Hen Hud Free Teens BlogSpace

Harry Potter Film Wizardry & more summer titles!

2011-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter Film Wizardry: "Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series, and learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really 'minted,' how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind the Hogwarts castle...transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing filmmaking secrets, unpublished photography and artwork and exclusive stories from the stars."
It's just a gorgeous book to spend some time with!

Gayle Forman (If I Stay) has a new book...Where She Went...Adam is an LA rock star, Mia is a rising star at Juilliard...they meet again in NYC for one night to rekindle an old romance and see where it leads....

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Invincible: Chronicles of Nick, introduces this New York Times bestselling author to a teen audience...she has had more than 50 novels on bestseller lists and is one of the preeminent voices in paranormal fiction!

You might know actress Elizabeth Berkley from TV's "Saved by the Bell," and now she has her first book in print, Ask Elizabeth: Real answers to everything you secretly wanted to ask about love, friends, your body, ...and life in general. She is the founder of Ask Elizabeth (Ask-Elizabeth.com), a not-for-profit org that runs self-esteem workshops to empower girls 11-18. We think she must have some good advice and experiences to share!

Birth Marked by Caragh M. O'Brien introduces 16-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who believes it is her duty to hand over a small quota of babies to the Enclave...but whose beliefs are shattered when her own parents are arrested.

Jordan Sonnenblick's new novel, After Ever After, is a tale of cancer survival -- Jeffrey is a teen in remission with one friend hatching a secret, crazy plan for eighth-grade graduation...and a hot new girl friend who thinks he's totally cute!

In the mood for a suspenseful love story? Try The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting...Violet is falling in love and discovering the identity of a killer at the same time!

Nothing by Janne Teller has won numerous awards this year and been described as "chilling, provocative, shocking, all the marks of a classic." Worth a try?

Interested in the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? Take a look at Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur, a beautiful new graphic novel by a writer of X-Men, Doctor Who, and Starship Troopers.

Scars is an emotional, read-in-one-sitting account of Kendra's path to the truth about her abusive childhood. It is a story of a teen's ultimate strength and survival.

Look for these and many other new titles on the shelves of our Teen Room...let us know what you enjoyed!

And coming up this summer --

book clubs, teen films, sushi, and manga drawing!

Info to come!

Ready for a summer read?

2011-04-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a new book on the teen shelf -- mark it down for a summer read -- or just pick it up right now!

When Henry and Eva head off to their dream summer camps--Henry to Florida for tennis, Eva to NYC for ballet--the heat is on...not only are these camps a proving ground for kids who want to make it in the pro worlds of tennis and dance, but it's the first time these two best friends have been separated.

See if these two friends can make the grade and have a summer to remember in

Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best by Maria Padian.

And even more...

2011-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Blessed, Cynthia Leitich Smith: The author blends the casts of her previous books, Tantalize and Eternal, in a delicious new dark fantasy with a nod to Count Dracula.

A Girl, A Ghost, and the Hollywood Hills, Lizabeth Zindel: A Hamlet-inspired ghost story set in California! Holly's mom died less than a year ago and already her sister has taken over her movie production company, her house, and now her husband, too. By the author of Girl of the Moment and The Secret Rites of Butterflies.

The Winds of Heaven, Judith Clarke: A story of friendship between two young women and the small tragedies that could tear them apart.

Famous, Todd Strasser: Jamie is well on her way to be the youngest paparazzo in New York when one of her shots lands on the cover of People magazine...but what price is she really willing to pay to get everything she's ever wanted?

Five Flavors of Dumb, Antony John: Piper has the chance to manage the hottest new rock band at her high school. There's only one problem--she can't tell if they are any good: it's hard to judge music when you're deaf--but you can discover your inner rock star.

Badd, Tim Tharp: Ceejay's brother Bobby is home from his last tour in Iraq, but he's changed from the most charming boy in town to a desperate and reckless risk taker. Can she muster the strength to help him and her family?

Trouble Maker, Janet & Alex Evanovich: An action adventure mystery graphic novel takes Barnaby and Hooker deep into Miami and South Florida, surviving voodoo, explosions, a high-speed swamp chase and Hooker's mom!

More new books, plus manga!

2011-03-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

We now have the Chobits, Megatokyo, and Comic Party series on the Graphic Novels shelf...

And here are some more new books for Spring reading from many well-known authors:

The Eagle of the Ninth (The Roman Britain Trilogy, Book One), Rosemary Sutcliff: The book the recent film The Eagle was based on, a tale of Great Britain in the Roman era. What happened to the Ninth Legion after it marched into the northern mists in AD 117...?

Spray, Harry Edge: A water gun assassin game goes awry on city streets...watch your back!

Rival, Sara Bennett Wealer: Kathryn and Brooke used to be best friends...but in high school you can't always count on friendship. Great reviews for this one from Sara Zarr and Lauren Myracle.

Entice, Carrie Jones: If you enjoyed Need and Captivate, Entice should be next on your list....

Sugar and Spice (An LA Candy Novel), Lauren Conrad: The author's next in the series of stories about young Hollywood and their loves and losses.

Angry Young Man, Chris Lynch: Alexander's older brother Robert may be the only one who can save him from going down a path toward dangerous behavior, taken from today's headlines.

Orchards, Holly Thompson: Told in beautiful poetry and highlighted by evocative artwork, this is the story of Kana's summer in Japan with her relatives, and lessons she learns about culture, tradition, and friendship.

The Queen of Water, Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango: Based on a true story of an Ecuadorian child sold into servitude; she teaches herself to read and write and holds on to her spirit and humor through very difficult times.

Teen Room Grand Opening a Success!

2011-02-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the BMMS and HHHS students who performed for us at our grand opening celebration for our new Teen Room last evening. The audience so appreciated the students' talents -- and it was wonderful that everyone there could see our new teen space! Stop by to see it and enjoy!

New Young Adult Titles Just In!

2011-02-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Here are titles of some new books you should take a look at:

Kim Harrison, Early to Death, Early to Rise: Madison is 17, dead, and in charge of heaven's dark angels.
Suzanne Weyn, Empty: What will happen when we run out of oil?
Gloria Whelan, See What I See: Kate begins art school, but has to get to know her famous and reclusive artist father when she moves in with him.
Eileen Cook, The Education of Hailey Kendrick: Perfect student Hailey risks everything to break a very big rule in a very public way...
Wendy Delsol, Stork: A paranormal tale mixed with folklore has 16-year-old Katla moving from LA to "mysterious Minnesota?"
Laura McNeal, Dark Water: A National Book Award Finalist about the California wildfires and Pearl's friendship and forbidden romance.
Judy Blundell, Strings Attached: Kit Corrigan flees to NYC in 1950 and becomes trapped in a web of love, deceit, intrigue, and murder. (Can't wait to read this one! Loved her last one, National Book Award Winner What I Saw and How I Lied.)
Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, Beautiful Darkness: Enter the secret world of Gatlin, first written about in Beautiful Creatures.
Phillip Reeve, Fever Crumb: Great reviews for this new steampunk novel. Might be a good choice for our teen book club??
Patrick Ness, Monsters of Men: Book Three of Chaos Walking series (enough said!)
Denise Jaden, Losing Faith: Brie tries to cope with her older sister's sudden death by learning more about her life.
Elizabeth Chandler, The Back Door of Midnight: Are Anna's family's supernatural gifts real or are they just crazy?
Margie Gelbwasser, Inconvenient: Fifteen-year-old Alyssa tries to cope with her mother's increasingly out-of-control alcoholism by covering for her and pretending things are normal.
April Lindner, Jane: A modern take on the classic Jane Eyre in which Jane works for a rock star! (This is on my list!)
Orson Scott Card, Pathfinder: By the author of Ender's Game, a new science fiction/time travel thriller.
Walter Dean Myers & Ross Workman, Kick: Kevin is 13-years-old and a star striker for his New Jersey soccer team -- what is he doing on his way to juvenile hall?
Sophie Littlefield, Banished: this thriller takes you from small-town Missouri to the big city as Hailey battles an evil greater than she ever imagined.
Anne-Laure Bondoux, A Time of Miracles: A heartbreaking tale of exile, sacrifice, hope, and survival across war-torn Europe.

Let us know if you read any of these and what you think!

YES! FREE downloadable music for YOU!

2011-02-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

With your Hendrick Hudson Free Library card, you now have access to Freegal, a database that lets you download music onto any MP3 player, including iPods, and can be loaded into you iTunes. It is compatible with both PCs and Macs. All you do is sign onto the site through our web page (www.henhudfreelibrary.org) using your library card number: browse the Artist A-Z list or the various genre lists, and find a song you like by listening to a sample clip. This will be easy for all of you! Download up to three songs per week per library card.

And, hey, it's legal!!

Hi and Welcome Back to our blog!

2011-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

Just finished Matched by Ally Condie, very much like The Giver, about a future where those in charge will tell us what is best for us and take away all of our decision-making abilities. Good reading for a snowy day. Check out www.Matched-Book.com. Engrossing and recommended...

Beginning our book club selection, Life As We Know It, today and looking forward to our meeting Feb. 17th! Have you registered and picked up your book yet?

Kaplan SAT Practice Test Saturday, 10 am...get your practice here!

TEEN ROOM GRAND OPENING FEB. 17th at 7:30 pm -- snacks and performances by middle school and high music groups to celebrate! The Teen Room is for YOU, so come help us celebrate!

2009 Teen Summer Reading Games Come to an End

2009-08-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a recap of our winners in this summer's reading games for teens:

Week One: Erica Noreika
Week Two: Shannon Stinson
Week Three: Jazz Munitz
Week Four: Erica Noreika
Week Five: Jazz Munitz

Altogether, this group read 23 books. Some of the titles they enjoyed and recommended are: The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, by David Lubar; The Summer I Turned Pretty, by Jenny Han; Crash, by Jerry Spinelli; B is for Beer, by Tom Robbins; Before, After, and Somebody In Between, by Jeannine Garsee; The Fortunes of Indigo Skye, by Deb Caletti.
They won prizes from Dunkin' Donuts, The Purple Monkey, Carvel, About Face of Westchester, and The Blue Pig. Thanks to all for participating!

Don't forget our Hudson River Photo Contest -- you can submit your work until August 14.
We are showing Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG) Thursday 8/13 at 5:30 pm with snacks! Bring your friends!

And we have two more summer game days, August 20 and 27...Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Teen Summer Reading Game Week One

2009-07-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have participated in our Reading Game this week. Our Week One Winner is Erica Noreika, who will cool off with her prize of a Dunkin' Donuts gift card. Erica is doing lots of reading this summer -- she recommends Crazy Hot by Melissa de la Cruz (three teens end up spending the summer in the Hamptons as au pairs), The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (Nanny tries to maintain the mental health of a four-year-old as well as herself), Wicked by Sara Shepard (Ali's killer is finally in jail, or is he?), and 3 Willows by Ann Brashares (the friendship of Polly, Jo and Ama). She probably would not recommend I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle (Dennis Cooverman announces in his graduation speech that he loves Beth Cooper -- he won't do that again -- he's almost killed by Beth's angry boyfriend and finds out one of his friends isn't really gay.)

Our other reading game entrants this week included Jamie Spock who recommends Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: "about Melinda's journey to find her voice and the courage to speak out against what happened to her." Jazz Munitz read A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban -- in which Zoey realizes that "sometimes the best thing isn't what she wanted in the beginning."

Tonight is our Teen Jewelry Beading class and Thursday is our showing of Inkheart (PG-13) -- hope to see you there!

Summer is finally here!

2009-06-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

We're planning a great summer here at the library! Just pick up one of our TEENS! bookmarks to see all the programs on our schedule just for you!

Pick up a free copy of Crash by Jerry Spinelli when you sign up for our Young Adult Book Club. Come to one of our discussions on either July 28 4-5 pm or August 6 6:30 - 7:30 pm and let us know what you think of this book.

Our Teen Summer Reading Game begins July 6 and runs through August 7 -- just read your books, write a short review, and you may win a prize that week! Stop at the Reference Desk to enter.

Don't forget Thursday is Game Day for Teens -- bring your friends to our cool community room to play Wii, Playstation and board games and rev up your energy with snacks and beverages. Starts at 3:30 on June 25; July 9, 23, 30; and August 6, 20, 27.

We're showing two movies this summer just for teens: July 16 watch Inkheart, and August 13 see Confessions of a Shopaholic. Both movies start at 5 pm and there will be lots of snacks!

Wouldn't you love a new necklace and bracelet? Sign up for our July 13th Jewelry Beading Class with some friends and chat the night away while you make beautiful new jewelry!

Are you into photography? Our Hudson River Photo Contest begins July 1st. There are separate categories for high school and middle school students -- high school students can win a gift certificate to Best Buy, and middle school students can win a movie theatre gift card -- and everyone can see how talented you are when your work is displayed! Go for it!

We're got so many new teen books on the shelves, as well as great older ones, and copies from your school reading lists. And all those DVDs and CDs to enjoy over the summer when you have free time! Be sure to visit and let us know what you are enjoying!

Here are some new titles just in, some from authors you've read before:

A Kiss in Time, Alex Flinn
Envy: A Luxe Novel, Anna Godbersen
Camilla, Madeleine L'Engle
Touch, Francine Prose
Unbelievable: A Pretty Little Liars Novel, Sara Shepard
Wicked: A Pretty Little Liars Novel, Sara Shepard
A Mango-Shaped Space, Wendy Mass
The Chosen One, Carol Lynch Williams
Same Difference, Siobhan Vivian
Baseball Great, Tim Green

The First Week of Book Club!

2009-02-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Our YA Book Clubs meet this week Tuesday 4 pm and Thursday 6:30 pm. Please review Big Mouth and Ugly Girl and come ready to chat and have some fun!

New titles that have arrived on our shelves:

The Illustrated Wee Free Men: A Story of Discworld, Terry Pratchett -- a lavishly illustrated edition of the first story in the Discworld series.

Play Me, Laura Ruby -- The adventures of Eddy and his online hit TV show, Riot Grrl 16.

Alis, Naomi Rich --Alis is involved in a chain of events that leaves her imprisoned for a crime she did not commit.

Perpetual Check, Rich Wallace -- Alternating points of view between brothers, this story brings chess to life in a story about competition and family loyalty.

The Trouble with Cupid, Laura Langston -- None of her dog-training experience has prepared Erin for Cupid, the laziest, most unlovable dog that ever woofed!

Flygirl, Sherri L. Smith -- When the US enters WWII, the army forms a group called the WASP--Women Airforce Service Pilots--and Ida finally sees her chance to do what she loves and help her brother who is stationed overseas. An unusual story about a woman with a dream to fly.

Love is Hell, Melissa Marr and others -- Supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers.

Possession, Chris Humphreys -- The thrilling conclusion to the Runestone Saga, the final choice between everlasting life and the necessity of death....

The Center of the Universe: Yep, that would be ME, Anita Liberty -- A book about being a teenager. Being a teenager sucks! Enjoy the book.

Cold days, but it's always warm in the library!

2009-02-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

If you don't know where to go on a cold day, you can always find a cozy spot at the library...and later today you can even play Wii Guitar Hero and sports games, as well as board games, at Thursday is Game Day for Teens at 3:30 pm.

Bring your friends to enjoy snacks and relax after school.

Here are some more new books just out of the box...

Losers, Matthue Roth -- Jupiter knows everyone thinks of him as a loser, but he's finally going to be on the winning side.

Vampire Dreams: an SAT vocabulary novel, Tyche -- A thirst for blood, a taste for brunettes...and an unusually large vocabulary...

Revealers, Amanda Marrone -- By day, Jules and her friends seem like typical high school seniors. By night, they have the power to make werewolves, vampires, and ghosts reveal themselves, so they can destroy them.

Sister Wife, Shelley Hrdlitschka -- Celeste lives in an isolated rural community where at fifteen she will be assigned to a husband who already has multiple wives. She wants something more for herself but feels powerless to change her destiny...

What World is Left, Monique Polak -- Anneke and her family have been taken from their home in Holland to Theresienstadt, a "model" concentration camp...despite hunger, pain, and fear, Anneke learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes to survive.

Burn, Suzanne Phillips -- Bullied during his freshman year, Cameron's anger and isolation grows, leading to deadly consequences.

Torn to Pieces, Margot Mcdonnell -- Anne's mother has always been quirky, but when she disappears Anne learns dark secrets that could put them both in danger. In the style of Caroline Cooney and Lois Duncan, this fast-paced page-turner will keep you guessing.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Prepare to be shocked! -- You'll love this look at the world's weirdest facts , astonishing photographs, remarkable people, and amazing stories!

Twilight Party ... and New Books and Programs Coming Your Way...

2009-01-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated New Year to you all!

The BIG news is -- we've just scheduled a TWILIGHT PARTY to coincide with the DVD release of the film! Be there March 26, 3:30 pm, dressed as your favorite vampire or werewolf, so we can watch the movie, have vampire-inspired snacks, play Cullen trivia, and more! Bring your friends to share your love of TWILIGHT! Registration begins March 12.

Just want to keep you current on some new books that have come in ....

Return to Sender, Julia Alvarez-- a hopeful novel about Mexican migrant workers saving a Vermont farm.

Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write, Victoria Hanley -- a perfect book for any teen who is really interested in writing fiction. Includes interviews with lots of successful writers.

cracked up to be, Courtney Summers -- When "Perfect" Parker Fadley starts drinking and failing classes, nobody would have guessed she's turn out like this...but nobody knows the truth...something horrible has happened, and it just might be her fault.

Gankutsuou, The Count of Monte Cristo, Mahiro Maeda -- Based on the acclaimed anime, this manga science fiction version of Dumas' classic is the story of a young man's seduction by evil -- and a grown man's struggle with his past.

Secret Keeper, Mitali Perkins -- Set in Calcutta, India, in the 1970s, this story tells of the relationships among mothers and daughters and sisters, and one young woman's struggle to find her identity and claim her future. From the author of Monsoon Summer.

Blue Flame: Book One of the Perfect Fire Trilogy, K.M. Grant -- A tale of star-crossed lovers, religious intolerance, court intrigue, and mystical landscape.

The Traitor Game, B.R. Collins -- Michael and Francis have played for years in the fantasy world of Evgard, a game they created together. Reality and fantasy collide in this debut novel in which cowardice, loyalty, and danger all play a role in a most unusual friendship.

EON, Dragoneye Reborn, Alison Goodman -- Twelve-year-old Eon, training in Dragon Magic, is actually sixteen-year-old Eona, masquerading for years as a boy so she can train as a Dragoneye. Swordplay, dragon magic, and a hero with a desperate secret!

The Way of the Warrior, Andrew Matthews -- Set in sixteenth-century Japan, this action-packed novel is full of intrigue, suspense, and the excitement of samurai sword fighting.

Triple Shot Bettys in Love, Jody Gehrman -- Geena and Amber's search for true love is bumpy and mystifying...good thing they always have the Triple Shot Betty coffee shack where they serve up espressos the way they'd like their guys -- HOT!

Jet Set, Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman -- Follow average American teen Lucy's adventures at a
boarding school in Switzerland as she deals with her crush on a prince, the "It" clique on campus, and a tabloid disaster.

Firefall, Anna Levine -- Aggie is eighteen and getting ready to do her service for the Israeli Army -- in an elite combat unit. Luckily for Aggie, her backbreaking, sand-in-mouth, completely-lost-in-the-desert training produces an unlikely dividend: friends. The kind she never imagined she could have. The kind you'd go to war with--and for.

Gamer Girl, Mari Mancusi -- In the game world, Maddy can transform herself from regular outcast high school student to Allora, a beautiful Elfin princess with magical powers to take down enemies with a snap of her fingers and a wave of her wand. But a real gamer girl understands that real life comes first....

Everything Beautiful in the World, Lisa Levchuk -- The only good thing about having a mother with cancer is that people are willing to let you get away with pretty much anything. A piercing story about decisions and how life and love can lead us down unexpected paths.

Mortal Coils, Eric Nylund -- From an author of the Halo series, the first book in an epic series about twins Eliot and Fiona, the offspring of a goddess and Lucifer, Prince of Darkness.

The Comet's Curse, Dom Testa --A group of teens are sent into space to save mankind. Will they succeed? Or they on a death ship?

And some titles to help you with school projects or just expand your knowledge:

Defining Moments: the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Compact Research: Drug Legalization

Check here for more great books and programs coming soon!

New Books for You

2008-12-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Here's some brand-new titles I've just put on the YA shelves...

Bonechiller, Graham McNamee -- It's really cold in Canada...Danny and his friends stumble on a centures-old nightmare. They start seeing things. Impossible things. In this frozen wasteland, something is hunting them down. And in winter, there is no escape from Harvest Cove...

The Devil's Breath (A Danger Zone Book), David Gilman -- His father is missing. He's an assasin's target. He has one clue. And no time. He's Max Gordon. And someone wants him dead.

Dark Dude, Oscar Hijuelos -- Rico Fuentes trades Harlem for Wisconsin, giving up on a big part of his identity. For anyone who loved The Outsiders--and for anyone who's ever felt like one--Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Oscar Hijuelos brings to life a haunting choice and an unforgettable journey about identity, misidentity, and all that we take with us when we run away.

The Devouring, Simon Holt -- The existence of Vours, supernatural creatures who feast on fear and attack on the winter solstice, becomes a terrifying reality for fifteen-year-old Reggie when she begins to suspect that her timid younger brother might be one of their victims.

War Is...soldiers, survivors, and storytellers talk about war, Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell, editors -- Is war noble? or is it delusional? Should it be obsolete? Or is it inevitable? Contains nearly twenty pieces of fiction and nonfiction as varied and complex as war itself. A must-read for young citizens living in a dangerous world.

And these new Graphic Novels:

Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons -- One of Time Magazine's 100 Best Novels, "The Most Celebrated Graphic Novel of All Time," Soon to be a major motion picture in March, 2009.
Follow two generations of masked superheroes from the close of WWII to the icy shadow of the Cold War.

Houdini, The Handcuff King, Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi -- A living picture of Harry Houdini, the famed escape artist.

Isadora Duncan, a graphic biography, Sabrina Jones --Learn about the dramatic life of this pioneering modern dancer who captivated the world.

Lindbergh Child, America's Hero and the Crime of the Century, Rick Geary -- Soon after Charles Lindbergh's daring solo crossing the Atlantic, his baby is abducted...retrace all the events, blackmail notes, and colorful characters...unfortunately without a happy conclusion.

Emily Dickinson, My Letter to the World and other poems -- a beautifully illustrated version of Dickinson's poem shows how art and words can work together.

So come on in and check them out!

For all the "Twilight Fans"

2008-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a link that you all might enjoy...

http://bellabookclub.blogspot.com/

More info soon on all the new titles we have here at the library....

An open view

2008-11-14T07:44:00.001-08:00

An open view, originally uploaded by stefano cipriani.

Doesn't this look like a beautiful spot to spend some time?

What I've been doing: learning about flickr and RSS feeds...though I'm not sure where I will find the time in the day to read all of the blogs I have subscribed to! I will now get blog postings each day from PETA, The New York Times, Young Adult book sites, and lots more! Stop by the library and I'll show you how you can get info daily from your favorite sites!

Beautiful!

2008-10-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by micxs032.

As the weather gets cooler...this is where I would love to visit!

Teen Read Week October 12-18

2008-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

The theme for 2008 Teen Read Week is Books with Bite...so, at the beginning of this week you'll see displays of vampire and other spooky-type books ... later in the week we'll see what other kinds of "bites" we can come up with! Stop by... I'm sure you'll find something you'll like!

Remember to sign up beginning October 20 for Jewelry Beading for Teens. That workshop is scheduled for Monday November 3 at 7 pm and there is a $15 materials fee. It's worth it -- you and your friends will have a fun time and come away with something beautiful!

Banned Books Week Sept. 27 - Oct. 4

2008-09-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

I know you've discussed Banned Books Week in school -- some of you are even reading a banned book and working on assignments at the moment. BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.

Check out the Facebook and MySpace links below for ideas about other books to read, issues to think about, and reviews from your peers.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Banned-Books-Week/20181651661

http://www.myspace.com/bannedbooksweek

Also, please feel free to post reviews of books you've read right here!

More Reviews

2008-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some reviews from our Teen Summer Reading Game:

Erica Noreika gave an "Excellent" rating to Cecily von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl and updates us on the story: S is back from boarding school, Nate is slipping from Blair's grasp, and Chuck has a new victim?

Erica gave a "Good" rating to Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser and tells the plot: Brendan and Gary were always being teased so they steal a small arsenal of guns from a neighbor and take their classmates hostage at the school dance.

The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike received a "Very Good" rating from Erica: Alisa Deme is a 5,000-year-old vampire. For ages she has hunted humanity, but now someone hunts her...perhaps another vampire? Alisa is not sure...she thought she was the last of her kind!

Jamie Spock gave a "Very Good" rating to In Mozart's Shadow by Carolyn Meyer: "Nannerl" Mozart's story: her struggle for her father's affections and her desire to have a music career.

Try these books this summer! And check out the list of books on the YALSA poster in the YA section for the Teens Top Ten Nominees for Teen Read Week!

The Heat is ON!

2008-07-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a super hot weather week! Hope you found some shade and got lost in a good book...

Our winner of the Teen Summer Reading Game this week is Chantal Noreika -- congratulations!

Jamie Spock recommends Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser: The main character is, you guessed it, Marie Antoinette. She becomes Dauphine, then Queen of France. She lived like a rock star and unknowingly sealed her doom. Richly detailed and a great book.

Sign-up begins today for No-Cook Healthy Snacks for Teens -- if you are in town August 4th, don't miss it!

Summer Reading Game is On!

2008-07-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who wrote reviews for the first week of the summer reading game. Congratulations to Week One Winner Jamie Spock --she won a gift certificate to About Face of Westchester! Here's what Jamie wrote about Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb: This moving and funny book is about a girl who struggles with her mother's death, her father's health, her annoying sister, and her first love. A must read!

Chantal Noreika read Unbelievable by Sara Shepard: Spencer, Emily, Aria, and Hannah try to figure out who is sending them frightening test messages signed with an "A". This "A" is impersonating their dead best friend Ali and knows everything about them. All their little secrets are being told...turning their perfect privileged lives upside down. Hannah gets hit by a black SUV moments before she is able to tell her friends who "A" is...when after a couple of weeks of no communication with "A" they get a frightening text message: "she knew too much--A" just moments after Hannah gets hit....

Other books read this week by entrants included More Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz, Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer.

What will you read and review this week?

Our Teen Journal Writing Workshop last Monday was lots of fun...participants decorated their journals, talked about what to include in their journals in the future, enjoyed pizza and brownies, and went home with some beautiful prizes.

Please don't forget to sign up beginning July 21 for No Cook Healthy Snacks for Teens (August 4, 6:30 pm) -- it will be a great hands-on class with lots of tasting and recipes to bring home. Ask some friends to come with you and make it a party!

Teen Summer Reading Game Goes Live!

2008-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

As part of our Reading Games this summer, YOU can be the reviewer. After you've completed an entry form for the weekly prizes, please send a review of the books you've read to hhfl@live.com. We'll post your review right here on this blog for all to see!

Find out about books your friends have read, and let them read about the books you've found, whether you've liked them or not!

Reading Games start July 7 and end August 8. You must be ages 12-17 and have a current Westchester Library System card. Books you read and write about must be available in the Westchester Library System.

Remember, enter each week to win prizes! Come to the Reference Desk for entry forms and contest rules. No registration required.

HAPPY SUMMER AND HAPPY READING!

Hot Summer Events for Teens at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library

2008-05-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this weekend's program,
KABOOM: The History of Movie Special Effects,
Sunday, June 1, 2 pm
Journalist Clive Young presents an exciting program tracing the history of film visual effects, using clips from King Kong, Metropolis, The Wizard of Oz, Independence Day, and more. The "Death Star" battle of Star Wars will be shown with the original 1977 version and the computer-enhanced 2004 version presented simultaneously, with jaw -dropping results! Discussion is aimed at teens and adults; material screened is appropriate for the whole family. Call the circulation desk to register.

Teen Summer Reading Game returns July 7 to August 8. Read for prizes!

Dog Day at the Library: July 12, 10 am – 1 pm.
(Registration begins June 27.)
Families and their dogs are invited to attend this unique event on the library front lawn. Both human and canine ambassadors will be present from the Elmsford Animal Shelter, Greyhound Rescue and Rehab, K-9 unit of the New York State Troopers, and others. Learn about canine care and how you can help these worthwhile organizations. All those attending with their pets must be registered.

Teen Journal Writing Workshop: July 14, 6:30 pm.
(Registration begins June 30.)
Had enough of sharing your private stuff online? Join us at the library to decorate a personal journal or diary, share ideas, and have snacks and giveaways. We’ll also have our most recent books on display for you to try! Sign up with some friends! For ages 12 and up.

No-Cook Healthy Snacks for Teens: August 4, 6:30 pm.
(Registration begins July 21.)
Learn how to prepare healthy snacks that will maintain your energy while satisfying sweet cravings. You won’t reach for a candy bar after Personal Chef Laurie Gershgorn of Healthy Culinary Creations teaches you how to prepare no-cook snacks using healthy ingredients. Class will include lecture, demonstration, recipes, and tastings! For ages 12 and up.

Kaplan PSAT Practice Test and Review: August 9, 10 am – 12:30 pm.
(Registration begins July 25.)
A practice test is one of the best ways to prepare for the real thing. Know exactly what to expect on test day; get a complete analysis of your results; and learn exclusive strategies to improve your scores. Results workshop Thursday, August 14 at 6 pm.

Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose (914) 739-5654

Great Programs Coming!

2008-04-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

What a great turnout we had for our Jewelry Beading for Teens class last night with Teddy Levielle! You all made beautiful beaded chokers that we're sure you'll wear all spring, summer and beyond...

Here are some of our upcoming programs you might enjoy:

Artistic Collage Cards, May 5, 7 pm: Create one-of-a-kind cards for birthdays and special occasions using ribbons, flowers, metallic threads, lace, etc. Open to all ages. Register beginning April 21. $5.00 materials fee due by April 28.

Teen Summer Reading Games, July 7 - August 8: Read for prizes!

Journal Writing Workshop, July 14, 6:30 pm: Discover how writing down your personal thoughts in your own journal can be more satisfying and definitely more PRIVATE then writing them in an online diary or blog. Complain, congratulate, gripe, commend, whine, applaud yourself all you want, and no one can see it! Journals and diaries are a great way to deal with stress and work through problems. Author Meg Cabot uses her teenage journals as a resource for her novels! We'll supply the journal for you to decorate, share some ideas about journaling, and have snacks and giveaways. Sign up with some friends! Registration begins June 30.

No-Cook Healthy Snacks for Teens, August 4, 6:30 pm: Would you like to learn how to prepare delicious snacks? Do you want to maintain your energy while satisfying sweet cravings? You won’t reach into your backpack for a candy bar after personal chef Laurie Gershgorn teaches you how to prepare no-cook snacks using healthy ingredients. Class will include lecture, demonstration, recipes, and tastings. Registration begins July 21.

Kaplan PSAT Practice Test and Review, August 9, 10 am and August 14, 6 pm: Take a free practice PSAT (the real one will be given October 18 for high school juniors), then get feedback on your results. Registration begins July 25.

If you want to know more, just speak to the Reference Librarian.

Recap of Summer 2007 and New School Year!

2007-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello! We all had a very busy summer here at the library. Our Teen Summer Reading Game was very popular -- we had 66 entries over the four weeks, and four of you won prizes! Here are some of the books you enjoyed:

The Au Pairs, Delacruz

All American Girl, How to be Popular, and Pants on Fire, Cabot

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Sheldon

The Young Man and the Sea, Philbrick

Shelf Life, Corbet

Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore, Nixon

True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet, Douglas

Heartland: Beyond the Horizon, Brooke

Throwing Like a Girl, Mackey

Inkheart, Funke

Stargirl, Spinelli

Clique novels, Harrison

A Passion for Ice Cream, Luchetti

Uglies, Specials, and Pretties, Westerfield

Confessions, Brian

Hit the Road, Cooney

My Sister's Keeper, Picoult

And in June, we showed Ghost Rider for Teen Flicks Friday (with lots of great snacks!) -- look for more movies for teens during the winter.

Keep your eyes open for programs this fall...

For high school juniors and seniors, it would be a good idea to attend our College Interviewing Workshop for Teens, Wednesday, 11/7 at 7 p.m. An experienced college admissions counselor will help you present yourself in the best way to the colleges of your choice. Parents are welcome to attend, registration begins 10/24.

Here are some other library programs OPEN FOR TEENS offered in the next few months:

Watercolor Tissue Paper Collage Painting 9/24 7 p.m.
Autumn Pumpkin Arrangement 10/17 7 p.m.
Odyssey Writing Group 9/17, 10/16, 11/13 7 p.m.
Aroma*Fitness 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26, 1/2 7:30-9 p.m.
Digital Photography 11/1, 11/8 7 p.m.
Call the library at 739-5654 to register for these classes.

We also now have PLAYAWAYS, an entire book pre-loaded digitally on an MP3 player the size of a deck of cards -- All you need are headphones!
Come in to try one out!

Remember to check with us for your research needs for classes!

That's it for now, more lists of new books to come...

Some new books

2007-03-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to note some new items on our shelves:

Now You See Her, Jacquelyn Mitchard -- this bestselling author of adult and children's books has written her first teen title about Hope, a sophomore who has won the lead in her high school play opposite a dreamy co-star, and then fakes her own abduction?! We have to see how this one turns out...

What Are My Rights?, Judge Tom Jacobs -- 95 questions and answers about teens and the law...when you think things are just not fair, and what you might be able to do about it...

Also, don't forget to submit your poems for our Poetry Share Wall in April!

Share the Beat! -- Mark your calendar!

2007-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Just got word of a great concert coming our way --

Share the Beat! A Benefit for Music Education

Sunday, April 22 at 2 pm at The Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill

This concert will feature local musical performers and is designed to raise money for Hendrick Hudson School District music programs. You'll see Hendrick Hudson HS music students, The Westchester Chordsmen, Standing Room Only, KJ Denert Band, Matt Turk Electric Trio, Open Book, Kathleen Pemble Band, and Fred Gillen and the Hope Machine.

Tell your family and especially your friends -- more info to come!

Crochet and lots to read

2007-02-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

There is still room in our Teen Crochet class that starts next Monday at 6:30...learning something new and ending up with something you can really use is a great break from school work...and keep in mind that crocheting and knitting are very popular in college -- you can really express yourself and make unique gifts! Call the library, 739-5654, ASAP.

Here are some new books on our Young Adult shelves:

The Smart Student's Guide to Healthy Living: How to Survive Stress, Late Nights and the College Cafeteria, Smith -- I think that's self explanatory....

Odd Man Out, Ellis -- A funny novel about Kip and the old black binder he finds that unlocks the mysteries of his dead father.

Notes on a Near-Life Experience, Birdsall -- As 15-year-old Mia's family life crumbles, her love life becomes more and more complicated.

The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1, Haarsma -- Orphan John can enter any computer with his mind in this new sci-fi series that launches readers into a universe of power, intrigue, and cyber-fueled adventure.

The Possibility of Fireflies, Paul -- A young girl in the summer of 1987 is part of a family drama of chaos, dysfunction, sorrow, and finally, humor.

Hellbent, McGowan -- "A brilliantly nauseating thriller," according to the London Times. What more could you want??

Find these and lots of other new and old great books at your library!

2007-02-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Well, here we all are back at work after a well-deserved snow day! Personally, I hope we don't get more snow this winter (such a pain to drive in and clean up after), but I know we need snow for water in the lakes and reservoirs for Spring and Summer. In the end it's not my decision anyway, now is it?!

The Teen Crochet Workshop for ages 12 and up is scheduled for the four Mondays in March, 5, 12, 16, and 26, at 6:30 pm. Parents are welcome, too, if accompanying a teen. Registration begins tomorrow, with a $10 materials fee due by Feb. 26, for crochet hook, yarn, and instruction book. You'll purchase the yarn yourself for the string bag we're making. At the end of the four sessions, you should know how to crochet basic stitches and read a pattern. And our instructor, Terry Jersey, a children's librarian, is available at the library for advice even after the class is over -- maybe we can even schedule another class if everyone wants. It will be fun, so register soon and tell a friend!

We produced some beautiful decorated jeans and shirts at the party last Friday to celebrate the final book of the Sisters of the Traveling Pants series. We talked about the book a bit, enjoyed some snacks, listened to music, and used lots of glitter and fabric paints. Maybe next time we'll make decorated denim purses...hmmmm...

Lots of new books have come in for middle schoolers and older teens. I'm also in the process of compiling some lists to make bookmarks to make your choosing easier. Look out for those...

I recently received a list from HHHS English 9 teachers for an Independent Reading Project for Romeo and Juliet. Please be aware that most of the titles on the list are available either at our library or can be ordered through the library system and get to you in a few days. Just ask at the reference desk!

That's it for now, Elise

Happy New Year!

2007-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since my last post -- I've been so busy planning events for you and your friends.

We have scheduled a Jeans Decorating Party for February 9 at 4:15 pm to celebrate the new Sisters of the Traveling Pants book. Register at the library with your friends to show your creativity and have some fun! We provide the beads, paints, etc., and some snacks...

In April, we're putting up a Poetry Share Wall for Westchester Reads Poetry -- so please contribute an original poem after March 15th and we'll display it at the library -- be proud of your work!

We've also scheduled a teen crochet series and a teen cartooning workshop -- will fill you in next time! Have a good weekend!

2006-12-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

It's getting colder, and while you're busy with schoolwork due before the break, I'm huddled up with Suite Francaise, a novel that was written during the German occupation of Paris in WWII by an author who was murdered at Auschwitz. Her daughters left France with the manuscript in a suitcase, but couldn't bring themselves to read it for 40 years -- it turns out it is a masterpiece! And one of The New York Times Notable Books of 2006.

Try to get to see your friends perform at one of the HHSD winter music concerts -- the high school orchestra concert last Thursday was beautiful and only took an hour of my time (hint, hint)! Weds eve at 7:30 is the high school treble chorus (I'm told they sound wonderful so I'll be there), and next Weds eve at 7:30 is the high school band concert -- always terrific! The middle school band and orchestra concert is this Thurs eve. Go hear some great music!

Did you know you can come to the library to read the latest issues of Rolling Stone, Mad, Teen People, Sports Illustrated, Seventeen, and Nintendo Power?

Try us out!

2006-11-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, this month has flown by since my last post! So many of you coming in for school reports and projects, etc., that I just haven't had a moment to make an entry.

First of all, a huge congratulations to the Hendrick Hudson Girls' Volleyball Team for their hard work earning a New York State Championship! Watching their games is so exciting, and I plan to be in the stands for many of their games next year.

I've been planning some spring programs for teens -- how about a knit/crochet class or chess instruction? Let me know if these sound like something you and your friends would sign up for...

Books just going on the shelf:

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga -- Fanboy, having a rough sophomore year in high school, is secretly working on his graphic novel, convinced it will bring him fame and fortune, when he meets a kindred spirit in Kyra, aka Goth Girl...

Alabama Moon by Watt Key -- Moon lives as a survivalist in the Alabama woods until he becomes property of the state and is forced to live at a boys' home...

Beka Cooper by Tamora Pierce -- this author brings us another memorable character, a young female crimefighter in a world of magic...

National Geographic Investigates Series: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Inca, Ancient Greece, Ancient China

Have a fun Thanksgiving...enjoy your family and friends!

2006-11-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween...we had more trick or treaters than ever at my home! And we still have lots of leftover candy!

We've just booked a teen program by a comic book artist for March. You'll be able to draw your own comic and then have it made into a book. This program has been given at other libraries around Westchester and has been very popular! Mark your calendars -- watch for reminders in February.

Let's all come out to support our HHHS Girls' Volleyball Team as they play for the Section I Championship Fri 5 pm at Pelham HS...good luck, girls!

Come in this weekend to check out lots of new books!

Talent Show this weekend!

2006-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to come to The Not Necessarily Talented Talent Show at Hendrick Hudson High School this Friday and Saturday nights at 7 pm. You may find out someone you know has hidden talents!

By the way, if you're looking for books for the BMMS "Outlaw Project," you'd better come to the library to put some books on hold right away -- any we had are already out, as are those at the Croton and Peekskill libraries. We'll have to look to buy more books about outlaws in the coming months. (Unfortunately, that doesn't help you!)

Enjoy the weekend!

New Day, New Books

2006-10-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Had a great time Sunday visiting the Stamford Museum and Nature Center for their Halloween Spooktacular and Death by Chocolate Baking Contest (accompanied a friend who works there). Saw the largest pigs ever and some very strange-looking llamas, and watched an otter in his habitat. And some of the brownies were delicious...

Some new books you might like that I'm ordering today:

Sonnenblick, Notes from the Midnight Driver: Alex gets drunk, steals and totals his mom's car, then has to serve 100 hours visiting the crabbiest resident of an old-age home. Come meet a memorable cast of characters...

Mainardi, The Life of Pope John Paul...in Comics! Something to check out!

Vande Velde, All Hallows' Eve: 13 Stories: Halloween fans too old for trick-or-treating will love this one -- creepy and gruesome!

Steele, The Taker: Carly accepts a text message offering nearly perfect SAT scores so she can get into Princeton -- what are the strings attached? And what are the pressures of standardized tests and college admissions?

Flinn, Diva: A follow-up to Underwater, Caitlin's story deals with her obsessions about weight, her new school, and her relationship with her mother. A meaty but fast read...

Hope you find something you enjoy!

HHFL

2006-10-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening of Hen Hud Free Teens BlogSpace!

2006-10-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog! Here we will introduce you to new books purchased for YOU, programs geared to YOU and your friends, tools to help YOU with school assignments, and even info to help YOU with LIFE! It's all a challenge. . .

Feel free to comment and visit often!