What Are Teens Reading This Summer?

HERE'S WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY...

What are your fellow teens reading this summer? Dystopias, romance, you name it. Here are recommendations straight from our summer reading contest entries! (Click on any title to put the book on hold at your favorite CCPL branch. Or, click here to search our eBooks.)



Divergent
By Veronica Roth

Rate it! Excellent (9th grader)

What's it about? Beatrice Prior lives in post-apocalyptic Chicago where people are locked in by a metal fence surrounding the city. On kids' 16th birthdays, they must choose a faction. When you choose a faction, you must remain in that faction or you will become faction-less, homeless, and destitute. The factions are: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).
(Sequel: Insurgent)

Cinder
By Marissa Meyer

Rate it! Excellent (8th grader)

What's it about? It is a retelling of Cinderella with a big twist: The girl, Cinder, is a great mechanic and also a cyborg. She lives in China, and when it gets infected with a disease, she is immune—and the only ones immune to the disease are Lunars, who are from the moon.

 

Hunger Games Tribute Training Camp

Your name was drawn at the reaping...

We hereby summon you to Tribute Training Camp to be held under cover of darkness after the Main library closes at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 9. Ages 10 to 18 shall attend. Arrive in comfortable attire or costume.

You will demonstrate: Nerf sharpshooting, costume preparation, game strategy, knot tying, Tracker Jacker evasion, and specific knowledge of The Games.

You will attempt to win prizes (including movie tickets, posters, and books) by gaining the favor of our elite Gamemakers.

You will eat free pizza and snacks.

You will depart at 8 p.m.

For more info, call 843-805-6845 or email teenunderground@ccpl.org.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

(BTW, if you loved The Hunger Games, click here for our list of other creepy dystopias that will likewise give you nightmares and question the future of our wonderful world.)

Happy training!

New Books Feature Ghosts, Insanity, and a Sunken Ship

Be First to Get These New Books!

Our new books feature ghosts, murder, cover ups, entire worlds gone bad, the Titanic, an alien abduction, and more! Click on any title to reserve a copy at your favorite CCPL branch.

Everybody Sees the Ants
By A.S. King

Fed up with his parents' fighting and a bully's attacks, 15-year-old Lucky Linderman dreams of being with his grandfather, who went missing during the Vietnam War. However, during a visit to Arizona, his aunt and uncle and their beautiful neighbor, Ginny, help him find a new perspective.

By the author of Please Ignore Vera Dietz.

Legend
By Marie Lu

A future America is at war. Born into an elite family, June is being groomed for the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, Day is the country's most wanted criminal. They have no reason to cross paths -- until June's brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Is Day really to blame, or was he set up to cover a darker secret?

YALLFest Read-Alikes

Y'all Loved YALLFest!

Judging by the crowds and lines of book-wielding fans, YALLFest was a huge success. Now that you've met the authors you love, try these read-alikes -- and don't forget to click on the titles to reserve them!

If you like this YALLFest book:                                                                                                  Then try:

Every You, Every Me
By David Levithan

Evan is haunted by the loss of his best friend, so when mysterious photos appear, he begins to fall apart.


As Simple As Snow
By Gregory Galloway

The narrator is left with unanswered questions after goth girl Anastasia disappears.

Author Interview: Beth Revis

Author Inverview: Beth Revis

Beth Revis' debut novel about a girl cryogenically frozen aboard a spaceship, Across the Universe has become a bestseller. Beth loves to blog about writing, grammar, and publishing at Writing it Out. She also founded the dystopian blog the League of Extraordinary Writers. And, yes, she does believe that space is the final frontier. Learn all about her before YALLFest!


We’re all excited that you’ll be at YALLFest! What made you decide to come?

I was invited! I LOVE Charleston, and I didn't have to think twice about coming. In fact, I took my honeymoon there, so I'm even more excited about coming back!

The Spoken Word

New Teen Books on CD

We've just received a TON of new teen books on CD. So, if you'd rather listen to words, or if you're facing a long car trip, check out these titles. (Click on titles to reserve them. We'll ship the CDs to the CCPL branch closest to you!)

Mockingjay [compact disc]
By Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen has survived the fight-to-the-death Hunger Games. But now she faces her toughest challenge yet. With the Capitol and President Snow blaming her for the uprising in District 12, will she sacrifice herself to protect her loved ones?

Sequel to: The Hunger Games and Catching Fire






Fallen [compact disc]
By Lauren Kate

Suspected in the death of her boyfriend, 17-year-old Luce is sent to reform school in Savannah where she meets two intriguing boys -- and learns the truth about the frightening shadows that haunt her.

Sequel: Torment

What You (and Your Friends) Are Reading

Here's What You Have to Say....

Thanks to all who've entered our summer reading contest! So, what's everyone reading? Tons of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the Hunger Games. But what else? Here's what you recommend -- in your own words!

(Keep the entries coming…we have lots more prizes to give away.
Click on titles below to put the books on hold.)

City of Bones
By Cassandra Clare

"Clary is thrown into a world where fairies, vampires, werewolves, and demons are real. Then she finds out that her mother is a Shadowhunter, a group of humans who have angel blood and kill demons. But her father is Valentine -- the evil Shadowhunter trying to destroy all the other Shadowhunters."

(Read City of Ashes next!)

Rating: Excellent

-- 8th grader, Laing Middle School








City of Glass
By Cassandra Clare

"Clary sneaks into the City of Glass and is immediately caught up in a life-and-death battle as the werewolves, vampires, and faerie gather for a war that will 'rend the heavens.'" (Next read the new sequel City of Fallen Angels!)

Rating: Excellent

-- 12th grader, Charleston County School of the Arts

Book-O-Scope: Your reading forecast for Spring 2011

Wondering what to read next?  The answer is in the stars!

Aquarius  Jan 20 - Feb 18:  You're feeling extra emotional these days.  Take a deep breath and keep your cool, but trust your feelings.  Read Delirium by Lauren Oliver, and see what happens to a society where people have been "cured" of all strong emotions, even love.

Pisces   Feb 19 - Mar 20:  You may run into a sticky situation soon, but your perceptiveness will keep things going smoothly.  Read  The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by 

Robin Benway, about a group of sisters whose extra-special perceptions save the day.  

Aries  Mar 21 - April 19:  Stop worrying about what you're going to do with your life -- your hidden talents will take you to surprising places.   Read Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry, about a boy who finds his true calling as a zombie killer.

Taurus  April 20 - May 20:   Strike up a conversation with someone you've never talked with before. You may make a new friend and learn something about yourself, too.  Read Sellout by Ebony Joy Wilkins and see how Natasha's life changes when she befriends girls at a crisis center.

Gemini  May 21 - Jun 21:  A lot of pressure and expectations are piled on you right now, but stay calm and have faith in your abilities.  Read Hero by Mike Lupica and meet Zach, a remarkable teenager who, like you, has more power than he realizes.

Cancer  Jun 22 - Jul 22:  Perserverance is what you need to focus on now -- don't let anything distract you from your goals.  Read Teenie by Christopher Grant, and see how Teenie keeps it together while dealing with the drama of her BFF's online crush and her own dangerous relationship.

Leo July 21 - Aug 22:  A new person is coming into your life soon, bringing exciting changes and opportunities. read 13 to Life by Shannon Delany, where a mysterious stranger with a dangerous secret changes Jessie's life forever.

 Virgo  Aug 23 - Sep 22:  You hate to see your friends upset and are always trying to keep them from getting hurt, but maybe you're protecting them too much.  Read Bruiser by Neal Shusterman, about a boy who takes on the pain of the people he loves.

  

 Libra  Sep 23 - Oct 22:  Someone is underestimating you, but you are about to surprise them with an impressive accomplishment.  Read Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin and see if Phoebe has also been misunderstood - or is she really special enough to break an ancient curse and save her life? 

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21:  You have two choices facing you right now:  stay silent and do nothing, or speak out and right a wrong.  Read The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney, and find out how Alex finds the courage to stand up for herself. 

Sagittarius  Nov 22 - Dec 21:  Right now, you need to be as clear as you can, even when you think your intentions are obvious.  Read Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, in which two teenagers get to know each other by trading cryptic clues and challenges in a notebook they take turns hiding around NYC.

Capricorn   Dec 22 - Jan 19:  There is high drama surrounding you right now, so try to focus on your own needs and stay calm in the midst of chaos.  Read Maxine Banks is Getting Married by Lori Aurelia Williams - all the drama in Maxine's life will prepare you for dealing with your own!

Brave New Dystopian World Giveaway

Win an Advance Reading Copy of Divergent

As we told you last week, dystopian fiction is on fire!  It seems like everyone is reading The Hunger Games (even celebrities!) and speculating about who will be cast in the upcoming movie.  And there are lots of other great dystopian reads already out there...and still more on the way.

Divergent by Veronica Roth doesn't come out until May 3rd and already people are calling it "unique, gripping and captivating."
It's a dystopian thriller filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance. 

And we're giving away a free Advance Reading Copy of this amazing book:   Just comment on this blog post for a chance to win! (don't forget to leave an email addy where we can contact you.)

Did you know there are three different types of dystopias?   Which is your favorite kind to read about?

Dystopias Have Caught Fire

UPDATED WITH NEW TITLES (AT THE TOP)!! ALSO, CHECK OUT THE NEW SEQUELS TO MATCHED AND THE MAZE RUNNER.


Hungry for Dystopias?

If the The Hunger Games left you hungry for more thrilling, world-gone-bad tales, we've got great news! Suzanne Collins' trilogy has become so incredibly popular that authors and publishers are cranking out tons of great dystopian and post-apocalyptic books for teens. Here's a bunch we think you should check out next.

(Click on titles to reserve them at a CCPL branch near you.)

If You Miss Katniss...

 

Matched

By Ally Condie

If you loved The Hunger Games or the Uglies or The Giver, let's surf the post-vampire wave into the next Big Thing in teen books: Societies gone amuck.

First, check out Matched, a new book by Ally Condie. In it, Cassia's world is governed by the Society, which matches girls and boys to marry when they turn 17 -- you know, to take all that complicated stuff out of dating. Cassia is lucky to be matched with a cute guy she grew up with, Xander. It's sort of like if Katniss had been matched with Gale. Of course, a happy match could make for a boring book, so Cassia also gets a glimpse of another boy she was almost matched with. Ky is a quiet orphan who tugs at Cassia's heart. Should she stick with her lucky Match or follow the pull of her heartstrings? Hmmmm. Team Xander or Team Ky?

Also, mark your February calendars for another new dystopia, Delirium by Lauren Oliver (who wrote Before I Fall). In Delirium, there's a cure for the "disease" of love. But love can't really be cured -- can it?

While those calendars are out, go ahead and circle March 23, 2012.  That's the date the Hunger Games movie will be released!  We know, that's a whole year away.  Good thing we're here to distract you with other awesome book and movie news while you wait.

Click on any title to reserve it at your local CCPL library. If a book like Delirium is "on order," put it on hold. You'll be one of the first to get the book when it comes in!

The Best in Teen Fiction is Announced!

2011 Printz Winner 

The Michael L. Printz Awards are in! These are the biggies in young adult literature, so if you want to know what's hot, check out the top winner and the runner-ups. This year's awards are heavy on dark, haunting stories that will make you think. Click on the titles to get them free from your Charleston County Public Library.

The top award goes to (drumroll):

Ship Breaker 

By Paolo Bacigalupi

Near a drowned New Orleans that's been ravaged by hurricanes and global warming, teen-aged Nailer scavenges copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. But when he finds a beached clipper ship with a girl in the wreckage, he must decide whether to strip the ship of its wealth -- or rescue the girl. We've heard this futuristic thriller called the next Maze Runner and couldn't agree more! It will grip and you and not let you go.

Now, for the runner-ups:

2011 Printz Honor Books

Stolen

By Lucy Christopher

The rugged Australian outback becomes Gemma’s prison after she is drugged and abducted by a handsome, obsessed stranger in a novel filled with searing imagery and archetypal characters. Over the time spent with her captor, Gemma’s appreciation of him develops…but is it real love, or Stockholm Syndrome?

Please Ignore Vera Dietz 

By A.S. King

At 18, Vera has spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie. Over the years, she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything. So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone. Will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

Author A.S. King also wrote The Dust of 100 Dogs in which a 17th Century pirate is cursed to live the lives of 100 dogs.

Revolver

By Marcus Sedgwick

In this grim, chilling story set in the Arctic Circle, Sig finds his father’s frozen corpse as human predator Wolff arrives seeking retribution and a hidden Gold Rush treasure. 

Author Marcus Sedgwick has written lots of other haunting books like The Book of Dead Days, My Swordhand is Singing, and The Restless Dead: Ten Original Stories of the Supernatural.

Nothing

By Janne Teller

Pierre Anthon’s nihilism causes his classmates to begin a search for life’s meaning in this bold, unsettling parable translated from Danish. 

Author Janne Teller has a fascinating story of her own: Educated as a macro economist, she's lived and worked with humanitarian and conflict resolution issues in Tanzania, Mozambique and Bangladesh. In 1995, she left her career with the United Nations to concentrate on her literature. We bet she has tons of amazing stories to tell.

Remember to click on any title to check these books out from your Charleston County Public Library!

Here's One A-Mazing Story

 Warning from WICKED: If you read this entire post before you've read The Maze Runner, you'll be cast from the Glade only to endure the Flare and be turned into a pile of clunk. Okay, not really. But you will ruin The Maze Runner's shock-and-awe ending if you read below about The Scorch Trials, the newly released book two in this creepy, violent, action-packed trilogy. Think Lord of the Flies meets The Hunger Games but with way more boys and some nasty Grievers trying to kill you.

Anyway, The Maze Runner is about this guy, Thomas, who wakes up in a dark box and remembers nothing but his name. The box dumps him in the Glade with a bunch of other teenage boys in the same predicament. They have no clue why they've been sent there -- or how to escape. The Glade is surrounded by mazes that change pattern each night. Sure, the guys are trying to chart the mazes. But get stuck out in one at night, and the Grievers will slice and dice you.

Now, fresh from author James Dashner, comes book two: The Scorch Trials.

Thomas and half of the Gladers escaped the maze only to be sent out into the real world, which makes the Glade look like a cozy kiddie habitat. There's even another group of kids who just made it through a similar maze. These are girls -- and not the friendly sort. Worse, they've got Teresa in their clutches. Scorching heat, mind-gnawing disease, betrayal, and voila! Thomas and crew struggle to survive...again.

Read on...