29 June 2010

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

I have recently read the book The Kite Runner. I am 16 years old and I found it very graphic, so if this kind of thing bothers you, this book should be avoided. If not, then I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down! Khaled Hosseini is a truly talented writer; even though the book is fiction, you could swear that he was in the room with you, telling you his life story. It's a book of sacrifice, betrayal, redemption, and the greatest emotion of all: love. Taken place in Iran from the Soviet Union's invasion of Iran to America in the 21st century. Although a lengthy 400 pages, every sentence teaches a life lesson and is well worth it.

Call number: FIC HOSSEINI

Reviewed by Tyler.

Daughtry

Chris Daughtry proved that the show American Idol could generate a successful rocker outside the context of the show. Bold and bald, Daughtry was the picture of a modern rocker, living by the rulebook written by the bands Live and Fuel. These were the qualities that helped make Chris Daughtry and his band Daughtry the most successful new rock & roll singer of 2006, as well as one of the most successful Idol graduates in the show's history. His popularity has not decreased as he played his #1 song, Life After You, at the 2010 New Year's Eve Party in Times Square. Whether its hard rock in his songs You Don't Belong or Supernatural or softer slower rock as in his songs Tennessee Line and Life After You, Daughtry has your music needs covered.

Call number: ROCK CD 2985; 4167; and 4456

Reviewed by Tyler.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead Goerge

The book My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is a classic tale about every child's dream: to run away from home and live in the wilderness. In this story, Sam Gribley does just that. He runs away from home with one pair of pants, a shirt, a pair of socks, sneakers, (underwear), $40, and flint to start a fire. He plans to live on his great-great-great-grandfather's property, the Gribley Farm. The first day passes badly, and Sam doesn't have much to eat, but then he figures out that to survive in nature, you have to live and become nature. Don't understand what I mean? Read this book to find out.

Call number: J GEORGE (Children's Room)

Reviewed by Al
on.

How I Made it to Eighteen by Tracy White

Tracy White tells the semi-autobiographical account of what landed her in a mental hospital at seventeen years old. In words and pictures, in honest graphic novel format, the emotions and thoughts of Stacy Black are laid out and pulled apart. It is both a portrayal of a confused teenager who feels less-than-perfect around her friends, her family, and her emotionally abusive boyfriend, as well as that of a strong woman learning to survive her own emotions and addictions. Much of the story is told from Stacy's own perspective, but the reader also gets feedback from Maria, a childhood friend with little connection to Stacy now; Violet, a recovering alcoholic who was Stacey's boarding school roommate; Lola, a friend from middle school with similar issues and ways of thinking; and Ashley, a depressed teenage girl assigned to the same house in the mental hospital. Everyone seems to have a slightly different image of Stacy -- including Stacy -- but there are positive and negative connections among them all that resonate with the reader.

Tracy White's story is honest and engaging and recommended to most older teen readers, especially those fascinated by the struggles of addiction and depression.

Call number: YA GRAPHIC WHITE (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

28 June 2010

Owl City

Owl City is only a one-man band, but Owl City rocks! Well...I only like one of their songs and that's "Fireflies." Hope they make more good songs!

Call number: ROCK CD 4254 and 4457.

Reviewed by Jonathan.

The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey

This is not a very adventurous book, but it is a very interesting book. There are other books in the series too.

Call number: J D'LACEY (Children's Room)

Reviewed by Jonathan.

21 June 2010

A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata

All Y'Tin ever wanted was to be an elephant handler, and at thirteen, he is the youngest handler in his Dega village. He has big dreams of one day opening a training school for elephant handlers, the would-be first in Vietnam. But war interrupts everything, and the Vietnam War is horrifying for Y'Tin's family and his village. The American troops have long since left the area and when the village is attacked by North Vietnamese forces, the community has few skills and resources with which to retaliate. Y'Tin, Tomas, and Y'Juen manage to escape to the jungle with Y'Tin's elephant, Lady, but the jungle provides little safety for three young boys. There are difficult choices to make, and Y'Tin must struggle with faith in himself, his friends, and his community. Sometimes one can't survive without giving up who he is and what he holds dearest.

Recommended to all ages, but likely to appeal mostly to those with an interest in Vietnam history, elephants, or cultural adventures.

Call number: YA KADOHATA

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Cat in the Hat

The movie Cat In the Hat seems like a kiddish movie but it's really funny. I could watch it over and over and still laugh!!! But it's rated PG because some parts are....intense for younger kids.

Call number: J DVD D; J FAMILY DVD D

Reviewed by Jonathan.

Molly Moon Stops the World by Georgia Byng

Molly Moon is a great series that will leave you hanging! I read all five books! Sad though, but has a lot of action.

Call number: J BYNG (Children's Department)

Reviewed by Jonathan.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series. It was a very great book with lots of drama and action!

Call number: J ROWLING (Children's Department); LP FIC ROWLING

Reviewed by Jonathan.

15 June 2010

Volunteer Appreciation Reception 2010 [3]

Pictures from the library's Volunteer Appreciation Reception held in May 2010.
Much appreciation the support received from Library Director, Gerry McMahon, the Library Board of Trustees, and the Friends of Franklin Lakes Public Library!





Volunteer Appreciation Reception 2010 [2]

Photos from the library's Volunteer Appreciation Reception held in May 2010.




Volunteer Appreciation Reception 2010 [1]

Photos from the library's Volunteer Appreciation Reception held in May 2010.




09 June 2010

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier tells her own brutal story of dental trauma, beginning with knocking out her top two front teeth just days before going in to get braces. Most kids just have to worry about being called "Brace Face" or "Metal Mouth" -- along with most of the rest of the teenage population at one point or another -- but Raina has to endure much more. First, the rumors and stories about how she lost her teeth, then the lisp from the teeth "cast," and the pain from root canals, bone and nerve damage, braces and adjustments, and -- the worst -- head gear! All of that, while navigating the torture of middle school, boys, earthquakes, and bras.

The annoyances of friendship, braces, parents, and fitting in are common around the world, and Raina tells her story colorfully through words and pictures, and with all the right touches of embarrassment, joy, and struggle. This quick read is recommended for all ages.

Call number: YA GRAPHIC TELGEMEIER (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

08 June 2010

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

John Wayne Cleaver is obsessed with serial killers. With a name like "John Wayne" as a nod to Gacy and the last name "Cleaver," how could he not be? Plus, his mom and aunt are morticians, and he's often allowed to help prepare bodies. When it becomes clear that a killer is in town, John is fascinated. However, even he's frightened when he discovers who -- and what -- the killer is.

Recommended to older teen readers with an interest in the strange, the otherworldly, and the unexpected. This is the first volume of a planned trilogy.

Call number: YA WELLS

Reviewed by kate the librarian.