So, all we Harry Potter fans were so excited for November to roll around. I mean, if the cold weather is going to blow in, a good movie might as well come in with it. But then the movie studio goes and drops the bombshell announcement that it's postponing the release date until JULY! AND it's not even because it's still in production. No, they're in post production. The reason is so it can be released for the "big summer movie season." Do they not realize holiday releases and movie seasons are pretty large, too? I suppose the "good news" for some fans is that the Twilight movie, based on the book of the same name, is being released in December (and rumors have it being released on the original HP date). But, really, I'm not sure if they compare. (Link)

Posted by Mary at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During our last week of special programs, the library hosted various performers throughout the week.

Professor Anson Pantz from the Kalamazoo Nature Center wowed the audiences at the Main, West Side, Seymour, and Van Belkum branches with his interesting fun facts about insects!

Dynamic School Assemblies brought an African Millipede, Madigascar Cockroaches, scorpions, and a hedgehog for the children to see at the West Leonard Branch in his Bugs, Books, and Beyond Presentation. What a great program, especially for those upper elementary kids!

Finally, Acting Up Theatre Company performed a 2 man play about becoming what you've always wanted to be-e!

The audiences at Yankee Clipper, Ottawa Hills, and Madison branches were kept entertained and humored! It's been a great summer for programs, and don't forget that you still have until August 2nd, just a few days away, to sign up and turn in your reading records or teen raffle tickets. Thanks to everyone for another fun filled summer reading program!

Posted by Mary at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Would you like more opportunities to interact with Grand Rapids Public Library staff or an easy way to find out GRPL event information? In looking for new ways to interact with you, we've set up some sites over at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

GRPL Twitter

For Teens:
GRPLTeen Twitter
GRPL Myspace
Facebook - just search for "grplteen"!

Posted by Martin at 04:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Teens! Don't forget about the summer reading program. You still have time to sign up. Just read at least 4 books to have your name entered to win some cool prizes like an MP3 player, a gaming chair, a lava lamp and more! And, after you've spent some time this summer reading, join us for our "So long to summer" Party. There'll be food, fun, and prize drawings will be announced.

Posted by Mary at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Girls from around the city came to different GRPL locations to pick out a free prom dress! Those coming to the Main library were able to watch Ellie have her make-up and hair done, while getting tips on how to do get ready themselves. One lucky winner won a gift basket provided by Clinique.

Many thanks to Younkers Department Stores, Goodwill, Hotel Venus Salon, and Clinique! We hope to make this an annual event, so hang on to those dresses. Maybe you can exchange it next year!

Posted by Martin at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Kayla Chronicles
by Sherri Winston

“This just in... Kayla Dean, budding feminist and future journalist, is about to break the story of a lifetime. Egged on by her best friend, Kayla has decided to try out for her high school's notorious dance team, the Lady Lions, in order to expose their unfair selection process. But when she actually makes the team, the true investigation begins! Now a Lady Lion, Kayla is transformed into a dance diva. But does looking good and having fun mean turning her back on the cause? Soon Kayla is forced to challenge her views, coming to terms with who she is and what girl power really means."

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Winston

Saving Juliet
by Suzanne Selfors

"Mimi Wallingford has a life most girls can only dream of - complete with the starring role in her family's production of Romeo and Juliet. But acting is not her dream, and she's fighting for the right to become a doctor. During the play's final performance, Mimi's wish to get away actually comes true when she and her costar are magically transported into Shakespeare's Verona. Now that she knows the real Juliet, Mimi doesn't want to stand by and allow the play to reach its tragic end. But if saving her new friend means changing the ending, will she and Troy ever make it back to Broadway?"

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Selfors

Vampire Kisses 1: Blood Relatives
by Ellen Schreiber, Art by rem

"The absolute last thing goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, need is another hitch in their nighttime-only romance - but dark trouble hovers on the horizon. When a crew of sketchy vampires takes up residence in Dullsville's lonely graveyard, Alexander finds this motley bunch led by his very own blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling. Claude and his creepy crew can only spell out more problems for the pair, especially when Raven finds them in daylight in the very last place she could ever imagine. What could Claude and his invaders be doing - or searching for - in Dullsville?"

Available now: NEW Teen Graphic Novel Schreiber

The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook
by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, and Yasmine Hafiz

“What does it mean to be a Muslim? Ask ten people, and you'll probably receive ten different answers. The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook is a positive, informative guide to Islam in America. Timely and engaging, it conveys the basics of the fastest-growing, most stereotyped and misunderstood religion in America from a progressive, teen perspective. Whether struggling to define themselves as Muslims in American society or simply curious about Islam, teens will find much to love about this entertaining book.”

Available now: NEW Teen 297.570835 H119a

Bunker 10
by J. A. Henderson

"At eight o'clock in the evening, 24 December 2007, Pinewood Military Installation exploded. The blast ripped apart acres of forest and devastated the remote highland valley where the base was located. No official cause was given for the incident. Inside Pinewood were 185 male and female miliatary personnel - a mixture of scientists and soldiers. There were also seven teenagers. This is the story of their last day..."

Available now: NEW Teen Fiction Henderson

Posted by Martin at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lots of laughter was heard in the Teen Department at the Main Library during the Wii tennis tournament on Saturday, March 15. More tournaments are being held at the following locations:

Monday, March 17, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., West Leonard Branch, 988-5416
Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Yankee Clipper Branch, 988-5415
Thursday, March 20, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Van Belkum Branch, 988-5410

Photo: Taye and Brandon compete.

Posted by Martin at 05:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's that time of year again! Time for teens to vote for the book they think should receive Michigan's Thumbs Up! book award for excellence in teen and young adult fiction and non-fiction.

Books eligible for the Thumbs Up! award are determined by a committee of young adult librarians who read tons of teen titles, then meet throughout the year to discuss them and narrow down what they believe to be the top twenty. Teens are then able to choose what they believe is the best book from the top selections

If you've read the books you can get a voting ballot here. If you haven't read all of the books, check 'em out below and cast your vote soon! All votes must be received by May 30, 2008.

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
• Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• Don't Call Me Ishmael by Michael Gerard Bauer
• Beauty Shop for Rent: ...fully equipped, inquire within by Laura Bowers
• Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
• Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
• The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California by Mary Hershey
• Kissing the Bee by Kathe Koja
• Schooled by Gordon Korman

Continue reading "Thumbs Up! Book Award" »

Posted by Mary at 09:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Great news! We now have access to nearly 500 children and young adult titles on NetLibrary's eAudiobooks. You'll find a list of titles by clicking here and browsing the subjects on the right side of the screen (Children's Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, etc.). Happy searching!

Posted by Martin at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is yet another challenge to a teen novel. John Green's Looking for Alaska is being called pornographic. A school in Buffalo, NY wants to teach the book in the 11th grade. Teachers and administrators sent a letter home to let parents know, and gave them a choice to opt THEIR children out and give them an alternative title. Well, some parents didn't want ANY students to read the book. Looking for Alaska is a mature read with mature themes; however, the school followed a good procedure.

John Green is a young author who won the Printz Award the first time out with this specific book. He talks very well about this on his blog, Sparks Fly Up. Take a look and if you've read the book let us know what you think.

Posted by Mary at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Every year I wait excitedly for the announcements of the winners of the big awards in children and teen literature. Some years I am surprised, others a bit disappointed, only because MY favorite may not have won. This year, there were a couple of surprises.

The Caldecott Medal, awarded for the best book illustrations, went to The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, a novel for children. Granted, it is a novel in pictures and words, and it isn't always picture books that win, but this surprised me. I actually liked the illustrations more than the story, so it was a pleasant surprise.

The Newbery Medal, given for the best writing in children's literature, was for a non-fiction title this year, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. I have to admit, this one ran under my radar, and of course now there is a waiting list for it!

The Michael L. Printz Award, given for the best teen book, went to White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean. I've seen this book and read about it; however, I haven't read it yet. Time to order that one, too!

Since I had no clear favorites this year, I'll have to wait to read the winners I haven't yet read to form my opinion.

Posted by Mary at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, one of the more popular series of books for quite a few years has been The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I loved listening to this book. Not only was the production a BIG production (full cast), it is one of the best written books around.

Well, Hollywood has, of course, made a movie of this first title in the trilogy. And before it is even RATED, there is controversy surrounding it. In this article, people are being encouraged not to take their children based on some misconceptions about the book. It IS heavy material with controversial subject matter, but I wish that those concerned would read the book and/or see the movie before encouraging others to boycott. I realize not every book or movie is for every person, but every person has the right to decide for themselves. If the children are too young, their parents do have every right to forbid them, THEIR OWN CHILDREN, to read or see it. And they should as the books or the movie, I would assume, are for children under 12. (I would even argue the books are for older readers than that) So, it's easy for book lovers to feel passionate about possible censorship. We are extremely interested to hear what YOU all have to say. Also, does someone telling you NOT to read a book or watch a movie make you do as they say or does it peak your curiosity more?

Posted by Mary at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cold weather has finally arrived in Grand Rapids. That means it's time to curl up in front of the fireplace with a hot cupa something and a good book. And if you're a marathon reader like me and always looking for the next best read, you'll want to sign up for GRPL's Spilled Ink book club. (Isn't that a cool name?) All you have to do is read 10 of your favorite books, record the titles and authors, and give the list to us by February 29, 2008 to claim prizes. Oh, and audio books are included!

You must be at least 16 years of age to participate. To register, simply stop by any Grand Rapids Library location, pick up one of our lovely brochures (see photo), and give the librarian your name and contact information. You'll get a really nice pen just for registering. You can also sign up via phone and pick up your brochure and pen when you come to the library.

Remember. Read or listen to 10 titles + Make 1 list = Get cool prizes. That's it!

If you want reading suggestions try these resources:

Posted by Angela at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This month teens competed in Wii Tennis Tournaments at all GRPL branches. On Thursday, October 18, the Double Deuces just beat the All Stars and Team Shrug. These tournaments are a way to present content to patrons in the same way that the library adds value by presenting picture books at story time. The tournament format helps promote and build community connections, social competence, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The Wii Tennis Tournaments have been great fun -- better than it looks on the Wii TV commercial. Teens are bobbing and weaving. Don't get in their way or you'll get hit!

Caption: Bryce tries his hand at the Wii Tennis Tournament at the Main Library October 24 against Seymour Branch Manager, Asante Cain.

Continue reading "Wii Tennis Tournament" »

Posted by Martin at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A chess team is forming at Madison Square Branch Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in joining come to the branch on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.

We've been having so much fun!!!

Posted by Martin at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites
Written by Heather Brewer

“Could you get me O positive this time? That’s my favorite." Vlad's got it pretty easy for a half-vampire. Since his parents died years ago in a mysterious fire, he's lived with his aunt, a nurse who can easily keep up a regular supply of blood for him. She and Vlad's best friend Henry are the only ones who understand what he is, and Vlad manages to live a mostly normal life. Events turn suspicious, however, when his English teacher goes missing, and the substitute starts asking him curious questions. Is Vlad in danger of being exposed?

Available now in the New Teen Fiction area.
Teen Fiction Brewer

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
Written by Gabrielle Zevin

Naomi Porter fell. It was an accident, but she's lost all of her memories of the last four years. Now Naomi's got a lot of catching up to do. Some things makes sense. Her best friend, for example, feels "comfortable and broken-in like favorite jeans." Other things are puzzling or downright distressing. She feels no connection to her jock boyfriend Ace, yet feels drawn to a new boy named James. Her parents have divorced, she has a half-sister she's never met, and she finds birth control pills in her drawer. Naomi's facing a rare chance to reassess her life and maybe make some important changes.

Available now in the New Teen Fiction area.
Teen Fiction Zevin

Ethan Suspended
Written by Pamela Ehrenberg

Suspended from his suburban Philadelphia junior high, Ethan is sent by his soon-to-be-divorced mother to live with his grandparents in Washington, D.C., where he quickly learns what it's like to be alone. His grandparents are obsessive and irritating, and Ethan is one of the only white kids in his black and Latino dominated new school. Far away is the world full of IM, cable, and malls that Ethan knows and loves. Slowly he makes some friends, falls for a girl named Kameka, joins the jazz band, and begins to learn respect for his grandparents and their decision to stay in their neighborhood.

Available now in the New Teen fiction area.
Teen Fiction Ehrenberg

Posted by Kolene at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)