"I can't keep my own secrets" Contest

We, the Paramus Public Library, challenge you, teens 7-12 graders, to write your own six word memoir based on the book "I can't keep my own secrets".

This title and its companion title "Not quite what I was planning" can be found at the Paramus Public Library in the Young Adult Department.

Submit entries to parajuv@bccls.org or to the Youth Services Desk at the Paramus Public Library on Century Rd.

Contestants can only submit up to three entries between February 1st and March 5th.

The Paramus Library TAB group will be voting on the winners.

Coming Soon: TAB members to post reviews!

At our last Teen Advisory Board meeting, we discussed the possiblity of having TAB members post book reviews on this blog.

Who shall be first? Stay tuned.

Open Pages Meeting #2

I am delighted that our Open Pages book club doubled in size last night. Our members came together to discuss the book "Geography Club" by Brent Hartinger. They also voted on our next book to discuss which is "Luna" by Julie Anne Peters. This next meeting will take place on Tuesday July 21st at 7pm in the Youth Services room of the Paramus Library.

That night the library will also be offering a concert so parking will be limited. For members who are being dropped off please have your drivers leave you at the Century Rd. entrance. Anyone who is driving themselves be prepared to park in the High School lot that night.
For information on our summer concerts at the library please go to the Paramus Library at www.paramuslibrary.org.

Here are summaries of the four other books that we book talked last night:

What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson (YA Wilson) 2008

Alex's world has changed so much since the night he tried to take his own life, he no longer has any friends, his older brother James barely even looks at him, let alone talks to him. This all changes though when he decides to starts running. After his first night of running Alex bumps into James good friend Nathan who is a star on the cross country team. Nathan see potential in Alex and pushes him to go out for the team. Now with a sense of purpose and a new friendship Alex feels he really has something in his life. This novel is uniquely told through both Alex and James (Alex’s older brother) point of view.

Issues: Suicide, Social Isolation, Bothers and Family, High School, Homosexuality.

Venomous by Christopher Krovatin (YA Krovatin) 2008

What happens when our anger is out of our control? When Locke Vinetti loses his cool its as if something else takes over- he becomes venomous. The worst part about Locke's alter ego, Venom, he doesn't have any control over it. Because of the Venom, Locke's relationships are very few. He has his mother, brother and best friend Randall. Randall finally convinces Locke to come out and meet new people- after this night Locke finds himself with new friends- new friends that the Venom can destroy. This realistic novel is interwoven with a small graphic novel. Readers will find very realistic and true moments within this novel about city teens. Though the landscape has changed and the stakes are higher the characters traits will resonate with many readers. Issues: Anger, Coming of Age, Single parent families, Emotional problems, Relationships.

Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers (YA Brothers) 2008

Johnny a self proclaimed Goth has felt lost for years, after his father died his mother went to pieces and Johnny was left to pick them all up. Finally Johnny’s mother has seen the light and she does not like who Johnny is anymore. She is finally convinced that her son is going down the wrong path after he is slipped drugs and ends up in the hospital. Johnny is ordered to go to alcohol rehabilitation where he discovers his love of Blondie’s Debbie Harry. After he gets out of rehab Johnny’s mother sends him to live with his uncle in North Carolina. Here Johnny befriends a girl who not only sees the difference in Johnny, but also celebrates it. Johnny’s story might seem a little different but deep down it is very relatable about how we all feel about finding out who we are and wanting to be accepted.

Issues: Identity, Sex Roles, Self-Confidence, Death, Family, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Transvestites, High School, Coming of Age.

Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters (YA PBC Peters) 2000

Antonia has a lot on her plate to do deal with. She is trying to take care of her brothers, keep her grades up and get into an accelerated program at school. She has also taken on the duty of being a peer counselor. But then Antonia meets Jasmine, the girl she is asked to counsel, she thinks this might not be a great idea. Jasmine, know as Jaz, is out spoken with crazy hair and make up- how could they relate to each other at all? This novel helps break down the ideas of normal and reminds us all not to judge a book by its cover. This novel has been on the summer reading list the last few years.
Issues: Family Problems, Mental issues, Peer Counseling, Friendship, Coming of Age.

If you would like to come to our next meeting please contact the library to register so we have enough food and drinks for everyone. You are welcome to send a message to this blog, call the library at 201-599-1309, send a message to the library facebook , or just stop in and talk to someone in the Youth Services Department.

Open Pages Book Club Book Talks

So we just had our first meeting of the Open Pages book club and it went well. The group voted based on our book talk on the next book that we would be discussing and the title is (drum roll please) Geography Club by Brent Hartinger. If you missed the meeting and are interested in what we talked about here are the book talks we did:

The Fold by An Na (YA Na) 2008
We all have things we don't like about ourselves, for Joyce it was her acne. When Joyce finally gets the nerve to finally talk to guy at school, she is modified to be mistaken for the ugliest girl in class. Now Joyce's Aunt Gomo has won the lottery and she wants to spend her winnings on her loving family. She get growth pills for Joyce's younger brother, for Joyce's perfect sister Helen she signs her up for a dating service, and finally for Joyce a doctors appointment. "Yes!" Joyce thinks she can get her acne cleared up - but it’s not a dermatologist that Gomo wants Joyce to visit, it’s a plastic surgeon. Now Joyce is faced with the question about her own face should she or should she not get the fold to make her Asian eyes look wider. Many women have had it, but will this really make her look better and make her life better?
Issues: High school, Family, Plastic surgery, Homosexuality, Body image, Acceptance

Boy Girl Boy by Ron Koertge (YA Koertge) 2005
Few weeks before graduation from high school and all Larry, Elliot, and Teresa can think about is getting out of their small Illinois town and heading to California. Each one has clung to the other throughout their school years for different reasons and now they wonder if running away will really be the answer. For Larry its moving to a place where he can be accepted, Teresa just needs to get away from the memory of her mother who ran away from her and her father years before, and Elliot the town all star who can do no wrong well he can imagine not always being with his two best friends. This novel is delivered in first person through each character’s eyes. This style helps the reader truly understand the state of mind of each person.
Issues: Abandonment, Religion, High school and the after, Homosexuality, Sexuality, Eating Disorders

Luna by Julie Anne Peters (YA Peters) 2004
Regan has a huge secret and it’s not about her, it’s about her sister Luna. Luna wakes Regan up every night to talk about her hopes and dreams and desire to be accepted in the daytime in her true form. Luna is not really a girl she is Liam, Regan's brother. During the day Liam is trapped in his boy body denying who he really is inside- Luna. Regan world gets turned upside down when Luna decided that she wants out for good. How can Regan protect her brother/sister from the dangers of the outside world? This novel told in present tense and through memory delivers an authentic tale of what its like to live with this issue.
Issues: Coming of age, Transsexuals, Family Issues, Acceptance

Geography Club by Brent Hartinger (YA PBC Hartinger) 2003
Russel Middlebrook is a sophomore at Goodkind High School. He has a secret crush on a baseball jock, Kevin Land, and soon discovers that Kevin is also gay. The boys become friendly outside of school and set up the "Geography Club" with three other gay students, one of whom is Russel's closest friend, Min. The club members relish the opportunity to discuss their lives and to relate to one another openly and honestly. Eventually, however, intense peer pressure and insecurity take their toll. Someone has spread a rumor that there is a group of gay students meeting- are the members ready to come out and let the world know who they are, will the Geography Club go unnoticed, or will the members try to form a new club?
Issues: High school, Peer pressure, Homosexuality, Bisexuality, Acceptance

If you would like to join the Open Pages Book Club call the library at 201- 599-1309. The books for the book club are available at the circulation desk at the Paramus Library on Century Road.

Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne (YA Lecesne)
Phoebe's life in Neptune, NJ was never very normal but things really get crazy when her cousin Leonard moves into her house. Leonard is the extreme in every sense of the word. He prides himself in helping find the beauty in every moment; he is also a target because of his flamboyant way of dressing and expression. Phoebe can not stand Leonard and doesn’t understand why he has to be so crazy. Only when Leonard disappears mysteriously does Phoebe start to understand and appreciate who he is and what he has done for the people around him. The lost of Leonard helps Phoebe discover herself.

On April 21st at 7pm the Paramus Library group known as OPEN PAGES will discuss this book over pizza and soda. This group is for teens in grades 9- 12. If you would like to join us there are copies of this book located at the circulation desk. Please call and register by April 6th so we know how much pizza to get.
If you have any question about this book club please feel free to call the Paramus Library at 201-599-1309 and ask for Becky.

Linkety Link!

Click here to see what's going on in the library this Fall including a Halloween Open House and TAB meeting dates.

Game Day!

The library just purchased Rock Band 2, which has 85 new songs! Come play with us this Thursday, 9/25 at 2:30 p.m. See you there!

Winter Programs!

Check here to see whats happening this winter. See you then!

Banned Books Week (September 29-October 6)

Celebrate your right to read! Come to the library and pick up a book from our Banned Books display. Also, stop at the Youth Services desk, and pick up your very own "I read banned books" pin. You will be the envy of all your friends.

Fall Programs

Here's what's up for this Fall, come to one or come to all!

Anime matinees will be every Wednesday @ 3:30 p.m. All you have to do is show up, watch anime, and eat snacks!

We're having a Harry Potter book discussion focusing on but not limited to the last book. WITH SNACKS! Register beginning October 1st.

Other programs:
Halloween party- All kinds of Halloween fun including a costume contest, spooky snacks, and ghouly games! Open to grades 5-8. High school volunteers are needed for this program, so to sign up or to volunteer, stop by the Youth Services desk. Register beginning 10/1.

TEEN READ WEEK!
LOL @ your library!
Celebrate Teen Read Week and gain a little bit of celebrity by entering our creative writing contest. Stop by the desk for all the rules and prize info! Open to ages 13-18. Contest on now and ends September 30th. Winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, have their work published in the Town News, and receive a $50.00 Visa check card.

Dinner and a movie- Spend a night after hours in the library for our ever-popular dinner and a movie. Movie T.B.A. Open to grades 5-8. Register beginning 10/25.

Looking for a good read?

Have you heard of Reading Rants? The creator, Jennifer Hubert, describes it as this: "A group of booklists for those of you teens out there who need a good read, but are wondering if there’s life after Judy Blume and Brian Jacques".

It's a website all about books- reviews, booklists, etc. that is perfect for when you are looking for a new book to read and feel like you have already read everything on the shelves. I promise you, you haven't! Take a look at this website and I guarantee you will walk away with a booklist of your own.
Stay tuned for our list of Fall programs, which will be posted this week!

Contest!!

Go here to enter to win the Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books!
From Teenreads:
It's time to think about Summer Reading --- and we aren't talking about the list of books you may have received for Required Summer Reading from school. What we are talking about are the kinds of books that you are glad you now have time to kick back and enjoy. The way we see it, it wouldn't be summer without sun, surf and great reading. You supply the beach chair and the sunblock, and we'll provide the fantastic fiction in our First Annual Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books Contest.
From May 21st through July 6th, you can enter to win a "Teenreads.com Beach Bag of Books." Five winners each will receive a beach bag that includes 10 books --- EVIL GENIUS by Catherine Jinks; FLAWLESS: A Pretty Little Liars Novel by Sara Shepard; INSIDE THE MIND OF GIDEON RAYBURN by Sarah Miller; KISS & BLOG by Alyson Noel; LOVE, CAJUN STYLE by Diane Les Becquets; MARKED: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast; PANTS ON FIRE by Meg Cabot; SPECIAL TOPICS IN CALAMITY PHYSICS by Marisha Pessl; SUMMER INTERN by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman; and SUN-KISSED: The Au Pairs #3 by Melissa de la Cruz. Along with the books, winners will find their oversized beach bag stocked with the coolest summer goodies --- including a turquoise and red striped towel with matching flip-flops, a beach ball that's actually a supersoft and cushy pillow, a green suede journal for summer writing, a deck of Uno cards, a set of dominoes, assorted fruit-flavored candies and lemonade mix (not pictured), as well as an EVIL GENIUS tote bag, t-shirt and button.

The Plain Janes

Wow. Today we got some new books in- one of them being The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. I loooovvvedd it (picture me singing that)! Anyway, this graphic novel is the first in a series of gns by Minx, which is a part of DC Comics. Every month this summer there will be a new Minx comic- all about different girls that stand out in a crowd (in a good way- though being an individual is always good!). Take a look at their website to find out more and to enter the Plain Janes contest!

Summer Blog Blast Tour

Lucky for you, some awesome librarians and book reviewers have put together a Summer Blog Blast Tour- where you can visit a whole bunch of blogs and read interviews with some great young adult authors. I just finished reading the interview with Kirsten Miller, where she talks about the 2nd Kiki Strike book (which sounds even better than the first!). So check out the line up for today (Tuesday) right here! I'll be posting the line up for each day this week. To see Monday's, go here.

Wednesday 6/20

Summer Events

Click here to see what we have planned for this summer. Click on "Summer 2007 Teen Schedule" to find out how you can sign up to be a Book Buddy, join the summer reading club, become a magician, and more!

Hear ye, hear ye!

Enter here to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of the this year's One Book New Jersey, So Yesterday. I met the author, Scott Westerfeld at a conference, and he very nicely signed it to one of you, dedicated blog readers. So enter by emailing us, or writing a message in the comments section.

Book Discussion + Movie

Have you ever read Little Women? Ever wanted to but looked at the length of it and decided to pass? Well, our brave (and smart) high school book discussion group has decided to brave it and read this awesome book (which really is awesome). We decided after we read it, we'll be watching the movie (the modern one with Claire Danes, Winona Ryder, and Kirsten Dunst).

If you feel like joining us, pick up a copy of the book at the front desk and come to our discussion- April 30 (Monday) at 3:30. As always, there will be snacks!

Movie watching date to be announced soon.

Dinner and a Movie

It's not too late to sign up for dinner and a movie this Friday night! We'll be watching Napoleon Dynamite and eating a good dinner, too!

Call or stop by the library to sign up!

*6-8 p.m./grades 5-8

NextReads

Have you heard about NextReads? It's a new feature we are offering our library users. I just signed up myself tonight and really like it. All you do is give us an email address and pick what kind of books you'd like to hear about. NextReads will send you monthly newsletters that highlight new books that you might want to read. Even better, there is a link in the email that allows you to see if the book is in at our library- with one click!
All you have to do to sign up is go to our homepage and click on the big colorful NextReads button halfway down the page. The rest is self-explanatory. Especially for smarties like you.

Updates

Just checked Stephenie Meyer's site this morning and noticed she has more t-shirts up for sale. I know lots of you will be interested, so here's the link to that. She also mentions that the third book, Eclipse, will be out in late August.

In other news, Libba Bray is hard at work to the third book in the Great and Terrible Beauty series (trilogy?), which will be called The Sweet and Far Thing (due out late September).

Any other books you are dying to read? I'm eager for the next Kiki Strike. Here's her myspace.

Have a great weekend!