Cyberteen Reviews and News

2012-07-17T16:43:00.003-05:00

3rd Annual Teen YMCA

Pool Party

July 19th

2-4pm

By the pool, by the sun, we're all getting together to have some fun!

Bring your suits, flip flops, and towel and join us at one of the 3 participating YMCA's.

Youth Center

2400 7th Avenue North, Bham AL 35203

226-3652

Northeast Family Branch

628 Red Lane Road, Bham AL 35125
226-4085

Western Area Family Branch

1195 Bessemer Road, Bham AL 35228

226-4017

Strange Enough Science Website Review

2012-04-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

You might just be surprised that science can be fun. Science explains the how and why behind the world around us. We can answer many cool questions by thinking, looking and touching. Do you know why many insects have such brilliant colors, what clouds are made of, or why leaves change color in the fall? Scientists investigate the world by thinking, asking questions and experimenting.What's fascinating is that the answers we find are even more interesting and often raise more questions. But, scientists don't have all the answers. There's so much beauty in the world and so much more waiting to be discovered.

Now, life on Earth is fascinating and many spectacular events occur all the time. There are strange, wonderful creatures and places to be explored. When we start examining life and experimenting, we make wild and spectacular discoveries.

I've discovered an interesting new website called Strange Enough that contains cool science news, fun science tidbits, book reviews and tales. You will learn how garden gnomes are contributing to science study, why Venice, Italy is being called the "sinking city", and what a study of bird poop could tell us about bird behavior. You will also learn just how complicated the question "What is life?" can be. Explore the website and you will find fascinating information to keep you interested. Who knows, you might just be the one to make some amazing discoveries that explain life on Earth.

The website is for all ages. If you are interested in the world around you, this site has fascinating information about how the world works and explains fun facts about creatures on Earth.

Please plan a visit to your local library to read, learn and explore. Books are just one way to learn about science and life on this amazing Earth. Most of all, remember, learning should be fun. I hope you enjoy your journey and make many discoveries.

2012 Street Lit. Book Award Medal Winners

2012-03-12T10:17:00.040-05:00

The Street Lit Book Award Medal (SLBAM) Committee has announced the award winners for 2011 publications. The winners and honorees were nominated based on popularity of books as read by the public in school, academic and public library settings. The teen/young adult literature winner is Upgrade U by Ni-Ni Simone.

Ni-Ni Simone novels are full of humor, romance, life lessons and drama. Seventeen-year-old Seven McKnight is about to begin a new and exciting life as a college freshman. Seven and Shea are roommates at Stiles U, and quickly meet their new roommate, Kya, a New Orleans native party girl, and the three become inseparable. Their ready to experience campus life and want their freshman year to be memorable. Seven and Josiah have been in a relationship since high school. Josiah has already been at college for one year and looks forward to a promising career in basketball. However, college life introduces some new pressures and their relationship is put to the test. Read the book to find out if the couple survives despite the pressures, or if their feelings for one another change. This novel is full of drama, late night parties and romance in the Big Easy. Who knows, anything can happen. If you haven't read a Ni-Ni Simone novel, try one today because it's all about the drama.

Honorees for the SLBAM are: So So Hood by L. Divine and Priceless Inspirations by Antonia "Toya" Carter. Enjoy these novels, as well. Check your local library for these and other exciting street lit novels.

Compliance is Mandatory

2012-03-03T17:29:00.003-06:00

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

There are no more police - instead, there are soldiers.

There are no more fines for behavior - instead, there are arrests, trails, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected that art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, and her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statues. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings...the only boy Ember ever loved.

The first in a thrilling new YA dystopian series set in a world where religious zealotry governs but true love still prevails.

Are you complaint?

The 1963 Birmingham Children's March

2012-02-16T12:01:00.006-06:00

We've Got a Job
The 1963 Birmingham Children's March

by: Cynthia Y. Levinson

Nationally known children's author Cynthia Levinson will discuss her book We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March on February 23, 2012 at 6:30pm at the Central Birmingham Public Library in the Arrington Auditorium.

Written for young readers ages ten and up, We've Got a Job, tells the remarkable story of the African American school kids who took part in civil rights demonstrations and voluntarily filled the Birmingham jails in May 1963.

Three of the demonstrators featured in the book, Arnetta Streeter Gary, Washington Booker, and James Stewart will join the author and share their memories. At an age when young people are often focused on things considered frivolous, these teens were inspired. “There comes a time when you are more afraid to continue in oppression than you are to confront the oppressor. It was that time for me in Birmingham,” stated James W. Stewart. Stewart encourages young people of today to get involved and read to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the history of racial inequality.

This program is apart of the Birmingham Bound author series hosted by the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives and Manuscripts. Birmingham Bound programs showcase authors who have relied on the extensive resources of the Birmingham Public Library Archives and Manuscripts as they research area history for upcoming books.

Hunger Games: New Trailer

2012-02-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

Exciting news for all fans of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy. We have the new trailer for you to view before it hits theaters and before it airs during the Super Bowl pre-game show this Sunday. If you haven't read the books, get started soon. Click on the link above to find a copy at your local library or to place a hold. You're in for one tension building, heart pounding adventure. And one last thing, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

Once Upon a Time...

2012-01-21T11:10:00.078-06:00

This isn't the Cinderella you remember - but it's the one you won't forget.

Cinder
Book One
Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, Cinder must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. Join the adventure with Cinder, the first installment of The Lunar Chronicles!

Book Trailer:

Visit the Cinder Facebook Page for more information

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

2011-11-07T11:00:00.003-06:00

Stephanie Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss, has written a funny, quirky and romantic novel about a teen girl who discovers that love might have been right next door all along. Lola and the Boy Next Door is such a charming book; I just had to share it with you. Get ready; you'll fall in love with this story.

Lola is a creative teen who is extremely interested in costume design. In fact, her dream is to design and wear a winter formal dress just like Marie Antoinette. If you have any doubts about Lola's expressive style, just check out the front cover of the book. You have to love the plum striped hair and hot pink mini.

Lola lives with her two dads and a dog named "Heavens to Betsy" in a mint green Victorian in the San Francisco area. Her hot rocker boyfriend Nick is usually the source of family conflict. Her best friend Lindsey Lim has an obsession with mysteries and dreams of being a detective. Lola tries to be a good daughter and devoted friend.

The Bell Twins, Cricket and Calliope, have returned to the neighborhood and now live in a lavender house right next door to Lola. Cricket is cute, intelligent, nice and has an excellent fashion sense. Tell me, who could resist a guy like that? He has been her good friend and love interest since ninth grade. He currently attends Berkley and comes home on weekends. Cricket seems to show up everywhere. He has pale blue eyes, a bright smile, nice personality and understands Lola better than anyone else. Now, Lola's more confused than ever. She loves Nick but still has feelings for Cricket.

On, what's a girl to do? Well, you can always throw on your best black lace blouse, hot pink mini and face what life throws at you. You'll just have to read the book to find out what happens between Lola and Cricket. But, when you finish, you'll want to read this delightful book all over again.

Remember, you're unique so be proud of who you are.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1: November 18

2011-11-02T15:14:00.007-05:00

"Forever is only the beginning"

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 opens in theaters on November 18, 2011. Are you ready? Now, how many times have you reread the entire Twilight Saga? Visit our library catalog to check out our books, graphic novels, movies and more related to the Twilight Series. Be sure to visit the Breaking Dawn Official Movie Website. You'll find the movie trailer, image gallery, music, apps and so much more to satisfy your Twilight craving. Have fun and visit us soon!

2011 Teens Top Ten

2011-10-25T14:08:00.005-05:00

More than 9,000 teens have voted for their favorite books from the past year. The winners of the 2011 Teens Top Ten are listed below. Just click on any book title to check on its availability at your local library or to place a hold for your favorites.

If you have read any of these titles, which ones are your favorites?

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Matched by Ally Condie
Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Also available in ebook format)

Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2011-10-10T09:00:00.007-05:00

Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why is a haunting, deeply moving novel about how we can profoundly affect the lives of another by how we treat them. Asher writes with emotion, sensitivity and impact. The book was often difficult to read, but I think it is essential for everyone.

Clay Jensen begins listening to a mysterious box of tapes left on his doorstep and discovers the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker. He must pass the tapes on to twelve other people. By listening to the tapes, he will discover the circumstances that led to Hannah’s suicide. Of course, he continues listening to the tapes at all hours of the night and visits the locations Hannah asks her listeners to visit. Asher alternates between Hannah’s voice and Clay’s thoughts. You will be profoundly impacted by the eerie voice of Hannah Baker. More importantly, you will begin to realize the importance of your behavior and its impact on other people.

You will continue reading page by page until you reach the very end. I could not put the book down. If you enjoy reading thrillers or psychological fiction, you will become fan of this book.

Please visit the Birmingham Public Library Website to reserve a copy of this book or check on its availability at your local library.

Also, visit the Thirteen Reasons Why Website to learn more about the author, view an online scrapbook in which you can share your thoughts, view videos and more extras.

Central Summer Reading Re-cap

2011-08-16T09:42:00.006-05:00

The winner of the Central Teen Summer Reading Program grand prize was Avery Moore. The grand prize was a $50 gift certificate to Wal-mart!

Melissa Pittman won 4 box seat tickets to a Barons Baseball Game!

The Central Birmingham Public Library would like to thank all their sponsors for the Summer Reading Program including Wal-mart, the Birmingham Barons, and Talladega Super Speedway.

Figment: Write yourself in!

2011-07-07T10:22:00.009-05:00

A new writing site for young writers!

Are you a writer? Do you want to connect with other writers and share your stories? On Figment, a new website for teens, you can read and write nonfiction and fiction -- short stories, poems, novels -- you pick the genre. Also featured are excerpts from some recent young adult novels and a blog that includes interviews with YA authors. Whatever your preference, sonnets or science fiction, cell phone stories or biographies, you'll find it on Figment.

Sign up free today and:

READ: Browse an extensive library of creative writing from established and emerging writers.

WRITE: Compose and store your writing all in one place. Work on it anytime, anywhere on your computer or mobile

CONNECT: Be a part of a vibrant community of writers, readers, and published authors. Get feedback. Share stories.

Teen Summer Reading Programs @ BPL

2011-05-23T13:00:00.006-05:00

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to launch its 2011 Summer Reading program on June 1 at all18 BPL locations. BPL's commitment to outstanding summer reading experiences for children, teens, and adults is reflected in the many and varied offerings for all ages and interests. This summer's line-up surpasses the highly attended programming offered last year in which more than 6,300 patrons participated, more than 42,700 books were read, and 440 special events were offered with a combined attendance of more than 18,500 children,teens,and adults. Sign up on, or after, June 1 at any BPL location to take part in our free and fantastic Summer Reading program.

The Birmingham Public Library is proud to offer the following sample of events for the month of June designed specifically for our teenaged patrons. Please check with your local BPL branch or at http://www.bplonline.org/ for more information.

The Amazing Race
The library version of the hit TV show!
Central, Thursday, June 2, 2:00 p.m.
East Ensley, Monday, June 13, 3:00 p.m.
Avondale, Thursday, June 16, 2:00 p.m.
Smithfield, Tuesday, July 19, 10:00 a.m.
Powderly, Wednesday, June 22, 1:30 p.m.
Wylam, Thursday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham, Tuesday, June 28, 2:00 p.m.
West End, Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 p.m.

Around the World Culinary Cooking with Chef “E”
Chef “E” presents a fun cooking demonstration and tasting. Registration required.
Central, Tuesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.
North Birmingham, Tuesday, June 14, 2:00 p.m.
East Lake, Wednesday, June 15, 12:00 p.m.
Wylam, Thursday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.
Five Points West, Tuesday, June 21, 1:30 p.m.
Springville Road, Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m.
North Avondale, Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 p.m.
Powderly, Thursday, June 30, 1:30 p.m.

Arts of the World
Ms. Rochelle will take you to world bazaars through wearable crafts.
East Ensley, Monday, June 6, 3:00 p.m.
North Birmingham, Tuesday, June 7, 2:00 p.m.
Wylam, Thursday, June 9, 10:00 a.m.
Central, Thursday, June 9, 2:00 p.m.
Smithfield, Tuesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West, Tuesday, June 14, 1:30 p.m.
West End, Wednesday, June 15, 1:00 p.m.
Titusville, Thursday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.
Powderly, Thursday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.
Springville Road, Monday, June 20, 4:00 p.m.
Inglenook, Wednesday, June 22, 3:00 p.m.
Avondale, Thursday, June 23, 2:00 p.m.

Magical Mystery Tour
Magic Man Larry Moore performs his famous tricks.
Springville Road, Wednesday, June 8, 1:00 p.m.
Eastwood, Wednesday, June 15, 2:00 p.m.
Woodlawn, Thursday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.
North Birmingham, Tuesday, June 21, 2:00 p.m.
Smithfield, Tuesday, June 28, 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West, Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 p.m.
East Lake, Thursday, June 30, 12:00 p.m.
Avondale, Thursday, June 30, 2:00 p.m.

Teen Summer Reading Program 2011: You Are Here!

2011-05-10T17:00:00.005-05:00

Hey teens!

The Birmingham Public Library will begin its Teen Summer Reading Program on June 1. That's when the fun begins! Just get your passport ready, because you're taking an incredible journey. Grab your library card and follow me! This year's program theme is "You Are Here!" You may sign up at any location- at any time during the summer-to compete for reading prizes, participate in special events and enjoy special guests.

We have some exciting events planned for you this summer including arts and crafts activities, forensic science experiments, martial arts programs and magic shows. Why not learn something new this summer? Try drawing, photography, art, music, juggling or gaming. Explore science, art, history or fantasy. Read science fiction, mystery, thriller, the latest vampire series, or graphic novels.

You can travel anywhere through books. Explore distant lands, meet new people, become totally lost in another world. We hope you will have fun and learning something new this summer.

Remember, visit your local library to win prizes, participate in special activities, network with other teens, explore gaming, and enjoy special guests.

Believe me, this will be one incredible summer at your library!

Score Big with The Cotchery Foundation

2011-05-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

This young man obviously enjoyed “Score Big” with the Cotchery Foundation.

I'm sure he will be glad to learn the Birmingham Public Library will once again host “Score Big” with the Cotchery Foundation as part of it's "You Are Here" summer reading initiative.

Jerricho Cotchery of the New York Jets wants all students ages 11-18 to READ by participating in the Birmingham Public Library "You Are Here" reading program.

Qualified "You Are Here" participants will have the opportunity to:

Attend the 2011 Skills and Drills Football Clinic with Jerricho Cotchery and other NFL players on June 18, 2011 at Legion Field FREE of charge.

Attend the FREE "Club 89" Teen Tailgate Party at Birmingham Public Library on June 17. 2011.

Registration for “Score Big” with the Cotchery Foundation begins May 1, 2011.

Visit any Birmingham Public Library location for details.

Book Review: Delirium

2011-03-30T14:00:00.008-05:00

"Love. It kills you both when you have it and when you don't."

When I first picked up this book, I wasn't sure whether I would like it. I thought that the novel might be dark, since it's classified as a dystopian novel. I decided I would give it a try because there were so many positive reviews.

Now, I think, I should have read this book sooner. Delirium by Lauren Oliver is truly an amazing book. The storyline will definitely pique your interest. What if you were told who you would marry, where you would go to school and finally, what you would do with your life? What if every aspect of your life was under the control of your government? It's a pretty scary thought.

This dystopian novel is a blend of romance and fantasy. Lauren Oliver's beautiful writing stirs the reader. She describes a society where feelings of love are forbidden. Oliver weaves together sentences that will make you want to continue reading. She describes the feelings of a young girl who has just discovered that she indeed is in love and wouldn't have it any other way. What a wonderful discovery and Oliver employs such perfect language to describe these feelings.

It has been sixty-four years since the Consortium has identified love-the deliria or amor deliria nervosa-as a disease. Scientists demand that everyone receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway looks forward to the day that she will be cured of this disease. She has ninety-five days left to go. The government has always insisted that life without love will be safe, predictable and happy.

With only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena falls in love with Alex, a mysterious, exciting young man. He makes her skin flush, her heart flutter and her spirit soar. As their romance grows, Lena begins to question this government controlled society and everything she has been taught.

The ending is quite surprising and will make you want to read the next book in the series. After all, Delirium is a trilogy, with the second in the series, Pandemonium, set to be published on February 2012.

Lauren Oliver writes beautifully, blending together feelings of romance, temptation, passion and rebellion. You will definitely be changed after reading this spectacular first book in what promises to be a memorable series. If you liked the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you will love this book.

Do you multi-task when you read?

2011-03-24T14:07:00.004-05:00

The weekly Booking Through Thursday question of the week (via the Booking Through Thursday blog) is:

Do you multi-task when you read? Do other things like stirring things on the stove, brushing your teeth, watching television, knitting, walking, et cetera?

Or do you you sit and do nothing but focus on what you’re reading?

(Or, if you do both, why, when, and which do you prefer?)

My Answer: I tend to walk while I read, especially at work. I usually read more than one book at a time and if I stop at a good part, I take the book with me so I can read it when I get a chance. I see the time it takes to go upstairs to get something a perfect opportunity to walk and read, otherwise I might get bored!

I always read in the car, not while I'm driving, but if I am a passenger. I have actually read a book while brushing my teeth, but this is not a good habit because the book could get wet.

I don't normally read during a television show, unless I am with someone that is watching the news or a sports channel. I can tune out the t.v. and read. I do tend to read a magazine during commercials. Bottom line, is I love to read and I get bored easily, so usually I have a book with me and I don't hesitate to pull it out even if I am walking down the street!

So what about you? What is your reading routine? Don't forget to leave a comment and also visit the host blog to leave a comment.

"So You Think You Can Act?"

2011-03-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

Ms. Casandra Scott open the program with a "silly sounds" exercise.

Ms. Cas places pictures on the floor for teens to consider.

Teens walk around photos to see who they want to be.

A lonely guy or The President? Hmmm.

Sharing about their photos: one teen divulges a tragic event about her character.

Ms. Casandra Scott conducted the "So, You Think You Can Act?" program Tuesday, March 22, at Springville Road Library. The program introduced teens to improvisation, character background development, creative and imaginative "play," and other acting skills.

Art Kids: Asian brush Painting

2011-02-25T14:50:00.006-06:00

On Tuesday, February 22nd several of the Birmingham Public Libraries young patrons participated in Art Kids, an art program geared to enhance literacy development.

Students were introduces to the materials and tools used in Asian Brush Art Painting. They looked at various Asian art works in brush and ink painting and learned that different strokes create different shades, shapes, textures, and appearances. They also learned that Asian artwork, unlike Western artwork, emphasizes the aesthetic, simplicity, and beauty of using simple materials to create complex artworks.

Students learned the basics of creating ink from the ink stone or tempura paint and the basics of brush strokes, as demonstrated by Farrah Ferguson, the instructor. After practicing the strokes, the students created their own artwork.

Art Kids believes that children are better prepared and more motivated when any aspect of the arts is incorporated with literacy learning. They provide children tools to better communicate their ideas, tap into their creativity and imagination, and obtain a better grasp and appreciation of stories. It is through these experiences that children are allowed to create, communicate, and relate to the stories and each other across cultural and socioeconomic barriers.

Instructor, Farrah Ferguson is an outreach storyteller and a staff member of the Birmingham Public Library, based in the Springville Road Library. She has worked with children and youth for almost 15 years, using drama and art for character-building projects.

This was an Arts After School program funded by a Birmingham Board of Education At Risk Grant.

Our next Arts After School program will be a school theater program by Ms. Cass on Monday, April 11th at 3:30pm.

Book Review: Revolution

2011-02-23T10:00:00.003-06:00

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Imagine . . .

You are climbing a long, winding staircase in a dark, foreboding castle. You come to a room, but the door is closed. Do you dare enter? You boldly decide to take a look inside and there, on a shelf, in the corner, you find a glass jar with a tiny object inside. What does this jar contain? On closer inspection, to your horror, you discover that, suspended in a clear liquid, is a tiny heart. Well, the mystery of this heart began in Paris over two hundred years ago. . . But, let's start our journey in Brooklyn, the home of Andi Alpers, where a secret becomes an obsession.

Andi Alpers is very troubled over her brother Truman's death. She's angry about her father leaving and her mother's subsequent nervous breakdown. Andi's hanging out with the wrong crowd and performing poorly in school. She's a gifted musician but will soon be expelled from Brooklyn's prestigious private school, St. Anselm. Her father intervenes and requests that she accompany him back to Paris. He hopes that she will be able to work on her senior thesis and graduate with grades that will earn her a place in an Ivy League University.

Andi's studying Malherbeau, a brilliant music composer, and his influence on modern music. While in Paris, she finds a journal that once belonged to Alexandrine Paradis, a young girl who dreamed of performing on stage. Although these girls are two centuries apart, their connection becomes an obsession. As Andi reads the antique pages, she discovers the power of words and her link to the past.

Revolution is an interesting blend of history and music, as well as an unforgettable story of love, loss, and life. Through these pages, you will take a journey through the streets of Paris and tour the underground catacombs. There are references to popular music groups throughout, as well as music influences. Did you know that music by Radiohead, as well as other current groups was influenced by Bach? Donnelly makes history exciting and if you don't think you like history, just get started reading this book and think again!

Something About the Author Online

2011-02-08T14:16:00.003-06:00

Need information on an author for a school assignment?

Check out a Birmingham Public Library Database
Something About the Author Online!

Something About the Author Online brings you comprehensive online access to all volumes of Gale's award-wining reference set, Something About the Author, the main series, and Something About the Author: Autobiography Series. You'll find thousands of illustrated biographical profiles of children's authors and illustrators, all in an easy-to-use interface that is ideal for teachers, librarians, professors, students, and other researchers of children's and young adult literature. Handy features include the ability to print, e-mail, download and access content by "Inside this Entry" and "Inside this Volume."

Availability:

Requires a JCLC card and residence in Birmingham, AL.
Full Text Available.
Remote Access Available.

Access is limited to BPL Patrons.
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SATA_Online?locID=bpl50399

2011 Best Fiction For Young Adults

2011-02-07T12:25:00.006-06:00

The American Library Association has just announced the 2011 Best Fiction For Young Adults. Did your favorites make the list? Tell us about your favorite picks!

I have listed the top ten best fiction list below. Just click on the links to see if your local library has a copy available to check out. If the book is currently checked out, you may also place a hold to pick up a title at any Jefferson County Library.

AMY & ROGER’S EPIC DETOUR by Morgan Matson (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

BAMBOO PEOPLE by Mitali Perkins (Charlesbridge Publishing)

FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK by Melina Marchetta (Candlewick Press)

HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER by Lish McBride (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers)

LAST NIGHT I SANG TO THE MONSTER by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Cinco Puntos Press)

REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)

REVOLVER by Marcus Sedgwick (Roaring Brook Press)

SHIP BREAKER by Paolo Bacigalupi (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

THE THINGS A BROTHER KNOWS by Dana Reinhardt (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House)

TRASH by Andy Mulligan (David Fickling Books/Random House)

Resources for African-American History Month

2011-02-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Are you looking for some help with your next school assignment? Well, we have all the resources you will need! Best of all, you can research topics anytime online with a Jefferson County Library Card. You can also place books on hold and request to pick them up at any Jefferson County Library.

For help with your African-American History report, visit our outstanding subject guide. This resource guide contains a listing of books, databases, websites, newspapers and magazines. Whether you have to write a report on a notable figure, research African-American culture or prepare a presentation on a civil rights event; you have come to the right place.

Just visit our African-American History Month Subject Guide or visit any Birmingham Public Library. The third floor in the Social Sciences/BST Department at Central Library is an outstanding place to start. They have an excellent collection of extensive information on African-American History.

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

2011-01-31T13:00:00.001-06:00

Anna Oliphant was looking forward to spending her high school senior year in Atlanta with her boyfriend and friends. Her father suddenly informs her that she will be attending boarding school in Paris. Her spirits pick up when she meets an incredibly handsome British student, Etienne St. Clair. After a short while, Anna meets new friends, begins strolling through the streets of Paris and experiencing Parisian culture. She, of course, tastes some of the delectable French desserts, including crepes and other sticky sweet baked treats.

Anna has strong feelings for Etienne from the beginning, but does the gorgeous St. Clair feel the same way about her? As the story progresses, things become more complicated and emotions grow strong. But, you will just have to read the book to find out how the story ends.

This book takes you on a stroll through Paris streets and Perkins does an excellent job of describing Parisian landmarks and city life. You will have fun reading about Anna and a whole cast of characters' experiences in the City of Lights. And who wouldn't love spending time in Paris and falling in love?

Stephanie Perkin's Anna and the French Kiss is a charming, romantic read that you will surely love. There are even two upcoming companion novels to this book. You may just have a favorite new author!

Au revoir and Bon voyage!