Book Review

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Ben Ripley is 12 years old and has Level 16 math skills. When Ben gets home from school one day, he finds a strange man in his house. Ben gets a scholarship to St. Smithen’s, a science school which is really a cover for an institution that trains CIA agents. On the first night, he has to sleep in the ‘Box’, a cell for criminals that come on campus. His friends are Jawa, Warren, Zoe, and Erica. His friend from home is Mike, who wants to spring him from the “lame” science school.

I really liked the action in the book and that it has a lot of unexpected turns. I’ve always loved spy stories and would recommend this selection to those who enjoy them as well.

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

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

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Recently Added to the YA Bookshelves

Since taking over the acquisition portion of BPL's Young Adult materials in October 2017, my goal has been to build and strengthen our collection. Selecting items is not an exact science and the process is continual. It takes factoring in bestsellers, award winners, popularity of genre, classical merit, community appeal, national appeal. Please know that I'm working hard to develop an assortment of titles to span the subject interests of all. As your needs are a priority, don't hesitate to pass along suggestions/recommendations to myself or any staff member. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most recent additions gracing the shelves of our YA department.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

Will teenaged Norah, who is struggling with agoraphobia and OCD, accept that she could be the right one for sweet, funny Luke?

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone and she doesn't feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence.

We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

Abducted by aliens periodically throughout his youth, Henry Denton is informed by his erstwhile captors that they will end the world in 144 days unless he stops them by deciding that humanity is worth saving.

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Alice loves Teddy, her best friend, but has never told him. When she buys him a lottery ticket that turns out to be a winner, their lives are changed forever and their friendship is put to the ultimate test.

The Devils You Know by M.C. Atwood

Separated from their class during a senior trip to the infamous Boulder House, five teens confront their darkest selves and band together to escape the terrors of a Wisconsin landmark.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

In a near-future New York City where a service alerts people on the day they will die, teenagers Mateo and Rufus meet using the Last Friend app and are faced with the challenge of living a lifetime on their End Day.

These Violent Delights by Victoria Namkung

At Windemere School for Girls, Dr. Gregory Copeland is the beloved chair of the English Department. A married father with a penchant for poetry and impressionable teenage girls, he operates in plain sight for years. That is, until one of his former students goes public with allegations of inappropriate conduct.

A Line in the Dark by Malinda Lo

When teenager Jess Wong's best friend Angie falls in love with a girl from the nearby boarding school, Jess expects heartbreak. But when everybody's secrets start to be revealed, the stakes quickly elevate from love or loneliness to life or death.

Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff

As thirteen-year-old novice Maresi awaits the call to serve in one of the houses of the idyllic Red Abbey, a new arrival with a dark past requires Maresi to act in order to protect her new sister and the Abbey.

All Rights Reserved by Gregory Scott Katsoulis

In a world where every word and gesture is copyrighted, patented or trademarked, one girl elects to remain silent rather than pay to speak, and her defiant silence threatens to unravel the very fabric of society.

This update brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Coming to Theaters

At the conclusion of 2017, debate swirled on the success (or lack thereof) of movies at the box office. Were we treated to duds or delights? Please, discuss amongst yourselves while I cast an eye on the multitude of films set to appear in 2018. Why so eager? A slate of what are sure to be blockbusters await, as if the Hollywood stars are aligning perfectly. If you're not completely giddy after this glimpse of what's in store, please consult a physician to have your pulse checked. 

Ten on the watch list…

Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Young hero, Thomas, embarks on a mission to find a cure to a deadly disease known as the "Flare".

One reason to cheer: Part of the bestselling series written by James Dashner.

A Wrinkle in Time

After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.

One reason to cheer: Newbery Medal Winner brought to the big screen.

Ready Player One

The story is set in a virtual world called Oasis, in which a teenager finds himself competing in a treasure hunt against ruthless foes after the game's founder dies and offers his fortune as the grand prize.

One reason to cheer: Directed by the iconic Steven Spielberg.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. 

One reason to cheer: Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique.

Avengers: Infinity War

The Avengers have triumphed over Loki, and they'll face Ultron, but nothing cold prepare them for the menace of Thanos.

One reason to cheer: More A-list stars than you can shake a stick at.

A Star Wars Story: Han Solo

Han Solo and Chewbacca's adventures before joining the Rebellion, including their early encounters with Lando Calrissian.

One reason to cheer: Ron Howard taking over directorial duties.

Mary Poppins Returns

In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael's three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss.

One reason to cheer: A much-anticipated follow-up to the 1964 classic.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Dinosaurs. People running. Rinse and repeat. Joking. Kind of.

One reason to cheer: Dr. Ian Malcom returns.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2

Magizoologist Newt Scamander joins forces with wizard Albus Dumbledore to battle the devious Gellert Grindewald in 1920s Paris.

One reason to cheer: Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindewald.

Deadpool 2

The wise-cracking mercenary returns!

One reason to cheer: Josh Brolin as the time-traveling soldier, Cable.

Official Top Ten

Holiday decorations taken down and boxed away, egg nog all consumed, it’s time we put last year in the rearview mirror and embrace a fresh new start. Yet it feels as though one last order of business needs to be addressed before rolling out the carpet on 2018. Oh yes! The final results of the Teens' Top Ten Titles of 2017.

Teens from all over the world voted in the Young Adult Library Services Association campaign, with the selected recipients announced during Teen Read Week. How many of the winning titles have you read?

1. Don't Get Caught by Kurt Dinan
2. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
3. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
4. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
5. This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
6. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
7. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
8. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
9. Genius: The Game by Leopoldo Gout
10. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Make sure to follow A Series of Fortunate Events for all the latest in YA happenings, including YALSA's nominations for Teens' Top Ten Titles of 2018.

Getting to Know ... Ellie

Introducing another valuable member of our YA Volunteer Team, Ellie Feldman! A 15-year-old 10th grader, Ellie has accumulated 12 volunteer hours since June. 

FAVORITE BOOK GENRES:  Romance
FAVORITE TV SHOWS:  Pretty Little Liars, Criminal Minds
A TOPIC SHE COULD DISCUSS FOR AN HOUR:  How the brain works
AN INVENTION SHE WOULD UNINVENT:  Paper towels
ROLE MODEL: Her mom
HAPPY PLACE: The beach
SPIRIT ANIMAL: Cat
INTERESTING FACT:  "I have a huge scar on my arm from when I got bit by a spider."
DESERTED ISLAND FRIEND:  Her best friend Bailey
FUTURE CAREER: Psychologist
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."