National Library Week

Celebrate National Library Week at the Mahomet Public Library April 12-18! We will be holding daily prize drawings Monday, April 13 through Saturday, April 18. Check out a book, enter a prize drawing, and find out about all the exciting things going on at the Mahomet Public Library!

Photographers of all ages are invited to submit photos of buildings and locations in Mahomet, which will be displayed in the library and compiled on CD as part of the library’s historical collection. Visit the library web site or stop in the library for submission requirements. Photos will be accepted through Friday, April 17.

Children in grades K-5 can stop in the library anytime between 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 for crafts, games and snacks! Make and take a magnetic bookmark, then play some games of skill. No registration required.

The Friends of the Mahomet Public Library will wrap up National Library Week with their Spring Book Sale. The sale starts Thursday, April 16 from 5-8 p.m. with a preview night for Friends members (Join for $5 at the door!). The sale is open to the public on Friday, April 17 from 9 am-5:30 pm and Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.mahometpubliclibrary.org or call the library at 586-2611.

"Crank" by Ellen Hopkins

"Crank" is the Abraham Lincoln High School Book Award winner for 2009, so I just had to read it. I didn't realize beforehand that "Crank" is a story told in poems. I found this book very interesting. It tells the story of Kristina, your typical good girl, and her downfall after becoming addicted to meth. Kristina visits her father, who she hasn't seen in many years, to try to reconnect with him. On this visit, Kristina meets Adam, a gorgeous guy who introduces her to meth. During this visit to her dad's, Kristina becomes "Bree", a more daring person than Kristina ever could be. The story continues to describe Kristina's addiction and how it affects her life. The book is depressing at times, but it was a real eye-opener. Hopkins states in an author's note that the book is loosely based on the experiences her own daughter went through. I found that many poems in this book needed to be read two ways; not only left to right, but sometimes single words off to the side read top to bottom gave even more insight into Kristina's thoughts and feelings. This book was easy to read, with the poem format, and I had a hard time putting it down. I look forward to reading the sequel, "Glass".

"What I Saw and How I Lied" by Judy Blundell

Recently, I finished the book "What I Saw and How I Lied" by Judy Blundell after hearing about it from other librarians that couldn't put it down. The story starts out post-World War II, and Evie's father has just returned from serving in the war. Her father starts a successful business, but not long after his return home, he is getting phone calls from a fellow soldier. A spur of the moment vacation to Florida leads to new friends they meet at their hotel, new opportunities for the family, and a new romance for Evie. As the story progresses, a mystery unfolds involving Evie's dad, her mom, and a soldier that Evie's dad met during the war. The mystery keeps you reading to the very end to uncover secrets, lies, and murder. I enjoyed the mystery of this book, and liked how the details unfolded.

2009 Abraham Lincoln Winner

The 2009 Abraham Lincoln Book Award Winner is "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins. Have you read this book? Here's a summary from LINC:

"Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter, gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul--her life."

I've requested this book, so once I've read it, I'll comment back...I'm looking forward to hearing your comments, too.

"Feathered" by Laura Kasischke

Three high school seniors, Anne, Michelle, and Terri, are off to Cancun for their spring break. The girls are armed with sunblock and advice from their parents about how to stay safe thousands of miles from home. Will they follow that advice, or throw caution to the wind? This story is told in alternating chapters from Anne and Michelle's point of view. Tell me what you think of this story!

Teen Tech Week Survey

Visit www.ala.org/teentechweek to participate in the Teen Tech Week survey. Give your thoughts on what next year's theme should be, and let librarians know about how you use technology. Visit March 8-March 14!

Teen Health and Wellness Free Trial

Rosen Publishing, proud sponsor of Teen Tech Week, is pleased to offer you a FREE trial to its award-winning, critically acclaimed Teen Health & Wellness database.Get started right away at www.teenhealthandwellness.com!

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