Summer Reading at Morris Park

[Heidi and her friend.], Digital ID 1699019, New York Public Library[Heidi and her friend.], Digital ID 1699019, New York Public LibraryOnce again the dog days of summer are here, and what better way to cool off than at your local library. Our summer reading kickoff is a memory where a good time was had by all. We are really fortunate to have such talented branch supporters who helped us with the festivities. Thanks to Celeste, a local artist, balloon animals were given to each child who registered for summer reading. In addition, an awesome college student and former teen advisory member, Laura, was a huge hit with some fabulous face painting.

So, now that the party is over, it's time to get down to the business of reading. Children and teens have been coming into the library with their lists of required reading, and of course even though those required books need to be read, we always encourage reading for pleasure. Pick a book that you like, and take it with you wherever you go, and you will never be alone. This year, for the first time, new library cards were distributed to all of the public schools in New York City. These new cards need to be activated at a branch of any of the three library systems, Brooklyn, Queens or New York Public which encompass Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island. After activation, it is strongly suggested that the card recipients, whether chldren or teen, join the Summer Reading Club at www.summerreading.org. Members can create an avatar, enter and review books they have read as well as rate music and movies they are watching. In addition, programs are planned around summer reading.

So, let's say you visit the Morris Park Library (which I strongly recommend.) That means that you can attend the many programs we offer. For example, children can attend our reading alouds at the branch and at our local parks, Check our program schedule on our website. Teens can come in on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm to talk about their favorite books, receive free books and snacks and spend some time in their favorite air conditioned library. Adults are also welcome to attend our computer courses, our book clubs plus other interesting programs. Once again check out our schedule online or stop by the branch for updates.

Here are some of the teen books that I am recommending this summer:

Good Enough by Paula Yoo
Patti's parents are pressuring her to get into an Ivy League college, but even though she wants to suceed she knows that girls sometimes just want to have fun. How will these two sides of Patti merge, and how will she work it all out with her parents.

Jane by April Lindner
In this modern retelling of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is an orphan working as a governess but this time for a famous rock star.

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
What would you do if you are an orphan who is always in trouble, but this time trouble takes you to a town where everyone is weird and you don't know how to get away? This story build up to a climax that is not unlike a Stephen King ending. It's also part of The Gatekeepers trilogy.

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott
Have you ever wished to get away from your life? The main character in a Wish After Midnight, Genna Colon wishes to do just that. They say to be carful what you wish for, and one day Genna's wish carries her back to Civil War Brooklyn.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Can you fall in love with someone you've just met at the airport, and if you're separated can you ever find your way back to each other?

Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
In this modern take on Little Women we are introduced to a fifth March sister, Emily. Given a school assignment to change something in your favorite classic book, Emily chooses to make some changes to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and in the process finds herself transported into the book.