Friday, July 23, 2010

What You're Reading, volume 5


An 8th grader at Tillicum Middle School (Bellevue) turned in this book review of Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers:


What is this book about?

"A nanny called Mary Poppins comes to nanny Jane and Michael but basically has magic powers that take them on many adventures."


What did you like/dislike about it?

"I liked this book because I read it after I had seen the movie and I realized how much better it is."


Who would enjoy reading it?

"Those who like fairy tales."


Interested in checking out Mary Poppins? Click on the book jacket to reserve your copy! Don't forget to turn in your book reviews on a "Read 3, Get 1 Free" form to win free books and other prizes. We'll be featuring reviews by and for you on the blog all through the month of July. (If you want to enter but don't want your review published, you can always opt out.)


Happy reading!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

What You're Reading, volume 4


A 6th grader at McKnight Middle School turned in this book review of The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie:


What is this book about?
"Candace Thompson applies for a winter job at "The Zone." She qualifies for the job and becomes an elf. A job as an elf sounds easy, but it's not. On the end of her shift one day, 3 little boys attack her and leave. Candace is rushed to the hospital and is badly damaged. As she goes through her wild adventures, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas. For that winter, she is known as Candy Cane."


What did you like/dislike about it?
"I enjoy how Debbie Viguie makes her story so realistic! She puts in perfect details that go with the plot of the story. Now I look forward to reading more of her books."


Who would enjoy reading it?
"I personally think pre-teens or young teenagers would enjoy. They will be able to connect well."


Interested in checking out The Winter of Candy Canes? Click on the book jacket to reserve your copy! Don't forget to turn in your book reviews on a "Read 3, Get 1 Free" form to win free books and other prizes. We'll be featuring reviews by and for you on the blog all through the month of July. (If you want to enter but don't want your review published, you can always opt out.)


Happy reading!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Calling All Manga and Anime Fans!


Tomorrow is our Anime Club day at the Highlands Library!


We are scheduled to watch FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood*, so you aren't going to miss this one! There'll be "sweet sushi," (sweeter than it sounds), manga drawing, origami, and prizes! Plus, anyone who wants to make their Read Flip Win video can have access to the flip video camera. Stop by at 4 p.m. for all the fun.


*DVD selection is always based on whether the UPS truck shows up at the right time and with the right package.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

What You're Reading, volume 3


A 7th grader at St. Anthony School turned in this book review of Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan:


What is this book about?

"When Esperanza's father got murdered by bandits, Esperanza's mother can't afford to stay at their vineyard. So they go away to Californina with servant friends to work in the fields."


What did you like/dislike about it?

"It was a really good book because it told me about what the life of a girl my age had to go through. The book also explained a lot about what she did and what she saw."


Who would enjoy reading it?

"Whoever likes something realistic from a long time ago."


Interested in checking out Esperanza Rising? Click on the book jacket to reserve your copy! Don't forget to turn in your book reviews on a "Read 3, Get 1 Free" form to win free books and other prizes. We'll be featuring reviews by and for you on the blog all through the month of July. (If you want to enter but don't want your review published, you can always opt out.)

Happy reading!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Spoken Word Revolution, Happening Live

"The initial meeting was magic, my vision was real pleased
I met her on the pasta aisle near the macaroni and cheese.
Despite a dose of intimidation, I moved closer
Her glow was so ultra, I was nervous to approach her.
Was kinda out of practice, hadn't done this in awhile
But much to my astonishment, I was greeted with a smile.
I told her my name is K-Rino, she cut me off flat
She said "What's your real name? Your mama didn't name you that."
---"Solitary Confinement", K-Rino

Join us at the Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave S, this Thursday, July 15, at 2 p.m. for a Hip Hop Poetry Revolution. Bring your lyrics, or create some from the air (or from Google, from wherever). Beats, words, raps, and rhymes. Plus popcorn and soda. Come as you are. This is not your English teacher's poetry.

Monday, July 5, 2010

What You're Reading, volume 2



A 9th grader at Lindbergh High School turned in this book review of Runaways: Escape to New York by Brian K. Vaughan:

What is this book about?
"This book comic is about 5 superheroes with powers and try to save Earth from being destroyed."

What did you like/dislike about it?
"I liked that the book is also a comic book."

Who would enjoy reading it?
"People who like Marvel Comics."

Interested in checking out Runaways: Escape to New York? Click on the book jacket to reserve your copy! Don't forget to turn in your book reviews on a "Read 3, Get 1 Free" form to win free books and other prizes. We'll be featuring reviews by and for you on the blog all through the month of July. (If you want to enter but don't want your review published, you can always opt out.)

Happy reading!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

What You're Reading, volume 1



A 7th grader at Nelsen Middle school turned in this book review of The Clique by Lisi Harrison:


What is this book about?

"This is about Massie, ruling her clique, who are all rich, popular, and all besties. Along comes Claire, not as rich and lives in Massie's guesthouse, and Massie is in for some unexpected changes in her perfect world."


What did you like/dislike about it?

"I like how Claire and Massie got along in the end, but I do not like the rival between Claire and the clique."


Who would enjoy reading it?

"People who like friendship, fashion, and comedy."


Interested in checking out The Clique? Click on the book jacket to reserve your copy! Don't forget to turn in your book reviews on a "Read 3, Get 1 Free" form to win free books and other prizes. We'll be featuring reviews by and for you on the blog all through the month of July. (If you want to enter but don't want your review published, you can always opt out.)


Happy reading!

Monday, June 21, 2010

We're Getting Spammed


You might have noticed a few "this comment has been deleted by the blog administrator" remarks in our comments lately. Apparently, our blog has been noticed by some spammers and I've been deleting their comments because I don't think you should get bad ads or links to possible viruses and other nasties from our blog.


What do you think? Do you get spammed on your email/blog/Facebook account? Is my deleting the comments censorship, or just good blog maintenance?

Friday, June 18, 2010

School's...Out...for Summer!

Well, almost. Celebrate the end of school and kick off summer reading this Wednesday, June 23rd @ 4:00, with Game On! at the Renton Highlands Library. We'll be debuting our Game Cube (kicking it old school) with Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, and we'll also have DDR, SingStar and more, plus board games and popcorn.

Want to participate in Read, Flip, Win but don't have a video camera or webcam of your own? Come by a couple minutes early or stay late at any of the teen programs at Renton Library or Renton Highlands Library during June or July ready to shoot your video and use ours. Questions? Email the Young Adult Librarian at kebaker@kcls.org.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Read 3, Get 1 Free - Summer Edition!

This summer, if you are between the ages of 12 and 18 you can earn a free paperback book for every three books you read and review..... plus, you will be entered in a monthly drawing at your library for chance to win the grand prize.... a laptop computer. All entries must be received by August 31 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing, which will be held on September 15.

To get started, download a review form at
http://www.kcls.org/teens/2010R3SummerEditionForm.pdf

You must be in Middle, Junior High or High School in September 2010 to participate.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

It's an Ad-Venture

Advertisments really are everywhere...even on your backpack! Do flashy ads on your favorite websites bug you? Do we really need ads to read while riding the bus? Check out http://www.admongo.gov/ and go on a real-life adventure to learn what you're being sold and what you can do about it. Or leave a note in the comments telling us about the most annoying ad you've seen lately.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Are You an Otter?


Okay, maybe not that kind. KCLS is launching OTRs, or Online Teen Readers, for those of you who love books but don't have a lot of time to share the love. Chat online with others who share your love of books, hear more about favorite authors, and meet real-live authors at events just for OTRs.
We are launching TOMORROW with a special author visit by Laurie Halse Anderson, who will be visiting the Mercer Island Library via Skype. I know Mercer Island is a bit of a trek for you Rentonites, but this is an author you won't get many chances to meet and registration is still open! Contact the Mercer Island Library for details and to register, and check Facebook or the blog for more OTR information in coming months!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree


Hey, young poets! Want to earn CA$H for your creativity? King County Library's Rhyme On! teen poetry contest runs through April 30. Check out http://www.kcls.org/rhymeoncontest/ for all the details.


Not a poet but still feeling the itch of creativity? Renton Libraries' teen zine still needs submissions of *your* artwork, comics, song lyrics, short stories, and other kinds of literary rambling. Bring your creations (a clean photocopy is fine) to either the Renton or Renton Highlands Library to turn them in. We'll be putting together our inagural edition during this summer's summer reading program, so stay tuned!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Teen Tuesday


Hope you're all planning to join us


Tuesday, March 30th


for Teen Tuesday! We'll have video games, snacks, and as always, free prizes just for stopping by.


Teen Tuesdays are the last Tuesday of every month at the Highlands Library.


Renton Highlands Library

2702 NE 12th St

Renton, WA 98056

(425) 430-6790

Monday, February 22, 2010

Teen Tuesday Tomorrow!

Stop by the Highlands Library tomorrow for Teen Tuesday @ 3:00! We'll be watching the anime series Negima!? and eating Japanese snacks and goodies. There will be prizes from the (infamous) prize box, and plenty of down time to hang out and chat, so bring your friends!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Your Young Adult Librarian Recommends.....

The Maze Runner by James Dashner (YA DASHNER)
For those of you who really enjoyed Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, and are biting your nails in anticipation of the next installment due this August, here's another nail-biter that will hold you over in the meantime, and offer some new and different excitement.

Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up, with no memory, in the middle of an unfamiliar place called the Glade--a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls and a vast maze. Just like Thomas, the other Gladers don't know why or how they got there. Thomas must find his role in the community and do what he can to keep himself and the others alive in this seemingly utopian but ultimately treacherous environment.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Rick Riordan Audio Jukebox

If you are on the wait list for the next installment in the Percy Jackson series, you might like listening to an audiobook of it instead. Try them out ahead of time by listening to clips of each of the books here.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Teen Reads' Grab Bag of Books Contest!

Teen Reads is offering another contest for a chance to win a Grab Bag of Books, which includes a signature tote bag! Stop by the Teen Reads site and enter their brief contest form to win goodies! The deadline is February 10th.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Write! Create! Get Published!

Now is your chance to see yourself in print! Artists and authors in 6th through 12th grades are encouraged to submit items for publication in Renton Library’s new Teen Magazine!**

Send your submissions* (including original poems, stories, artwork, song lyrics, reviews, comic strips, personal ponderings, and more) to the Young Adult Librarian or turn them in at the Children's Desk or Information Desk!

*Submissions should include your name, grade, and contact phone number or e-mail address.

**We're also looking for a title for our Literary Mag. If you have ideas for a creative or catchy title, e-mail them to the Young Adult Librarian.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The 2010 Book Award Winners are Announced!

The American Library Association has announced the winners of the 2010 book awards for kids and teens. Here are the results for Young Adult books. Check one out today!

YALSA Printz Award Winner

Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Cameron Smith, a disaffected sixteen year-old who, after being diagnosed with Creutzfeld Jakob's (aka mad cow) disease, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital in an attempt to find a cure..




Printz Honor Books

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Punkzilla by Adam Rapp
Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes


Newbery Medal Winner

When You Reach Me, written by Rebecca Stead
As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.


Newbery Honor Books

Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

2010 Morris Award (honoring a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens)

Flash Burnout written by L.K. Madigan
In a tangle of life and death, love and loyalty, 15-year-old Blake emerges with a more sharply defined snapshot of himself.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Teen Tuesdays


The last Tuesday of every month is "teen Tuesday" at the Highlands library! Middle and high schoolers can stop by for fun stuff like video games, movies, art, contests, prizes, and always free snacks!

Q: Why have teen Tuesdays?
A: For fun! Teen Tuesdays are a chance for teens to hang out, bring friends, get free stuff, and find out what kind of cool stuff your library offers.

Q: Who can come?
A: Anyone! Any teen middle or high school-aged (even if you go to school somewhere else or are homeschooled) is welcome, so bring your friends!

Q: What do you do?
A: Different things each month, but in the past we have played video games, watched anime movies, made cool art projects out of duct tape and dye, and just hung out. Oh, yeah, and there are always free snacks and prizes just for stopping by!

Upcoming Teen Tuesdays:
Tuesday, January 26, 3-4:30 p.m.
Video games! Stop by for Guitar Hero, DDR, SingStar (pop), and maybe a surprise game or two. Oh, yeah, and chocolate bingo.

Tuesday, February 23, 3-4:30 p.m.
Anime club! We will watch Japanese anime-style cartoons (rated TVPG), fold origami, draw manga, and eat real Japanese snacks and treats (they're tasty).

Questions about teen Tuesday? Email kbaker@rentonwa.gov. See you there!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Readergirlz' Latest Live Chat

Tonight, Wednesday, January 6th begining at 6 PM PST, chat live with Young Adult author Beth Kephart, author of Nothing But Ghosts at the readergirlz blog!

THEN.....on January 20th, at 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, you can chat live with E. Lockhart, author of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and several other great young adult books. That will also be on the Readergirlz blog.

Read to Vote!

Voting is a great way to express your opinion. You may not be quite ready to vote in an election just yet, but there are still opportunities out there for you to express your opinion. Every year, the Pacific Northwest Library Association provides an opportunity for you to vote on your favorite book from a list of nominated titles. Although the voting doesn't start until March, there's no time like the present to get start reading the nominees.

Read at least two books in your grade category, and then vote for your favorite title between March 15th and April 15, 2010. You may have even read some of them already.!

This year's nominees are:
Junior Division (Grades 4 to 6)The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Igraine the Brave – Cornelia Funke
Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Marley: a Dog Like No Other by John Grogan
Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
No Talking – Andrew Clements

Middle Division (Grades 7 to 9)
Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Zen And The Art Of Faking It by Jordan Sonnenblick
Peak- by Roland Smith
Plain Janes by Cecil Castelucci
Schooled by Gordon Korman
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landry

Senior Division (Grades 10 to 12)
Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney
Mistik Lake by Martha Brooks
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr