Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Imagine your world in 2059 and win a new laptop!

You could win a new laptop, other prizes, and a chance to appear on a national television show!

It's all a part of National Inventors Month!

Throughout August, Inventors Digest magazine is accepting essays from young innovators ages 12-17. Essays must tell, in 500 words or less, what technology, tool, product, or service will shape our lives in 2059 and why.

This is a great way to gear up for this year's Teen Read Week. Teen Read Week happens in October, and this year's theme will be "Read Beyond Reality"!

Prizes include:

*Your essay published in Inventors Digest
*A year's subscription to the magazine
*Possible appearance on the Emmy award-winning PBS series "Everyday Edisons"
*A killer T-shirt
*Brainteaser games
*A brand new laptop
*And more!

For official contest forms and rules, visit www.inventorsdigest.com
During the teen summer reading program, several teens chose a painting to write a poem or short story about. The poem below was written during this program.


Treetop Wings
by Callie Tucker


Dead branches sway against the window sill,
a winged maiden watching through closed eyes
sounds of flowing water came loudly from the mill,
Signs of tell-tale rain come from dark skies.

Feathered wings unfurling from her shoulder blades,
a dark septure perched in front of her
an emotionless face that never fades,
lifetime of memories passes in a blur.

Artwork used with permission of artist, Amy Brown.

The Spirit of Life - Poetry by Rhea Bumpass

During the teen summer reading program, several teens chose a painting to write a poem or short story about. The poem below was written during this program.


The Spirit of Life
by Rhea Bumpass



Young musician, play your beautiful song.
Your flowing melody makes nature grow strong.
The breath of life your song does bring,
to every tree, shrub, and flower of the Spring.
Young musician, play on, play on!
For without your song,
the love of life will dim and be gone.




















Artwork used with permission of artist, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law.

Old Silou Ray - Poetry by Joshua

During the teen summer reading program, several teens chose a painting to write a poem or short story about. The poem below was written during this program.


Old Silou Ray
by Joshua Crochet

To stand guard, all night and day,
Twas the job assigned to old Silou Ray.

A deal from a man of mystical ways,
let old Silou Ray never run out of days.

As long as the fountain was guarded from whomever,
Old Silou Ray would live forever.

The man gave one rule that had to be met,
"Don't drink from the fountain, or you will regret."

After years passed his curiosity grew;
The secret of the fountain, he never knew.

Going mad to the point where he couldn't think,
Silou knelt down and took a long drink.

His spear and shield fell onto the floor,
for old Silou Ray was forever seen no more.


Artwork used with permission of artist, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Fast Food Nation - Review by Rhea

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

An eye-opening book!

This book reveals all the evil truths about the fast food industry. Fast food has become a regular part of our lives, but what effects does it have? This book reveals the corruption in the meat industry, injustice in farm pay, and the poor conditions of working in a fast food chain. The book goes back in history to when food laws were first enforced and when slaughter houses were the best places to work. It also covers the mad cow and ecoli scare. After reading this book, you will never be able to look at fast food the same way again.

Review by Rhea

Anna of Byzantium - Book Review by Rhea

Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett

Anna is the daughter of the emperor and is heir to the throne. She spends her childhood preparing to rule. Everything seems perfect till her baby brother is born. All focus goes to him and she can now see family fueds. Her grandmother despises Anna's mother and believes that all rulers should do whatever they need to get things done, no matter how horrible or dishonest. Anna's mother, however, believes that a ruler should lead by God's rules. Anna starts to develop thoughts of her own. This leads to her downfall and banishment. Anna learns how to find the good in life. I thought this story was really good. It is almost all true, which helps strengthen the story.

Review by Rhea

Night - Book Review by Rhea

Night by Elie Wiesel

World War II had many dark moments, but none as dark as the Holocaust. In Night, Elie Wiesel tells of his life as a kid in the concentration camps. This book is very graphic and very emotional because he tells you exactly how life was. You see how faith builds and collapses during such a trying time. This book tells you more than any history book will. An amazing, must read book!

Review by Rhea

Tamar - Book Review by Rhea

Tamar by Mal Peet

The setting is World War II. Tamar is the code name of a resistance fighter. He and Dart are sent to a town and send messages back to London about the work being done. Tamar continues his relationship with a beautiful woman named Marijke. Tamar's partner, Dart, gets jealous of Tamar and Marijke's relationship because he is in love with Marijke. Between the war and envy, tensions get stronger. The book has two different stories. Tamar's granddaugther goes on a journey that Tamar left for her after he died. She learns not only about her grandfather, but also herself.

This book is amazing. I loved it. I didn't really care for the ending, but the story was still amazing. I didn't want to give away too much because it is so much better when you don't know what is coming!

Review by Rhea

Teens Top Ten Nominations - Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

This week's book is Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer!

Have you joined the million of other teens who have read the Twilight series? If not, now's your chance! Start with the first book, Twilight, and work your way through to the last book in the series, which is this week's Teens Top Ten Recommendation! In the final installment of the Twilight Saga, Bella's new life as the wife of vampire Edward Cullen is wrought with unexpected obstacles, difficult decisions, and potentially overwhelming outcomes!




Check back next week for information about the next book on the 2009 Teens' Top Ten Nominations list!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Teens Top Ten Nominations - Wake by Lisa McMann

This week's book is Wake by Lisa McMann!




Going to sleep isn't a big deal for most of us, but for Janie, falling asleep means getting sucked into other people's dreams. The supernatural ability she's always considered a nuisance quickly becomes a nightmare when she blunders into a dream and witnesses a murder.




Check back next week for information about the next book on the 2009 Teens' Top Ten Nominations list!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Teens Top Ten Nominations - Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

This week's book is Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott!

From Booklist:

Marriott's second fantasy creates its own world with a complex history of civil war, racial struggles, and religious beliefs. Fifteen-year-old Zira, raised by the Ruan people, bears facial scars and buried memories of her true heritage—she is the hidden heir to the kingdom of Sedorne, ruled by her despotic uncle Abheron. Being half Ruan herself, she represents the possibility of a union between the indigenous Ruan and the occupying Sedorne. When Abheron sends his troops to destroy her home, Zira learns the truth about her identity and sees a glimmer of hope to overthrow Abheron through marriage with a Sedorne lord. Readers of Tamora Pierce will happily immerse themselves in a character not unlike Alanna: a headstrong, feisty teen who glories in physical combat and longs for (and finds) a true soul mate. Marriott’s writing is smooth and compelling; lush descriptions are balanced with plenty of fast-paced battles. A satisfying read for fantasy lovers, with rich backstory, lavish costumes, and a happy ending. Grades 7-11. --Debbie Carton



Check back next week for information about the next book on the 2009 Teens' Top Ten Nominations list!