The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The third and final book in The Hunger Games Trilogy, Mockingjay  was released last Tuesday.  I cannot remember the last time I was so excited to get my hands on a book.  If you are one of the many fans of The Hunger Games you may share the same excitement.  For those of you who have not heard of, or read The Hunger Games I highly (stress on highly) recommend that you read it!  The books are written for a young adult audience, but it is something adults won’t be able to put down either.

I don’t want to spoil Mockingjay for those who have not had the chance to read it yet, but I do want to say that odds are you will not be disappointed.  I loved every page and was sad when I finished the book because it is the last of the trilogy.    

The Hunger Games (the first novel) is set to be made into a  movie sometime in the near future (possibly 2011).  Lions gate acquired rights for the movie in 2009.  The screenplay was written by Collins and is currently being polished by another screenwriter.  Casting has not yet taken place.

New in Teen Fiction

If you are looking for a fun book to enjoy during the last few weeks of summer I recommend Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs. Lily has been keeping a massive secret from all of her friends and classmates, she is a mermaid! Lily is just not any mermaid. She is the Princess of Thalassinia, a secret mermaid city. Lily’s mother was a terapid (human) making Lily half human and half mermaid. She has been spending time as a human and attending high school on shore to learning more about the human world. During her time on shore she has developed a massive crush on a hunk from the swim team. However, Lily quickly learns that relationships on shore can be just as complicated as those in the mermaid world. Forgive My Fins is a fast paced fun to read book that will likely have you asking when the sequel will be out.

Spend the Summer with Sharon Flake!

There is a great opportunity for 5-12th graders to win a school visit from author Sharon Flake.  We have four of Ms. Flake's books in the teen area, and one in juvenile fiction.  Be sure to stop by and pick up a book.  Remember reading the books can also count towards hours for your summer reading logs.

Win a chance to have Sharon Flake visit your school!

Read any or all of Sharon Flake's books from June 1st - August 13th, 2010.

Write a 500 word essay about how one of Flake's novels, short stories, or poems has affected your life or changed the way you look at your community.  This reading contest is open to students in grades 5-12 who live in the lower 48 states.  All essays are due by Friday, August 13, 2010.  Please email essays to flake.sharon@gmail.com

The winner will be announces on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

For further contest details, check out the contest page:

http://www.sharongflake.com/4u/contests/

 

Prizes Include:
1. First place winner will receive a free school visit from Ms. Flake.
2. Second place winner will receive an autograph copy of one of Ms. Flake's books and one set of books for their English, Language Arts or Reading classroom.
3. Third place winner will receive an autograph copy of one of Ms. Flake's books and will receive one signed collection of all Ms. Flake's books for the school library.  

New in Teen Fiction

Birthmarked by Caragh O’Brien

Gaia has been raised near Un-Lake Michigan (the now dried up Lake Michigan) in the shadows of the Enclave. The Enclave is a mysterious walled community that those from the outside are not permitted to enter. In exchange for food, water and other supplies those on the outside often serve the Enclave. Gaia is preparing to serve the Enclave as a midwife and attends numerous births with her mother while in training. Those on the outside know that they may have to give their child up at birth to become a member of the Enclave. Midwives are required to “advance” the first three deliveries they assist with each month to the Enclave where the children will lead a privilege life. Gaia has never questioned the system until her mother and father are taken to the Enclave for questioning. Now Gaia is left with questions about what is happening inside the Enclave and why her parents have been taken away. What will Gaia learn? Will she ever see her parents again? What happens to the babies once they are advanced to the Enclave?

Earth Day Craft

Stop by the Teen Department this afternoon between 3:30 and 5:30 to make a recycled magazine basket/bowl.  All materials will be provided.  This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grade. 

National Library Week

This week is National Library Week. National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of libraries and librarians. Tomorrow at the city council meeting Mayor Randall will read a proclamation declaring the week of April 11th - 17th National Library Week. In celebration of National Library Week be sure to stop by and check out a book or attend one of our many programs. Click here to access the library calendar of events.

If you would like to show additional support for Texas libraries take a few minutes to e-mail or write to local legislators telling them what you like about your library and why libraries are important to you. To find out where to send your e-mail or letter, visit the Texas Library Association website.

Fall Programming Survey

It's hard to believe that the library is already trying to plan for the fall when spring just started, however Miss Lindsay is working on plans for fall programs in the teen department. Please follow the link below to take a short three question survey about what kinds of teen programs you would like to see at the library in the fall.


Click here to take survey