Review: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

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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2013 Gateway & Truman Award Winners Announced

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry It turns out that our predictions for the 2013 Gateway and Truman award winners were pretty accurate. Jonathan Maberry is the recipient of this year’s Gateway Readers Award for his book “Rot and Ruin.” The main character, Benny, has never known a world without zombies, but that doesn’t mean that he’s excited about apprenticing with his half-brother, Tom, as a zombie hunter.

Congratulations also goes to April Henry who is this year’s Truman Readers Award recipient for her book, “Girl, Stolen.” Griffin, a high school dropout, steals a car, but later realizes that he has kidnapped a blind girl, Cheyenne, who was sleeping in the backseat. Sick with pneumonia, Cheyenne tries to gain sympathy from Griffin, though she wonders if she can trust him.

This past October, April was a guest blogger for DBRLTeen and shared her thoughts on writing and kung fu. We hope you’ll enjoy her advice for young writers and check out some of her recommended reading which includes “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth
Pfeffer, “Ashes” by Ilsa Bick and more!

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Program Preview: Wii U Launch Party in Columbia

ScribblenautsWii U Launch Party
Wednesday, May 1 › 6-8 p.m.
Columbia Public Library

Test drive the library’s new Wii U game console. Become a ghost hunter in “Luigi’s Ghost Mansion,” defeat evil aliens in your own “Metroid” spaceship, or team up with your friends to conquer Bowser in the new “Super Mario Bros.” We’ll also have snacks and a selection of the library’s newest teen fiction, music and DVDs for you to check out. Don’t have a library card? We’ll have library card applications on hand for your parent or guardian to sign. Ages 12 and older. Registration begins Tuesday, April 23. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign up!

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Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer

Why I checked it out:  A friend recommended this book. She said, “Between the Lines” is your kind of book, Jerilyn. It has fairytale people coming alive inside a book.”

Why I liked it: The story is told in the alternating voices of Delilah, a 15 year-old girl in the present, and Prince Oliver, a character in a fairytale book. When no reader is present, the characters in the book have other lives. Prince Oliver is unsatisfied with his life and wants to join the world of the readers. Even though the fairytale book is for young children, Delilah finds herself drawn to the story of Prince Oliver and is very surprised when he starts to talk to her.

Three words that describe this book: magical, romantic, funny.

You might this book if you like: Books about storybook characters coming to life include “Half Upon a Time ” by James Riley, “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke, “The Looking Glass Wars ” by Frank Beddor and “Into the Wild ” by Sarah Beth Durst.

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Program Preview: Star Wars Origami

Origami YodaDaniel Boone Regional Library will be hosting “Star Wars Origami” throughout our regional library system. If you’ve read the “Origami Yoda” series by Tom Angleberger or are just a Star Wars fan, come learn how to fold origami Yoda, Darth Vader and other Star Wars figures. Each program listed below is designed for a different age group, so be sure to review the age limitations before marking your calendar.  You can also visit Angleberger’s website to download folding patterns at home. My personal favorite is his Admiral Ackbar finger puppet. Continue reading

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Books for Dudes – Dark Lord, the Early Years

Dark Lord by Jamie ThomsonI picked up “Dark Lord, the Early Years” by Jamie Thomson because of its interesting, if somewhat ridiculous, premise. The Dark Lord, a Sauron-like being who rules the Darklands, is banished to Earth in the form of a teenage boy. He remembers who he is, or was, and vows to conquer our world before returning to his own to seek vengeance against his enemies. As you might expect, no one in this world believes him and hilarity ensues.  After a series of misunderstandings, his name becomes Dirk Lloyd, he is placed with a foster family and enrolled in school. Continue reading

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2013 Teen Book Champion Is Chosen!

Book-Tourney-graphic-2013After two months of nail-biting competition, central Missouri teens have selected their March Madness Teen Book Tournament Champion. We began with a list of 32 finalists which included bestsellers such “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi, “Paranormalcy” by Kiersten White, and many Gateway and Truman Award nominees. Many thanks the teachers and school librarians who have supported this program, and to all the teens who have participated in this competition! And now, the 2013 Champion is…. Continue reading

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Program Preview: Teen Game Night in Ashland

Teen Game Night
Friday, April 19 › 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Super Mario BrosSouthern Boone County Public Library

Challenge your friends to a game on our new Wii or to a board game tournament. We’ll have various games available as well as supplies for an art project. Refreshments provided. Please enter through the back door. Ages 12 and older. To register, please call (573) 657-7378. Sign-up begins Friday, April 5. 

If you’re into gaming, don’t forget that that Columbia Public Library will be hosting a Wii U Launch Party this Wednesday, April 3. Call (573) 443-3161 to sign-up. This event is also for teens ages 12 and older.

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So Much More Than Chick Lit

Wonder Woman by Brandy SanchezI get it already.  I do.  Seriously, I do not need to read one more book about painfully detailed wardrobes and how the main character just can’t decide between those two boys, and thinking is hard, and oh gee whiz, she chipped a nail. I mean, I like painting my nails, but give me a break.

No, on second thought, give me some strong ladies.  I want to read books about women making hard choices and doing it well.  I want to see a girl save the day.  I want to see a woman find her happiness without the aid of some significant other. Continue reading

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April 5 Deadline for May SAT Exam

Be sure to register online by Friday, April 5 if you plan to take the May 4 SAT exam. If you would like to know more about testing costs, locations, and resources to help you prepare, check out our SAT Test Prep guide. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog updates for regular email reminders of upcoming SAT and ACT registration deadlines!

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