New Books This Summer

There are lots of exciting books coming out this summer for kids and teens. One that will definitely generate a lot of interest is Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Amazon.com says, "Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits."


Kids will also see the latest addition to the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer: The Atlantis Complex. And, Suzanne Collins's much-awaited third Hunger Games book will be out in August. It is called Mockingjay, and you can get on the waiting list for it now if you want.



For the smaller kids, we are looking forward to another Fancy Nancy book, called Spectacular Spectacles. Mo Willems is also coming out with a couple next month, including the incredibly well-reviewed City Dog, Country Frog. I know I'm really looking forward to these books! Make sure to come to the library this summer so you don't miss out!

A Hasty Opinion

Ok, so I may have judged the 2011 Rebecca Caudills a little too soon, and too harshly. I have found quite a few in this batch that I like. I've already mentioned The Hunger Games and Schooled. Jordan Sonnenblick's Notes from the Midnight Driver and Mass's 11 Birthdays are definitely worth a look. Carl Hiaasen's Scat and Ingrid Law's Savvy will really appeal to kids. I would have LOVED a book like Savvy when I was 11 or so. It kind of reminds me of David Lubar's Hidden Talents.

I have now finished the whole list, and while I feel like there are more stinkers on this one than in previous years (Fablehaven! So promising, yet such a disappointment! And the writing was truly bad in The Alchemyst) I shouldn't have despaired.

School Visits

I will be going to visit schools during the next couple of weeks to talk to the kids about the summer reading program. This is always really fun and exciting, because I love talking about library programs and answering kids' questions. We are going to have so much fun here this summer! It won't be hard getting kids excited about Scooby Doo, Goosebumps, gross food, and monster games. I can't wait! The summer reading program starts June 7, so don't forget to sign up starting at the Luau on May 22!

It's Luau Time!

On Saturday, May 22 we will have a Library Luau in the ballroom above Allerton Library from 2-4. It is open to kids of all ages. At the luau, we will paint suncatchers, and do activities like coconut bowling, a bean bag toss, fishing, and hula hooping. Snacks will be served and there will be a drawing for Mark My Time bookmarks. Kids will also have a chance to pre-register for summer programs.

If kids sign up in advance for the luau, they can pick a prize from our treasure box in the library. So stop by soon to get your prize!