A Teen Blog Post: Weary Winter Reads

Winter Break is so much fun. But after a week of snowball fights and cocoa, it becomes a little boring. So here are a few books and series that will keep you interested.

Mystery

• The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch (J Fic Bosch, P. Secret)
• The Enola Holmes Series by Nancy Springer (J Fic Springer, N.)

Adventure

• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan (J Fic Riordan, R.)
• The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (YA Fic Collins, S. Hunger Games)

Fantasy

·         The Alchemyst Series by Michael Scott (YA Fic Scott, M. Secrets)

·         The Merlin Conspiracy by Diana Wynne Jones (YA Fic Jones, D.W.)

Realistic Fiction

·         The Thing about Georgie by Lisa Graff (J Fic Graff, L.)

·         Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick (YA Fic Philbrick, W.R.) 

Cookies and Cocoa

Nothing beats sitting by the fire wrapped up in a blanket while munching on homemade cookies and sipping cocoa. I’m sure most agree. So, here are two simple recipes sure to warm your tummy. (The cookie recipe was found on easy-cookies.com)

Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/8 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and both sugars.  Add the beaten egg and vanilla.  Sift flour, baking soda and salt and add to the creamed mixture.  Mix thoroughly and add chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 7-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown on the edges.

 

Cocoa

Everyone knows how to make instant cocoa. But not many know the secret to rich and delicious homemade cocoa. When making instant cocoa, everyone just pours hot water in a cup, adds cocoa, and mixes. Instead, warm up some milk instead of water. Pour in the powdered cocoa and mix until the powder has dissolved. Then, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix. The cocoa is now ready for sipping. There are also some optional ingredients. Add a candy cane for decoration and that peppermint flavor or top with whipped cream. Enjoy! 

Holiday Crafts

1.      Cut a white piece of paper so that it is 8x8

2.      Fold diagonally, into a triangle

3.      Cut shapes on the edges, not just the crease

4.      Unfold, and there you have a beautiful snowflake 

More than just books

The library has more than just books. There are many programs and activities.

Teens (Grades 6-12)

·         Teen Advisory Board: Monday, December 19, 4:30 p.m. (TAB)

·         Think Ink (Writers Workshop program): Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m.

·         Manga Mania (Anime Club): Wednesday, December 28, 4:30 p.m.

·         Caudill Book Club: (Grades 4-8) Thursday, December 8, 4:30 p.m.

·         Finals Feast: December 17-18 (All day during normal library hours)

Kids

·         Me, You, and a Bottle of Glue: Tuesday, December 13, 4:30 p.m. (K-3 grade)

·         Special Holiday Pajama Story Time: Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m. (Ages 3-8)

All Ages

·         Friday Night Films: The Muppet Christmas Carol: Friday, December 9, 6 p.m.

Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone!

Submitted by: Noor Hasan, Teen Advisory Board member

Happy Halloween!

Monsters aren't just a part of fairy tale; they're found in our everyday lives. This Halloween, remember to stay safe while having fun. Watch out for the real monsters, not the costumed or masked neighbors and friends, and remember to have fun this Halloween. Trick or treat, and Happy Halloween.

A Teen Book Review: Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

The book, Diamond Willow by Helen Frost takes place in Old Fork, a small Alaskan town. In the town lives a twelve year old girl named Willow. She loves spending time with her family’s six sled dogs. She loves when she is alone with them out on the trails. It is the only time she feels like herself. She never seems to fit in at school. Her best friend, Kaylie, does not pay attention to Willow at all. Kaylie is more interested in a boy in their grade. Right now, she feels like her life is dull and unsatisfying.

Willow has been asking her parents if she could mush the dogs by herself to her grandparents’ house for the longest time. The answer was always no. Surprisingly, this time the answer was yes! Willow can be daring, but when things go bad and accidents happen, can she reverse the problems?

Diamond Willow is a very touching story of a girl and her beloved dog. It shows how your actions have reactions that may not always be what you had planned for.

 

Each page is in a diamond form, but it still gives the reader a full view of what is happening. I would recommend this book to children ages 8 to 11. The reading level is easy. Also, if you are a dog lover, beware! This is a sad story.

 Many people would be entertained by this book, a 2011 Rebecca Caudill. You can find this book in the Junior Fiction section under the author's last name: Junior Fiction, Frost, H. Come check it out today!

~Reviewed by Kelsey Bailey, Teen Advisory Board member

Harry Potter--the End!

The final installment of the Harry Potter movie series is here...but have you read the books?  Ever watched the movie, but when you get into a conversation with other fans, get confused on pieces you don't remember?  As many fans and myself have said, the books are usually better than the movies! Read the entire "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling at your very own Frankfort Public Library!  Get the FULL account of Harry's journeys!

Summer Reading Commercial!

Check out the Summer Reading Commercial the TAB made before! 

A Teen Book Review: Dragon Kiss by E.D. Baker

In the book Dragon Kiss by E.D. Baker, an ice dragon named Audun has fallen in love with a human princess by the name of Millie. Although Millie has the magical powers to turn into a dragon; she isn't one. Millie is in love with Audun as much as he  is in love with her, but Millie's mother and grandmother don't agree with falling in love with a dragon.

In hopes that being able to turn into human will grant the acceptance from Millie's parents, Audun takes off to Great King Stormclaw to learn the magical transformation. At first, Stormclaw declines Audun's wish. But, later he agrees under certain terms. Audun is given three tasks to prove his is worthy to learn the transformation. Audun is sent to the desert to retrieve one dessica bird egg, trade it for a sea sephant's flute, and help a ship-wrecked giant's family. After completing the tasks, Audun is taught the transformation.  Will it grant his acceptance from his love's family? Find out in Dragon Kiss, by E.D. Baker!

You can find this book at FPLD in the Junior Fiction section under the author's last name: Junior Fiction Baker, E.D.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please e-mail sehlers@frankfortlibrary.org if you're interested in helping with these programs!

We will need help setting up (moving chairs, tables) before each program and cleaning up after the program.:

Tuesday, May 10, 6-9pm

Wednesday, May 11, 6-9pm

Thursday, May 19, 6-9pm

Wednesday, May 25, 6-9pm

Wednesday, June 1, 6-9pm

Monday, June 6, 7-9pm

Please let me know which days you'd like to help with!