Bothell Library Blog.

It is that time of year again!  The final list of nominees for YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults has been posted!  Now is your chance to give the committee your perspective as a teen reader.   Follow the links below for current nominees and more information about the list.

List of Nominated Books

More about BBYA

On January 7th, the Teen Advisory Board will host a discussion of the nominated titles.  Join us for great snacks, suggestions for further reading and a chance to let the BBYA committee know what real teens think.

By:  Andrew Clements     

What is this book about?
This book is about a boy who wakes up invisible one Monday morning.
He doesn't know what to do and neither does his genius dad.  He meets
a blind girl who may change everything.

What do you like/dislike about it?
This is an amazing book.  I didn't want to put it down.  The only thing
I didn't like (with a passion) was the ending.  I want to know what
happens, does he tell Alicia he loves her or does he hide his feelings?
But this book was super amazing.

Who would enjoy reading it?
Anyone!!!!

Review written by:
Tylar, age 17, Bothell Library

Click here to place a hold on Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements.

By:  Jacqueline Wilson     

What is this book about?
Mr. Speed is a teacher who creates a website where all of his
students can type in their worries and they can anonymously get
help from other students.  This book shows all the students' worries.

What do you like/dislike about it?
This was a pretty fun book to read.  It wasn't your average book and
reading the worries of the kids makes you feel kind of sad.  And when
they find the solutions for their problems, you genuinely feel happy
for them.

Who would enjoy reading it?
Someone who wants a short, fun book to read.

Review written by:
Amrutha, age 12, Bothell Library

Click here to place a hold on The Worry Web Site by Jacqueline Wilson. 

By:  Brian Jacques     

What is this book about?
Ben and Ned, a boy and his dog, are forced to be slaves on the
Flying Dutchman.  Then, when the Flying Dutchman is cursed to sail
the sea with her crew forevre, they are cast away from the ship. 
Instead of sailing the seas forever, the boy and dog wander around
the earth, never growing older, always helping those in need.

What do you like/dislike about it?
I Like how Ben ad Ned are able to communicate in their minds with
each other.  I also like how Ben gains his speech.

Who would enjoy reading it?
Those who enjoy adventure would probably enjoy this book most.

Review written by:
Benjamin, age 12, Bothell Library

Click here to place a hold on Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques.

By:  Ted Dekker 

What is this book about?
A man named Thomas Hunter, who after hitting his head and falling
unconscious, wakes up in a dream world.  After waking up in a
forest with evil black bats, he discovers the bats' evil plan to
take over the homes of the happy people nearby.  After Tanis drinks
the forbidden water, the bats destroy their homes.  Only Thomas,
Rachelle, and Johan are left.

What do you like/dislike about it?
I liked how there was two worlds and Thomas is in both.  The story
line is good and very intersting because the author keeps switching
worlds.  Both worlds have a different plot, which makes you want to
read a lot more.

Who would enjoy reading it?
Kids in middle school and junior high, not younger kids I don't think.

Review written by:
Rebecca, age 12, Bothell Library

Click here to place a hold on Black by Ted Dekker.

By:  Carl Deuker   

What is this book about?
A basketball player Nick Abbott gets ready to go to High School
basketball and shows a side where he reaches out and helps a
classmate and teammate with a heavy built family.

What do you like/dislike about it?
 I liked the realism of the entire book.  Everything said in it was
true and very realistic to the eye.  The intelligence and the
development of the characters was extremely interesting. 
A wonderful book!

Who would enjoy reading it?
It is a little heavy on violence and drug themes.  Teen, young adult.

Review written by:
Kiran, age 15, Bothell Library

Click here to place a hold on Night Hoops by Carl Deuker.

It seems like every time I get to hear an author speak, someone in the audience asks where they get their ideas.  So I'm going to start with a series of exercises designed for those times when you don't know what to write. 

First, look at the world around you!  Pick an object and write for five minutes about whatever it brings to mind.  At the writing workshop, I asked participants to take an item from a bag, but if you are at home, just pick something.  This was a really fun exercise to do with other people because it took so many forms:

• One person wrote a vivid description of the item. 
• One wrote about the hopes and dreams the item inspired. 
• Another person looked at her item and it made her think of something completely different that turned out to be critical to a character in a fictional story.  
• As for me, I wrote about the night I bought my item. 

Now it's your turn:  Look around you.  Choose an object.  Write for five minutes.  Try this every day for a week, or every time you have five minutes.  Join the conversation by posting one here.  Remember:  it does not have to be perfect, and you can post anonymously. 

Sundays @ 2:30, October 4 - November 1

Five FREE sessions will get students started preparing for the SAT.  Participants will learn about each section of the SAT Test, take a full-length practice test and go over the results with a teacher.  In addition, students will receive a copy of the Official SAT Study Guide and information about KCLS resources that can help students prepare for the SAT.

Details:

• Registration is required.
• Open to students in grades 10 - 12 only.
• Students must attend all five sections.
• Limit 22 students.

Class sessions vary in length to accommodate content. 

• 2:30 - 5:30 October 4, 11 and 18
• 2:30 - 6:00 October 25th  (Full length practice test)
• 2:30 - 4:30 November 1st

 Click the link below or call the Bothell Regional Library at 425-486-7811 to register.

Register for the SAT Prep Class now!

By:  Margaret Mitchell

What is this book about?
Gone with the Wind's twin plots of Scarlett O'Hara's trying life
and life in and after the Civil War are inextricably linked.  The
book follows her from prosperity to poverty multiple times, in
her loves and losses.

What do you like/dislike about it?
Amazing novel!  Mitchell not only captures the spirit, passions,
emotions, and events that defined America during the period in
exquisite detail, but creates full characters so well developed
that you fear they may escape the book pages.  The personalities
within make the novel and are responsible for its unending success. A+

Who would enjoy reading it?
Most everyone (12 and up perhaps).  At 1448 pages, significant amount
of spare time necessary.

Review written by:
Tucker, age 16, Bothell Library

By:  David Lubar

What is this book about?
Scott tries to survive in high school and he writes a survival guide. 
He gets involved in a ton of activities at school in the process.

What do you like/dislike about it?
I liked the humor and all of the characters, especially Wesley
and Scott.  I disliked the fights.

Who would enjoy reading it?
Anyone

Review written by:
Emily, age 12, Bothell Library