Daniel Boone Regional Library

The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list of recommended reading sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year. Sixteen young adult book clubs from libraries across the country are responsible for narrowing down a list of nominees for teens to vote on nationwide. Below is this year’s full list of Top Ten nominations.

I admit that I’m mostly satisfied with this year’s picks, though some might consider the list to be a little heavy on mythological romance like “Of Poseidon” by Anna Banks or “Underworld” by Meg Cabot. I love that this booklist gets published in late spring because it sets the tone for my entire season of summer reading. I loved Veronica Roth’s Insurgent” and I’m looking forward to reading “The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater and “Every Day” by David Levithan. Which titles will you be adding to your list of must-reads?

“Crewel” by Gennifer Albin
In a futuristic world, Spinsters are women with the power to weave everything into form, whether it be food, buildings, or peoples’ very lives. Adelice Lewys has this talent, and she is whisked away into a world of luxury and elegance because of it. Although it is often advertised at the perfect life, it is far from it as things are never how they seem.

“Of Poseidon” by Anna Banks
Emma has never really questioned her ability to communicate with fish, her strange violet eyes, or her awkwardness on land, but when her best friend, Chloe, dies in a shark attack and the attractive, mysterious Galen keeps showing up in her life, Emma soon learns that she belongs in a different world –- one that is underwater. In the meantime, Galen, the prince of the Syrena, must learn why Emma seems to not quite fit in with either the humans or the Syrena while battling the strong attraction he feels towards her. As the relationship between the two develops, they are faced with difficult decisions between duty and desire that could lead to a huge change of Syrena history.

“Underworld” by Meg Cabot
In the second book of the Abandon series, Pierce Oliviera has been — yet again — kidnapped by John Hayden, the ruler of the Underworld. However, this time she can’t escape, and when she gets a video on her phone predicting her cousin Alex’s death, Pierce panics and begs John for help. She will do anything if only he will help her cousin out, including staying with him forever in the Underworld. Check out our staff review of the first title in this series!

“Bitterblue” by Kristin Cashore
When her evil father, King Leck, dies, Bitterblue is made queen of a kingdom she knows nothing about. As she struggles to come to terms with both who she is and the legacy her father left on the city, Bitterblue tries to discover the secrets of her father’s crimes by walking the streets of her own city in disguise. Filled with struggle, suspense and surprises, will she be able to turn her kingdom into a better place?

“Poison Princess” by Kresley Cole
What really happens at the end of the world? Cannibals, Baggers, people try to sell you — and in this world, sixteen-year-old Evie is one of the few healthy teen girls. Evie sets out on a quest to find herself, all while things heat up between her and Jackson, the troubled bad boy from across the tracks. She knows life will get even worse as she comes to realize that she isn’t like other people. Luckily, or maybe unluckily for her, Jackson is the only one that can help her survive.

“Skinny” by Donna Cooner
Ever has always wanted to live in a fairy tale, but with 302 pounds weighing her down, it’s difficult to achieve. It’s even harder with Skinny, her own private critic, constantly belittling her. In this inspirational tale, Ever discovers the truth of learning how to overcome and accept the issues that plague her.

“Kill Me Softly” by Sarah Cross
After being raised her whole life by her fairy godmothers, Mirabelle runs away to the town where they said her parents died. But when she gets there, she starts to notice that it isn’t any ordinary town and that the teens who live there are fated to play out the Grimms’ fairy tales. So when Mira finds out that she, too, has a role to play, it’s only a matter of time before her story could lose its happy ending.

“Croak” by Gina Damico
Lexington “Lex” Bartleby is a juvenile delinquent who is sent to her uncle Mort’s after her latest stunt. Once there she discovers that she is a Grim Reaper. She was born to have the ability to take the souls from dead bodies and send them to the Afterlife. On the job, she feels the need for justice for the poor people who have died, but they aren’t allowed to do anything but transport the souls. As she deals with this struggle, her limits are tested as she discovers how far she will go to help the souls and herself.

“The Hunt” by Andrew Fukuda
For as long as he can remember, Gene’s father has always taught him how to keep a low profile so no one can notice that he’s different. He can’t run as fast, he can go outside in the daytime, and he doesn’t have a lust for blood. Gene is human, and each day is a battle to keep his secret locked away or be devoured by everyone around him. When he is chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hunt the last few remaining humans, he is thrust into the fight of his life and into the orbit of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible. Little does he know, however, she has a few secrets of her own.

“172 Hours on the Moon” by Johan Harstad
When NASA holds a world-wide contest for returning to the moon, no one — not even the three teenage participants — can fathom what is really in store for them up on the airless, empty gray mass. Or is it truly empty … ? Unbeknownst to them, what they find up there will change not only their lives, but the lives of everyone on Earth.

“Seraphina” by Rachel Harman
Dragons and humans have finally achieved peace, and the anniversary celebration is fast approaching. For Seraphina Dombegh, who is half dragon and half human, life is about blending in. However, a series of events will place her in the path of the Prince Lucian, Captain of the Queen’s Guard, and a hunt for a killer determined to start a war.

“Wake” by Amanda Hocking
Three mysterious girls have just blown into town, and everyone has their eyes on them. Little does everyone know, they also have their eyes on the towns’ residences. Gemma in particular has caught their eyes, and they want her. Little does Gemma know, she’s about to be thrown into a situation she might not be able to get out of.

“Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins
Tilt tells the story of three teenagers, all wondering about who they are and how they fit into the world. One struggles with a teen pregnancy, another deals with AIDS, while the last must overcome an abusive relationship. As things begin to change drastically, with them not in control, all they can do is hang on for the ride.

“Enchanted” by Alethea Kontis
Sunday loves to write stories; the only problem is that when she reads them aloud, they tend to come true. So when a frog claiming to be a cursed human comes along, he asks her to do two things: to read a few stories that won’t harm anyone and to kiss him. When you kiss an enchanted animal — or in this case, a frog — the enchanted will return to his true self. What Sunday doesn’t know is that if she kisses him, her life will change forever.

“Grave Mercy” by Robin LaFevers
Ismae is the daughter of the God of Death. After a near escape to a convent from her arranged marriage, Ismae is trained in the arts of a handmaiden of Death: assassination. Sent to the household of a possible traitor, Gavriel, Ismae begins to see glimpses of faults within her convent and honor in the man she is sent to spy on. Despite any feelings or doubts, she knows her first duty is to Death, but she has to wonder: what will her duty cost her and the man she is coming to love?

“Butter” by Erin Jade Lange
Butter is a morbidly obese teenager who is sick of being invisible but who doesn’t really want to make a splash either. One day, he’s finally pushed over the edge, and he posts a blog about his last meal, the one that he plans will kill him. This blog post brings him instant popularity, making Butter happy for once in his life. But Butter knows that his life is still far from perfect, and he must struggle with himself to determine who he will be and what course his life will take.

“Monument 14” Emmy Laybourne
Monument 14 is a book filled with terror, fear, and love, all inside a supermarket where fourteen kids are trapped . They are unable to leave as a monster hailstorm has hit, leading to variety of other disasters like a chemical weapon spill. Now they must find a way to escape their town, Monument, and get to safety in Alaska.

“Every Day” by David Levithan
A wakes up in a different body every day. It has always been that way for A, and A has rules to live by, like not getting too involved in the person’s life. Then A meets Rhiannon, the girlfriend of Justin, the boy whose body A is inhabiting. Suddenly, none of the rules apply because A is falling for Rhiannon and she won’t leave A’s mind even after A has left Justin’s body…

“Son” by Lois Lowry
In this new branch of the dystopian story started by “The Giver“, we follow the life of Claire, a birthmother in Jonas’s community. When Claire gives birth and her baby is taken from her, we see the first signs of emotion from someone besides Jonas in the community. In this riveting tale about the strength of a mother’s love, you’ll be whisked through an epic adventure of good vs. evil that explores the concepts of freedom, love, and sacrifice.

“I Hunt Killers” by Barry Lyga
Jazz is the son of an infamous serial killer and has witnessed crime scenes from the killer’s point of view. So when a body is discovered, Jazz wants to use the skills he knows to help find the killer. However, he’s not just trying to prove to other people that he’s not like his father; he’s also trying to prove it to himself despite what he already knows.

“Pushing the Limits” by Katie McGarry
Echo is a high school girl with “freaky” scars on her arms and no memory of how it happened. Noah is the high school stoner who uses girls and has no future. Over the course of their senior year, their lives will intersect in a way they never could have imagined, going through a journey that will prove to themselves and each other that they are more than what their reputations demand.

“The False Prince” by Jennifer Nielsen
In a faraway land, civil war is brewing. To unify his kingdom’s divided people, a nobleman named Conner devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him on the throne. Four orphans are forced to compete for the role, including a defiant and clever boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point — he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. His rivals have their own agendas as well, so Sage must trust no one and keep his thoughts hidden. As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of lies unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that may very well prove more dangerous than all the lies taken together.

“Between the Lines” by Jodi Picoult
Delilah is a lonely, straight-A, freshman student who is shunned by nearly everyone at her school except for her punk best friend, Jules. Her mother pushes her to get out more by making her join the swim team even though she always gets last place. Her father left her for another family and never visits. So it’s no wonder she would rather spend her days reading. She finds a fairy tale that she can’t stop reading and falls in the love with the prince of the story. Too bad he’s not real … or is he?

“Falling Kingdoms” by Morgan Rhodes
War is brewing and unrest is widespread. The breaking point is a single incident in the dying nation of Paelsia. While three kingdoms battle for power, four young people find themselves greatly affected by it as they experience things like betrayal and war.

“Insurgent” by Veronica Roth
In the sequel to “Divergent“, Tris Prior is safe at the Amity compounds with her fellow survivors. With the whole city at war with itself and Jeannine looking for all the Divergent, Tris must learn to embrace her own divergence and understand it, though it might prove a dangerous task.

“Immortal City” by Scott Speer
The Immortal City: where guardian angels only protect the richest people and it’s the hottest, trendiest thing to be an angel. Maddy doesn’t quite understand what all the hype on angels is about, but when the most desired angel, Jacks, asks her for help, she finds out more about angels than she ever expected possible. Soon after, they immediately fall in love. But when someone threatens this love, what will they do about it?

“The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Boys is a thrilling adventure that captures you and takes you down the supernatural path with a daring girl named Blue, four complicated guys, and one life-altering quest and mystery of finding the Glendower King. Check out our staff review of this title!

“Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein
Verity is held captive by the Gestapo in 1943. She is told to reveal the secrets of the pilot who brought her to France or face the brutal consequences. As she does this, she weaves a story of an unlikely friendship and the bonds formed by it. Their tales intertwined form a suspenseful, breathtaking narrative of espionage — hope — horror — and friendship that spans untold secrets!

Earlier this spring we asked area young adults to help us prepare for Summer Reading by designing an original bookmark based on the teen theme, “Beneath the Surface.” Using colored pencils and a great deal of imagination, this year’s teen winners artfully presented their interpretation of what this meant to them. Congratulations goes to Garett Ballard, Hayden Ballard and Victoria Salerno! You can pick up your own copies of these bookmarks at any of our three branch locations or bookmobile stops.

Why I checked it out: This book was introduced to me through my wonderful book club.

Why I liked it: This book is one of those rare gems in which you want to be friends with all the characters (not just the three main characters, but also parents, school staff, etc.). The clever narration is delivered through school papers, e-mails, diary entries, instant messages and class notes. While I was skeptical of the format at first, I soon eagerly followed the three main characters journeys through high school. If you want an intelligent and fun read that covers a variety of seemingly unconnected topics such as love, identity, sign language, high school divas, baseball, Mary Poppins and more, then read this book.

Three words that describe this book: heartwarming, romantic, hilarious.

Similar books include: “Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto” by Eric Luper and “Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

With the end of the school year fast approaching, I wanted to share all the ways the library helps you stay connected to the books and services you love most. All you need is an internet connection, an email address and a library card.

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourDBRL.

Download an eBook or audiobook.
Get the most popular teen titles on your iPod Touch, iPhone, Android, Nook, Kindle, or other device. Check out our Quick Start Guides or watch our online video tutorials to get started.

Submit a book rave or rant.
We love to hear about what teens are reading! Using this form, share your thoughts on the the books you love… and loathe. Select reviews will be highlighted on DBRLTeen.

Subscribe to our teen book eNewsletter.
Get a monthly email newsletter focusing on the most popular new releases in young adult fiction.

Join an online book club.
Each weekday you will receive successive five-minute selections from the beginning of a current teen book. By the end of the week, you’ll have read 2-3 chapters.

Register for our monthly teen program update.
Receive an email each month with a listing of our upcoming programs like writing workshops, book giveaways, art contests and teen gaming nights.

Sign up for DBRLTeen’s blog updates.
Get library program reminders, contest announcements, as well as book reviews and recommendations delivered directly to your inbox.

2013 Callaway Poetry Winners

Thanks to all the young poets who submitted entries in the 2013 Callaway County Youth Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Callaway County Public Library and the Auxvasse Creative Arts Program. These organizations honored the winners of the contest on Tuesday, April 25 at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton. This year’s contest was judged by Anne-Marie Thompson, an instructor in the English Department at Westminster College. Garett Ballard, Beth Barnhart, Scott Strough and Bethany Smart were among those teens recognized for their exemplary work.

“Dreams” by Garett Ballard (1st place)

I am from the night of jazz swaying, blues playing
Nights in Louisiana.
I am from the world of vibrant colors and streaks of paint
Splashed across the canvas
I am from the twirls and dances of the dancer’s swirls
Around the stage
I am from long nights rehearsing my lines and character
During long hours of the day
I am from the runs tacked on as the ball flies from
The diamond
I am from the fancy parties and the penthouse
Bathing in my suite
I am from the years of educating and teaching
Young children of reading and math
I am from the laughter erupting from the people
In the crowd, joke by joke
Yes, I am from the goals and dreams made of nothing from
The men and women before me
Yes, I am from those nights of music, art, dance
Drama, sports, riches, teaching, comedy,
And the dreams of men and women, girl and boy
Anyone, everyone.

“I Am From” by Beth Barnhart (2nd place)

I am from Clint and Wendy, Clayton and Shirley, Don and Janice.
I am from the center of the great red, white and blue, where people are free, the weather often varies, and life is good.
I am from blacktop pavement, busy streets, traffic lights and the roar of passing vehicles.
I am from love, goals, kindness and morals, where hard work, determination and undying respect is as important as breathing.
I am from Saturday morning cartoons and a time where reality shows weren’t a trend and the lives of celebrities weren’t a part of life.
I am from long car rides as music radiates from the stereos, with your cares and worries blowing in the warm summer wind.
I am from laughter, hugs and smiles with a best friend who knows what you’re thinking before you even really know yourself.
I am from a special place and time that I am lucky to call all my own. It could never be duplicated nor imitated.

“Where I Am From” by Scott Strough (3rd place)

I am from the woods,
filled with natural life.
I am from the summer,
a kid’s favorite companion.
I am from freedom,
freedom to run and to play.
I am from the hay fields,
where the sun and dust dominates.

I come from a town where squirrels abound,
and the geese feel at home.
I come from a town,
a town were the people are friendly.
I come from a town where friends are made,
and where friends are friends for life.
I come from a town,
a town where families love and prosper.

I live in a world full of hate,
where despair seems king.
I live in a world where home is an idea.
an idea of days gone by.
I live in a world dominated by politics,
instead of dominated by common sense.
I live in a world where people stress about the lives of celebrities,
more than they stress about their won shortcomings.

I am from a family,
a family I love dearly.
I am from a passion,
a passion for doing what is right.
I am from an understanding,
an understanding of happiness and justice.
I am from a hope,
a hope that good will once again prevail.

“I don’t need easy; I just need possible!” by Bethany Smart (honorable mention)

I am from John and Corrine, Richard and Helen, and Donald and Sharon.
From the rivers, hills, valleys, and towns in the middle-of-no-where-my-GPS-can’t-locate-you Missouri.
From farmers and hard workers where you have to give it all, from herds of cattle that are chocolates in a creamy vanilla snow, from scorching hot days where 98degrees is considered (and called) “a cold front.”
I am from a place where you know you’re in the sticks if entertainment is considered to be watching the highway trucks paint the neon gold median stripes and lines on the road, from another form of entertainment of high school football games where we scream and jump out of our seats at ever touchdown to the final seconds of that basketball game to hear that sweet “swish!” of a perfect nothing-but-net. We put the “determine” in “determination.”
I am from a family of dedication and hard-workers where you take pride in what you do, from where it’s not 100%, but 120% that you give.
I am from a motto that sums me up in 8 simple words, “I don’t need easy; I just need possible!”
I am from a family who sticks together through thick and thin; perseverance is our middle name, from a family of whose get-togethers are as natural as the sun rising in the east; we are a close-knit family.
I am from a group of friends who are closer than 4 sisters could ever be.
I am from a place called home, where the sun sets and rises over clover-colored trees and casts every color in a Crayola box onto the crisp sky, from breathtaking beauty and laughs that occur each moment, or in simpler words, a place we call the country… home.

Why I liked it: ”Abandon” was very loosely based on the Greek myth of Persephone which I’ve always found interesting. Also, the main character, Pierce Oliviera, was very likeable. Despite her dad being super-rich, she didn’t act spoiled, and her sense of humor helped her get through the very weird things that happened after her near-death experience.

What I didn’t like: The plot jumps around a lot, and sometimes I like that, but in this book it was a little too much. The narrator kept referring to things which hadn’t been explained yet, and that frustrating. Now that the scene is set, I hope this will happen less in the remaining books of the “Abandon” trilogy.

Three words that describe this book: complicated, foreboding, funny.

Similar books include: “Paranormalcy“ by Kiersten White, “Dead Beautiful“ by Yvonne Woon and “Starcrossed“ by Josephine Angelini.

Our annual teen summer reading program  will launch Friday, May 31. Area young adults ages 12-18 will be challenged to read for 20 hours, share three book reviews and do seven of our suggested activities. Get your card punched as you go, and when you finish, you’ll receive a summer reading bag and be entered in a drawing for a free Kindle eReader.

In addition, the library is planning a wide range of free programs to help you delve “Beneath the Surface.” We’ll invite teens to enjoy crafting over lunch, test drive our new Wii U gaming console, showcase their knowledge at Trivia Night, and take a creepy guided tour of the Columbia Cemetery. To receive email reminders of these and other teen programs, sign up for our blog updates! 

“Beneath the Surface” Teen Photography Contest

Use your camera to explore beneath the surface of your environment. Submit your photos in one of three categories by July 26 for a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card. This contest is open to all teens in Boone and Callaway Counties. Find contest rules and submission guidelines at teens.dbrl.org after June 1. Ages 12-18.

Teen Game Night

Test drive the library’s new Wii U game console. Become a ghost hunter in “Luigi’s Ghost Mansion,” defeat evil aliens in your own “Metroid” spaceship, or team up with your friends to conquer Bowser in the new “Super Mario Bros.” We’ll also have snacks and a selection of the library’s newest teen fiction, music and DVDs for you to check out.

Columbia Public Library
Wed., June 12 at 6 p.m.
Registration begins
Tuesday, June 4.
To sign-up, please call
(573) 443-3161. SoBoCo Public Library
Fri., June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Registration begins
Friday, June 7.
To sign-up, please call
(573) 657-7378. Callaway County
Public Library
Fri., Aug 9 at 12 p.m.
No registration required. Project Lunch in June

Create a keychain or jewelry out of washers, nuts, wire, buttons and beads. We’ll provide pizza and supplies. Ages 11-16.

SoBoCo Public Library
Tue., June 25 at 12 p.m.
No registration required. Columbia Public Library
Thurs., June 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Registration begins
Tuesday, June 18.
To sign-up, please call
(573) 443-3161. Callaway County
Public Library
Fri., June 28 at 12 p.m.
No registration required. Groundbreaking Trivia
Friday, July 19, 6:30-8:45 p.m.
Columbia Public Library

Come inside from the summer heat for a night of “groundbreaking” trivia. Gather a team of three to six people and come answer one hundred questions about important people and events in a variety of categories. You are also welcome to register individually and we will create a team for you. Prizes will go to the winning teams and refreshments are provided. Adults and teens. Registration begins Monday, July 1.

Project Lunch in July

Create an “I AM” poster that shows what interests you, what words describe you and what is beneath YOUR surface. Library will provide pizza or sandwiches, and craft supplies. Ages 11-16.

Callaway County
Public Library
Fri., July 19 at 12 p.m.
No registration required Columbia Public Library
Thurs., July 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Registration begins
Tuesday, July 9.
To sign-up, please call
(573) 443-3161. SoBoCo Public Library
Tue., July 30 at 12 p.m.
No registration required. Cemetery Walking Tour
Monday, July 29, 7-8:30 p.m.
Columbia Public Library, Meet in Library Lobby

Join us on an atmospheric evening walking tour to learn about the history and art of the Columbia Cemetery. We’ll visit the graves of famous Columbians and examine the customs and symbols used in cemeteries. We’ll meet in the lobby of the Columbia Public Library and walk a block down to the cemetery. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. All ages.

Book Lounge
Wednesday, August 7, 6-7 p.m.
Shakespeare’s South

Join us for an informal happy hour book discussion. We’ll be discussing “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi, a post-apocalyptic novel in which a 17-year-old boy named Nailer scavenges from wrecked ships on the Gulf Coast. When he discovers a rich survivor alive in one ship, he faces a tough decision: should he help her and trust her to provide the promised reward or kill her and benefit from her death? Adults and teens.

Hector, the protagonist of Anthony McGowan’s humorous “Jack Tumor,“  is your typical teenage nerd. He is good at math, unpopular with the girls and he gets picked on by the school bullies. To make matters worse, he starts getting headaches and dizzy spells. And then, to top it all off, he begins hearing a voice in his head. It turns out he has a brain tumor with a mind of its own. The tumor, which names itself “Jack,” is everything Hector is not and quickly attempts to influence his actions.

Before long, Hector is standing up to the bullies, kissing a girl he never would have had a shot at before and alienating his friends. As Jack begins making suggestions that make Hector more and more uncomfortable, Hector realizes that he cannot listen anymore and vows to get rid of Jack. But, it’s hard to get rid of someone who knows your every thought.

I recommend this title to mature teen readers. Brain tumors are no laughing matter, but the book does a good job of being humorous without downplaying the importance of Hector’s situation. There is also the fact that the author is British, so you will run across things like “telly” or “bum” every now and then. Hopefully this isn’t a big deal.

One of my all-time favorite apps is the brain-teasing game “Machinarium.”  I downloaded this app to my iPad and was instantly impressed by the stunning graphics and level of detail. Created by Amanita Design, this puzzle game takes you through a winding mechanical city as you challenge the robot mafia to save your bionic friends.  With summer vacation a mere three weeks away, this will be a great app to explore with all your newly discovered free time. ”Machinarium”  is available through iTunes and Google Play for $4.99. To learn more, check out our subject guide dedicated to great apps for teens!

My mother used to say, “If growing up were easy, it wouldn’t take so long.” I feel like my teen years were spent defining who I was and challenging my core beliefs. I spent a great deal of time examining the relationships in my life and coming to terms with my strengths and weaknesses. Actually, these are still prevailing themes in my life, even as an adult.

In two weeks, the Rainbow House will be hosting a workshop for middle-school girls on body image. They will discuss healthy habits, messages sent by clothing and behavior choices, and how to preserve your reputation. The class will also address issues concerning self-awareness, self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Mark your calendars for this class which is scheduled for Wednesdays throughout May. The first class will be held May 8 from 4-6 p.m. at 1611 Towne Drive in Columbia. To register, please contact Ashton at Rainbow House at (573) 474- 6600, ext. 2106. A parent session will be offered at the same time as the first class.

Got a busy schedule? The library has several wonderful resources for young women looking for answers to many of the critical, self-searching questions posed during this chapter of their lives.

All the Wrong People Have Self Esteem: An Inappropriate Book for Young Ladies (or, Frankly, Anybody Else) by Laurie Rosenwald

This is a creative, irreverent book that helps us accept the quirks and flaws that make us all beautifully unique. As Rosenwald says, “Interesting people are full of doubt. People who are totally sure their way is the only way are always wrong.”

Be True to Your Self: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls by Amanda Ford

This book dispenses daily advice on a wide range of topics like dealing with divorce, maintaining healthy relationships, and stepping beyond your comfort zone to learn more about yourself. My favorite quote: “Today, remember that being comfortable with your imperfections is much better than being perfect.”

Please Read (if at all possible): The Girl Project by Kate Engelbrecht

Five years ago Engelbrecht sent cameras and questionnaires across the country asking teenage girls to share their thoughts of themselves and the world around them. She received an astounding 5,000 responses which have been compiled in to this insightful scrapbook of young womanhood.

Below is a list of recently released and best-selling young adult novels. Let us know which title you are looking forward to reading. Do you have a favorite book that should be on the list? Have you already read some of these books? Share your thoughts about these and other must-read titles in the comments below. You might also consider submitting a review of a book that you’ve found particularly captivating. Select teen reviews will be published at teens.dbrl.org.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Why I checked it out: A friend who knows my sense of humor recommended this wonderful book.

Why I liked it: While zombie stories are currently the norm rather than the exception, this book remains exceptional. Directionless Sam finds himself the center of attention as a recently discovered necromancer who can interact with the dead. Have you ever read a story that included a zombie panda? I’m betting the answer will be no. You’ll also find werewolf families, friendly feys, a corpse’s reanimated talking head, and a waffle-eating harbinger of death among other fun oddities.

Three words that describe this book: supernatural, witty, horror.

If you liked this book, you should try reading ”Warm Bodies“ by Isaac Marion.

It turns out that our predictions for the 2013 Gateway and Truman award winners were pretty accurate. Jonathan Maberry is the recipient of this year’s Gateway Readers Award for his book “Rot and Ruin.” The main character, Benny, has never known a world without zombies, but that doesn’t mean that he’s excited about apprenticing with his half-brother, Tom, as a zombie hunter.

Congratulations also goes to April Henry who is this year’s Truman Readers Award recipient for her book, “Girl, Stolen.” Griffin, a high school dropout, steals a car, but later realizes that he has kidnapped a blind girl, Cheyenne, who was sleeping in the backseat. Sick with pneumonia, Cheyenne tries to gain sympathy from Griffin, though she wonders if she can trust him.

This past October, April was a guest blogger for DBRLTeen and shared her thoughts on writing and kung fu. We hope you’ll enjoy her advice for young writers and check out some of her recommended reading which includes “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth
Pfeffer, “Ashes” by Ilsa Bick and more!

Wii U Launch Party
Wednesday, May 1 › 6-8 p.m.
Columbia Public Library

Test drive the library’s new Wii U game console. Become a ghost hunter in “Luigi’s Ghost Mansion,” defeat evil aliens in your own “Metroid” spaceship, or team up with your friends to conquer Bowser in the new “Super Mario Bros.” We’ll also have snacks and a selection of the library’s newest teen fiction, music and DVDs for you to check out. Don’t have a library card? We’ll have library card applications on hand for your parent or guardian to sign. Ages 12 and older. Registration begins Tuesday, April 23. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign up!

Why I checked it out:  A friend recommended this book. She said, “Between the Lines” is your kind of book, Jerilyn. It has fairytale people coming alive inside a book.”

Why I liked it: The story is told in the alternating voices of Delilah, a 15 year-old girl in the present, and Prince Oliver, a character in a fairytale book. When no reader is present, the characters in the book have other lives. Prince Oliver is unsatisfied with his life and wants to join the world of the readers. Even though the fairytale book is for young children, Delilah finds herself drawn to the story of Prince Oliver and is very surprised when he starts to talk to her.

Three words that describe this book: magical, romantic, funny.

You might this book if you like: Books about storybook characters coming to life include “Half Upon a Time ” by James Riley, “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke, “The Looking Glass Wars ” by Frank Beddor and “Into the Wild ” by Sarah Beth Durst.

Daniel Boone Regional Library will be hosting “Star Wars Origami” throughout our regional library system. If you’ve read the “Origami Yoda” series by Tom Angleberger or are just a Star Wars fan, come learn how to fold origami Yoda, Darth Vader and other Star Wars figures. Each program listed below is designed for a different age group, so be sure to review the age limitations before marking your calendar.  You can also visit Angleberger’s website to download folding patterns at home. My personal favorite is his Admiral Ackbar finger puppet.

Callaway County Public Library
Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. For ages 11 and older.
No registration required.

Southern Boone County Public Library
Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. Students in grades 6-8.
Registrations begins April 16. To sign-up, please call (573) 657-7378.

Columbia Public Library
Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. Families.
No registration required.

I picked up “Dark Lord, the Early Years” by Jamie Thomson because of its interesting, if somewhat ridiculous, premise. The Dark Lord, a Sauron-like being who rules the Darklands, is banished to Earth in the form of a teenage boy. He remembers who he is, or was, and vows to conquer our world before returning to his own to seek vengeance against his enemies. As you might expect, no one in this world believes him and hilarity ensues.  After a series of misunderstandings, his name becomes Dirk Lloyd, he is placed with a foster family and enrolled in school.

Unfortunately, none of his spells or magical items work and everyone around him believes he is crazy. But as he begins to come to terms with his situation, he is able to assemble a small group of friends who, for one reason or another, are willing to aid him in his quest to return home.

There are plenty of fantasy tropes thrown around throughout the course of the book, but they are used to poke fun at the genre and highlight the ridiculousness of Dirk’s situation. The story itself is pretty novel and quite enjoyable if you can get past most of the ridiculous plot elements. I had a hard time figuring out whether Dirk was actually a powerful sorcerer from another world or just delusional. You find out by the end, but I won’t spoil anything.

If you enjoy this book, the sequel, “Dark Lord: A Fiend in Need,” will be coming out in October.

After two months of nail-biting competition, central Missouri teens have selected their March Madness Teen Book Tournament Champion. We began with a list of 32 finalists which included bestsellers such “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi, “Paranormalcy” by Kiersten White, and many Gateway and Truman Award nominees. Many thanks the teachers and school librarians who have supported this program, and to all the teens who have participated in this competition! And now, the 2013 Champion is….

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

All of our prize winners have been contacted. Stay tuned to teens.dbrl.org for our sneak peek at this year’s teen summer reading challenge, Beneath the Surface. Through this program, the library challenges young adults to read for 20 hours, share three book reviews, and do seven of our suggested activities. Complete the challenge, and you will be eligible to win cool prizes. Stay informed by subscribing to our email updates!

Teen Game Night
Friday, April 19 › 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Southern Boone County Public Library

Challenge your friends to a game on our new Wii or to a board game tournament. We’ll have various games available as well as supplies for an art project. Refreshments provided. Please enter through the back door. Ages 12 and older. To register, please call (573) 657-7378. Sign-up begins Friday, April 5. 

If you’re into gaming, don’t forget that that Columbia Public Library will be hosting a Wii U Launch Party this Wednesday, April 3. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign-up. This event is also for teens ages 12 and older.

I get it already.  I do.  Seriously, I do not need to read one more book about painfully detailed wardrobes and how the main character just can’t decide between those two boys, and thinking is hard, and oh gee whiz, she chipped a nail. I mean, I like painting my nails, but give me a break.

No, on second thought, give me some strong ladies.  I want to read books about women making hard choices and doing it well.  I want to see a girl save the day.  I want to see a woman find her happiness without the aid of some significant other.

I want characters I can respect like “Sabriel“ who travels into Death to rescue her father, a necromancer.  Is she prepared?  Not really.  Is it scary and dangerous?  Oh, yeah.  But, she does what she has to and she does it without much help.

Beatrice in “Divergent” leaves her family, her home, her friends and everything she has ever known because she needs to be true to herself.  She needs to find what will make her happy, not what everyone expects from her.

D.J. in “Five Flavors of Dumb” is a deaf teen struggling to fit in at her hearing school, manage a rock band, AND get into college even though her parents stole her college fund.

In my search, I have collected a pretty good list.  Hopefully everyone can find something that appeals to the hero in all of us.