10 Romantic Reads...

...to maybe try while I am on my honeymoon!

1.  Beastly by Alex Flinn - A modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" from the point of view of the Beast, a vain Manhattan private school student who is turned into a monster and must find true love before he can return to his human form.

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

3. The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale - Fifteen-year-old Dashti, sworn to obey her sixteen-year-old mistress, the Lady Saren, shares Saren's years of punishment locked in a tower, then brings her safely to the lands of her true love, where both must hide who they are as they work as kitchen maids.

4. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge -  Betrothed to the demon who rules her country and trained all her life to kill him, seventeen-year-old Nyx Triskelion must now fulfill her destiny and move to the castle to be his wife.

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Sixteen-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.

6. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - On her way to marry a prince she's never met, Princess Anidori is betrayed by her guards and her lady-in-waiting and must become a goose girl to survive until she can reveal her true identity and reclaim the crown that is rightfully hers.

7. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Told in alternating voices, an all-night adventure featuring Lucy, who is determined to find an elusive graffiti artist named Shadow, and Ed, the last person Lucy wants to spend time with, except for the fact that he may know how to find Shadow.

8. Immortal City by Scott Speer - Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery. Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

9. The Selection by Kiera Cass - Sixteen-year-old America Singer is living in the caste-divided nation of Illea, which formed after the war that destroyed the United States. America is chosen to compete in the Selection--a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Illea's prince--but all she really wants is a chance for a future with her secret love, Aspen, who is a caste below her.

10. Wings by Aprilynne Pike - When a plant blooms out of fifteen-year-old Laurel's back, it leads her to discover the fact that she is a faerie and that she has a crucial role to play in keeping the world safe from the encroaching enemy trolls.

New Books ~ August 2014 ~ Part 10

The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

Established in the year 2020, The Haven is home to teens who are classed as Terminals, whose education, food, rest, and behavior are strictly monitored to save them from Disease, but Shiloh and Gabriel remember a different kind of life, and are on the verge of rebellion.

Sleep No More by Aprilynne Pike

Charlotte is a sixteen-year-old Oracle who is not supposed to interfere with her visions of the future, but when she foresees a classmate's murder, she realizes she must break the rules to stop the killer.

Legends, Icons, & Rebels: Music that Changed the World by Robbie Robertson & others

Exclusive insights from a celebrated musician and passionate industry insiders, two accompanying CDs of legendary tracks and beautiful packaging make for a book with broad appeal -- one that will captivate fans of Robbie Robertson and music lovers of all ages. Part memoir, part tribute, and all great storytelling ... Music industry veterans Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Jared Levine, and Sebastian Robertson invite young readers to share with them in celebrating twenty-seven musical legends. Short profiles chronicle personal stories and achievements of extraordinarily talented artists whose innovations changed the landscape of music for generations to come.

 A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo

In 1941, ten-year-old Joseph Joffo and his older brother, Maurice, must hide their Jewish heritage and undertake a long and dangerous journey from Nazi-occupied Paris to reach their other brothers in the free zone.

Every Body's Talking: What We Say Without Words by Donna Jackson

Examines the complexities of body language, explaining what is conveyed by certain facial expressions, movements, and actions, and how body language can exhibit signs of deception.

Birthdays!

Happy birthday to Michael Grant!

AAAANNNNDDD happy birthday to Aprilynne Pike!  I LOVE her Wings series so much that writing about it now makes me want to reread it right now.

Summer Reads! - July New Books (part1)

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Jeff is the new guy in school and the only one who can see Kimberlee, a ghost with a lot of (stolen) baggage. To help her move on, Jeff must return everything she stole when she was alive. But being Kimberlee's accomplice turns into more than he bargained for when his crush and the cops get involved.

 Five Summers by Una LaMarche

Emma, Skylar, Jo and Maddie have all come back to camp for a weekend of tipsy canoe trips to the island, midnight skinny dipping in the lake, and an epic game of capture the flag--boys versus girls. But the weekend isnt quite as sunwashed as theyd imagined as the memories come flooding back... "The summer we were nine" Emma was branded "Skylars friend Emma" by the infamous Adam Loring . . . "The summer we were ten: " Maddie realized she was too far into her lies to think about telling the truth . . . "The summer we were eleven" Johanna totally freaked out during her first game of Spin the Bottle . . . "The summer we were twelve" Skylars love letters from her boyfriend back home were exciting to all of us--except Skylar . . . "Our last summer together: " Emma and Adam almost kissed. Jo found out Maddies secret. Skylar did something unthinkable...

Dodger by Terry Pratchett

In an alternative version of Victorian London, a seventeen-year-old Dodger, a cunning and cheeky street urchin, unexpectedly rises in life when he saves a mysterious girl, meets Charles Dickens, and unintentionally puts a stop to the murders of Sweeny Todd.

50 Machines that Changed the Course of History by Eric Chaline

The book celebrates more than 200 years of technological development at the height of the Industrial Revolution. These are not generic inventions but rather specific, branded machines whose names in many cases have become synonymous with the machine or its purpose.
These are a few of the 50 machines described:

• Stephenson's Rocket (1829), the first locomotive designed for passenger transport
• Harrison power loom (1851) produced the bulk of the world's cotton cloth during the First Industrial Revolution
• Westinghouse alternating current system (1887) brought electrical power and lighting to homes and workplaces
• Hoover suction sweeper (1908) revolutionized domestic cleaning
• Lumière cine projector (1896) and Marconi radio (1897) together heralded the dawn of the media age
• Baird "Televiso" (1930), the first television set
• More recently, the Motorola DynaTAC cellphone (1983) ensured that we would always be able to "phone home." 

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar

When eighteen-year-old Margo learns she lost the lead in her high school musical to a sophomore because of a modern-day genie, she falls in love with Oliver, the genie, while deciding what her own wishes should be and trying to rescue him from an old foe.

~International Fairy Day~

That's right, today is International Fairy Day!  Today believers in fairies of all ages will be celebrating the stories and magic of fairies/faeries/fair folk/the fae/little ones/etc!  In legends fairies are described as smart, mischievous, and magical, casting spells and flying.  They live in "Tir na nog," the land of eternal youth and sighting of fairies most often occur during Beltane (April30-May1), Mid Summer's Eve (June 21-June 25), and All Hallow's Eve (Halloween). 

International Fairy Day is a great day to build a fairy house or read a fairy book.  Click the link to learn about fairy houses or read below to see the fairy books for teens we have here at Durham Public Library.

Ash by Malinda Lo - In this variation on the Cinderella story, Ash grows up believing in the fairy realm that the king and his philosophers have sought to suppress, until one day she must choose between a handsome fairy cursed to love her and the King's Huntress whom she loves.

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin - Phoebe, a member of the wealthy Rothschilds family, befriends Mallory, an awkward new girl in school, and the two become as close as sisters, but Phoebe does not know that Mallory is a faerie, sent to the human world to trap the ordinary human girl into fulfilling a promise made by her ancestor Mayer to the queen of the faeries.

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton - The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. They survive by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood--Tiki's blood. (book 2 = The Torn War and book 3 = The Seven Year King)

Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan - Troubled by family problems, Henry finds his life taking a whole new dimension when he and his friend, old Mr. Fogarty, become involved with Prince Pyrgus Malvae who has been sent from the faerie world in order to escape the treacherous Faeries of the Night. (books 2-5 are: The Purple Emperor, The Ruler of the Realm, Faerie Lord and Faeman Quest)

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby - High schooler Emma is devastated to learn that she may not follow in her mother's footsteps as a dragon slayer, but with an unlikely band of allies she discovers that she may, indeed, be more adept at slaying giant killer fairies.

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier - In a world in which everyone has a personal fairy who tends to one aspect of daily life, fourteen-year-old Charlie decides she does not want hers--a parking fairy--and embarks on a series of misadventures designed to rid herself of the invisible sprite and replace it with a better one, like her friend Rochelle's shopping fairy.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - Meghan Chase has a secret destiny--one she could never have imagined...Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth--that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. (books 2-4 are The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen, and The Iron Knight)

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore - A wealthy sorcerer's invitation to sing with his automaton leads seventeen-year-old Nimira, whose family's disgrace brought her from a palace to poverty, into political intrigue, enchantments, and a friendship with a fairy prince who needs her help. (Sequel is Magic Under Stone)

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White - When a dark prophecy begins to come true, sixteen-year-old Evie of the International Paranormal Containment Agency must not only try to stop it, she must also uncover its connection to herself and the alluring shapeshifter, Lend. (Books 2 and 3 are Supernaturally and Endlessly)

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr - Seventeen-year-old Aislinn, who has the rare ability to see faeries, is drawn against her will into a centuries-old battle between the Summer King and Winter Queen, and the survival of her life, her love, and summer all hang in the balance. (books 2-5 are: Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and Darkest Mercy)

Wings by Aprilynne Pike - When a plant blooms out of fifteen-year-old Laurel's back, it leads her to discover the fact that she is a faerie and that she has a crucial role to play in keeping the world safe from the encroaching enemy trolls. (books 2-4 are Spells, Illusions, and Destiny)

I have already read The Iron King, the whole Paranormalcy series, and the whole Wings series.  the Wings series is my favorite so far.  Tonight I think I will go home with Magic Under Glass ... so I hope you didn't want that one! ;)

Movie Monday - Wings

OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS BOOK!  READ IT!  YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO!

Ok...whew...calm down...But for serious guys?  I love this book and the whole series too.  The last (4th) book in the series came out recently and I devoured it in about 12 hours.  Awesome end to the series.  For those of you who haven't read or heard of this one yet, here's a quick summary.  When a flower blooms in the middle of her back, Laurel discovers that she is a faerie and was placed with human parents as a child. As Laurel learns about her true background and the dangers that face the faerie realm, she struggles to find her place in both worlds.  And there is romance!  SWOON! Team David or Team Tamani?  (Tamani for me, all the way, what could be better than a faerie boyfriend with green hair?!?!)

Anyhooo.....Movie news!  Disney has bought the rights to the film and have attached Miley Cyrus to star:

Now, I DO NOT LIKE this casting.  I have nothing against Miley, I think shes great.  But not to be Laurel.  Here is who I want to see play Laurel:

Evanna Lynch AKA Luna Lovegood

Evanna Lynch played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter movies.  She has just the right image that I imagined Laurel to be, a pale, willowy blonde.  I also think that Saoirse Ronan would make a great Laurel, cause Laurel is pretty kick ass and so is Saoirse as Hanna.

And David and Tamani!  No word on who will play them, but here are my picks:

David, Laurel's human love interest:

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta!) He's a little old, but I think they can young him down for this.  He's a good, solid 'human boy' if that makes sense.

Tamani <3<3<3, Laurel's faerie childhood friend and love interest...well I'm undecided.  He has to be super cute, kind of elfen looking.  I'll think more about it and get back to you.

Teen Book Review - Wings

Wings by Aprilynne Pike - YA PAR PIK

This review is from Jessica, age 13.  Jessica says that this book is fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, mystery and romance.  She gave it a 10/10. (this book gets about a 11 out of 10 from me! I love it!) Her favorite character was Laurel, Tamini, and David. (couldn't decide, I guess!) Jessica said "I liked this book because it had a lot of action.  Also the main character just figures out that she isn't human."  About the cover of the book Jessica had this to say, "It had flower petal wings on it" (a big clue for the plot) She said that he would probably would read more from this author (there are 3 more books in this series!) and she didn't have any last words for us!

Jessica received an extra raffle ticket in this week's Teen Summer Reading Raffle.  If you would like to get an extra ticket this week too, come by and fill out a book review form!

April showers bring May...books :) (Part 1)

Here are the new books for May...lots of highly anticipated releases this month.  Enjoy!

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine

Check the Catalog

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.
Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

 Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Check the Catalog

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful'and deadly'of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series.

 **Out May 8**

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Check the Catalog

When Jace vanishes with Sebastian, Clary and the Shadowhunters struggle to piece together their shattered world and Clary infiltrates the group planning the world's destruction.

 **Out May 8**

Naruto vol. 56 by Masashi Kishimoto

Check the Catalog

Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces battle Kabuto's hordes of reanimated ninja soldiers.  In the process, they come face-to-face with old friends brought back from the dead...plus enemies and weapons more fearsome than any they could have imagined!

Void by Rhiannon Lassiter

Check the Catalog

The CPS, a secret government agency, is on a mission to seek and destroy the Hex - human mutants with supercomputer minds. They are young. They look like normal teens. They must never be allowed to grow up. But the CPS hasn't discovered Raven. Soon they will feel her power and know her rage. Raven and her brother, Wraith, must use Raven’s Hex powers and Wraith’s street skills to save first their long-lost sister, and then the entire Hex community. But before they start, Raven must overcome her mantra: work alone and think only of herself. Even then the challenges don't stop as they must crack the top-secret and high-tech security of the CPS, ally with a political-terrorist group, and then ultimately take down the evil European Federation.

 

Books to movies

Curious which of your favorite YA books might become movies soon?  Here's the low down on what I've heard:

• A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is reportedly being worked on by the same studio that brought you Twilight.  The book is about a ghost, Helen, who has been haunting people for 130 years when she meets a teenage boy who can see her.  Breaking Dawn: Part 1 will be in theaters next month, by the way.
• Everyone knows about this one already I think, but I'm so excited about it, I'll say it here again.  Hunger Games! March 23 2012!  Mark your calendars!
• Another dystopian movie?  You bet.  The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness is next up to get the big screen treatment.  The first book in the series is The Knife of Never Letting Go and centers around the people of Earth colonizing a distant planet, which is already inhabited by a race of aliens.
• I think pretty much everyone I know reads this book in school, and its finally coming to movie screens.  Keep an eye out for trailers for Lois Lowry's The Giver!
• Cassandra Clare's novels are popular, especially her Mortal Instruments series, coming to a theater soon near you!  Lead actors are Jaime Campbell Bower and Lily Collins.
• I am SO excited for this one... I love the book and I love the actress!  The book is The Perks of Being a Wallflower and playing one of the characters... Emma Watson!  Hermione herself!  I can't wait to see how she does in other roles, though I will always be expecting her to start waving her wand and casting spells.
• I hadn't heard of this one, but it sounds cute: Geek Charming by Robin Palmer has been made into a movie by the Disney Channel and will premier on Friday, November 11th.
• I read and liked Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, and apparently that is being made into a movie too!
• A favorite of mine, Wings by Aprilynne Pike, has been optioned by Disney.  That doesn't mean its being filmed yet, but Disney has bought the option of making it.  Oh, and Miley Cyrus is supposedly going to be the star!

Well these are all I could dig up for now.  I'll let you know if I find out about any others!