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Pick of the Day

[print version]

 

Books

Staff picks and sometimes they're your picks. So send your book, movie or music recommendations to teens@ald.lib.co.us

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rating: 75% positive      

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Alcatraz versus the evil Librarians

 

Alcatraz versus the evil Librarians

by Brandon Sanderson
Who wouldn't read a book about librarians who are evil? Follow the story of Alcatraz Smedry, a 13 year old foster child, as he is transported into the world of the evil librarians, magical sands, relatives and British dinosaurs.

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tags: [tween reads]

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Airhead

 

Airhead

by Meg Cabot
Following a bizarre accident, 16-year-old tomboy Emerson Watts wakes up to find she's in the body of a supermodel. Who is behind the switch? And how can she get her best friend Christopher to realize she's still the same Em inside?

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tags: [fashion] [books with trailers]

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A week in the woods

 

A week in the woods

by Andrew Clements
The fifth grade's annual camping trip in the woods tests Mark's survival skills and his ability to relate to a teacher who seems out to get him.

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tags: [tween reads] [survival]

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Brothers CD

 

jacket cover

by the Black Keys
The Black Keys create an intensely focused and deeply soulful album with the follow-up to 2008's Attack and Release. The duo's sixth album also includes the Danger Mouse-produced single Tighten Up.

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tags: [alternative rock]

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Twilight movie

 

Twilight movie image

Isabella Swan moves to gloomy Forks, Washington to live with her father. She begins her junior year in high school and becomes fascinated by Edward Cullen. He holds a dark secret which is only known by his family. To Edward, Bella is what he has waited 90 years for, a true sole mate. But he knows the further they progress in their relationship the more he is putting Bella and those close to her at risk. Edward tries to warn Bella that she should leave him, but she refuses. A new vampire finds it a challenge to hunt Bella down for her irresistible blood. Now, the game is on and James will not stop until she is killed. Rated PG-13.

Haven't read the books yet? Find Twilight series.

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tags: [books into movies] [twilight saga]

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Time Stranger Kyoko 3

 

Time Stranger Kyoko 3

by Arina Tanemura; illustrated by Arina Tanemura
Kyoko has found all but one telepath and is near awakening her sister. However, Hizuki can no longer hide his feelings for Kyoko and kisses her--a crime punishable by death. Now the only way to save his life is for Kyoko to accept him as her betrothed! Kyoko Suomi is the princess of Earth in the 30th century. Kyoko lives among the commoners, unwilling to reveal her true identity and ascend the throne. The king will allow Kyoko to live as she pleases if she can revive her twin sister Ui, who has been trapped in time since birth.

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tags: [graphic novels]

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The secret life of the American teenager

 

The secret life of the American teenager

Molly Ringwald, Shailene Woodley, John Schneider
Good-girl band geek Amy is smart and talented. She, also, happens to be pregnant. Super-Christian cheerleader Grace wants to wait until she's married. Those are just two of the surprises facing Amy and her friends in this portrait of modern-day high school life. Everyone's secrets and stories begin to surface and their parents begin to find out.

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The Espressologist

 

The Espressologist

by Kristina Springer
While working part-time as a barista in a Chicago coffee bar, high school senior Jane dabbles in matchmaking after observing the coffee preferences of her customers.

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tags: [high school reads]

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The adoration of Jenna Fox

 

The adoration of Jenna Fox

by Mary E Pearson
In the not-too-distant future, when biotechnological advances have made synthetic bodies and brains possible but illegal, a seventeen-year-old girl, recovering from a serious accident and suffering from memory lapses, learns a startling secret about her existence.

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tags: [science fiction] [dystopian]

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Parties & Potions

 

Parties & Potions

by Sarah Mlynowski
Perfect hair, cute clothes, healthy tans--life's a breeze when you're a witch Everyone's preparing for a magical party called a Samsorta--a debutante ball for witches. And it wouldn't be a ball without warlocks. Cute ones.

Follows Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, and Spells & Sleeping Bags.

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tags: [books with trailers] [fantasy] [middle school reads]

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Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist DVD

 

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist dvd cover

Alexis Dziena, Michael Cera, Jay Baruchel, Ari Graynor, Kat Dennings
Nick and Norah have nothing in common except their taste in music. A chance meeting and a crusade to find a legendary rock band's secret show ends up being a first date and a night that will change their lives forever.
Rated PG-13. Anticipated release date 2/3/09.

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tags: [books into movies] [comedy] [movie recommendations] [movies about music]

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Nobody's princess

 

Nobody's princess

by Esther Friesner
Cross Dressing Helen! Determined to fend for herself in a world where only men have real freedom, headstrong Helen, who will be called queen of Sparta and Helen of Troy one day, learns to fight, hunt, and ride horses while disguised as a boy, and goes on an adventure throughout the Mediterranean world. The sequel is Nobody's Prize

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tags: [based on mythology] [tween reads]

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New in town

 

new in town

A high-powered consultant in love with her upscale Miami lifestyle is sent to a small Minnesota town, in the middle of nowhere, to oversee the restructuring of a blue collar manufacturing plant. She endures a frosty reception from the locals, along with the icy roads and freezing weather. She warms up to the small town's charm, and eventually finds herself being accepted by the community. When she's ordered to close down the plant and put the entire community out of work, she's forced to reconsider her goals and priorities. Now she needs to find a way to save the town. Rated PG.

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tags: [chick flicks]

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First strike

 

First strike

by Jack Higgins with Justin Richards
British twins Rich and Jade are once again thrown into danger as they try to help their spy father, John Chance, save the President of the United States from a radical group holding the White House hostage and attempting to steal the nation's nuclear launch codes.

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tags: [action/adventure] [spies]

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Tiger

 

Tiger

by Jeff Stone
Five young warrior-monk brothers survive an insurrection and must use the ancient arts to avenge their Grandmaster. First book in the Five Ancestors series

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Pretty little liars

 

Pretty little liars

by Sara Shepard
When one of their tightly-knit group mysteriously disappears, four high school girls find their friendship difficult to maintain when they begin receiving taunting messages from someone who seems to know everything about their past and present secrets.

Find the rest of the series. Also, take the "Which Pretty Little Liar" quiz.

Did you know Pretty Little Liars will become a TV show? Find the details here.

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tags: [chick lit] [high school reads] [pretty little liars]

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Beastly

 

Beastly

by Alex Flinn
A modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" from the point of view of the Beast: Kyle is a spoiled, handsome rich teen at a Manhattan private school. He is turned into a beast and has only two years to find true love or else risk being a beast forever.

The Beastly movie stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer (Alex Ryder from the Operation Stormbreaker movie), Mary-Kate Olsen, and Neil Patrick Harris comes out on July 30. Here's a trailer.

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tags: [fairy tales retold]

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Maximum Ride. The angel experiment

 

Maximum Ride

by James Patterson

After the mutant Erasers abduct the youngest member of their group, the "birdkids," who are the result of genetic experimentation, take off in pursuit and find themselves struggling to understand their own origins and purpose. Find more Maximum Ride series

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tags: [science fiction]

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Hunger Games

 

Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

The rest of the trilogy includes Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

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tags: [blue spruce] [books with trailers] [dystopian] [hunger games] [science fiction]

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The Lightning Thief

 

The Lightning Thief book jacket

by Rick Riordan
Demigods Unite! After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Find the rest of the series.

The movie comes out on February 12, 2010. Have you seen the trailer yet?

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tags: [based on mythology] [fantasy] [listen to this] [middle school reads] [percy jackson]

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Harry Potter and the deathly hallows

 

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows

by JK Rowling
Burdened with the dark, dangerous, and seemingly impossible task of locating and destroying Voldermort's remaining Horcruxes, Harry, feeling alone and uncertain about his future, struggles to find the inner strength he needs to follow the path set out before him.

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tags: [harry potter] [teen top ten 2008]

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The Giver

 

The Giver book cover

Lois Lowry

"It is very exciting, yet sad at some points."
"This book made your mind wander and was really exciting!!"

Jonas lives in a community of the future where everyone works and plays by the rules. He anxiously awaits the Ceremony of Twelve when he’ll learn what his life’s work will be. Much to his surprise, he is apprenticed to one of the most honored of the elders, the keeper of memories, who alone remembers what snow is, and sunlight.

Want a glimpse of the future? Maybe your future? You might see it in Lois Lowry’s THE GIVER.

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tags: [science fiction] [dystopian] [banned books]

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Eragon

 

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.

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tags: [dragons] [fantasy] [inheritance series] [written by teens] [blue spruce]

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Among the hidden

 

Among the hidden

by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
Government regulations limit families to two children each, so Luke, an illegal third-born, must live his life in secret, hidden in his family's farmhouse. Then he joins Jen, another "shadow child," for a chance to come out into the light. This book is the first of a series of seven.

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tags: [science fiction] [tween reads] [dystopian]

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I'll pass for your comrade

 

I'll pass for your comrade book jacket

by Anita Silvey
Being a Civil War soldier was difficult enough, but the women who fought accomplished everything their male comrades did while in disguise and maintaining a continuous masquerade. Great vintage photos accompany this fascinating history of women who fought in the Civil War.

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tags: [great nonfiction] [middle school reads]

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Meanwhile

 

Meanwhile

by Jason Shiga
In this choose-your-own adventure graphic novel, a boy stumbles on the laboratory of a mad scientist who asks him to choose between testing a mind-reading device, a time machine, and a doomsday machine.

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tags: [graphic novels]

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Cutting myself in half:150 pounds lost, one byte at a time

 

Cutting myself in half

by Taylor LeBaron and Jack and Mary Branson
At age fourteen, Taylor LeBaron was nearly 300 pounds. He had difficulty just getting to the mailbox without becoming short of breath. A chubby kid from birth, Taylor allowed his weight to skyrocket through mindless “whatever” eating and his sedentary techie lifestyle. But a membership to the Y, a keen imagination, and an indomitable spirit changed all that.

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tags: [great nonfiction] [weight]

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Seth Baumgartner's love manifesto

 

Seth Baumgartner's love manifesto

by Eric Luper
After his girlfriend breaks up with him and he sees his father out with another woman, high school senior Seth Baumgartner, who has a summer job at the country club and is preparing for a father-son golf tournament, launches a podcast in which he explores the mysteries of love.

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tags: [guy reads]

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Wanted

 

Wanted

by Sara Shepard
Former best friends Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily, who lost their best friend and leader, Alison, years ago when she disappeared, find themselves in grave danger when they pursue the truth about Alison.

Get a sneak peek.

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tags: [pretty little liars]

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Project runway

 

Project runway

Hosted by Heidi Klum
Watch as fashion designers battle it out in competition to see who will win money to start their own fashion line.

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tags: [tv series] [fashion]

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Comments (17)

posted Jan 30, 2008 6:26 PM by renee217

once again, what an awesome website! you can never get bored on this website. and i love posting comments and seeing what other people say. =)

posted Feb 14, 2008 8:19 PM by waitforme

I think that this is cool, but why when you are on the home page of this isn't there a book of the week or something other than books, to look at first thing? I think that it would be nice if there was abool of the week on the books and reading front page, it would really create more interest in this section and it would be fun to see what others reccemmended this week!

posted Jun 12, 2008 4:33 PM by username

it would also be cool to have a movie or album of the week

posted Jun 18, 2008 9:33 PM by rockstargrl9731

Rules of the Road is a really good book. I read it and I loved it!

posted Jun 20, 2008 1:48 PM by kitkat

i love this website!!!

posted Jul 05, 2008 10:28 AM by alisamorgan

i read city of ember and goodness grasiouse great balls of fire i loved that book. i can't wait for it to come out on the big screen. that book is amazing!

posted Jul 23, 2008 9:30 AM by fordham5

This website is awesome!!!!!! The pick of the day is helpful when you don't know of a good book! I think there should be some kind of weekly poll so you can vote on your favorite books.

posted Feb 21, 2009 5:48 PM by xosyaraiha

Wheel of Time series ftw :] I seem to be just sitting around in anticipation of the 12th and final novel. Too bad I'll have to wait until at least fall of this year. Any suggestions to fill in the time? I like horror/romance/psychological stuff.

posted Feb 23, 2009 9:29 AM by ald_teensmel

to xosyaraiha: while you're waiting for Wheel of Time #12, try "Eternal" by Cynthia Leitich Smith and the Wake series by Lisa McMann.

posted Jun 27, 2009 11:51 PM by bookworm17

I LIKE THIS WEBSITE 2 CUZ WHEN U JUST NEED A BOOK TO GO AWAY TO, ITS NICE 2 NO WUT BOOKS WOULD BE INTERESTING. AND THE ONLY PROBLEM OF BOOKS IS THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM. I PERSONALLY LUV ROMANTIC AND SUM ACTION MIXED.

posted Jul 05, 2009 4:57 PM by bookiegal

I love to see what the pick of the day is and check it out!

posted Jan 17, 2010 4:11 PM by physicsfreak

I wish that they have a "classical" genre, because classics are WAY better!

posted Apr 24, 2010 8:48 PM by vampirekissesrock18

I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!!!!!!!!! she is sooooo great @ singing!!!!!!!!!!

posted Jun 10, 2010 8:23 PM by bubblegirl202

a lot of the books they recommend are really amassing, so check them out. can i recommend the book theif? it is really good! they should put it as a pick of the day! bubble202

posted Jul 11, 2010 7:43 AM by jonahl

My favorite book was the 1st 39 clues book, The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan.

posted Jul 17, 2010 11:22 AM by writerchic

rick riordan is ah-mazing!

posted Jul 28, 2010 1:22 PM by twizzlergirl2298

i agree writerchic, he is. I also like the kiki strike books,

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