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"Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life." ~ from Patrick Ness' The Rest of Us Just Live Here
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| Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. AndersonNonfiction. In 1941, as Nazi troops surrounded the starving city of Leningrad, Russia, composer Dmitri Shostakovich was writing his soul-stirring seventh symphony. Already suffering under Stalin's relentless brutality, the people of Leningrad now faced a three-year siege that would kill millions, and cause others to resort to cannibalism. Even in the midst of this horror, Shostakovich's symphony struck a powerful note of defiance. Through the lens of Shostakovich's life, author M.T. Anderson reveals a tale that is sure to grab readers who are into true stories about music, war, and the power of art to inspire survival. For another page-turning take on Russian history, pick up Candace Fleming's The Family Romanov. |
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| The Scorpion Rules by Erin BowScience Fiction. In the far future, an artificial intelligence called Talis has achieved world peace...by holding hostage the children of world leaders. Princess Greta has grown up as one of these "Children of Peace," but now her country is on the brink of war and her life could be forfeit. Enter Elián, a new, rebellious hostage who inspires Greta to question who she loves and where her duty truly lies. With an international cast of characters, Canadian author Erin Bow crafts an intricate world filled with impossible decisions and shocking twists. If you love dystopian fiction but are tired of the same old, same old, don't miss The Scorpion Rules. |
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| Untwine by Edwidge DanticatFiction. At first, they think that Giselle is her twin, Isabelle. In the chaos after the car crash that injured their parents and put Giselle in a coma, the doctors confuse the identical 16-year-old sisters -- only later do they realize that it is Isabelle who has died, not Giselle. Drifting in semi-consciousness, Giselle grapples with this unthinkable loss -- remembering her sister's musical talent, the joyful warmth of their visits with family in Haiti, and the dread of their parents' separation -- while trying to figure out who she is without her twin. Similar to Gayle Forman's If I Stay, you should pick up Untwine if you love stories that are both lyrical and heart-wrenching. |
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| The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick NessFantasy. If you've ever imagined what it's like to be a bystander at Forks High School or Hogwarts, you know what Mikey's life is like. His small town has been plagued by vampires, ghosts, and zombie deer, but the paranormal drama seems to target only the "indie kids," those special snowflakes with "unusual names and capital-D Destinies." But Mikey and his friends? They just want to survive their messed-up families and graduate high school without becoming collateral damage in yet another looming apocalypse. Combining emotional depth with wry in-jokes, The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a great pick for seen-it-all fantasy fans who want something fresh, witty, and moving. |
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| Carry On by Rainbow RowellFantasy. It's his final year at the Watford School of Magicks, but reluctant "Chosen One" Simon Snow just can't get it together. He should be worrying about his destiny to defeat the magic-devouring Humdrum, stressing about monster attacks, or pining for his suddenly-ex-girlfriend. Yet all he can do is obsess about why Baz -- his posh, sneering roommate/nemesis -- hasn't shown up for school. Inspired by the story-within-a-story from Fangirl (which was in turn inspired by a certain other series about a young wizard), Carry On goes beyond meta, fulfilling the wishes of fanfic readers with a deliciously thorny romance while building an intriguing fantasy world. |
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Some stories never get old – check out these novels inspired by ancient myths and legends.
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| The Lost Sun by Tessa GrattonFantasy. In an alternate United States, the gods of Norse legend still wield enormous power -- some of them even appear on reality TV. So when the sun god Baldur the Beautiful disappears, everyone notices, and his father Odin offers a reward to whoever finds him. Desperate to earn the reward, Soren (who's afraid of his berserker heritage) and Astrid (a seer who just lost her mother) team up for a cross-country search that yields unexpected results. Readers who grew up with Percy Jackson will appreciate The Lost Sun's imaginative blend of modern American culture and manipulative ancient gods. |
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| Guardian of the Dead by Karen HealeyFantasy. A production of A Midsummer Night's Dream turns into a nightmare for 17-year-old Ellie when she discovers that some of the actors playing fairies in the play actually are fairies -- specifically, menacing creatures known as patupaiarehe -- and that they're determined to become immortal, at the cost of countless human lives. Set in New Zealand against a backdrop of Maori mythology, this intriguing debut features thrilling twists, star-crossed romance, and a smart, tenacious heroine. If you're looking for a fresh take on supernatural adventure, Guardian of the Dead is for you. |
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| Dirty Wings by Sarah McCarryUrban Fantasy. The Greek myth of Persephone, queen of the underworld, is the inspiration for this darkly beautiful tale of friendship. When sheltered piano prodigy Maia meets wild, witchy street girl Cass, their connection is both unexpected and electric. But even as they throw themselves headlong into a road trip filled with punk shows, guys, and other intoxicants, Cass can't shake the threatening figure who haunts her dreams. If you want further sophisticated mythological fiction from Sarah McCarry, check out All Our Pretty Songs and About a Girl; if you can't get enough of Persephone, try Bree Despain's The Shadow Prince or Laura Ruby's Bone Gap. |
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| Prophecy by Ellen OhFantasy. Due to her yellow eyes, demon-slaying powers, and unconventional job (she's the only female warrior in Hansong) Kira is shunned by most people in her medieval-esque society. Yet when a betrayal allows demonic Yamato soldiers to invade, Kira may be the only one who can get the young prince to safety and lead the quest to take back their kingdom. Grounded in Korean folklore and overflowing with fierce, fast-paced fight scenes, Prophecy is a breathless ride, so be careful: once you read it, you'll want to have Warrior (the 2nd book in the Dragon King Chronicles) ready to go. |
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| The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten WhiteFantasy. Sixteen-year-old Isadora's relationship with her parents is more strained than most, which is understandable, given that she's the human child of Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. Still, at least they let their daughter leave their desert stronghold for modern day California, where Isadora works on a museum exhibit, hones her interior design skills, resists the charms of Greek poet Ry, and is targeted by dangerous mystical forces. Romantic and angsty but not too heavy, The Chaos of Stars "brings an irreverent sense of humor to Egyptian myth" (Publishers Weekly). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Events for Teens: Arts & Crafts
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After School Zone: Arts & Crafts
Tuesdays,
3:00 pm
Pleasantville Neighborhood Library
Come out to Pleasantville and enjoy a day of arts and crafts. Fly kites, paint, sculpt, make bracelets, etc.
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Awesome Crafts
Wednesdays,
4:00 pm
Carnegie Neighborhood Library & Center for Learning
Special craft activities. Supplies may be limited. Large groups please contact the library at 832-393-1720
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Teen Craftomatics
Tuesdays,
4:30 pm
Kendall Neighborhood Library
Join us for the Kendall Teen Craftomatics! This Teen program will meet to work on crafts. Supplies are limited. Ages 10 & up. 3rd floor Conference Room.
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Yarn People
Mondays,
12:00 pm
Central Library
Knitting and crocheting. Bring your own needles, crochet hooks, patterns, and yarn. Bag lunches are okay. We will not meet on November 23rd, 2015
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Events for Teens: Clubs & Hangouts
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The SPOT - After School Retreat
Tuesday-Friday,
3:00 pm
Carnegie Neighborhood Library & Center for Learning
Enjoy some time after school in The SPOT! Socialize with your peers and bring your snacks. For your choice: computers, big screen movies, computer games (PS3, Wii), board games, magazines and more!
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Monday-Thursday, 3:30 pm Collier Regional Library Monday-Thursday, 3:30 pm Morris Frank Library an HPL Express Location Monday-Thursday, 4:00 pm Heights Neighborhood Library Mondays-Fridays, 3:00 pm Park Place Regional Library Thursdays, 4:00 pm McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library Fridays, 4:00 pm McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library
Relax with your friends after school. Video gaming, crafts and more.
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Teen Lounge
Fridays,
4:00 pm
McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library
Talk, snack and play on the computer in the Teen Section's After School Zone Lounge.
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After School Video Games
Fridays,
4:00 pm
McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library
Play games with friends and schoolmates on our PS3, XBox 360, WiiU, or iPads.
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After School Zone - Game Day
Mondays & Thursdays,
3:00 pm
Pleasantville Neighborhood Library
Come to Pleasantville and enjoy the games of PS3, Wii, Wii U, and iPad. All games are rated T for Teen or younger.
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Teen Gaming
Wednesdays,
3:00 pm
Moody Neighborhood Library
Enjoy playing video games on the Wii and XBOX at the library every Wednesday of each month. Sign up is required for tournaments.
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Teen Gaming
Saturday, November 7,
1:00 pm
Hillendahl Neighborhood Library
PS4 and Wii gaming for interested teens!
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Gaming
Thursdays,
3:00 pm
Mancuso Neighborhood Library
Join in and have fun playing video games on the X-Box Kinect
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Wii Gaming Fridays, 2:00 pm Flores Neighborhood Library Wednesdays & Fridays, 2:30 pm Tuttle Neighborhood Library Wednesdays, 3:30 pm Vinson Neighborhood Library Play Wii with your friends and make new friends as well. Four at a time, since, there are only four controllers available.
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Events for Teens: Homework & Workshops
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Bellydance Workshop presented by professional dancer Sahira
Tuesday, November 10,
6:00 pm
Smith Neighborhood Library
Get swept away in the beauty, art and culture of Middle Eastern Dance - all while working up a nice sweat! Professional dancer and international performer and instructor Sahira will take you on a journey to the pyramids of Egypt, where you will learn a bit about the history and culture of this expressive folk dance. She will demonstrate how the dance is performed today in 5-star hotels all along the Nile (and restaurants here in Houston!) and will teach you the basics steps to add to your groove the next time you hit the dance floor.If you have a hip scarf or sash, please feel free to bring it with you for class. Also, please wear comfortable shoes (or go barefoot) and clothes you can move in.Bridging Cultures: Poetic Voices of the Muslim WorldPoetic Voices of the Muslim World examines the central role of poetry in the everyday lives of Muslim men and women around the globe through programs in public libraries throughout the U.S. including Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA. Comprised of lushly-illustrated, vibrant exhibition panels, designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), this exhibit features arresting photography and calligraphic masterworks, as well as the work of poets ranging from Rumi to the well-known contemporary poet Adonis. The exhibition highlights the poetic traditions from four major language areas -- Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu -- and introduces poetry from Asia, Africa, and diaspora communities in the United States.Poetic Voices of the Muslim World is presented by Poets House and City Lore, in partnership with the American Library Association and the Houston Public Library. It is funded by the Bridging Cultures Program of the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
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Thursday, November 12, 4:00 pm Heights Neighborhood Library Friday, November 13, 3:00 pm Smith Neighborhood Library Saturday, November 14, 2:00 pm Central Library
In celebration of the Poetic Voices of the Muslim World exhibit, ABC Bodyart presents a comprehensive workshop in which participants learn the history of henna usage throughout the world, how to make their own henna, and how to apply the henna to the skin. A parent or guardian will need to sign a release form for participants under 18, as the henna does have a small chance of causing an allergic reaction, though this is rare. Parents must accompany participants under the age of 11.Bridging Cultures: Poetic Voices of the Muslim WorldPoetic Voices of the Muslim World examines the central role of poetry in the everyday lives of Muslim men and women around the globe through programs in public libraries throughout the U.S. including Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA. Comprised of lushly-illustrated, vibrant exhibition panels, designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), this exhibit features arresting photography and calligraphic masterworks, as well as the work of poets ranging from Rumi to the well-known contemporary poet Adonis. The exhibition highlights the poetic traditions from four major language areas -- Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu -- and introduces poetry from Asia, Africa, and diaspora communities in the United States.Poetic Voices of the Muslim World is presented by Poets House and City Lore, in partnership with the American Library Association and the Houston Public Library. It is funded by the Bridging Cultures Program of the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
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Homework Help
Thursdays,
3:00 pm
Walter Neighborhood Library
Complete your homework with the help of library staff and databases. For school-aged children only.
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NaNoWriMo Young Authors Write In & Workshop
Wednesday, November 18,
3:00 pm
Smith Neighborhood Library
No plot? No problem! Bring your work in progress to this fun, informative workshop and get advice about your novel from experts and friends with no pressure to be perfect or to share your work. We'll have light refreshments to keep your energy up and offer a peaceful place to work on your novel. Remember: you're halfway done! For tweens and teens ages 10-18.
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Quiet Lab
Fridays,
4:00 pm
McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library
After School Lab for quiet computing and homework help.
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This Is College!
Thursday, November 12,
4:00 pm
Carnegie Neighborhood Library & Center for Learning
CAREER PLANNING SEMINAR SERIES Preparing for the Career you WantYou are invited to this information seminar for high school students and their parents to learn about career planning. Learn about high-growth careers in the Houston area. Research a college program that interests you and prepares you for your dream career. Start now. Get ahead on your journey from here to college to career!Get ready! Get informed! Get a head start!
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Write In for Young Writers
Wednesday, November 4,
5:30 pm
Kendall Neighborhood Library
In support of National Novel Writing Month NaNoWriMo the Houston Public Library urges aspiring teen novelists to put pen to paper and write a novel in 30 days. Join like-minded teen writers at our Write Ins in our WiFi equipped space. Bring your laptop or check out one to use in the library with your My Link Card. Ages 13 and up. 2nd floor meeting room.
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Events for Teens: Movies & Performances
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Monday Movie Madness
Mondays,
4:00 pm
Carnegie Neighborhood Library & Center for Learning
Relax with a movie on a Monday afternoon.
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Moody Movie Mania
Tuesdays,
3:00 pm
Moody Neighborhood Library
Families are invited to enjoy all the new releases on family movie night here in the Moody Library.
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Movie Night
Thursdays,
4:00 pm
Flores Neighborhood Library
Enjoy fun family movies with family and friends. Movies for kids and young adults ages 10-18 years old. Younger kids may watch with parental consent.
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Weekend Movie
Saturdays,
2:00 pm
Stanaker Neighborhood Library
Enjoy the weekend with fun family (PG) movies with your friends. For young adults 11 to 18 years old. Younger patrons may watch only with parental consent.
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