Battle of the Best-Sellers

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Brandy

Bestseller BannerBelow is a list of recently released and best-selling young adult novels. Let us know which title you are looking forward to reading. Do you have a favorite book that should be on the list? Have you already read some of these books? Share your thoughts about these and other must-read titles in the comments below. You might also consider submitting a review of a book that you’ve found particularly captivating. Select teen reviews will be published at teens.dbrl.org. Continue reading →

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Staff Review: My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Johnathan

Why I checked it out: This book was introduced to me through my wonderful book club.

Why I liked it: This book is one of those rare gems in which you want to be friends with all the characters (not just the three main characters, but also parents, school staff, etc.). The clever narration is delivered through school papers, e-mails, diary entries, instant messages and class notes. While I was skeptical of the format at first, I soon eagerly followed the three main characters journeys through high school. If you want an intelligent and fun read that covers a variety of seemingly unconnected topics such as love, identity, sign language, high school divas, baseball, Mary Poppins and more, then read this book.

Three words that describe this book: heartwarming, romantic, hilarious.

Similar books include: “Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto” by Eric Luper and “Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

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Stay Connected @ Your Library

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Brandy

With the end of the school year fast approaching, I wanted to share all the ways the library helps you stay connected to the books and services you love most. All you need is an internet connection, an email address and a library card.

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourDBRL.

Download an eBook or audiobook.
Get the most popular teen titles on your iPod Touch, iPhone, Android, Nook, Kindle, or other device. Check out our Quick Start Guides or watch our online video tutorials to get started.

Submit a book rave or rant.
We love to hear about what teens are reading! Using this form, share your thoughts on the the books you love… and loathe. Select reviews will be highlighted on DBRLTeen. Continue reading →

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Teen Winners in Callaway County Poetry Contest

Posted on May 13, 2013 by DBRLTeen

2013 Callaway Poetry Winners

Thanks to all the young poets who submitted entries in the 2013 Callaway County Youth Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Callaway County Public Library and the Auxvasse Creative Arts Program. These organizations honored the winners of the contest on Tuesday, April 25 at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton. This year’s contest was judged by Anne-Marie Thompson, an instructor in the English Department at Westminster College. Garett Ballard, Beth Barnhart, Scott Strough and Bethany Smart were among those teens recognized for their exemplary work. Continue reading →

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Staff Review: Abandon by Meg Cabot

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Tricia

Why I liked it: ”Abandon” was very loosely based on the Greek myth of Persephone which I’ve always found interesting. Also, the main character, Pierce Oliviera, was very likeable. Despite her dad being super-rich, she didn’t act spoiled, and her sense of humor helped her get through the very weird things that happened after her near-death experience.

What I didn’t like: The plot jumps around a lot, and sometimes I like that, but in this book it was a little too much. The narrator kept referring to things which hadn’t been explained yet, and that frustrating. Now that the scene is set, I hope this will happen less in the remaining books of the “Abandon” trilogy.

Three words that describe this book: complicated, foreboding, funny.

Similar books include: “Paranormalcy“ by Kiersten White, “Dead Beautiful“ by Yvonne Woon and “Starcrossed“ by Josephine Angelini.

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2013 Summer Program Preview

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Brandy

SRP Bookmark Contest WidgetOur annual teen summer reading program  will launch Friday, May 31. Area young adults ages 12-18 will be challenged to read for 20 hours, share three book reviews and do seven of our suggested activities. Get your card punched as you go, and when you finish, you’ll receive a summer reading bag and be entered in a drawing for a free Kindle eReader.

In addition, the library is planning a wide range of free programs to help you delve “Beneath the Surface.” We’ll invite teens to enjoy crafting over lunch, test drive our new Wii U gaming console, showcase their knowledge at Trivia Night, and take a creepy guided tour of the Columbia Cemetery. To receive email reminders of these and other teen programs, sign up for our blog updates!  Continue reading →

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Books for Dudes – Jack Tumor

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Book Dude

Jack Tumor by Anthony McGowanHector, the protagonist of Anthony McGowan’s humorous “Jack Tumor,“  is your typical teenage nerd. He is good at math, unpopular with the girls and he gets picked on by the school bullies. To make matters worse, he starts getting headaches and dizzy spells. And then, to top it all off, he begins hearing a voice in his head. It turns out he has a brain tumor with a mind of its own. The tumor, which names itself “Jack,” is everything Hector is not and quickly attempts to influence his actions. Continue reading →

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Apps We Love: Machinarium

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Brandy

Machinarium, forums.macrumors.comOne of my all-time favorite apps is the brain-teasing game “Machinarium.”  I downloaded this app to my iPad and was instantly impressed by the stunning graphics and level of detail. Created by Amanita Design, this puzzle game takes you through a winding mechanical city as you challenge the robot mafia to save your bionic friends.  With summer vacation a mere three weeks away, this will be a great app to explore with all your newly discovered free time. ”Machinarium”  is available through iTunes and Google Play for $4.99. To learn more, check out our subject guide dedicated to great apps for teens!

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My Body Is Beautiful

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Brandy

Love Yourself from inspirably.com My mother used to say, “If growing up were easy, it wouldn’t take so long.” I feel like my teen years were spent defining who I was and challenging my core beliefs. I spent a great deal of time examining the relationships in my life and coming to terms with my strengths and weaknesses. Actually, these are still prevailing themes in my life, even as an adult.

In two weeks, the Rainbow House will be hosting a workshop for middle-school girls on body image. They will discuss healthy habits, messages sent by clothing and behavior choices, and how to preserve your reputation. The class will also address issues concerning self-awareness, self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Mark your calendars for this class which is scheduled for Wednesdays throughout May. The first class will be held May 8 from 4-6 p.m. at 1611 Towne Drive in Columbia. To register, please contact Ashton at Rainbow House at (573) 474- 6600, ext. 2106. A parent session will be offered at the same time as the first class.

Got a busy schedule? The library has several wonderful resources for young women looking for answers to many of the critical, self-searching questions posed during this chapter of their lives. Continue reading →

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Review: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Johnathan

Why I checked it out: A friend who knows my sense of humor recommended this wonderful book.

Why I liked it: While zombie stories are currently the norm rather than the exception, this book remains exceptional. Directionless Sam finds himself the center of attention as a recently discovered necromancer who can interact with the dead. Have you ever read a story that included a zombie panda? I’m betting the answer will be no. You’ll also find werewolf families, friendly feys, a corpse’s reanimated talking head, and a waffle-eating harbinger of death among other fun oddities.

Three words that describe this book: supernatural, witty, horror.

If you liked this book, you should try reading ”Warm Bodies“ by Isaac Marion.

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