A Brief History of Montmary by Michelle Cooper

4/5 Stars
A Brief History of Montmarary is a historical fiction novel. It is about an island in 1936 which is affected by the start of World War 2. The Germans came to visit and it all goes wrong. The book is written in the form of a diary, so it has a first person viewpoint. It teaches you about both sides in the war and how the war changed peoples’ lives. All in all it was a very informative book and had exciting moments as well. I would recommend it to a friend.
Kristen H.

TAB Meeting!

Just a reminder that there will be a Teen Advisory Board meeting this Sunday, November 20, at 2pm in the McLaughlin Branch Children's Department. New and returning members are welcome to attend!

Write Across Ontario

From November 1 to February 1, 2012 you can participate in a creative writing contest for high school students in Ontario! Three young adult authors have provided story-starters. Using one of these story-starters, you can continue the tale however you see fit. One story from each grade (9-12) will be chosen as the winner, with first prize participants getting their work published online in the Open Book Magazine, as well as $500!

For full contest details, visit http://www.litontour.com/get-involved/write-across-ontario, and feel free to check out the story-starters below!

#1 Written by: Miriam Toews
My parents split up three months ago, in the fall, but they said the three of us would still go to this Mexican resort for Christmas because we already had the tickets and all that. By the time Christmas rolled around my mom said no way, she’d changed her mind and my dad said okay, it’ll just be me and him going to Mexico. Then, on the day we were supposed to leave, my dad wasn’t at his place and I couldn’t reach him on his phone and I said to myself thanks guys, you’ve really pulled out all the stops this year, and I went anyway. I mean I went into my dad’s spare room and took his “rainy day” money and my ticket and all the hotel information and I called a cab to take me to the airport.

#2 Written by: Ian Rankin
He was out there again. Except maybe ‘he’ was a ‘she’ – it was hard to tell in the dark. Three nights in row, I’d looked down on to the street from my bedroom window and watched the shape standing there, almost hidden behind the tree that refused to die. I got the feeling whoever they were, they were only a year or two older than me… The first night I’d just stared for a while and then got bored. The second, I’d opened the window to shout something, but there’d been nothing there to shout at. Tonight, I was going to scramble downstairs and throw open the door. Really I was. Really.

#3 Written by Johanna Skibsrud
I don’t know which one of us saw it first. Suddenly—just—there it was. Glinting a little in the sunlight, half-hidden in the tall grass. A key. The old-fashioned kind. Parts of it rusted so badly it looked as though, if we picked it up, it might crumble away in our hands. How long had it sat out there, like that, I wondered. Rusting in the overgrown grasses at the edge of Mrs. Ellis’s front-yard. Ten years? A hundred? How many times had we just walked on by? More to the point, though—what was different about this time? Why had we both, all of a sudden, paused—our eyes drawn to the same, almost invisible fleck of light, just barely glinting on the lawn? At first, when Ben knelt to pick it up, I wanted to put out my hand to stop him. But then I didn’t. And he picked it up. And held it. It looked surprisingly heavy in his hands. He turned it in slow circles, so we could get a look at it from all sides, and when he did so all but the most rusted bits—even in the diminishing sunlight—seemed to glow. I am not sure how, but in that moment I knew: nothing, after that, was going to be the same.

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Dash and Lily’s book of dares was an excellent book. It is about a girl, Lily, who leaves a book of dares in a bookstore and Dash finds it. They pass it back and forth and leaves new dares for each other to do. They get to know each other better along the way and become friends. I think it was a good book because it had an unusual and unique storyline. Each chapter was told from either Dash of Lily’s perspective so it was easy to understand both characters and their viewpoints. I would definitely recommend this to a friend as it was an awesome book.
Kristen H.

So You Want to Write Songs?

Are you an aspiring songwriter?
Why not check out this program on November 2 @ 6:30pm in the McLaughlin Branch Auditorium? Ron Beer's group will be performing live and presenting valuable information on their concerts, courses and meetings. A sneakpeak into the local music industry that should not be missed. For teens and adults, with free registration at any branch.

White Pine 2012 Nominees!

Here are the 2012 White Pine Fiction nominees...

Fiction

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Lucy lives in a world where the elements and a pandemic have destroyed 99% of the population. When a stranger helps her out, Lucy decides to join his community. But her safety is soon threatened when strange people come after her for mysterious reasons.

Beat the Band by Don Calame

Cooper is determined to get the girl of his dreams by winning the Battle of the Bands along with his two best friends. The only problem is that they are completely untalented.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

When Saba's brother is kidnapped, she sets out on a dangerous journey through a post-apocalyptic world to try and get him back, and faces kidnappers, cage fighters, and hellwurms along the way.

Chance to Dance for You by Gail Sobat

Ian, an openly gay student in a suburb where nothing ever changes, is just biding his time until he can leave town. Until he falls in love with the school quarterback.

Death Benefits by Sarah Harvey

Royce is forced to look after his 95-year grandfather, Arthur, after he has a stroke. At first Royce resents the job, but as he gets to know his grandfather - once a celebrated cellist - he realizes that his grandfather's life still has meaning. Even if Arthur wants it to end.

The Fifth Rule by Don Aker

Thanks to his mentor Frank, Reef has totally turned his life around. When he recieves word that Frank has died, Reef returns home to pay his respects. But the trip brings up painful memories, and leads to a reunion with a girl Reef wronged years ago.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Maya leads a sheltered life in her small, medical research town in BC. But after her best friend mysteriously drowns, and a badboy shows up in town who's very interested in Maya's paw print birthmark, she begins to question what's really going on.

Motorcycles and Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor

13 year-old Virgil wants his mother's new boyfriend, John, out of her life. So, along with his reclusive uncle, he plots to do just that - but finds driving John away to be tougher than expected.

Something Wicked by Lesley Anne Cowan

16 year-old Melissa is still reeling from her brother's death four years ago when her 28 year-old boyfriend leaves her with no explanation and sends her life into a tailspin.

The Way It Is by Donalda Reid

Set in a small town in the British Columbia interior in the 1960s, the story follows Ellen Manery, an academically gifted and self-isolated fifteen year-old who meets Tony Paul, an eighteen year-old who lives on the reserve, and their friendship that might blossom into love.

And don't forget to check out the non-fiction titles too!

Non-Fiction

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

Call Me Russell by Russell Peters

Canada's Wars: An Illustrated History by Jonathan Webb & J.L. Granatstein

Hockey Now! by Mike Leonetti

I.D.: Stuff That Happens to Define Us by Kate Scowen & Peter Mitchell

Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit by Tom Rand & Dave Clark

Nice Recovery by Susan Juby

Stick to Your Vision by Wes "Maestro" Williams

Two Generals by Scott Chantler

Will to Live by Les Stroud

Oshawa Youth Council

Looking for a way to get more involved? Check out what some ambitious teens have been up to HERE.

Teen Advisory Board Upcoming Meetings!

Here are some Teen Advisory Board Upcoming Meetings:

Sunday, October 16 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday, October 28 @ 3:00 Pm - 4:45 PM
Saturday, October 29 @ 9:00 Am - 5:00 PM (Haunted House All Day)
Sunday, October 30: If we didn't clean up the day before, this is a clean-up day.

The Winner Is In!

Congratulations to Chloe who submitted the winning entry in the 2011 OPL Teen YouTube Contest! Check out Chloe’s Library Rap:

Journey to the Center of the Earth

3/5 Stars
Journey to the Center of the Earth is about three people and their names are Trevor Anderson, his nephew Sean and the guide person is Hannah. All three of them were looking for a passage to go to the center. All of them had an adventures but once they made it and they were exploring they realized that it was getting very hot so they built a raft to go across the water. When they were in the middle of the ocean they saw small fish with big sharp teeth and all of them were biting the fish but at the same time the wind was starting to pick up. They saw a huge fish eating a small fish and then a gust of wind blew the sail and the rope got untied and Sean got the rope but the wind was strong and it took Sean away.
Daniel M.

Stick It

4.5/5 Stars
Movie is amazing; at first starts off slow and you don’t expect anything like it. Some language used in the movie is not for young kids, but the story line is great. It shows that not everything is as it seems. The actors in the movie made their start here and then went on to other, more recent, more world known movies and/or TV series. The actress who plays Haley is now a main character in Rookie Blue and one her best friends in the movie is now playing Emmett Cullen from the Twilight series. Overall, a great laugh and amazing movie, no matter the language.
Alexandrya S.

The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

3/5 Stars
Hayden O’Malley is an aspiring snowboarder. After ending a relationship with Nick, she claims they are “just friends”. After winning a local boarding competition, Nick is not impressed. So, the two challenge each other to their own competition. Quickly the girls are on Hayden’s side and the boys are on Nick’s. The two end up sparking old flames.
Catherine D.

Thirst by Christopher Pike

4/5 Stars
Thirst is an addictive story of an unwilling vampire, changed against her will. She is thirsty for blood, but not blood-thirsty. Sita survives by feeding, but not killing, with many fake identities. She remains undiscovered. That is, until her creator starts looking for her. He can only rest in peace if he destroys all vampires. Read the book to find out how it ends!
Heidi Y.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV by Jack Canfield

5/5 Stars
Sarah Stickler talks about a guy named Brandon who she has a crush on. Little by little they started talking then became friends, but Sarah wants to be more than friends. They ended up being what people called the “perfect couple”. 3 months turned into a year, then turned into a year and a half, but in the end Sarah realizes that it doesn’t work out and that she regrets letting him go and that he will “never be forgotten”.
Selena M.

I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader by Kieran Scott

4/5 Stars
This book proves to the reader that it doesn’t matter if you’re different. As long as you set your mind to it you will be able to achieve anything. AS long as you make an effort at being nice to everyone they will eventually like you as well. This was a phenomenal book and I strongly recommend it to others.
Madeleine P.

Short Story Writing Contest!

As part of the 2011 Pass the Book programme, Oshawa Public Libraries will be running a short story contest for all ages! There will be a teen category for those 13-18.

If you have a humorous family story of up to 1500 words, and a valid Oshawa Public Libraries card, then you can enter your story to win!

Your entry should:

Be typed and double spaced.

Have a word count.

Have page numbers.

Say the title of the work in the top left corner of each page.

Be clipped together, not stapled.

NOT say your name anywhere on it, as judging will be anonymous.

More details, and complete rules and guidelines for this exciting contest can be found in the newsletter, or in the 2011 Pass the Book Short Story Writing Contest brochure, which is available in the library. The contest ends September 25, 2011, so if you’re interested, make sure you get your submission in before the deadline, to any branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

4/5 Stars
Michael has a tragic past that caused him not to talk at all ever since he was 8 years old. He found his talent which is opening safes with no explosions. He ended up going to jail and once he gets out he will try to talk to Amelia. Michael and Amelia fell in love. She will wait for him.
Melissa M.

Freaky Monday by Mary Rodgers and Heather Hach

4/5 Stars
I rate this book 4 stars because I liked the ending and all the characters. But I didn’t like the beginning of the book. It didn’t interest me.
Hannah M.

Teen Photo Contest

Are you 13-18 years old?
Are you creative?
Do you have a favourite book?

If so, then why not enter the YALSA 2011 Teen Read Week photo contest? All you have to do is create a visual version of your favourite book’s title. You could win gift bags, signed copies of books, and more. One lucky winner will walk away with an e-reader, pre-loaded with great teen titles!

More information, including rules and entry guidelines, can be found on the YALSA website at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2011/trw11photocontest.pdf.
Good luck!

And the Nominees Are...

Voting is underway for the ALA Teens’ Top Ten list! There are twenty-five nominees, but only ten will make the cut and be announced victorious during Teen Read Week (October 16-22, 2011). Vote for your favourites at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm before September 15 to make your opinion count!

Here is the list of nominees…

Bachorz, Pam. Drought. Egmont USA. 2011. (978606840160).

Beam, Cris. I Am J. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2011. (9780316053617).

Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. 2011. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316077422).

Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2010. (9781416989530).

Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate. Tor Books. 2011. (9780765326577).

Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry. 2010. (9781416975861).

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic. 2010. (9780439023511).

Collins, Yvonne. Love, Inc. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423131151).

Condie, Ally. Matched. 2010. Penguin/Dutton. (9780525423645).

Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Penguin/Philomel. 2010. (9780399254826).

Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo. Simon & Schuster Children’s. 2010. (9781416989431).

Grant, Michael. Lies. 2010. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books. (9780061449093).

Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423121312).

Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall. Disney/Hyperion. 2010. (9781423121305).

Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King. 2010. Harlequin. (9780373210084).

Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four. HarperCollins. 2010. (9780061969553).

Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423116653).

Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere. 2010. Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers. (9780142417805).

Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061726804).

O’Neal, Ellis. The False Princess. Egmont USA. 2011. (9781606840795).

Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel. Little, Brown & Company. 2011. (9780316036207).

Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red. Little, Brown and Company. 2010. (9780316068680).

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed. Candlewick Press. 2011. (9780763643263).

Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth. Simon Pulse. 2010. (9781416971757).

White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061985843).

She’s So Money by Cherry Cheva

4/5 Stars
This book was very drama-packed. It kept me wondering throughout the whole time. Overall the book was very well written. And I hope to get the chance to read more of Cherry Cheva’s books. She’s so Money is about a girl who got into Harvard but was forced to cheat and do other peoples’ homework to keep her parents' restaurant from going bankrupt.

Madeleine P.

Doo-Wops and Hooligans by Bruno Mars

3/5 Stars
On this CD, I only know like six songs. I really like Bruno Mars. He’s an awesome singer. Marry You and The Lazy Song are my two favourite songs from this album.

Sarah N.

Page by Tamora Pierce

5/5 Stars
Amazing. Just absolutely amazing. “Page” was even better than First Test. Instead of focusing mainly on the sexist areas of knighthood, Tamora focused on the changes in a female’s life, and adolescence. She showed both sides and feelings of womanhood. Also, unlike First Test, she showed the maturity of the pages and how people change over time. She showed the improvement in how Kel was treated, and how finally Lord Wyldon accepted her as “one of the boys”. Kel experiences love, heartbreak, and jealousy. She also experiences a stronger friendship with Neal and Cleon. Kel expands her learning and, doing so, she starts to teach those who cannot do as well as she can.
Alexandrya S.

She's The Man

5/5 Stars

In this hilarious movie, Viola tricks the school into thinking she is her brother, Sebastian. She gets into the dorm room with the boys and goes to tryouts. Viola tries out for varsity soccer and ends up making it. Her brother comes to the big game day against Cornwall and everybody finds out she’s not Sebastian. Cornwall thinks they can still beat them even with a girl playing. Do you think they’re wrong? Or are they right?

Lauryn P.

My Worlds Acoustic by Justin Bieber

5/5 Stars

I really like this CD. The music’s really good and his singing is amazing. The guitar also sounds really good with Justin’s voice. My favourite song would be Down to Earth, or Never Say Never. I hope he keeps writing /singing more songs. I love his music and him :)

Sarah N.

First Test by Tamora Pierce

5/5 Stars

I just couldn’t put the book down. Kel’s journey throughout her probationary year before becoming a page just captured me! Tamora CAPTURED the sexism of men when women attempt something that seems to be a “male activity”. The moment I opened the book I just couldn’t put it down. I instantly felt like I was inside of the book. Nothing could make me put it down.

Alexandrya S.

Don't Forget - Maggie Stiefvater!

Don't forget! Maggie Stiefvater - the bestselling author of Shiver, Linger, and Forever - will be coming to Oshawa this weekend as part of her book signing tour.

Check her out at the Oshawa Centre Chapters from 12:00pm-2:00pm on Saturday July 16th. She will be signing books and visiting fans. There will be trivia, giveaways, a DJ and more!

For more information, visit http:maggiestiefvater.blogspot.com.

Haven't read her books? Why not check them out at the library?

Bestselling author MAGGIE STIEFVATER!!!

#1 New York Times Bestseller author Maggie Stiefvater will be making an apperance at the Chapters in the Oshawa Center, on July 16th @ 12:00 pm, to celebrate the release of Forever, the final installment in the Shiver Trilogy!!!

25 Ways to Have Fun Using Technology

1. Download an audiobook on your mp3 player, or check one out from the library.

2. Visit your library’s webpage.

3. Blog about a library book or program. Add something to another blog, this blog, or anywhere on the library’s facebook page.

4. Try out a book focused site like LibraryThing, Shelfari or Good Reads.

5. Create a soundtrack for your favorite book. If you sign up for an account at Project Playlist, you can create and save music playlists.

6. Ask a librarian to recommend a nonfiction book on an area of technology that interests you.

7. Learn to podcast. Check out YALSA Podcasts, or check out the library's list here.

8. Many young adult authors welcome email from their readers, and some even have their own Facebook and MySpace profiles. Why not send them a message?

9. Check out some DVDs, CDs, or Video Games from your library.

10. Check out your library’s anime collection, watch some anime, and look out for anime themed programmes at the library.

11. Create an avatar on Yahoo! Avatars.

12. Create and post a YouTube video about your library or a favorite book. (Also check out the OPL Teens channel here).

13. Create a database of something you want to organize.

14. Share some fan fiction on a fan fiction website.

15. Show off your stuff at one of our video game programmes. Why not play Wii Mario Kart at Jess Hann on May 7th at 2pm? Or create cool gaming environments for the Xbox at Legends on May 19th at 7pm? Check out more tech programmes in our newsletter.

16. Read an eBook online through the library's website. Don't have an e-reader? Check one out from the library!

17. Use one of the library computers, or plug into a listening station in our brand new teen area.

18. Get crafty! Use some old floppy disks to create a pen holder or notebook, or else decorate a journal with some old CDs.

19. Join the library’s Teen Advisory Group and help us plan a fun tech programme!

20. Check out some online book trailers, or make your own!

21. Take a class on graphic design or digital photography.

22. Start a del.icio.us, Twitter or Flickr account.

23. Join an online community like TeenFire.

24. Check out an online homework site like Homework Spot. Find more links to resources from the library's teen page.

25. Download a newspaper article from the day you were born from an electronic database.

Canada Day Call for Entertainment!!!
Looking for buskers and bands who would like to play at the Canada Day festivities!!!
If you are interested, please go to:
http://www.oshawa.ca/tourism/canada-day/Default.asp

Summer Camps!!!

It's time to think about Summer Camps!!!
Whether you are an avid athlete, a budding artist, a dancer, a future NHL'er, an outdoor adventurer or someone who likes to do a little bit of everything, we've got something for you!!!
Please visit www.oshawa.ca/lol to browse and register for one of the City's many Summer Day Camp Programs.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

3/5 Stars The Last Song was a very detailed, descriptive and sad book. Nicholas Sparks really captured every character's perspective perfectly, and the romance and suspense was in just the right amount. The book though was quite sad and had a lot of heartbreak, and it also had a lot of confusing parts that jumped from character to character. I would recommend this book to people who like romance and sadness. Age group 14 and up.

Jennifer L.

Who I Am by Nick Jonas and the Administration

2/5 Stars

The CD “Who I Am” is full of tunes and great hits by Nick Jonas. What I’m used to is Nick Jonas singing in a band with his other brothers as a band “The Jonas Brothers”. It was kind of unusual but for my first time listening to him alone it was kind of good. I recommend this CD to people that like Nick Jonas.

Lauryn P.

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

2/5 Stars

Don’t let the cover fool you, the book is just as confusing. It was a magical book for sure, but the starting is hard to follow and the change in character points of view can make it difficult to understand. If you find the Irish setting and older time periods interesting you may enjoy this. I can’t be sure though, the setting is never really stated, so it could only be guessed because of the odd way they happen to talk every once and a while. There is a fair amount of magic in this, along with tragedy mixed in with it. The ending also made me a little upset but it makes for a realistic one at that. I’m sorry to say I didn’t enjoy the book but then again I’m not into fantasy. I’d recommend this for anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre and I also agree with the age group. I give this book two out of five stars.

Stephanie B.

Inception

5/5 Stars

I liked the movie Inception because it was a very good action movie with a lot of twists and turns. The main character (played by Leonardo di Caprio) was an extractor; he went into people’s dreams and stole information from them. He and his team then get a job where they have to go into someone’s dream and implant an idea within the person’s mind. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes a good suspense movie.

Stephen S.

The Lightening Thief By Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan

5/5 Stars

Percy Jackson, a Greek demigod, has been accused of stealing Zeus’s master bolt. Percy and his friends must travel to the underworld to get the bolt back before it’s too late. During his journey, he is faced with challenges like fighting the Greek god of war, Aries, and challenges against many monsters in order to return the lightening bolt and save the camp.

Madison P.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

3/5 Stars

In the Bad Beginning, the Baudelaire orphans have been struggling in the home of Count Olaf ever since their parents died in the house fire. The children are in the wrong hands. Count Olaf decides to put on a play to marry Violet so he can grab hold of the Baudelaire fortune. Do the orphans save their fortune? Or do they not? Read the book to find out.

Lauryn P.

Swindle by Gordan Korman

4/5 Stars

Griffin plans to sleep over in an old mansion with his friends the night before it gets demolished. While he was exploring, Griffin found a baseball card of the great Babe Ruth! The next day he and his friends go to a pawn shop to find out how much it’s worth. The owner of the pawn shop quickly remembers its value and swindles the kids.

The next day, Griffin finds out on the news that the card is worth 2 million dollars. Realizing that he was cheated, Griffin thinks it’s up to him to steal it. The three of them come together and plan out a robbery. Not long after that, two of the Griffin’s enemies hear of his plan and want some of the money. Griffin now has to face: a vicious dog, and a state of the art security system. None of these will get in the way of Griffin.

They successfully steal the card, but none of them get the money. Why? Because the card belonged to the old woman in the mansion who died and was inherited by a lousy kid in their school. It’s not all bad – with all this attention, Griffin’s dad’s invention also becomes famous and in turn, everybody was happy.

Nanda D.

Easy Cut-Up Cakes for Kids by Melissa Barlow

5/5 Stars

I really liked this book! It was very interesting and well laid-out. I learned how to make different kinds of cakes. I also liked how it had a picture of each cake.

Braydon W.

Video Game Review-The Sims 3

Rating 4/5 stars
Sims 3 is the newest edition of the virtual simulation style game. The game features so many new challenges, achievments, goals, and extras to unlock that you'll find it difficult to put the controller down. One of these new features is 'Karma Powers'. You recieve karma points for making good decisions for the betterment of you Sim, or gain none for making bad choices. Too many bad decisions and not enough good might even result in a meteroid shower that could cause some serious damage to your Sims' household, in the land of sims; what goes around comes around. You can redeem karma points for some pretty useful powers, like stroke of genius where your Sim gets a little bit smarter than usual for a short period of time, or money bags where money literally falls from thin air and into your Sims' bank account. You can grant your Sim lifetime wishes such as specific career goals or perhaps it might make your sim happy just doing the dishes. The game becomes more and more difficult as you progress in your Sims' age and career, especially once you start adding more Sims to your household, like a spouse and kids, maybe even a roomate. All in all The Sims 3 is a must have. It's a great game with very indepth game play and features, the only down fall is how much memory it can take up on your system/console. it can also be very frusturating when your game freezes or crashes before getting a chance to save, if only Sims had an auto-save feature.

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

4/5 Stars

The book is about Beth who is teased at school for being ugly. But what’s on the outside has nothing to do with what’s on the inside. Beth can sing like an angel. Her and her choir are in the International Choir Competition. While she is there she meets a mysterious boy who is their rival choir. Derek wants to get closer to Beth but Beth has met guys like Derek before and she isn’t so sure. But Derek doesn’t give up and Beth finally gives in. Beth tells Derek everything he wants to know about her but Derek is giving little info about himself. Beth wonders if it’s her or if there is another girl….

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, music, and makeovers.

Victoria K.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

5/5 Stars

I think the book was awesome, I would read it again and again. When Edward first kissed Bella I almost cried. When James bit Bella and Edward tried to suck the venom out I didn’t think he would be able to stop.

Justin C.

The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

4/5 Stars

This book was very good and enjoyable. The story was well written with a great suspense to keep my interested. The story has interesting characters and even the villains are captivating. The book grabbed my attention right away and this is great because I find I usually have trouble getting into a book.

The story is in a genre that I really like. The story is in 3^rd person and focuses on Nick most of the time, which seems to fit this book well. I found that the way the demons and magicians were done was very interesting, mainly because I have not seen it depicted that way before. Although there was one twist that I felt I could see coming.

Overall the book was great and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys books about the paranormal.

Christopher P.

The Bourne Legacy by Eric Von Lustbader

4/5 Stars
This book was the 4^th book in the Jason Bourne series; the first 3 were made into movies. I liked this book a lot because it had lots of action. This book was a well written book about terrorism. I recommend this book to all action and suspense lovers.
Jordan M.

Brunettes Strike Back by Kierran Scott

4/5 Stars

Annisa is the only non-blond cheerleader on her squad. She just moved to Florida from New Jersey a few months ago. Her old squad was a helpless wreck. But this year the 2 squads are competing at nationals. About 1 week before Nationals Annisa’s new squad tries to make her dye her hair blond. Annisa really doesn’t want to and at Nationals starts to skip out on meals and comes back to the hotel room after curfew. At the last minute she decides she is ok with dyeing her hair for the good of the team!

Madeleine P.

The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols

4/5 Stars

This book has a summer romance story. Once you grow up with a crush it’s hard to get rid of until you realize “the one” has always been right in front of you. Jealousy and friendship may get in the way but Lori is determined to get Sean. A messed up love triangle is formed and feelings are hurt.

Reagan C.

Stick It

4/5 Stars

Stick It is about a girl named Haley who competes in gymnastics. When Haley didn’t finish one of the competitions one year she wasn’t as strong as the other gymnasts. She was forced to continue gymnastics and began regaining her strength. Haley focuses on gymnastics like 24/7 and doesn’t realize about the other important things in life. Stick It is a good movie and I do recommend it.

Lauryn P.

Beacon Street Girls: Fashion Frenzy by Annie Bryant

4/5 Stars

Katani is off to New York City to take part in a fashion show. She can only take one friend, and all of the BSG want to go. When the trip is almost cancelled Maeve figures out how to make it happen and everyone wants her to go. Katani and Maeve go to their dream trip and have lots of fun. They come back home with pictures and gifts and tell their friends everything.

Tanya S.