Book Review: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Jennifer Harris created a new life for herself after the death of her best friend Cameron Quick in elementary school. He was her only friend and confidant. She was an outcast, overweight, and picked on. After her mother remarries, Jennifer recreates herself. She changes her name to Jenna Voughn, loses the weight, and resolves never to cry at school again. Until the day Cameron Quick returns to her life and everything begins to unravel. Who is she really Jenna Voughn or Jennifer Harris? And how can she face the secrets of her childhood now that Cameron is back.

This book was an interesting read. The characters are well developed and the story is paced nicely. I can’t say that this book was a favorite though, because I am not sure how I feel about the main character, Jenna. She is a contradiction, and very hard to peg. Parts of her are still Jennifer Harris, while she struggles to be Jenna Voughn

Overall, I did like the book but I wouldn’t say it was a favorite—mostly because of my frustration with the main character. It is realistic though in the sense that people tend to fall in and out of our lives and they do make an impression on us.

Recommended for older teens who enjoy realistic fiction.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is some language and verbal abuse by a parent, but no violence.




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Teen Sidewalk Chalk Art Pictures

Check out the pictures from yesterday's Sidewalk Chalk Art program. Thank you for everyone who braved the heat to participate! The artwork will remain outside the main library until it rains, so be sure to check it out!

Book Review: Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sixteen year old Colie is used to being picked on. At her school she is commonly known as “hole in one,” due to a malicious rumor that one of her adversaries spread around the school. This summer, Colie is traveling to Colby, North Carolina where she will stay with her eccentric aunt Mira. There she will find friends and a job in a place that isn’t familiar with her past.

I love Sarah Dessen’s books. She has a knack for writing realistic teen characters and situations. Despite the aspects of the story that are now a little dated (i.e. Cassette tapes, and a walkman) the story is still relevant. Colie struggles with the perceptions people have of her. The story explores a teen’s search for identity and the friends she makes along the way.

This is a great book and still very relevant. Highly recommended!

Cautions for sensitive readers: There are some references to sex in this book, although nothing is depicted. Violence is not present, but there may be some mild language, although I am not recalling any at the time of this review.




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Book Review: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frankie Landau-Banks is a sophomore at Alabaster Preparatory Academy, a boarding school, once attended by her father and his friends. Known to her family as Bunny Rabbit, Frankie longs to show people who she really is. Frankie knows she is not Bunny Rabbit, but she can’t make anyone else see that. Her father and his friends were once members of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, a secret society that often played pranks on the grounds of the academy. After locating the secret history of the Order, entitled “The Disreputable History of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds,” Frankie concocts a plan to get people, including her senior boyfriend Matthew who sees her only as an adorable girl, to see her for her own genius and ambition.

I really don’t know where to start with this book and my feelings about it are a bit confused. Did I like the book? Yes, definitely. Did I like the setting? Yes. Did I like the main character? I think so, although this could require more though. Did I like the plot? Hmm…this is where it gets more difficult. The events in the plot and the pranks the Loyal Order plays were amusing and ingenious, but my plotting dilemma goes back to the main character Frankie. At moments I think I like her, while at others I don’t think I do. I know—I need to make up my mind!

This book was well written and entertaining. A good read. One I think teens may enjoy and appreciate especially if they are fond of boarding school fiction.

Cautions for sensitive readers: I don’t recall any foul language in the book, and there is no sex (although it is mentioned) or violence.




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Make a Movie at the Library

Jun 4 to Jul 23
Make a Movie
10:00 a.m. KHCPL Main
Tired of watching movies that you know you could have done better? Then prove your talent, and make your own movie. We are looking for kids off all grade levels, from 1st through High School, who have a talent for writing, acting, construction or design, and production and directing. From start to finish, this movie will be a production made by the students. With guidance from organizations including IUK, Curtain Call, and the Library, students will learn each week the key elements of making a movie, and build on that knowledge until they have a completely finished movie to show at the Movie Premier on July 23rd. Students must be committed to multiple weeks of production, with organized classes each Thursday morning starting on June 4th at 10:00 am at the Main Library.

Book Review: Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this long awaited sequel to Tamora Pierce's Terrier our heroine Beka Cooper is now a full-fledged dog who has difficulty keeping a partner. This new book takes her to Port Caynn to solve the mystery of the counterfeit coins that are circulating through Corus and Port Caynn. Together with her former training partner Goodwin, Beka investigates the gambling dens and the court of the Port Caynn Rogue.

Pierce has done a lot of character development in this second novel, and we begin to see more from once shy and mousy Beka. This book is definitely a worthy sequel to the first book. Highly recommended to fantasy fans and anyone who likes to see strong female characters. I just hope the wait for the third book in this series, Mastiff, isn’t quite so long.




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Create-A-Palooza TONIGHT!!!

Join us tonight from 6-8 pm at KHCPL South for the Create-A-Palooza kickoff party for the Summer Reading Club!

Start off your summer of reading by discovering all the creative opportunities our community offers. Enjoy food and activities while discovering the fun and entertaining creative outlets in our area. We have theatre, music, art, crafts and much more. Come attend our art festival to see what they have to offer you so you can be your creative best all summer long, and perhaps start a lifelong hobby or career. Explore the creative booths, sign up for Unleash Your Creativity Summer Reading Club, play games and make crafts, and eat, all from 6 to 8pm. And beginning at 7pm enjoy the unique and imaginative songs and storytelling talents of Ruditoonz.