High School Essay Contest: Win an iPad

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Shmoop announces their first essay contest for high school students.  In 500 or fewer words answer this question :

In Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” …

Examine the relationship between the speaker in the poem and his environment, which includes not only the woods themselves but his horse, the owner of the woods, and the community. Include in your discussion an examination of Frost’s use of language and imagery, focusing on how these contribute to the meaning of the poem and help him to achieve his purpose. Be sure to support your ideas with evidence from the poem. 

 

Shmoop Contest Information  Entry deadline: May 28, 2010

New Fiction Books ready for check-out

New Fiction was processed and added to the Young Adult collection today.  Check out the Fresh Fiction display in the YA area on the 2nd floor.  Here are a few of the books:

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

  Legacy by Thomas E. Sniegoski. 

 
Ranger's Apprentice #7: Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan

   

April is National Poetry Month

A display of poetry books is up in the Young Adult area.  Come early to get your books for your poetry project.  Books with haiku, acrostics, limericks, sonnets, and ballads going fast.

Do you know who our current United States Poet Laureate is? 
We have some of her books:           Kay Ryan books
Here is a link to NY Times articles:  Kay Ryan articles

Following is one of her poems:  

Intention

Intention doesn't sweeten.

It should be picked young

and eaten. Sometimes only hours

separate the cotyledon

from the wooden plant.

Then if you want to eat it,

you can't.

                                                    -- Kay Ryan

Sign-up at poets.org to receive a poem a day, delivered to your email : Poem A Day

9 of the Weirdest Poems You Will Ever Read: Weird Poems

Andre Norton books added to the Young Adult fiction collection

I am excited to report that several out-of-print Andre Norton books were added to the Young Adult collection last week. (Just in time for the 7th grade Science Fiction reading assignment.)  Although these books were cataloged as Science Fiction when they were first published, they are as much fantasy as they are science fiction.  For those who enjoy science fiction or fantasy, I highly recommend any of Ms. Norton's books.

Two New Science Fiction books in the Young Adult collection

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher        

Highly recommend these two books.  
Four stars! (out of 5)
 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Incarceron is labeled Fantasy Fiction in the Library's online catalog.  There are elements of fantasy in Incarceron, however, I think it is Science Fiction in the Steampunk sub-genre.  What do you think - is it Fantasy or Science Fiction? 

When You Reach Me is cataloged as Space and Time Fiction.  It won the 2010 Newbery Medal.  NY Times Article 

POETRY SLAM - Friday, April 30, 6 pm

Open to teens (ages 13-19), and to adults. There will be a winning teen entrant and a winning adult entrant. Winners will receive a prize.

Participation is limited to 20 contestants. Register in advance at the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor of the Library,

-or- send an email to Kim at kclaire@mvlc.org, with your name and phone number,  -or - call the Library at 978-468-5577.

RULES :

Bring 3 original poems no longer than 3 minutes each.  The theme for this Slam is :  Disaster: personal, natural, or otherwise.

Three judges will be chosen randomly from the audience. 

Slam is judged on content and performance.  No props or

accompaniment of any kind allowed, just you, your poem, and the microphone.

Everyone participates in the first round; advancement to the next round depends on score.
Poetry Slam Poster 

 

RED CROSS BABYSITTING BASICS - Friday, April 23, 9am to 4:30

This course, presented by a Red Cross professional from the American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts, prepares young adults (ages 11-15) for the responsibilities associated with the supervision and care of children.  Course will be held in the large meeting room at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library.

Upon completion of the course participants receive a certificate signifying that they are Red Cross certified and:
  have been trained in elementary first aid
  are capable of providing basic care routines
  understand how to respond to emergencies

  can choose fun, age appropriate activities for children

The Course is $60.00, and includes the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook plus a safety and first aid kit.  Class size is limited to 12.  To register, go to the reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Library or send me an email at kclaire@mvlc.org.
Babysitting Basics Poster