Book Review - Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

If you have read any of Patricia McCormick's other books, like Cut or Sold, you know that she is a fantastic writer that tackles difficult topics. Purple Heart is no different. The story is about a young man named Matt who is stationed in Iraq when he is seriously injured during a mission. He is in a military hospital, trying to figure out what happened to him, and freaking out that he will be forever damaged by his traumatic brain injury. He is haunted by dreams of a young Iraqi boy named Ali, who often played soccer near where Matt's unit patrolled, and Matt can't shake the feeling that he was in some way responsible for his death. Above all else, Matt wants to be back fighting for his country with his boys, and it is loyalty to his friends that is most striking in this story. Matt's story gives us a brief glimpse into the messy and painful consequences of war.

Celebrate Teen Read Week

Read beyond reality @ your library!
Teen Read Week is celebrated every year, and it's time to read for the fun of it! This year's theme is Read Beyond Reality, and you are encouraged to read all sorts of great books that are out of this world. Fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and more.

Get ready to start the celebration at our Open House, Sunday October 4th from 1-5. We will be raffling off a prize package that includes three great books and one DVD, all with the "out of this world" theme. All you have to do to win is come on down to the library, vote for your favorite book of 2008 and you will be entered to win. Westbury and Carle Place teens in grades 7-12 are eligible. There will be also be fun events and entertainment for the whole family all day long.

Hope to see you there!

Program - CR@SH

Our next CR@SH will be October 23rd at 5:30. We will have TWO featured games on the big screen- Boom Blox Bash Party and Singstar, each for one hour. Plus all the treats you love and more video game action. Be sure to bring your extra controllers, games or systems if you want to hook them up. No M rated games, and you are responsible for your own equipment.

October 23rd 5:30-7:30
For teens in grades 7-12
no sign up required.

Day of the Dead - Decorate a Sugar Skull

Thu, October 29, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Decorate skulls made from sugar in celebration of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead. No, you cannot eat the sugar skull. It wouldn't taste very good, trust me. That is why we will have lots of other tasty treats for you to enjoy! Free, please sign up at the front desk.

Program - CR@SH

Our next CR@SH will be Friday, September 11th at 5:30pm. Video games, snacks and fun! The feature game is Wii Sports Resort. Gamecubes will be in the back, feel free to bring your own games and controllers, nothing M rated please.

Book Review - The Treasure Map of Boys : Noel, Jackson, Finn, Hutch, Gideon--and Me, Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart

This is the third book in the Ruby Oliver series, and if you enjoyed the other two books, you will love this as well. In the latest installment, Ruby is still dealing with being ostracized by her old group of friends for her rumored promiscuous behavior with a number of boys in her private school, Tate Prep. Luckily, she has Megan and Nora by her side. That is until Nora starts making it clear that she has a crush on Noel, and Ruby can't keep from flirting with him. In addition to the number of boys that seem to constantly cause her blood pressure to rise, Ruby is also facing the challenge of running a school bake sale, trying to keep a job, and handling a very large and very messy Great Dane.

The thing that I love about the Ruby Oliver books is that they really capture what it is like to be a boy crazy teenager. One day Ruby likes Noel, one day she likes Jackson, she can't figure out if Finn likes her...it may seem trivial to adults, but to Ruby (and the reader) it is all very serious stuff. I especially liked how E. Lockhart handles Ruby's relationship with her girl friends, and how things change when boys come into the picture.

Bonus points for an awesome cover, and lots of descriptions of delicious deserts throughout the book that had me craving something sweet the whole time I was reading!

The Return of the Teen Zone!

I know you have been missing us all summer long, but don't worry, the Teen Zone will be back this September. Make sure to stop by the library after school on September 8th and say hello! We will resume our normal hours, 2:15-4:30, every day school is in session. Laptops, games and a relaxing atmosphere for you to unwind after a long day in class. The Teen Zone is open to all teens in grades 7-12. Bring your library card!