Read the book - then see the movie!
Click on the book jacket cover below to place a hold.
Click on the book jacket cover below to place a hold.
What's your not-to-be-missed book to movie?
Monday, January 27, 2020
Thursday, January 16, 2020
20 YA Books in 2020
Twenty books to hurry up and wait to read in 2020:
Bloom, by Kenneth Oppel
Dragon Hoops, by Gene Luen Yang
The Kingdom of Back, Marie Lu
The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron
Wicked As You Wish, by Rin Chupeco
January
Come Tumbling Down, by Seanan McGuire
One of Us is Next, by Karen McManus
The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci
One of Us is Next, by Karen McManus
The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci
February
All the Stars and Teeth, by Adalyn Grace
Gravity of Us, by Phil Stamper
Red Hood, by Elana Arnold
This Train is Being Held, by Ismee Williams
What I Want You to See, by Catherine Linka
Yes No Maybe So, by Becky Albertalli
Gravity of Us, by Phil Stamper
Red Hood, by Elana Arnold
This Train is Being Held, by Ismee Williams
What I Want You to See, by Catherine Linka
Yes No Maybe So, by Becky Albertalli
March
Bloom, by Kenneth Oppel
Dragon Hoops, by Gene Luen Yang
The Kingdom of Back, Marie Lu
The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron
Wicked As You Wish, by Rin Chupeco
April
Goodby From Nowhere, by Sara Zarr
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur
May
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins (It's a prequel!)
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
August
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Top Checkouts in 2019
Below are the top 12 fiction books checked out from our Young Adult collection during 2019. The Fantasy genre is in lead (4) followed by historical fiction (3), realistic fiction (2), and mystery (1). Click on the book jacket numbers to link to that title in our catalog.
And, if you are wondering, the top 12 titles checked out from our manga and graphic collections were: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, Sisters, Drama, and Smile (in that order) by Raina Telegemeier, Fullmetal Alchemist by Kiromu Arakawa, Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, Bleach by Tite Kubo, Bone by Jeff Smith, Black Butler by Yana Toboso, and Samurai Deeper Kyo by Akimine Kamijo.
Top 12 Checkouts 2019 by kclaire
And, if you are wondering, the top 12 titles checked out from our manga and graphic collections were: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, Sisters, Drama, and Smile (in that order) by Raina Telegemeier, Fullmetal Alchemist by Kiromu Arakawa, Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, Bleach by Tite Kubo, Bone by Jeff Smith, Black Butler by Yana Toboso, and Samurai Deeper Kyo by Akimine Kamijo.
Top 12 Checkouts 2019 by kclaire
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Book Floods
While December brings a flood of "best of" lists to my inbox, next month will see the start of the award announcement flood. (Although, the National Book Awards were announced last month: 1919 The Year That Changed America, by Martin W. Sandler, won in the Young People's Literature category.) I enjoy the end of year "best of" lists and love the winter holidays, but, I think I would trade all the winter holidays for Iceland's Jólabókaflóð (Yule Book Flood). If you don't know this fantastic celebration, here is NPR's report on it published in 2012: Literary Iceland Revels In It's Annual Christmas Book Flood. What could be more ideal than a holiday that brings a pile of new books (I think chocolate is also involved.) shared by and with friends and relatives, and the time to read them? Perfection! If only I could persuade everyone to adopt this book flood celebration...
Here are a few of the best of lists from my inbox:
And here are 5 of my favorite YA reads from 2019:
The Missing of Clairedelune, by Christelle Dabos, 2019. When her dangerous gift for reading the history of objects is revealed by her promotion to Vice-storyteller, Ophelia turns for support to her enigmatic fiance, Thorn, throughout a formidable investigation into the disappearances of several high-profile courtiers. (Book 2 in the Mirror Visitor Quartet.) Fantasy.
Sadie, by Courtney Summers, 2018. Told from the alternating perspectives of 19-year-old Sadie who runs away from her isolated small Colorado town to find her younger sister's killer, and a true crime podcast exploring Sadie's disappearance. Murder Mystery, Suspense.
On the Come Up,
by Angie Thomas, 2019. Sixteen-year-old Bri hopes to become a great
rapper, and after her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,
must decide whether to sell out or face eviction with her widowed
mother. Realistic fiction.
The Boneless Mercies, by April Tucholke, 2018. Four female mercenaries known as Boneless Mercies, weary of roaming Vorseland, ignored and
forgotten until they are needed for mercy killings, decide to seek glory
by going after a legendary monster in this re-imagining of Beowulf. Fantasy.
Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom, by Ken
Ilgunas, 2013. The author describes his experiences working in Alaska to
pay off his college student loans and, how, inspired by the example of
Henry David Thoreau, he lived in spartan conditions in his van while
attending graduate school debt free. Nonfiction, Memoir.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Paranormal Sightings Fall 2019
Whether you are thrilled to return to the classroom (or not), we have some fun programs and movies planned to amuse and astound you this Fall. Are you ready for Fall? We are! Please join us this October/November for the mysterious and mystifying as we investigate the paranormal through a series of programs and movies. Make a Day of the Dead mask, learn tea leaf reading, discover New England witchcraft tales (other than Salem), find out the real story behind the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or have your mind read. Most programs are scheduled for a Thursday evening but we are also trying out hosting programs on Friday and Saturday evenings. No mystery about it - we really hope you will enjoy our roster of thrills and chills!
New England Witchcraft Tales with Roxie Zwicker
Join Roxie Zwicker from New England Curiosities - for a most curious evening! Do you know the tales of New England witches outside of Salem, Massachusetts? Roxie will include witchcraft stories from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and Maine for tales that you may not be familiar with - and some that pre-date the Salem witch hysteria.
The presentation will highlight the evolution of customs and superstitions relating to witchcraft throughout New England. Learn about New England place names that relate to old witchcraft tales. You may find yourself checking underneath the front doorstep, in your chimney, or in the backyard for remnants of these stories.
Legends of Sleepy Hollow with Christopher Rondina
It’s been two-hundred-years since Washington Irving dreamed-up the ‘Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow’, the most iconic ghost in American folklore – but was the famous specter truly just a figment of the author’s imagination, or is there more to the legend?
Join Christopher Rondina, writer and ghost-chaser, for an evening of literary adventure and haunting mystery as we explore the true beginnings of America’s favorite ghost story and unmask the long-lost identity of the phantom horseman himself!
There are two sessions of this workshop as follows:
Brainstorming is an interactive stage mind-reading show. Minds are read, spoons are bent, volunteers test their own "powers", and, if appropriate, the evening concludes with a re-creation of the kind of manifestation you might have witnessed in a séance chamber over a century ago! While the show is "TV clean", it is more suitable for teens and adults than for children..
A life-long interest in all things psychic and paranormal led Rory to pursue a career as a mentalist and mindbender. His goal is to reproduce the kind of effects parapsychologists have been researching for years. What is a mentalist? A mentalist is a theatrical mind-reader; a performer who, using a variety of techniques, is able to produce results that would only seem possible by psychic or paranormal means.
Reading tea leaves is a fascinating form of divination, which some refer to as a “lost art.” It has been found in cultures all around the world. Roxie has been reading tea leaves for over 25 years. She will customize a blend of organic, herbal tea to suit your needs and situation and the magic of your own tea leaf reading will begin! Roxie will go over the history, lore and methods of tea leaf reading in this presentation.
New England Witchcraft Tales with Roxie Zwicker
Join Roxie Zwicker from New England Curiosities - for a most curious evening! Do you know the tales of New England witches outside of Salem, Massachusetts? Roxie will include witchcraft stories from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and Maine for tales that you may not be familiar with - and some that pre-date the Salem witch hysteria.
The presentation will highlight the evolution of customs and superstitions relating to witchcraft throughout New England. Learn about New England place names that relate to old witchcraft tales. You may find yourself checking underneath the front doorstep, in your chimney, or in the backyard for remnants of these stories.
Legends of Sleepy Hollow with Christopher Rondina
Rescheduled to: Friday, October 18,
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Join Christopher Rondina, writer and ghost-chaser, for an evening of literary adventure and haunting mystery as we explore the true beginnings of America’s favorite ghost story and unmask the long-lost identity of the phantom horseman himself!
Paint a Day of the Dead Skull Mask with Mandy Roberge
Wednesday, October 30, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Paint and decorate a festive Día de los Muertos style skull mask.
Workshop led by artist Mandy Roberge.
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM for ages 7 to 10
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for ages 11 to 18
Space is limited. Register at the Reference desk.
Brainstorming: An Act of Mentalism with Rory Raven
Saturday, November 2, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Brainstorming is an interactive stage mind-reading show. Minds are read, spoons are bent, volunteers test their own "powers", and, if appropriate, the evening concludes with a re-creation of the kind of manifestation you might have witnessed in a séance chamber over a century ago! While the show is "TV clean", it is more suitable for teens and adults than for children..A life-long interest in all things psychic and paranormal led Rory to pursue a career as a mentalist and mindbender. His goal is to reproduce the kind of effects parapsychologists have been researching for years. What is a mentalist? A mentalist is a theatrical mind-reader; a performer who, using a variety of techniques, is able to produce results that would only seem possible by psychic or paranormal means.
Learn Tea Leaf Reading with Roxie Zwicker
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Reading tea leaves is a fascinating form of divination, which some refer to as a “lost art.” It has been found in cultures all around the world. Roxie has been reading tea leaves for over 25 years. She will customize a blend of organic, herbal tea to suit your needs and situation and the magic of your own tea leaf reading will begin! Roxie will go over the history, lore and methods of tea leaf reading in this presentation.
Scary Movie Schedule:
Thursday, October 10, 6:30 PM to 7:55 PM
Lights Out, Rated PG-13.
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Rebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother's experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with a supernatural spirit attached to their mother. Directed by: David F. Sandberg. Stars: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello.
Friday, October 11, 2:00 PM to 3:40 PM
Hocus Pocus, Rated PG.
Comedy, Family, Fantasy
A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
Directed by: Kenny Ortega.
Stars: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy.
Thursday, October 17, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
The Final Girls, Rated PG-13.
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s, finds herself pulled into the world of her mom's most famous movie. Reunited, the women must fight off the film's maniacal killer.
Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson.
Stars: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Adam Devine.
Thursday, October 24, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Happy Death Day, Rated PG-13.
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity.
Directed by: Christopher Landon.
Stars: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine.
Thursday, October 31, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
The Craft, Rated R.
Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft, and they all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them.
Directed by: Andrew Fleming.
Stars: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Summer of 2019
Registration for teen summer programs begins in June. Go to the Reference desk to register, or call: 978-468-5577. All programs are free of charge. The 2019 national summer reading theme is "A Universe of Stories". It was chosen by the committee comprising the Collaborative Summer Library Program, and it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first humans landing on the moon on July 20, 1969. All of the teen programs are funded by the fantastic Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library. The Whimsical Weavings workshop is also funded in part by a grant from the Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council.
June
Henna Tattoos with Wicked Good Henna
Monday, June 24, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mandy Roberge from Wicked Good Henna will be here for two hours doing henna tattoos. Come chill to some beats, color a mandala, meet friends, & leave with a wicked good henna tattoo. For teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019. Sign-up on the day; tattoos will be done on first come, first served basis.
Youth Book Sale and a Movie
Wednesday, June 26, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Stock up for the summer at this youth book sale,
organized by the Friends of the H-W Library.
organized by the Friends of the H-W Library.
Shop for books & stay for a movie:
2:00 to 3:40 PM, Wall-E (rated G)Green Art: Whimsical Weavings Workshop
Saturday, June 29, 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Make a colorful weaving using found materials. Learn how to construct a simple loom and re-purpose favorite garments, natural fibers, and other items as playful textile artworks. You are encouraged to bring favorite old garments, ribbons and other textiles that you want to use for this project. This weaving workshop is for ages 8 to adult. Participants under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Registration required.
July
👽Contest: Spot Hank the alien in his UFO
Hank will hover around our library this summer. If you see him, fill out a raffle ticket in the teen area to win his twin. Contest ends August 16.
👽Star Party: A Lunar Journey - Back to the Future
Monday, July 8, 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM
Join us at 7:00 p.m. for a few celestial themed crafts. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a slide presentation with North Shore Astronomy Club's Star Party Leader, Brewster LaMacchia. His topic is: A Lunar Journey: Back to the Future.
In the 50 years since humans first walked across the lunar surface we've developed a much better understanding of when and how the moon formed, and what it's been up to for the last 4+ billion years since it formed. A number of recent lunar missions have shown the potential for finding water on the moon, which is critical for establishing the infrastructure for continued exploration as well as commercialization. We'll look at these developments and what the future may hold for Earth's closest cosmic companion.
At ~8:45 p.m. we will move outside for observation through NSAAC telescopes. This event is best for ages 10 and up. No registration required. Rain date is Tuesday, July 9, same time.
Saturday, July 13, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Play 10 holes of mini-golf on hills, jumps, bumps, twists, and loops on the first floor of the library.
For all ages. No registration required.
How to Boil Water
Monday, July 15, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Learn to boil water with Liz Barbour of Creative Feast. Chef Liz will take the class step-by-step through 1 pasta dish and 1 rice dish that everyone can make at home with confidence and success. This cooking demonstration and discussion is open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019. Space is limited. Registration required.
Monday, July 15, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Join chef Liz Barbour for a cooking class that will help take the mystery out of this amazing, time saving kitchen tool. Liz will demonstrate 2 recipes that you can recreate at home. Following her demonstration Liz will offer tasty samples for everyone to enjoy. Open to teens aged 13 years and up and to adults. Registration required.
👽Vintage Outer Space Movie Schedule:
Come have a Moon Pie while you watch a space movie circa 50s-60s in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Bring your own cushion(s) or beach chair if you want to sit on the floor in front.
Thursday, July 18, 6:30 PM to 7:55 PM
Monday, July 22, 6:30 PM to 8:10 PM
Thursday, July 25, 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM
Monday, July 29, 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM
August
👽Zodiac Mosaics Workshop
Monday, August 5, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Use a variety of mosaic items, from glass tiles to beads and baubles, to create a project -- either functional or simply a piece of art -- unique to your creative side and to your astrological sign.
Open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019, and to adults. Registration required.
Parkour Workshop with Gymja Warrior
Thursday, August 8, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
This 2 hour workshop will cover the basics of vaults, proper landings, and various jumping techniques taught by certified parkour professionals. Open to teens entering grades 6 - 12 in Fall 2019. Registration required. To participate a release & waiver of liability must be signed by parent/guardian. Release forms available at the Reference desk.
👽Marble Planet Pendants Workshop
Monday, August 12, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Create a planet pendant using wires and pliers, and then create a unique strand on which to hang it, using leather cording, beads and wire, or macramé techniques. Open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019, and to adults. Registration required.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Ultimate Tournament with One Up Games
Thursday, August 15, 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
A tournament for Super Smash Bros. & Mario Kart 8. Compete in both! Friendlies begin at 2:30pm; official tournament brackets start at 3:00pm. There will be pro and GameCube controllers available, as well as Nintendo GameCube adapters. Players are welcome to bring their own controller.
Open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019.
Open to teens entering grades 6 to 12 in Fall 2019.
Max. # of players is 25. Sign up to play on the day. Prizes!
Friday, January 4, 2019
Tune Up! the Poetry and Flash Fiction Contest is Humming
Last November the Teen Think Tank voted on the many themes suggested during our 2018 poetry contest reception. Music got the most votes! We hope to see many melodiously inclined poems and flash stories. The Teen Think Tank plans to have some fun with the theme at this year's reception happening on Thursday, April 4th. Our featured reception speaker is Daniel Sklar. Mr. Sklar teaches creative writing at Endicott College, and has been a contest judge since the first year of Hamilton-Wenham Library's Teen Poetry Contest. His latest book, Flying Cats, was published by Ibbetson Street Press. Stay tuned!
2019 9th annual themed
Teen Poetry & Flash Fiction Contest
at the Hamilton-Wenham Library
Rules:
Open to teens in grades 6 to 12, who are
residents of Essex County in Massachusetts.
Poem or story entry must be original work.
Flash fiction story must be 300 words or less.
Flash fiction story must be 300 words or less.
Maximum of 3 entries per author may be entered.
2019 THEME is: Music
Poems and stories must incorporate a music theme or have an associative metaphor such as: harmony, rhythm, melody, tune, chorus, etc.
Judges will deduct points from entries that do not incorporate the theme.
Poems and stories must incorporate a music theme or have an associative metaphor such as: harmony, rhythm, melody, tune, chorus, etc.
Judges will deduct points from entries that do not incorporate the theme.
Each poem or story must have a title.
Entries due by midnight, March 21, 2019.
Entries due by midnight, March 21, 2019.
An online form must be filled out for EACH entry (see link to entry form below).
Contest winners and honorable mentions will be announced at the
Contest Reception on Thursday, April 4, 2019, 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
You must be present at the Reception to win.
$ Cash prizes to be awarded $
All first and second place winners are required to read or recite their entry aloud at the Reception. Your entry will be disqualified if you are not present at the reception. Please do not submit a poem or story if you cannot attend the reception. Winning poems and stories may be published on the Library's Informed Teens blog and/or in local newspaper(s).
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