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Showing posts from March, 2010

New Twilight Novella

Stephenie Meyer announced yesterdy that there will be a novella published about the newly turned vampire Bree from Eclipse . (But it's actually close to 200 pages, so I don't know if it's really a novella. But I guess when you write hugely long books, 200 pages seems short.) The book will be released on June 7 and will be available in print as well as a free e-book for a month. Of course, this all works well with the movie release of Eclipse . I don't even really remember the character of Bree and since I'm not a big Twilight fan, I don't know if I'll even read this one. But I'm sure I'll have teens at the library who are asking for it. Really, the whole thing seems like another way Twilight is trying very hard to be Harry Potter. First the last movie is split into two, now the author releases a "novella" after the entire series is finished and both books have profits going to benefit charity (although The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine . Faithful by Janet Fox Release Date: 5/13/2010 About the Book (from author's website): In 1904 Margaret Bennet has it all – money, position, and an elegant family home in Newport, Rhode Island. But just as she is to enter society, her mother ruins everything, first with public displays, and finally by disappearing. Maggie’s confusion and loss are compounded when her father drags her to Yellowstone National Park, where he informs her that they will remain. At first Maggie’s only desire is to return to Newport. But the mystical beauty of the Yellowstone landscape, and the presence of young Tom Rowland, a boy unlike the others she has known, conspire to change Maggie from a spoiled girl willing to be constrained by society to a free-thinking and brave young woman living in a romantic landscape at the threshold of a new century. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This one just sound great all around-and I really like historical roma

Tween Tuesday

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme that feature's great reads for tweens! Leave your Tween Tuesday links in the comments! A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole Rating: 3/5 Stars Genre: Historical/Animal Story Release Date: 2/3/2010 Purchase from Indiebound.org Add to Goodreads About the Book: Celeste is a mouse who lives in a small room inside a house who spends her time making baskets. She is often bullied by two large rats who take her food and one day Celeste is sent further into the house than she's gone before. She befriends a young boy named Joseph, who is staying at the house with Mr. Audubon where they are drawing pictures of birds. Celeste meets many new friends along the way and discovers the meaning of home. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: A Nest for Celeste is somewhat reminiscent of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, although Celeste is a likeable character from the start. But I felt the book lacked some of the mag

Author Interview: Jaclyn Dolamore

Please welcome author Jaclyn Dolamore to GreenBeanTeenQueen! I loved Magic Under Glass and I'm thrilled there will be a sequel, Magic Under Stone . Jaclyn Dolamore Website Jaclyn Dolamore Blog Purchase Magic Under Glass , Add Magic Under Glass to Goodreads - I loved that your book featured an automaton-it made the storyline very unique! How did you get the idea for including an automaton in the book as one of the main characters? I've always liked stories about inanimate things that look human coming to life and havin g a soul. For years I've been writing stories set on another world where one of the races are living dolls called "rag people" who can look very real but are usually discriminated against. I also had a race of android with souls, but I stopped writing about them because the society didn't seem to have enough technology otherwise to make such lifelike robots. But, when I was thinking about writing a Victorian novel, I thought about some of the c

Read Pretty Little Liars Online!

HarperCollins is currently offering a Browse Inside preview of the entire book Pretty Little Liars . With the TV show starting this summer, this is a great time to read the first book in the series! The entire Browse Inside preview is only for a limited time, so make sure you read it soon!:) (And I don't know why it's not showing the cover, but this is the link for Pretty Little Liars !

Vote for my Teen Author!

One of the perks of being a teen librarian is that I get to meet lots of awesome teens! One of my teens is an aspiring author and has posted one of her works in progress on Inkpop.com . Inkpop is a young adult site that allows writers to post their writing and the community can vote on their favorites. Each month the top five stories go before an editorial reivew board at HarperCollins! Sam is one of the teens at my library and her story, Altered, is currently number five! I'm so proud of her and I'd love for you to go to Inkpop check out her story and vote for it if you like it. You can also read all about Sam and the books she's reading and what she's writing at her blog, One Sparkling Star .

Gone by Lisa McMann

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars Genre: Mystery/Paranormal/Contemporary Release Date: 1/19/2010 Publisher: Simon Pulse Purchase from Indiebound , Add to Goodreads About the Book: Janie's future as a dream catcher isn't bright. Her chances of going crippled and blind are high and she always runs the risk of falling into people's dreams. She knows Cabel will stick with her, no matter what, even though she doesn't want to bring him down with her. When a stranger enters Janie's life, she discovers another possible future-but one that mean she would be alone. Both choices have risks-which will Janie choose? GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I wasn't the biggest fan of Wake and Fade , but I found them interesting enough that I wanted to read the finale to the series. Unfortunately, Gone fell flat for me and is my least favorite of the series. I didn't feel the choppy writing style from the first two was present as much in this one, which I liked. But what I didn't like was

The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Rating: 3/5 Stars Genre: Contemporary Release Date: 2/4/2010 Publisher: Razorbill Purchase from Indiebound.org , Add to Goodreads Suzanne Young's Blog About the Book: Think you know cheerleaders? Think again! The Smitten Kittens aren't just the school spirit squad, they're a secret society that will spy on guys to see if they're cheating. Think your guy is on The Naughty List? Text the Society of Smitten Kittens (SOS) and they'll find out for you. Everything seems to be going great until head cheerleader Tessa's own boyfriend Aiden shows up as a suspect on The Naughty List. Now things aren't so strawberry smoothie... GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I love the idea for this book-spying cheerleaders and cheating boyfriends. And while the book is unique and fun, I was left a little disappointed. It was a fun book, but I just wanted more substance and character development. The Naughty List reminds me of something that could easily be adapted as a CW TV show. Tess

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine . Grace by Elizabeth Scott Release Date: 9/16/2010 Add to Goodreads About the Book: A fable of a terrifying near future by critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Scott. Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom. In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discovery looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate. Told in spare, powerful prose, this tale of a dystopian near future will haunt readers long after they've reached the final page. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Elizabeth Scott is one of those authors who can write no wrong in my eyes. She's one of my author heroes and I think she's amaz

Veronica Mars Rewatch and Discuss

Shana Silver and Sonia Gensler are hosting a Veronia Mars re-watch and discussion. So if you're a Veronica newbie or a long time Veronica fan, join in. The plan right now is to watch one episode a week and discuss it. And the episodes are online, so really, you have no excuse not to join! I sadly discovered Veronica Mars after it was off the air, but I got addicted and watched all of season one in one weekend. It's smart, witty, funny and addictive and one of the best teen shows ever made. I hope you join in on the fun-I can't wait to re-watch this show!

Tween Tuesday

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme where I highlight great tween reads. Leave your Tween Tuesday link in the Mr. Linky below! The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry Rating: 5/5 Stars Genre: Fairy Tale Release Date: 3/17/2010 Lois Lowry's Website About the Book: It's almost the day of Princess Patricia Priscilla's sixteenth birthday ball-the day the Princess will be asked to choose a suitor. But the princess is bored. So she decides to disguise herself as a peasant and go to school for the week. Princess Patricia Priscilla loves school and she's not looking forward to her birthday ball-especially when she finds out who the suitors will be! Will Princess Patricia Priscilla find a way to end her boredom and marry a man she loves? GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I grew up reading the Anastasia books and The Giver . The Birthday Ball reminded my why Lois Lowry is one of my favorite authors. Ms. Lowry takes on the fairy tale genre and there's such a wonderful blend of humor, heart, an

Author Interview: Introducing Beth Revis

Please welcome Beth Revis to GreenBeanTeenQueen! Beth is a YA author who's debut book, Across the Universe , will be released in Spring 2011. I started following Beth's blog a few months ago and her blog is one of my favorite author blogs to read. When I got her newsletter announcing her book deal and I had to know more. The day before she announced her book, I was telling my husband someone should write a great YA science-fiction set in space with murder. (My mind is weird and it sounded like a great plot.) Luckily, Beth read my mind! So I had to share her awesomeness with everyone! Beth's Website Beth's Blog GreenBeanTeenQueen: Congrats on your new book deal! Your book, Across the Universe will be releasing in 2011-can you tell us a little bit about the book and how long it took you to write it? -I started the book during Christmas break 2008, with a goal of finishing the rough draft by summer break. (Can you tell I'm also a te

Romana and Beezus Trailer

Ok, am I the only one who remembers the Sarah Polley TV show of Ramona? I checked them out on VHS (so oldschool, I know) from my library and watched them as a kid. And I loved it. Sarah Polley was Ramona for me. So I'm still not sure I can bet behind this movie, but we'll see, maybe they'll surprise me. What do you think?

Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

Rating: 3/5 Stars Genre: Contemporary Release Date: 1/12/2010 Add to GoodReads , Purchase from Indiebound About the Book: Charlie is starting high school at a new school in hopes to escape the drama from middle school. When she discovers her old best friend Will is back in town, and at the same high school, Charlie isn't sure what to think. Will isn't the same he was three years ago, but he's still a good guy right? Even if he's participating in hazing with the lacrosse team? Charlie will learn that sometimes drama is something you can't escape and that boys can be just as mean as girls. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: It seems like I always come across books about older teens in high or teens in middle school. Sometimes a good book about freshman year can be hard to find. But Rosalind Wiseman writes book that echoes high school perfectly. I really did feel like I was transported back to my own awkward but fun freshman year. I love Charlie's-she's a great mai

Happy Blogoversary to Me!! PLUS CONTEST!!

This week is my two year blogoversary! (Really, it should be a year and a half, since I really started writing on my blog six months after I started it, but I gotta go with the date of my first post I guess!) I've had a great experience so far in the blogging world and can't believe everything that's happened in the last year! I won Best Reviewer from the People's Choice blog awards, my blog was shortlisted for Best YA blog during Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and I reached 500 followers. I've made great connections with librarians, YA authors, readers and teens and I still get super excited when I read a comment from someone on my blog-I can't believe people read this thing!! I thought I'd take my blogoversary to reflect on the things I've learned in the past two years of blogging: Lesson Number 1 -Enjoy blogging! Don't feel bad if it gets to be too much and take a break. This is a hobby and it needs to stay fun. It can be hard to balance everythi

Tween Tuesday

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme that highlights great reads for tweens! Add your own Tween Tuesday post in the comments below. I made a list of Diary of a Wimpy Kid read-alikes when I first started Tween Tuesday, but with the movie coming out, I thought I'd give some other great Wimpy Kid style books a shout out. Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm -This is a book told all through "stuff"-from notes left on the fridge, to IM chats and e-mails. It's a quick read very creative. I wasn't sure if I would like the format, but it worked and you do get a feel for the characters, even though there is no narration or dialogue. Give this one to picky readers who claim not to like reading! Big Nate In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce - Big Nate is the latest entry into the Wimpy Kid -style world-and it's the book most likely to win over the Wimpy Kid readers. Nate is slightly younger than Greg Heffley, but the same tone, style, humor and voi

Librarian Romance

I was reading through my google reader over the weekend when I came across Alea's In My Mailbox post. She got a crazy amount of books this week including a ton of romance novels since she's been on a romance kick. (I'm so proud!) I scrolled through her book list and I came across this: What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss (the tag line says "she's got a secret that's long overdue") The plot of the book says: (From Amazon)- Is Rachel Robinson the only one on campus who doesn't know who Devin Freedman is? No big deal except that the bad-boy rock star gets a kick out of Rachel's refusal to worship at his feet. And that seems to have provoked his undivided attention. Devin, the guy who gave new meaning to the phrase "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll." Devin, the guy who somehow becomes wedged between her and the past she's kept hidden for years. It's up to this librarian to find out firsthand just how "bad" he really

Fun Reading Videos

I know this video has circulated, but it makes my librarian heart so happy, I have to share: Simone Elkeles release the Rules of Attraction trailer and it's fabulous! (Although, I'm a little sad there's no song to get stuck in my head this time!) And I really think Jessica Brody gets awesome book trailers. This one is for her YA debut novel The Karma Club.

Forget Her Nots by Amy Brecount White

Rating: 4/5 Stars Genre: Contemporary Release Date: 3/2/2010 About the Book: Laurel is starting over at a new school after mom’s death. She’s attending her mom’s alma mater Avondale Prep School and she’s finding the school holds more and more keys to her past. It all starts with a speech on the language of flowers in her English class. When Laurel gives the bouquet she made to her English teacher and soon after Ms. Spenser finds love, Laurel starts to discover she has a gift with flowers. When rumors start to fly about Laurel’s gift with flowers, all the girls want them, especially before prom. Being a matchmaker isn’t easy and Laurel has a lot to discover about the language of flowers. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Forget Her Nots is a light refreshing read. It incorporates magic without being over the top and I finished the book believing in the language of flowers. I know I won’t be looking at flowers the same way! The story takes a bit to pick up, but once it does, it’s a fun read. La

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine . I had to post a WOW this week because I wanted to spread the word about this book! Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly Release Date: 9/28/2010 About the Book: (From Goodreads) BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break. PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape. Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is mo

Tween Tuesday

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme to highlight great reads for tweens! Include your Tween Tuesday post in the comments below and join in the tween fun! Meanwhile by Jason Shiga Rating: 5/5 Stars Genre: Comic Release Date: 2/3/2010 About the Book: It all starts with a simple question-what flavor of ice cream, chocolate or vanilla? From there Jimmy is sent on the adventure of the reader's choice. Follow the paths and see where they lead. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I have been excited to read this one since I saw a starred review in Booklist . The premise intrigued me-a choose your own adventure comic? I had to check it out. Meanwhile is the most inventive and creative book I have come across in a long time. I don't know how Jason Shiga put this book together-I'm amazed at his talent and creativity. The book doesn't read like your typical book. There are paths to follow and tabs to turn, so the reader is always moving around flipping pages and choosing new paths. Even though i

My Soul to Take & My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

Rating: 4/5 Stars Genre: Paranormal Release Date: My Soul to Take : 8/1/2009, My Soul to Save : 12/29/2009 About the Books : Kaylee has an uncontrollable urge to scream when she can sense that someone hear her is about the die. When girls at school start to randomly die, Kaylee is the only one who knows who will be next. In My Soul To Save, when pop star Eden suddenly dies, Kaylee doesn't scream. And she can't scream for someone who has no soul. When Kaylee and her boyfriend Nash discover fame hungry teens are selling their souls to the Netherworld, they know they have to stop the evil Netherworld from collecting more innocent souls. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Just when I think I'm feeling burnt out on paranormal, I come across books that make me want to start reading the genre again! I really enjoyed the mythology that Rachel Vincent created. I thought the storyline was unique and a refresher from the typical creatures that keep appearing in paranormal lit. I also really lo

I'm a blog guest!

Diane at The Book Resort is celebrating her blogiversary! Diane is one of the sweetest bloggers-she has great reviews, author interviews, and she always has the best quotes to share. She asked me to write a guest post for her celebration, so head over to The Book Resort and celebrate with Diane and let me know how my guest appearance turned out!:)

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Rating: 4/5 Stars Genre: Contemporary Release Date: 3/16/2010 About the Book: Sarah knows she shouldn't like Ryan. Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend and Brianna is Sarah's best friend. There's an unwritten rule in friendship-no crushes on your best friend's boy. But the attraction is there-and besides, Sarah liked him first. When Ryan and Sarah are thrown together one night something happens. Sarah is torn apart by guilt and wanting to act on her feelings. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Elizabeth Scott is an amazing author-she can write anything and I'm always amazed at her talent. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this one-I hate love triangles and stealing someone's boyfriend-no way! But Ms. Scott pulls it off in a wonderful way that made me feel for the characters. As much as I liked Sarah and Ryan, Brianna was the stand out character for me. I would like her and hate her at the same time. I would feel sorry for her but I'd also want to yell at her for being so

Cover Look Alikes

So the new paperback cover of Prophecy of the Sisters has been released and I really love the cover. Looking at the cover, I really think the girl on the left looks lik e Quinn from Glee ! Anyone else see it or am I going crazy? The look alike doesn't translate as much on the cover for Guardian of the Gate though.

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine . I haven't posted a WOW post in a long time, but I saw this a couple weeks ago and I had to share!! Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen Release Date: 10/26/2010 About the Book: (From GoodReads) Bright Young Things is the first in an epic four-book series about three teenage girls finding their way in the glittering metropolis of New York City and the glamorous mansions of Long Island. It’s 1929 and Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey have escaped their small Midwestern town to chase big dreams and even bigger secrets. In New York, they meet Astrid Donal, a flapper who has everything she could ever want, except for the one thing Letty and Cordelia have to offer—true friendship. Set in the dizzying summer before the market crash, against the vast lawns of the East End and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls will find romance, intrigue, and adventure. Just as The Luxe books brought the

Tween Tuesday

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme where I highlight great reads for tweens! Post a link to your Tween Tuesday post in the comments. I need to catch up on my tween reads! I don't have any new reviews this week. But I do have a very cool tween website I want to share. HarperCollins Children's Books has started a website featuring great adventure reads for tweens: Awesome Adventure . There are games on the site that go along with the books, weekly giveaways, and videos and podcasts. Some of the books featured on the site are A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner, Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce and The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. If you have tween readers who love interactive sites and want to know more about the books they're reading, send them to the Awesome Adventures site. Do your readers like having websites and games and author interviews for the books their reading? I keep seeing more publicity like this popping up and I wonder how much

A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

This is a Traveling to Teens Tour ! Rating: 5/5 Stars Genre: Historical Mystery Release Date: 3/9/2010 About the Book: Rescued from a hanging at the age of twelve, Mary Quinn is given a second chance at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. At seventeen, Mary learns that the school is a cover for The Agency, a top secret group of female spies-and Mary has been asked to join them. Her first assignment is to go undercover as a lady's companion to a rich ship merchant's daughter. The ship merchant is suspected in involvement in missing cargo ships and Mary's job is to find information. But in a house full of secrets, Mary is in for many surprises as she learns not everything is what it seems. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I have been book lusting after this book since I first heard about it last year. When the tour opened up for this book, I said I would do anything to get my hands on this book. I had to read this one. With that much anticipation, I had very high hopes for A Spy

Traveling to Teens: Guest Post with Y.S. Lee

Please welcome author Y.S. Lee to GreenBeanTeenQueen! This post is part of a Traveling Teens tour . Check out the entire tour schedule! Y.S. Lee is the author of The Agency trilogy. The first book in the series, A Spy in the House , is out this month! Hello! Over the next 2 weeks, I’m making 8 guest posts as part of the T2T blog tour. As an ex-professor and writer of historical fiction, my theme is Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Victorians. Today’s topic is Sexy Victorians! So, the Victorians and Sex. They were all terribly repressed and it was unladylike for a woman to enjoy (or even move during!) sex with her husband, right? Um, not quite. Let’s take a quick look at a couple of myths: Myth 1: “Lie back and think of England”. There is absolutely no evidence that Queen Victoria (or any other woman of the 1800s) ever advised anyone to “lie back and think of England” during sex. In fact, Queen Victoria thought her husband, Prince Albert, was gorgeous and confided to a fr