Take a Trip Back in Time

Updated with new books at the top!

History's Intrigue

Clandestine meetings, killings and torture, romance, scandal, betrayal, adventures on the high seas...who says history is boring? Meet some of history's feisty women and courageous guys by taking a trip back in time. 
(Click on any title to put it on hold!)

Between Shades of Gray
By Ruta Sepetys

It's 1941 when Lina, her mother, and her  brother are pulled from their Lithuanian home by Soviet secret police and sent to a freezing work camp in Siberia. Her father is taken away and sentenced to death. Lina clings to the drawings she hopes will find their way to him, if he's still alive--and if she can survive the horrors.

Book-O-Scope: Your Summer Reading Forecast

Wondering what to read next?

Find answers in the stars!

Gemini
May 21 -- June 21

You’ve been feeling confused lately. Yet, the answers are all there for you to find -- if you look. Read Beatle Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams, and find out if John decides to stay with his girlfriend, Cilla, or to take a chance with Destiny.

Take a Picture, Win a Camera

Click here for Stacy Pearsall's blog about the winners!

(Then, come see the fantastic pictures

on display in the Main library's lobby.)

Here I Am

Where exactly are you this summer? First, think literally. Are you going on a trip? Hanging out at the beach? Where do you wish you were going? Now, think in the abstract. Where are you inside your head? Where do you feel most like you?

Now, pick up a camera to illustrate your idea. Envision lighting, angles, and space. Take the picture. Try again. Perfect it. Then, send us your favorite. You might be one of three lucky winners to receive a brand new Nikon digital camera!

Many thanks to the Charleston Center for Photography, which is sponsoring the contest! Check out the center's site -- the photography will inspire you. (Director Stacy Pearsall served three tours in Iraq until she was wounded and received the Bronze Star Medal and Commendation with Valor for heroic actions under fire.)

S.C. Young Adult Book Award

FALL FOR GREAT BOOKS!

From bloody wars and school violence to bullies and cults, there's something for every teen among the South Carolina Young Adult Book Award nominees for 2011-2012. (If you've read any of the books, leave your opinions in the comments section below!) Then, check out some new titles:


Before I Fall
By Lauren Oliver

Samantha Kingston has worked her way up the popularity ladder. Now a senior, she and her friends rule their school. But after she dies in a car crash, Samantha finds herself reliving the day of her death over and over and over again. 





Angry Management
By Chris Crutcher

Chris Crutcher fanatics rejoice! Your favorite characters are back. Mr. Nak from Ironman is holding Angry Management classes with other characters from the Crutcher archives. After a brief intro, each of the three stand-alone stories is preceded by Mr. Nak's file notes on the teen subjects.

South Carolina Junior Book Awards

Updated with Goliath, new Skeleton Creek books!

What Should I Read Now?

From silly humor to chilling war stories, check out these South Carolina Junior Book Award nominees for 2011-2012. (They're great for middle schoolers --and might appear on your school summer reading lists!) Last year's nominees included The Hunger Games. Which of this new batch will be the next Big Thing?





Anything But Typical
By Nora Raleigh Baskin

What is it like to be an autistic boy facing daily sixth-grade life, not to mention lifelong struggles, in a "neurotypical" world? Jason Blake is most comfortable in an online writing forum called Storyboard, where his stories spark an email friendship with a girl. But what would happen if he had to meet her in real life?

Books Fell on Charleston





#1:  Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Where Am I? 

In celebration of Teen Lit Day, Reading Underground dropped awesome books for teens in random places around downtown Charleston.

It was part of the Rock the Drop movement, and it gave us a great excuse to visit some of the interesting, historic and beautiful places around town that we sometimes forget to notice.

Do you recognize the locations where we left these books? Do you want to win a WHOLE BOX of FREE BOOKS (Advance Reading Copies of YA books that will be published later this spring/summer) AND a retro-tastic vintage summer reading t-shirt?!

If so, send an email to teenunderground@ccpl.org or leave a comment below telling us where you think these pictures were taken. First person to correctly identify all the locations wins! If no one gets them all, the prize goes to whoever gets the most right, so why not go ahead and guess?

Contest ends:  May 1, 2011.

The rest of the photos are after the jump...

ROCK THE DROP!

Books, Books Everywhere!

Find any teen books left in random spots around downtown Charleston today? If so, welcome to Rock the Drop 2011!

This is an awesome day-long event that gets teen books into the hands of people all over the world. Here in Charleston, the Reading Underground joined up with Readergirlz and Figment to "Rock the Drop" in honor of YALSA'S Support Teen Lit Day which is...yes, today. So, if you found books on park benches, beside cannons, strategically balanced in mounds of jasmine, consider them gifts from us. Leave a comment telling us where you found them!

Also, check back here tomorrow for a contest to see if you can identify Charleston landmarks where we "dropped" a few titles. Identify the most spots, and win a whole box of books! 

Check back soon...


UPDATE:  CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE WE DROPPED THE BOOKS AND TO ENTER THE CONTEST!!


Good luck!

Cliques, Cats, and Bullies

Keep Your Friends Close...

If the first season of Pretty Little Liars left you hanging, where else can you get a fix of backstabbing, cattiness, and terror? Start reading, of course.

The TV show is based on Sara Shepard's books, which dish up a snarky amalgam of queen bees, fashion, beauty, crushes, and lies -- all wrapped up in a mystery.

The series begins when a mysterious person sends creepy -- and oddly personal -- texts to Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer. The girls used to be best friends until their leader, Alison, vanished a few years earlier. She'd ruled Rosewood Day, which meant they had, too. Then suddenly, the texts appear, signed simply by --A, each with threats or secrets only the girls should know. But who's sending them? And why?

The eight books in the Pretty Little Liars series are easy to spot thanks to the Barbie wannabe on each cover. (The ninth book, Twisted, comes out July 5.)

Sequels: Flawless, Perfect, Unbelievable, Wicked, Killer, Heartless, Wanted



Meanwhile, check out these other titles that feature mean girls -- some just catty, others dangerous bullies (click on any title to put it on hold):

It's Wicked, It's Sexy...It's a Poem?

Warning: This Is Not Grandma's Poetry!



April is National Poetry Month -- and, sure, we love Poe and Frost and Longfellow. But let's talk modern poetry, stuff written for today's teens about today's issues -- friend drama, drugs, divorce, meltdowns, crushes, exams, peer pressure and even fun, fun, fun!

In poetry, it's all fair game. Whatever you're dealing with, there's a poem just for you. Plus, writing poetry is a great way to get down -- and get out -- whatever is on your mind.

Click on any title to learn more...



Slam

Edited by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Poetry is cooler than ever, whether it's Maya Angelou or W. B. Yeats, Tupac Shakur or Sylvia Plath. As proof, Slams -- spoken word poetry readings -- are taking place in cities across the country. Check out this collection edited by the Gossip Girl series' author.

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!

The Undead Walk Among Us...Again

Zombie Plague Returns

New release alert! Book three in Carrie Ryan's zombie series comes out this week. The Dark and Hollow Places picks up after The Forest of Hands and Teeth (also available as a downloadable audiobook) and The Dead-Tossed Waves.

Years after a zombie plague destroyed society, small holdouts of humanity struggle to survive in the face of their undead enemies. Annah lives in the Dark City alone after losing her twin sister and their best friend, Elias. She's near despair when she meets a new boy, Catcher, and begins to hope again. 

But Catcher has his own dark secrets connected to Annah’s past. Brimming with suspense, romantic turmoil, and threats of death by zombie, don't miss the series!   

Want more zombie books for your braaaaaaaaaains? Click on "Read More":

From Tsunamis to Supermoons

Welcome to That Reminds Me of a Book, a regular feature where we link current events and pop-culture happenings with YA books.

 Is the Moon Getting A Bad Rap? 

 

The Dead & The Gone

Talk about a depressing week. With the tsunami of news from Japan, it's hard to look at the waves off Folly quite the same way. Don't even mention the moon.

Yes, some people think the moon caused it all -- namely, the Supermoon expected on Saturday. Disasters have occurred near past Supermoons. Mere coincidence? Discover Magazine sets us straight. 

Still, at Teen Underground we're in a fiction sort of mind -- so we're busy freaking ourselves out by reading The Last Survivors trilogy. It includes:

1. a seriously messed up moon
2. earthquakes and tsunamis
3. death and destruction
4. a reminder to hug everyone you love (no matter how much they annoy you).



      Check it out:



Life As We Knew It

Life As We Knew It

(The Last Survivors trilogy)

By Susan Beth Pfeffer

It all starts with a chance to watch a really big meteor smash into the moon. Cool, right? For sophomore Miranda, it means a bunch of last-minute class assignments on the moon.

But the meteor shocks everyone -- it knocks the moon off its proper axis, causing massive worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions. In the end, Miranda and her family face life with no power, little food, dwindling water, freezing temps, and lots of fear.

Sequels: The Dead & the Gone and This World We Live In

(Click on titles to reserve them at your favorite library branch!)

When Race is a Family Issue

Welcome to That Reminds Me of a Book, a regular feature where we link current events and pop-culture happenings with YA books.

The Other Half of My Heart

Have you heard about this ABC News story about twins born to a Caucasian mother and an African-American father? Gabe has ivory skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes. His sister, Trinity, has ebony skin, black hair, and brown eyes. 

The Cunningham family gets some curious looks -- and perhaps a few behind-the-back whispers, too. It all raises questions about how we view race in this country. 

Which reminds us of a book...



The Other Half of My Heart
By Sundee Frazier

When Minerva and Keira were born, they made headlines: Keira appears black like Mama; Minni looks white like Daddy. The twins are close, but their relationship is tested when their grandmother invites them down South to compete for the title of Miss Black Pearl Preteen America. The sisters have always shared a special bond. But is it strong enough to overcome racial biases?

Click on the title to reserve it at your favorite library branch.

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?

Red Riding Hood Leads Pack of Fairy Tale Remakes

MY, HOW GORGEOUS YOU ARE

It's a fairy tale March! Fresh on the heels of Beastly, now Red Riding Hood comes out Friday. And never before has a movie trailer reeled us in so shamelessly...

Meet Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), a young woman who's in love with this brooding orphan guy (my, how sexy you are, Shiloh Fernandez). But her parents have arranged for her to marry this rich guy (Max Irons isn't shabby either). Then, Valerie's sister gets killed by a werewolf that stalks their medieval village. Turns out, the werewolf is masquerading as a human...but who? The movie is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (of Twilight fame).

Anyway, if you looked as gorgeous as Seyfried in a crimson cloak and had an afternoon to kill wandering in the woods (amid pure white snow, of course), what would be playing on your iPod? Someone at flavorwire thought of this very question and answered it for us! Check it out. 

So, if you like Little Red, check out these other "fractured" fairy tales. Beware: They aren't the versions Grandma told you:

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.)

Say Yes to the Mess

Maxine Banks is Getting Married

by Lori Aurelia Williams

Maxine Banks is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to make it happen, and what she wants right now is to get married. Well, what she REALLY wants is to get out of her mother’s house, and a wedding seems like the best way to do that and be treated like a queen for a day.  She's seventeen, and has seen enough of her mother’s bad boyfriends to know that her man Brian is a keeper. She convinces him that they should get married but their parents object – they’re still in high school, after all – but Maxine knows how to get her way...and tells everyone that she’s pregnant. She’s not. But it works. Maxine Banks gets married.

Teens Vote "Wings" Next Twilight Series

Wings

By Aprilynne Pike

Not that we'd ever dump Edward or Jacob. But with so many supernatural romances seducing us, which one will be the next Twilight? Teens voting on JSYK narrowly chose Wings by Aprilynne Pike as the series most likely to fill the blood-thirsty shoes. (Stephenie Meyer endorsed the book, too.)

In Wings, you'll meet home-schooled Laurel who must start public high school when her parents move to L.A. Long story short: Laurel grows a flower with foot-long petals on her back. Throw in a sweet love triangle and an ending that promises lots of sequels...and maybe Laurel will be the next Bella.

However, the race was tight -- down to the last Tweets. Out of 27,000 votes cast, Wings pulled out just 49 more votes than second-place Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, a gothic fantasy romance set right outside our awesome home city of Charleston. In this book, Ethan discovers the new girl in his small town is part of a family of Casters.

Check out its sequel, Beautiful Darkness, to see which books you like best.

These other fantasy favs were in the running, too:

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's...a Graphic Novel!

Superheroes Battle Over Pages

and the Big Screen

Calling All Hero Fans! 

It's going to be a Marvel-ous year at the box office with movies like Thor (May 6) and Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22) hitting the big screen. While you wait, read up on a few heroes (and sheroes!) -- some familiar, some new -- in these graphic novels: 

Contest: Win an ARC of Demonglass

Demonglass, the sequel to Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, won't be released until March 1, 2011. 

But if you just can't wait to find out what happens next with Sophie, Archer and the rest of the Prodigium, here's your chance to win an Advance Reading Copy.

Just leave a comment on this blog post, telling us either:

a) your favorite book of all time 
(or)
b) the best book you've read recently.

Contest ends Sunday, Feb 13 2011, 11:59pm EST

A winner will be selected at random, and notified on Monday, Feb 7. 

And if you haven't read Hex Hall yet....what are you waiting for?  It's about a girl who gets sent to a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (a.k.a. witches, shapeshifters and fairies) and discovers ancient secrets about herself, her family, and the true nature of her powers.