Hot Pick from TAB - He's Just Not That Into You

Directed by Ken Kwapis

(DVD General Hes)

2009 Romantic Comedy PG-13

Need a good laugh? Looking to subtly hint to a friend that their love interest really isn’t worth the time? Then “He’s Just Not that Into You” is definitely the next movie to pick up from the library! Set in Baltimore, the movie entails five women and four men trying to find the secret to either finding Mr. Right or simply keeping a woman interested. Contrary to popular belief, the movie proves that both genders struggle to find the secret to love and relationships. Gigi has a date with Conor, who is still in love with Ana, who begins to crush on Ben, who is married to Janine, who works with Gigi. On top of these characters, Neil, Mary, Beth, and Alex all somehow fit into the mix. Yes, the plotline is somewhat complex (similar to that of “She’s the Man”) but the movie is worth the confusion.  Alex’s blunt, but accurate advice on relationships will leave you surprised, thinking  “Wow, that is true!”, Gigi’s needy crushing is true laugh-out-loud comedy, and yet Janine and Ben’s degrading marriage will leave you in tears. This rollercoaster of a film is not only a must-see but the epitome of a romantic comedy, and will help answer the question “Are you the exception, or the rule?”

reviewed by TAB member Shivani V.

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Rapture of the Deep

By L.A. Meyer

(YA F Meye)

454 pages 2009 Historical Fiction

Jacky Faber and her true love, Jamie, must really be star crossed lovers since minutes before they are to wed, they are kidnapped by the British Naval Intelligence and forced to carry out a risky mission. In this mission, they must find the sunken Spanish galleon, the Santa Magdalena, and recover her treasure. However, it is no easy task as the ship is well below diving range, and British Intelligence is not the only party interested in bringing up the gold. Jacky swims like a fish and is sharp as a tack, but will it be enough to accomplish this mission and make her way back to Jamie? (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Slob

By Ellen Potter

(YA F Pott)

199 pages 2009 Realistic Fiction

Owen pulls the bag of discarded clothes from the back of his closet and it reminds him of who he once was. At 5 feet 2 inches and 156 pounds, this twelve-year-old boy genius is a school target. From stealing his lunch to the attempts by his gym teacher to humiliate him, Owen tries his hardest to get through each day. Don’t miss the secret at the end! (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

 

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Hot Pick from TAB - Freedom Writers

Directed by Richard LaGravenese

(DVD General Free)

2007 Realistic PG-13

Based off of the true stories written in best seller The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwall, this movie is not only realistic but exciting & relatable in some way to every type of audience. Hillary Swank plays a naïve English teacher hoping to have a successful first year at a gang-infested school. Instead, she gets fought every step of the way by her students, the school authorities, & even her family. However, Swank’s character does not allow her obstacles to get the best of her; her students may not have responded to grammar drills, but when she assigns each student to write in their diary each day, suddenly dangers that are usually seen as statistics become realities and will leave a permanent impression on the audience. Every student chronicles their life stories, & each story intertwines to express the racial tension that still exists today: each student suffers the same dangerous plight but yet cannot find common ground or peace. This movie is not the typical story of a rise to success; the students are not trying to raise money, get a job, or win an award—they are just trying to make it through each day without losing a family member or getting hurt. Swank’s character will not let them fail & finds an unique way to appeal to people she really has no common grounds with. Her perseverance, the students’ stories, & the soundtrack will leave you inspired & eager to check out the book!

reviewed by TAB member Shivani V.

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Flygirl

By Sherri L. Smith

(YA F Smit)

275 pages 2008 Historical Fiction

Eighteen-year-old Ida Mae struggles with being true to herself while following her dream of becoming a pilot in the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots) during WWII. Being a black female presents a challenge when she lies to get accepted into the program. A new outfit and a new name can’t hide who Ida really is as she soars above the clouds proving she’s the best pilot for the B-29 bomber nicknamed the “widow maker.” (Grades 8 & Up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Fracture

Platform: Xbox 360

Rating: Teen

Fracture is a futuristic 3rd person shooter that revolves around terrain. The main feature of the game is that the player can move any piece of terrain up and down with a special gun. This is especially cool in the early missions when you can create places to hide with the terrain. Fracture also features many other types of weapons, such as grenades that create rock pillars and standard guns like machine guns and powerful sniper rifles. The game also has online play; however, it does not have a very large following, and the multiplayer can be difficult to get into a game with more than 1 or 2 other people. Overall I give Fracture a 3/5. I would recommend you try the game and see if you like it before you buy it.

reviewed by TAB member Brian K.

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Touch

By Francine Prose

(YA F Pros)

262 pages 2009 Realistic Fiction

Ninth-grader Maisie has always been best friends with three boys in her class. But when an unpleasant incident happens in the back of the school bus, things change drastically. Maisie claims that all three boys harassed her and touched her inappropriately, but the boys tell a different story. When school officials and parents get involved, rumors begin flying, and a lawsuit is filed. Who is telling the truth and who is lying? And once the truth is known, how will it change the lives of those involved? (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - The Graveyard Book

By Neil Gaiman

(YA F Gaim)

312 pages 2008 Fantasy/Newbery Award Winner

This story is about Nobody Owens, a boy who has been raised in a graveyard...by ghosts! When a man named Jack killed his whole family while Nobody was very young, Nobody's curiosity comes in handy. Not wanting to remain in his crib any longer, he climbs onto a stuffed bear and out of his crib, bumping and sliding down the stairs and out of the house. He unknowingly enters a graveyard, and the newly dead spirit of his mother pleads with the ghosts for them to keep him safe. So this is why Nobody cannot leave the graveyard to enter the human world. But what of his curiosity? It only grows stronger as the boy grows taller. The Graveyard Book tells of his adventures and misadventures, of his friends and enemies, and of his life and others' deaths. The Graveyard Book grabs you around the neck and forces you to keep reading! Why fight it? (Grades 5 & Up)

Reviewed by TAB member Colleen K.

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Catching Fire

By Suzanne Collins

(YA F Coll)

391 pages 2009 Science Fiction

District 12 tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have been crowned the victors of the Hunger Games and have won fame and fortune for themselves and their families. All is not well in the dystopian land of Panem, however. Having won the games by defying the Capitol, Katniss and Peeta have become the unwitting symbols of rebellious uprisings throughout the districts. The insidious President Snow refuses to be outsmarted. What will he have in store for the 75th anniversary games? This sequel to The Hunger Games does not disappoint with its mixture of action and intrigue.

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth S.

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Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion

By Mark Cotta Vaz

(YA 791.4372 Vaz)

141 pages 2008 Nonfiction

You've read the book. You've seen the movie. Now read the book about the movie. Go behind the scenes to discover how the film sets were designed and the special effects were created. See for yourself just how a vampire flies and sparkles in the sun. Get the inside scoop on your favorite Twilight characters and enjoy photos from the movie set. Don't miss this ultimate Twilight companion! (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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Notes from the Dog

By Gary Paulsen

(YA F Paul)

133 pages 2009 Realistic Fiction

14-year-old Finn's plan for the summer is to read as many books as possible and speak to no more than half a dozen people. But his world is turned upside down when the cool and hip graduate student Johanna moves in next door. She has Finn planting a garden instead of reading books and talking to new people instead of avoiding them. As the summer progresses, Finn is surprised to discover that he has a knack for connecting with people, and he uses that ability to help Johanna, who is battling breast cancer.

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not

Artist: Arctic Monkeys

(MR ARCT WPS A 86)

2006 Rock

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not is the debut album of Arctic Monkeys, a newer four-man band from High Green England. It's a fantastic album, played in a post-garage/indie rock style, and contains two singles: "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor" and "When the Sun Goes Down". The songs "The View From the Afternoon" and "Fake Tales of San Francisco" were also given great acclaim. However, every song on this album is worth listening to, and it is one of the best debut albums in history. It remains the fastest selling debut album from a band in British history. The other thing about the album that is interesting is that the band is fiercely independent, and used an extremely small label, promoting the music over the internet via the fans rather than the band. All in all, it's one of the best rock albums I've heard.

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reviewed by TAB member Arjun B.

Fancy White Trash

By Marjeeta Geerling

(YA F Geer)

257 pages 2008 Chick Lit

Imagine living in a tiny house with your two sisters (one is pregnant), mom (also pregnant), niece, and stepfather. Did I mention that both babies were fathered by your stepdad? This is Abby Savage's reality, where life seems more like an episode of Jerry Springer than the soap opera she loves. Armed with her best friend Cody and her One True Love plan, Abby is determined to stay "normal" in a family of fancy white trash.

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth S.

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The Forest of Hands and Teeth

By Carrie Ryan

(YA F Ryan)

310 pages 2009 Horror/Science Fiction

Mary knows little of the past or of the world around her. She lives in an isolated village fenced in from the dangers of the forest and the Unconsecrated, an aggressive population of undead who prey upon the flesh of the living. Supervised at all times by the Sisterhood, a sect of religious women charged with the survival of the human race, Mary longs for more in her life. She clings to the stories her mother told her of a great body of water and buildings that reach into the clouds. Will Mary ever escape and find her dreams, or is the entire world truly just her tiny village and the threat of the Unconsecrated?

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth S.

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The Surrender Tree

By Margarita Engle

(YA F Engl)

169 pages 2008 Historical Fiction

As Cuba fights for freedom from its Spanish oppressors, Rosa fights to save those who are injured in the battles. With caves as her hospitals and wild plants as her green medicines, Rosa and her husband, Jose, provide refuge and healing until, finally, the Spanish flag is lowered...only to have the American flag glide upward. Their beloved Cuban flag is still forbidden. A piercing look at Cuban history from 1850-1899 through the eyes of real historical figures, including Rosa, who was buried in 1907 with full military honors.

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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Chasing the Bear

By Robert B. Parker
(YA F Park)
169 pages 2009 Realistic fiction

Most readers know Spenser as a tough as nails private detective, working out of Boston, but how did he get that way? Turns out young Spenser was raised by his father and two uncles, who taught him how to fight and stand tough. But they also taught him when to walk away from a fight. When Spenser's friend Jeannie is kidnapped by her abusive, alcoholic father, Spenser has to decide if he will risk his life and fight to save her or walk away and save himself. The result is classic Spenser - don't miss it!

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Swim the Fly

By Don Calame

(YA F Cala)

352 pages 2009 Humor

Follw the antics of fifteen-year-old Matt and his swim team buddies as they scheme how to accomplish their summer project - seeing a real-live naked girl. Matt volunteers to swim the 100-yard butterfly in order to impress hottie teammate Kelly. His attempts at the "fly" are laugh-out-loud hilarious since this is not his specialty and he's a weak swimmer. Plans to dress up like a girl and hide out in the girls' locker room backfire. True guy humor cover to cover!

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10+)
Platform: Xbox 360

The newest game in the Spyro legacy, Dawn of the Dragon, is a conflicted experience. The graphics are superb, with colors exploding from the vegetation and landscapes of every level, a sharp contrast from the average game's color schemes of brown, grey, and black. Also, the stages themselves are impressively designed more often than not, making Dawn of the Dragon a feast for the eyes. Another enjoyable experience is being able to fly anywhere. However, the developers seem to have corrupted the Spyro that was known and loved from his Playstation debut. Rather than admitting it is a light-hearted romp through fantastical worlds, the developers took it upon themselves to try and "mature" the franchise, turning the game into what seems to be a Lord of the Rings knock-off of sorts, which is disappointing to those who played and loved the original Spyro. Imagine warping Mario or Sonic games until they resembled Gears of War; it just doesn't work. All in all an interesting experience, just as long as one doesn't expect it to surpass the traditional Spyro experience.

reviewed by TAB member Tom R.

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Hot Pick From TAB - Bourne Identity

Directed by Doug Liman
Suspense

Rated PG-13

Follow actor Matt Damon on his journey to find his true identity in the movie Bourne Identity. Jason Bourne suffers from a traumatic injury, which causes him to lose all memory of his life up to date. Jason undertakes the immense challenge of uncovering his past. Through this journey, Jason reveals top secret government plans, finds potential love, and perhaps learns more about himself than he ever knew before. If you like this fun-filled, action-packed film, be sure to check out Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum!

Reviewed by TAB member Sonali S.

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Looks

By Madeleine George

(YA F Geor)
240 pages 2008 Realistic Fiction

Meghan is fat; her thighs are like a sofa as she silently moves through the halls of her high school. Aimee is excruciatingly thin; she hides her bony body under baggy clothes and her pain with poems. But these girls are more alike than you may think. They both are invisible outcasts, they both have debilitating eating disorders, and they both badly want revenge on the same popular girl who wronged them. (Grades 8 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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Graceling

By Kristin Cashore

(YA F Cash)
471 pages 2008 Fantasy

Lady Katsa is a Graceling, a person with an unique and magical gift. Hers happens to be the unsurpassed ability to kill. In the land of seven kingdoms, Katsa leads a dual life. She alternates between acting as her Uncle’s henchwoman and serving on a council that fights for justice in the corrupt seven kingdoms. Then she meets Po, a Graceling fighter, who is searching for his kidnapped Grandfather. Together they embark on a journey to solve the mystery of a puzzling King in a kingdom where nothing is as it seems. (Grades 8 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Eastern Energy

By Twelve Girls Band
(MA TWEL EE T 15)

New Age 2004

This group use an eclectic mix of influences in their energetic music. The most obvious influence is East Asia, since most of their instruments are traditional Chinese instruments. However, they have “Reel Around the Sun,” which is an adaptation of a traditional Irish reel. Also, they have adaptations of Enya’s “Only Time”, “New Classicism,” which is a medley of Symphony No. 40, “First Movement, Molto Allegro” by Bach, “Symphony Number 5 in C minor” by Beethoven, and finally the overture of the opera Barbiere di Sivigilia. For, those who enjoy popular music, there is “Clocks,” which is another version of the Coldplay song, and “Earthly Stars (Unsung Heroes),” which is a version of the famous Japanese pop song. This varied mix means you never get bored while listening to this C.D. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!!

reviewed by TAB member Elizabeth D.

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Marcelo in the Real World

By Francisco X. Stork

(YA F Stor)
312 pages 2009 Realistic Fiction

Marcelo, who has Asperger’s syndrome, can’t wait to spend the summer between his junior and senior years training the ponies at Patterson, the school for special needs kids that he attends. Instead, he is forced to work at his father’s law firm, where he learns that life in the “real world” is full of dilemmas and complications that he has never had to deal with before. From trying to make a best friend to helping an indigent, disfigured girl and pondering his first love, it’s a dramatic summer of discovery for Marcelo. Smart, funny, mysterious, and real—Marcelo’s story will show you what it’s like to be a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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A Kiss in Time

By Alex Flinn

(YA F Flin)
371 pages 2009 Fantasy

A handsome young man named Jack kisses a beautiful young woman named Talia. But this isn’t your average love story. Jack is seventeen and traveling through Europe for the summer. Talia is a royal princess who has been asleep for over 300 years (think Sleeping Beauty). Has Jack really broken the evil spell placed on Talia? What happens when this unlikely pair flees her medieval village for his hometown of Miami, Florida? And, most importantly, will true love triumph in the end? Don’t miss this fun fractured fairy tale. (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Battlefield: Bad Company

Platform: Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: T (teen)

This is a first person shooter set in modern times. The game is about a group of soldiers who were misfits of their divisions in the army. The group that they form together is called Bad Company. The game’s main feature is the destroyable environments. Every house, truck, tree, or bush can be destroyed. One of the disappointing features about the destroyable environments is that a house can only be destroyed to a certain point; you can never level it completely. The game’s story involves lots of different and fun objectives like calling in air strikes, drive tanks, and jeeps, as well as fast-paced gun action. The game visuals and game play are solid, but when compared to the contenders in the genre such as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, it doesn’t quite compare. The game features online play where you can play with up to 32 players simultaneously. The main problem was that the few times I tried online play, I could never seem to find enough players to start a match. I would say check out the game and see if it is for you. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Brian K.

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If the Witness Lied

By Caroline B. Cooney
(YA F Coon)
213 pages 2009 Thriller

Three separated siblings reunite to save their little brother and themselves from a media circus and an evil aunt. They discover not only that their father did not die accidentally but that there is a murderer in their midst. Dad’s cell phone and a computer reveal clues to this page-turning thriller. (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Ten Cents a Dance

By Christine Fletcher

(YA F Flet)
356 pages 2008 Historical Fiction

In 1940s Chicago, fifteen-year-old Ruby must support her family by working at a meatpacking plant. Still they remain in poverty until she meets Paulie, a handsome, street-tough guy with a bad reputation, who encourages her to take a job as a taxi dancer. Ruby begins to earn money by dancing with lonely men at the Starlight Dance Academy, but she quickly begins to become immersed in the seedier side of Chicago’s nightlife. Although her new life seems glamorous on the surface, Ruby begins to understand that illusion shrouds her entire existence. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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All the Broken Pieces

By Ann E. Burg

(YA F Burg)
218 pages 2009 Realistic Novel in Verse

From the outside, seventh-grader Matt Pin seems like every other American boy. Thing is, on the inside he carries a secret from his past that haunts him every day. Two years earlier, Matt was airlifted out of Vietnam and adopted by a loving American family. But memories of life in a war-torn country and bullying from those who think he isn’t a “real” American are wearing away at his sense of security. With the help of his baseball coach and a group of Vietnam veterans, Matt learns that he can heal the wounds of the past without forgetting those he left behind. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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Hot Pick from TAB Juno

Juno
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG-13

Juno is the bittersweet tale following Juno, a 16-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant and her adventures as she prepares to give up her baby for adoption. A deep story peppered with Juno’s quips and an imaginative soundtrack causes me to give it a two thumbs up.

reviewed by TAB member Janette D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Animals

By Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s album Animals is a very cynical album. In it, the human race is characterized into 3 different animals. Dogs (vicious people who only look after themselves), sheep (people who conform, following what others tell them blindly), and pigs (greedy people who want everything for themselves). This may seem a harsh view to some, but masterfully written lyrics, which renounce these flawed groups, as well as painstakingly crafted instruments, make this album all too easy to recommend. 5 out of 5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Tom R.

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Hot Pick from TAB - The End

By Lemony Snicket

(J F Snic)
324 pages 2006 Mystery/Humor

I liked this book because it is the last book in A Series of Unfortunate Events. Although the ending of this mystery-filled series is rather ambiguous, the three Baudelaires have grown up and matured beyond any expectation of the reader. Count Olaf and Kit Snicket, the latter of which is supposedly the sister of the author, both show up on the island where the Baudelaires are marooned. With the lying leader of the islanders near them, the Baudelaires’ adventures are by no means over, even at the close of the book. (Grades 3 & up)

reviewed by TAB member Colleen K.

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The Boxer and the Spy

By Robert B. Parker

(YA F Park)
210 pages 2008 Realistic Fiction

When Jason Green’s body washes up on shore, the police deem it a suicide caused by steroid use. Fifteen-year-old Terry Novak, a boxer in training, finds it difficult to believe that this shy, quiet classmate of his was abusing drugs. As he and his best friend Abby begin to search for the truth, they encounter all sorts of roadblocks that lead them to believe that what appears to be a suicide is really a murder. The problem is their small town is full of suspects, and getting to the bottom of this mystery may endanger their own lives. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Fracture

Platform: Xbox 360
ESRB Rating: T (teen)

Fracture is, on its surface, a somewhat average-looking game. The plot line has the potential to be interesting, since not many games revolve around a civil war in the future brought on by global warming. However, generic characters and a villain whose main motivation seems to be “just because” hinder it. Also, Fracture has the usual assortment of guns, ranging from shotguns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers, etc. However, what separates this game from others is the terrain-deformers, which, as it implies, allows one to deform the earth beneath their feet. It’s surprisingly non-gimmicky and makes encounters with enemies feel more varied. Overall a solid game but not in the same league as Gears of War 2 or Call of Duty 4.

reviewed by TAB member Tom R.

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Dishes

By Rich Wallace

(YA F Wall)
145 pages, 2008, Realistic Fiction

Nineteen-year-old Danny jumps at the chance to work over the summer while he tries to sort out college choices. Dishwashing in a gay bar in a Maine tourist town, stumbling into a bumpy romance with a hot waitress, and getting the chance to establish a relationship with his estranged father shake up his self-discovery journey. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Confessions of a Shopaholic

By Sophie Kinsella

(F Kins)
310 pages, 2001, Chick Lit/Humorous

Most people have heard of Confessions of a Shopaholic due to the successful movie just a few months ago. But, Sophie Kinsella’s novel tells the tale of Rebecca Bloomwood, a British woman who is deep in debt but can’t stop her shopping addiction. Not only does Becky need to get her addiction, her finances, and her job under control, but perhaps a man is lurking around the next bend in her life as well. Kinsella takes the reader on a fun-felt journey through the life of a comical but struggling shopaholic. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by TAB member Saniya K.

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Tiger Moon

By Antonia Michaelis

(YA F Mich)
453 pages, 2008, Fantasy/Fairy Tale

Stories are an excellent way to escape, and Raka certainly needs to escape her impending death at the hands of her evil husband. She begins to spin an elaborate fairy tale for Lalit, a servant boy, about Farhad a thief and con man, his sacred white tiger Nitish, and their adventures across India to locate a cursed gemstone and save Krishna’s kidnapped daughter from the demon king Ravana. The language is fluid, poetic, and colorful, which takes the reader on a magical journey through India in the early 1900s during the British occupation that interweaves Hindu religious beliefs seamlessly. (Grades 8 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Twilight

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
Genre: Fantasy/Thriller
Rated: PG-13

The first book in the Twilight saga has been transformed into a feature film starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart as Edward and Bella. The movie follows Stephenie Meyer’s star-crossed lovers as they discover their indescribable bond and feeling for one another. Their relationship is complicated: Edward is conflicted, torn between his desire for Bella’s love and her blood, while Bella is so “unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him” that she would go so far as to die for him. But Twilight isn’t just another chick flick; the action scenes in this movie are sudden and suspenseful. The only issue I had with Twilight the movie was that it did not follow the book extremely well; some important details were changed or simply left out. However, the chemistry between the characters in undeniable, making this an overall good flick. Check it out if you want to watch a unique love story that is completely different from anything else you might have imagined.

reviewed by TAB member Rachel K.

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Dingo

By Charles de Lint

(YA F De l)
213 pages 2008 Fantasy

When Miguel meets Lainey, his life is turned upside down. How could he have known that she can shape-shift into a dingo? Why is her twin sister so protective and mean? And what should he do now that he has fallen in love with her? Part adventure, part mystery, a bit of romance, and some unforgettable characters make this a fun, offbeat read. (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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The Other Side of the Island

By Allegra Goodman

(YA F Good)
280 pages, 2008, Science Fiction

Destroyed by environmental changes, the world is covered with water and a few small islands remain. Ten-year-old Honor and her family are captured and resettled to the Enclosure on Island 365. Mysterious Earth Mother serves up daily propaganda and rules stifling free thinking and movement. Honor’s parents mysteriously disappear leaving her to figure out what lies outside the controlled compound. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Music Review From TAB - The Wall

Artist: Pink Floyd
(MR PINK WAL P 83)

The Wall was a new music experience for me. It is a new slower type of music with a deep meaning. The sound variety is excellent. I give it 5/5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Brian K.

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3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows

By Ann Brashares

(YA F Bras)
318 pages, 2009, Chick Lit

Ama, Jo, and Polly have been friends since 3rd grade, but the summer before high school finds each girl dealing with troubles and disappointments that test their friendship. Ama spends the summer at a wilderness camp instead of the academic program she had been hoping for. Jo must deal with her parents' divorce and a pushy boyfriend. Polly struggles to become a model while learning her single mom is hiding a secret. Can the three girls find their way back to friendship again or will they let their difficulties divide them? (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Gone

By Michael Grant

(YA F Gran)
558 pages, 2008, Fantasy/Suspense

I liked this book because it is a mix of suspense and fantasy. It has two stories going on at the same time, but they meld nicely. The introduction of powers into the story also has a nice effect. The book is a race against time that ended with a sequel, hopefully coming soon. (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by TAB member Michael B.

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Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility

Platform: Wii
ESRB rating: E (everyone)

This is a fun game where you move to an island. On this island, you find yourself starting a farm on which you raise a variety of crops and animals from cows to ostriches, getting married and raising a family, and solving the mystery of the Harvest Goddess. The game is fairly quick to pick up and has a laid-back, enjoyable nature. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Janette D.

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Wintergirls

By Laurie Halse Anderson

(YA F Ande)
278 pages, 2009, Realistic Fiction

Lia and Cassie were best friends. They were wintergirls, trapped between life and death by their oath to become the skinniest through their own dangerous eating disorders. Even though they are no longer friends, the night Cassie died she called Lia 33 times. Her body was discovered in a motel room the next morning alone. Lia now tries to live with the guilt of not answering the phone and her debilitating anorexia. Will she gain acceptance and perspective or will she succumb to a disease that only has a 20% recovery rate with treatment? (Grades 8 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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The Savage

By David Almond

(YA F Almo)
79 pages, 2008, Illustrated Fantasy

Blue Baker is writing a story. Not a romantic, fantastic story with wizards and fairies, but a real story about blood and guts and how life has been since his dad died and the town bully started knocking him around. But when his story’s main character, the Savage, visits him in the dark of night, Blue must face his deepest fear—that he and the Savage are one and the same. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance

by Ronan Hardiman
(Q IREL MFL D 57)

This is the soundtrack from the critically acclaimed Lord of the Dance, which is a dance performance utilizing traditional Irish dance. The music goes from the vibrant “Warriors” to the ethereal “Sula Ruin.” An excellent selection, combining traditional Irish songs with modern day music.

reviewed by TAB member Elizabeth D.

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Impossible

By Nancy Werlin

(YA F Werl)
376 pages, 2008, Chick Lit / Fantasy

Impossible….that describes the three tasks Lucy Scarborogh must perform to lift an ancient curse placed upon the women of her family. If she fails, she will descend into madness upon the birth of her first child. The evil Elfin Knight who placed the curse will make sure of that. But wait! This isn’t the 1600’s; it’s 2009 and Lucy is a senior in high school, planning on going to college. She enlists the help of her parents and childhood friend, Zach, to break the magical curse. But is it enough to give Lucy’s modern day fairy tale a happy ending? (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Nobody's Prize

By Esther Friesner

(YA F Frie)
306 pages, 2008, Historical Fiction / Greek Mythology

Helen disguises herself as a boy to board the ship her brothers are sailing and for the chance to find the Golden Fleece. Her gender is uncovered; she’s captured, and then promised as the wife to a family enemy. Helen’s trusted free slave is the only one who can help her out of this miserable situation and reunite her with her family. Her role of Queen of Sparta-in-training proves quite the challenge to this free spirit. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Boom Blox

Video game available in: Wii

ESRB Rating: E, for everyone

Boom Blox is an excellent strategy game for the Nintendo Wii. This game’s main objective is to see if you can pull, push, explode, or teleport various sets of blocks without knocking over the tower and causing devastation to the blox animals below. All the movements are controlled by the Wii remote, which really gets the player into the game. Boom Blox has both a story mode and a free play achievement mode. Both are sure to be equally exciting. I give Boom Blox 4 out of 5 stars. The only thing I can find wrong with it is that it gets old after a while, and the controls may seem a little complex and sensitive for some players.

reviewed by TAB member Brian K.

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Tangerine

By Edward Bloor

(YA F Bloo)
312 pages, 2006, Mystery/Sports

If you want to read a good mystery, Tangerine is the right one! This book by Edward Bloor is about a boy named Paul, who has just moved. Paul has a secret about himself that he does not know. Something happened to his eyesight when he was little. Now he gets flashes of his past. What happened to his eyes? You’ll need to wait and read to find out. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by TAB member Shivani S.

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