Dessert Book Club

Today the Earl Warren November Dessert Book Club met at lunch. Ten students came (what a crowd), and one on-looker who may join, now that he saw what good desserts we have. And guess what? It was Rose's birthday! Good thing I brought a beautiful cupcake cake with pink roses on top, how apropos. We even sang Happy Birthday to Rose, under her protests.

Our book was Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements, a science fiction/mystery. The general concensus was positive, everyone liked it. The discussion was short, I think because everyone was waiting for the cupcakes-but that's OK! I brought copies of the (sort of) sequel, Things Hoped For and I hope everyone will read it as a follow-up to Not Seen. This story is more of a mystery and less science fiction. I actually liked the sequel more. I was happy to see that everyone in the club likes science fiction. I have asked the members to suggest some other SF titles to recommend for our viewers, and I will post them separately.

Our next book is Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis. Several of the group had read it a while ago, but wanted to read it again. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, December 19. If you are interested in attending, stop by my desk in the library to pick up a permission slip and a copy of the book.

Review: Cry of the Icemark

I really enjoyed Cry of the Icemark and it's great if you like fantasy. It takes place in another world and is about a young warrior princess who loses her father. The heroine is an interesting character who is helping her country fight against a neighboring country which is trying to conquer them. I definitely would recommend this book. 4 1/2 stars out of 5!

Reviewed by Tace

Review: Goose Girl

The Goose Girl by Shanon Hale wasn't a very compelling story, but it was an okay read. In the beginning I was gripped, but towards the end I lost interest.
--reviewed by Elle Lefebvre

Review: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli was great! An exciting novel about an enchanted place and a different but special high schooler--a good book you won't want to miss. Join Stargirl as she creates a legacy in quiet Mica High that they'll remember long after she leaves.
--reviewed by Elle Lefebvre

August 21: Harry Potter Party!

Now that we've all had a month to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, let's talk about it! Come to the library at 6:30 p.m. on August 21 to share pumpkin juice and the things you liked, hated or are confused about in the final book!

Sept 26: EWMS Dessert Book Club: Flipped

Earl Warren students--discuss Flipped.
"In alternating chapters, two teenagers describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years."

The Library provides dessert, you provide your reactions to the book! At the Library at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26. Stop by sometime before then to pick up a copy of the book, sign up and get a permission form.

Harry Potter Release Party at La Mesa

The first 50 people in line for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Midnight Release Party at the La Mesa branch library are guaranteed to walk away with a copy of the book. Come out to La Mesa on the evening of July 20th.

And if you come by the Solana Beach branch on Saturday, the 21st, be gentle to the staff. We may have been up all night reading the book!

Win a skateboard!

One of the prizes in our Summer Reading Program is a longboard skateboard by Barefoot Custom Boards. All teens who reach the reading goal of 1250 pages before July 27th and turn in their reading log will be entered in the drawing for the skateboard. Come into the branch to sign up if you haven't already. The skateboard is on display behind the circulation desk.

Have samples of books emailed to you

Each week this online book club features a different teen title. Sign up and you'll get an email every day with a short selection from that week's book. By the end of the week you'll have read enough to know whether or not you want to find a regular copy of the book to read.

Do you want to post a review on this blog?

Do you want to have a book review posted on this blog? If you're a teenager who uses the Solana Beach library and you want to share your opinions of what you've read, come in and talk to Ms. Tirona, our Youth Services librarian. She'll explain how to submit a review.

Review: The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

I really enjoyed this book and it's great if you like fantasy. It takes place in another world and is about a young warrior princess who loses her father. The heroine is an interesting character who is helping her country fight against a neighboring country who is trying to conquer them. I definitely would recommend this book. * * * *-1/2
--reviewed by Tace Higuchi

Read Books! Win Prizes! Teen Summer Reading

Join the Summer Reading Program and receive prizes for reading this summer. You can include books, magazines, audio books and graphic novels in your log. Come to the kick-off at 2 p.m. on June 22nd, get signed up, watch a mystery flick and eat popcorn. If you can't make it on the 22nd, come in to the library and sign up any time before July 27. We'll give you a log to keep track of how many pages you've read and explain how it all works. Prizes include gift cards and a custom skateboard.