BPL Teens

Check out this photo gallery of poems made by lining up the titles on the spines of books.

http://100scopenotes.com/2010/03/12/poetry-friday-book-spine-poem-gallery/

Sample:
A day at the beach
The bathers
Shark 1
Shark 2
Shark 3
Sudden violence
Silence

Celebrate National Poetry Month by creating your own.

Teen Review by Molly

By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead
By Julie Anne Peters
Type of book: realistic fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars

After several failed suicide attempts, 15-year-old Daelyn Rice is left unable to speak- as well as without the excess weight for which she has been bullied her entire life. But she is determined to get her death right this time, so she joins a website called through-the-light.com where she opens up on years of tormenting that have left her completely hopeless in her outlook on life. Daelyn provides an eye-opening perspective on not only the long-term psychological effects of bullying but, perhaps most importantly, the reasons why someone would be pushed so far to the edge that even when provided with a number of reasons to go on living, she would still rather be dead.

At times I felt like there might be some sort of salvation for her- like when she meets a boy named Santana who lives across the street from her school and tries determinedly to befriend her. Santana, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is surprisingly bright and interesting for a boy who may not live another year, and represents an interesting contrast to Daelyn, who would do anything to be in his position. But certain characteristics of Daelyn, as well as flashbacks of the numerous times she was picked on by mean, heartless people, will make even the most ardent of readers wonder if there is any hope for her at all. After years of bullying and therapy and changing schools without anyone ever being nice to her, she doesn’t think this time will be any different. It appears she wants to be miserable, and truly, honestly, wants to be dead.

By The Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead packs a lot of punch in its spare 198 pages. The characters (except for Daelyn’s clueless parents) are interesting, well developed, and easily relatable despite the not-so-common circumstances, and the subject is something that will resonate with anyone with a little empathy. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a short, intense read that will make you think for a long time after you’ve finished.

Teen Review by Shyenne

The Truth About Forever
By Sarah Dessen
Type of book: fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars

Everybody comes to terms with death in their own way. Macy, the main character of the book, The Truth About Forever, feel like she has to control everything and make everything perfect. One summer, she meets people who teach her that everything doesn’t need to be perfect. This book gave me a fuzzy feeling in my stomach, and discussed important times and feelings that some young adults go through. It is one of those books that you just can’t forget, memorable.

Looking for a summer job? Create a resume at Berkeley Public Library’s free workshop. Thursday, April 15th, 4:00-5:30 PM at the Central library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd Floor.

To reserve your space, e-mail bplteens@ci.berkeley.ca.us or call 510-981-6147. Drop-in attendance okay if space permits.

If possible, please bring with you: a flash drive or floppy disk, contact info for previous employers, and contact info for volunteer supervisors.

This workshop is intended for ages 14-25.

Teen Review by Stephany

Soulless
By Gail Carriger
Type of book: supernatural fiction, romance
Rating: 3 stars

Alexia has an Italian last name, tan skin, and a mind of her own. No one is surprised when Alexia turns out as a spinster. There is a life that is shielded from the public eye. Alexia has no soul, and she has the ability to block the supernaturals’ powers. London society accepts all kinds of supernaturals like vampires and ghosts… One night a werewolf, Lord Maccon, finds Alexia and the mess she’s made.

With any supernatural story, a major plus is that there are no long descriptions of vampires. This books seems like it would be more fit for an adult rather than a teen.

Teen Review by Stephany

Mistwood
By Leah Cypess
Type of book: fantasy, fiction
Rating: 4 stars

Every king will do anything to protect himself and his kingdom. Rokan is ready to take the throne, but he has received a death threat. He goes to find the shape shifter named Isabel. Isabel remembers nothing of this current prince, but she will find the secrets that will change her life forever.

The storyline is unique for a fantasy book. I didn’t like the fact that the protagonist didn’t have much of a conscience; she just followed whoever told her what her past lives did. The characters were limited so they had a little more development. This book is a great starter book for Leah Cypess.

Teen Review by Shyenne

The Reckoning
By Kelley Armstrong
Type of book: fiction, supernatural
Rating: 3.5 stars

The novel, The Reckoning was very good. It’s about a girl named Chloe, who has the ability to raise the dead with only the mere thought of it. Because of her power, people are naturally going to want to control the power, and if they cannot control it, they are going to try and kill her. I did not read the first two books in the series, but I was able to understand the plot when I started the book. It’s engaging and addicting. I have found myself wondering what the first two books are about, and counting down the months until the fourth book comes out.