Teen Library Council Book Review

Vampire Diaries

by L. J. Smith

Reviewed by Sam Clifton
Ridley High School

These books inspired the hit TV show, Vampire Diaries. Written in third person point of view, this focuses mainly on two teenagers, Elena and Stephan. It is a fantasy version of Romeo and Juliet, where the couple should not be together due to Stephan's problem. He is a vampire. He is from Italy and was born during the Renaissance. This book may sound like Twilight, but it is far from it. Stephan has a brother named Damon, and they hate each other. They both fought over a girl named Katherine many years ago, and Stephan worries it may happen again... This novel has many unexpected twists and is expertly crafted to create a beautiful story of love and deception. I would give this 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend to anyone who can sit still long enough to devour this book. The beginning is a little slow, but it is worth waiting for.

Librarian Book Review!

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder
By Julie Halpern

Highly Reccomended

Fifteen-year-old Jessie always knew that she was a nerd at heart. She always seemed happy enough though to be the friend since grade school of the “wonderful” Bizza and Char, and the sister of a punk rock band member. At the beginning of the girls’ sophomore year, however, things change. Bizza and Char decide to “go punk,” adopting that style of dress and inviting themselves to hang out with Jessie’s brother’s band. When Bizza hooks up with Jessie’s longtime crush, however, it’s the last straw, and Jessie attempts to find herself in a social world without Bizza and Char.
I thought this book was surprisingly quirky and cute. Instead of focusing on what lifestyle is cooler or “normal” the plot centered on Jessie’s growing disillusionment with her friends and her growing friendship with a group of Dungeons and Dragons players.
I’ve never played D and D (although after reading this I might try!) so I’m not sure how really nerdy it is, but Halpern is able to comically make it cool while not putting down the punk lifestyle. This is a great read for teens who are struggling to “find themselves” or figure out where they fit in among all those school cliques.

Check it Out Today!!

New YA Books at the Ridley Library in November!

Here's a list of the great new books available at the Ridley library! List is updated monthly as of November 2009. Check them out or reserve them today by clicking on the link.

DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

When she wakes up one morning to find her double in her room, seventeen-year-old Kate, already at wit's end with college applications, finals, and extracurricular activities, decides to put her to work.

Rapture of the Deep by L.A. Meyer

In 1806, star-crossed lovers Jacky Faber and Jaimy Fletcher are kidnapped by British Naval Intelligence and forced to embark on yet another daring mission--this time to search for sunken Spanish gold off the Florida coast.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

High school sophomore Nora has always been very cautious in her relationships, but when Patch, who has a dark side she can sense, enrolls at her school, she is mysteriously and strongly drawn to him, despite warnings from her best friend, the school counselor, and her own instincts.

Legacy by Tom Sniegoski

Eighteen-year-old Lucas is reluctant to take on his father's superhero mantle, but changes his mind as he comes face-to-face with evil after his mother is killed.

Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor

Three short stories about kissing, featuring elements of the supernatural.

Charmed and Dangerous by Lisi Harrison

Four betas and their alpha--Massie Block, Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvil, Kristen Gregory, and Claire Lyons--"clique" at the New Year's Yves party.

Fade Out by Rachael Caine

Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again... Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve's castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.

How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation by Simone Elkeles

Yes, it’s me—Amy Nelson-Barak. I’ve volunteered for ten days of military training in Israel with my friends. The Sababa brochure said it would be a “fun” summer experience. Okay, so I didn’t sign up to prove I’m not a princess…I did it to surprise my hot Israeli boyfriend stationed at the same base.

Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Zoey Redbird, High Priestess-in-training, finds herself juggling three guys--one of which is so into protecting her that he can sense her emotions. Meanwhile the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and only Zoey has the power to stop the evil immortal Kalona who is behind it. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul.

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliot

In early 1790s' Paris, as the Revolution gains momentum, young and sheltered Eugenie de Boncoeur finds it difficult to tell friend from foe as she and the royalist brother she relies on become the focus of "le Fantome," the sinister spymaster with a long-held grudge against their family.