Hot Pick from TAB - Bolt

Directed by: Byron Howard & Chris Williams
Genre: Comedy / Adventure
Rated: PG

Bolt follows the story of a dog trying to just get back home to his owner. Except...Bolt is convinced he’s a superhero. The hero of a television show, he’s been raised to believe it’s all real. One day, unfortunate events happen that leave him in the middle of New York City and lead him on an adventure where he meets up with an alley cat and a hamster who watches too much TV. It’s a cute and extremely likable movie, and one I’d definitely recommend picking up.

reviewed by TAB member Janette D.

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Honeybee

By Naomi Shihab Nye

(YA 811.54 Nye)
164 pages, 2008, Poetry/Short Prose

This small book of poetry and short prose covers a range of topics, from the simplicity of honeybees and cinnamon twists to the complexities of war and natural disasters. With few words, but startling imagery, the author conveys the truth, beauty, and tragedy of our utterly human existence and shows how we are connected to all living things in ways we often fail to notice. Not to be missed are the short story “Museum” and the poem “Cat Plate.” Surprising, funny, heart wrenching, and thought provoking, there is sure to be something in this book that speaks to you. (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Liz B.

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The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

By E. Lockhart
(YA F Lock)
345 pages, 2008, Realistic Fiction

Frankie Landau-Banks, a cute and clever sophomore at Alabaster Prep Academy, is dating Matthew, the most popular boy at school, who just happens to be involved in an all-male secret society. Initially, Frankie is just happy to be with Matthew, who thinks she is “adorable,” but when he excludes her from certain parts of his life, she begins to feel “underestimated” by Matthew and his circle of friends. She makes plans to infiltrate the secret society, but how far will Frankie go just to fit in, and is it worth it if she loses herself in the process? (Grades 7 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Kay G.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Aida

By Elton John and Tim Rice
(K AIDA AID R 28)

1999, Musical

For those who liked The Lion King musical, Aida is another wonderful work with the music done by Elton John. Aida retells the classic opera story of the doomed love between the Egyptian prince Rademes and the Nubian princess Aida. This rock musical was the winner of several Tony awards and a Drama Desk award during its Broadway run. The album of the musical won a Grammy award. This CD is perfect if you want to hear a good story, told in with contemporary music. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

reviewed by TAB member Elizabeth D.

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Everything You Want

By Barbara Shoup

(YA F Shou)
307 pages, 2008, Realistic Fiction

How does a doomed laboratory duck lead to hitting the lottery for 18-year-old Emma? Her life is spiraling out of control, and her freshman college life proves to be miserable and lonely. The financial windfall simply messes up her life even more. In an attempt to survive, she isolates herself in the family’s Michigan cabin hoping that daily ski runs will heal her heart. Even that theory falls into the category of “truly messed up” actions. (Grades 9 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elaine D.

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Hot Pick from TAB - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

By J. K. Rowling

(YA F Rowl)

Format: CD book narrated by Jim Dale
22 hours, 2007, Fantasy

This final book of J. K. Rowling’s wonderful series has been performed by Jim Dale. Jim Dale gives every character a unique voice and uses great expression to make this action-packed story come to life. This is a great book to listen to while creating art or just when you’re bored. This awesome audio book gets an A+! (Grades 6 & up)

reviewed by TAB member Colleen K.

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Little Brother

By Cory Doctorow

(YA F Doct) Woodbourne only
Format: CD book narrated by Kirby Heyborne

12 hours, 2008, Science Fiction

After a terrorist attack in San Francisco, 17-year-old techno-geek Marcus and his friends are detained by the Department of Homeland Security as possible suspects. After being physically and psychologically tortured, Marcus is released to discover that his city has become a virtual police state. Revenge and his belief in civil liberties and intellectual freedom drive Marcus to encourage other hackers to help him drive the DHS out of San Francisco. But can they succeed in fighting the state? (Grades 10 & up)

reviewed by Teen Librarian Elizabeth H.

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