Teen Book Buzz

Graphic Novel Primer

Parents, come learn about the latest trend in kids' books -- graphic novels. On Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30, library assistant Dave Burbank, a graphic novel expert, and children's/teen librarian Karen MacPherson will offer a primer on what graphic novels are, why kids are so crazy for them, and how parents can use them to inspire interest in books among reluctant readers. We'll even offer graphic novel reading lists you can take home. Although this program is aimed at parents and other interested adults, school-aged children also are most welcome to attend. Register online

]]> Many kids really love graphic novels, but these books are new territory for parents, who may view them as merely "comics" starring superheroes. The best graphic novels, however, are far more than comics and can offer a richly-textured reading experience, complete with pictures. Even adults familiar with such important adult graphic novels as Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus may not know that graphic novels of similar quality are being published for kids and teens.

In any case, graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing categories in book publishing, book-selling and -- yes -- library circulation. At our library program, Dave and Karen will show how blending words with illustrations creates the unique literary form that we call graphic novels. Dave will illustrate his talk with examples of great, and not so great, graphic novels for kids and teens.

We'll also give a brief overview of the history of graphic novels, including a look at graphic novels that actually are non-fiction. We'll discuss why graphic novels are so popular with young readers and explain why the library's collection of graphic novels for kids and teens is divided among four categories: comics; manga; graphic novels for all ages; and graphic novels for older readers.

In addition, we'll be able to give you a preview of the latest trends in graphic novels, thanks to Dave's April trip to the 3rd annual Comic Con in New York City, where 64,000 publishers, booksellers, librarians and others gathered to discuss graphic novels. Finally, all participants will leave with a reading list of suggested graphic novels for various ages.

T(w)een Book Club

Our T(w)een Book Club will meet for the last time this school year on Friday, May 23, from 4-5 p.m. in the Takoma Park Community Center's Rose Room. Our book will be �Hoot� by Carl Hiaasen. We'll discuss the book and then have a "make your own ice cream sundae" party. Registration is limited to 12 students in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade. Thanks to the Friends of the Takoma Park Md. Library, we'll have copies of the book available for check-out for every participant. Register online

T(w)een Book Club

Come eat pizza and discusss Stormbreaker, the first volume in the Alex Rider, Teenage Spy series by Anthony Horowitz.
The program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library, is for middle-schoolers only. You must register, and you must read the book before the program. Copies of the book are available for check-out at the front desk. Register by calling 301-891-7259 or emailing library-programs@spambob.net (put tween in the subject line please).

T(w)een Book Club

Our T(w)een Book Club is alive and well and meeting on Friday, Feb. 8 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Our book is Sixth Grade Secrets by Louis Sachar, author of the Newbery-Medal-winning book Holes. To participate in the club, you must sign up and you must read the book (we have copies for check-out). You can register by calling 301-891-7259 or emailing library-programs@spambob.net (put t(w)een in the subject line, please).

T(w)een Book Club

The December T(w)een Book Club will take place on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 5-6 p.m. in the Community Center's Rose Room. Our book is "The Agony of Alice" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. We'll discuss the book and then decorate (and eat!) holiday cupcakes. You MUST register to attend, as we have space for only 12 people. You also MUST read the book -- we will have copies of the book available for check-out at the main desk. Please call 301-891-7259 to register.

Eaglebear & Friends

The always popular �Eaglebear� � a.k.a. Tomas Shash � returns to the Library on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. for his annual harvest-time visit. Joined by family and friends, Tomas puts on a program that includes dances, songs and stories from the Xicano and Apache cultures. All are welcome to attend this dynamic program. Call us at 301-891-7259 to let us know you are coming. Funding provided by the Friends of the Takoma Park, Md. Library.

College Bound Series

If you're a junior or senior in high school, you might be interested in our free College Bound programs, which will be held on three Thursday evenings in October. Each program will feature an expert highlighting a key component of getting ready to apply for college: the college selection process, the SATs, and financial aid. Please register by calling 301-891-7259. These programs are presented with support from the Friends of the Takoma Park MD. Library.

]]> Our first College Bound program will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 in the Library's Children's Room. That evening, Dr. Lori Potts Dupre will present an overview of the college selection process. A Certified Educational Planner and former Faculty Research Associate at the University of Maryland, Dr. Potts Dupre has had a private counseling practice in Takoma Park since 1997. She has evaluated more than 350 campuses nationwide.

Our second program will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (note different start time from the other two programs). At this program, Dr. Ilhan Cagri will demystify the dreaded SAT. Dr. Cagri received her PhD in Linguistics from the University of Maryland. She is currently a Faculty Resarch Associate at the University of Maryland involved in research on second language acquisition. She has taught and designed SAT preparation classes and tutors students in private practice.

Our third program will take place on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Herm Davis will discuss the financial aid timetable, scholarships, loans, work-study, college savings plans, the FAFSA application and more. One of the nation's foremost college aid authorities, Dr. Davis heads the National College Scholarship Foundation and directs College Financial Aid Counseling and Education Services, Inc. He is a consultant for Peterson's financial publications and author of College Financial Aid For Dummies.

Teen Read Week

Calling all middle school and high school students! To celebrate Teen Read Week -- Oct. 14 through Oct. 20 -- we're having a contest. It's easy to enter: just tell us what is your favorite young adult book and why you like it so much. Entry forms will be available at the library's main desk beginning Oct. 14. Prizes include a Borders gift card and a box of young adult books.

]]> We'll pull out the winners from a hat on Friday afternoon, Oct. 19 in the Children's Room. But you don't have to be there to win.

T(w)een Book Club

The first meeting of our book club for middle school students takes place on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5-6 p.m. in the Community Center's Rose Room. We'll discuss 12 Again by Sue Corbett and make ice cream sundaes. Copies of the book are available for checkout from the library. Please register by calling 301-891-7259.

]]> Our book, 12 Again, is a comical tale about how a boy deals with the fact that his mother has inexplicably reverted to her 12-year-old self. It's a bit like Freaky Friday, but with a boy as the main kid character, so both boys and girls can enjoy this book. To make our discussion even more fun, we'll spend some time making our own ice cream sundaes. Who says you can't have dessert before dinner?! We have spaces for only 10 participants, so register early and get a copy of the book to read.

We Will Return

... Soon !

Summer Quest Launch

Looking for a unique summer reading program? We've got it here at the Takoma Park Maryland Library! Our Summer Quest program is created each year by Dave Burbank, library assistant and artist extraordinaire. This year's program is built around the rainforest, and promises to be a true reading adventure.

]]> To launch our latest Summer Quest, we've planned a special event on Monday evening, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. We'll talk about the Summer Quest program, hand out materials, and highlight some great new books you might want to read as you complete your journey through the rainforest. Please register by calling 301-891-7259.

Community Service Hours

Teens -- are you looking to earn some student service learning (SSL) hours? The Takoma Park, Md. Library offers two ways that you can earn SSL hours. Read on for more information.....

]]> We've currently got two ways for teens to earn SSL hours:

1. Be a book reviewer! If you're in middle school or high school, you can earn one SSL hour for every review you write. The reviews MUST be written at the library (we have a computer for you to use). And we'd prefer that you review a book that we have in our catalog. Printed copies of the reviews will be compiled in a binder that will be kept in our Young Adult Books area to be used by teens looking for book suggestions. The Takoma Voice also is interested in printing student reviews. And the reviews also will be posted online in this Teen Book Blog (first names only will be used for Internet security reasons). Other important facts: the reviews must be at least two paragraphs (6-8 sentences long); they should include just a bit about the story; and the main focus should be on actually REVIEWING the book -- telling readers what's good about it, what's bad about it, and who would/would not like it. We'll have review guidelines to help you write your reviews. Contact Karen MacPherson, children's/teen librarian, at 301-891-7262 or karenm@takomagov.org for more information or to sign up to be one of our teen book reviewers!

2. Help out with children's events! At least once a month, the library offers a craft or other activity for children. These activities are usually held on Monday evenings, from 7-8:30 p.m. or Saturday mornings, 10-11:30. You can earn two SSL hours for volunteering to help out at an activity. We ask helpers to arrive a half-hour before the activity starts to help set up. Helpers work with young children to help them during the event, and then we ask you to help clean up when the event is over. Contact Karen MacPherson, the children's/teen librarian for more information at 301-891-7262 or karenm@takomagov.org.

Teen Book Club --April 19

Come join us at the monthly Teen Book Club! We'll meet from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 19 in the Children's Room. We'll have snacks, and we'll talk about books they're enjoying now. We'll also discuss a short story by Sharon Flake, from her book "Who Am I Without Him?" Copies of the story are available at the desk. Questions? Call 301-891-7359.

Banned Books Talk

Join us for a presentation on "Banned Books and the First Amendment," offered by Alexis and Bridget Egan. As part of their effort to earn a Girl Scout Gold Award, the Egans will discuss why people try to ban books and which books are the most challenged. The event will take place on March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Library. Call 301-891-7259 to sign up.

Teen Book Club Postponed

Our monthly Teen Book Club, scheduled for today from 5-6 p.m., is postponed until next Thursday -- same time, same place (the Children's Room). Come join us next week for snacks and a discussion of books that you're enjoying right now!