Teenscape LaGrange

Block, Francesca Lia. Psyche in a Dress. YA/ BLO
A young woman, Psyche, searches for her lost love and questions her true self in a modern retelling of Greek myths.

Bondoux, Anne-Laure. The Killer’s Tears. YA/ BON
A young boy, Paolo, and the man who murdered his parents, Angel, gradually become like father and son as they live and work together on the remote Chilean farm where Paolo was born.

Bowsher, Melodie. My Lost and Found Life. YA/ BOW
When her mother is accused of embezzling a million dollars and vanishes, spoiled, selfish Ashley must fend for herself by finding a job and a place to live.

Collison, Laura. Star-Crossed. YA/ COL
Having been discovered as a stowaway as she tries to reach Barbados in 1760 to claim her father's estate, teenaged English orphan Patricia Kelley struggles to survive by learning to be a ship's doctor and by disguising herself as a man when necessary. Includes glossary of nautical terms.

Feinstein, John. Vanishing Act. YA/ FEI
Eighth-grade sports reporters Susan Carol and Stevie reunite at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships where they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a top Russian player.

Fogelin, Adrian. The Real Question. YA/ FOG
Fisher Brown, a 16-year-old over-achiever, is on the verge of academic burnout when he impulsively decides to stop cramming for the SATs for one weekend and accompany his n'er-do-well neighbor to an out-of-town job repairing a roof.

Jones, Traci L. Standing Against the Wind. YA/ JON
As she tries to escape her poor Chicago neighborhood by winning a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, shy and studious eighth-grader Patrice discovers that she has more options in life than she previously realized.

Murdoch, Catherine Gilbert. Dairy Queen. YA/ MUR
After spending her summer running the family farm and training the quarterback for her school's rival football team, sixteen-year-old D.J. decides to go out for the sport herself, not anticipating the reactions of those around her.

Rylant, Cynthia. Ludie’s Life. YA/ RYL
In this novel in verse, Rylant tells the story of Ludie from her childhood to her adolescent years, and then through her married life into her old age.

Shan, Darren. Sons of Destiny: Cirque du Freak, vol.12. YA/ SHA
As Darren faces the final showdown with his archenemy, Steve Leopard, he seeks a way to trick destiny and avoid the requirement that one of them die and the other become Lord of the Shadows, fated to destroy the world.

VandeVelde, Vivian. All Hallows’ Eve: 13 stories. YA/ VAN
Thirteen tales of Halloween horrors, including ghosts, vampires, and pranks gone awry appear in this collection of creepy tales.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 03:55 PM | Permalink

IM THE YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN
Did you know that you can IM the Library? By using AOL’s instant messaging tool, AIM, you can ask questions about books, services, programs – you’ve got questions, we’ll try to answer them. The Library’s screen name is lgpublib, and we’re available from about 4-5 pm Monday through Thursday. Give us a try! Questions? Contact Noël at 352-0576 x 35, or email ya@lagrangelibrary.org .

TWISTED TEEN BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Thursday, March 15, 4:00-5:00 pm, and Thursday, April 19, 4:00-5:00 pm. New for March and April – bring in your favorite book (or bring the book you’re reading right now) and tell us all about it! We’ll talk and eat and talk some more about favorite books, authors, series -- you name it. This is a new twist on the traditional book discussion!

YOUNG ADULT MOVIES IN THE LIBRARY
Friday, March 23, 7-8:30 pm, and Friday, April 20, 7-8:30 pm Grab a can of pop and a pillow, come on over to the Library, help yourself to some popcorn, and settle down to a big, free movie. In March, we’re showing The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra, for those of you into cheesy 1950s sci-fi/ horror flicks. And in April, see Jimi, Janis, the Who, and more in D.A.Pennebaker’s extraordinary footage of the Monterey International Pop Festival, Monterey Pop.

CALLING ALL CREATIVE TEENS
What’s your passion? Are you a photographer, knitter, calligrapher, or poet? Do you spend your free time sewing, scrapbooking, playing guitar, or writing sonnets? Do you skate or do yoga? Would you be willing to help present a program? Noël the YA Librarian wants to hear about your hobbies and interests. Fill her in at 352-0576 x 35, email ya@lagrangelibrary.org , or AIM her at lgpublib.

Posted by lagrang at 04:42 PM | Permalink

Stroud, Jonathan. The Amulet of Samarkand. YA/ STR and YA/ F/ STR/ TALK BOOK
Bartimaeus is an ancient, powerful, wisecracking djinni who has the misfortune, one day, of being summoned by Nathaniel, a 12-year-old magician-in-training. Nathaniel is a talented, though spoiled, impatient, and rude, magician – and the two of them antagonize each other through this gripping and highly entertaining story. Nathaniel commands Bartimaeus to steal the extraordinarily powerful Amulet of Samarkand in order to get revenge on a rival magician – but everything Nathaniel does backfires and lands him – and Bartimaeus – in far more trouble than he bargains for. You really root for Bartimaeus in this one! Book One of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Medium difficult read, extremely well done narration by Simon Jones on 8 audiotapes. 462 pp.

Posted by lagrang at 04:36 PM | Permalink

Cattrall, Kim. Being A Girl: Navigating The Ups And Downs Of Teen Life. YA/ 158.1/ CAT
The award-winning actress from SEX and THE CITY offers a teenage confidential that tackles real question in an honest, intimate, and totally hip way.

Freedman, Russell. Freedom Walkers: The Story Of The Montgomery Bus Boycott. YA/ 323.119/ FRE
This compelling and poignant volume, written by the award-winning Freedman, tells about a critical event of the civil rights movement: the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Archival photographs illustrate the text, and a timeline is also included.

Hupfer, Ryan. MySpace For Dummies. YA/ 004.678/ HUP
Jackson, Donna M. The Bone Detectives. YA/ 363.25/ JAC
This fact-filled journey into forensic science shows how forensic anthropologists use human remains to glean information about the dead to help police solve crimes and identify victims.

Jones, Diana Wynne. The Tough Guide to Fantasyland. YA/ 828 JON
Imagine that all fantasy novels--the ones featuring dragons, knights, wizards, and magic--are set in the same place. That place is called Fantasyland, and this book is the guide.

McElvaine, Robert S. The Depression and New Deal: A history in documents. YA/ 973.91/ McE
Presents a collection of documents that provide insight into the realities of American life during the Great Depression.

Reef, Catherine. E.E. Cummings. YA/ B/ CUM
Biography of one of the most influential American poets of the 20th century.

Winkler, Allan M. The Cold War: A history in documents. YA/ 909.8/ WIN
This book uses contemporary documents to explore the development of the Cold War struggle, the consequences in the 1950s and 1960s, and the lasting effects on American social and cultural patterns.

Yackley-Franken, Nicki. Teens in Saudi Arabia. YA/ 305.235/ YAC
Learn how teenagers in foreign countries see the world, and through their words learn about their countries.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 05:46 PM | Permalink

New DVDs

Pom Poko. YA/ DVD/ FEA/ POM
In this gem from Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away), raccoons are being displaced by land development. They react by learning the art of shape-shifting. The critters use their new skills to try to scare off the humans and sabotage construction. Animated. Originally produced as a motion picture in 1994. Special features: original storyboards; tv spots. Disc 1 contains feature; disc 2 contains bonus material. Director: Isao Takahata.

Porco Rosso. YA/ DVD/ FEA/ POR
Porco Rosso, a man cursed with the head of a pig after watching the spirits of the pilots killed in the last air battle he fought in rise to the heavens now makes a living taking jobs, such as rescuing those kidnapped by air pirates. Animated. Originally released as a motion picture in 1992. Bonus disc contains special features: behind the microphone with voice talent from the film; complete storyboards; original Japanese trailers; interview with Toshio Suzuki. Director: Hayao Miyazaki.

Speak. YA/ DVD/ FEA/ SPE
Kristen Stewart and Steve Zahn star in this adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson's award-winning novel. A teen retreats into self-imposed silence after being raped. Her art and a teacher help her regain her voice and inner strength. Based on the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Originally produced as a motion picture in 2004. Special features: commentary with director Jessica Sharzer; behind the scenes; study guide; cast filmographies.

U.S. vs. John Lennon. YA/ DVD/ FEA/ US
Through rare film footage and classic music, this documentary traces the political activism of Lennon and the subsequent reaction by the U.S. government that culminated in an attempt to deport him. Originally produced in 2006. B&W and Color. Director: David Leaf.

New Books on CD

Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker. YA/ F/ HOR/ CD/ BOOK
They told him his uncle died in an accident. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt. But when fourteen-year-old Alex finds his uncle's windshield riddled with bullet holes, he knows it was no accident.

Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. YA/ F/ MEY/ CD/ BOOK
Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a threat from a female vampire, and an encounter with the Volturi, Italian vampires.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 04:56 PM | Permalink

Daly, Maureen. Seventeenth Summer. YA/ DAL
The summer after high school graduation, seventeen-year-old Angie finds herself in love for the first time.

Denman, K.L. Battle of the Bands. YA/ DEN
The Lunar Ticks are on their way to the top.

Dower, Laura. Rewind. YA/ DOW
This one-of-a-kind teen romance unfolds in backward time, keeping readers guessing until the final revelation.

Fleischman, Paul. Bull Run. YA/ FLE
Northerners, Southerners, generals, couriers, dreaming boys, and worried sisters describe the glory, the horror, the thrill, and the disillusionment of the first battle of the Civil War.

Friedman, Aimee. Breaking Up. YA/ FRI
Chloe Sacks is looking forward to a sparkling year of parties and romance during her junior year at a school for the arts better known as "Fashion High" for its trendy student body. [graphic novel format]

Holub, Joseph. An Innocent Soldier. YA/ HOL
The farmhand Adam is given over to fight in Napoleon's Grande Army in the place of the farmer's son. What Adam discovers on the battlefield is a chance for change, and a better life. That is if he can survive the war.

Johnson, Maureen. 13 Little Blue Envelopes. YA/ JOH
When Ginny receives 13 blue envelopes from her Aunt Peg who has recently died, they contain instructions to buy a plane ticket to London. Ginny begins a series of adventures that will unravel the mystery around her aunt.

Martin, Rafe. Birdwing. YA/ MAR
Prince Ardwin, known as Birdwing, the youngest of six brothers turned into swans by their stepmother, is unable to become fully human again, so he journeys to discover whether his feathered arm will be a [blessing] or a curse.

Pierce, Tamora. Lioness Rampant. YA/ PIE
After achieving her dream of becoming the first female knight, Alanna sets out to find the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem which possesses limitless power for good.

Von Ziegesar, Cecily. Gossip Girl 10: Would I lie to you? YA/ VON
An anonymous teen narrator dishes up hefty doses of dirt and scandal about her friends and enemies among New York's wealthiest private school students.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 03:16 PM | Permalink

Boursin, Didier. Easy Origami. YA/ 736.98/ BOU
With 24 original origami designs, ranging from very easy to slightly hard, this book also contains information on how to choose paper and how to do basic folds. Each design is clearly explained with photos and easy-to-follow text.

Campbell, Patty. Robert Cormier: Daring to disturb the universe. YA/ 813.54/ COR
In this literary appreciation, readers can explore each of Cormier's books, beginning with The Chocolate War in 1974. This analysis illuminates why Cormier has been called the single most important writer in young adult literature.

Carle, Megan. Teens Cook Dessert. YA/ 641.86/ CAR
Megan and Jill Carle are back to share 75 of the gooiest, yummiest desserts in their repertoire.

Huegel, Kelly. GLBTQ: The survival guide for queer and questioning teens. YA/ 306.76/ HUE
This frank, sensitive book is written for teens who are beginning to question their sexual or gender identity, those who are ready to work for GLBTQ rights, and those who need advice, guidance, and reassurance that they're not alone.

McCloud, Scott. Making Comics: Storytelling secrets of comics, manga, and graphic novels. YA/ 741.5/ McC
This book expands on McCloud's earlier works about comics and explains how to create comics.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 11:28 AM | Permalink

This just in from Comics Galore in Western Springs!
"Report Card Reward Program"
The more "A"s you receive on your report card, the more cards or comics you receive.
One or Two "A"s = 1 pack of cards or a new comic
Three or Four "A"s = 2 packs of cards or new comics
Five "A"s and up = 3 packs of cards or new comics
Straight "A"s = 4 packs of cards or new comics
Packs of cards can be any sport cards up to a value of $2.99. Any Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh and/ or Pokemon boosters regardless of price. A cover price of up to $2.99 for the new comics. (95% of the sports cards and new comics cost between $2.25 and $2.99, so there will be a great selection.)

No gimmicks. Just bring in your current report card and you will be rewarded for your grades. Your report card will be stamped so we do not redeem it twice. The program is for everyone, even High School students. Program ends February 14th, Valentine's Day.

Comics Galore
1058 Hillgrove Avenue
Western Springs, IL
708-784-3300

Posted by lagrang at 11:21 AM | Permalink

Brooks, Kevin. Being. YA/ BRO
When a routine health exam reveals that Robert has plastic and metal parts, he escapes to find out who, or exactly what, he is.

McCaughrean, Geraldine. Cyrano. YA/ McC
After a lifetime of loving the beautiful Roxanne from afar, Cyrano must find a way to express his feelings for her. McCaughrean fills this adaptation with romance, humor, and action.

Werlin, Nancy. The Rules of Survival. YA/ WER
Seventeen-year-old Matthew recounts his attempts, starting at a young age, to free himself and his sisters from the grip of their emotionally and physically abusive mother.

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. 973.0495/ YAN/ GN [Graphic Novel]
This book alternates three interrelated stories about the problems of young Chinese Americans trying to participate in the popular culture.

Bibliographic Information ©2007 BWI

Posted by lagrang at 04:21 PM | Permalink

What Else Would a Comic Book Geek Want?

Author Barry Lyga, whose debut novel The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (Houghton, 2006) follows the life of Fanboy, a comic book-loving teen who wants just three things in life. One is a Giant-Size X-Men #1 in mint condition, another is a new computer, but the third thing is never revealed to the reader. Lyga is now running a contest on his Web site asking readers to guess what the mysterious third thing is, and explain why Fan Boy wants it. The winner of the contest will receive an iPod, but the type of iPod will be based on the number of entries Lyga receives (50 entries = Shuffle, 51–100 entries = Nano, etc.). The contest, which is currently running, ends February 15.

© 2007 Reed Business Information

Posted by lagrang at 03:04 PM | Permalink