Teen Scene
Visit the Wright Library Teen MySpace. Give us feedback.
Skyler Baxter’s Sixteenth Summer: one to remember, because she’ll never be able to forget it. Summer starts out typically, with a Video Diary assignment and the building of a fallout shelter, you know, just in case—brainchild of Barbie Baxter. Barbie Baxter, mother of twins, Will and Skyler, is a romance novelist. She’s also brought a new friend to the table. Name: Ed Dickey. There is no coincidence that EDDICKEY and DISASTER are both eight letters long, as noticed by Skyler. Will and his friend, Kurt, use the shelter as a base for their drug habits and alcohol abuse. The shelter is where Sky loses her virginity, subsequently her mind, which she is able to regain. The novel plummets with Will’s overdose and is uplifted by Barbie’s decision to handle her family without Ed Dickey. Cleverly written, realistic, and refreshing, this coming-of-age novel should appeal to readers in eleventh and twelfth grades. 
I really enjoyed this book! This historical fiction novel is based on the author's great-grandmother's homesteading experience in eastern Montana during 1918. Hattie Brooks unexpectantly inherits 320 acres from her late Uncle Chester. Traveling alone, save for her cat "Mr. Whiskers", from Iowa, 16-year-old Hattie goes to prove the claim, which requires her to cultivate 40 acres and set 480 rods of fence. She must live on the property and she must pay a fee of $37.75, and all this must be accomplished by the end of a 3 year period, which is now just 10 months away. Luckily Hattie's uncle has already built the "house". Backdrop to this seemingly impossible task in a harsh climate is World War I, where her best friend Charlie has been sent to fight the huns in France. The local people in Vida, Montana feel the effects of war through food rations, but also through required purchases of liberty bonds and war stamps that they cannot afford. Anyone not purchasing these proofs of patriotism may be jailed or otherwise bullied by the County Council of Defense, although this doesn't guarantee safety, especially to locals with German names or background. Fascinating story of survival and friendship, community and love that will appeal to teens in grades 6 and up. This has also just won the 2007 Newbery Honor Award for its excellent literary merit. 
Between the years 1926 and 1945, children in Germany were members of Hitlerjugend, or Hitler Youth. For a generation, the teens devoted their energy and passion to Hitler, and ultimately were used by a man who committed murder by the millions. This compelling account of World War II, told from the point of view of the youth involvement in the war, uses photographs from the war and actual quotes from some members of Hitler Youth. It follows the stories of 12 particular teens, some fighting for Hitler and some trying to expose the truth, weaving their particular situations into the whole terrible and almost inconceivable time in history. Boys as young as 13 were fighting for Germany, even after Hitler had committed suicide, still having no idea what really happened in the concentration camps. An epilogue is provided with further information about what happened to these teens following the war. A timeline of Hitler Youth and quote sources are also included. I found the last chapter particularly interesting because it told of the re-education that the youth needed following the war, having no idea that they had been so completely brain-washed by Hitler. This non-fiction would be of interest to teens grades 6 and up. It has won numerous awards including a 2006 Newbery Honor and a 2006 Sibert Information Book Honor. 
This is the sequel to The Book of Dead Days (see blog January 2), picking up right where the last book left off. Valerian's old adversary, Keplar, is now Boy's master, but Boy and Willow have made plans to escape and start a life of their own. Very quickly, however, Boy is kidnapped and imprisoned in the palace dungeons at a time when the "phantom" continues to stalk and kill his prey while terrifying the population. Maxim has been charged by his king to find a way to make the him immortal, since he has no heir. Maxim's evil plans include Boy and "The Book", but Boy has no idea of its whereabouts. Another secret about Boy's father is revealed at the end and Boy finds out about his name. It leaves room for a 3rd book in this series. It will be necessary to read The Book of Dead Days before attempting this one since much back-story is necessary to understand all the plots and characters. This fantasy is as creepy as the original. This series is great to listen to on tape as well! Teens in grades 6-9 will enjoy this. Currently on order, this title will appear in the library catalog soon! 
This is a Christian Fiction novel that will appeal to high school girls. It was also just chosen as a 2007 Popular Paperback for young adults in the "Religion: Relationship with the Devine" category. It follows Emily as she moves from small town California to land her dream job at a publishing company in New York City. Although naive, she soon becomes friends with some other girls at the company and learns her way around Manhattan. She even begins dating Bennett, who is known to only date Christian girls. This is fine with Emily since she is also Christian and she wants to live her morals. Who better to date than a nice Christian guy who also lives that way? Or does he? Emily is getting mixed signals from Bennett and must deal with her uncertain feelings about sex. She also is beginning to become homesick and has been in contact with a boy from her childhood. As well, there is a rumor that her boss is having an affair and Emily is not sure she can continue to respect him if he is. And to top it all off, an editor at work is becoming a problem when she lies about a book she is desperate to publish that Emily knows she cannot support. Teens will identify with Emily as she struggles to fit in while still trying to remain true to herself. This is an easy one to read due to the fast action and catchy dialogue. It wasn't chosen as a Popular Paperback for nothing! 
Search
Recent Posts
Archive
 | Powered by engagedpatrons.org |
Upcoming events
- Tween CCG: Winter Layers Dessert(4 hours)
- Preschool Storytime(1 day)
- Teen Zone: TAB(1 day)
- Digital Download Demonstration(1 day)
- Digital Download Demonstration(2 days)
- Family Storytime(2 days)
Subscribe (RSS)
Library Hours
Monday - Thursday
10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday
1-5 p.m.
