Monday, December 31, 2018

Miss. Amanda says

This year I've completed almost 100 books. Most of the books I actually read, while others I listened to the audio and a few a did a combination of the two. While I enjoyed a large amount of books this year, some were better than the rest.
Here are my 5 star books of 2018.

All book titles to the Goodreads.
Library catalog and Nassau Digital Doorway (if applicable) links are stated.


by Aly Raisman
Version: Print
Library CatalogNassau Digital Doorway
-Review to Come-


by Nic Stone
Version: Audio/Print


by Jessi Kirby
Version: Print


by Dashka Slater
Version: Print


by Holly Black
Version: Audio


by Courtney Summers
Version: Audio







Sunday, December 30, 2018

End of the Year BONUS Book Review - Let's Get Lost, - Never, Always, Sometimes - North of Happy


3 for 1 Review Post: Books by Adi Alsaid

📖Recommended for Grades 8 and up📖
            While on a road trip to see the Northern Lights, Leila makes four interesting stops. At each stop, she meets a different individual, with their own story to tell that she suddenly finds herself a part of. There is Hudson, a mechanic who dreams of becoming a doctor, Bree who has run away from her overbearing older sister who is also her guardian, Elliot who needs help dealing with his unrequited love, and Sonia who has found love, but at the worst time. These four share nothing in common other than Leila entering and exiting their lives.  
            This book is broken down into five parts each with its own narrator. Hudson, Bree, Elliot, Sonia, and finally Leila. While readers may not care for every character and their story, they will enjoy the overall story of Leila’s journey and may find one individual character they are truly passionate about.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

📖Recommended for Grades 9 and up📖
            Before freshman year, best friends Dave and Julia created a list of things they will never do in order to avoid becoming high school clichés. With high school coming to an end and the fear of missing out sets in, they decide that instead of following their list of rules during senior year, they should break them, one rule at a time. Little does Julia know that when Dave starts dating Gretchen, he puts aside the one rule he wanted to break all along, “Never date your best friend.”
            While predictable at times, this is a book not to be missed, especially if you find yourself liking Alsaid’s other books. Dave and Julia are both likable characters and readers will enjoy their adventure of breaking the self-made rules they kept for three years.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

📖Recommended for Grades 9 and up📖
            After the death of his brother, Carlos, a recent high school graduate and dual citizen of Mexico and the United States decide to forgo his wealthy parent’s post-high school plans for him. Instead, Carlos leaves Mexico City and head for the Seattle area in hopes of working with his favorite celebrity chef. After securing a job as a dishwasher, things start to look up, until he falls for the boss’ daughter and things get complicated.
            Any teen struggling with living their dream, but dealing with parental expectations will find themselves relating to Carlos. The restaurant where Carlos starts working is filled with characters that are a splendid addition to Carlos’ story. The story has a hint of magical realism – Carlos finds confront in seeing and hearing his brother, but without feeling like he’s going crazy.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Teen Space Program

D.I.Y. Hot Chocolate


Who says that Hot Chocolate has to be boring? During our D.I.Y. Hot Chocolate program needs got to experiment with different mix-ins to spice up their Hot Chocolate.

Each teen was given a minimum of two Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate packets. (Since we don't have a stove, we add to rely on what we could easily make without one.) It was up to them if they wanted to add them together or make two different types to try. There was also a choice between using hot water, milk or both. Teens could add their beverage in the microwave to heat up and melt.

Then we had a buffet of mix-ins that included:
- Melting chocolates (milk, dark and white)
- Andees mint candy
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Shredded coconut
- Cinnamon sugar
- Cinnamon sticks
- Chili powder
- Diet Snapple Raspberry powder
Crush Strawberry powder
- Crushed Oreo
- French Vanilla Creamer
Marshmallow Fluff
- Marshmallows (for topping)

I sadly forgot to buy whipped cream and the caramel sauce. 😞



Some of the Hot Chocolate creations were a success but others not so much. I recommend NOT using half a packet Diet Snapple Raspberry powder as flavoring as it is way too sweet. The Oreos however, were deemed a yummy addition by your fellow teens.



[📷Credit: Miss. Amanda]




Friday, December 28, 2018

Book Review - Sadie

📖Recommended for Grades 9 and up📖
by Courtney Summers
            Sadie has run away from home in order to hunt down her younger sister Mattie’s killer. West is a true crime podcaster, hired my Sadie and Mattie’s surrogate grandmother to investigate Sadie’s disappearance and hopefully find her. As Sadie sets out on her quest, she makes intriguing discovers and remembers times from before Mattie died. While investigating, West makes his own discovers and learns about Sadie as well.
            A great story that should not be missed, especially if you like true crime podcasts. The story is in alternating chapters of West’s podcast and Sadie’s narration. Readers will have themselves on the edge of their seats wondering if West will find Sadie and what will happen if and when Sadie finds Mattie’s killer.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Teen Space Program


with Miss. Antoinette
(guest poster)

 

DIY Sharpie Glass Mugs are very popular among the teens. They are great because you can add your personal touch to them and they make great gifts for birthdays or holidays. 


The Teens at UPL had an amazing time customizing and personalizing their own special mugs. The teens decided what they wanted to draw on the glass mug. Then some of the teens used pre-printed coloring pages provided to create their own cute graphic to decorate the mug using Sharpie Oil Based markers.
Then the Teens carefully painted inside the design on the glass mug. 



[📷Credit: Miss. Antoinette]




Peer Book Review - Shutter Island

📖Recommended for Grade 12 ONLY 📖
by Dennis Lehane
Reviewed by High School Senior Danielle P.
A man named Teddy Daniel goes to the mysterious Shutter Island for the criminally insane to find a missing patient named Rachel Solando.
This is an amazing book. The plot keeps you at the edge of your seat. You'll never know what to expect. 



Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Book Review - The Poet X

📖Recommended for Grades 9 and up📖
by Elizabeth Acevedo
            All Xiomara Barista wants to do is express herself through her poetry. Unfortunately, her strict Catholic mother causes her to be unable to share it with her family, Xiomara keeps them to herself. Xiomara is struggling with living the life she wants and uses her poetry to deal with the struggles she is facing with her family, her religion, and herself.
            A story written beautifully in verse. While the book is written mainly in English, there are some parts written in Spanish. Some readers will find themselves relating to Xiomara, while others may find themselves grateful for the ways that they don’t.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Miss. Amanda says

2018 saw the release of some awesome books and 2019 does not look like it's going to disappoint.
Here are 16 books coming out next year that I am super excited to read. 

All titles link to Goodreads where you can learn more on the books.


(The Folk of the Air #2)
by Holly Black
Expected Release Date: January 8th
This sequel to The Cruel Prince (which also happens to be January's selection for Yakkity Snackity) is one I have been waiting for since before I finished the first book. I can't wait to discover what comes next in The High Court of Faery.


Expected Release Date: January 8th
This timely novel has truly peeked my interest. It includes submissions from several authors including Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone and it's editor Ibi Zoboi.




by Karen M. McManus

Expected Release Date: January 8th
As a huge fan of One of Us if Lying, I am excited to read this equally interesting sophomore novel by McManus.


by Angie Thomas
Expected Release Date: February 5th
Originally due out this year, this sophomore novel by the author of The Hate U Give is sure to be one not to miss.




by Kasie West

Expected Release Date: February 5th

Basically I will read any and all of Kasie West's contemporary romances but this one in particular definitely seems worth a read.


by Faith Erin Hicks
Expected Release Date: February 12th
Honestly, I'm not sure what in the description of this book hooked me, but it did.


by Renée Watson,  Ellen Hagan
Expected Release Date: February 12th
I'm pretty sure it is my background in Women's Studies that got me intrigued by this story.


by Laura Silverman
Expected Release Date: March 5th
I first learned of this book when I attended Book Buzz (it's a Nassau Library thing) and I have to say it got me intrigued.


by Laurie Halse Anderson
Expected Release Date: March 12th
The author of Speak (which was re-released as a graphic novel this year) now brings us her poetic memoir of her own experience with sexual assault. As a reader who loved Speak, I can't imagine not reading Shout.


(Shatter Me #5)
by Tahereh Mafi
Expected Release Date: April 2nd
Originally a trilogy that I loved, I was beyond excited to learn that the author planned three more books. I loved #4 and can't wait for #5 (and #6).



by Elizabeth Acevedo
Expected Release Date: May 7th
While I didn't love The Poet X, I did enjoy it more than I thought I would making Acevedo's upcoming novel one I am curious about. Plus, I know we shouldn't judge books by their covers but this one is truly eye catching.


Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga
Warga's debut novel My Heart and Other Black Holes had be hooked from the beautiful quote on the first page. It is a book I truly love despite the difficult topic it covers. I can't wait to read her third novel.


Expected Release Date: May 14th
I remember liking Menon's writing in When Dimple Met Rishi, so I am excited to read this novel which also sounds like something I will enjoy.


by Arvin Ahmadi 
Expected Release Date: May 21st
I found the author's first book (Down & Across) was different than other books I've read so I am very curious to read his second novel. Also, when I reached out and asked him a question about his first book, he was super sweet by responding.


by Sarah Dessen
Expected Release Date: June 4th
What can I say other than I have been reading this author since I was a teen and will read her new books as long as she writes them.


by Kasie West
Expected Release Date: July 9th
Somehow Kasie West has two books coming out in 2019, and I am equally excited for this one as I am the first. 


Bonus Honorable Mention:
Expected Release Date: April 30th
This book receives an honorable mention because while not out until April, I am currently reading an Advanced Readers Copy of it. Look out for a copy as a prize.


Look forward to reviews of these titles in the new year.
Any of these books sound intriguing to you? Read and write a review yourself to appear here on the blog. 

Friday, December 21, 2018

Book Review - The Way to Bea

📖Recommended for Grades 6 and up📖
by Kat Yeh
For Bea, seventh grade isn’t starting off well. She stands out for all the wrong reasons, no longer has any friends, and is going from being an only child to being a big sister. Bea finds solace in writing Haiku on scraps of paper in invisible ink, which she also hides in a crack on an old wall. To Bea’s surprise one day somebody writes her back and she wants to know who. Can it be her former best friend, the editor of the school paper, or the boy obsessed with labyrinths who may also be her new friend?
A wonderful story filled with wonderful characters. Readers will enjoy Bea’s story as well as the Haikus and other poems she shares throughout. Anybody who is dealing with the changes that middle school brings, especially to friendships, may find themselves relating to this story. 
Library Catalog - E-book Downloadable Audio


Thursday, December 20, 2018

Did You Hear?

Did you hear the news?


Yes, that's right. They are making the To All the Boys I've Loved Before squeal into a movie!

That means more of...


And we get to be officially introduced to...


If you haven't seen the first one, you should as soon as you can.
It's available on Netflix only right, now if you don't have your own account, ask a friend.
Until then you can check out the trailer.



Of course you can always (and should) read the complete trilogy.




Or click here to check availability of e-books and downloadable audio for this trilogy and all of Jenny Han's books.




Epic Reads presents the Book Shimmy Awards



The Finals of The 2018 Book Shimmy Awards are here!

Head on over to Epic Reads by clicking here to vote for your favorites.


When you are done, head on over to your social media account to show off that you voted to all your friends and encourage them to do the same.


Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Book Review - The Other Boy

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖
by M.G. Hennessey
Shane is just your average twelve-year-old who loves baseball, writing his comic, and hanging with his friends. Sure his parents are divorced, but that’s pretty common these days. What makes Shane different from his peers is a secret he’s been keeping, a secret that one of his classmates learns and threatens to share. Shane wants to keep his secret a secret and doesn’t want to discover what others will say and do if they find out he is transgender.
A great book on a topic that some readers may be uncomfortable with. The topic of being transgender is handle in a nice and gentle read for tweens, but also a great read for teens. Shane is a wonderful character and his mom is great support for him.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio