New materials

In the past few days, we have received a backlog of new materials. Once this initial batch is cleared, we are going to a new processing system. I am mentioning this because at AG, yesterday, I put out almost 5 shelves of new books. I usually leave duplicate copies up but because there was so much new material, I sent them to the shelves, immediately.

We also have received many new graphics, lately. Again, due to a shortage of shelf space, I let the series graphics get interfiled and shelved immediately.

If you get a chance come by and check out the new loot!

Catherine

"Dear Reader" and Online Book Clubs

Markham Public Libraries is offering a new service called "dear Reader." In the "discover more" section of the webpage, there is a category called, "Reader's Resources." in reader's resources, there are two categories.

One is called "book News." Book News tells you about four new titles each month. You receive an automatic email about the 15th of each month telling you about four great titles for teens, adult fiction, etc. Check it out.

Second category is called Online Book Club. In this service, the library sends out a chapter a day of a new book, starting each Monday. If you like the book, you can put it on hold. The book is always new and is a way to see more new materials.

I will give you the MPL website again and link to reader's resource.
http://www.markham.ca/mpl/readersresource/


Any questions, just ask.

Catherine

Invasion of the Boy Snatchers
By: Lisi Harrison
Pages: 256

The story opens with some good news and bad news that is in store for Massie Block. The good news is that Claire Lyons is not moving away to Chicago. Ever since Claire had moved to Massie’s mansion, she had always given Claire a hard time. But over the course of spending a few months with her, Massie and the clique had finally come to accept Claire and had even allowed her to become a member of their very exclusive club. Now, Claire and Massie had become two very close friends. Since Claire is not moving to Chicago anymore, the family decided to renovate the guest house where they are planning to settle in. This is where the bad news comes in; Massie has to share her bedroom with Claire. But she’s not the only one inching into Massie’s territory. Alicia’s hot Spanish cousin Nina shows up and steals the spotlight away from Massie. Within days, Nina became the school’s trendsetter and boy expert. Every girl wants to be just like her and the Briarwood Boys get attracted to her just like bees to honey. What happens to Massie now? Will she just step back and let the Spanish hottie take over?...(probably not, especially when her crush is at risk from being swapped away by Nina).

This was just another typical chick-book. Everything you expected to find in a “clique” book was there – the girl talk, the clothes, the guys, etc. etc. What made this story even more typical was the fact that the whole entire situation revolves around a new “it” girl coming in and stealing all the attention away from the main character. It always happens sooner or later in any book or movie. And in this series, it just so happens to be this book the author chose to place the arrival of the “it” girl. This 4th book was simply not creative as the first three.
Rating: 6.5/10

s.t.e.p.h.i.e.
volunteer hours: 3 (total 31 ½)

Trap newsletter

Hi, everyone! i have made a rough draft of the TRAP newsletter. This is part of the newsletter showing whose work is part of the actual work. First of all, thanks to all of you for letting me use your work. i have shortened some of your reviews. We will be publishing very soon. If anyone has any problems with the choice for this issue, let me know. I will start putting together February's edition, if anyone has any choices for that issue. I will try and get everyone in, over the next few mon ths.

Fiona, I will probably use Stargirl next because it was a book club choice. This is a chance to advertise the book club.

Rachel for Acceleration by Graham McNamee; Fiona for Montmorency by Eleanor Updale; Jenn for Lamb: the Gospel according to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore; David for Over the Edge by Nora McClintock; S.t.e.p.h.i.e. for The Gospel according to Larry by Janet Tashjian.

Thanks.

Catherine

Poetry Contest

The poetry contest has now started. Deadline for one page entries is Saturday, March 31st.
Email your entries to: teens@markham.library.on.ca
Same place as you send blog applications.
Please note: the winner must agree to have their picture taken for the website.

Catherine

Any questions, let me know. Ages 12-19

Lucy, The Giant and Heaven

Lucy by Sheree Smith

This is about Lucy, a girl who has self-esteem issues because of her height but also because of the lack of attention she receives from her alcoholic father. Lucy makes a connection with a dog but with tragic results. She accidently ends up on an adventure that makes her feel loved and part of something. Like all good stories this is not the happily ever after ending for Lucy but you must read the book to find out how the story ends.

Heaven by Angela Johnson

Angela Johnson never disappoints. This book also short is a quick read but a compelling one. The title was what grabbed me. I loved the reason why the main character's mother chose Heaven as their place to live. Unfortunately, like all things in life, even Heaven has some upsets.

Catherine

Lush
By Natasha Friend
178 pages
5/5 =)

Natasha Friend is the author of Perfect, which I loved. But this one was a teeny bit better. I loved the entire book, while I didn't like the endng of Perfect. It was kinda unrealistic. But this one's really good.

The main character's name is Samatha Gwynn. Her father is an alchoholic; she knows it (so does her mother, but not her little brother) but he never admits it. He hides bottles and stuff around the house, thinking that nobody will look in places like, behind the toilet.

She wants to talk to someone who is willing to help her. Someone her age, who will listen and understand. "Between pages 32 an 33", she sends and recieves messages from "A.J.K." Hm.. who could it be? She doesn't know, but keeps sending messages to this A.J.K. person. This whole messaging thing leads Samantha to a big surprise, when finds out who it is.
It's not like she doesn't have friends to talk to, but.. it's just not the same.

She can't make her father stop drinking, because well.. it's just uncontrollable... cuz he's an addict. He ends up doing stupid things without remembering that he did them. She gets really annoyed sometimes. He always acts as if he's normal, and everythings fine, while deep down inside every knows that things are far from fine.

Her dad's problem causes a mistake that he will probably regret for the rest of his life - it has to do with Samantha's brother, Luke, who's 4.

This book was AWESOME!! and it didnt take long to read. I find it cool how a book can be so short, yet so touching. Highly reccomend it. =)

--Jessica--
would have been 75 hours
*can be published in a teen newsletter