Nyxia Nyxia triad #1 by Scott Reintgen Science Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) When Emmett is chosen, along with 9 other young people, for Babel’s super-secret mission to planet Eden, he can’t believe his luck. The compensation – $50,000/month – will allow him to lift his parents up out of poverty and make possible his mother’s medical treatment. But first he has to survive the training…
It’s a jungle in there! Test your knowledge of the Jumanji movies for a chance to win an AMC gift card (just in time for the release of the newest Jumanji film). Answer the questions below and submit your completed form by December 30, 2019. One winner will be chosen and contacted the first week of January. For grades 6-12.
Participants created fantastical capture jars containing dragons and fairies, and tiny fairy lights in this fun class.
The Toll Arc of a Scythe #3 by Neal Shusterman Science Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The fates of Scythes Anastasia and Lucifer seemed sealed when they sank along with the island of Endura, but a salvage mission into those waters retrieved their deadish bodies and they were revived – 3 years later. Meanwhile, the Scythe Goddard proclaimed himself High Blade, holding dominion over all Scythes, and…
I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Kimi Nakamura has been accepted to a prestigious art school for college, but is having second thoughts about a career as an artist/painter. When her mother finds out she’s dropped her senior painting class, she’s very disappointed and after a few terse interchanges, Kimi accepts an invitation from her estranged grandparents and flies…
Amanda Palczynski, graphic designer and art journalist, shared tips and ideas (plus lots of fun art supplies and stickers) to inspire participants in the creation of their own bullet journals. Popular spreads included monthly calendars, mood trackers, and chores/to-do lists. Everyone went home with a journal and – hopefully – a desire to continue journaling.
Optimists Die First by Susin Nielsen Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Petula blames herself for the death of her younger sister, Maxine. Since she died Petula has become an anxious, germophobic, pessimist who tries to protect herself from the bad stuff by being prepared and expecting the worst. She’s alienated her former friends and seems destined to live out her days in solitary misery. Then Jacob Cohen…
Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker Fantasy Graphic Novel LGBTQ Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Nova Huang is a young witch who is reunited with her childhood friend Tam Lang (pronouns: they, them), a young werewolf, when Tam returns to town in pursuit of a demon that can only be destroyed by her wolf magic. Nova’s grandmothers are able to temporarily bind the demon while Nova and…
Wayward Son Simon Snow #2 by Rainbow Rowell Fantasy Romance * * Stars (Just ok) After defeating the Humdrum in “Carry On,” Simon Snow and his friends have to adjust to normal life – one where magical dangers don’t lurk around every corner. Penny and Baz are handling the transition well, but Simon, who has lost his magic (but gained large leathery wings and a tail), has spent months on…
Sarah Natale (Mondello), book publishing professional and author of the award-winning historical fiction book, The Kiss of Death, which received a publishing contract when she was a teenager, spoke about the publication process – including inspiration, research, the importance of editing, publication routes, and promotion – to an enthusiastic audience of adult and teen writers this past September. Please enjoy some photos from the event below: