Bel-Tib Teen Blog

Make Your Voice Heard - Vote Now!

2009-08-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

Now's the time to vote for your favorite book of 2009. Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year. Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages twelve to eighteen can vote from August 24th through September 18th. Click on the image to start voting!

There are some great books on the list of nominations this year. It wouldn't surprise me if some of you have read most of them on the list! Make your voice heard, and vote today!

Back to School

2009-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading Wrap-Up

We had great participation in the Teen Summer Reading Program, with lots of entries into the weekly drawings. Seven winners received gift certificates for iTunes, the Candy Store on Main Street, and Paradise Hamburgers and Ice Cream.

Our grand prize winner of a beautiful blue iPod Nano was Brigette! She wrote lots of book reviews and had a good number of entries into the drawings. See - it pays to read!

Our new Teen Book Club got off to an exciting start with The Hunger Games, a gripping story of survival. At our meeting to discuss the book, we had food that might have appeared in the book. It was great fun with a turnout of 10 teens! If you'd like to join the book club, contact me at 415-789-2665, ext. 238 or email me at jschafer@bel-tib-lib.org.

School Starts! I hope you all get the classes you want and the best teachers available. Stop by the Teen Lounge on Tuesdays after school for snacks, games, socializing, and, oh yeah, homework! Starts September 1st.

Welcome to Summer!

2009-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

By now you should be falling into your summer routine – stay up late, get up later, eat, lounge around, shoot some hoops, eat, lounge around, eat some more, hang out with friends, eat, read a hot, fun book til 2 in the morning, and start all over again.

Or maybe you’re one of those teens that has camps, jobs, volunteer gigs, babysitting and a mom or dad that has signed you up for everything they can find to keep you from being in the first category.

In any case, I hope you are enjoying your summer and are looking for something to read. Now’s the time to get in those fun books that you didn’t have time for during the school year because you were reading the Odyssey, or Julius Caesar, or some other heavy-duty book for your English class.

We have lots happening at the Library this summer – get involved in the Summer Reading Program, where you can win gift certificates to The Candy Store on Main, Paradise Hamburgers & Ice Cream, and iTunes. Our grand prize drawing for an iPod Nano will be on August 7th. Check out how to enter the drawings.

Join our brand new Teen Book Club – for teens 6th grade through 12th grade who LOVE TO READ!

The Book Club is reading a goodie this month – The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. It’s one of those page-turners that you just can’t put down. Here are some other popular books to check out this summer:

Graceling - In a world where some people are born with extreme and often-feared skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace, the Grace of killing, and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.

Project Sweet Life - When their fathers insist that they get summer jobs, three fifteen-year-old friends in Tacoma, Washington, dedicate their summer vacation to fooling their parents into thinking that they are working, which proves to be even harder than having real jobs would have been.

Generation Dead - When dead teenagers who have come back to life start showing up at her high school, Phoebe, a goth girl, becomes interested in the phenomenon, and when she starts dating a "living impaired" boy, they encounter prejudice, fear, and hatred.

Absolutely Maybe - When living with her mother, an alcoholic ex-beauty queen, becomes unbearable, almost seventeen-year-old Maybelline "Maybe" Chestnut runs away to California, where she finds work on a taco truck and tries to track down her birth father.

The Juvie Three - Gecko, Arjay, and Terence, all in trouble with the law, must find a way to keep their halfway house open in order to stay out of juvenile detention.

House of Night series - A vampyre series about Zoey Redbird and her trials and adventures at the House of Night school.

Mortal Instruments series - Suddenly able to see demons and the Darkhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizzare world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster.

If you're going to be a couch potato this summer, or if you're making the most of everything you can, don't forget to READ! And don’t forget to participate in the Summer Reading Program or the Teen Book Club!

Stop by any time to say hi and get help finding the perfect book.

Help Choose the Best Books of 2009

2009-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Impossible, Evermore, Identical, Paper Towns, The Hunger Games, Graceling – What do these books have in common? They are just six of the 25 books nominated by teens for the best young adult books of the year, the Teen Top Ten. You can vote for your favorites starting August 24th. Voting ends September 18th, and the results will be announced during Teen Read Week, October 18-24.

In the meantime, start reading! Check out as many of these books as you can, lobby your friends, and vote in October. If you can’t find a book on the shelf in the library, ask the Teen Librarian or a Reference Librarian to request it for you (it's free).

Here are some of the nominees:

The full list of nominees is:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Untamed by Kristin & P.C. Cast
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Truancy by Isamu Fukui
Truancy: Origins by Isamu Fukui
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Paper Towns by John Green
Runemarks by Joanne Harris
Identical by Ellen Hopkins
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott
Wake by Lisa McMann
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Bloodline by Katy Moran
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Geek Charming by Robin Palmer
Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee

If this isn't enough for you, check out last year's winners!

Teen Top Ten for 2008

What is "What is the What"?

2009-02-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Have you read the book, What is the What, by Dave Eggers? It tells the true story of one of the Sudan's "lost boys" who survived the terrible civil war that has raged in that country for over 25 years. The book has been chosen as the One Book One Marin's read for this year, and there are some great events to go along with the book.

I went to the launch party at Book Passage last week and was happy to see lots of high school students in the audience. Dave Eggers made a point to talk with them - you can tell he has a special affinity for young people. With that in mind, here are some events you might want to check out. For more, go to the One Book One Marin Events web page.

Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.
“Lost Boys of Sudan” Movie Screening & Conversation
Movie director Jon Shenk and Santino Majok Chuor, one of the documentary’s central characters, will lead a discussion about the making of the movie and the story behind it. The screening and conversation will take place at Sir Francis Drake High School’s Little Theater.

Thursday March 5, 6:30 p.m.
Adult and Teen Writing Workshop with Stan Heller of Dave Eggers’ 826 Valencia Street: The Writing Center
An evening workshop for adults and teens wishing to learn more about how to creatively tell their own unique story. Writer, producer, and tutor Stan Heller will give present writing tools needed to participants. Event will be held at Corte Madera Library.

Tuesday March 10, 7:30 p.m.
What is the What Book Discussion led by Carol Benet, PhD
Teens and adults are invited to a lively discussion of What is the What led by Carol Benet. Dr. Benet received her PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, where she won an Outstanding Teaching Award. She currently conducts 8 book discussion groups in San Francisco and Marin in which she encourages participants not only to enjoy the chosen books, but also to develop skills in the selection, reading and criticism of all books. Event will be held at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library.

Saturday March 21, 11:00 a.m.
African Village Celebration with African Drummer Onye Onyemaechi of Village Rhythms
Belvedere Tiburon Library invites children ages 5 & up to hear the marvelous rhythms of Nigerian drummer Onye Onyemaechi. In full colorful native garb, Onye exhibits his mastery of a myriad of traditional instruments including the African congas and balafon, Gambian djembe, Ghanaian gongon, Nigerian and Ghanaian talking drum, Brazilian berimbau and more. For more information call the Library 415-789-BOOK or email jdesk@bel-tib-lib.org. Event will be held at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library.

Wednesday April 22, 7:00 p.m.
Teen Forum at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sausalito
All teens are encouraged to attend this special evening with Dave Eggers. This interactive program will provide an opportunity for Marin’s teens to learn more about the Southern Sudanese plight, and how writing becomes a tool for empowerment and overcoming adversity. Transportation is provided by Dreyer’s Ice Cream and Black-Tie Limousine service from San Rafael, please phone 510-839-3100 to reserve your space. No RSVP for the event is required, but limited seating, so plan to arrive early. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

I think lots of you have been off on trips over the holidays because I haven't seen you around. I hope you got to spend time with family, friends and all of your new gifts!

There have been some teens in the Library - a few of whom are BIG readers and leave the Teen Alcove with armloads of books. It does my heart good to see these people!

In case you are one of them, or are happy with just one or two books to read, I've gotten lots of new ones in lately. Take a look at some of the New Fiction here.

Just a taste of some hot new titles --

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

If you like TV reality shows, you'll love this book. In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

Audrey, Wait!
by Robin Benway

While trying to score a date with her cute co-worker at the Scooper Dooper, sixteen-year-old Audrey gains unwanted fame and celebrity status when her ex-boyfriend, a rock musician, records a breakup song about her that soars to the top of the Billboard charts.

Th1rteen R3asons Why
by Jay Asher

When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death.

Science Fair: A Story of Mystery, Danger, International Suspense, and a Very Nervous Frog
by Dave Barry

The president of Kprshtskan is plotting to infiltrate the science fair at Hubble Middle School in Maryland in order to take over the United States government, but when Toby Harbinger, an ordinary student, makes up his mind finally to win the fair, the terrorists' plans go awry.

Suck It Up
by Brian Meehl

After graduating from the International Vampire League, a scrawny, teenaged vampire named Morning is given the chance to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a superhero when he embarks on a League mission to become the first vampire to reveal his identity to humans and to demonstrate how peacefully-evolved, blood-substitute-drinking vampires can use their powers to help humanity.

Have a great holiday and stop by the Library whenever you can!

Monty Python Lovers Unite!

2008-12-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Del Mar school play next week is called "And Now for Something Completely Different" and is based on the old Monty Python TV series. I loved that show back in the old days! I had a roommate in college who could recite whole shows from memory, accents and all.

For you fans of Monty Python, we have a few items here at the library that might interest you. Monty Python DVDs:

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Life of Brian

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

We can get these for you from other libraries:

The complete Monty Python's Flying Circus

Monty Python's flying circus: John Cleese's personal best

I also just got a new book called The Order of Odd-Fish, by James Kennedy, which is not Monty Python, but similar in style. I have one of my confirmed Monty Python fans reading it to see what he thinks. You might want to give it a try too!

The Order of Odd Fish

There is lots more Monty Python stuff in the Marinet library system which you can find by searching the Catalog.

To all you Del Mar actors - break a leg, and just remember, "NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

Can Turkeys Fly?

2008-11-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here, with many of you out of school already for a looong weekend. Unfortunately, with the end of the semester coming up, homework can be relentless. I suspect there are more than a few of you pulling out the posterboard for one project or another.

So take a break and try out this Turkey Quiz
It's a tough one - I got 11 right out of 20. How 'bout you?

Speaking of quizzes and games, we are thinking about getting some board games to have on hand at the Library for teens (and adults) to play. Do you have any favorites to suggest? Some of the ones we are looking at are: Risk, Monopoly, Clue, chess and Yahtzee. Let me know if you have other suggestions.

Have a great weekend and don't eat toooooo much!

Odds & Ends

2008-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

It was fun to see some Redwood students in the library earlier this week when they should have been at school. Turns out a water main leak closed down the school about 10:30 and all the students were let out. It's always fun to have an unexpected day off, isn't it?

Speaking of days off, next Tuesday, Nov. 11th, is Veteran's Day and a school holiday for all the public schools in the area. Because of that, we won't be having our usual Teen Lounge on that day, but it will reopen Nov. 18th.

Crafts Day! Come by Thursday, Nov. 13th after school to make a holiday ornament for a gift or for yourself. Alexis Berger, our crafts expert, will have all the materials and all the know-how to turn out some great pieces of art.

One more thing -- if you need some Community Service hours, talk to Alicia Bell in the Children's room about helping out with some children's programs. There are a couple of crafts programs for younger kids coming up, and there are always books to shelve!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today's the day to use your imagination, put on a costume, and head out for all the candy you can get! Seriously, do be careful out there...

Library teens celebrated our own Halloween on Tuesday, the 28th, with an afternoon party. We had the usual chips, fruit, and drinks, along with punch and cupcakes you could decorate yourself. A DDR tournament with prizes was a hit, and even some reluctant dancers joined in the fun. We discovered that if your feet are of the extra-large variety, it can really confuse the mats!

Our next big party for teens will be the holiday party on December 16th - if you missed our Halloween party, be sure to make it for the next one.

Please note: There will be no Teen Lounge on Tuesday, November 11th because it is Veteran's Day and a school holiday.

The 2008 Teen Top Ten!

2008-10-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

After months of anticipation and a week of voting, here are the results of the latest Teen Top Ten - the favorite books of 2008 as voted on by 8,000 teens across the country. Drum roll please...

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
Before I Die by Jenny Downham
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

How many of these books have you read? Come on by the library and check them out. They are very popular, so you might want to call ahead and have the book you want held for you before making the trip.

Quick way to get to the Teen Zone

2008-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

There's a quick new way to get to the Teen Zone web site - in your address bar, type in teenlibrary.info and you'll be there!

Did you know that the school year is already one-sixth over?
Time flies when you're having fun!

Teen Read Week is coming up October 12 -18. Too young to vote for President? You can vote for your favorite book of 2008 from the nominees listed at the TeenTopTen website. Just click on the button here:

You can find a list of the nominated books in the Teen alcove at the Library - look at the display in the corner. Or check out the list on the site. Here are a few of the 26 nominees:

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, by James Patterson
The Luxe, by Anna Godberson
Unwind, by Neal Shusterman
Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer
Extras, by Scott Westerfield
Jinx, by Meg Cabot
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling

You can vote for your favorite starting October 12th!

Welcome!

2008-09-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new TeenZone blog from the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Teen department. I have big plans to entice you to connect with the Library through the web site as much as possible.

Look here regularly for information about all kinds of things I hope you will find interesting and helpful. Check out the quizzes on the right side of the page, and let me know if you have ideas for other quizzes.

Here's something fun to do - have you tried a Smackdown on Google? From the Google searchbox, type in google smackdown and click on the first link that comes up. Then type in a couple of names, words or phrases to see who has the most hits. Who do you think will win - Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus? Barrack Obama or John McCain? Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert? Give it a try!

Thanks for checking out the new blog, and don't forget to look over the brand spanking new TeenZone website.

One more thing -- the first person who sees this blog entry and describes something in it will win a coupon for a FREE cupcake at Frosting Bakeshop in Mill Valley. You can let me know in person, by email (jschafer@bel-tib-lib.org), by phone (415-789-2665, ext. 238) or on chat (only if I am online).

Jacki - Teen Librarian