New City Library - Teens

Teens Distribute Trees for Arbor Day

Mary Phillips — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:37:13 +0000

This past week encompassed Earth Day and National Arbor Day. In celebration of these days, teens from the Library Youth Board distributed spruce trees to library residents. In the past several years, hurricanes and snow storms have damaged and destroyed large numbers of trees in our area. Spruces are not usually eaten by deer and provide a lovely green color throughout the winter. The above volunteers are Erin O'Shea, Brendan O'Shea, Ronith Reddy, Nithin Binu and Nevin Binu.

Book Review of Speechless by Hannah Harrington, review done by Marie Yatsyk

Mary Phillips — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:40:08 +0000

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret.”

After spilling a secret that almost gets someone killed, Chelsea Knot decides that she won’t speak to anyone - not her teachers, her parents, or even herself - until she learns how to “keep her mouth shut” and stop hurting others. But there’s a difference between blurting out and speaking up, and it takes some unexpected friends that are willing to give Chelsea a second chance for her to learn that difference - and to learn to forgive herself.

Book Review of Crater by Homer Hickam, review done by Marie Yatsyk

Mary Phillips — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:05:45 +0000

Book Review of The Bridge by Jane Higgins, review done by Marie Yatsyk

Mary Phillips — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:57:43 +0000

Book Review of Seraphina by Rachel Hartman done by Katie Byrnes

Mary Phillips — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:28:25 +0000

Seraphina was a very unique, original, and complex book. When the story begins, Seraphina's world is on the brink of war. For forty years, a treaty was all that prevented a war between the humans and the dragons. The fear, mistrust and lack of understanding between the two species had set their world on a path that could only lead to war. When the prince is murdered, tensions reach a fever pitch as all heads turn to the dragons. Soon the story's heroine, Seraphina Dombegh, a gifted musician in court, is drawn into the mix. As she investigates the murder, attenpts to stop a conspiracy that could destroy what little chance for peace was left, and tries to understand her feelings for the prince's nephew, she must also struggle to conceal her deepest secret. I really enjoyed reading Seraphina. The story was very suspenseful and entertaining, and Rachel Hartman's writing was skillful as well. I think this story is most suited for ages 12 and up.

Make Your Own Gingerbread House

Admin — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:34:50 +0000

Learn how to make Ginger Bread House on December 17th at 2PM! After watching a film, we will be decorating houses with icing and candies. Registration starts on Monday, December 5. Limited enrollment. Please bring a large bag of candy to share. Can't make it that day or just want to learn how to make your own house from scratch? Watch the video below to cook along with Mrs. Phillips.

Embed Video:

Zombies vs Unicorns

Mary Phillips — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:17:20 +0000

In the calm before the storm, teens competed in Zombies vs Unicorns this past Saturday, October 27 at the library. We had Unicorn Poop Cookies, Brains and eyeball lollipops for snacks. Teens had laser tag and computer games. This after hours program allowed teens to play in the library without disturbing our regular library users. Everyone had a great time and teens have asked for more after hours programs.

Book Review: Witches of East End

Mary Phillips — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:40:08 +0000

Witches of East End by Melissa del al Cruz

Recommended Age: 15 and up

Reviewer: Rathna Ramanathan

“There is nothing I can do for her. Not without breaking the
bonds of the restriction. Not without putting myself in danger as
well,” thought Ingrid Beauchamp. Yet it seems that throughout Melissa
de la Cruz’s novel, “Witches of East End”, Ingrid, Freya, and Joanna
Beauchamp continually risk losing their privileges as members of an
incognito Long Island witch family as they succumb to their inner
desires in a mortal world.

I found myself pulled under the spell of Cruz’s simple, yet
flavorful language that will surely draw any older teen or adult.
“Witches of East End” represents a novel with wonderful character
development as well as a unique plot design of interwoven narratives
outlining the moral crisis faced by the three most powerful witches of
North Hampton. The only disappointment of novel, if any can be found,
was the slightly cliché ending with the usual made-up names and

Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull

Mary Phillips — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull

Review by Katie Byrnes

Summer and Bird is a unique, and unusual book that tells a story unlike any other. In Summer and Bird, Katherine Catmull brings to life a sad, frozen world of birds, and a vivid and life-like set of characters to save it. Two sisters, Summer and Bird, discover this world while searching for their missing parents, and begin an adventure that changes their world forever. The characters in this book, along with their thoughts and feelings, seem so real that if they could jump out of the pages at any time, you wouldn't be surprised to meet them. Summer and Bird may be most well suited for ages 10 to 13. In this novel, first-time author Katherine Catmull brings such original and creative ideas to the table that it will not be quickly forgotten. I greatly enjoyed reading Summer and Bird.

This book wil be published October, 2, 2012

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Mary Phillips — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:19:18 +0000

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Book review done by Caitlyn Wletzky

Almost Home was an interesting book to read. Although it started out kind of slow, Almost Home picked up the pace towards the middle and finished with a great ending. The story was realistic-fiction and started with a mom and her daughter, named Sugar, getting kicked out of their house. Desperate to find a new home, they move to Chicago. I thought that the author of this book used a great voice in the story and that the book really connects to some kids today. I recommend this book for kids ages 10 and up. If you read Almost Home you won’t be disappointed!
This book will be published on September 13, 2012.