Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher explores the social effects of suicide. In the story, Hannah Baker, who had killed herself, reaches out to her friends and acquaintances through the mode of a tape recorder, where she speaks to them and explains why she did what she did. Her friends and acquaintances, devastated by the result, can not believe the things they hear and are guilt-stricken by her words. She takes them on a journey to death, both, literally and figuratively, as they wander through the destinations on her map which she planned for them to visit, all the while, hearing her gut wrenching tale of how she felt and what she saw. The story is at once touching and haunting, sure to absorb you.
My own reactions to the book at the outset were: "I do not want to read the book" because I already knew what it was all about, but once I started, I could not put it down. After I finished, I could not forget the characters and the story, for it reminded me of my own high school experience--the petty fights, the naivete of youth, the idealism, and the fears and hopes we had for the future. Thirteen Reasons Why is so beautifully written that it haunts you. Now, I know why so many people are talking about and requesting this book.
Summer Reading for 2011 is over. This fun program took place from June 18 to July 30. Teens enjoyed the celebration and wanted to join the program next year. Let's hear their thoughts about the summer reading experience.
If you are interested in joining Joyce Ellington's teensReach group, visit our teensReach page for more information and to apply online to become a member.
The Joyce Ellington Library's teensReach group meets on the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5pm.
On Thursday, August 18th from 4pm-5pm, join us for a special Book Buying party at the Joyce Ellington Library Branch, 491 E. Empire St, San Jose, CA . We are asking teens who live in the neighborhood to give us feedback on what type of materials (books, dvds, music & other) they would like to see in the library aimed at teens. Refreshments will be served. Please bring your friends!
Come to the Edenvale Branch Library Community Room on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 3:30 PM to see some creative teens acting out or interpreting various children's stories. These polished and animated teens have participated in local or national speech competitions. You are welcome to join us for a highly entertaining hour of stories which will be a treat for children and their families.
This event will be repeated at the following locations:
Almaden Branch Library Thursday, August 18, 2011 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Vineland Branch Library Monday, August 29, 2011 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
August is Audio Appreciation Month! Celebrate this event by checking out various audio book and music titles at your library! Here are a few recommendations for children and teens.
* indicates Series
The library has audio book versions of many popular titles shown below in audio compact disc format.
Children's Audio Books
Harry Potter* by J.K. Rowling
One of the most popular fantasy series about a young wizard named Harry Potter. Harry attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and makes new friends, learns new magic spells and goes on a quest to defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
The Chronicles of Narnia* by C.S. Lewis
Another popular fantasy and adventure series about various children exploring the mysterious and mythical world of Narnia.
39 Clues* by Various Authors
A series of intriguing adventure stories written by today's popular authors such as Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis and more. These audio books will engage readers by combining card collecting, reading and online gaming.
Teen Audio Books
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel* by Michael Scott
Sophie and Josh are caught up in a deadly struggle between two rival alchemists over the possession of an ancient and powerful book containing the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
A moving, paranormal romance story about Grace and a mysterious wolf that often watches her from a nearby distance. Later, Grace discovers a wounded boy near her home and makes a shocking discovery that this boy is that same wolf in human form.
Maximum Ride* by James Patterson
An exciting adventure and science fiction series about six genetically enhanced children being imprisoned in a laboratory. Eventually, a sympathetic scientist helps them escape and they use their special abilities to survive on their own.
Besides compact disc, you can also download audio books to your digital audio player, including your iPod, smartphone, or home computer via OverDrive Digital Library or MyiLibrary. Using your digital audio player, you can transition or navigate to other chapters of the book without having to change discs. Here are a few recommended digital audio book titles:
Children's Digital Audio Books
Artemis Fowl* by Eoin Colfer
A popular fantasy and action series about a young master criminal named Artemis Fowl. Artemis gradually develops his moral character as he works with the fairies to help defeat enemies and save the world.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians* by Rick Riordan
A young boy named Percy Jackson discovers that the legendary Greek Gods still exists and goes on an adventurous quest to prevent a devastating war between the gods.
Teen Digital Audio Books
Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins
In a post-apocalyptic world, a powerful government called the Capitol selects a boy and a girl from each district to participate in an annual televised event called the "Hunger Games", where they would fight each other to death. However this time, both participants defy the rules and face dire consequences.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Katsa, a young warrior lives in a world where some people are born with unique special skills called "Graces". Katsa however has a dreaded skill of killing and in this adventurous story, she goes on a journey of self-discovery and redemption by trying to save her land from a depraved king.
In addition to audio books, the library also has a substantial collection of new music CDs and downloadable new eAudio and eMusic for all ages! Please see a librarian at your library for more details.
