OPL Teen Space

Size 12 is not Fat

2012-01-26T19:20:00.001-05:00

Meg Cabot

4/5 Stars

REVIEW: Heather works at a residence hall where she is assistant director. Two deaths occur and she tries to uncover the mystery. She puts herself in danger trying to find the killer. The cops believe that the two girls were elevator surfing but Heather does not believe it and eventually finds the real killer.

Melissa M.

For the Win by Cory Doctorow

2012-01-14T11:44:00.002-05:00

4.5/5 Stars

This is a book for gamers. In this book it talks about kids and people in poor countries playing video games to win prizes for a person that sells them to people in the rich countries. Some people don’t like it so they try to stop them. Read this book to find out more.
John N.

A Brief History of Montmary by Michelle Cooper

2011-11-21T17:49:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-11-16T18:35:00.002-05:00

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

2011-11-16T18:28:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-10T15:08:00.003-05:00

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?

2011-10-19T17:40:00.003-04:00

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!

2011-10-17T15:15:00.019-04:00

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

2011-10-03T12:25:00.002-04:00

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

Teen Advisory Board Upcoming Meetings!

2011-09-30T14:11:00.003-04:00

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!

2011-09-26T13:34:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-23T16:01:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-19T12:33:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-17T16:21:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-02T15:35:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-01T18:03:00.003-04:00

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

2011-08-31T13:34:00.002-04:00

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!

2011-08-26T09:20:00.005-04:00

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

2011-08-25T14:25:00.004-04:00

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

2011-08-22T19:14:00.006-04:00

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

2011-08-16T15:27:00.007-04:00

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...

2011-08-16T14:33:00.028-04:00

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

2011-08-12T16:52:00.006-04:00

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

2011-08-11T19:47:00.003-04:00

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

2011-08-09T17:44:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-27T18:34:00.002-04:00

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

2011-07-21T11:03:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-19T16:45:00.002-04:00

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!

2011-07-14T15:15:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2011-07-07T17:39:00.002-04:00

#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

2011-04-30T09:03:00.007-04:00

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.

2011-04-28T17:58:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2011-04-23T14:13:00.002-04:00

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

2011-04-07T19:32:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-05T15:59:00.004-05:00

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

2011-02-27T14:19:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-26T13:53:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-24T18:20:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-19T09:10:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-10T19:27:00.003-05:00

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

2011-01-29T14:13:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-26T19:31:00.003-05:00

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

2011-01-24T17:34:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-15T16:21:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-10T16:24:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

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

2011-01-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-04T16:11:00.002-05:00

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

2011-01-03T19:26:00.001-05:00

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.

The Hanging Woods by Scott Loring Saunders

2010-12-20T17:50:00.001-05:00

3/5 Stars

Upon reading the book I found the start a little slow but it did pick up. I did enjoy the character development and believed they were realistic and sometimes relatable. I do however have concerns about the age group it is said to start at. It is an easy read but some of the content is a little disturbing and believe it is either meant for a very mature twelve year old, but even that is pushing it. I am a seventeen year old and found it upsetting to read some of the scenes. I do enjoy the suspense Sanders has kept throughout the novel involving his mother’s diary. The ending helped to explain the rest of the book and I find that to be a good way to compel the reader. I would like to also say that having the book be based on another time period is always interesting, and I feel that there is enough to know it isn’t modern but not forced down the reader’s throats that we know it is 1975. It was also interesting that the character was a thirteen year old boy who was slowly becoming more and more disturbed. That always makes for an interesting story. Overall I feel the book was suspenseful, compelling and different. I hope it does well.

Stephanie

Panama by Shelby Hiatt

2010-12-07T16:10:00.002-05:00

The story I read about is a girl who is fifteen year old and her name is Panama. Panama’s family is going to Panama to build canal because the U.S. government has asked them to. When Panama gets there she meets Harry through her father.

There are different types of people there, like Harry who is black and has blue eyes and can speak his tongue and other languages. Panama gets to meet the other people in Harry’s house where the he is staying. Panama ends up meeting Federico and falls in love with him.

While Panama was there, there was a problem which got sorted out. Then it’s soon time for Panama and her family to leave which means she won’t see Harry or Federico again. At the end of the story Panama ends up having two children, being married, having a house and graduating with honours.

Andrea B.

The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer

2010-12-06T17:41:00.005-05:00

4.5/5 Stars

The main character in this book is a girl named Angela. She is sent to Hidden Oak after her grandfather dies and she is believed to have killed him. While she is at the school she learns that the ‘golden thread’ girls get reformed and the ‘purple thread’, or bad girls, get locked away and beaten/killed. This is a very good book and I would definitely recommend it, however, it lost points because I thought the ending was too much of a cliffhanger.

Kelli B.

2011 White Pine Titles Announced!

2010-12-01T16:42:00.007-05:00

Borderline

By Allan Stratton

An exciting thriller about fifteen-year-old Sami whose life is turned upside down when his father faces terrorism charges. With the help of two friends, Sami attempts to prove his innocence.

Fear the Worst

By Linwood Barclay

Sydney Blake, a young teenager, does not return from work one night and her father Tim is forced to confront his worst nightmares as he searches for his missing daughter.

Fishtailing

By Wendy Phillips

Fishtailing is a gritty free verse exploration of the teen experience as seen through the eyes of Natalie, Kyle, Tricia, and Miguel. These four teens learn first hand what happens when situations get out of control.

Gravity Brings Me Down

By Natale Ghent

Sioux Smith is a high school student who makes keen observations about her teachers and classmates. Her life is made complicated by her friendship with an elderly woman and by knowing a secret about a popular teacher.

Hearts at Stake

By Alyxandra Harvey

Solange Drake is unique as the only female soon-to-be vampire born in 900 years. She is also the instrument in a prophesy that would see the elimination of the current vampire queen. Solange must rely on her own wits, her best friend, and the brawn of her many protective brothers to overcome the life-threatening situations that her existence invites.

The Monkeyface Chronicles

By Richard Scarsbrook

Philip Skyler is born with a facial deformity that impacts every aspect of his life --from school achievement to interpersonal relationships. The novel follows Philip from age 13 to adulthood climaxing with his triumphant return to his home town and people who provided the backdrop for the struggles and trials of his young life.

Swim the Fly

By Don Calame

Matt Gratton and his two best friends Coop and Sean set high goals for themselves. Their collective goal -to see a real, live naked girl!

Some Girls Are

By Courtney Summers

Regina, a high school senior in the popular crowd, suddenly falls out of favour and becomes the object of the same sort of vicious bullying that she used to inflict on others.

The Second Trial

By Rosemarie Boll

Danny McMillan’s father secretly abused his mother. One night, he goes too far, is arrested and convicted. The family’s trials begin when they enter witness protection and try to rebuild their lives.

The Worst Thing She Ever Did

By Alice Kuipers

Grief and guilt have Sophie in a strangle-hold. She must confront the horrific events in her past in order to begin living for herself again.

Message in a Bottle by Valerie Zenath

2010-11-24T15:34:00.001-05:00

4/5 Stars

Where the story is taken place (Jerusalem) there is a war going on and Tal’s older brother is a solider. After a bomb attack at the local café she asks him to drop a bottle with a letter inside in the ocean. A few days later Tal receives an email from a boy around her age from the country that they are at war with. At first the boy is very sarcastic and careless about Tal’s feelings and emotions. But after half a year of sending emails he falls in love with her!

Madeleine P.

Dadnapped

2010-11-23T19:16:00.003-05:00

4/5 Stars

Melissa Morris is the daughter of best-selling mystery writer Neal Morris. Instead of spending quality time with Melissa, Neal seems more interested in creating exciting missions for Tripp Zoome, the imaginary hero he’s made famous in his books. But when her dad gets kidnapped by crazy fans Melissa cleverly taps in to her own inner “Zoome” and comes to the rescue.

Tanya S.

The Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks

2010-11-22T17:42:00.003-05:00

4/5 Stars

The story takes us into the life of Cadel Greenaius, a boy genius who, from an early age, was brought up in a society where using his unique gifts to help a criminal empire was the only life he knew. Once thought to be the son of Prosper English, a feared crime boss who’s empire had its hands in every dirty secret around the world. Times have changed and Prosper is now in prison, far away enough from Cadel that he can finally have some semblance of a normal life.

The story brings us to Australia where Cadel and his friends are attending school. Cadel is trying to figure out a way to help Sonja, his best friend who has cerebral palsy and also a former member of the Genius Squad, to deal with day to day difficulties. Such things as pressing a button to the elevator or pushing the button to open handicap doors. While attending class with Hamish (also a member of the dissolved Genius Squad) he is whisked out of class. The reader is introduced to Detective Inspector Saul Greenaius, who at one time was assigned to protect Cadel and has now become his foster father. Saul brings Cadel grave news with him; Prosper has broken out of prison and is on the loose. Cadel is shown numerous sightings of Prosper all around the country, but soon realizes that it is only a program designed to make it seem as though he is in places that he is not. Cadel is taken to a safe house while the threat subsides. Soon afterwards he is taken out of protection to be back with his friends at school when Sonja’s wheelchair is set on a crash course aimed to attack Cadel. Sonja is taken immediately to the hospital where she is treated for numerous injuries that include a broken leg.

Time passes with knowledge that Dr. Vee, a former teacher of Cadel’s at the Axis Institute, has been tracking Cadel and those who are close to him through the CCTB surveillance cameras. This forces those around him as himself to disguise one another in ridiculous outfits. This is because of being tracked by the measurements of their bodies, rather than the person as a whole, essentially hiding from Vee and others who are working for him. It shows the reader just how much danger is posed to the world with so much technology that if it falls into the wrong hands, which it has, what can ensue and potentially destroy countless lives.

Cadel and Saul, with the help of old friends and new faces, battle back against Proper’s goons and take the fight to them with plans to find out who has been tracking them so far within Australia itself. Disaster strikes hard when a rogue school bus crashes into Cadel’s home, sending Saul to the hospital and turning everything and everyone upside down. Cadel decides it’s time to take matters into his own hands and takes off to America to track down a source that might just lead him in the right direction. He finds himself in Lost Angeles and where he meets Kale Platz; one time saviour of Cadel, from the FBI. Kale brings him to a seaside estate where Cadel’s greatest fears are confronted for the final showdown.

Those who have read the previous books (which I have not) will enjoy the cat and mouse chase between both sides of the spectrum and the reuniting of former associates that have played integral parts in Cadel’s life. The bond that is created between the reader and certain characters within the story brings us ever closer to the action and pain which is shared equally between each of them. The finale of what I assume to be a great series leaves us with one final mystery that keeps the reader craving for more answers from the life of Cadel Greenaius.

Michael S.

The Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby

2010-11-20T09:54:00.002-05:00

It was a very good book about a girl named Mia Everett who thinks her date to the prom, Rob Ziggerman, is now going out with the popular cheerleader, Samantha Griffin. Mia and her friend Candice buy a “love spell” to get Mia’s date back. It turns out that the spell Mia bought was a spell that will make everyone zombies and Mia is their queen! This guy named Chase (a professional zombie hunter) helped Mia out of a few very sticky situations and falls in love with her along the way. In the end everything is back to normal, almost.

Catie H.

Teen Writing Contest!

2010-11-17T16:25:00.004-05:00

Are you a teen writer? Do you have a piece of poetry or a short story that you think should be published?

If yes, then enter The Claremont Review’s annual writing contest!

Submit your work to the contest for the chance to win a first place prize of $500, or second and third place prizes of $300 and $200 respectively. Your work will also be judged by professional well-known Canadian writers, and if you win your work will be published in The Claremont Review!

This contest is open to teens aged 13-19. There is an entry fee of $20.00 for one genre, or $25.00 for two. Poetry and fiction are welcome.

For full contest details visit www.theClaremontReview.ca

Good luck!

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

2010-11-15T19:13:00.003-05:00

Rick Riordan

4/5 Stars

Percy and hid friends have returned to camp half blood with terrible news. Thalia’s tree that protects the magical borders has been poisoned and the only way to save the camp is by going to the Sea of Monsters and retrieving the Golden Fleece. Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover must go on a quest to save the camp, and bring the Golden Fleece to camp.

Madison P.

Parties and Potions by Sarah Mlynowski

2010-11-10T15:05:00.001-05:00

4/5 Stars
REVIEW: I think that this book is really good. Even though I’m not into witches and things it was an interesting book to read. I didn’t quite understand everything but other than that I would totally recommend this book to others!

Chelsea

Beethoven’s Big Break

2010-10-23T13:04:00.002-04:00

5/5 Stars

The movie Beethoven’s big Break was a good movie because Beethoven and his puppies all became movie stars. Also, when Beethoven was dognapped they rescued Beethoven and the bad guys were put in jail. Then all the puppies and Beethoven all got to live in the pack. Yes I would recommend this movie to my friends because it is a good family movie to watch.

Nicholas P.

Gone by Michael Grant

2010-10-18T15:28:00.002-04:00

4.5/5 Stars

I thought this book was very good because it was all about super powers/mutations and supernatural things. One day all the adults disappear and it’s just the kids under 18 left in a big dome. It’s really interesting how all the animals get smaller and more dangerous. Then some kids wanted to control everything and they took over.

Liam J.

The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

2010-10-16T12:40:00.002-04:00

4/5 Stars

In the beginning Artemis Fowl created a technologically advanced cube that was about 20 years ahead of anything we have now. This cube was made of stolen fairy technology that he got from the previous book. He tries to sell his “c cube” to a billionaire/ evil mastermind, but that didn’t work because instead it was stolen from him. So the fairies were alerted and they teamed up with Artemis Fowl and his bodyguard Butler to regain possession of the c cube because if they don’t the fairy civilization could be found (the fairies were driven underground when the humans came into existence). In the end they got the c cube back, destroyed it and mindwiped him so that he couldn’t bother the fairies anymore, but he gave a dwarf who was helping them along the way a gold coin that had a disk inside of it and got him to bring it back to him a year later so he could remember the fairies.
John B.

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

2010-10-13T15:20:00.002-04:00

5/5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I read the first 3 books but this one was the best one yet! I really liked how Rick Riordan (the author) described when Percy and his friends were fighting the monsters; it was almost like I was in it! I would also like to recommend this to fantasy lovers because there is lots of fantasy in it.

Patrick G.

Mayflower Treasure Hunt by Ron Roy

2010-10-04T15:36:00.002-04:00

4/5 Stars

They arrived at the mayflower board and heard that over 400 years ago someone stole a necklace. They went on a ferry boat and found the necklace. Then they were followed. The person who followed them was caught and arrested so then the kids agreed it should go to the artefact museum.

Nicholas P.

Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede

2010-09-30T16:48:00.006-04:00

Thirteenth Child

Patricia E. Wrede

5/5 Stars

This book was very enjoyable. The story line was very interesting and it had very good characters. The book kept my interest throughout the whole story. It also in a genre that I like: fantasy. I found the time picked for the book interesting because I have not read a book in that era (The American frontier) that also used magic in it. I also found it interesting that the mix of normal, magic, and prehistoric animals were used for the wild life. I found the different schools of magic interesting.

Chris P.

Deeper by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

2010-09-28T17:24:00.001-04:00

4/5 Stars

I chose to read this book because it was a sequel to a good book I read called Tunnels. Tunnels, was a suspenseful book and its sequel Deeper was even more suspenseful than the first one. The premise of this book is that the three main characters are searching for Will’s adoptive father who got lost in the first book Tunnels. Most of the action takes place in the “Deeps” a place where people from the Colony (a subterranean city) are banished to by their oppressors the Styx. Unfortunately, at the end of the book the author seemed to go on a needless killing spree with his characters. Deeper was still a very good read but unfortunately it fell apart at the ending, which was a disappointment from the first book Tunnels.

Stephen S.

The Parent Trap

2010-09-25T15:19:00.002-04:00

4/5 Stars

When two girls, Hallie Parker a California girl and Annie James and proper London miss, both meet at the same summer camp they realize they are twins! The girls decide to switch places to get their parents back together. It’s not as good as the original classic but I think it is really funny!

Catherine D.

Ernest Goes to Jail

2010-08-31T14:42:00.004-04:00

5/5 Stars

The movie was really good - I loved it. I watched another movie where Ernest goes to camp and I liked it so I thought I would watch this. My favourite characters would have to be the 2 cops (who were the 2 cooks in Ernest goes to camp). I also liked that every time Ernest got shocked he turned into a magnet.

David T.

Mall Cop

2010-08-25T13:24:00.004-04:00

4/5 Stars

Kevin James was really funny playing mall cop. I really liked the movie, it’s really funny. The movie had lots of action and comedy. This is one of my favourite movies.

Jordan M.

Spoiled Rotten by Dayle Campbell Gaetz

2010-08-20T11:42:00.002-04:00

5/5 Stars
This book is truly inspirational to do good things for others even when sometimes they don’t get along with you, but sometimes a person isn’t always exactly what they’re cut out to be.
Ashlyn F.

Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket

2010-08-19T19:34:00.005-04:00

3/5 Stars

Sunny, Klaus and Violet Baudelaire, three orphans who lost their parents in a horrible fire, are once again trying to escape the hands of Count Olaf. They walk into the “Last Chance” general store, where they learn their only way out is through the V.F.D. Everyone in V.F.D believes that “no news is good news” so no one knows the secret they are hiding. At the hospital, they are sent to work in the library of Records, where they soon learn there is a file all about them. They must retrieve the file and clear their name before it’s too late.

Madison P.

Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

2010-08-17T09:26:00.004-04:00

4/5 Stars

Front and center was a good summer read. It wasn’t too serious and didn’t take too long to read. The book is about a girl who loves to play basketball but doesn’t think she’s good enough. She wants to get a scholarship but has to work on her leadership skills to get it. She also deals with other things such as pressure and friendships. Some parts of the book were a bit hard to follow because it is the third book in a series. I would read the other two books first to understand it better. Front and Center is a good book and I would recommend it.

Kristen H.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Soundtrack

2010-08-16T09:26:00.004-04:00

I found the songs very powerful and to the point. They made me remember certain times in both the movie and the book. I thought it was really good how the orchestra used strong instruments such as the violin and piano for songs with the Death Eaters and quiet but powerful instruments for parts when the mood was light and happy. All in all I enjoyed listening to the CD.

Carina G.

Jude by Kate Morgenroth

2010-08-12T10:45:00.005-04:00

5/5 Stars

Jude is about a boy named Jude who hasn’t had the best life with his father, but he is used to it. Suddenly when his father is killed his whole world is turned upside down. He is taken by his mother Anna Grady. Soon after this he starts taking boys to his old neighbour hood to buy drugs shortly after this he learns that his mother is running for mayor and then Nick his friend starts dealing. Nick overdose on heroin and dies. Jude’s mother’s boyfriend Harry gets a plan for Jude to go to jail temporarily so the public could tell she wouldn’t go easy on him even though he is her son (she is a DA) but once he ends up in jail nobody springs him because of this he has a lot of spare time so he decides to get college credit and become a lawyer. After he gets out a reporter from is old school wants to do a story about how he got into jail but they need proof so they can blackmail Harry into confession. Jude falls in love with the reporter’s sister Lizzie and at the end if the book Jude gets accepted into Law school. This was a very good book. I recommend it to everyone.

Desiree T.

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne

2010-08-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

4/5 Stars
I would rate this book four out of five – it was a really great read. The author clearly had done a lot of research into Shakespeare’s plays and life, and that lent a lot of authenticity to the book. The emotions and situations were very real too, and for me (a teenager like the main character) it was very easy to connect to the main character, Hamlet. Her feelings and actions – and the actions of most of the other characters, such as the guidance counsellor and her classmates – were very true to things we have all witnessed or experienced. I liked the way everything just came together at once at the end of the book, and of course the story itself. The main problem – of Hamlet’s family trying to live like the Elizabethans – is something that not many of us can say we’ve had to deal with, but the author makes it feel real and like something anyone can relate to.
However, because the way Hamlet’s family acts is so un realistic, it was difficult to take the conflict seriously at first. Although it because much easier to understand the problem and the way she feels later in the book, it was a little difficult to “get into” at first. Also, I found the behaviour of the two “popular girl” antagonists quite exaggerate, and it paralleled TV shows more than real life. But those two things only took one star off my rating, so you can probably tell that the good parts of this book far outweigh the bad.
All in all, there are countless reasons to real Total Tragedy – it’s a relatable, crazy, and clever read, and one that I would recommend to anyone who appreciates teen books, Shakespeare, or just a good laugh.
Carly M.

Disney Mania 5

2010-07-26T13:39:00.004-04:00

3/5
I like the song I Wanna Be Like You because it was written by the Jonas Brothers. My favourite song by the Jonas Brothers is “Burning Up.” I never really liked this song, but when it was played on the Family Channel that was what inspired me to give the song a chance.
Lauryn P.

Flight by Ian Graham

2010-07-21T09:03:00.003-04:00

4/5 Stars
The book teaches you about the process planes go through before you use them. This book is very interesting. It teaches you about safety and fun flying. It also shows you different planes. And it gives you lots of detail.
Tchad S.

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

2010-07-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

5/5 Stars
Kelly Winslow who is seventeen years old, is going to play a role as queen Titania in a production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream when she meets Sonny who is a guard of the Samhain gate, the doorway between the mortal sphere and the faeries’ enchanted, dangerous otherworld. The gate stands open only once a year to the human world and an onslaught of malevolent faerie creatures who are very destructive.
Sonny keeps on telling Kelly that she is no mortal and Kelly happens to be the Princess of faerie world who is being hunted by powerful creatures from the faerie realm.
Andrea B.

Hunger by Michael Grant

2010-07-19T11:10:00.006-04:00

4/5 Stars

A book set in the 21^st century full of lots of thrills and many chills. A great read for young teens. A book where all humans over the age of fourteen have disappeared and a barrier has sprung up all around perdido beach. This forces these teens and young children to cope with hunger and solve problems that would require more maturity than most regular teens would have.

Kinsley G.

Pass the Book!

2010-06-30T11:29:00.005-04:00

This year's Pass the Book title is "The Factory Voice" by Jeanette Lynes. Pass the Book is a program that runs across Durham Public Libraries, giving everyone the chance to check out a great book and then talk about it with others!

This year's book is a World War II novel. Candace Fertile (Quill & Quire Magazine) writes that "Jeanette Lynes’ debut novel, The Factory Voice, is an entertaining and engaging story set in an airplane factory in Fort William, Ontario, during the Second World War. Lynes, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, brings the wartime experiences of the factory women to vivid life by skillfully employing the language and manners of the era."

The book features several characters, one of whom is teenager Audrey Foley who ran away from an arranged marriage and became the factory's snackwagon girl.
Interested in learning more, or checking out some of the fun 40s themed programmes this summer? Visit the Pass the Book blog at http://www.passthebook.ca/.

Stardust

2010-06-29T17:16:00.004-04:00

Directed by Matthew Vaughn
5/5 Stars
Stardust is a great movie! It is about this man that really wanted to marry this girl so when he sees a shooting star he told he would go and retrieve it. So he returns home to his father and his father gives him a note from his mother. Attached to it a candle so he uses this to travel to his mother that he has never met before, but as he was wishing to go to his mother “the star” popped into his head. Instead of traveling to his mother he travelled to the star. “The Star” ended up being a lady and from there they set of to go back home so he could give the star to the girl he wishes to marry! The only problem is that there is a witch and a princess also looking for the star! In this movie they over came a lot of obstacles but he finally discovers that “The Star” is his one true love and marries her!!!
Nataly L.

Amazing Grace

2010-06-28T10:56:00.003-04:00

Amazing Grace
Michael Apred
5/5
Amazing Grace is a true and heart-touching story of how slave trading came to end. Up until the 18th century, eleven million African men, women and children were taken to West Indies and American colonies as slaves. Slave trading being one of the greatest economic activities in the British Empire, was in favour of all but a few. Amoung these few, William Wiberforce (Joan Gruffudd) was brave enough to express his opposing to opinions about the slave trade in public. William Wilberforce was a prosperous Member of Parliament (MP) who not only tried to end the slave trade, but also tried to make the world a better place. Although William wanted to end slave trading it wasn’t easy. William’s passion of passing a bill on the abolition of slave trade hasn’t succeeded as many MPs in the parliament relied on slave trade. But even if William failed for the first time, his perseverance and honest way of abolishing British slave trade hasn’t disappeared. With the help of his fellow mates – Equiano, William Pitt and John Newton – William Wilberforce was able to overthrow the opposition party and pass the bill and finally succeed in the abolition of slave trade. Amazing Grace takes us on an emotional and romantic journey of a man whose ambition was not only to end slave trade but it’s improved education and health care and social conditions in his country. In the end, William proved that slave trading is a disgrace to humanity and every man – no matter what race or colour he is – is equal in God’s eyes.
Geervani D.

Secret's out: St Jude's New Girl by Carmen Reid

2010-06-24T17:56:00.003-04:00

This girl named Gina has a half brother named Menzie and as far as they know, they have always lived in a nice house and her parents, I guess you could say rich and so they lived in luxury. She loves her 3 best friends, Paula, Ria, and Maddison and they always hung out. They had this plan to hook up with Paula’s boyfriend, Martinez and 3 of his friends and go to a festival and see some cool bands. Some were planning on losing their virginity. Gina got in trouble though, she spent all her money on clothes and got bad grades and her mom was not pleased at all. Gina is now being sent to Scotland to go to some boarding school called St. Jude’s. Now Gina has to leave her luxury life she has been living in and leave her friends behind. She learns to cope with her new life and her 3 kooky dorm buddies.
This book is a good read and it’s hilarious. This book keeps me interested in it and when I know I have to do something else I kept reading it. I would recommend it to other teens especially since we can relate to this or have seen this happen before.
Chelsea S.

The Sweet Life of Stella Madison by Lara M. Zeises

2010-06-23T12:15:00.004-04:00

4/5 Stars
In the book The Sweet Life of Stella Madison the main character has a boyfriend Max that tells her that he loves her. Stella just rubs it off and goes to her work, which is her parents’ restaurant Open Kitchen. There she meets this hot intern, Jeremy, who she has a crush on once she sees him. While Ben is home sick, Stella is reviewing restaurants (for her internships with Jeremy). One day Stella finds out that her (separated) parents are seeing other people. On her 18th birthday party everything crashes. In the end Stella find out that she’s a foodie just like her parents.
I think this book is very good. I just love how the author makes you feel as if you are actually tasting the food. I also like how food, boys and separated parents are all in one neat package. This book is a total page turner!
Grace N.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

2010-06-21T10:22:00.001-04:00

5/5 Stars
The book is about Matt Cruse, a cabin boy, his duties, his work, and his adventures. He and Miss de Vries became friends and found a new species called the cloud cat. They over came a group of murderous pirates and came into some money.
Jordan M.

Employee of the Month

2010-06-17T16:43:00.002-04:00

5/5
This movie is about a guy named Zack. Zack worked at a supermarket and didn’t really like his job until a girl named Amy came. Zack learns that Amy likes the employee of the month so does everything he can to get it. He also has a bit of competition.
Ryan K.

Construction at the McLaughlin Branch

2010-06-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Important Notice! Construction at the McLaughlin Branch

We are undergoing a complete renovation to the South Wing of the McLaughlin Branch this summer. As of June 1st, there will be no public access to the South Wing. We will re-open partial services on June 7th in the temporary locations of the Auditorium and Children’s Studio.

From June 1st until June 6th, there will be no public access to our non-fiction collection, teen collections, computer workstations, photocopier or microfilm readers.

Please pick up a copy of our Renovation Brochure at the McLaughlin Branch, or check out our website for more information.

Yakitate Ja-Pan Volume 1 by Takashi Hashiguchi

2010-06-01T10:20:00.002-04:00

There are many different types of bread around the world (almost every country has one) like French bread, German bread, and many more, but can Japan, a rice and seafood country, have their own bakery pastry treat? Well Azuma Kazuma can make it possible with his awesome power and ability in his hands to make delicious tasting bread. I like this book/ graphic novel because I like the country Japan and wanted to visit it. Also, I like cooking and baking almost anything, but I’m still trying and learning to cook and bake. This graphic novel book is great! I would recommend it if you like baking and to learn more about Japan and its great land!
J.E.

Slash by Slash and Anthony Bozza

2010-05-18T17:37:00.002-04:00

5/5
Slash is a biography. It is the biography of Saul Hudson or “Slash” the guitarist from the original “Guns ‘n Roses”. This book is probably one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. It covers anything the band ever did. It starts at Slash’s childhood and works its way up to fatherhood.
Brittain F.

Solitudes: Listen to the Mockingbird by Dan Gibson

2010-05-05T12:06:00.003-04:00

5/5 Stars
I love this CD. Even though I go camping, this CD reminds me of walking through the woods. I can camp every single day for the rest of my life with this CD. Dan Gibson has really done a great job at collecting this bird noises along with nature noises.
Natalya L.

Eragon

2010-05-01T15:34:00.003-04:00

4/5
This movie is about a boy named Eragon who finds a mysterious blue “stone” that turns out to be the last dragon’s egg in existence. From the moment the egg hatches, the fate of Eragon and the dragon Saphira are forever entwined as they join forces to battle the evil king Galbatorix and they defeated him.
Shrey P.

The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman

2010-04-17T11:23:00.002-04:00

Alexa Daley enjoyed tagging along with her father every summer to go to Bridewell where he went for business. Alexa enjoyed shopping around the town but when she was not doing that she could be found in the library with her friend Gordyson (older man who fixes books) or reading a book while stroking Sam and Pepper (cats). Her friend Worveled (really old man) lost away at the beginning of the book and Alexa was there, only her! He was poisoned so she took a key from him and with that key later in the book she opened a hidden door from behind her favourite chair in the library. She follows the tunnel until the end and finds Yipes (a little man). He leads her to a pond and from that she retrieves a Jecosta (a rock that allows her to talk to animals). Yipes then brings her to the council of the forest animals. They explain that convicts that used to be in Bridewell, but were released on the other side of the wall (because the city was surrounded by walls) were going to attack and it is going to be a fierce battle. She finally discovers that one person behind this scheme is a friend of her father. She discovers that Sam and Pepper betray her and that she is a very important girl to unlock warlocks secrets! At the end of the book the walls around the city are taken down!
Natalya L.

National Youth Week 2010 - Oshawa

2010-04-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

National Youth Week 2010

The City of Oshawa is celebrating National Youth Week April 30 – May 7
Exciting activities and events are coming to your nearest recreation facility!
Events will include:

Friday April 30:
NYW Kick Off & Pizza Party at South Oshawa Community Centre
3:30pm – 6:30pm
Scavenger Hunt
Massive Manhunt
Free Swim 6:30pm – 9:00pm (ages 10-17yrs)

Monday May 3:
Garbage Can Art Project on Display at Legends Centre

Tuesday May 4
Yoga Class 13-17 years at the Legends Centre
7:00pm-8:00pm
Bring a yoga mat if you have one

Wednesday May 5:
Open Mic event at the Arts Resource Centre

Thursday, May 6:
Teen Night at Northview Community Centre (in collaboration with Eastview Boys & Girls Club)
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Movie Night
Open Gym - Basketball
Try out your texting skills in our Texting Contest

Friday, May 7:
Youth Night at Donevan Recreation Complex
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Free Swim 8:00pm-10:00pm
Bring your skateboards, inline skates and wave boards on the Arena Floor!
Games in Upper lobby

Stay tuned for more information!

Superman/Batman Absolute Power by Jeph Loeb, Carlos Pacheco, Jesus Merino

2010-04-15T18:06:00.001-04:00

4/5
Jonathan and Martha Kent find a rocket in their yard and there was a baby inside. Bruce’s parents were shot and killed outside the theatre. Jonathan and Martha named the baby Clarke. Clarke and Bruce found out they had superpowers. Clark and Bruce became Superman and Batman. Together they fight crime. They saw a criminal, it was Archer. Archer shot a special arrow at Superman and he was knocked out. Batman said if Superman is hurt, he’ll kill Archer. Archer and Batman fought. Batman won with the help of Superman. Diana and Sam found Green Lantern’s dead body and took his special ring. Sam got the power of Green Lantern. Sam used the power for evil. They tried to defeat Batman and Superman. Batman was hurt so Superman took him to their parents. Superman was mad so he killed Diana and Sam. With the help of the ring they brought back the Super League and killed the dark lord.
Kevin P.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

2010-04-10T09:54:00.001-04:00

4/5
It’s another year at Hogwart’s and Voldemort returns. Draco Malfoy was chosen by the Dark Lord to help him kill Harry. Harry is the only one that is able to defeat The Dark Lord. Harry and Dumbledore have to find all of Tom Riddle’s souls in order to defeat the Dark Lord. In the end Dumbledore gets killed by Snape, and Harry must work without Dumbledore.
Madison P.

Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys Super Mystery “Club Dread” by Carolyn Keene and Franklin W. Dixon

2010-04-08T20:07:00.001-04:00

5/5 Stars
Nancy Drew gets VIP tickets to a resort and her father could not attend so she goes with her two friends. When she arrives she finds out that the Hardy Boys (her close friends as well) are at the resort undercover as boss boys for their father’s secret agency ATAC. She promises her father won’t sleuth, but that is far from the truth when she joins the Hardy Boys to help bust whoever is behind the attacks at the resort they are staying at. After a couple of crazy days they finally crack the case. One of ATAC’s own members was behind the attacks and had gotten help from two people that worked at the resort just because they wanted to send money to their family.
Natalya L.

12 Rounds

2010-04-07T19:39:00.001-04:00

4/5
12 rounds is a movie about a police detective (John Cena) that kills a murderer who escaped out of a jail, took his wife, blew up his house, and killed one of his friends. After all that the villain makes him play a game with 12 rounds and if he survives all 12 rounds he gets his wife, but the rounds are harsh: for example one of the rounds was Cena having to escape from an elevator before the wire snapped but there was a twist, there was only enough time to get one person out of the elevator. There was a security guard with him, but when Cena got out the wire snapped and down went the elevator and the security guard. That sums up the movie 12 rounds.
Christian C.

Warriors: Rise of The Scourge by Erin Hunter

2010-04-03T11:22:00.001-04:00

4/5
This book is about a cat who grows up with two siblings. He as the runt, and they picked on him. He ran away. When ti was time to go to a new home nobody wanted him. He got in a fight and went to the city. He told a lie about killing a dog. He chased a dog, grows up in an alley and becomes the leader of a blood clan. And he gets revenge on a forest cat who hurt him when he was a kitten.
Amanda C.