Read Beyond Reality @your library during Teen Read Week 2009

Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as Simon Kenton High School celebrates Teen Read Week, October 18-24, 2009. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year's theme, "Read Beyond Reality @ your library." Teen Read Week is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association. This year's theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of materials that are out of this world, just for the fun of it.

"Today's teens seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have," said Mrs. Moore SK librarian. "That is why it's important to encourage teens to set aside some time to read."

Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency, and SK librarian Toni Moore agrees. "One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect" says Mrs. Moore.

Being around adults who are avid readers can counteract the latest statistics from The Nations Report Card , which indicated that in homes across America the number of different types of reading materials has decreased, and a similar percentage of seventeen-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes.

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home. Mrs Moore offers these ideas:

• Visit the public or school library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books.
• set aside time each night for the family to read.
• Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
• Share your favorite book with your teen.
• Surf the web with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA's Booklist's page.
• Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.

Teen Read Week is held annually during the third week of October. An updated sponsors and supporting organizations list can be found at the web site, www.ala.org/teenread.

Untitled?

Lucy is a vampire, but not in the traditional sense. She has a theory that untreated Diabetics long a ago were the basis for the folklore that led to today's Vampire stories. Being a Diabetic herself, this has altered her view of the world and herself. But When her friend introduces her to an older man who claims to be a stereotypical vampire himself an takes an almost frightening interest in Lucy She doesn't know what to do. A quick shock from her very deluded world into a very dangerous one.

I liked this book. Her theory was interesting, it's kind of believable. And the Aouther captured that jaded teen goth persona really well.

Catherine Kendall

Of Sound Mind

Theo's family is deaf. His mother is an artist who cares more about sculpting than catering to family life. And Theo is basically the family interpreter. By his senior year he is emotionally drained so when he meets Ivy, a girl with a deaf father who can sign as well he avoids her. And she resents his attitude but wants to be his friend because she is sure he would understand her. But at school a teacher blind to the situation makes them partners on everything and eventually they become very close.



This book is a tear jerker, you really develop sympathy for Theo and for Ivy and Her Father. And the story gives you almost a sense of a small sign-language culture, which is interesting.

Catherine Kendall

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper is the story of a young girl suffering from leukemia. Her sister is the only person who can save her and that's because she was conceived just for that reason: to save Kate. Anna had no choice but to donate everything she could to Kate to help her survive. But when Anna wants to make her decision on her own, she has no choice but to hire a lawyer and sue her parernts for medical emancipation. Her lawyer turns out to be one of her closest friends. Through this entire story, it's an endless struggle between five members of one family. Will Kate survive??

- MEGAN RITTER

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Inexcusable is a story of a boy who had it all going for him. He had the best dad/friend in the world, and two loving sisters who are already off to college. It's his senior year and he can't wait to graduate. He ends up accidentally hurting someone in a football game is given a nickname that sticks with him forever. After that incident he spiraled out of control. And when he's accused of the inexcusable, he doesn't know how to react? Will he lose the girl of his dreams? Is that the entire truth of the story or is there a hidden misconception?

-MEGAN RITTER

Anthem, by Ayn Rand

This book takes place is a future, cult-like society were the main focus of everyone's existence is the welfare of the group. The people are controlled right down to the very last detail in their lives. And the main character wants so badly to be a scholar, but is told he's worthy of being no more than a street-sweeper. When he and another man discover an ancient subway tube and the light bulbs within, he begins to defy his masters, and when he recovers the power of electricity lost centuries prior, he is sentenced to death.

This novel, written by a clearly very intelligent author, in a very interesting and creative point of view goes so far as to offer up to readers a new philosophy for one's view of the world, although not one I would adopt for myself I was really amazed by it. It seems like the story line itself is just a cradle for the style of thinking Rand is trying to get across.

Catherine Kendall

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling, is an extraordinary book for any long time Harry fan. It doesn't give any particular insight into the life and stories of Harry Potter but it does give insight into some wizard culuture. In addition, Dumbuldore gives his thoughts on all the stories at the end of each. The book is made up of five short, old, wizard fairy tales, each with their own morale. The tales consist of "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and "The Tale of the Three Brothers" , which is also mentioned in "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." The book is great and it is short so it is perfect for anyone that needs to get a quick Harry fix.

Ron McDermott

This Strange New Feeling- Julius Lester

This book takes place in the 1800's during slave times. It helps the reader understand slavery from an anti-slavery, white man's point of view. The main character, Ras, is close to the master of his home plantation. However, he is very sneaky. It turns out he somehow knows the plantation guards are secretly against slavery. He knows how to talk them into helping them escape. As you read, you will find yourself rooting for Ras and his long-time love, Sally as they try to make their escape. - KASEY TURNER

Dark at the Roots

Dark at the Roots is about a girl who is a pathological liar. Even from childhood she just can't seem to keep the truth straight from the stories she tells everyone in her life. Born into a very crowded, very dysfunctional family that's always moving, Sara grows up without any long term friends and is always scheming up ways to gain social acceptance at a new location.

I think this book is interesting because in reality, Sara wouldn't be a very attractive or endearing person. but as the book goes you find yourself willing her shady tactics to work.

Catherine Kendall

The Rescue- Nicholas Sparks

This is a book that will tug on your heart strings! From the very beginning, you find yourself feeling sorry for the single mother of a mentally challenged boy. She has a lot on her plate, especially moving to a new town. She has no family and no friends, literally. However, after a bad accident and the search for her little boy, she falls madly in love, gains a mother figure and a few friends. I was so into this book, I finished it faster than any other. Enjoy. - KASEY TURNER