Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Readers Anonymous (PTHS) book club just finished reading Bruiser by Neal Shusterman.  It was one of those books that one member read over a weekend, came to the group and said, "Okay, everybody needs to read this book cuz it's really, really good and I want to talk about it."  Reading this book, thinking about it, and talking about it made for a very lively book discussion!  First, everyone shared what they thought the book was about based on the title.  And, people loved the way their assumptions were challenged and twisted as they read the story. "Can you feel true joy without feeling pain?"  One student said, "This is just like Mr. Gambill's class...now we're into philosophy!"  Shusterman has a way of weaving realistic elements with fantasy to create a gripping story.  Each of the main characters tells the story from their point of view; sometimes that can be a distracting device, but, in this story, it's perfect.  Read it, share it with a friend or family member, then have your own discussion.   Readers Anonymous gave this book 5 stars.

Teen Read-a-Thon Celebration!

Celebrate Teen Read Week with a 3 hour Read-a-Thon on Wednesday, October 17 from 12:30pm-3:30pm @ the Library Learning Center. (Pink House)  Speed date a book, trivia contests, games, prizes and snacks.  Bring a book or grab one from the pile of new titles.  For teens in grades 6-12. Stay for 3 hours or stop by for a quick visit to talk about books. 

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

This latest book from author, Joe Schreiber, is the perfect antidote to cold, rainy Northwest days. Laugh-out-loud and read-out-loud funny, with ridiculous henchmen, car chases, helicopters, a gorgeous girl and a really nice, slightly clueless high school senior named Perry. Oh, and the whole thing takes place on prom night. In New York City. Since when did "coming of age" mean fast red Jags, bear fights, the Russian mob, exploding buildings and college application essays? Great fun!

Peep-o-Ramas!

It's time to celebrate Spring with our annual peep-o-ramas. Come to the PT Library Tuesday, March 13 after school to create a scene from your favorite book, movie, or TV show using peeps. I'll provide the usual art supplies, bring anything else you might want to use. For all students in grades 6-12. We'll meet in the new Library Learning Center (Pink House) next to the Library. 1256 Lawrence St.

Valentine's Day celebration

Teen Advisory Board celebrates Valentine's Day on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 2:30-4:00pm. We're meeting in the new Library Learning Center (formerly, the Pink House). It's the house on the corner, next to the PT Library. Look for the flying fish kite.

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Are you looking for a short, intense thriller? Revolver might be the book for you. It's an historical mystery/thriller set at the turn of the century 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle. 14 year-old Sig is waiting in the cabin with his dead father when a huge, menacing man appears at the door. He's carrying a colt revolver, but Sig knows there's a hidden one in the storeroom. Will he be able to use it? Will he actually kill a man? I read this book in one sitting...drinking hot chocolate the whole time.

Inner Planetary Geek Council wins!

The food was awesome and the team scores were really close. The winning chefs combined food sculpture, lively flavors, and attention to detail to take the prize.
(and fame and glory til next summer!)

Teen Community Read FREE Art Workshop

Work with local artists Counsel Langley and Margie McDonald to create art based on Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Not an artist? Don't worry...They will help unlock your creative genius!
These free workshops will be held at Jefferson Community School, 280 Quincy (next to the Courtyard Cafe). Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, April 30 from 11-3. Come for one or both. All supplies are furnished.

TAB starts the New Year!

Join us at the Library Teen Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, January 11 from 3pm-4:30pm. Come share your ideas for 2011! Healthy snacks for the New Year! Meet next to the Library at the Charles Pink House. Look for the flying fish kite.

Teen Night @ the Movies

All teens (age 12-18) are invited to a showing of Tim Burton's The Nightmare before Christmas. Saturday, December 11 from 7:30pm-9:30pm. Plus, cookie decorating, door prizes and snacks. FREE!

Halloween Party @ the Library

Start putting together your costume for the Teen Halloween Party @ the Library. Poetry Slam! Costume Contest! Boxes of Death and Despair! Plus, a showing of the 1963 classic, "The Birds." Saturday, October 30 from 8-11pm. For ages 12-18. Oh, and there will be TREATS!

Teen Advisory Board

TAB meets Tuesday, October 12 from 3-4:30 @ the Charles Pink House next to the Library. Help plan the library teen Halloween party (yea! party!) TAB is for any teen(age 12-18) that loves the library so bring your friends. Games and snacks, too.

Celebrate Your Right to Read!

Banned Books Week is a celebration of your freedom to read. Here's a link to the official webpage. How many books on the "most challenged" list have you read? challenges

Remember when you learned to read?

This is the PT Library teen blog for ideas, musings, events, book suggestions from the teen librarian and endless connections. I'll be posting cool things I find as well as links to some of my favorite sites.