Teen Advisory Board @ Delray Beach Public Library
2010-2011
What is the Teen Advisory Board at Delray Beach Public Library (TAB @ DBPL)?
The TAB @ DBPL was formed to give teens the opportunity to participate in and influence teen services at the Delray Beach Public Library. Our Board was selected: President: Scarlett Correa, Vice President: Saul Correa, Secretary: Vinia Valmy, Historian: Siena Del Mastro.
Who can join the TAB @ DBPL?
Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to join the TAB @ DBPL.
When will the TAB @ DBPL meet?
The TAB @ DBPL will meet the second Tuesday of every month from 4:30PM to 5:30PM in the Young Adult room to discuss books, magazines, teen issues, and programming.
How much time will it involve?
The TAB @ DBPL will involve one hour a month for meetings and any time you choose to devote to reviews, program committees, or other TAB @ DBPL activities and planning. The time you devote to the TAB will be considered Community Service Hours and you will receive a letter documenting your hours and services to the TAB.
What will we discuss?
The TAB @ DBPL will meet to share reviews of books, software, magazines, music, and web sites. It will be up to TAB @ DBPL to present ideas for the Teen Summer Reading program and year round programming.
What are the membership requirements?
Members must commit to a one (1) year of service to the TAB@DBPL and a minimum of seventy-five (75) hours of service for that year. These service hours can be met by participating in a combination of the following activities*:
Attendance to monthly meetings during fiscal year from October to September REQUIRED (1 hour, once a month); AND Chairing ONE (1) Young Adult Yearly Program:
- Got Gaming? Nights (4 hours, 4 times a month);
- Teen Book Discussions (1 hour, twice a month);
- Written/Video Book Reviews (various hours earned);
- Teen Movie Nights (3 hour, once a month);
- FCAT Tutoring Services (4 hours a week from January to March);
- Homework Helper (4 hours a week from October to May);
- Participating in TAB @ DBPL approved events (various hours earned);
- Supporting the Children's Summer Reading Programs (various hours earned).
For current Teen Advisory Board Newsletter, click HERE!
I'm Interested!!! Who do I contact to be a member of the TAB @ DBPL?
Loanis Menendez-Cuesta
Reference and YA Librarian
(561) 819-6299 - Loanis.Menendez@DelrayLibrary.Org
Ways to get involved!- Volunteer service at The Teen Advisory Board at Delray Beach Public Library (TAB@DBPL) is geared towards creating a community of teens that have a positive impact on the library services for teens and young adults. We are looking for teens that see creating a long term partnership with the library as a positive element in their lives. We hope that our teens today will become strong library activists and supporters in the future.
- Community service teaches the skills of civil participation and develops an ethic of service and civic responsibility. Community Service is defined as: The process of learning and developing as a productive member of society through active participation in service that meets the needs of our community.
- Members must have a current Teen Volunteer Application with Model Release AND the signed Statement of Commitment on page 7 of the By-Laws, signed by the member and a parent or guardian. TAB @ DBPL membership is open to students in grades 6 through 12. At the end of the fiscal
- The officers shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a historian elected from the members of the TAB @ DBPL. There will also be opportunities for member to chair special committees and programs as needed. TAB@DBPL will maintain an open membership limited to 20 members on a yearly basis.
Got Gaming Chairs (4): Will help set up gaming stations and TVs. We have a limit of 15 minutes playing sessions, and Gaming Chairs help keep track of who's turn is it to play. For teens aged 13-17 only. Meets: Mondays from 4-8pm, 1st Floor Auditorium.
Teen Movie Night Chair (2): Will help pop the popcorn and sign patrons in, and at the end of the movie help with the clean up of the popcorn machine and utensils. Meets: Last Tuesday of the month from 4:8pm, 1st Floor Auditorium.
Other Program Chairs and volunteers: During the year we design other projects and activities where teens can serve as TAB members such as tutoring for the FCAT, homework helpers, participating in the "All People's Day" and "Juneteenth" festivals, etc. Meeting times to be arranged.
INDEX for Book Reviews (Just click title to read review!)
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare
City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Graceling by Kristine Cashore
Mister Monday by Garth Nix
Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Perect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
Unwind by Neil Shusterman
Wake by Lisa McMann Fade
The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez by Alan Lawrence Stomer
Fang by James Patterson
The Compound by S.A. Bodeen
In a world of magic and power, death and necromancers, Garth Nix bases the Abhorsen trilogy: a world where the dead roam and only the current Abhorsen can bind them anew and keep the rest of the kingdom from peril. Eighteen-year-old Sabriel is suddenly faced with the disappearance of her father, and must embark on a mission to the Old Kingdom. Though it is her homeland, it is a far distance from where she currently is; Ancelstierre, a land without magic, to find her father, whose disappearance does not bode well for Sabriel, who is a novice Charter mage with a small amount of knowledge of necromancy in comparison to her father. When she first arrives at her father's house in the Old Kingdom, she finds out that she must act as the Abhorsen in his absence. With only a talking cat of uncertain magical origin as a companion and the seven magical bells of an Abhorsen, she embarks on a heroic quest to rescue her father and return balance to the Old Kingdom. Along the way she is faced by a Mordicant, a terrible creature formed by a necromancer, as well as several lesser Dead. With twists and turns thrown in with what seems to be precise timing, this is a book that will surely deliver.
Following Sabriel with adventure, suspense, magic, romance, humor, and mystery, this is a book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting more.
Also by Garth Nix:
Lirael, Daughter of the Clayr, Abhorsen Trilogy Book 2
Abhorsen, Abhorsen Trilogy Book 3
For more Garth Nix books visit: http://www.garthnix.co.uk/books
Reviewed by: Saúl C., TAB @ DBPL
What if you lived in a society where, once you turned thirteen, your parents could have you unwound, where the government could take every single part, organ, cell of your body and recycle it into someone else's body? Well, that is what Connor's parents did, and now he is struggling not to get unwound and trying to stay alive until he turns eighteen. Then there is Risa, who grew up in a state home all her life and plays the piano very well, but not well enough to keep her from getting unwound because of "budget cuts". When she spots an opportunity to escape her tragic fate during a highway collision caused by Connor, she takes it and her path is now crossed with Connors and both are on the run. We also meet Lev, who is a tithe, chosen by his parents to be unwound since his birth due to their religious beliefs. When Lev's day came to be brought to the Harvesting Center, Connor's action intercept Lev's plans and the three of them are now fugitives. While they are on the run, unexpected events keep taking place, like Risa and Connor become the parents of a "storked baby", Connor's celebrity catches up with him, Lev becomes a danger to himself and society, and they find help from unexpected people in unexpected places. That's when the three teens end up in the Graveyard and meet hundreds of kids that share their unwinding fate.
What kind of society has signed into law the process of unwinding? Shustermans's chilling descriptions of this future dystopia will make you think deeply about hard social issues teens face today. But what will become of Connor and Risa and Lev and all the other kids sent to the Harvest Centers? Will they be able to survive in their own body or in a "divided state?
Also by Neal Shusterman:
Everlost
Everwild
For more Neal Shusterman books visit: http://www.storyman.com/
Reviewed by: Carla T., Vice-President, TAB @ DBPL
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magic-induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadow hunting world isn't ready to let her go. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down an evil Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.
To make things harder for her, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to accomplish? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen from the Silent Brothers, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace, Clary's Shadowhunter stepbrother. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray his Shadowhunter existence to help their father?
Also by Cassandra Clare:
City of Bones, Mortal Instruments Book 1
City of Glass, Mortal Instruments Book 3
For more about Cassandra Clare and the Mortal Instruments, visit http://www.mortalinstruments.com/
Reviewed by: Rose L., President, TAB @ DBPL
Imagine stepping in a paranormal world with Shadowhunters, demons, angels, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and runes (spells)! Cool right? One would think, but as the story is told it's extremely intense!Fifteen year-old Clary Fray is just finding her way in life, trying to have fun. Clary goes out to a nightclub called Pandemonium in New York City, with her best friend Simon Lewis. Clary, just hoping to have a good time, instead gets a taste of what her life is about to turn into. In the club Clary sees a boy getting murdered by two other boys, but apparently, she is the only one who can see them. Taking matters into her own hand, Clary follows the boys into a storage room, when in the storage room the boys are surprised that she can see them. The murderers explain that the boy was a demon and that they are Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons.
All of a sudden her life changes and takes a turn for the worst: She is attacked by demons and her mother disappears! Her mother Jocelyn, trying to protect her, has kept secrets from her. It's not until Clary gets to know Jace, who is actually a Shadowhunter, that secrets start to unfold. Clary finds out that she herself is a Shadowhunter, and this here is when her life gets turned upside down. Shadowhunters require years of special training and Clary has been denied that training by her mother. Although her mother wanted to protect her, now Clary is left with the knowledge that the world is a dangerous place filled with demons, fairies, vampires and werewolves, and she lacks the skills as a Shadowhunter to protect herself and help find her mother.
Together with Jace and other teen Shadowhunters, Clary and Simon join a quest to find her mom. As all this is happening in her life she finds out the man she thought of like a father, Valentine, is a powerful Shadowhunter turned evil! At age 15, knowing that your life isn't what you thought it was, is plenty for Clary. However, as the story unfolds, she finds out that she has feelings for Jace, and that Simon has feelings for her. Trapped in this emotional upheaval, Clary desperately longs to find her strength in the world of Shadohunters, Downworlders and demons so that she can help find her mother. Against all odds, she discovers that for some reason, and not knowing how or why, Clary can draw runes (Shadowhunter spells). What can Clary do with her newly found skill? Pick up a copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and find out more…you won't be able to put this book down!
Also by Cassandra Clare:
City of Ashes, Mortal Instruments Book 2
City of Glass, Mortal Instruments Book 3
CITY OF GlassMortal Instruments Book III
By Cassandra Clare
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the law, and breaking the law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who truly hate vampires who can withstand sunlight. As Clary discovers more about her family's past, she finds a friend in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. Valentine is using the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, and begin the creation of a 'new" Shadowhunter race. To defeat him, extreme alliances must be formed between Shadowhunters and their eternal enemies, the Downworlders. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?
Cassandra Clare brings the 3rd book of the Mortal Instruments Trilogy to a fantastic closure! Get ready to come face to face with the truth about Valentine's evil master plan; Jace's and Clary's relationship -Are they or are they not siblings?; What about Clary's new found powers?; who is Sebastian?; and what will the fate of the Shadowhunters be once The Angel is summoned?
Get ready for this and more! Coming April 5, 2011: City of Fallen Angels, Mortal Instruments Book 4!
Also by Cassandra Clare:
City of Bones, Mortal Instruments Book 1
City of Ashes, Mortal Instruments Book 2
City of Fallen Angels, Mortal Instruments Book 4, (April 5th, 2011)
City of Lost Souls, Mortal Instruments Book 5 (May 2012)
City of Heavenly Fire, Mortal Instruments Book 6 (September 2013)
And if you really want more, you will be glad to know that Cassandra is working on a new trilogy "The Infernal Devices"
Now Available!
Clockwork Angel, Infernal Devices, Book 1, August 31, 2010
For more about Cassandra Clare and the Mortal Instruments, visit http://www.mortalinstruments.com/
Reviewed by: Loanis Menendez-Cuesta, TAB @ DBPL Advisor, 2009-2010
Reviewed by: Jinia D, Secretary, TAB @ DPPL
Twisted examines the inner struggles of a typical American male teenager in his senior year. Told from the point of view of Tyler Miller, author Anderson brings us a story that takes us deeply into the desperate attempts of teenagers to fit in with the in-crowd while being ushered into adulthood. Twisted reveals that our society is quick to judge and slow to embrace differences. Because of this, Tyler performs the "Foul Deed" at the end of his junior year landing him on probation with community service, hard labor, no car and no summer job (hence no money). Thus, senior year proves to be quite the struggle, when his altered physique (after working with the school maintenance crew and a landscaping crew over the summer) gains the attention of his crush. While that sounds good, Tyler is dealing with a probation officer, community service, failing grades, graduation, family conflicts, an explosive father and a drunken incident where inappropriate deeds take place during a party that he was not supposed to go to begin with. Anderson tells the story with humorous content, taut pace and reminiscent Tyler stories. Tyler loves to play a video game where at the last level he gets to fight the Devil himself, analogous to Tyler coming to terms with his final conflict. Tyler is on the verge of starting his life as an adult, but which way will he choose to go? Read the book and judge by yourself!
I would recommend this book to teens in High School, to moms and dads of teenagers, to those who work with teenagers, and to those who were teenagers 20 years ago.....a lot has changed since then and this book will bring you up to date.
Reviewed by:
Loanis Menendez-Cuesta
Reference and YA Librarian
Advisor for TAB @ DBPL
Graceling takes place in a world of Seven Kingdoms in which a small number of people are born Graced, gifted with unusual and sometimes fearsome abilities. As a young girl, Katsa comes to the chilling realization that she has the Grace of Killing. With her parents dead, her uncle, King Randa of the Middluns, trains her until she becomes a feared and deadly lady killer, prisoner to his will and expected to do his bidding of torture and punishment. Struggling for redemption from her terrifying Grace and to free herself from the tasks she is forced to perform, she creates the Council, an underground group of citizens and people of power that carries out missions in secret to help victims of the king's abuses.
While on a Council mission to rescue old prince Tealiff from another kingdom, she is confronted by a mysterious foreigner, Prince Po, who is a Graced fighter. Katsa and Po unite to discover the truth about the kidnapping and undergo a journey that reveals truths about their Graces and exposes a secret that is a menace to all Seven Kingdoms.
A romantic fantasy tale set in a stunning world, Graceling captures realistic struggles in the life of a conflicted young woman who questions her nature as a person and her place in the world.
Learning through experience about the value of trust, Katsa realizes that society's standards are not always the right ones and that the beauty of a Grace comes from knowing yourself.
Also by Kristin Cashore: Fire For more about Kristin Cashore, visit http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/
How would you like to know what other people dream? While the idea may sound farfetched, it's simply the way things are for the protagonist of this book. The main character, Jamie, finds herself in a situation much worse than just knowing what others dream: since the age of 8 she gets sucked into people's dreams whether she wants to or not, and she has most certainly seen it all. Now at the age of seventeen, sleeping schoolmates provide Jamie with more trouble than she needs. Coping with all the manners of nightmares, sex-crazed fantasies, and nonsensical dreams, she must try to adjust to this cursed ability as best she can. There is one gruesome nightmare that troubles her. She has been a witness to many nightmares, but now she is also a participant in this dreamer's terrors.This book is fast-paced, introducing twists and turns with what seems to be each new page. Sure to keep the reader hooked, Wake is a book that is mainly for teenagers. Fantasy, humor, and mystery are all presented in this first book of a trilogy. Reviewed by: Saul C., TAB @ DBPL
Also by Lisa McMann Fade. For more information about Lisa McMann and her books, visit: http://lisamcmann.com/
The Lightning ThiefPercy Jackson and the Olympians
By Rick Riordan
Twelve year-old Percy Jackson may look like any kid in New York today. He is dyslexic, has ADHD and has lots of trouble at school. Namely, he gets suspended and kicked out a lot! Trouble seems to always find him and he is learning to cope with that. Percy can't explain why some really weird things happen around him, like when pipes explode for no apparent reason or when water from fountains seem to come out and grab you! But when he starts getting chased by monsters right from the myths of Ancient Greece he finds himself in whole other world of trouble
Imagine this: Percy is actually a demi-god -His mother is mortal, but his father is a Greek God! Mount Olympus is located on the 600th Floor of the Empire State building and the Underworld is in LA at DOA Recording Studio. Although he doesn't know who his Godly father is, Percy finds his way to Half-Blood camp, where heroes are trained and is given a Quest. Percy is joined by a disguised Satyr, Grover, and fellow hero, Annabeth to put an end to a feud between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. As if consulting the Oracle, fearing its prophecy, fighting monsters and dealing with the Fates wasn't enough, Zeus's Lightning Bolt was stolen and Percy is accused of the deed.
Find out what happens in this first installment of five of the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, an action-packed, often humorous, mythological adventure that takes place not in Ancient Greece, but in Modern Day New York!
Also by Rick Riordan:
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian
For more about Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson and the Olympians and to watch the movie trailer, visit http://www.percyjacksonbooks.com/
Reviewed by Loanis Menendez-Cuesta, Reference and YA Librarian, TAB @ DBPL Advisor, 2009-2010
Once A Witch
By Carolyn MacCullough
Once a Witch provides you with a story that touches upon the struggles of a normal teen just wanting to be accepted by her family and peers. Tamsin Greene comes from a family of powerful witches, from the day she was born; Tamsin was expected to be the most talented witch of them all. On Tamsin's eighth birthday, she waited for her powers to materialize but to her disappointment nothing occurred. Now heartbroken and feeling like the family failure, Tamsin embarks on a journey to be normal despite the fact that her family is quite unconventional.
One summer while working at her family's book/magic shop, Tamsin is mistaken for her beautiful, powerful, and perfect older sister Rowena by Alistair, a young professor. Alistair asks Tamsin to find a "clock" his family lost years ago. Tamsin sees this as an opportunity to prove herself to the Greene family by finding this "lost" heirloom without the aid of her grandmother or sister.
With the help of her Talented childhood friend, Gabriel, Tamsin embarks in a search for this object. The only way to find it is by using Gabriel's Talent of traveling through time! Needless to say, time-travel is prohibited by the witch community, but Tamsin is determined to succeed in her quest!
But is helping the stranger in his mission a terrible mistake? Will Tamsin prove to be the most Talented, most powerful witch of all, as her grandmother prophesized, or will she be the cause of their utterly destruction?
Once a Witch proves to be a spellbinding read that will leave you wanting the sequel!
Reviewed by Ashley A. TAB@DBPL Book Discussions Chair, 2010-2011
The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez
By: Alan Lawrence Sitomer
Sonia's family is from Mexico, and her father is a hard-working, loving man who is not at home often enough as a result of his having to work in order to be able to support his family. Sonia is in charge of most of the household chores as her mother (her Ama) watches Spanish soap operas the whole day while pregnant with twins. On the other hand, her older brother does the least work he can, and is almost privileged to not do this as the oldest male son. Against all odds, Sonia must struggle against tradition, her chores, her drunk uncle, and herself in order to attempt to pass high school and make something of herself. This book is challenging to read without knowing Spanish to some extent, because as some of the book contains conversational Spanglish, constantly having a dictionary in order to understand it fully would be time-consuming. This book would be most appropriate for younger teenagers, because it is written in a very straight-forward fashion, but there is some strong content which restricts it to the older ages. Overall, this book is good for those that enjoy intense reads, as this book is full of moments that will make you cringe, with an encouraging ending that will leave you feeling connected to Sonia, as well as inspired.
Reviewed by: Saul C., Vice President, TAB @ DBPL 2010-11
Also by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
The Hoopster
The Hip-Hop High School
Homeboyz
For more information about Alan Lawrence Sitomer and his books, visit: http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/about/
Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel
By James Paterson
Fang the 6th book in the series Maximum Ride, and is about the life of six kids ranging from 7 to 15 years old. However, they are not your typical kids that you see every day. They are actually mutants that were created by evil scientists. These mutants have 2 percent of avian (bird) DNA, and so they have grown 15 ft wings on their backs and have extreme sense of eyesight. Their mission is to save the world from destruction and evil.
Throughout the series they have saved the world from total destruction from their home base in Colorado. They have fought with other experiments (other "human" experiments), defeated chemical weapons, and stopped new scientific discoveries that could lead to world wide destruction.
In this book however something else troubles them now. Scientists have created another bird/human subject called Dylan as a mate for Max, the leader of the flock (a tough girl also know Maximum Ride). However, Max is in love with Fang, one of the oldest flock members. Part of the conflict is that the flock decides to go public and become famous and they made themselves an easy target for those who want them dead. It was no surprise that they were attacked and captured by thugs hired by the evil scientists that created them. Now it is up to Angel, the youngest of the entire flock to use her special ability to control people's minds to communicate with Max. Max and Fang will be faced with an epic battle to get the flock back.
This book is action packed for teens who are looking for a thrilling plot, and it is really entertaining to read. You will never want to put the book down. You will want to keep reading it and see what happens next! I would recommend this book to those who like to read action, romance, and entertainment. A book like this will keep them reading, and when they finish, they would ask for more to read!
Reviewed by William M.; TAB@DBPL 2010-2011
Also by James Paterson:
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Maximum Ride: School is Out Forever
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
Maximum Ride: The Final Warning
Max: A Maximum Ride Novel
Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel
For more information about James Paterson and his books visit: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_max.php
The CompoundBy: S.A. Bodeen
Rex Yanakakis, a billionaire technology mogul, decided to order for the building of a place where his family could stay in the case of a nuclear holocaust. It's equipped with enough to last for 15 years, the period which it takes for nuclear radiation to leave an area. Even though it was just a precaution, now the family is forced to use it after what seems to be the start of a nuclear attack on the United States.
The story's main character is Eli, one of Rex's sons, and also one of a pair of twins. He enters the compound at the age of 9 in the family's panicked flight for safety. The twist is that while Eli did manage to make it into the compound on time, his brother Eddy did not. Now, stuck underground for 15 years, Eli is beginning to question what he has known as his world for already a large share of years. Something between a sci-fi, a mystery, and a thriller, The Compound has its moments of surprise and eeriness.
This book is appropriate for anyone from their pre-teens to their twenties. A fairly enjoyable read with good, realistic dialogue and a cast of characters in which anyone can find a favorite, this thriller novel will draw you into the suspense and pressure which Godeen craftily constructs.
Reviewed by: Saul C., Vice President, TAB @ DBPL 2010-11
Also by S.A. Bodeen:
The Gardener
For more information about S.A. Bodeen and her books visit: http://us.macmillan.com/author/sabodeen
Perfect ChemistryBy Simone Elkeles
Perfect Chemistry spins an unconventional tale of boy meets girl. Through alternating narratives we delve into the lives of Brittany Ellis and Alejandro (Alex) Fuentes; two people that lead two very different lives.
In an unfortunate pairing as chemistry lab partners, south sider Alex Fuentes has to deal with north sider "golden girl" Brittany Ellis. He thinks she had it all; popularity, money, good looks and not to mention idolized football player Colin Adams. Little does he know that under her cool and confident facade lies an insecure teenage girl who comes home to dysfunctional parents and a sister who suffers from extreme cerebral palsy.
Brittany's view of Alex is obscured. She already got off on the wrong foot with him by nearly crashing into him with her new BMW-courtesy of her father. So when she's partnered with him all she can see is a dangerous, Latino Blood gangster. Never judge a book by its cover. Yes, he's in a gang; and yes, he can be violent; but underneath all that, there is an intelligent young man who pines to be a chemistry major but must handle protecting and providing for his family while steering his little brother away from the gang life.
Simone Elkeles weaves a passionate love story where two people must overcome misunderstandings and stereotypes. Can these two come together against the odds? Or will they collapse under the pressure?
Also by Simone Elkeles:
Perfect Chemistry Series:
Rules of Attraction
Chain Reaction
Leaving Paradise Series:
Leaving Paradise
Return to Paradise
How to Ruin Series:
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation
How to Ruin my Teenage Life
How to Ruin your Boyfriend's Reputation
Visit the Author's Website for more! http://www.simoneelkeles.net/index1.html
Mister MondayThe Keys to the Kingdom Series
By Garth Nix
Arthur Penhaligan, a normal boy on Earth with an asthma problem, finds himself faced with a dilemma when he is thrust into new responsibilities by a mysterious stranger. Not only will these duties put him in danger, but they will bring him into The House, the epicenter of the universe. Within The House, Arthur will encounter new friends, engage with otherworldly creatures with wings or made of Nothing, and attempt to discover what is going on in The House now that its creator, The Architect, has vanished, and seven unfaithful trustees have taken her place.
This book reads at a level suitable for teenagers to those in their early 20s, and is full of adventure, fantasy, mechanical workings, and unique creatures straight from the imagination of the author.
The Keys to the Kingdom series is split into seven books, with each named after the corresponding Trustee who rules over that day in Earth time. With the seven trustees, Garth Nix employs an interesting method of choosing their character flaw which is ultimately their downfall. Each of the seven trustees is inflicted with one of the seven deadly sins, although this was not always so. Now that The Architect has vanished, the Trustees have taken command, and subsequently become twisted in their own ways, and the Will of The Architect has been split among them in order to escape its power, balance must be restored to The House, and Arthur Penhaligon has been entrusted to do the job by a random stroke of luck or misfortune, the result of which will intrigue the reader with the intricacies that Garth Nix builds within the plot.
Also by Garth Nix:
Grim Tuesday
Drowned Wednesday
Sir Thursday
Lady Friday
Superior Saturday
Lord Sunday
For more Garth Nix books visit http://www.garthnix.co.uk Reviewed by Saul C., TAB @ DBPL
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson is about a teenage girl who wakes up from a coma with no memory of her life before the accident that caused it.
Sheltered by her parents and denied her right to the truth, she begins to search for the answers of her own, only to discover the horrific secret behind her improbable survival that deals with the conflicts of love, science, and the law, and changes her life forever.
This is a futuristic science fiction story that deals with the ethics of advancing technology and its clashes with what makes us human and what we consider to be "quality of life". Presenting a very grave problem with equally dangerous consequences, in a future not to far away, it is a fabulous narration about the struggles of a young girl as she begins to understand her life after the accident and to what extremes some people will go to protect what they treasure.
Pick up a copy of the book at your local library and find out who is Jenna Fox!
Reviewed by Scarlett C., TAB@DBPL President, 2010-2011