Giveaway! Audiobook

Okay, FTS Readers!  We are going to try our first ever giveaway on the blog.  I just listened to the best audiobook, and I want to pass along the wealth.  One lucky winner will get to own this audiobook.  You can play it on a CD player or copy onto an MP3.  Do you listen to audiobooks?  They are supposed to be great for literacy and can really bring a book to life.  The audiobook I listened to is Feed By M.T. Anderson.  Now, the book is already fantastic, but the audiobook is something else.  I have never listened to an audiobook like this before.  Let me explain.

David Gill to Visit Eva Perry Library

David Gill, author of Soul Enchilada, will be at the Eva Perry Library on Sunday, September 27th, from 3-4 pm to discuss his book.

To request a copy of the book for check out, click here.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.  Emily A., a teen from Allen County Library, writes

“In this chilling novel by Elizabeth Scott, child abduction is shown in a way that can open your eyes in ways that a newspaper article never could. . . The writing in this book is so enthralling and intense that it can’t be put down to read later like other books.”

To read Emily’s full review, click here.  To request this book from Wake County Libraries, click here.

Author Terra McVoy Visits Libraries

Young adult author Terra Elan McVoy will visit two libraries this weekend.  On Saturday, August 1st, McVoy will visit West Regional Library at 3 pm.  On Sunday, August 2nd, she will visit Eva Perry Library, also at 3 pm.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Eternal

Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.  Tara Olivero, a teen from Allen County Public Library, writes:

“[This] love story, one of a vampire and an angel, has never been told in such an amusing fashion.  With a cast of vibrant and contemporary characters, Eternal is a must-read.”

To read Tara’s full review, click here.  To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Truancy: Origins

Truancy: Origins by Isamu Fukui is one of the Teens’ Top Ten nominees for 2009.  Joe Kaufeld, a teen from Allen County Public Library writes:

“A somewhat chilling tale of education gone horribly awry, it’s nonetheless an outstanding read. This action packed science fiction novel has everything a reader could want – beautifully detailed fight scenes, an intricate plot, and very realistic characters. It’s even got a love story in it! How much better does it get?”

To read Joe’s full review, click here.

To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Flygirl

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.  Angelica PeBenito, a teen from San Leandro Novelteens Book Club writes:

“This book reminds us all – boy, girl, black, white, old, young, poor, rich – that, in times of hardship, we have to unite together for the greater good, no matter what our differences are. It also exemplifies the sacrifice and struggles of previous generations.”

To read Angelica’s full review, click here.  To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Author Jenny Han Visits Eva Perry Library

On Monday, July 20th, at 2:30 pm, author Jenny Han will visit the Eva Perry Library to sign books.  Jenny Han has written two books so far.  Shug and The Summer I Turned Pretty.  There will copies of the books sold at the event.  

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Wherever Nina Lies

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.  Julie Hernandez, a teen from San Leandro Library writes:

“This is personally one of my favorite books because it shows complex themes entwined with a good plot, which creates a great book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries and how far the love of a person is willing to go.”

To read Julie’s full review, click here.  To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Geek Charming

Geek Charming by Robin Palmer is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.  Becca Kaufeld, a teen from Allen County Public Library writes:

“This book is awesome. At different points, I saw little subtle touches of reality thrown in. The characters are so real, it feels like you’re not just reading it. It could be the story of somebody you know. I know people who would fit Josh’s profile, or even become Dylan.”

To read Becca’s full review, click here.  To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Summer Slam Reading Jam

Do you like wrestling?  Do you like reading?  Five Wake County libraries are participating in YALSA and WWE’s Summer Slam Reading Jam, which could win you and a friend a trip to L.A.

Teens’ Top Ten 2009: Paper Towns

Paper Towns by John Green is one of the Teens’ Top Ten Nominations for 2009.

Luke Fallon, a teen from Allen County Public Library writes:

“Paper Towns by John Green is a fantastic book and a wild ride.”

The read Luke’s full review, click here.

To request this book from Wake County Public Libraries, click here.

Chat with Ellen Hopkins Live on Readergirlz

The Readergirlz book of the month is Impulse by Ellen Hopkins.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act – suicide. In one instant three young people decided enough was enough. Vanessa’s beloved blade cut just a little deeper. Tony downed a bottle of pills with a fifth of whiskey. Conner chose the gun. But fate – or loved ones – intervened. Now they have a second chance, and maybe with each other’s help, they can find their way to a better life. But only if they’re strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

Chat with author Ellen Hopkins live on the Readergirlz blog on Wednesday, April 22nd at 9 pm EST.

2009 Teens’ Top Ten Nominations

2nd Correction:  We now own all of the books!!!

CORRECTION:  Voting starts on August 25th.  See below for details.

YALSA’s  2009 Teens’ Top Ten Nominees were announced today as part of Teen Literature Day.  This year there are 25 fantastic nominations from all genres.

What should you do now?  Read as many of these as you can.

Wake County Teens with Laurie Halse Anderson

Members of the Eva Perry Mock Print Book Club, and winner of the MAE best teen litereature program, received an opportunity to meet with Laurie Halse Anderson privately before her book signing at Quail Ridge books.  Here is the photo that was shot and that ran in the Publisher’s Weekly blog.  Cool!

Winners of the Poetry Contest

The winners of the Wake County teen poetry contest have been announced.  There were 227 entries this year, so the competition was tight.  Congratulations to all the winners and all of the brave teens who were willing to put their writing out to be evaluated.  We are very proud of you.  The winners and runners up will be invited to read their poems at a poetry reading at the Cameron Village Library on Sunday, April 26th at 2 pm.  We invite everyone to join us.

Winners:

“The Championship Game” by Kaitlyn Jewkes – Salem Middle – 6th Grade
“Airport Delay” by Maddie Hren – Ligon Middle – 7th Grade
“Society’s Gate” by Emily Driver – Homeschooled – 8th Grade
“Crank” by Crews LaGrand – Panther Creek High – 9th Grade
“If Personals Were Poems” by Karina McCorkle – Enloe High – 10th Grade
“The Archer” by Michael Seebold – Keystone National High School – 11th Grade
“Just Push Play” by Chase Batchelor – Leesville Road High – 12th Grade

Honorable Mentions:

“The Real Hero” by Mackenzie Thorley – West Cary Middle – 6th Grade
“Rezak” by Hayley McHugh – Heritage Middle – 7th Grade
“The Moon” by Bridget Irish – ICDRC  – 9th Grade
“The Concert Hall” by Joanna Jourdan – Fuquay-Varina High – 10th Grade
“Enveloping Universes” by Justin Adams – Leesville Road High – 11th Grade
“Unconventional Sestina” by Sarah Brady – Holly Springs High – 12th Grade

Get a Free Book for Teen Literature Day

This Thursday, April 16th is Teen Literature Day.  At Eva Perry Library, we are giving away free books to celebrate!  On April 16th, if you come into the library, go up to the children’s desk and say, “I love teen literature,” we will let you choose a free book from our gift box.  We have all sorts of goodies from various conferences.  Tell your friends.

Art Contests Galore

There are several opportunities right now for teen artists in Wake County.  Some of these you may be aware of already, but let’s look at the whole picture, shall we?

Eva Perry Library, located in Apex, is having an art contest and exhibition for grades 6-12.  Teen can enter art in the following categories:  painting, drawing, photography, 3D, computer arts, and multimedia.  An optional theme is DIY Book Covers.  Make an alternate book cover for a favorite book.  Entries are accepted through April 14th, and each entry must have an entry form attached.  Entry forms can be found here.  For questions, call (919) 387-2100 and ask for Lindsey.

The East Region Libraries, located in Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, and Wake Forest, are holding an art contest called The Great Cover Up.  Teens are invited to make an 8.5 X 11 alternate cover for their favorite book.  Any medium is acceptable.  Entries are accepted through February 28th, and each entry must have an entry form and display card attached.  Entry forms can be found here.

The Wake County Libraries (all branches) is sponsoring a photography contest for all ages.  There is a separate category for teen photographers.  Entries are accepted through March 9th.  Photographs must capture the people, places and stories of Wake County, N.C. Photos must be of Wake County towns, buildings, properties, parks, citizens, etc.  Nikon has generously donated some amazing prizes, including a camera valued at $500.  For directions on how to submit and a complete list of rules, click here.

As you can see, we want to see your art, so get working.

Wake County Teen Poetry Contest

Wake County teens, it’s time for contests galore. Our annual poetry contest is ready for your submissions. All Wake County students in grades 6-12 can enter a poem on a theme of your choice anytime between February 1st and March 15th, 2009. For the full list of guidelines and information, go to the official contest website here.

Call for Favorite Youtube Videos

Do you have a favorite youtube video?  If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, we would love to include your favorite videos in our Best of Youtube video.  Just write a comment below that gives the URL of the youtube video.  We will be taking submissions and making a DVD that libraries in Wake county will be showing during Teen Tech Week, March 8-12, 2009.  If you have a blog, please encourage people to submit, also.