Teens’ Top Ten Nominations

It’s that time of year again! Twenty-four books have been nominated by teens across the country to be voted on (again, by teens) for the ultimate “Top Ten” list. Read as many titles as you can and encourage your friends to do so, as well. This is open to anyone 12-18, and you have until October to get your read on. Voting occurs during Teen Read Week — October 12-18, 2008 — and I’ll post more as the time gets closer.

And the nominees are:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Daemon Hall by Andrew Nance and Colin Polhemus, illus.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks

Glass by Ellen Hopkins

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Ironside: A Modern Faery’s Tale by Holly Black

Jango by William Nicholson

Jinx by Meg Cabot

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Saving Zoë by Alyson Noël

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Tamar by Mal Peet

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Don’t forget to check out our catalog to find these amazing titles! And stay tuned for more info.

Interested in computer programming?

The University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science has a Java Passport Program for middle and high school students. Aimed at females, African-Americans, and Latinos, the program encourages kids to go into the fields of Math and Computer Science. This is a very cool idea, guys. You will be exposed to designing, implementing and testing computer programs using JavaScript. And we all know that computer people make good money, right? So why not get a head start on the competition?

This program is competitive and there are limited spaces available. So act fast! Oh, and there is no cost for attending, you just have to have transportation. Here’s a link to the application information which is due May 30, 2008.

Devouring books… what!?

I guess a book made out of cake might give new meaning to “my dog ate my library book.” But in this case, it could actually be true! On Saturday, April 5, Bowie Library hosted an “Edible Books Bake-Off.” Pretty cool, huh? Contestants had to create a cake representing a book. There  were three categories: Teen, Adult and Family and the cakes were judged by professionals. Prizes were awarded in each of the categories - and, there were over 150 people who came to see the confectionary creations!

So, start preparing now for next year, all you Betty Crocker-wannabes. I know there is some serious talent out there. And when you’re on “Top Chef,” you can say you got your start at the library…

It’s Complicated: The American Teenager

Photojournalist Robin Bowman spent four years driving across the United States photographing and interviewing more than 400 American teens. She asked each teen questions about family, school, drugs, money, aspirations and fears. In the pictures, some teens appear with friends, lovers, or babies of their own - a few with a parent or grandparent. Almost all appear in their homes or neighborhoods.

Why, you ask? “I allowed them to have a voice, feel secure, and share their lives,” says Ms. Bowman. “Teenagers are given a bad rap in many ways. People are terrified of them. They’re very controlled in those years, very influenced by family, community, school, church. They’re trying to break away and to form themselves.” Absolutely amazing. Check out some of the results from her book here.

Fun and Funky Websites

How Stuff Works

Is the cure for cancer a virus? What’s the world’s cheapest car? What if everyone in the United States flushed the toilet at the same time?

These are just a few of the weird and intriguing questions posed by the website howstuffworks.com.

Not only does the web site ask these questions, it also answers them in language that everyone can understand. Each short article offers a wealth of weird and wonderful information!

 

Customized Music

Have you ever switched on the radio only to find there’s nothing to listen to? And just as soon as you find a good song, it ends, only to be replaced by something truly awful.

Pandora is a web site that eliminates this problem. The only things played are what you want to hear. If you don’t like a song, you can give it a “thumbs down” rating. The program will automatically adjust itself to your tastes. The more songs and artists you rate, the better chance you have of experiencing uninterrupted musical bliss.

 

Homestar Runner

Ever wonder what would happen if a strongman, a Mexican wrestler with an attitude, and a ghost were neighbors? The Flash-animated cartoons at Homestarrunner.com consider this question, and the result is a lot of fun craziness. Homestar, Strongbad, Strongsad, and the whole gang have weird adventures every week. For those who enjoy an extra dose of hilarity, check out Strongbad’s emails.

 

Teen Job Zone

Want to earn some extra cash this summer, but have no idea how to find or land that perfect job?

No problem. You’ve entered the Teen Job Zone. Select libraries are holding interviewing and resume workshops this March and April, for teens aged 13-18.

Tips include how to ace the application process, and a guide to using Metro in order to get to the loads of interviews you’re sure to land.

For details, dates, and locations, click here.

Sign up now at your library’s information desk, and be well on your way to earning those sweet greenbacks!