A few more good books for the summer...

Every year WASHYARG (Washington Young Adult Review Group) gathers nominations from librarians and teens across the state for the best book of the year.  Out of all the nominations, they choose 10 books.  Read at least 2 books, then vote for your favorite in March @ your school library.  Here are the 2013 nominees:

 

Happy Reading!

It's almost summer!

Now that you've just about finished another school year, it's time to look at reading some great books just for you, not that assignment!  YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) has compiled a list for the 2013 Teens' Top Ten Nominations. http://www.ala.org/yalsa/teens-top-ten  Plus, some members of Readers Anonymous (PTHS book club) gave a few suggestions.  William recommends The Lost Gate and The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card.  He also liked Every Other Day by Jennifer Barnes.  Nathan has been sucked into Game of Thrones and is waiting for more copies to be processed so he can continue the series.  Savan stopped by and is rereading Anne McCaffrey because she likes the worlds the author creates.She's also been reading books by Ellen Hopkins (sometimes painful to read, but really compelling). Hunter hasn't read anything except class assignments (she's taking 2 Math classes this year!!), but enjoyed reading Much Ado About Nothing.  Ms. Stolaas recommends Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder and Michael French. 

 

Teen Community Read Celebrates 100th birthday of PT Library!

The book chosen for this years Teen Community Read is Life is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman.  It's an amazing story about a man who went to school for the very first time when he was 98 years old and learned to read.  Glaubman saw a photo in his local newspaper of Dawson reading his birthday cards at his 100th birthday party, called him on the phone, then flew to Dallas, Texas to meet him. He flew back and forth from Seattle to Dallas many times, even living with Dawson, and spent hours listening to and recording his stories.  Glaubman captures Dawson's irresistable voice and view of the world, from segregation, civil rights, presidents, and world events.  Through it all shines the inspiring message that sustained Dawson for over 100 years, "Life is so good.  I do believe it's getting better."

Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Library.  Richard Glaubman will give a presentation on Thursday, April 18 at Port Townsend High School from 9:40am-10:30am or 11:10am-Noon.  Presentations are open to the public. 

Show more

Show less

Readers Anonymous loved Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Readers Anonymous, the Port Townsend High School book club, really liked Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.  They loved the world the author created, the humor, and the suspense.  Even self professed "haters of fantasy" were intrigued with the story and found themselves drawn into the plot.  Which is complex and constantly questioning good/evil.  This book sparked an intense discussion about family and friends...how far would you go for them?  Definitely a 5 star rating!

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.

Murder Mystery @ the Library

Who killed best-selling author Emily Thornton?  Join us at the Library Learning Center on Saturday, October 27 from 7-9pm to solve this crime.  After we figure it out, we'll celebrate with pizza!  1256 Lawrence St.  For all teens in grades 6-12.  Questions?  Call Jody 344-3051 or 379-2980. 

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. 

Words on Wednesday

Looking for something to do on Wednesday afternoons?  Words on Wednesday is a series of teen programs that happen at the Library Learning Center (formerly, Pink House) after school.  Come to one or come to all of them!  You can check out the calendar of events here. http://ptpubliclibrary.org/

Just click on "calendar" on the left side of the page and look at Wednesdays...something different every week.  Or, you can stop by the PT Library and pick up a brochure.  They're also available at BHMS and PTHS in the library. 

Redwall by Brian Jacques (the audiobook)

There are talking animals that live in Redwall Abbey, where everything is peaceful.  Until, that is, a huge band of rats, lead by the infamous Cluny the Scourge, unleash war on the Abbey.  Meanwhile, the young mouse named Matthias struggles to accept that he is destined to be the next defender/warrior of Redwall.  Martin, the previous defender, who is now dead, tells Matthias of his destiny.  Can he accept his fate?  Can he help Redwall beat Cluny the Scourge?  Read or listen to this book to find out!  I give this book 4 stars****...couldn't put it down...definitely a winner!  Reviewed by Maisie, age 12.

Redwall by Brian Jacques

At Redwall Abbey, young Matthias the mouse and his friends Constance, Cornflower, Basil Stag Hare, Jess Squirrel, and many more face the deadly opponent, Cluny the Scourge.  Martin the Warrior, a long gone mouse that Matthias looks up to has a shield and a sword and Matthias embarks on a quest to find them.  What side will prevail?  The bad or the good?  You must read this book to find out. 

I give this book 4 stars ****, couldn't put it down...definitely a winner!  Reviewed by Kincaid, age 10.

Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

15-year-old Artemis Fowl develops a bad case of the disease known as "Atlantis Complex."  Meanwhile, in Atlantis, prisoner Turnball Root is directing a shuttle toward the underwater prison to bust himself out.  It's up to Artemis, Butter, Juliet, Mulch, Holly, and Foaly to try to rid the world of the new threat, Turnball.  Will they succeed?   I give this book 4 stars...couldn't put it down, definitely a winner!  Reviewed by Kincaid, age 10. 

Seekers: the Quest Begins by Erin Hunter

This book is about three bear cubs: a polar bear named Kallik, a black bear named Lusa, and a grizzly bear named Toklo.  All three suffer from losing family, starvation, and risk their lives on adventures that they never dreamed of having.  The three are somehow destined to meet together and become friends as they grow up and form their own family.  I give this book 4 stars...couldn't put it down, definitely a winner!  Reviewed by Maisie, age 12.

Erebos by Ursula Poznanski

I can't remember the last time I played a video game.   Having admitted that, I really, really liked Erebos.  There's a CD being passed around the school, but no one is talking about it.  In fact, the secrecy makes Nick want it even more.  When he finally gets a copy, he learns there are 3 rules to playing the game: always play alone, never talk about it, and never tell anyone your nickname.  But there's more to this game, it actually seems to know things about the person playing.  And, using this information, players are sent on increasingly dangerous "missions."  It's a thriller that also captures the lure and addiction of video gaming.  A great read!

Reviewed by Jody

What teens are reading this summer in Port Townsend.

Warriors: The Fourth Apprentice by Erin Hunter

There is a drought in the clans' forest.  A cat named Dovepaw has a dream about beavers building a dam, which is supposedly blocking off the water.  8 cats (2 from each clan) set out to restore the loss of water.  Once the cats get to the dam, they take the dam apart, and come back as heroes to everyone in the clans. 
I give this book 4 stars...couldn't put it down, definitely a winner! 

Reviewed by Maisie, age 12.

Zombie Felties with Kimberly Augustine Friday, June 22 from 7-9pm @ the Library Learning Center.  You know you want to make one.  Because they are so cute and hungry...very, very hungry.  For teens age 12-18. 

Summer Teen Reading Opening Night!

It's almost time for Summer Teen Reading Opening Night! Join us @ the Library Learning Center (Pink House) next Friday, June 15 from 6pm-11pm for cheesy sci-fi movies, games, prizes and pizza! For all teens 12-18. Bring a friend! 1256 Lawrence St. Questions? 379-2980

Pete Hautman comes to PT

Pete Hautman is coming to PT this week. You can hear him at the PTHS auditorium on Friday morning @ 9:30 or 11:10. Teens in grades 8-12 are welcome to join him for pizza and a showing of the movie, Shane, on Friday night @ the Library Learning Center from 6-9pm.

2012 Teen Community Read

The 2012 Teen Community Read book is Blank Confession by Pete Hautman. A murder confession is only the beginning...Hautman has written a mystery thriller that holds the reader's attention all the way through, with a few twists along the way. This book has one of the best opening chapters I've ever read. I could actually feel the tension in that interrogation room. I wanted to get up, move around, even do the dishes, but also wanted to find out what happened. Free books will be distributed at PTHS, Blue Heron (8th grade only), Jefferson Community School, the Boiler Room, and PT Public Library beginning March 26. Read the book, take part in the activities and meet the author in May.

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.