaby dragon, a creature that everyone in the Empire was sure had gone extinct.With the help of a strange village story-teller named Brom, Eragon learns asmuch as he can about the dragons of old. When he discovers that he is beinghunted by their evil tyrant of a king, Galbatorix, Eragon flees his villagewith the dragon, which he has named Saphira, and Brom. Eragon learns that hehas become part of an ancient order of Dragon Riders, who were wiped out byGalbatorix when he first came to power. Now it is Eragon and Saphira’sresponsibility to use their position to help the people of the Empire rise anddefeat Galbatorix. However, that will be a bit hard as there are no more livingRiders to train them. Nevertheless, they must try to overthrow the corrupt governmentwith the help of a myriad of people, from elves to dwarves to insane magicians.

~Kristen

holy social media!

2012-01-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

All that in 60 seconds!

The library is looking at where we should be in the social media world. What do you think? Which social media sites do you use?

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-01-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

Today's WoW is a book I've been intrigued by since I first saw the cover. I'm waiting on Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

the premise: Cinder, as you may guess, is a twist on Cinderella. A really cool science-fiction twist with cyborgs and androids! Here is the description from Amazon: Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

why I'm dying to read it: I love the idea of cyborgs. Bladerunner is one of my favourite movies. Also, can we say intergalactic struggle and fobidden attraction? I'm so there.

how long I have to wait: It just came out earlier this month so any day it will be in my hot little hands! I'm first in line!

while you're waiting check out: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick . It's the book Bladerunner was based on and it's super interesting and really cool. If you're a science fiction fan, you've probably already read it but did you know it's also been published as a graphic novel? You can put a hold on volume one here.

Trailer Tuesday

2012-01-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

In honour of the How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse program this afternoon at Saltfleet, have a book trailer for a book featuring (you guessed it): zombies!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan is the first book in a trilogy. Check out the trailer below:

New Books!

2012-01-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

Holy moly! Lots and lots of new books! We have an awesome new person who is taking over ordering books and she's done a great job in selecting really interesting titles that are sure to be popular. Take a look at a few of them below and then find the rest here!

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

2012-01-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

Please welcome our newest reviewer, Lyndsey! Lyndsey brings us our first review of the year for Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

Can mortal enemies fall in love- during a war?

Daughter of Smoke andBone is about a girl named Karou raised by “monsters” called chimaera. Chimaeraare the opposite of the angels, the other inhabitants of this world. Chimaeraare usually a mixture of two or more creatures-such as a gazelle/bat/human.Karou was raised from an infant in the “lair” or house of one of the mostpowerful chimaera in the worlds- Brimstone (the tooth collecter). For yearsKarou had lived with him in the house (which is halfway between the chimaeraworld and our world) and she lived a normal life. Well there was one thing thatwasn’t normal in her life- the teeth. Whenever Brimstone needed teeth deliveredhe sent her to get them for him- not exactly the most normal odd-job! Theseerrands were pretty hard to hide because she was an art student in Prague andmore often than not they were in places like France, San Francisco, and sometimesCanada! So one day she was in the Jemaa el-Fna (a marketplace in Morocco) andshe spotted an angel and well it was love at first fight.

Meanwhile, all aroundthe world, black hand prints were appearing burned on doors-and only the doorsthat are used as portals to transport teeth to Brimstone. This may have beenallarming to Karou and Brimstone especially when all of the doors mysteriously burst intoflame and Karou is left to fend for herself Karou feels even more frightenedand feels the need to find her family. In order to find them and make sure thatBrimstone and the few chimaera that she knows (or knew) are safe-she needs tofind out who she is, and why she was brought up in the care of Brimstone andnot human parents. Karou can’t do all of this alone though, and may need toseek help from the chimaera’s enemy- Akiva- the angel that she saw in the Jemaael-Fna.

This book is a great read if you love supernaturalromances that are impossible to put downmost of the time! I know that I couldn’t put it down at all!

~Lyndsey

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-01-11T18:51:00.003-05:00

Today's book is the third in a series that I like very much: The Agency series by Y. S. Lee. The third book is called The Traitor in the Tunnel.

the premise: The Agency takes place in Victorian London and focuses on an undercover spy (or at least the closest thing Victorian London has to an undercover spy) named Mary. In the third Agency book, Mary gets her biggest assignment yet: to infiltrate Buckingham Palace.

Why I'm dying to read it: The first two books were the perfect blend of historical fiction and mystery with some romance thrown in for good measure. I know that the third installment will deliver another excellent book.

how long I have to wait: The end of February! Luckily I have lots to read until then.

while you're waiting check out: The other two Agency books! Mystery! Intrigue! Victorian romance! Sherlock Holmes is another mystery series based in Victorian London too and there are tons of adaptations of those stories (though the originals are superb).

what are you waiting on?

How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse!

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

Ever wondered what to do when the shambling dead rise from their graves? Come out to Saltfleet library on Tuesday January 17 at 3:30 p.m. and learn how to survive an attack of the undead!

I think it's going to be really fun and a great break from studying. We're going to see who is best equipped to survive the apocalypse, do some zombie trivia, and practice our zombie-killing aim with nerf guns! If you're in the Saltfleet area and in high school, come on out!

But first please register by calling the branch at (905) 662-8611 so we know how many zombie killers to expect.

Trailer Tuesday: Joy of Books!

2012-01-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

Today's trailer is less a trailer for a particular book and more a trailer for a lot of books. If you're a bit of a book geek (or even just a stop animation geek), check out the video below for a fantastic stop motion book movie (it's under two minutes and I know you're probably putting off homework already):

I've actually been to the bookstore in the video (Type) and I'd recommend it if you're ever on Queen St. W in Toronto. It's very nicely curated and lovely for browsing.

Happy First Day Back!

2012-01-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

I hope your first day back to classes wasn't too painful! We are also getting back into the swing of things at the library and have lots of cool stuff coming up. Check out the events calendar to see what's going on at your location. All our book clubs, gaming nights, teen advisory groups, etc. are in one convenient spot!

Hope to see you out at the library in 2012!

PS Vita

2012-01-06T13:09:00.001-05:00

Did you guys see that Playstation is coming out with a handheld device? The PS Vita is out February 22 and I have to say it looks pretty cool. It has wi-fi so you can connect with friends to play. Check out videos of it in action at the PS website.

If you're into gaming, Central is offering gaming this coming Wednesday January 11 at 3 p.m. The gaming continues on January 25, February 8 and February 22 so mark it in your calendars. Teens only!

What's your favourite gaming system? What gaming would you like to see at the library?

Chat with Becca Fitzpatrick!

2012-01-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

Goodreads (a book review sharing site) is having a live online chat with Becca Fitzpatrick, author of the Hush, Hush series. She's going to be joined by Moira Young, author of Blood Red Road, another book I loved this year.

This is all happening next Tuesday, January 10, at 7pm. You can check it out their website here. I'm not affiliated with Goodreads, just thought some of you would be interested.

Teen Book Clubs

2012-01-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

We have a lot of new book clubs that are starting this winter.

If you haven't tried a book club, I'd definitely recommend going out to a meeting to see what they're all about. Usually you all read the same book (but not always, sometimes it's just a book chat) and it's fun to have discussions and arguments over what you loved and hated about the book. You can also meet fellow book lovers which is always fun.

You can see which branches are now running book clubs on the website here. If you'd like your branch to run a teen book club, try mentioning it to staff next time you're in.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-03T15:51:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a great New Year's!

I've updated the twirly thing with awesome road trip books. I love road trip books. There's something really exciting about seeing the world in a car (and being trapped in a car with someone who you may or may not like). I hope you find something you like. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is pretty much my favourite thing.

I've also been having trouble with the shoutbox and am in the midst of trying to fix it. If you have a question/comment, leave a comment in any of the blog posts and I'll get it.

One more thing - no reviews this week but they will resume next week.

Have a great week!

Best Books of 2011 - Kat's picks

2011-12-29T13:56:00.002-05:00

I have compiled the best books that I read in 2011!*

*these are actually the best teen fiction that were published in 2011 that I read. I did read some fantastic adult fiction and some older teen fiction too, but they were left off this list. If you're curious you can always ask.

These are in no particular order, except vaguely in the order that I read them. Links go to the print copy but keep in mind that some of these also have e-books or audiobooks too.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis - part science fiction, part murder mystery, part coming-of-age, all awesome. I really liked the setting - a ship that's been in space for 250 years - and the ins and outs of how that might work. Really intriguing read.

Shine by Lauren Myracle - a heavier book about a hate crime in small town America. Beautifully written with fleshed out characters. If you're looking for something with a little bit of substance, this is for you.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray - beauty pageant contestants crash on an island and have to not only survive, but discover who is behind their crash. It's a witty, smart book that has lots of laugh out loud moments but lots of poignant moments too.

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt - A boy moves to a new town and has to deal with trying to fit in and also deal with his dysfunctional family. Another book where I really loved the characters. Nobody is as they seem including the narrator, Doug. This felt like one of those books your teacher might make you read and at first you don't really want to like it but then you end up realizing that your teacher knows what they're talking about after all. Just a really, really good book. Don't let the kind-of-boring cover fool you.

Red Glove by Holly Black - I know you're all shocked to find this here. I only talk about this series every five seconds or so. It involves two of my favourite things - magic and organized crime. If you haven't read the first one in the series, White Cat, I urge you to do so immediately.

Divergent by Veronica Roth - I bought this on a whim at an airport and I'm so glad I did. It's a dystopian book set in a really interesting version of Chicago.The pacing was fast enough to keep me awake through my flight and the plot was enough to distract me once I got to my destination. I also have to say that I really loved the relationships in the book. The romance was perfect but I also really enjoyed the family and friend relationships too. If you've finished Mockingjay, pick this one up.

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - Scorpio Races takes place on an island where they race flesh-eating water horses every fall. This island itself feels so real that by the time you're done reading you'll feel like you've been there. I really loved the mythology behind these dangerous creatures and the two main characters who each had their own conflicts going on. It's different than her usual paranormal romance stuff, but in a good way.

Chime by Franny Billingsley - More magic but a historical setting this time. The main character is sure she should be hung because she has done awful things. As you read though, you realize that things aren't always as they seem. The characters in this book are extremely charming. Its wit and wordplay won me over. Recommended to readers who don't mind romance with their magic.

Death Cure by James Dashner - The last in the Maze Runner series. I don't think I quite loved this one as much as Scorch Trials but I did like it lots (obviously. It's on this list). It's really intense and we finally get some answers to the questions but at a fairly high cost. If you're looking for a good dystopian read, I definitely recommend this one.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - My review on Goodreads says one word: Perfection. If you are looking for something lighter after reading all the dystopian books (which, let's face it, are a bit of a downer), pick up Lola and the Boy Next Door. It has all the feel-good of a rom com with none of the annoying actresses. I even liked it better than the book before it, Anna and the French Kiss, though I recommend that one too.

PHEW! That was a lot of gushing about books. Now give me your favourites!

(also: make sure you have a good new year!)

Happy holidays!

2011-12-22T16:31:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow's your LAST DAY of classes! I hope you all have a happy holiday! The blog will be on a little mini hiatus over the holidays so don't panic if there aren't any new entries for a little while.

In the meantime, I want to know what your favourite books of 2011 were. I'm going to be compiling my list to post next week sometime. You can make your lists in the catalogue and leave me a link here or leave a comment in the shoutbox.

I am 12 books away from completing my 2011 reading goal (yikes) but I think I can do it if I read really fast. How did you guys do with your goals this year? Have you thought about next year yet?

I can't believe 2011 is almost over! Bring on 2012!

New books!

2011-12-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

Some new books have arrived! You can see the rest of them here.

Trailer Tuesday

2011-12-20T15:10:00.003-05:00

If you love Love Triangles, this trailer's for you! It's for the latest in the Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer. It involves werewolves, packs and, as I mentioned, love triangles.

I love how they used what looks like actual wolves (or maybe dogs?) in the trailer.

Check it out here!

Want to read it? You can place a hold here. It comes out in January.

Power of the Pen Winners!

2011-12-20T12:28:00.004-05:00

I am very pleased to announce the winners of the Power of the Pen Writing Competition!

You can see the list of winners here!

If you entered the writing competition, you will soon be getting an invitation to our awards ceremony where you will be able to meet the judges, hear the winning entries and get to see who won the iPad2.

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

2011-12-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Matched by Ally Condie

Cassia is a girl who always does what she's told and always follows the rules. When the society gives her a chip with the person she didn't get matched with on it, her whole world changes. She starts to question the society and wether they actually make the right choices. Instead of falling for her best friend, who is also her match, she begins to fall for Ky. The person who shouldn't have been on her chip. Now as she tries to decide wether she should go with what she has always known or what she wants, her life slowly falls apart. An exciting book that is a must read! You won't be able to put it down!
This is the first book in the series.

~ Elena

Trailer Tuesday

2011-12-13T16:38:00.001-05:00

This week's trailer is for a book that was just added to the catalog - The Space Between by Brenna Yavanoff.

If you like paranormal romance/mythology books, I think you're going to like this one. The premise sort of reminds me of Abandon by Meg Cabot.

Check out the trailer below!

You can place holds on this title here!

Wrestlemania Reading Challenge Winners

2011-12-09T15:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Chris from Dundas in grade 6 and Chris from Terryberry in grade 8 who were the Hamilton Public Library winners for the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge!

Their entries go on to the American Library Association Headquarters in Chicago where they will be judged with the other entries from Ontario and Quebec. If they win, they get a trip for two to Miami, Florida for Wrestlemania!

Good luck, guys!

Review: The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel by Kate Brian

2011-12-08T11:07:00.001-05:00

The Book of Spells: A Private Prequel by Kate Brian

In 1915, a young girl names Eliza Williamsbegins to attend Billings School for Girls. After finding a spell book, her andher friends form a coven and begin to cast some spells. Everything seems gooduntil one spell goes wrong….very wrong. I thought this was a great book. I wasnervous about reading it at first; having not read any of the Private seriesbefore, but found I could easily follow the story line. The book wasfast-paced, had cliff-hanger ending to each chapter and turned out to be aneasy read. I am now very interested in reading the Private novels and seeinghow this book intertwines with the series.

~ Taylor

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-12-07T13:52:00.001-05:00

Today's book I've already been waiting on for months but it's finally in the catalog so I can talk about it! I'm dying to read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

the premise: I'm actually just going to copy + paste the publisher's blurb because I think it's perfect: Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Why I'm dying to read it: I love stories where characters meet unexpectedly and just click. This sounds like my kind of book! Also, I love British main characters AND the font on the cover is to die for (I'm allowed to love a book because of its font, right?)

how long I have to wait: January 2! A perfect first-read of the year, I think.

while you're waiting check out: My favourite rom-com read of the year: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins or another book where characters click: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares. This one gets bonus points for also being a Christmassy book too.

What are you waiting on? Let me know in comments or in the shoutmix!

New books!

2011-12-07T10:56:00.001-05:00

Some lovely new books are in the catalog for your perusal. As always, this is just a taste. You can find the rest under the New Teen Books.

Trailer Tuesday!

2011-12-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

The Stoney Creek Book club is doing the Alchemyst by Michael Scott for their January title. If you've read it, come out and chat next year!

If not, check out this awesome cinematic trailer for the first book in the series, Alchemyst, and put it on hold here.

Best Books of 2011

2011-12-05T14:16:00.001-05:00

Best Books lists have already started pouring in. Have you started thinking about what your favourite books of the year were? I'm going to be posting mine again this year and would love to post some of your lists too. Leave any favourites in comments below or in the shoutmix.

Chapters Indigo has their list up and it includes some of my favourites too. Check out their list here and start making your own!

Trailer Tuesday... er, Wednesday?

2011-11-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

If you could look at your facebook in ten years, would you? See what your status is? Who your friends are? That's the cool premise behind The Future of US by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler.

Check out the trailer below:

Sounds interesting, right? (Although a little depressing for me that most of you don't even remember what AOL even was!) You can place a hold here!

Write Across Ontario

2011-11-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

Check out this cool writing competition for students in Ontario. You can win up to $500!!

Basically three authors have started a story and your task is to finish it. Story Starter #2 has caught my eye - a dark mysterious stranger? Sounds interesting... but check them all out and see if you get inspired.

You can find all the contest details here. You have until ~~December 15~~ February 1, 2012 to enter. Good luck!

edit: The date has been extended to February 1! Hurrah! Keep writing!

Review: The Boy With the Striped Pyjamas

2011-11-24T11:24:00.001-05:00

Here is our other fabulous new reviewer- Katie! I hope you enjoy her reviews!

Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

TheBoy in the Striped Pyjama's is a sad story about the Holocaust anda forbidden friendship. Bruno is an 8 year old curious boywho wants to be an explorer when he grows up. His father is a soldier, thatworks for Hitler. When his father get promoted, Bruno and his entire familyhave to move away from Berlin, to Poland, so his father can work at thehorrible concentration camp 'Auschwitz'. He doesn't know about the war, orunderstand why he has to leave Berlin. When they arrive in Poland,it isn't anything like what he expected. There are not any kids outplaying, there aren't fruit stands, and the house it way too small! The house isnot even good for exploring, and the backyard is out of bounds. When he looksout his window, he can see the farms with the strange people wearingstriped pyjamas. One day, Bruno decides to go exploring in thebackyard anyway, to get a closer look at the farmers. Careful not to becaught, he slips out of the house. Eventually, he sees a person behind thefence. He gets close enough to see its a little boy, just like him! Theymeet each other, and Bruno finds out his name is Shmuell. Bruno starts tomeet him everyday. Bruno knows he shouldn't be talking to him, buthe doesn't see why... Will Bruno get caught? What will happen? One ofmy favourite books ever, make sure to bring the tissues!

~ Katie

Trailer Tuesday

2011-11-22T15:42:00.001-05:00

I think everyone and their grandma has seen the trailer for Hunger Games (I know I sent it to mine!) but just in case... check it out!

What do you think? I was actually weirdly relieved when I saw the trailer and actually saw pieces of the book that I recognized. I really hope they do it justice.

Last Day to Enter the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge!

2011-11-21T14:34:00.001-05:00

It's the last day for the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge! This is areally easy way to win a trip to Wrestlemania in Miami, Florida and afun challenge even if you don't win!

You can get all the details at the HPL teen page here! Good luck!!

Review: The Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King

2011-11-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S King

In the late seventeenth century, Emer Morrisey was a feared pirate at the top of her game and was ready to give up her pirate life (keeping her enormous treasure however) to a simple one lived with her true love. After burying her treasure for safe keeping, Emer was killed and cursed to live one hundred lives as a dog. Three hundred years later Saffron Adams is born, with her memories of Emer and her lives as a dog intact. As Saffron settles back into human life she plans for the day she will return to Jamaica and recover the tresure she had buried so many years before.

The Dust of 100 Dogs is a fantastic and well written story. It is historically accurate when writing about Emer's past and very interesting in the peeks of Emer's life as a dog. There are not many words to describe this book. It is different but lovely. The only way to know the magic of this book is to read it! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical literature.

~ Sarah

New Books!

2011-11-15T13:53:00.001-05:00

New paperbacks have arrived! Check out the rest here!

Trailer Tuesday!

2011-11-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

I just finished this book and loved it! I love murder mysteries and combined with a city I really want to go to (London!), and Maureen Johnson's trademark humour, this book was right up my alley.

Check out the trailer for The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson below! I really love the score used and the colour scheme. It works really well to convey the sort of murder-mystery atmosphere of the book.

(and add your name to the holds list here. I just returned the copy I had).

Are you ready to rumble?!

2011-11-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

The Wrestlemania Reading Challenge is running this week!

You can find all the details here.

Bottom line: if you pledge to read 5 books and complete a short project (either a bookmark or a letter about your favourite book) you could win a trip to Wrestlemania which this year is in Miami, Florida!

Last year someone from Dundas actually won the trip to Atlanta!!

You have until Monday November 21st to complete the projects so get on it!

Review: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-11-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

We have a fantastic new reviewer on our team - Nida! I hope you enjoy her reviews.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is about a brave girl named Katniss Everdeen. Her life is hardsince her father died, and now she has to provide food for her mother andlittle sister Primrose and to make it even worse her mother can do almostnothing. Katniss has to break the law almost everyday to hunt beyond the fence,but she has her friend Gale to help her. Then the viciousyearly Hunger Games come around but this year was different- thisyear her little sister Prim had one ballot in thousands. Prim gets picked and Katniss takes her place bravely and faces the other competitors to thedeath. This book is full of action suspense and even romance too! It's the typeof book that you will always have your nose in to keep reading. This bookwould be recommended for 13 and over. I would rate this book 9 out of ten.

~Nida

Waiting on Wednesday: Movie Edition

2011-11-09T17:28:00.002-05:00

There are lots of great YA books being made into films lately, it seems. I don't know about you but I can't wait for Hunger Games in March! Have you seen the new posters?

Here is the Katniss one:

Before March, there are other books being made into films... I don't know if you've heard of a little book called Breaking Dawn? Now might be the time to re-read all the Twilight books before Part One comes out November 18. Check out the trailer at the official site.

We've also got...

November 23

Hugo based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

December 16

The new Sherlock Holmes film with Robert Downey Jr, A Game Of Shadows.

December 21

The Tintin film which looks like it has some amazing animation

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (which, okay, isn't a teen book but I have a feeling some of you have read it).

March 16

There's a new film based on Snow White called Mirror, Mirror.

and THEN we get Hunger Games on March 23. Hurrah! I'm thinking we need to host another Hunger Games party. What do you guys think?

Trailer Tuesday: Clockwork Prince

2011-11-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

Now I know this book needs no help from me to promote it but I couldn't resist sharing the teaser trailer for Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare.

Oooh, masquerade ball? Can't wait until December!

Review: She's So Dead to Us

2011-11-03T16:58:00.001-04:00

She’s SoDead to Us by Kieran Scott

Allie has had a hard couple of years. Herdad lost all of their family’s money (and the money of a bunch of theirfriends) in a really bad investment, forcing them from their home. They lefttheir town in a rush, and Allie thought that she would never return. She waswrong. Two years later, she is on her way back to her old home, her old school,and her old friends. Too bad all her friends blame Allie for her dad’sinvestment. She is completely shunned by all her old friends. The only one thatis remotely nice is Jake, who currently lives in her old house. Meanwhile, allthe rest of her old friends are determined to make her life miserable. If it’snot snide comments about Allie’s dad, or that she isn’t rich anymore, they arepranking her. They even go so far as to declare a few fake truces, and thenstab her in the back again. Not to mention that former friend, Shannon, keepsthreatening to tell a secret that Allie doesn’t want anyone to know. Ever. It’sgoing to be a long school year.

I enjoyed this book. It was fun to read.What I really liked was that the story was told from both Allie’s and Jake’spoint of views. It was fun to see how they both reacted to a situation. This isa light-hearted read that is great for those days that you don’t want to be tooserious. What was a bit confusing was the many sub-plots, but it was funny tofind out specifically why everyone hates Allie. I definitely recommend thisbook.

~ Kristen

Trailer Tuesday

2011-11-01T10:34:00.000-04:00

I know a lot of you love the Iron Fey series so you'll be happy to know that the next in the series is now out! Check out the amazing trailer for Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa below:

That's one of the highest budgets ever for book trailer, I would think! Those special effects were pretty cool. Have you been reading this series? Would you recommend it?

(Iron Knight is on order, it just hasn't come in yet at the library. Keep checking the catalog!)

Nanowrimo!

2011-10-31T13:37:00.002-04:00

Nanowrimo is right around the corner. Are any of you participating?

For those who don't know, Nanowrimo is a challenge to write a novel (~50,000 words) in the month of November. You can use the official Nano site to keep track of your words, chat with other writers and more.

I hope some of you try this great challenge! If you do, there are tons of great writing resources in the library to get you started. Pop into any branch of HPL and we'll help you find them.

Review: Beastly by Alex Finn

2011-10-27T12:07:00.002-04:00

Beastly by Alex Finn

Beastly is an amazing story that resembles Beauty and the Beast, but in present day. Kyle has everything. Money, popularity, a gorgeous girlfriend, a great home, and everyone's admiration. The only thing Kyle doesn't seem to have is a heart. When a new student, Kendra, comes to school, the first thought Kyle has is how ugly she is. He also notices how creepy she is, and secretly, he's kind of scared of her. To play a mean joke on her, he asks her to the dance. Kendra assumes that this means that he has finally gotten a heart, but her thoughts change when she finds out that the only reason he did that, was to humiliate her. Kyle has made a big mistake, because what he doesn't know, is that she's secretly a witch, that puts a spell on him to be ugly. Now if he doesn't find love in a short period of time, he's doomed to be a monster forever. Lindy, a shy, quiet girl, ends up in Kyle's home, and is kept there. She slowly falls in love with him, and him for her, but how long can their love last with him being a monster? Follow Kyle and Lindy's inspiring journey, as they both learn that perhaps looks aren't all that important.

An amazing book that is so inspiring and heartwarming! A great read for teens 13 and over! I recommend this to teens who enjoy romance stories, with a bit of mystery and suspense.

~ Elena

NOT Waiting on Wednesday

2011-10-26T12:09:00.003-04:00

The books in the slidey thing have changed again to super creepy reads. Horror books are definitely not my thing. The scariest thing I've read was probably a Goosebumps book when I was younger so I will definitely NOT be waiting on any of the books above.

Some are dark supernatural thrillers. For instance, House of Deadly Maids and Bad Girls Don't Die are both spooky ghost stories while The Replacement deals with a dark changeling. In Cryer's Cross, a bunch of teenagers go mysteriously missing. Family is completely different - it is the story of the Manson family told in verse. In Slice of Cherry, two siblings share their father's love of killing.

These books aren't for the faint of heart but if you're looking to get creeped out, pick one up today. Have something to add to the list? Comment or leave a title in the Shoutbox!

Trailer Tuesday!

2011-10-25T19:39:00.002-04:00

Okay, this trailer is kind of dorky and made me laugh. It's for Rampant by Diane Peterfruend which is about killer unicorns. Trust me on this one. Just... watch.

Any tips for book trailers I should check out? Leave me a link in the comments!

Review: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

2011-10-21T14:15:00.000-04:00

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

I would describe Incarceron as a thriller-fantasy novel with cliff-hanger endings to every chapter. This story weaves around the lives of two people from very different background. Finn is an inmate at Incarceron, a prison like no other. Claudia is the daughter of the Warden. Their lives become intertwined as the result of some bizarre and unusual circumstances and they find they need each other’s help. Finn is looking to escape from Incarceron and Claudia wants to get out of her arranged marriage. What I like most about this book is that it keeps you guessing until the very end. It allows your imagination to run wild about the fate of the main characters and the true power of the prison. I found it started slow but if you can get through the first few chapters, the excitement picks up quickly it is a great read!

~ Taylor

(note: Incarceron is also rumoured to soon be a film with Taylor Lautner. Just sayin' - Kat)

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-10-19T18:21:00.002-04:00

I was surprised by how much I actually liked Angel Burn by L. A. Weatherly. It certainly wasn't your typical angel book. I can't wait for the sequel, Angel Fire.

the premise: Angels are bad news in the Angel Burn world. Willow and the angel assassin Alex are trying to bring down the evil angels but they have to team up with more angel killers to do it including one that Willow finds herself undeniably attracted to (cue love triangle).

why I'm dying to read it: While the idea of a love triangle almost makes me want to cancel my hold, I really liked Willow's character and so I'm willing to try this one out. The romance between Willow and Alex in Angel Burn was also scorching (pun intended).

how long I have to wait: January! I feel like they may have pushed the release for this book back a bit because we normally don't put books on order that far in advance. Amazon also still has the audio book listed as October, 2011. Oh well! I have lots to read in the meantime.

while you're waiting check out: Check out Abandon by Meg Cabot which also has supernatural romance going on and a bad boy to boot. You might also want to put a hold on Angel Burn, the first book in the series.

Trailer Tuesday: Rotters

2011-10-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

This week's trailer is for a book about grave robbing. Talk about morbid! Rotters by Daniel Kraus seems like a perfectly creepy Hallowe'en read. Has anyone read it yet? What did you think?

Check out the trailer below to see if it might make it onto your 'to-read' list!

Wrestlemania Postponed...

2011-10-14T12:13:00.001-04:00

I know everyone is really excited about the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge but our kits have not arrived yet! I know they are on their way so we are going to postpone our challenge until October 22 instead of October 15.

The challenge will run between October 22 and October 29 and if you complete the mini project, you can win a trip to Wrestlemania in Miami! For more details, check out the website.

So sorry for the hold-up!

Review: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

2011-10-13T14:33:00.004-04:00

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

Dr. James Watson has just returnedto London after fighting with British troops in Afghanistan. Looking for aplace to stay, Watson hears from a friend that another man is also looking forhousing, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Watson and Holmes buy an apartment together andas Dr. Watson tries to figure out his new roommate he is brought into a mysteryinvolving a dead man, a word written in blood and a wedding ring. What seemslike a strange and insoluble case is no problem for the world's gratedetective, Sherlock Holmes.

A Study in Scarlet is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes series by SirArthur Conan Doyle and it is amazing! You always here about Sherlock Holmes,referenced in TV shows and movies but it is another thing to read about him.When reading one is able to learn the great intellect of Holmes and the greatforce of mystery in the world. Sherlock Holmes is one of those series that youare always told to read but never do. I'm telling you right now that this book,this series is a must read! This book was addictive, mysterious, seemingly insolubleand fantastic! I recommend it to anyone who loves classics, mystery or SherlockHolmes.

~ Sarah

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-10-12T10:25:00.000-04:00

Maureen Johnson is best known for her humourous books so when I heard that she was writing a fast-paced thriller I was a little skeptical. When I saw the great reviews for The Name of the Star though, I was ready to get my hands on it.

the premise: The Name of the Star sounds like a modern Jack the Ripper type thriller. A series of murders breaks out across London and Rory thinks she may even see the suspect but no one else has, not even her friends who were right there. Something tells me this might have a bit of a paranormal element going on too.

why I'm dying to read it: I know the girl can write and I'm curious how her humour translates into a thriller. One reviewer described it as "the sordidness of Criminal Minds and the goofiness of Ghostbusters" which sounds about right!

how long I have to wait: not long at all! The book was actually released last week so I'm hoping it will be in my hands soon.

while you're waiting check out: There are lots of cool murder mysteries that take place in London but why not try the master himself, Sherlock Holmes?

Trailer Tuesday: Hooked!

2011-10-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

This trailer was for a book that I wasn't all that interested in reading but now I am! I really love how they use yarn bombing in the trailer and really seem to capture the voice of the character. You can check out Hooked by Catherine Greenman here!

Check out the trailer below!

Earn Volunteer Hours!

2011-10-07T13:41:00.000-04:00

Our Reading and Homework Clubs are looking for teen volunteers!

You can find the clubs hours and locations here.

If you're interested in volunteering, you just need to fill out a volunteer form and get two references to fill out a referee form. If you're interested in learning more, drop by a location when they're having the homework club and talk to the co-ordinator. They'll be happy to fill you in!

If you're in the Stoney Creek area, the Stoney Creek library also has a reading buddies program that would welcome more teen volunteers. You'll be paired up with kids to help with their reading. Call 905-643-2912 for more details.

Volunteer at the library and make a difference!

Review: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

2011-10-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

A plane full of Miss Teen Dream contestants crash lands on a deserted island. The fourteen survivors of the plane crash are left to try and survive by themselves using only their wits and suitcases full of evening gowns and eyelash curlers. Surprisingly, they manage to work out a system of survival, and always with a “Miss Teen Dream” flourish. Little do they know that their island is not deserted at all, but the home of secret headquarters for the Corporation. And the Corporation does not want fourteen teenage girls getting in the way of their plans. They will have to be done away with, but the Corporation has never had to face the fury of a Miss Teen Dream.

I loved this book. It was hilarious. I loved the characters, and how you got to know each of the fourteen girls separately. It’s a fun combination of pageant drama and survival. I would definitely recommend it to any girl (I don’t think the guys would be on board for this one). I just love the ingenious ways that the girls learn to survive. I would never have thought that there were so many uses for a can of hair spray.

~ Kristen

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-10-05T10:47:00.001-04:00

Whoa. Have you guys seen the cover for Insurgent? It just came across my blog feed and it is really spectacular (I think). I thought I would do a little Waiting on Wednesday for Insurgent this week...

the premise: It's the sequel to Divergent which was a really good read. In the Divergent universe, people are divided into groups based on values. Tris, the main character, finds out she doesn't fall into any one group. She's Divergent. People who are Divergent are seen as dangerous by the people in charge because they go against the common thought that everyone belongs in one group.

Insurgent picks up where Divergent left off. I'm hoping there will be more action, a lot more world-building (my only complaint about Divergent was that we only really saw one city. I'm curious about the rest of the world), and more romance.

why I'm dying to read it: Without giving too much away, when Divergent ended, the world was sort of turned upside down. I'm really interested to see what Roth does with her world now and to see if she can keep up the fast pace.

how long I have to wait: Approximately forever. (May!) This one should be in the catalogue around March so keep your eyes peeled then (I'm sure I'll remind you).

while you're waiting check out: Definitely pick up Divergent by the same author. If you liked Divergent, you might also like Matched by Ally Condie which is also a futuristic type book as well. If you haven't got your hands on Hunger Games yet, Divergent has been compared to it as well.

Coffee House tomorrow!

2011-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the multiple postings today but I just had to tell you that Red Hill is having their Coffee House tomorrow!

Here is the official blurb:

Calling all authors and poets – are you looking for a place to share your ideas, poetry and short stories where you can get some feedback? Visit the Red Hill Coffee House. For ages 12 to 17. Registration required – call (905) 546-2069.
It's happening tomorrow, October 5 at 6 p.m.
Share your creativity and get some feedback!

Zombies at Sherwood!

2011-10-04T11:53:00.001-04:00

I was a little bit shocked when I opened my e-mail last week to find ZOMBIES in it!

How creepy realistic are these zombies that were created at Sherwood's Decomp on a Dime program? They had a specialist come in and teach teens how to make their own zombie make-up. How cool!

I'm so inspired I think I'll make the next twirly book thing zombie-themed!

Trailer Tuesday!

2011-10-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

Today's trailer is for a book that I very much enjoyed: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel. It's a prequel to Frankenstein and I think the mysterious and sometimes creepy nature of the book really comes across in this trailer.

Check it out:

What trailers have you been watching lately?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-09-28T16:13:00.000-04:00

I really really loved the Percy Jackson books so when I saw that Rick Riordan was coming out with a companion series I was a little apprehensive. Would it be as good?

So far - yes! I really liked Lost Hero and can't wait until the next one - Son of Neptune. The characters are a little different and a lot more diverse, in my opinion. I miss Percy lots but hopefully we'll figure out what happened to him in this book.

the premise: As I said, a companion series to Percy Jackson and the Olympians.I actually really like how the publisher put it so I'm just going to leave this here... In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest: Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, To storm or fire the world must fall. An oath to keep with a final breath, And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea. . . .

why I'm dying to read it: Rick Riordan is great at adventure storytelling. His books are quick moving and a lot of fun. Even though they seem to be growing in size, they're still pretty quick reads.

how long I have to wait: not long! Only until October 4!

while you're waiting check out: If you haven't ready Lightning Thief, add that to your list. If you're interested in mythology with a chick lit twist, check out Abandon by Meg Cabot which is based on the Persephone story.

Check out the trailer for Son of Neptune below!

Trailer Tuesday: Bloodlines

2011-09-27T10:07:00.000-04:00

Another trailer from the publisher, Penguin. Whoever they hire to do these does a great job! This one is for Bloodlines by Rachel Mead which I know doesn't need my help being promoted but I just sort of liked this trailer.

My only issue is... heels? Really? Who wears black pumps to class? Do you, ladies? Those aren't kitten heels, either. They're Serious Business heels.

Anyway, footwear aside, the trailer is pretty good and I like the mood music going on in the background.

Check it out and place a hold on the book which just came out here.

New Books!

2011-09-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

The eagerly awaited Clockwork Prince is now in the catalog! It doesn't come out until December but you can start placing holds now. Here's what else is in the catalog...

Enjoy!

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-09-22T16:43:00.001-04:00

Oops, is it Thursday already? Clearly I'm having trouble getting back into the swing of things. I'm sure you guys can relate with school being back in full swing.

Anyway, this Waiting on Wednesday is something I feel like I've been waiting for approximately forever - Death Cure by James Dashner.

Scorch Trials was amazing and I'm dying to get my hands on the last book.

the premise: It's the third in the series, so make sure you read Maze Runner and Scorch Trials first. Basically, the world has this disease and the Gladers are trying to do these trials so they can get the cure. Unfortunately they don't know if the people with the supposed cure can be trusted. According to the publisher's blurb: The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Oooh!

why I'm dying to read it: I really like Dashner's pacing and the universe he's created here. I like (and hate) that we don't have the whole story yet. I'm basically dying to know what Wicked is all about and how Thomas fits in to it.

how long I have to wait: October 11! Not too long (it just feels really super long)

while you're waiting check out: Maze Runner, the first book in the series. If you're looking for another fast-paced dystopian, also try Blood Red Road by Moira Young or Divergent by Veronica Roth. Both superb books!

Trailer Tuesday!

2011-09-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

There are so many great book trailers out there. I thought I'd highlight one a week on Tuesdays. Let me know either in comments or in the shoutbox if you find a really cool trailer I should share.

The first one is for a book by Harlan Coben who is apparently a Big Deal in the adult fiction world. As I don't read many grown-up books, I didn't realize that but now it's obvious from this big(ger) budget trailer.

What do you think? I think it looks pretty suspenseful! (And Rick Riordan said he liked it which is always good in my books).

The book is called Shelter and is the first in a new series. You can place a hold on it right here!

Telling Tales Recap

2011-09-20T09:29:00.001-04:00

Telling Tales was so much fun on Sunday! I was able to hear Lesley Livingston talk about her latest book, Once Every Never and it sounds really interesting.

It involves time travel, ancient druid princes (who are apparently hot), Celtic princesses and changing time. I heard Lesley read a bit from it and it sounds like it's actually going to be a pretty funny book as well.

One reviewer on Bibliocommons called it, "his book is part fantasy, part historical fiction, and part romance. These elements combined into a suspenseful, humorous, magical adventure that I couldn't put down."

So if you're looking for something with that combination, pick up Once Every Never.

Book Sale!

2011-09-16T11:23:00.000-04:00

The book sale is back! Come and pick up some super cheap books to read, share, make art with, whatever!
Here are the details:

Monday, September 26 to Saturday, October 1
Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lower Level, Hamilton City Centre, 77 James Street North

For more information call (905) 546-3200.

Latest Breaking Dawn Trailer!

2011-09-15T10:51:00.001-04:00

Have you guys seen the latest Breaking Dawn trailer? It looks seriously intense!

Thoughts?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-09-14T14:24:00.000-04:00

With summer over, I thought I'd get back in the habit of giving you the heads up about interesting books coming out soon. This one has been talked about a lot lately and despite never reading anything by the author, I'm pretty excited about Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

the premise: It sounds like pretty standard fairy book fare: Girl who has weird quirks wants to find out more about where she comes from but accidentally gets involved in an otherworldly war. There is of course a bonus romance factor too.

why I'm dying to read it: To be honest, all the reviews have been crazy enthusiastic. Even the reviewers who are never excited are super excited! It's been a while since I've read a fairy series (I think the last one was Melissa Marr's series) Plus it's set in Prague which is never a bad place to take a literary vacation.

how long I have to wait: Not too long! It's being released the end of the month.

while you're waiting check out: I've seen comparisons to Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely and Holly Black's Tithe. They're both fantastic books so check them out.

What are you guys waiting on?

Decomp on a Dime!

2011-09-14T10:39:00.003-04:00

Sherwood is running this really awesome program - zombie make-up! They're having an expert come in and show you how to do your own zombie make-up with stuff you can find around your home.

Registration begins this Saturday, so don't miss out

Details

Decomp on a Dime – Zombie Make up Program @ Sherwood Library

Saturday Sept. 24 @ 2:30 – 4 pm

If you go, take lots of pictures! I can't wait to see you zombified!

Telling Tales Festival

2011-09-12T15:35:00.000-04:00

I just glanced at the schedule for Telling Tales this year and I am SO EXCITED!

It's happening on Sunday September 18, 2011 and we are having...

Mahtab Narsimhan, Lesley Livingston and Robert Paul Weston PLUS lots of awesome childrens writers too like Jean Little and Barbara Reid, who does those awesome plasticine books.

There's also all sorts of other stuff happening too like a book swap and story telling, puppetry and more! The best part? It's free! There's also going to be free shuttles taking people from downtown, East Gate and Limeridge to the festival so it should be easy to get there.

For more information, check out the official web site at www.tellingtales.org

Supercrawl!

2011-09-08T15:33:00.000-04:00

This Saturday is Supercrawl downtown! If you don't know what that is, check out their fantastic website here. This Saturday is ALSO the Locke street festival and there will be buses going to and fro, so don't worry about transportation.

There's lots of awesome bands who are going to be playing and lots of amazing art (of course). Here at the library we will be announcing the winner of our children's LEGO contest and Deborah Ellis (!!!) will also be here launching her latest book, True Blue. I know a lot of you have read her books so if you want a chance to see her live and in person, come to Central Library at 1:30 p.m.

Top Novel Prizes!!

2011-08-31T16:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Random House, twelve lucky Top Novel readers have won a hardcover copy of either The Gathering or The Scorch Trials! I've e-mailed ALL the winners with the e-mail you used to submit your reviews so please check your e-mails to see if you've won. All the books went out to branches today so should be ready for pick up by the weekend.

Congrats to the winners!! Thank you Random House!!

If you didn't get around to reading the Top Novel books, they're still available as Bestseller Express titles, so pick one up at your branch. They're all pretty good, if I do say so myself!

Power of the Pen!

2011-08-30T15:33:00.000-04:00

I hope that nearly all your entries are in for Power of the Pen, our annual writing competition! Just a quick reminder - please make sure that your entries are in .doc, .docx or .rtf format. I don't want you to miss the deadline (AUG 31!) because you had to convert it!

Best of luck to everyone who is entering. I'm sure excited to meet all you talented folks at the awards Gala in November!

(psst, if you have no idea what I'm talking about, get the deets here!)

Tapis Rouge Film Festival

2011-08-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

Are you between 14 and 24 years old? Are you interested in the film industry? Would you like to be recognized in the community as a young short film maker?

If yes, then « TAPIS ROUGE » is for you!

You can find out more information on the film contest in English here and in French here.

Good luck!!

The Top Novel Winner is...

2011-08-25T17:13:00.002-04:00

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins!!!

Thanks to everyone who voted! I hope you had a great summer! Check back next week for the winners of the Top Novel draws!

New Paperbacks!

2011-08-24T12:10:00.000-04:00

A few new paperbacks in the catalog for you to peruse and place holds on!

List of Awesome: Week Six & Seven

2011-08-23T16:47:00.000-04:00

Now I know why last week was less than awesome - I forgot to post a list of awesome! Here is a mash-up of a couple of weeks in case you still need a couple more suggestions to get to Book 12!

You have until Thursday to read 12 books, so get reading!!

Weekend!

2011-08-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

Have an amazing weekend, everyone! If you have read a Top Novel book, this weekend would be the time to submit a review because (hint, hint) I don't have very many reviews submitted and you have a good chance of winning a copy of Vampire Diaries and Cirque du Freak.

You still have a week to vote for either Mockingjay or The Gathering. It's been a super close race and YOU decide who will come out on top!

If you haven't picked up your prizes for reading, make sure to do that too. You still have until Thursday to get to 12 books in order to win a book prize. I know you can do it! If you're like me and weren't able to find the time to read this summer, you can get caught up this weekend.

Have a good one!

Top Novel Prize!

2011-08-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Lexy from Terryberry who won this week's prize. Lexy submitted reviews for ALL the Top Novel books this week! Rock on!

We will have another draw next Monday for the last prize pack (either horror or manga, depending what Lexy picks). If you haven't won a prize yet, you still have a chance to win a copy of The Gathering or Scorch Trials. I'll do those draws the last week of August.

Good luck and happy reading!

Top Novel Final Round

2011-08-12T11:57:00.001-04:00

Today we say goodbye to Scorch Trials by James Dashner. I'm super sad to see it go but will take comfort in the knowledge that Death Cure is just around the corner. (Yay!)

So our final two are....

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

and

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Last year and the year before Suzanne Collins and Kelley Armstrong faced off. Kelley Armstrong has won once and Suzanne Collins has won once.

Who will win this year? You decide!

Guitar Hero Grand Championship

2011-08-12T11:46:00.000-04:00

... and the winner of the Guitar Hero Grand Championship is (drumroll, please) Jeffrey Moran of Red Hill!!!

Pictures will be up shortly as soon as I get them off my camera.

We had amazing tournament with 10 players from all over the system from Waterdown to here at Central.

In round one, all the players played Beat It and we had the top eight scores move forward. From there, we played one player versus another player and the winner moved on to the next round with a higher difficulty.

In the end it came down to two players- Jeffrey and Owen, also from Red Hill. We decided to do best two out of three and I'm glad we did because Jeffrey won the first round by 200 points! It was that close! Round two was won by Owen.

The final round was crazy - first Jeffrey was in the lead, then Owen, then Jeffrey, then Owen. Finally, at the end, Jeffrey used his Star Power to shoot to the top and stayed there for the last few seconds of the song.

Both guys won gift cards to EB Games and all participants walked away with something, whether it was a book, magazine or iTunes gift card.

Thanks so much to all of our participants and I hope to see you next year!

New Books!

2011-08-10T10:20:00.000-04:00

So many great books coming out in the fall! I am most excited for The Death Cure by James Dashner - I loved Scorch Trials!

I am most excited for YOU to read Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Seriously, this book blew me away. So well written and such an interesting mythology. Plus, you know, flesh-eating horses. Can it get more awesome? This is less paranormal romance than her other books and a lot more literary. I adored it.

Here are some other books that are new in the catalog. Most of them are coming out in the fall but get your name on those holds list now! You can find the rest of the titles here!

List of Awesome: Week Five

2011-08-09T13:17:00.000-04:00

Here is this week's List of Awesome! These are the books you read that rocked. If you're looking for something to read, why not try one of these? Click the picture to go to the catalog and learn a bit more about the book.

Top Novel Prize!

2011-08-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Alainna from Ancaster who has won Top Novel prize for this week for her review of The Gathering which should be up on the review blog sometime this week. Hurrah!

If you haven't reviewed a Top Novel book yet this summer, try to do so by the end of the month to win awesome shiny hardcover books!

Happy Friday!

2011-08-05T12:18:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's already Friday! I hope everyone has awesome weekend plans and if you don't, come by Central Library. We're going to be having our Guitar Hero Grand Championship on Saturda at 2 p.m. and it should be a blast. Even if you didn't make it to the finale, you can come watch and then play after.

Happy weekend!

Congrats!

2011-08-02T16:47:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Justine who has won the Week Four Prize Pack for her review of Mockingjay!

If you reviewed this week and didn't win, don't worry! There is still going to be a big draw at the end of the summer. Even if you HAVE won, you can still win an extra book from our friends at Random House and Scholastic. Hurrah!

We only have THREE books left! Almost there! I know which one I'm secretly hoping to win - how about you?

List of Awesome: Week Four

2011-08-02T16:42:00.000-04:00

This week was extra awesome because I had a holiday yesterday but I'm back at it today after catching up on all your amazing reviews.

Here is your weekly dose of awesome (click on the cover to go to the catalog):

Lots of ladies reading this week! Where are all the guys? Submit what you're reading, guys (and girls. I'm always happy to read ANY teen reviews, really)!

Goodbye Clockwork Angel!

2011-07-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

Scorch Trials narrowly escaped being eliminated with one extra vote! Phew!

We also still have Mockingjay and The Gathering in the running but poor Clockwork Angel has had to say goodbye. This is the first time a Cassandra Clare book has been in the Top Novel competition and I think it did pretty well. What do you think? Should Clockwork Prince be in next year's competition? (Have you seen the cover? It's gooorgeous).

You have a couple weeks to vote for the remaining two novels, so make it count!

Summer Slam Reading Jam

2011-07-28T11:11:00.001-04:00

Check out this cool program being offered by WWE! Here's what they say on their website:

Join WWE’s SummerSlam Reading Jam, now through Aug. 26. Tell us the name of your favorite author along with one of the books you will read this summer. To receive a free poster, e-mail us at inyourcorner@wwecorp.com.

If you're a wrestling fan, this sounds fun. We're also running the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge in the fall so look out for more details coming in September. You could win a trip to Wrestlemania in Miami!

HPL app

2011-07-27T14:33:00.000-04:00

Did you know that HPL is now mobile? We now has an app for iPods/iPhones!

You can browse the catalog, check out the latest reviews, find out where branches are located and how late they're open and even see when your items are due.

To the left is the customer screen. It's really easy to see at a glance if you have things that are overdue or holds ready to pick up. You can also place holds from your phone or just see if we have the latest book in your favourite series.

Pretty cool!

You can check out other screencaps and download the app here.

If you have another smart phone, Bibliocommons is also available as a mobile site compatible with Blackberry or other mobile phones. Sinply type hpl.bibliocommons.com into your mobile browser.

Look out for an Adroid app coming soon!

Check out our teen reviews!

2011-07-27T09:45:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for your next great read, check out our teen reviews page! See what other people your age are reading and what they've loved (or hated!). Two new reviews are posted daily so check back often and happy reading!

Writing Contest from Wattpad

2011-07-26T15:10:00.000-04:00

Just got this interesting email from Simon and Schuster (a publishing company).

Want the chance to win a trip to NYC and get the inside scoop on publishing? Well now you can!

Lisa McMann, the author of the Wake trilogy and The Unwanteds, and Pulse It have joined up with Wattpad to send one writer to NYC!

You could win:


		A trip to NYC, home of the publishing industry!

		2 nights in a hotel (with a parent/guardian)

		A day at Simon & Schuster's offices (a.k.a Pulse It HQ) to shadow an editor!

		A one-on-one meet & greet with Lisa McMann!

Plus – get tons of extras throughout the contest!


		An exclusive extended first look at Lisa's new middle-grade novel The Unwanteds

		An exclusive sneak peek at Lisa's new teen novel coming out March 2012 — Dead to You

		Other exclusive content from Lisa like a playlist for Dead to You and why she wrote The Unwanteds

To get the full lowdown, go to www.wattpad.com/contests! Or click the banner below!

It seems to be open to anyone 14-18 in US or Canada, so take a look and see if you're interested. The writing prompt at least looks very intriguing!

Top novel Prize!

2011-07-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Katy at Saltfleet who won this week's prize pack for her great review of Scorch Trials!

You still have lots of time to grab a Top Novel book and submit a review. All reviews will go into a big draw for some hardcover copies of Scorch Trials, The Gathering and Mockingjay!

List of Awesome: Week Three

2011-07-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

Another week and more awesome books! Leave your awesome reads in the comments.

New in Paperback!

2011-07-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

Some new paperbacks have arrived just in time for summer! This is just a taste, you can see the rest here.

Goodbye Matched!

2011-07-22T16:52:00.000-04:00

Are you guys sick of dystopian fiction already? Matched has been eliminated!

Here's what we have left:

hot sword-fighting angelic boys (Clockwork Angel)
a reluctant rebel leading a revolution (Mockingjay)
a bad boy with lots of secrets (The Gathering)
teens fighting for their life amongst crazy people (Scorch Trials)

It's up to you! Voting is up until July 29. The top three and final two will be up for two weeks but you only have one week to decide who's not going to be eliminated.

Best Books of the Year (so far)!

2011-07-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

Amazon just posted a list of their editors' best books of the year.

Among the chosen are Delirium by Lauren Oliver, Blood Red Road by Moira Young and Where She Went by Gayle Forman (all of which I read and loved).

I would also add to my own list: Chime by Franny Billingsley, Shine by Lauren Myracle, Red Glove by Holly Black and Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

What are your favourite 2011 reads so far?

More Top Novel prizes!

2011-07-21T14:15:00.001-04:00

Lookie what I just got in the mail...

Our friends at Random House Publishing sent me six (6!!) copies of The Gathering to give away to you lovely readers! Review any of our Top Novel books and you'll be in the running. I'll do the draw at the end of the summer with ALL of our Top Novel reviews, so if you haven't won a Top Novel prize yet, don't fret.

That's not all! There's also a shiny new hardcover copy of Mockingjay sitting on my desk too that will be part of the last book prize pack along with a copy of The Gathering. Many thanks to Scholastic Publishing for that great addition!

If you haven't read any of our Top Novel books yet, there's still time to start! Go to your local branch and ask them where their Top Novel express copies are. You only get them for a week, but most of these are page turners so it shouldn't be a problem!

Happy Reading & Reviewing!

EDIT: I just got another box with six (6!!!) copies of Scorch Trials also from Random House! Your chances of winning one of these titles to keep is pretty good, so keep reading & reviewing!

Voting goes until Friday!

2011-07-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

You have until Friday to vote in this round of Next Top Novel! Dust City has been eliminated but there are lots of other great books to vote for. If you've already voted, pass the link along to a friend - just make sure they're not voting against you!