New Blog!

Kimberly White (the Children's Librarian) and I started a Youth Services blog yesterday. We'll be talking about programs, books, displays, and everything library related. Check us out @ http://pagesandprograms.blogspot.com/

Review: Dear Mr. Potter

I can't remember when I first heard about this book - only that no library in my library system owned it.  Finally I looked outside my library system and got the chance to read it.

It was everything I thought it was going to be and more. I wasn't surprised by people's love for Harry Potter or any of the other fantastic characters from the series. I wasn't surprised by the depths of their feelings. However, I was surprised at how many people said the Harry Potter books saved them. Many of them has horrible things happening to them and their only salvation was Harry Potter.

This book broke my heart and made me cry but it always made me smile through the tears. These fans adored Harry Potter. To them, the series, isn't just books or movies; it's a world of magic.

I loved the photographs of people in costume, of people at the parks, and of people reading the books. I loved the drawings and illustrations. I loved that the letters were mixed with average people plus John Green and several other famous fans in the Harry Potter World. One of the most heartbreaking was actress Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood).

If you're a Harry Potter Fan, you need to read this book!  This book made me think of what Harry Potter meant to me. I had so many feelings after reading this book that I'm writing my own letter, which I'll post tomorrow. 

Books I'm Dying to Read: March Edition

Here's a round up of all the books I can't wait to get my hands on come March!

Little Witch of Italy: Magic, secrets, and rediscovering childhood

Going Vintage: Mallory swears off boys and modern technology. 

Killer Honeymoon: I really love this series! I can't wait to see how it changes after the wedding.

The Trouble with Love: I really enjoyed the first book - looking forward to reading more about this town and these characters.

17 and Gone: Lauren has nightmares of girls who are seventeen and missing.

Strands of Bronze and Gold: Bluebeard retold = intriguing

 What She Wants: The 3rd book in the Life in Icicle Falls series, I really loved the first two.

Sand Castle Bay: The start of a new series by one of my favorite adult authors

Poison: Potions master who just might have poisoned the wrong person

Mila 2.0: Sci-Fi thrilled about artificial intelligence and compared to Bourne.

Orleans: New Orleans under quarantine with survival- loved Flygirl

Let the Sky Fall: Forbidden romance + that cover!

Peach Pies and Alibis: Really liked the first book and can't wait to discover what's next for Ella Mae.

StarStruck: Life in Old Hollywood

Tween Tuesday Review: Secret Saturdays

Justin and Sean are tight. They've been best friends for two years. They live in the same building. They're mothers are both single moms, raising their sons. They both love to rap.

But lately, something's changed between them. Justin realizes that Sean's pulling away. He canceled on their Friday night plans with a lame excuse, but Justin saw his friend going somewhere with his mother.

Before long, Sean's putting other kids down and getting into fights. Justin isn't sure what to do. He wants to ask Sean what's going on, but Sean's doesn't seem interested in sharing his secret. Can Justin convince their other two friends to help him figure out what's going on with Sean?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this urban read. I liked the relationship between the boys - how close they were and yet how far apart they started growing. I love how Maldonado defines friendship - the ups and the downs. I liked how the three boys spent the weekend together, playing video games, listening to music, and creating their own music. I loved the creativity of their lyrics. There's a strong section on the book about bullies - being a bully and being a victim.  A strong tween book for readers about friendship, urban life, and bullies.

Cover Thoughts: I love the paperback version (above) so much better than the hardcover. I think this really grabs the eye.
Source: My Library

Fun Fact: I heard Torrey Maldonado speak at the YA Lit Symposium in a panel on Boys and Reading. He was a marvelous speaker.

Top Ten Tuesdays: Debuts

 Top Ten 2013 Debuts - This list should be easy since I'm participating in Debut Author Challenge. - Meme from the Broke and the Bookish

Taken
Dualed
Level 2
Mila 2.0
How My Summer Went Up in Flames
Wig in the Window
Strange of Bronze and Gold
Cinders and Sapphires
Games Set Match
Maid of Secrets

Golden Globes Fashion 2013

I had a hard time finding dresses I loved this year on the red carpet. Some of the of the women looked great, but I hated their dresses. Here's a few that I really liked.

Jennifer Garner

Jessica Alba

Adele

Taylor Swift

Sally Field

Zooey Deschanel

Michelle Dockery

What did you think of the fashion this year?

Teen Book Character's Outfits

Earlier in the year, the Otis Library hosted a contest on Pinterest, posting pins of character's outfits from Polyvore. I've made several of these and quite enjoy it. I hope to start making more. In the mean time, here's a look at the ones I created.

Bright Young Things 

Hermoine Granger 

Lauren Towers 

Princess Mia

If you want to see more from the board - check it out. If you want to make your own and be added to the board, let me know!