Monday, December 25, 2017

Thankfulness

By Chris Scandling, Young Adult Librarian

As 2017 winds to a close, I look back at the year we’ve had in the Young Adult department and reflect on thankfulness. Far more than can be listed, but a Top 20 is in order.

1. The blessings of our volunteer team. 29 individuals contributed 338 hours towards the betterment of library services.

2. Launching the blog, A Series of Fortunate Events, your go-to source for Recommended Reads, Book Quizzes, Conference Highlights, Movie Reviews, the latest in Bremen Happenings, and General Musings. Catch us weekly for the latest submissions!

3. Partnering with Bremen High School and the Functional Skills class. Our read-aloud sessions of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Wonder have made Tuesdays a weekly highlight.

4. Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club, yielding the opportunity to take programming on the road.

5. Continuation of the longstanding Monopoly Tournament.

6. Brick Club themes ranging from Tallest Tower, Ship Building, Medieval Times, DC and Marvel.

7. Co-hosting Trivia Night, repeat champions, and Shelli Kauffman.

8. Wii Gaming with the assistance of Nintendo representative, Nathan Hilbert.

9. Color Your World for general wellness, brain stimulation, and auditory delight.

10. National Library Week, The Man with the Yellow Hat, and Curious George.

11. Teen Read Week and Bremen’s first Young Adult author visit. Shout-out to Tracy Korn for making it possible.

12. Flash Fiction Challenge, the imagination and creativity brought to life by young writers.

13. Indiana Library Federation conference at IUSB. Networking and collaboration.

14. American Library Association conference in Chicago. Panel discussions, book signings, free swag! Networking and collaboration on a much larger scale.

15. Summer Reading Program. Cup Stacking with Mr. Jim, Become a Water Warrior, Photography Walk, Reward Party!

16. Serving on the Bremen Public Schools counseling committee.

17. The courtesy of Multimedia Journalist Julia Palazzo and ABC57 for promoting all that YA has to offer.

18. Bremen Public Library hosting an official United States Chess Federation tournament.

19. Overseeing development and acquisitions for the YA collection.

20. Wrapping up LC5 certification.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Holiday Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to this week’s blog posting! How well did you do in matching each quote with the correct movie?

1) "Oh Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind and that's what's been changing. That's why I'm glad I'm here, maybe I can do something about it."

               A. It's a Wonderful Life
               B. Miracle on 34th Street
               C. The Polar Express

2) "If I wasn't such a mean old biddy, I'd break down and cry."

               A. Christmas in Connecticut
               B. Holiday Inn
               C. White Christmas

3) "I gotta tell you, Santa, there's something about this place that doesn't seem quite…Kosher."

               A. Jingle All the Way
               B. The Santa Clause
               C. The Nightmare Before Christmas

4) "I think you're really beautiful and I feel really warm when I'm around you and my tongue swells up. So…do you want to eat food?"

               A. Elf
               B. Christmas with the Kranks
               C. Fred Claus

5) "That's what Christmas memories are made from, they're not planned, they're not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen."

               A. Scrooged
               B. Deck the Halls
               C. The Holiday

6) “Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.”

               A. Bad Santa
               B. The Ref
               C. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

7) “We evil magicians have to make a living, too.”

               A. Frosty the Snowman
               B. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
               C. Ernest Saves Christmas

8) “Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?”

               A. Home Alone 2
               B. Home Alone
               C. Four Christmases

Monday, December 18, 2017

Holiday Quiz

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg. If that doesn't have you humming along and in the holiday spirit, you just might be Ebenezer Scrooge. Yes, that infamous Scrooge who eventually came around to utter, "Yes! Yes, I do! I like Christmas! I love Christmas!", in the classic A Christmas Carol. With that in mind, what perfect opportunity to test your knowledge of seasonal flavor then with a Movie Quote Quiz! Submit your guesses in the comment section, answers will appear in the December 22nd blog.

1) "Oh Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind and that's what's been changing. That's why I'm glad I'm here, maybe I can do something about it."

               A. It's a Wonderful Life
               B. Miracle on 34th Street
               C. The Polar Express

2) "If I wasn't such a mean old biddy, I'd break down and cry."

               A. Christmas in Connecticut
               B. Holiday Inn
               C. White Christmas

3) "I gotta tell you, Santa, there's something about this place that doesn't seem quite…Kosher."

               A. Jingle All the Way
               B. The Santa Clause
               C. The Nightmare Before Christmas

4) "I think you're really beautiful and I feel really warm when I'm around you and my tongue swells up. So…do you want to eat food?"

               A. Elf
               B. Christmas with the Kranks
               C. Fred Claus

5) "That's what Christmas memories are made from, they're not planned, they're not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen."

               A. Scrooged
               B. Deck the Halls
               C. The Holiday

6) “Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.”

               A. Bad Santa
               B. The Ref
               C. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

7) “We evil magicians have to make a living, too.”

               A. Frosty the Snowman
               B. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
               C. Ernest Saves Christmas

8) “Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?”

               A. Home Alone 2
               B. Home Alone
               C. Four Christmases

Monday, December 11, 2017

Movie Review

Spider-Man: Homecoming


Featured Actors
Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man)
Michael Keaton (Adrian Toomes/The Vulture)
Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man)
Marisa Tomei (May Parker)

Peter Parker is a nerd-freshman in high school with his best friend, Ned. He has a crush on a senior, Liz. And a loner-type friend, Michelle. But Peter has a secret, one he keeps from even Aunt May – he is the hero known as Spider-Man! When Peter sees illegal weapons being sold – weapons made seemingly out of Chitauri parts scattered over New York by The Avengers – he wonders if he's up to the challenge. Despite Peter's doubts, he yearns to be a hero like Iron Man. Yet, Tony Stark believes that Parker's place should be as a friendly neighborhood protector (unlike Tony's global team). Can Peter keep this supersized secret from everyone, even his enemies?

Even though the setting changes many times, the story centers around Peter Parker and Tony Stark.

I liked how there are other things happening within a scene other than the camera's main focus.

My favorite scene would be when Peter is interrogating a witness and he freaks the witness out. This shows that Peter is still learning how to be a savior, while not being scary or intimidating. However, this soft side of Peter helps him protect more people, unlike some of the heroes in The Avengers.

Rating:  4 out of 5


This review brought to you courtesy of YA volunteer, Johanna.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Getting to Know ... Selicia

Introducing another valuable member of our YA Volunteer Team, Selicia Lacher! A 15-year-old 10th grader, Selicia has accumulated 24.5 volunteer hours since December 2016. Possible career paths for Selicia include obstetrics or "something to do with books."

FAVORITE BOOK GENRES:  Romance, fiction, historical fiction, anything really
FAVORITE TV SHOWS:  Psych! Warehouse 13, Leverage
A TOPIC SHE COULD DISCUSS FOR AN HOUR:  Books, really anything
ROLE MODEL: Her youth pastor
HAPPY PLACE: A comfortable chair with a blanket and a book
SPIRIT ANIMAL: Koala or wolf
DESERTED ISLAND FRIEND:  Her sister Brooke
FAVORITE QUOTE: "As long as I have my friends, I can face my enemies." 

Monday, November 27, 2017

From the Patron Mailbox

A patron query recently came my way in regards to a previous blog submission. This past August, YALSA called upon the teenage masses to 'Rock the Vote' and let their collective voices be heard. A host of titles were nominated, with readers given a two-month window to select a Top 10. No easy task, mind you, considering the level of regard and honor each possess. Of the noteworthy finishers in 2016:
- Alive by Chandler Baker
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
- Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
- The Novice: Summoner: Book One by Taran Matharu
- Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
- When by Victoria Laurie
- Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten

Patron writes:
"Chris, which of these have a good story line, interesting characters, a decent ending and no death, depression, suicide, space fantasy, bullying? Which adult books would you recommend for teens that have good story lines, interesting characters, etc? I have two almost 14-year-old granddaughters and two almost 12 year olds, also girls."

Me:
My first thought on how to respond? Gracious. The parameters by which to work with is much more narrow than the general readers advisory solicitations we tackle at the reference desk. While daunting, it didn't diminish my enthusiasm for discovering the appropriate works to meet her criteria. Before launching in to my own research, however, I decided to seek out wisdom from fellow peers in the industry in order to gain a variety of perspectives.

Melissa (Adult Department Assistant – BPL):
“Sadly, of the books on this particular list, I’ve not read them. And it will be a challenge to fit all the criteria into my recommendations. I can give you some suggestions, though, of books I’d be happy to give my granddaughters around that age.
"For 12 year olds, my all-time favorite would be Anne of Green Gables. The first few Anne books are great choices for 12-year-old girls. Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson is also a very good choice, although I do believe there’s a death in it. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. All of these are less contemporary, I know, but they’re what I would want mine to read. Also, my 12-year-old still loves Nancy Drew!
"For 14-year-old girls, it starts getting more complicated. They’re more mature, harder to please, and want to read what their friends are reading. Here are some ideas: The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren, starting with Waterfall. This is a time travel love story written by a Christian author. It does have some violence, battles in it, so probably not totally free of death. The Legacy series by Cayla Kluver, starting with Legacy. A fairytale/princess/love story written by a young lady at the age of 16. It does have some battle/death in it, but otherwise age appropriate.
"Also, I know bullying is on your list, but I really recommend the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It’s a great anti-bullying read. With the accompanying movie (released November 17th), the kids are all interested in it. Just something to ponder.”

Brenda (Children’s Librarian – BPL):
Once Upon a Marigold trilogy by Jean Ferris. Pennyroyal Academy by M.A. Larson. Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm.”

Lori (Teen Librarian – MCPL):
“I have enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s books – Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star. I can’t keep them on the shelves, and both teens and adults enjoyed them.”

Patron:
“Thank you, thank you, all. Birthdays are coming up and you have given me some great ideas.”

Patron’s adult daughter added:
“My kids read Wonder as a class. (Daughter) enjoys biographies and historical fiction. (Other daughter) enjoys anything but the older classic types.”

Back to me:
Whew! A lot to absorb, right? And you probably thought all librarians do is shush noisy children and wear funny glasses. Okay, I do qualify for both of those stereotypes, but there is so much more that we regularly undertake. Case in point, trying to meet patron requests in the best fashion possible. 

Without stepping on the toes of my colleagues, and expanding too much further on an already expansive blog entry, let me add a few thoughts to the original patron query.

I wholeheartedly second Melissa’s validation of Palacio’s Wonder. It’s the book my BHS Functional Skills class selected for weekly read-alouds. To quote Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” Themes of bravery, standing up for oneself, attitude, and judgment, provide important familial ‘dinner table’ conversations. 

Other selections I would add for those in the pre to mid-teen range:

The Mysterious Benedict Society* by Trenton Lee Stewart
After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. *New York Times bestselling series

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library* by Chris Grabenstein
Twelve-year-old Kyle Keeley is a whiz when it comes to board games; a handy skill to have in helping to level the playing field in competition with two older brothers. As Kyle is about to find out, it may also give him a leg up as a participant in the opening of the town's new public library. You see, the benefactor behind such a generous gift (five hundred million dollars) to Alexandriaville is none other than Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, world famous game designer. An eclectic gentleman, to say the least, his institution will be like none ever seen before. *New York Times bestseller, Mark Twain Award winner

Echoing Lori, Nicola Yoon is one of the most dynamic authors currently on the YA scene (her book signing at ALA featured the longest of lines). The Sun is Also a Star is, in fact, a 2017 Michael L. Printz ‘Honor Book’ for its literary merit.

In finality, I’ll bring this week’s blog to a close with one of the premiere web resources for youth material. As always, though, we’d love to see you at the reference desk to find the treasures to meet your needs!


This mailbag entry brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris and a host of friends.

Monday, November 20, 2017

There's an App for That!

A joke is making the rounds these days that says if you’re looking for someone, start by first checking behind their phone. Yes, it seems as if we (and I’ll include myself) are continually wired in to our devices. From perusing email, texts, news developments, the latest Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat postings, and gaming. Whether we’re monitoring how many steps traversed in an hour or are anxiously anticipating a picture of what good old Uncle Saul cooked for dinner, it’s obvious we don’t want to miss a thing (there might be an Aerosmith song in there somewhere).

Now don’t start fretting here. This isn’t an ‘old codger’ segment about how we’re sacrificing the world going by in favor of a technological addiction. That’ll be a debate for next week’s blog…kidding! So go ahead and keep playing Clash of Clans, listening to Pandora, and streaming Netflix. For this submission, however, I’ll be taking a look at an app that you just might find rather helpful and educational (ahh, not the dreaded ‘e’ word!).

YALSA’s Teen Book Finder is a free online database with a target audience of teens, parents, librarians, and teachers - essentially anyone who loves Young Adult literature. And the kicker? The platform provides unprecedented access to nearly 4,000 titles! 

Featurettes:
-        In addition to a ‘simple search’ for browsing, users will be made aware of selections honored each year by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Items can be located by title, author, genre, type of award, and book list.

-        A ‘Find It’ button, powered by OCLC WorldCat, which shows users where to track down the material in a nearby library.

-        A ‘Favorites’ button, for the creation of individualized booklists.

-        The ability to pass along recommendations through various social media platforms.

-        Seeking suggestions on reading material? Teen Book Finder has you covered there, too. Three ‘Hot Picks’ are featured daily on the homepage.
So why delay? Download the app today!


This musing brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Book Review

TERRA by Tracy Korn

Jazz and the other first year cadets have escaped Gaia Sur only to become lost in caverns under the ocean floor. As the search begins for Fraya and Vox, it’s learned that aside from not being alone in the myriad of tunnels, a dangerous new world exists. This includes unexpected allies and treacherous terrain which must be crossed in order to continue their quest. Time, unfortunately, is a commodity that cannot be wasted; otherwise risking peril and being stuck in the caverns forever.


I started the first book, AQUA, and ended up binge reading through both novels, only coming up for air long enough to watch the video trailers on The Elements website:  http://www.theelementsseries.com/books

While I enjoyed AQUA, TERRA turned me into an Elements Series addict. I loved the characters, tone, futuristic techie slang, and (yes, ladies) there’s even a love triangle. I had this instinct like the whole TERRA world was an old friend. At some point, it dawned on me that the tale reminded me of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, with a more modern tone. Jules would undoubtedly approve and I’m really looking forward to reading book #3 in the series, AER. Those who like YA, world building, Sci-Fi, or dystopian should try out these selections by up-and-coming author Tracy Korn.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This book review brought to you by Adult Department Assistant, Melissa.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Getting to Know ... Davenna

Introducing another valuable member of our YA Volunter Team, Davenna Clark! An 11-year-old sixth grader, Davenna has accumulated 29 volunteer hours since September 2016. She hopes to one day be a model or possibly a Broadway star.

FAVORITE BOOK GENRES:  Fantasy
FAVORITE TV SHOWS:  Girl Meets World
AN INVENTION SHE WOULD UNINVENT:  Select words such as "savage"
A TOPIC SHE COULD DISCUSS FOR AN HOUR:  Just about anything
ROLE MODEL: Mrs. Graverson
HAPPY PLACE: The beach
SPIRIT ANIMAL: Cat
DESERTED ISLAND FRIEND:  Her brother
INTERESTING FACT:  She loves exploring anything and everything.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Gravity is not responsible for people falling in love."


Friday, November 3, 2017

Movie Quote Answers

Here are the answers to this week’s blog posting! How well did you do in matching each quote with the correct movie?

1. "I look like Stevie Nicks."
               a. It's Kind of a Funny Story
               b. Beastly
               c. Freaky Friday
               d. Mrs. Doubtfire

2. "You have to get lost before you find yourself."
               a. Everything, Everything
               b. Bridge to Terabithia
               c. Twilight
               d. Paper Towns

3. "Some people show off their beauty because they want the world to see it. Others try to hide their beauty because they want the world to see something else."
               a. Aquamarine
               b. How I Live Now
               c. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
               d. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

4. "There's a new world, mama. It ain't all dark, and it ain't all light, and it ain't all ours."
               a. The Hunger Games
               b. Beautiful Creatures
               c. If I Stay
               d. Before I Fall

5. "Careful, old man, only my voice is gentle."
               a. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
               b. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
               c. Eragon
               d. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

6. "Having a luck dragon with you is the only way to go on a quest."
               a. The NeverEnding Story
               b. Eragon
               c. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
               d. How to Train Your Dragon

7. "They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that's true. What they don't tell you is that when it starts again, it moves extra fast to catch up."
               a. The Fault in Our Stars
               b. Big Fish
               c. Tuck Everlasting
               d. A Walk to Remember

8. "I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."
               a. Alice in Wonderland
               b. The Outsiders
               c. Despicable Me
               d. Coraline


This quiz brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Flash Fiction Winners Part V

Congratulations to the winners of our Flash Fiction Challenge! Students in grades 6-12 were invited to complete the writing prompt, "It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library."

Winners:
Mason Hale – 12th grade
Sara Boyer – 11th grade
Cody L.N. Fritz – 10th grade
Brylee Murphy – 10th grade
Isiah Sarille – 10th grade
Hanna DePoy – 9th grade
Emma Heller – 7th grade
Amanda Hohulin – 7th grade
Braden Unruh – 7th grade
Katie Wilson – 7th grade

Today we feature our final two winners, Sara Boyer and Hanna DePoy.

Stories appear as submitted by the authors, unedited.
_________________________________________________________

Sara Boyer, 11th grade

It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen public library, there were zombies every where and there was no way out, I thought to myself I‘m going to die, my stomach growled I was so hungry. So I ordered a pizza and then I remembered the zombies and sadly had to cancel my order, so I scavenged for food keeping an eye out for the zombies. I came across a box of doughnuts and quickly picked it up. I found a safe place to eat the doughnuts. Just then a zombie found me and I offered it a doughnut and it ate it, then we were friends. We finished the box of doughnuts then we tried to find more food because I was still hungry. We went looking for food and we found a plate of spaghetti and some bread sticks we ate it and we went to find more food. We found some candy all sorts of candy there were so much candy but it only lasted five minutes. We went to find more food and we found some chicken nuggets and some orange juice we ate that, then we were full and we stayed in the lounge were the other zombies won’t eat me. I was tired so I took a nap and when I woke up my stomach growled again so I went to find more food and I found some pasta and it smelt so good I ate it all, then I went to my friend the zombie and it was watching funny cat vids on my phone.  I watched them too they were so funny I laughed so hard I cried, the cats were climbing stuff and falling off of stuff. It was great! Then I got hungry so I went to get more food and found a whole box of tacos I was so happy to find that and I ate them all and went back to watch more cat vids.  I laughed and laughed and laughed, just then I heard a knock at the door so I said, “Who is it?” and they answered “HOUSE KEEPING” I said nope, and sent them on their way and I continued to watch cat vids and there was another knock at the door and they said “PIZZA DILIVERY” and I was like yes so I opened the door and rerated it because on the other side was a zombie!! They were hungry for brains! I told it that I don’t have that much brain in my skull, I’m also not that smart because I fell for the pizza thing and opened the door. Just then the lights came on and the zombie hid from the light in the closet and I ran away. There were still some lights out so I walked with caution and made sure no zombies were behind me and more lights came on and revealed more zombies hiding in dark places! I went downstairs and by time I got down the stairs all the lights were on and I escaped and ordered 3 pizzas when I got home.         


Monday, October 30, 2017

Movie Quotes

Alright movie buffs, let's see if you can match each quote with the correct title. Put your responses in the comment section. Answers will appear in Friday's blog posting. May the Force be with you!

1. "I look like Stevie Nicks."
               a. It's Kind of a Funny Story
               b. Beastly
               c. Freaky Friday
               d. Mrs. Doubtfire

2. "You have to get lost before you find yourself."
               a. Everything, Everything
               b. Bridge to Terabithia
               c. Twilight
               d. Paper Towns

3. "Some people show off their beauty because they want the world to see it. Others try to hide their beauty because they want the world to see something else."
               a. Aquamarine
               b. How I Live Now
               c. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
               d. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

4. "There's a new world, mama. It ain't all dark, and it ain't all light, and it ain't all ours."
               a. The Hunger Games
               b. Beautiful Creatures
               c. If I Stay
               d. Before I Fall

5. "Careful, old man, only my voice is gentle."
               a. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
               b. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
               c. Eragon
               d. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

6. "Having a luck dragon with you is the only way to go on a quest."
               a. The NeverEnding Story
               b. Eragon
               c. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
               d. How to Train Your Dragon

7. "They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that's true. What they don't tell you is that when it starts again, it moves extra fast to catch up."
               a. The Fault in Our Stars
               b. Big Fish
               c. Tuck Everlasting
               d. A Walk to Remember

8. "I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."
               a. Alice in Wonderland
               b. The Outsiders
               c. Despicable Me
               d. Coraline

This quiz brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Flash Fiction Winners Part IV

Congratulations to the winners of our Flash Fiction Challenge! Students in grades 6-12 were invited to complete the writing prompt, "It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library."

Winners:
Mason Hale – 12th grade
Sara Boyer – 11th grade
Cody L.N. Fritz – 10th grade
Brylee Murphy – 10th grade
Isiah Sarille – 10th grade
Hanna DePoy – 9th grade
Emma Heller – 7th grade
Amanda Hohulin – 7th grade
Braden Unruh – 7th grade
Katie Wilson – 7th grade

Watch our blog in the days leading up to Halloween to read the winning stories. Today we are featuring stories by Mason Hale and Emma Heller.

Stories appear as submitted by the authors, unedited.
_________________________________________________________

Mason Hale, 12th grade

It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library. I was trying to find a way out. My foot hit a doorknob that was laying on the floor. It was so heavy that I nearly broke my pinky toe! Then suddenly, I punched the door and broke my knuckles. I heard a voice say, “COME ON!!!”. I kept going, searching, wandering, crawling, for a way out.

A bolt of lightning struck and I was able to find my way out.  I turned around, and saw another bolt of lightning.  I was lost, in Bremen.  I stood at the library for a little while and then I kept on walking out in the rain. And then I came back to the library and went back inside. I waited inside until it stopped raining. I found a book called “Beauty and the Beast”.

I looked outside, and it finally stopped raining. However, I wasn’t in Bremen any more! I walked outside and a woman said, “Bonjour!”. I stared furiously and growled. I didn’t know this woman and she bothered me! My pinky toe was STILL throbbing, I was in a horrible mood!

I started limping. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but apparently my feet did! I saw this enormous castle, and walked right in. There was a girl sitting in MY chair in front of MY fireplace. I was infuriated! I told her to get up so I can sit down. She took a washcloth to wipe the blood off of my pinky toe. She nudged into my toe, and I kicked her. I said, “that hurt! Why would you do a thing like that?” So I sent her to her room in the east wing and told her never to come out of her room and IF she does, do not go into the west wing! IT IS FORBIDDEN!

As I sat down for dinner, I was extremely lonely. I told my servants to go to her room and get her.  But, she wasn’t there. I searched, and searched until I realized she went to the west wing! I became infuriated again! Why has she not obeyed me?!

I walk into the west wing, and see her staring at a glowing book! My special, magical book! I have never seen it before, but I knew, she was not allowed to touch it!

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?” I yelled.

“Just browsing.”

“I told you not to come in here!” I tried to say politely.

She stormed out of the castle and ran into a pack of wolves who tried to kill her. She was severely wounded. I saved her before she was killed, and brought her back to the castle.

I had this wonderful idea, to bring her to the west wing. I took her foot and touched it to my glowing book. Magically she was turned into a beast also! Once she woke up, she fell madly in love with me.

I would like to say, that this was all just a dream…but it’s not. It happened. I am still a Beast today, living in France with my wife and 20 beast kids. I somehow do not miss Bremen one little tad bit.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Flash Fiction Winners Part III

Congratulations to the winners of our Flash Fiction Challenge! Students in grades 6-12 were invited to complete the writing prompt, "It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library."

Winners:
Mason Hale – 12th grade
Sara Boyer – 11th grade
Cody L.N. Fritz – 10th grade
Brylee Murphy – 10th grade
Isiah Sarille – 10th grade
Hanna DePoy – 9th grade
Emma Heller – 7th grade
Amanda Hohulin – 7th grade
Braden Unruh – 7th grade
Katie Wilson – 7th grade

Watch our blog in the days leading up to Halloween to read the winning stories. Today we are featuring stories by Cody Fritz and Katie Wilson.

Stories appear as submitted by the authors, unedited.
_________________________________________________________

Cody Fritz, 10th grade

The Key of Wisdom

It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself in the Bremen Public Library. I was
down stairs in the corner with the Book of All-knowing. The one thing that they were looking
for, and I had it. They weren’t just looking for the book though. They were here for the same
thing I was here for, and I was going to stop them from getting it. I was here for the Key of
Wisdom. The one of only three items needed to complete the puzzle that is needed to open the
vault door to ultimate knowledge. I knew that I was close to the key, but they were coming this
way closer and closer. I heard them pulling book by book off the shelves not in a coordinated
way but instead just looking. I had to find the key, and soon.

I just had to peek around the corner, just a small look to see how close they were to me.
As I looked around the corner of a bookshelf, right there was a boot. A ripped worn down boot
that must have been weathered for ages. It was like it came right out of a story book. I couldn’t
figure it out why it looked familiar but I did not have time either to be asking questions while
my head was exposed to the open. I was not about to be spotted not now, not when I was so
close. I slipped my head back around with my heart beating faster than I had ever felt in my life.
I had to move and quickly, I had to find the key.

I didn’t know the exact location of this majestic relic, but I knew the look of it like the
back of my hand. It matched the cover of the book which was slightly worn and had a grand
bumpy spine that held your figures in place as you held it. Carved into the cover of this grand
book was a crescent moon inside of a grand sun that seemed as if it rotated right on the book.
The key, on the other hand, was shaped to fit into the cover and then later set onto the pedal
stool with a scroll that had a cast that was to be said to unlock the vault.

I was looking everywhere while I was being conscious to not get caught. I checked every
corner under every rug until I could not think of any place else that I had not checked.
“There!” I blurted out not thinking twice. I could barely see it through the glass case that
had been shattered by the men that I had been hiding from this entire time.

Just then behind me a bookshelf was over turned with great force and power by a large
man standing at about seven foot three, and radiating with anger. I knew he wasn’t the only
one here so, but he was the only one I saw at the time. Without thinking twice I grabbed the
key and ran up the stairs turned right to go out the back and smacked right into a hard, solid
wall, but no not wall a person. A solid person figure that was as strong as ten men and stood
taller than the roof of the library causing him to hunch over. Even though he was still towering
over me. I flew back onto my back with the key going one way and the book going the other. I
had to get them both, and get out of this place. The book was the closes so I grabbed for it, but
I was pulled back and up toward the towering man by the ankles until I was face to face with
what seemed to be a troll. These guys were literally forming out of fairytale books.

The thing luckily had me by only one foot, so with my other I landed a blowing kick once
right in the center of his head which stunned him for just enough time to give me the chance to
twist around and get out of his hold on my leg. I grabbed the book and key and bolted for the
front door. Now that I was out I just needed…

Again “really” I said winded from running into what seemed to be another wall, but
instead it was that beast of a man. He followed me up the stairs and was blocking the last
remaining exit on the main level. The only other place to exit from was the Conjuring tunnels
that was entered by opening the book cases. So I went for it, I spun around him and slid down
the railing to the downstairs. I bolted to the back book case and pulled it away from the wall
revealing the tunnels that laid behind.

I knew that if I went in there, there was a terrible possibility I could get lost and never
return. Although, at the same time I knew that if they followed me in then I could get out and
they could get lost wondering the tunnels. It was a chance I was willing to take. I sprinted into
the tunnels and didn’t look back. I had two of three pieces to the puzzle and now I was on my
way to get the third and final piece to this long and tiring quest…….
_________________________________________________________

Katie Wilson, 7th grade

It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library. Finding the door locked i decide to look around the library for another exit. I couldn’t Find one that was unlocked and lucky me my phone was dead. I decided to go down stairs to the children's section. To only find it Wrecked from the children that were just here. I felt exhausted after all the stress of being locked in. I start to climb in the bathtub with all the pillows but something stirs me to the big doll house.

Hmm

There's dolls in there i don’t remember dolls. I turn back around toward the bathtub and fell asleep. It felt like five minutes later but with the crack of lighting i snap awake only to find that it was 1:00am it had just been 10 o’clock. I jumped out of the tub only to find the shock of all the computers were on. They didn’t have or say anything on them but it crept me out. I quickly ran upstairs to try find at least something to do. Wait i pull out my phone only to remember it was dead. I go to a computer only to see yet another one turned on. I try doing something with the computer anything nothing it said there's no Wi-fi. What i'm guessing they turn it off when they leave. But not the computers weird.

I decided to go back to sleep in the downstairs bathtub But as i'm walking down the stairs i trip on something and go hurdling down.  Ouch my lips bleeding i taste my blood and quickly scramble back up the stairs i find myself to have tripped on a…… Doll what. How did this get out that dang doll house.

Not carrying i through it in the trash and i march angrily back to the tub and try to go to Sleep. I end up waking yet again with a loud noise but not from the thunder from up stairs. I get to my feet run up the stairs and see if someone's here for me. I get to i think where the noise was only to find another doll. This time i don’t pick it up because too many weird vibes. I feel like it’s watching me staring at me and that's when i noticed it was the same doll i threw away. No No no this can’t be happening. I  jolt down stairs only to find one thing that feels awake the dollhouse. I run to the tub and cry myself to sleep. Cause i feel like there is no way out. Why does this bathtub feel hard as a rock i open my eyes and see a ceiling that it’s different. I sit up look around i'm in a house. Wait something's not right i look off into the distance and find that the clock reads 2:54am. Almost the devil's time 3:00am I walk down the stairs only to have myself more creeped out i don’t fully go down the stairs i because i see the doll. The same one i tripped on the one i threw away the one i ran from. I trip up the stairs and run to the room where i was sleeping in. No way get me out of here let me leave i’m shaking by this point. 2:57am i here clatter i start down the stairs one more time in the dining room there all set up like little mannequins in a shop i quickly check the clock 3am well nothing happened yet so. Snapping back to the dolls only to find all there black lifeless eyes staring at me and then stunned i couldn’t move. Tears started flooding my eyes as they got up and i fainted Waking up. To find library lights on and red and blue lights the cops what i couldn't move i felt like wood but i was standing up staring at myself. In the glass window and i was a doll a wooden doll i saw my mom threw the glass. Crying i tried to scream say i'm here but i couldn't speak one single tear came running down my new face. And in my mind i said I love you mom.

To bad you can’t see me. Two weeks later i saw a bunch of children going in and out but one day a special little girl came in with hair dyed blue and beautiful green eyes and a pale complexion.

She stared at me me individually nothing else but me. “Can you see me” i spoke. She took a step back And replied with a “yes”. “What's your name” i asked the small child. “Abbi” she replied. “Abbi would you like to come in my beautiful house” That spluttered out of my doll mouth like a natural thing. She quickly said yes and and minutes later i was in her body. That day i walked out and now she's trapped in that house. So beware when you go by that dollhouse and don’t ever stay too long. 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Flash Fiction Winners Part II

Congratulations to the winners of our Flash Fiction Challenge! Students in grades 6-12 were invited to complete the writing prompt, "It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library."

Winners:
Mason Hale – 12th grade
Sara Boyer – 11th grade
Cody L.N. Fritz – 10th grade
Brylee Murphy – 10th grade
Isiah Sarille – 10th grade
Hanna DePoy – 9th grade
Emma Heller – 7th grade
Amanda Hohulin – 7th grade
Braden Unruh – 7th grade
Katie Wilson – 7th grade

Watch our blog in the days leading up to Halloween to read the winning stories. Today we are featuring stories by Isiah Sarille and Amanda Hohulin.

Stories appear as submitted by the authors, unedited.
_________________________________________________________

Isiah Sarille, 10th grade

Catwoman of Halle Berry

Chapter 1
It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library. When I felt my head hurting, I felt the huge bump on my forehead, the bruise on my arm, and my right leg hurting. When I got up and onto my feet I realized I fell down the stairs and got knocked out. “Who knows how long I’ve been knocked out for…” I said to myself.

After bumping into a shelf of books, I heard something in the right corner of the back of the kid’s section in the library. I hid my face and plugged my ears. Something came running around me super super fast. “What was that?!” I yelled! “WHO ARE YOU!?” I screamed into every isle of books. I heard the “Swoosh!” again. This time right behind me with a breeze of cold air on my ankles. “I knew I should’ve wore pants today” I thought to myself. 

Chapter 2
I suddenly saw a flash of black ears. But, the ears were on a human. I then became so confused. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around super fast. I guess I just wasn’t fast enough…. because I didn’t see anyone behind me. After stumbling around for a while, I finally found the light switch and turned on the lights so I could see. Right as I turned on the lights BAM! Catwoman jumped out of nowhere and scared the living daylights out of me! She quickly grabbed me said “shhhh.. Isiah, I am here to help and save you. There are bad guys in the upstairs of the library, but we have to be quiet and find a way out of here together…are you willing to work with me?” 

Chapter 3
“Ye…ye…YES CATWOMAN!” I said babbling to her as I’m so surprised to see that Catwoman wants to save me! “Okay, well get rid of your googly eyes, and let’s go!” As we ran to the other side of the downstairs of the library, we got closer to the stairs to that would lead us upstairs where the bad men are at. We crept up the stairs and quietly heard one of the bad guys saying “Come on, Harley Quinn!” I turned my head around and saw that Harley Quinn was really there. She had a gun and a bat. She looked super dangerous with all of that equipment on her. I then saw Poison Ivy. She grabbed a stack of money and put it in her bag that hung off of her pale shoulder. I looked to my side and no longer saw Catwoman. “Catwoman, where did you go?” I tried to quietly whisper. “Shh Isiah!” quietly yelled from the other side of the counter near Harley and Poison.” 

Chapter 4
I almost thought I was going to faint. Catwoman then did the unbelievable. She pulled out her whip and snagged Harley Quinn’s ankle and pulled her across the floor as Poison Ivy turned around and was unsure of what to do…”keep stacking the money, or help Harley?” Poison Ivy thought to herself quickly. Harley suddenly started screaming at Poison Ivy “Help me! Catwoman is going to hurt me!” A flash of lightning struck the building and the lights went out for a half of a second, and the next thing I knew, Poison Ivy was gone with all the money. 

Chapter 5
Catwoman yelled over to me to go look for Poison Ivy while she ties up Harley Quinn. So there I went. Brave and fearless (actually, take out the brave part and the “less” part on fearless). After Catwoman tied up Harley Quinn, she went outside and climbed the side of the building and onto the roof. As she was looking for Poison Ivy, she heard a scream coming from the inside of the library. It was me. Catwoman raise her voice…”WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED?! WHERE IS HARLEY AT?!” “Harley untied herself and found me and tied me up…I think she left..” I said. “What? How? How does this happen? I wasn’t even gone for five minutes!!” yelled Catwoman. 

Chapter 6
Not even 10 minutes later Bane showed up with Harley Quinn on one side of his shoulder, and Poison Ivy on the other. “I got them” Bane said. “Let’s take them into the police” said Catwoman. “Good idea” I said. “Let’s all get on my motorcycle.” And so, we all did. As we pulled into the police station Black Canary came out and helped us bring them into the station. “Here’s the robbers of the Bremen Public Library!” I yelled into the police station. “We’ve got em” yelled Catwoman as she was giving us all high fives. 

Chapter 7
As we were leaving the Bremen Police Station fireworks were going off in the sky for all for us.. we saved the day. After the fireworks ended we walked out into the street and Batman showed up. He offered to take us out to The Batcave. Batman offered us cheesecake once we got to the Batcave. We all celebrated the victory over the bad guys. WE SAVED THE BREMEN PUBLIC LIBRARY! 

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Flash Fiction Winners Part I

Congratulations to the winners of our Flash Fiction Challenge! Students in grades 6-12 were invited to complete the writing prompt, "It was a dark and stormy night when I found myself trapped in Bremen Public Library."

Winners:
Mason Hale – 12th grade
Sara Boyer – 11th grade
Cody L.N. Fritz – 10th grade
Brylee Murphy – 10th grade
Isiah Sarille – 10th grade
Hanna DePoy – 9th grade
Emma Heller – 7th grade
Amanda Hohulin – 7th grade
Braden Unruh – 7th grade
Katie Wilson – 7th grade

Watch our blog in the days leading up to Halloween to read the winning stories. Today we are featuring stories by Brylee Murphy and Braden Unruh.

Stories appear as submitted by the authors, unedited.
_________________________________________________________

Brylee Murphy, 10th Grade

It was a dark and stormy night, when I found myself trapped in the Bremen Public Library. As I worked to open my droopy eyes, I heard the slam of a heavy, wooden door. Looking around I see the silhouettes of the many bookcases, and the white, pillow filled bathtub; right away I recognize where I am. I swing my legs around and begin to pull myself to my feet, bracing myself on the computer table to my left. The world begins to spin, I bend over and steady myself by placing a shaking hand on the table, the faint crash of thunder echoes throughout the room. The world slowly comes to a halt, and I proceed to finally straighten myself out. I turn around and creep to the end of the table facing the doors. Looking ahead, through the window in the door, I see nothing but the darkness of the night, along with the occasional beam of electricity piercing through the dark clouds in the already pitch black sky. I peer over my right shoulder, attempting to catch movement, or the resemblance of a person in the silhouettes I see scattered about. I slowly make my way around the table, heading for the cases upon cases of chapter books I know are placed ahead.

When I was young, the library was my favorite place to visit. From theatre, to book club, to parties, even the crafts, I loved being able to be somewhere and express myself through the many activities throughout the year. Each time we visited, I would make my way to the right side of the front counter, and pick up the rectangular green box with a hole cut on one end, tissue paper covering all but a small portion. Lifting the box to be in line with my eyes, I pull it to my right eye. Closing my left, I peer inside the hole, observing, and creating a story for the new scene they had built inside; this week, I see a living room with, seated inside, three bears.
Remembering all of the memories this place has given me, I screech to a halt, and instead turn left, heading for the green box, still placed in its spot on the front counter. Lifting it to my eyes, I tightly squeeze my left closed, and see a forest, with a small girl seemingly heading for a log cabin to the left. As I continue observing the scene, a large, loud, thud shakes the ceiling. My head shoots upward as my stunned hands drop the box. The pitter patter of footsteps races by overhead. I turn right and, sneaking quickly, make my way towards the staircase. I tiptoe up the stairs, and, as I reach the top, kneel down and peek around the corner. Looking left and right, I scan the room; as far as I can see, nothing unusual. I stand up and come out from the staircase, walking straight ahead towards the cases of movies squeezed into the corner. I place a few fingers on the line of movies, as I continue to move forward, my fingers graze the spines of the movie covers, and my eyes scan the titles. I stop when I come across a title that gives me a warm, loving feeling inside. The spine of the shiny blue movie case reads, The Bear in The Big Blue House. Memories flood through my head, in an attempt to not distract myself again, I turn around and instead, head left, where the many, many YA and adult books are located.

The first time I decided to choose a book from the upstairs young adult section, I felt as if I was finally growing up; as if it meant I wasn’t just a small girl anymore. I scanned through the different titles and covers, choosing ones here and there that peeked my interest. I fingered through the pages, breathing in the beautiful aroma of the old paper of the pages.
A muffled cough to my right snatches my mind out of thought.

“Hello?” I question the anonymous silhouette that I faintly make out behind one of the back bookcases. The figure quickly disappears behind the shelves. My head begins to spin; I feel a pit quickly beginning to form in my stomach, and hear my breath quicken. The panic sets in, I look to the bookcase one last time before turning sharply to my right and quickly and swiftly slithering around the tables, running for the glass doors leading outside. My fingers wrap around the handle, gripping tightly, I try to open the door. It barely flinches at the force of my hands pulling against it. My trembling hand begins to jiggle the handle back and forth, nothing changes. The thunder roars overhead and, with a large crash, comes a viciously bright bolt of lightning from the sky. I hear the quick, heavy footsteps of someone behind me growing greatly in volume with each passing second. My head jolts around to see the silhouette now beginning to form the features of a human, without delay, the blaring screech of the buildings fire alarm sounds.

My eyes pop open as my top half springs forward. The streams of light peeking in through the curtains burn my pupils, and I reach my sweaty, shaking hand to my left, silencing my obnoxiously loud, blaring morning alarm.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Book vs. Movie

When it comes to novels that Hollywood translates to the big screen, audiences typically fit into camps of preferring one over the other. In most instances, the nod commonly tips toward the written word, which makes sense. Consider that directors are given the task of telling a story that spans several hundred pages, whittling down details to fit a general two hour running time. There are occasions, however, where each medium is able to stand on its own merit. So what’s say we take a look at a handful of titles and see where passions reside. Weigh in with your choices (book, movie, both) in the comment section!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. RowlingRescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy chases destiny while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.

Everything, Everything by Nicola YoonThe story of a teenage girl who's literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she's ever known.

The Book Thief by Markus ZusakTrying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and storytelling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus LoreIn rural Ohio, friendships prove distracting to a fifteen-year-old who has hidden on Earth for ten years waiting to develop the Legacies. These powers will be needed to rejoin the other six surviving Garde members and fight the Mogadorians; groups who destroyed their planet, Lorien.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsIn a future North America, where rulers maintain control through an annual televised survival competition, sixteen-year-old Katniss is put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenSixteen-year-old Hazel, a stage IV thyroid cancer patient, has accepted her terminal diagnosis until a chance meeting with a boy at cancer support group forces her to reexamine her perspective on love, loss, and life.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami GarciaIn 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.

The Lovely Bones by Alice SeboldA tale of family, memory, love, and living told by 14-year-old Susie Salmon, who is already in heaven.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra ClareSuddenly able to see demons and the Darkhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears.

Vampire Academy by Richelle MeadTwo years after a horrible incident made them run away, vampire princess Lissa, and her guardian-in-training Rose, are found and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy.

This musing brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Kooky, Spooky, and Ooky

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky, Haunting YA reads.

I know, I know, this sounds vaguely like the musical introduction to The Addams Family. Okay, perhaps exactly like it, minus the last line. You got me. But with Halloween right around the corner, what better way to set the mood for this week’s blog conversation: Young Adult book recommendations that just might result in a few chills up the ol’ spine.


Asylum by Madeleine Roux
Three teens at a summer program for gifted students uncover shocking secrets in the sanatorium-turned-dorm where they're staying -- secrets that link them all to the asylum's dark past.


I Hunt Killers by Barry LygaJazz is a likable teenager, a charmer. But he's also the son of an infamous serial killer, and "Dear Old Dad" has taught Jazz everything he knows. What Jazz hasn’t figured out, though, is whether or not he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps. In an effort to right his father's wrongs, Jazz decides to assist the police in hunting down a mysterious threat.

The Graveyard Book by Neil GaimanNobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard.

Rotters by Daniel KrausSixteen-year-old Joey's life takes a very strange turn when his mother's tragic death forces him to move from Chicago to rural Iowa with the father he has never known.

Alice in Zombieland by Gena ShowalterHad anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone. Her father was right. The monsters are real. To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare BlakeFor three years, seventeen-year-old Cas Lowood has carried on his father's work of dispatching the murderous dead whilst traveling with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Everything changes, however, when he meets Anna, a girl unlike any ghost he has faced before.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie RyanThrough twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest. This is where the Unconsecrated dwell, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.

A Monster Calls by Patrick NessThirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill -- an ancient creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

This readers advisory brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Friday, October 13, 2017

YA Book Quiz II Answers

Answers to this week’s quiz, where you guess the book based upon the first sentence:

(   “The afternoon my parents died, I was out shoplifting with Irene Klauson.”

The Miseducation of Cameron Post – Emily M. Danforth
Goodbye, Rebel Blue – Shelley Coriell
The Truth of Right Now – Kara Lee Corthron
Reality Check – Jen Calonita


(    “It was totally surreal: There I was in the midst of a dizzying, glittering collage of designer duds being pushed around on racks by leggy black-clad editors, with a soundtrack of whirring modems, ringing phones, and French accents playing in the background.”

I See London, I See France – Sarah Mlynowski
Summer Interns – Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman
The Square Root of Summer – Harriet Reuter Hapgood
Welcome to Wahoo – Denise & Elise Carr


(    “My name is Reed Walton, I’m seventeen years old, I live in New Jersey, and I’ve never had a girlfriend.”

This is the Part Where You Laugh – Peter Brown Hoffmeister
The Truth – Jeffry W. Johnston
Maybe One Day – Melissa Kantor
The Girlfriend Project – Robin Friedman


(    “Sometimes I think that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them, that the people buying milk in their pajamas or picking their noses at stoplights could be only moments away from disaster.”

My Life in Black and White – Natasha Friend
The Beginning of Everything – Robyn Schneider
Comedy Girl – Ellen Schreiber
Geek Girl – Holly Smale


     "Would the defendant please rise.”

Saint Anything – Sarah Dessen
The Trials of Kate Hope – Wick Downing
The Butterfly Clues – Kate Ellison
The Real Question – Adrian Fogelin


"    “This is the part where I die.”

The Vanishing Game – Kate Kae Myers
Panic – Lauren Oliver
No One Else Can Have You – Kathleen Hale
The Summer of Chasing Mermaids – Sarah Ockler


(    “The best time to cry is at night, when the lights are out and someone is being beaten up and screaming for help.”

No More Confessions – Louise Rozett
Are You Still There – Sarah Lynn Scheerger
Monster – Walter Dean Myers
Learning Not to Drown – Anna Shinoda


     “My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie.”

My Double Life – Janette Rallison
Seven Ways We Lie – Riley Redgate
The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
I Woke Up Dead at the Mall – Judy Sheehan