Book Review! SON - By Lois Lowry

This is the final segment in Lowry's The Giver series, though one does not need to read the books in between The Giver and this one (I did, and they weren't that great). This final installment is much more on par with the beloved original, though even if one has not read that, it would be okay too.

Claire has been assigned the job of Birthmother - not the most prestigious assignment, but a necessary one and she shouldn't be ashamed. Because of some sort of mix-up, she never takes the pills that keeps love out of the society and misses her baby terribly - especially after she learns it was a boy and not an "it". She is determined to find him, but at what cost?

Well written, though I thought maybe it dragged just a teensy bit somewhere along the way ... until I finished the story and felt that all the parts were necessary to the whole!

TEEN SUMMER READING PREVIEW

Summer will be here before you know it and with it comes our super fun summer reading program: books, prizes, movies and stuff to do.  Registration opens July 1.  For now, gear up and get in the mood to go Beneath the Surface with this great reading list. We tried to be sure it has something for almost everyone, so ENJOY!

Liked it!!!

Croak by Gina Damico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very interesting look at death. This is a fantastic, darkly twisted funny novel about a high school girl that discovers she is a Grim. She channels her self-destructive behavior into being a "Killer" (releasing the souls of the dead as soon as they die). She has to face some morality issues and make some tough decisions. Her relationship woes will make the reader laugh, but the dark subject matter and well-written story keep it from being snarky and unbelievable. Highly recommended! I cannot wait to read the sequel "Scorch", which is on order for the NPT library now!

Cookies!!!!

  It's national Chocolate  Chip cookie day.  Try some sweet e-reads.

Our YA Department is now on Pinterest! Check out our boards here ... we have tons of ideas for crafts, pins for our upcoming events, Summer Reading 2013, our favorite books, etc.

Looking for some ideas? Let us know, and we can help find pins for that too. Be sure to follow us through your account so you always know what the latest and greatest is in the YA Department!

Just in time for mother's day

... join Ms. Becky in the library program room to make button bracelets or hair pins.  Make something lovely for mom, your special girl or to keep yourself.

Wednesday, May 8 at 4pm.

As always, snacks and supplies provided.

ReVamped by Lucienne Diver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Recently turned fashion diva, Gina, now has to go Goth and return to high school to find out why the students are missing, skipping and generally becoming weirder than your average teenager. She, Bobby and Rick infiltrate the school and discover a plot deeper than anyone ever dreamed... oh, and Mr. sparkly rainbows, the unicorn. Say what?!

This book is a nice easy read. For me it was a little refreshment after some heavier novels and a nice way to pass my break time at work. The writing is average and the story has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, but no true OMG! moments. Are you a vampire lover looking for something fun and light to take to the beach or on vacation? Then this is your read.

View all my reviews

The Avengers - Movie Event

Wednesday, May 1, at 4pm, join Ms. Becky in the library program room for a movie and snacks.  Bring your friends and kick back.

YA Book Review: Putting Makeup on Dead People

An excellent YA novel! Donna is a senior in high school, not really an outcast but quiet and keeps mostly to herself and her few acquaintances (they can't really be classified as close friends). She eats lunch with the same people every day, but never goes out or participates in much since her father died 4 years earlier. She meets Liz, a new girl at school, and starts to question what it is she really wants to do and why she is here. During a funeral for a fellow classmate, she meets JB, the makeup artist at the funeral home and starts to become inquisitive about the "business". Who wouldn't want to go to Mortuary School?

This novel really hit home for me - I too, at one point (and kind of still) would love a career in Mortuary Science. No one really thought I was weird, but I remember going through many of the same thoughts and emotions Donna does (note: I have not lost either parent).

Classy and well written, the story sort of grabs you and you want to see how Donna makes out - with her career, her friends, her family, etc. This is a great story for so many different people.

Need a Book Suggestion?

Every day we get parents, teens and teachers in the YA department looking for book selections. Whether it is for a certain genre, something by a particular author, or something for school, we have heard all types of requests!

We LOVE helping our patrons find something to read, and we hope that you continue to ask for assistance!

BUT for those of you that may be a little shy, or just too busy to get into the library to talk to us, did you know there are MANY avenues you can try to get some reader's advisory suggestions?

IN THE LIBRARY:

* ASK US! :o) (This is our favorite)
* Look on the YA table - there are folders there with top lists, voted on by other teens and the general public, professional organizations, other libraries, etc. A great place to start if you don't have any ideas.
* Displays - we have them set up all over the YA department. They change out monthly, so we always have a great selection to pick from. We try to keep them relevant, whether it is celebrating National Poetry Month (April) or picking a topic we know people are interested in (spies, zombies, war, etc). We also have an entire section in the middle of the department dedicated to the latest and greatest that is out in YA literature and non-fiction. These are hot, so check them out each time you come in!
* Posters - We constantly get posters from publishers and book houses that have some great lists of books - we just put up a new one for crafting, such as knitting, crocheting, making your own bags, etc.

ONLINE:
*  Check out our teen website on finding a book here! The page gives you links to downloading books, checking out tons of lists that we made by genre, how to get books by Lexile numbers, submit a review of a book you've read, and even suggest purchases that you want us to make.
* Follow the YA librarians (or the entire library) on Goodreads, a book sharing site where we rate and review all the books we've read, here.
* Follow us on Facebook here.
* Follow us on Twitter @NewportLib.
* Check this blog often! All the book reviews we write not only are posted on Goodreads, but also here!

We hope this helps you get started on your quest to find something (anything!) to read. Our Summer Reading Program for 2013 (Beneath the Surface) starts after school lets out, so be sure to join us for fun, games, prizes and a great summer!