If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

By Gennifer Choldenko
(YA F Chol)
266 pages. 2007. Realistic Fiction

Seventh grade starts with Kirsten being targeted by the private school’s queen bee and enduring public humiliation. For Walker, the new black kid, who’s highly intelligent, it is the same. Forced to be allies, they accidentally discover a secret that changes how they feel about one another and even changes Kirsten’s family dynamics. (Grades 6 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Jumper

Directed by: Doug Liman
(DVD General Jump)
2008 Science Fiction/Adventure

This is an action-packed movie about a teenage boy who can teleport anywhere he wants. The lead actor from Star Wars, Hayden Christensen, discovers these abilities and learns to use them, and even to abuse them. Samuel L. Jackson provides fun comedy and action as he tries to stop these “jumpers.” I rate this movie four out of five stars.

reviewed by TAB member Kunal K.

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Hot Lunch

By Alex Bradley

(YA F Brad)
276 pages 2007 Realistic

Molly and Cassie’s bickering escalates to a food fight in the cafeteria. The principal’s punishment for these sophomores is not detention but working in the cafeteria kitchen as “lunch ladies.” They have to cook good food to earn their way out. Is it a problem if neither of them knows how to cook? Diners best check their food trays! (Grades 7 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Saturday Night Dirt

By Will Weaver
(YA F Weav)
163 pages. 2008 Realistic Fiction


It’s Saturday night at Headwaters Speedway, a quarter-mile dirt racetrack located in northern Minnesota. Teenagers Trace, Melody, Amber, Patrick, and Beau are all part of the action of competitive racing at the track owned by Mel’s father. The cars are hot and the action on the track is even hotter as drivers compete with each other and the weather for a first-place finish. (Grades 8 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

By James Patterson

(YA F Patt)

405 pages. 2007 Science Fiction & Adventure

The final showdown between Max and her greatest enemy is about to begin. Max and the others from the Angel Experiment are led into the final battle where the winner determines the future of our world. Can Max and her family finally defeat those who would want to create a superior race? (Grades 8 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Meghann M.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Batman Begins

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
(DVD General Batm)
2005 Adventure


This movie does a great job explaining Batman’s past and beginnings in Gotham. I loved this movie because it has a mysterious plot. It also has a great number of villains such as Scarecrow. This is one of the best Batman movies to date and it gets you caught up in the story for this summer’s The Dark Knight. I rate Batman Begins 5 out of 5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Rahul R.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Mamma Mia! The Musical

Artist: the cast of Mamma Mia
(K MAMM MM P 15)
1999 Musical


Mamma Mia! is a fun musical made up entirely of ABBA songs. This soundtrack features all of the songs from the original Broadway recording. Many of your all-time favorites are found on it, including Dancing Queen, S.O.S., Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes it All, and Take a Chance on Me. It’s the perfect music to cheer you up and to dance to.

reviewed by TAB member Elizabeth D.

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Tunnels

By Roderick Gordon
(YA F Gord)
472 pages. 2008 Adventure


Fourteen-year-old Will shares his father’s passion for archaeology and often accompanies him on his digs underneath London. When his father disappears, Will and his friend Chester discover a tunnel underneath Will’s house that leads them to an underground city. Captured by the strange inhabitants, they must figure out a way to escape and find Will’s dad, even as Will learns some disturbing truths about his family. (Grades 6 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Shelly P.

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