How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Doktorski

Why not read a summer book in the fall? Here in Southern Cali. the weather certainly still feels like summer even though we are far into October. This month I read a book from my Goodreads list titled How My Summer Went Up in Flames, and I was very entertained. It was something new, exciting, and sadly real. To read about a young latina who finds herself on a summer road trip with three guy friends after she sets fire to her ex's car, yikes!  As a teen though, her parents want her to learn a lesson or two about controlling her anger. The main character Rosie does find herself going down a path of destruction and so the road trip does her good. Of course, since it is a teen book she finds romance along the way as well. This book starts off being a bit predictable, but then turns in a new direction. Teens will love it. Recommended for grades 9-12 due to some teenage drinking and sensitive topics.

The Way to Game the Walk of Shame by Jenn Nguyen

Loved this book for teens!!! Taylor..the school valedictorian goes on a party drinking mode one random night and hooks up with Evan McKinley...handsome surfboy who is known for locking lips with all the ladies. They make a pact to save their reputations but will the pact stay strictly business? Teens will love the fact that this book doesn't end up like every teen romance novel, the characters are relatable, yet unique and the girl doesn't have to change herself to make a boy fall in love with her.
I also enjoyed the interchanging chapters between Evan and Taylor's thoughts.

Back to School Art Activity

Hello fellow readers! Our library hosted a very cool art activity where we created pencil pouches out of duct tape and zip lock bags. My very talented aide Cristina created these fun pouches by making sheets of duct tape and then sealing them together with washi tape. For the ziplock bag, you simply cover the ziplock bag with the sheets of duct tape. The smaller ones were created with a simply fold. You can check out YouTube videos on duct tape wallets for directions.  The duct tape was purchased at our local Dollar General and we had about 30 guests attend our program.

Belle Epoque

As we reach the end of summer reading, I came across a historical fiction read from our prize bin that I would like to share with you. This book is a great read for 7-9th grades as it touches upon beauty, bullying ( in a different form) and social class. I also think it a great Girl Empowerment Book.
Our protagonist works for a company in France during Belle Epoque. The agency glorifies what we would call a "DUFF" today. The girls are hired to make the rich and beautiful even more rich and beautiful. Maude, the main character learns a lot about herself and the true lesson is that beauty is more than skin deep. Fans of the Luxe series will enjoy this one.

A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom

Teens and summer readers:
Reading about someone with a disorder can open up your eyes to what we think we know, but really don't. I recently read a story about a girl named Mel who had bi-polar disorder. The story starts off slow, however it then rushes to a heavy turning point where she must come to terms with how important taking her meds are and friendships that went down after her brother's death.
If you have a friends with bi-polar disorder... this is a good one to read and share. This character in particular, tried to hide her problems and it only made things worse. How can you help a friend with bi-polar disorder? Just listen.

SUMMER READING IS HERE!!!

Welcome back ! Summer reading programs are soon to be in full swing at your local libraries. Whether you live in Texas or California or practically anywhere all public libraries offer a free summer reading program for children, teens, and adults. YOU CAN WIN PRIZES JUST FOR READING...

Here's a great summer review:

Riptide by Scheibe
For Grace Parker summer means a surf competition and fun with her best friend and secret crush Ford. Her parents however, have a different agenda in mind... get into an Ivy League school and stay out of trouble. Grace has to struggle with going after what she truly wants, even if it means standing up to abuse at home and revealing some true raw feelings. A great teen read for those who love the sand, surf, and some family issues.

Oh Yeah Audrey! by Tucker Shaw

Being a strong Audrey Hepburn fan, I caught myself sidetracked by this light fluffy book. I enjoyed the premise of Gemma and her trip to the glamorous side of New York. I also enjoyed the Audrey fandom and her idea of having a Hepburn themed tour of New York. So... what didn't I enjoy? I found the ending to be a bit rushed and Dusty's character to be a bit flat. All along you know that he is too good to be true, but finding out about him seemed a bit rushed. Also, I wanted Gemma to have the conversation with her dad or at least a text!

I'm wondering ... Do I feel this way because I have watched Breakfast at Tiffany's a million times? Because I'm a 40 year old woman? or because I've been reading non-fiction lately? Perhaps this book may be better off in the hands of a teen. What do you think ?  Be ready readers for a strong beginning and an ending that falls a little short. Three stars...

Get Smart on Art Program 2017

Some of you may know that I currently host a monthly art activity program titled "Get Smart on Art" for the Los Angeles County Library. This week we discussed the life of Leonardo Da Vinci and children were taught how to create a one point perspective piece. I was amazed at the talent portrayed during the lesson. I gained the idea from a great website that teaches children how to create art pieces inspired by famous artists. Thank you elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/ for the idea!

New reading for 2017

Hello fellow readers! I have been trying to catch up on my teen reads this month as we enter 2017. I found a great teen read at a book sale for fans of Audrey Hepburn titled, " Oh Yeah Audrey!" and another that I have been finishing titled, " The Secret Language of Sisters." The latter is a shocking fictional story about a teen who is in a coma due to texting while driving. Let me know what your teens are reading here!
This year, I'm going to try to play around with my blog and gain some more readership. I'll need to ask my hubby f

or help in how to gain an audience. Happy reading everyone.