Hot Pick from TAB - Transformers

Directed by Michael Bay
(DVD General Trans)
2007 Science Fiction


If you think Transformers are the crummy little toys your kid brother plays with, think again. After this movie, you'll never look at a car the same. When his junker first car transforms into a giant robot, Sam is suddenly drawn into the raging battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons over the all-powerful Allspark, a battle that could destroy much of human life in the process. Though it sounds like a pre-packaged sci-fi plot (complete with alien robots), this movie goes way beyond the stereotype to stand on its own. With romance, humor, suspense, and real-world connections such as war in the Middle East, Pentagon code crackers, and the Hoover Dam, this movie is both believable and enjoyable, even for those of us who aren't really into sci-fi. The perfect movie for Summer— it’s definitely worth the watch!

reviewed by TAB member Teri G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth

By James V. Hart

(YA F Hart)

337 pages. 2005 Adventure

Join Peter Pan’s Captain Hook during his teen years at a naval academy boarding school and later aboard the Jolly Rodger pirate ship. Hook dreams of a beautiful island that he dubs Neverland, and his quest is to find this island. Along the way, Hook encounters challenges, which he greets with his threatening smile and chillingly polite manner. This enjoyable read is a new twist on the childhood tale of literature’s favorite pirate. I give it five out of five stars!! (Grades 6 & Up)

reviewed by TAB member Rachel K.

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Darkness Creeping: Twenty Twisted Tales

By Neal Shusterman

(YA F Shus)

297 pages. 2007 Horror

Insane ice cream men, demonic soccer players, and spooky spirits all haunt the pages of this horror anthology. These twenty tales are sure to have you thinking twice about sleeping in the dark. This is an excellent read for horror beginners. (Grades 6 & Up)

Reviewed by Teen Librarian Meghann M.

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Repossessed

By A.M. Jenkins

(YA F Jenk)

218 pages. 2007 Fantasy

Kiriel, a demon who prefers the term "fallen angel", manages to escape from his duties in Hell and come to earth. Ready for a vacation, he "borrows" the body of Shaun Simmons, a seventeen-year-old boy who is somewhat of a slacker. But Kiriel finds himself becoming all too human as he interacts with Shaun's mom, younger brother, and best friend, as well as with a school bully and the lovely Lane Henneberger who secretly has a crush on Shaun. Little do demons know that being human is very complicated! (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Greatest Hits 1970 - 2002

Artist: Elton John

(MR JOHN GHN J 78)

2002 Classic Rock

Elton John is one of the greatest rock artists of all time. With nothing other than his piano and melodic voice, he sings you into your own world. The lyrics he sings are filled with meaning and are brilliantly thought out. The thing is, you may be an Elton John fan and just not know it. His songs are extremely well known and always on the radio. In my opinion, this 2-disc album is great but there are a few flaws. There are certian songs that you just want to keep playing over and over and those that you just want to always skip over. The songs can have the same type of style, which many get sick of. For the Elton John fan, they will love this set, but for the average person this may be one that is according to your own taste whether you like it or not.

reviewed by TAB member Manoj A.

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Hot Pick from TAB - A Thousand Splendid Suns

By Khaled Hosseini

(F Hoss)

372 pages. 2007 Historical/Realistic Fiction

Taking place in the Middle East, this book touches on the many hardships that young women have to deal with throughout their lives. In this heart-touching book, there are unexpected twists evoking a variety of emotions. This book focuses on the main turning points in a person’s life, from losing a family to creating a family, and from losing love to finding love. You should read this book because of the unique perspective that it provides. (Grades 9 & Up)

reviewed by TAB member Krupa P.

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Enter Three Witches: A Story of Macbeth

By Caroline B. Cooney

(YA F Coon)

281 pages. 2007 Historical Fiction

Lady Mary is a ward in Lord and Lady Macbeth’s care. When her father is branded as a traitor to King Duncan, she fears she may be thrown out to fend for herself. But strange things start to happen in the castle after the king is murdered, and suddenly Mary finds herself in the midst of a household that slowly unravels. This is a clever retelling of the Shakespeare play from the points of view of several characters. (Grades 8 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Shelly P.

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