Spy Camp Spy School, book #2 Graphic Novel Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Ben Ripley started spy school in the first installment of this graphic novel series based on the books. Now he’s just been informed that ALL students are required to attend summer school, actually summer camp for prospective spies. Ben’s getting himself resigned to MORE school when he discovers that the evil spy organization, SPYDER is STILL after him … Read more
Out of My Heart sequel to “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Melody has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair because she has trouble controlling how her body moves. She also has difficulty speaking, but has an assistive device that she calls “Elvira” that allows her to type out what she wants to say. In “Out of My Mind” Melody found her voice through Elvira and … Read more
Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed Mystery Racism Realistic Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Safiya Mirza dreams of someday being a journalist. In order to achieve this dream, Safiya becomes the editor of her school’s newspaper. As editor, she learns something; it’s her job to find the facts in Jawad’s case and not let personal bias overcome her when she finds Jawad. You may be wondering, “Who is Jawad?” Jawad … Read more
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson Adventure Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s the first World war. Hattie Inez Brooks lives with her rather harsh and VERY opinionated aunt, and her passive and a bit kinder uncle. She’s living a humdrum life, nowhere close to where she wants to be, when she gets a letter from her Uncle Chester. In it, he deeds his homestead in Montana … Read more
There was a good registration for the return of our Craft Wars series, but only one teen was actually able to make it, so it was more of a Craft Duel! We didn’t share what we were creating until the end, and it was surprising to learn that we both incorporated tree/forest elements into our book nooks. What IS a book nook? It’s like a diorama that shows a scene of some kind (your choice, … Read more
Teens got serious about collage in this class – and were so focused you could hear a pin drop! Collage is a fun, mixed-media art form that can combine all kinds of different art techniques to produce an end product that is truly unique. Several participants were inspired enough to collect some extra supplies to take home, so they could continue working on their projects. Things got messy! See some of their artwork below:
In our Teen Try Its: Crayon Cabochon class, we discovered that you can make some pretty amazing pendants and keychains with melted crayons! The hardest part was probably chopping up the crayons into tiny pieces. Check out the Beautiful Things we made below:
Table tennis? In the library?! Yes! We opened up the our event space and learned the basics of table tennis, then worked on our skills as we challenged one another to matches. Our teen participants did great! Extra library staff were recruited to provide them with additional opponents, but did not fare well! 🙂 Enjoy some photos from the event below:
Nature’s Best Hope: How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy, adapted by Sarah L. Thomson Nature Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Douglas Tallamy presents some compelling evidence that the world is struggling because of human overpopulation and its sprawling, destructive consequences. He makes the case that things could be improved for all species if we were all to convert at least some of our lawns … Read more
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series, book #1 by Brian Jacques Adventure Historical Fiction Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Ye all have heard of the Flying Dutchman, that cursed ship that has been cursed to sail the seas forever… Woe to the sailor who sees Captain Vanderdecken and his ghostly crew… Sometime in the near future, those who see this ship shall be cursed to … Read more