Ellen Hopkins

Just a quick announcement that the amazing author Ellen Hopkins is giving a talk at the Jefferson Market Branch. If I had the day off, I would make a special trip to meet the author of great books like Crank, Identical and Burned. Her new book, Tricks, is available at the library. If you are free Thursday afternoon, definitely make the trip! We also have a special Ellen Hopkins display here at the Muhlenberg library, so you can check out her books, and books with similar themes.

Thursday, January 28th at 4:30PM
Jefferson Market Branch
425 Ave of Americas, NY, NY
212-243-4334

Winter Reading List

I made my first ever library pamphlet and boy am I proud! Stop by the library and find out what Muhlenberg's picks are for the best books to read this winter.

Diary of a Witness

In Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde, the witness is Ernie, an overweight teen who's only friend in moody complicated Will. Ernie and Will go through a lot during the course of the book, including the accidental death of Will's brother and the constant bullying they face at school.

The bullying gets so bad and it effects both boys differently, Will is broken and turns to violence. Ernie, on the other hand seems to get stronger. Ernie can see Will drifting away and doesn't know how to help his best friend.

I liked Ernie's character a lot. He found inner strength that frankly, was very surprising. Some people might not find it believable. The fact that all of a sudden, he could stand up to the people that made his life miserable. But it surprising how much strength you can find when you feel like you have nothing to loose.

Once Was Lost

Oh, how I love Sara Zarr. Sweethearts was one of my favorite books last year.

Once was lost is the story of Samara, a fifteen year old pastor's kid is facing a summer away from her mother, who has just started rehab after a DUI. Her father, who everyone knows as "Pastor Charlie" is too focused on his congregation to see that she is drifting. The sudden disappearance of a young girl in their small town snaps Sam back to reality and forces her to face the future of her family.

At first I thought the book might be too preachy, I mean, she's a pastor's kid after all! But, for me, this story was all about finding something truthful and honest to hold on to when the things you've always counted on fails you. That's some deep and complex stuff. And defiantly worth reading.

Familes: Ties that bond, ties that break

I've been thinking a lot about families, probably because we are on the verge to the holiday season. Muhlenberg's YA collection has a lot of books that focus on the family. Sometimes family is what saves you, and sometimes you have to be saved from your family. The following books cover those themes and everything in between.

Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

A mother-daughter con artist team on their last big heist.

The Mob Princess series by Todd Strasser

The ultimate family has a new leader, the teen daughter.

Converting Kate by Beckie Weinheimer

After her father dies, Kate faces off against her very religious mother.

Between Mom and Jo by Julie Ann Peters

14 year old Nick faces prejudice because of the relationship of his two mothers.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Annabel's perfect family has dark secrets.

Hit the Road by Caroline B. Cooney

Brittney plays a reluctant chauffeur for her grandmother who is trying to break her best friend out of a nursing home.

Finding Lubchenko by Michael Simmons

Evan is the only person who could clear his father of murder charges, unfortunately for his father, Evan hates him.

Zig Zag by Ellen Wittlinger

A high school junior takes a road trip with her aunt and two cousins.

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

Sean believes his father is trying to kill him.

TAG's Picks-November

Teen Advisory Group met yesterday and brought in the books the love this month.

Without further ado:

Sabrina chose The Bad Book by Aranzi Aronzo

Luis chose The Naruto Series by Masashi Kishimoto

Sage chose Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (Graphic Novel Version) by Darren Shan

Oscar chose Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Samantha chose The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares

Samson chose The Bone series by Jeff Smith

James chose The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Erick chose Cirque du Freak: Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan

Man...Darren Shan is really popular these days...I wonder why...


These books are on display in the library...come check them out!

Magazine "Monday"

Sigh...I always try to post the new magazines on Monday but alas...it had to wait till Tuesday.

This weeks magazines are:

Shonen Jump

Sports Illustrated for Kids (with a special Teen section)

and Wizard!

Enjoy!

ps-there are also a lot past issues of your favorites in the free box, I did a little reorganizing