Rootless by Chris Howard

Book discussion on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 3pm

17-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using scrap metal and salvaged junk, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan’s never seen a real tree—they were destroyed more than a century ago—his father used to tell him stories about the Old World. But that was before his father was taken . . .

Everything changes when Banyan meets a woman with a strange tattoo—a clue to the whereabouts of the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can’t escape the locusts—the locusts that now feed on human flesh.

But Banyan isn’t the only one looking for the trees, and he’s running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he’s forced to make an uneasy alliance with Alpha, an alluring, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might only be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Book discussion on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 3pm

Incarceron — a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology — a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber — chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison — a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device — a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn’s escape is born …

Born of Illusion by Teri Brown

Book discussion on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 3pm

A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums, and mentalists in 1920’s New York. As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini—or so Marguerite claims—sleight of hand illusions have never been a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her own gifts secret from her opportunistic mother. Because while Marguerite’s own powers may be a sham, Anna possesses a true ability to sense people’s feelings and foretell the future.

But as Anna’s powers intensify, she begins to experience frightening visions of her mother in peril, which leads her to explore the powers she’s tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man named Cole moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, she is forced to confront her past and rethink everything she’s ever known. Is her mother truly in danger, or are Anna’s visions merely illusion? And could the great Houdini really be her father, or is it just another of Marguerite’s tricks?

Push by Sapphire

Book discussion on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 3pm

Relentless, remorseless, and inspirational, this “horrific, hope-filled story” (Newsday) is certain to haunt a generation of readers. Precious Jones, 16 years old and pregnant by her father with her second child, meets a determined and highly radical teacher who takes her on a journey of transformation and redemption.

The Teen book discussion group meets in the Central Library Teen Room and all teens are welcome. Throughout the fall we’ll be planning what to read during the spring months, so if anyone would like to join our group and help pick out the next books we read, we would love for you to join us. Snacks are always provided so come hungry!

Please note that some of our TBOM dates have changed for the upcoming months. Below are the new dates for the fall.

Tuesday, October 1st 2013 at 3pm: Burning Blue by Paul Griffen

Wednesday, November 13th 2013 at 3pm: Rogue by Gina Damico (Croak and Scorch are the first two books in this trilogy.)

This date has NOT changed due to the fact that the author, Gina Damico, will be coming to our book discussion! YEAH!

Tuesday, December 10th 2013 at 3pm: The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

Starting July 9th from 11am-1pm we will be having a four week writing workshop with YA author and Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence, Hollis Shore.

Come and learn the nuts and bolts of world building so your stories turn out better than ever!

And yes, there will be pizza!

This workshop will run every Tuesday from July 9th to July 30th.

11am-1pm in the Central Library Teen Room.

PLEASE NOTE:

Our Escape Aveda Salon hair and makeup workshops have switched dates!

Wednesday, June 19th at 3pm will be the MAKEUP workshop.

Thursday, June 20th at 3pm will be the HAIR tips and tricks workshop.

Previously, the makeup workshop was scheduled for Thursday and the hair workshop was scheduled for Wednesday.

For fast updates on the programs and happenings in the Central Library Teen Room, follow us on Twitter: @BPLTeenCentral.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank will be discussed on June 12th at 3pm. June 12th happens to be Anne Frank’s birthday as well! So read the book between now and then and be ready to discuss the book and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate on the 12th.

Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the “Secret Annexe” of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death.
In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier will be discussed on July 3rd at 3pm.

Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill–a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk–Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.
During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death–but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule. Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein will be discussed on August 14th at 3pm.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life’s ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny’s wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pull every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life…as only a dog could tell it.

Teen Tech Week is a time to celebrate, learn more about and use tech resources in your  library!  Take a look at the different techie programs you can participate in this week.

It’s also a time for teen librarians to hear from teens about their current tech interests– anything from books about technology to video games you like to learning skills to be creative with technology. So, come talk to us– we really want to hear from you! Feel free to leave some suggestions in the comment section below, too.

And… if you want to beef up on tech history during the week, check out the blog  This Day in Tech History, which gives you brief information on a significant piece of tech history for each day. Today, in 2008 (a really long time ago, right?) Hulu, the online video streaming website, was first launched.  If you’ve got some other interesting tech facts, post them in the comments.

Enjoy the week!

The survey will be available from Monday, February 25, 2013 to Sunday, March 17, 2013. 

Thank you for your time!

The Central Library Teen Room is hosting the Boston Youth Fund(BYF) on Saturday, February 16th. From 11:30am-2pm we will be having a job fair where Boston resident teens, age 15-17, will be able to register for a summer job through BYF and check out the various organizations that BYF works with.

As the City of Boston’s teen employment program, the Boston Youth Fund provides thousands of Boston teens between the ages of 15 and 17 with job opportunities during the summer months. The Boston Youth Fund participants work in a variety of jobs within community, faith-based, and government agencies. Positions include administrative assistants, mural painters, peer leaders and many more!

At the job fair:

•  More than 100 organizations will be present to talk to about summer job opportunities for Boston resident teens.
• Bringing a resume with you is recommended, but not required.
• Some organizations will either conduct a short onsite interview or will schedule one for another date.
• Computers will be available in the Teen Room for filling out job applications via the Hopeline, and BYF staff will be able to help with the process.

 Boston Youth Fund • Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Below, are two projects that were made that day, a colorful necktie, that really is knotted around Edward Cullen’s neck like a real tie, and a messanger bag that works just as good as anything you can buy in a store! Check them out! And if you’re interested in making anything with duct tape because you missed the exciting workshop, all you need are three basic things: duct tape in colors you love, a pair of tough scissors, and a ruler. Here are two books with fantastic design ideas for everyone:

Ductigami: The Art of the Tape by Joe Wilson

Got Tape by Ellie Schiedermayer

Today kumihimo braiding can also be done on a nice foam disk. Other types of looms or disks are used as well. Kumihimo braiding  is so simple and you can see results rather quickly if you aren’t gabbing with everyone. The following YouTube page has a great tutorial showing how to braid on a Kumihimo foam disk – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suUcFpj4OsA&feature=related.

Why am I telling you all of this… well for Pride Month, on June 20, 2012, the Copley Teen Room Teen/Tween Craft Hour made rainbow braids using a kumihimo disk. We actually ended up making a pretty advanced mode due to the number of strands we used (18 strands). Usually beginners start with 8 strands. And I have to tell you, we did an amazing job. The following are a few pictures of what we made at various stages. It maybe be hard to notice the braids in the pictures but they were there. Also everyone ended up with a slightly different variation than what we started with and really made the braids their own creation.

1. Still on the disk:

2. Finished project

 You can make bracelets, necklaces keychains, fobs for your backpacks and more. You can get even more creative as you continue braiding on the kumihimo disk like using glow in the dark thread/floss or adding beads.  Kumihimo braiding is such a relaxing craft and you can do just about anywhere, even on the bus.  The hardest part is chosing your colors and placement of the strands. I suggest as a beginner to prepare that part at home.