Thursday, January 27, 2011

Leave Libraries Alone, You Don't Understand Their Value




Did you like The Golden Compass? Now the famous author is speaking out for libraries.

Check out Philip Pullman's speech on the importance of libraries.

http://falseeconomy.org.uk/blog/save-oxfordshire-libraries-speech-philip-pullman

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Take the Video Challenge



Let's get some entries for your hometown library. Do you think you would be good at advertising--try your hand at promoting the Summer Reading Program You Are Here
with a 30-90 second video. Use our cameras and computer to film and edit your promotion. Use our optional audio files or explore the resource link for art and music ideas in the public domain. You could win $250 and $100 for your library. The winner will be notified April 2011. You need to use the CSLP slogan You Are Here to convey the idea of teens as a part of a diverse country and world where all are unique and important. Promote the idea of using public libraries to learn about ourselves and the world. Promote the fun of reading

Video's will be judged on Creativity, Message clarity and relevance, Motivation and inspiration and overall impact


So join us and enjoy the challenge.

February 19th at 2 pm. or follow the rules and enter on your own.http://ct.webjunction.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=109990933&name=DLFE-30450001.pdf

New Stockmarket Session February 28-April 4th

The Scorch Trials by Dashner #2 in Maze Runner Trilogy



The Death Cure #3 in Trilogy--Fall 2011

Now, instead of trying to find their way through a maze of nice solid walls, the Gladers find themselves on a journey through the Scorch, the most burned part of the world. This waste land was set aside as a place of anything but refuge for Cranks, people who have been infected with the mysterious Flare. They can still think somewhat clear, yet have extremely violent thoughts and super human strength. Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, much of the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated--and with it, so has order—

WICKED constantly adjusts the variables and stack the odds against them.
Everyone has a serious case of mistrust and who’s with who is constantly changing
Thomas can only wonder--does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

The Scorch Trials is action packed, although it is more of the same trial after trial.. The characters are pretty much the same with a few new ones added. WICKED is still as confusing as ever. The Scorch Trials will give readers very few answers; leave them with a lot more questions and waiting with baited breath for the third of the series.

Monsters of Men by Ness




As a world-ending war surges to life around them, Todd and Viola face monstrous decisions, questioning all they have ever known as they try to step back from the darkness and find the best way to achieve peace.

I was looking forward to finishing this trilogy after reading the first two, but for me it didn't live up to expectations. The first two thirds of the books focus on the war with not much happening and seemingly going on forever. I skimmed much of it and read a minimal amount of 1017’s entries. The last third or so of the book was a little more interesting, but basically, I just wanted the book to end.

In sum, while I didn't find this to be the page turner that I expected, I still found this to be a fairly good ending to a unique sci fi series. I will still be recommending this series often.

Rating 3 out of 5
Reading Next: The Scorch Trials by Dashner

Hunger Games Release Date


The Hunger Games Release Date Confirmed
Source: Lionsgate January 25, 2011




Director Gary Ross' adaptation of the bestselling Suzanne Collins novel, The Hunger Games has officially received a release date: March 23, 2012.

The film, targeted for a PG-13 rating, is based on the science fiction novel. Aimed at young adults, the book tells the tale of dystopic future and the annual "Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live television.

Ross, best known for Pleasantville and Seabiscuit is currently developing the project at Lionsgate and word on casting is expected to arrive soon.

Currently, that March 23rd is completely free with no other films having yet staked a claim.

http://www3.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=73508

Monday, January 10, 2011

Printz Award Winner 2011


And the Winner of the 2011 Michael L. Printz Award is...
Ship BreakerShip Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

with honors going to...

Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Nothing by Janne Teller