Rock and Read Library Palooza at the Vacaville Town Square Library
On July 12, Vacaville Town Square Library hosted live local teen bands playing on the Town Square Plaza as part of their teen summer reading events. View these and more images of our events on our flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/solanolibrary/
Comment / Share
Teen Book Review: The Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid is a fantasy/sci-fi book written by Rick Riordan.
This book circles around the story of Carter and Sadie Kane; two young kids who also act as an embodiment for power Egyptian gods. The story is told from both Sadie and Carter’s viewpoint and is well written as well as heart pounding. This book captures the mind so much that you almost feel as if you are in the book yourself. Riordan’s stunning book is one of my favorites now and if anyone read and like the Percy Jackson series I strongly suggest they read the Kane Chronicles as well.
Comment / Share
Interview with Jennifer, the YA Library Associate at the Cordelia Library
1.) Question: what is the main purpose of being a librarian?
answer: to help people find information and homework help.
2.) Question: why you pick this profession?
answer: she really felt like the library is being a part of the community.
3.) Question: how did you get this job?
answer: she applied for it.
4.) Question: where did you start?
answer: she started shelving books.
5.) Question: do you like your job?
answer: she loves it.
6.) Question: why do you like your job?
Answer: she has a lot of fun.
7.) Question: how do you know where certain books are?
Answer: the Dewey Decimal system
8.) Question: why is the job hard?
answer there are challenges
9.) Question: how long have you been at this?
Answer: ten years
10.) Question: if you didn't pick this profession what other job would have picked?
Answer: services for teens
11.)Question: what are the challenges?
Answers: letting people know about the library
Comment / Share
Teen Poetry: The Difference
THE DIFFERENCE
As I walk I turn my head side to side looking at all the houses,
buildings, cars, and buses they are dull and grey,
but when I look up all I see is pretty colors blue rainbows all over and the yellow sun.
I can see the differences between my world and up and sometimes I wish I was part of the sky.
Comment / Share
Teen Book Review: Love Letters to the Dead
Book Review Written By:
Jessica I.
Love Letters to the Dead
By Ava Dellaira, 2014
Realistic Fiction, Young Adult
Love Letters to the Dead, written by Ava Dellaira, is about a girl named Laurel who is writing letters to people who have died such as Amelia Earhart, River Phoenix, and many more. It starts off as an English assignment but grows into much more than that. She writes about what’s happening in her life such as how to be brave, her new friends, and falling in love; all while mourning over her sister’s death. As she writes these letters, she learns to be more open to others rather than shutting people out. Laurel discovers herself.
I found Love Letters to the Dead very poetic. It was filled with lines and phrases that a teenage girl would put on her bedroom wall (for the record, that is actually what I did). It was also filled with characters that were both lively and colorful. It has lots of emotion so when the main character mourns, you mourn. Some parts were so strong that I personally gasped at what happened. It wasn’t like one of those classic happy-ending fairy tales. This book touches your heart.
At times, Love Letters to the Dead was boring. In the beginning, it is kind of slow but it soon picks up speed. There is also quite a lot of suspense because Laurel never reveals how May died until the end. Every time she does, she cuts herself off. The only time that she fully talks about it is towards the end. There are a lot of secrets in this book. I also found it rather hard to keep track of all the characters because there are so many and sometimes they have nicknames. For instance, one character named Sky was called Sky all throughout the book up until the end when his mother said Skylar. It confuses you enough to think, “Wait, who is she talking about again?”
This book reminded me a lot of another book called The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In both books, it is narrated by a character that is a freshman at a new school and is going through something that scarred them for life. If you like that book, I would recommend this book because they are very similar to each other.
I would recommend this book to anyone in 8th grade and above because there are quite some intense scenes and also some dirty scenes. There is also some cuss words involved. Overall I think that this book is a book that you would read once, but not twice. But don’t just take my word for it! Rent Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira at any Solano County library and read it yourself.
Comment / Share
Teen Book Review: Cinder
Book Review Written By:
Jessica I.
Cinder
By Marissa Meyer, 2013
Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy
In this retelling of the classic Cinderella, Linh Cinder is a cyborg, which means that she is a mix of both human and robot. Set in the future and in New Beijing, Cinder works as a mechanic with an unknown past. One day, Prince Kai, heir to the throne, asks her to fix his android. From that moment on, everything changes for her. She falls in love; she becomes wanted (and in some cases) needed by others for both good and bad reasons; she discovers her own well-hidden secrets. Cinder has something that others want, something others would kill for.
I loved Cinder! At first I thought I wouldn’t like it because it was science fiction, but I loved it! Cinderella is a cyborg? Isn’t that intriguing enough? It was filled with villains that make you just want to stick your hand in the book and personally strangle them. The characters are very well developed. Many are funny and lovable. There are so many plot twists and action so it will never bore you. Some parts left me gasping and wanting more (especially the end). The romance is sweet. It wasn’t sappy and so many parts make you say, “Just kiss already!” Cinder was very interesting and engaging.
There were only a few things I didn’t like about Cinder. At first, I felt that there were too many female characters so it was sort of hard to keep track of all of them. However, you quickly get the hang of it. The second thing I didn’t like about it was that it was some parts were predictable. Yes, there were many plot twists but some of those twists you saw coming a mile away.
Cinder actually reminds me a lot of Divergent by Veronica Roth. Both had independent, feisty heroines as their main characters. In both, the villain was another female who manipulated others so they could take over their regions. There are actually many similarities. If you liked that book, definitely read this book.
I recommend Cinder to anyone twelve and up. Even as an adult, you may even like this book also. This is a book that I would definitely read again… and again. I give this book nine and a half stars out of ten. Check Cinder by Marissa Meyer out at any of the Solano County Library branches and then review it yourself!
Comment / Share
Teen Book Review: Hush Hush
Book Review Written by:
Jessica I.
Hush, Hush
By Becca Fitzpatrick, 2009
Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance
When Nora Grey gets paired up with the mysterious transfer student, Patch, she already knows that not everything is right with him. He somehow knows a lot about Nora, but tends to change the subject when it comes to him. After several mysterious encounters, Nora becomes terrified. She constantly feels a shadow behind her, like someone is following her, like someone is out to kill her. Who can she trust? What’s with Patch? And why is she so attracted to him? As Nora and Patch’s lives become intertwined, things become complicated, secretive, and very dangerous.
I always heard a lot of good things about Hush, Hush so when I finally caved in and read it, I was not disappointed. I didn’t know why I waited so long. From the moment I opened up the book, I couldn’t put it down. There is a lot of suspense and action. Patch isn’t the typical hero. He is mysterious, smooth, and can I say quite charming. You will fall in love with him, just as Nora did. The book is fast-paced and quite unsettling. If the action and suspense doesn’t keep you gripping to your seat, then Nora and Patch’s romance itself could keep you reading the book. Already from the start you can tell that they were bound to be together. The characters were so well developed that you can predict some of the character’s actions already. Hush, Hush is an unstoppable page-turner.
There was almost nothing that I didn’t like about Hush, Hush except for the fact that it was too short. Becca Fitzpatrick ends Hush, Hush making you want more.
When I was reading Hush, Hush, the plot reminded me of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I can already see you, sighing to yourself and already not wanting to read Hush, Hush just because I compared it to Twilight. Yes, Twilight is known for it’s horribleness and bad actors, but let me remind you- THAT’S THE MOVIE. Don’t judge a book by its movie. When I compare Hush, Hush to Twilight, I am hoping that you don’t take this in a negative tone. I just believe that the plots are rather similar because instead of vampires and werewolves you have fallen Angels. I still believe that this book is a must-read for everyone.
I recommend Hush, Hush to all young adults thirteen and up. There are a couple dirty scenes. This is a book that I will be reading over and over again, and each time this book will grip me as much as the last time. Like I said before, Hush, Hush is a must-read for everyone.
Comment / Share
Book Recommendations
Book recommendations by Justin M.
Title/Author: The Popularity Papers. The Rocky Road Trip / Amy Ignatow
Recommendation: I would recommend it to people who have traveled around the world.
Title/Author: Middle School. My Brother is a big fat liar/ James Patterson
Recommendation: I would recommend it to people who have annoying big brothers in their life.
Title/Author: Dork Diaries #8/ Rachel Renee Russell
Recommendation: Everybody should read this book it’s filled with drama.
Title/Author: You care too. Favorite poems for all ages/ Robert Frost
Recommendation: It relaxes you, they tell you something meaningful.
Title/Author: The Bill Martin Big Book of Poetry/ Eric Carte
Recommendation: It relaxes you and is filled with fun nursery rhymes.
Title/Author: Middle School. Ultimate showdown/ James Patterson
Recommendation: You can write in it and it is a fun book to read.
Title/Author: The Red Pyramid/ Rick Riordan
Recommendation: If you’re a fun person get it, it’s good if you like mysteries
Title/Author: I even funnier/ JAmes Patterson
Recommendation: It is really funny
Book recommendation by Elijah M.
Title/Author: Underwater welder/ Jeff Lemire
Recommendation: It was great and and a happy ending
Title/Author: What is it/ Lynda Barry
Recommendation: I didn’t like it too much because it creeped me out.
Title/Author: Cat Warrior
Recommendation: I didn’t like it because it was boring and had boring bad cat characters.
Title/Author: Wolverine/ Carry Hama
Recommendation: It’s a great book because its wolverine.
Comment / Share
New poem from Vallejo
BLACK SUN
The sky is red, the sun is black, I’m riding a rollercoaster but my mind is off track. There are lots of ups and downs, smiles and frowns, even kings placing crowns on the heads of clowns. But I really don’t care, life isn’t fair, god has given me a life I can hardly bear, but still, to ruin my life I do not dare.
Everyday I ask him, why can’t you share? My life is going, I just don’t know where, because a life like mine is kind of rare. What do I do, while there’s love in the air? Other people kiss while I just sit and stare, I look to my left and there’s nobody there, I look to my right and there’s a pair, people look at me funny, like there’s sand in my hair.
The clouds are red, the rain is black, I may have left but I’ll never be back, but what I can say is, there’s nothing I lack, my life already sucks, please cut me some slack. I look at the trees, I look at the sky, but what is the point when I just want to die? Why? Why do I try? When every time I fail all I do is cry. And how can I be calm when I’m jealous of every guy?
My heart is grounded, while my mind wants to fly, you can guess by what I write that I’m also kind of shy, why do I need them? All they do is lie. I try to be nice, but they just punch me in the eye, and when I’m upset, all they do is pry, my mind is plain, but seasoned, like a French fry.
The clouds are blue, the sky is white, my mind is racing faster than the speed of light, my life just gets worse, but I still have to fight, why am I like this? It’s just not right. Life is taller than me, I’m not it’s height, I fly through the sky, but still held to the ground, just like a kite, and why are people scared when they know I don’t bite?
You can tell me whole life, just by what I write, I sleep during the day, and fly through the night, and I’m pushing a boulder, with all my might. But I’m getting nowhere, my hands are bare; I love the dark, so give me a scare, I lost my mind and my soul, they were a pair.
Sometimes I just sit, just sit and think, think that I can’t end up in the brink, my mind is empty and cold, like a skating rink, I don’t care if people say I stink, because I already know that I’m their main link, I have a cup, but nothing to drink, and once it’s over, just like a ship my heart will sink, my mind wants to grow, while my heart wants to shrink.
The water is black, the sun is red, you can’t kill something that’s already dead, I jump off the bridge, I take the dive, you can’t kill something that was never alive. I’m steering my life, but I don’t know how to drive, everything gets quiet when I arrive.
I can’t think, because there’s nothing in my head, people call me a coward, just because I fled, what do I eat? Nothing but bread, other people feed, while I’m being fed.
Sometimes I cry, when I go to bed, I already know, that my heart you will shred. There’s nothing in my life, but the tears I shed, my heart is weighing me down, like it’s made of lead, I’m stuck in the past, like my name is Fred, what’s on my mind? Horror and dread, other people laughed while I sat and bled.
I don’t look around, I’m scared of what I will find, I see life in front of me, but I think I’m going blind, I fell in a trap, and now I’m stuck in a bind, and still nobody yet noticed that I’m going out of my mind. It’s been a while, since my contract was signed, and now my soul is black, my body already shined, why do people laugh? All I do is be kind, I already died, my heart flat lined.
The trees are black, the snow is red, don’t lie on me, because that’s not what I said. My mind keeps turning, my heart is burning, I keep making mistakes, so I don’t think I’m learning, my life is soft like butter, and god is churning. How can I be happy when misery keeps occurring? My life is mixed up, and I am stirring. I live in a shack, I peek through the crack, and when I look outside, all I see is black.
Comment / Share
Interview with Alicia Cauthen, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event.
Natural Symmetry by Alicia Cauthen
What inspired you to take this photo?
I was in Florida, and the water was perfectly still. I took hundreds of pictures of the reflection on the water.
Why do you enjoy photography?
I feel like I can express myself more through photography than painting or any other medium. I like being able to show others what I see, and how things look through my eyes. I have been taking photo classes for four years. When I go to college I plan on minoring in photography.
What does the library mean to you?
Libraries are a place where I can be by myself and read any books. I enjoy the solitude while still feeling like a part of the community.
Would you enter this contest again?
Yes. Would you encourage your friends to enter? Yes.
What would you say to them?
This is a great opportunity to get your work out in the community. The categories were so fun I felt like I could do anything I wanted and have a chance. I wasn’t limited to doing a certain thing.
Comment / Share
Interview with Katie Walker, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event. Katie Walker is one of the two photographers who had two winning photos this year.
Looking Up, by Katie Walker
What inspired you to take this photo?
I was visiting UC Santa Cruz and wanted to capture the scenery and the feeling of having the trees surround you.|
Petals of White, by Katie Walker
What inspired you to take this photo?
It was springtime, and the flowers were blooming in a local rural area. It was the perfect position to cover the entire photo.
Why do you enjoy photography?
When you take a picture of things you enjoy in life you get to go back and relive that time in your life. I have been doing this as a hobby for the past two years. I am planning on taking a photo class this summer but haven’t taken any classes yet.
What does the library mean to you?
The library is great because we have access to good books. I enjoy reading and getting to know more about the things that I’m interested in.
Would you enter this contest again? Yes.
Would you encourage your friends to enter? Yes
What would you say to them?
This is a great opportunity to get exposure for your work. Having your photos displayed in the library is a great and wonderful way to get library exposure.
Comment / Share
Interview with Najm Phillips, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event.
Lost Within a Hundred Stories by Najm Phillips
What inspired you to take this photo?
I was in the school library looking for photos to capture for this contest. I saw something special in that moment, someone just lost in the world of stories and books. I added an effect of being in a daze by blurring the photo. I did this by turning the shutter speed down to introduce more light and held the camera in my hand for slight movement, which is where the blur came from.
Why do you enjoy photography?
Photography is a way to express myself. It is art. I have been into photography for years, but recently got my first camera, a DSLR. Before, I would just take photos with my camera phone. I’m not in any classes, but would like to take photo next year.
What does the library mean to you?
The library is a place where you get to do things you wouldn’t normally get a chance to do. It’s a place to read books and magazines, relax in your free time, and even check out DVD’s and audiobooks.
Would you enter this contest again? Yes.
Would you encourage your friends to enter? Yes, if they like taking pictures.
What would you say to them?
“Just enter!”
Comment / Share
Interview with Gabrielle Tribelli, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event.
Film on Fire by Gabrielle Tribelli
What inspired you to take this photo?
I was doing a 365 project, where you take a photo every day for a year. I was in my room one night and the lava lamp was the only thing lighting up. I had recently developed a roll of film and I thought it looked cool to hold it up to the light. I liked the way it came out; I didn’t do any major editing, just contrast and brightening.
Why do you enjoy photography?
I find it to be the easiest way to express myself. I can document every moment and keep creativity in the moment. What provokes me to take photos is capturing what most people don’t see in everyday life – shadows, reflections, lighting – I like to keep those things in my photos. I have been in photo classes at my school for the past two year, but have been interested in photography for about five years.
What does the library mean to you?
My friends and I use the library as a meeting place for studying together. Without the library I wouldn’t be as studious; it’s good to have a quiet place to get together and get work done.
Would you enter this contest again? Yes.
Would you encourage your friends to enter? Yes
What would you say to them?
Well, some of my friends did enter. Our teacher, Ms. Hernandez, really encouraged us a lot. I think this was a great opportunity to show off the work we were proud of. I liked that there was a wide variety of categories so most photos fit. Also I like that it is for any level of photographer so everyone has a chance to win.
Comment / Share
We Are All Mad Here
Suisun City Library teens are turning their favorite literature into art. The current theme, "We Are All Mad Here," take inspiration from H.G. Howards Splintered series based on the Lewis Carroll classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Stop by the Suisun City Library after Easter to see more.
"Alice Twins" by Joanna Ayson
"Queen of Hearts" by Elijah Molina
Comment / Share
Interview with Zoe Martin, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event.
Untitled photo: Cat by Zoe Martin
What inspired you to take this photo?
I like to take pictures, especially of nature. I was trying to take pictures in my yard one day but my cat, Kitty, kept bugging me so I switched to taking pictures of her. She kept moving around, but the close up came out great.
Why do you enjoy photography?
I like to recreate memories with photography. Taking pictures reminds me of what I was feeling so I am able to share what I experienced with others. Traveling and taking photos, capturing new things, is something I really enjoy.
What does the library mean to you?
When I was younger I would go to the library with my grandparents. I would do my homework there and find books in the kid’s area. I still love to read. Even though I read a lot of books on my phone now, I think it’s special to have a real book with you.
Would you enter this contest again? Yes.
Would you encourage your friends to enter? If they are photographers, yes.
What would you say to them?
This contest is a good way to see other youth doing what we do. You get to see where you stand and how you’re doing, what you need to work on and what you are doing well.
Comment / Share
Interview with Josh Redsun, winning photographer
Winners of the 2014 Digital Photography Contest were invited to talk to the public about their work at Solano County Library’s 100 year anniversary celebration. We had a chance to interview these talented photographers at the event.
Claudia, by Josh Redsun
What inspired you to take this photo?
I was on a photo shoot with Claudia and some other classmates. I liked the photo and wanted to change it to black and white. In post-processing I made the difference between the black and white really defined and drove up the contrast. I rented a 70-200 Canon with a 2.8 lens.
Why do you enjoy photography?
I can’t draw, sing, or act but I gotta do something! I am the only Junior in my photo 2 class, everyone else is a Senior this year.
What does the library mean to you?
The library is a base of knowledge.
Would you enter this contest again?
If I have new material to submit.
Would you encourage your friends to enter?
I guess.
What would you say to them?
I won! I’m excited to see if I can win again next year.
Comment / Share
Silly stories from the Fairfield-Cordelia Teen Writing Club
In writing club last night, members took turns writing and passing stories around. Here are two of the stories we wrote together. The Fairfield Cordelia Writing Club meets from 5:30-6:30pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Story 1
It was a dark and story night as Annabelle Lee went in to the ballroom. There were candles, chandeliers, an assortment of desert; a feast of course for the princess, queen-to-be. She feasted on Cheez-its all day until she gave out. She woke up and was really fat. She tried exercising, but she had too many Cheez-its. She gave up and tried calling the food fairy for help.
"Food Fairy, Food Fairy, save me from the Cheez-its!" Annabelle Lee yelled to the sky. POOF! The Food Fairy appeared with ice cream cone shoulder pads and a dress made of steak. "I will save you from the Cheez-its, but you will have to pay dearly."
"Anything, of course! I swear I'd give my own life!"
Which was exactly the price the Food Fairy wanted her to pay.
"Noooo! I'm demoted to a vampire!"
"Well that's your problem, not mine. Toot-a-loo!"
"You will pay!"
Epiloge
So then, as in vampire form, Annabelle Lee killed the Food Fairy and was promoted back to ghost once more.
Then End.
Story 2
It was a dark and stormy night and Jason was having a bad day. First, he passed out in the middle of the sky, and woke up hitting the water.
"Ooff" he said when he hit the water. "This is turning out to be a very bad day," Jason thought to himself. First all the rain made him pass out (the atmospheric pressure ruined his ability to stay awake) and then he woke up drowning in the ocean. "At least this whale is here," Jason thought.
The whale slowly opened it's mouth, coming towards Jason; for it had not seen him. "I thought you would help me, not EAT ME!"
"Uggrrr.... I hate my life."
As soon as Hermes had seen this, he thought to himself, "See! KARMA!" He walked away and got blasted by lightning, then yelled, "Not again, stupid Karma you're ruining my life."
The End.
Comment / Share
Teen Tech Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to Sabrina Pierantoni for becoming the grand prize winner of the theme 'From the Printed Page to the Digital Age' for her photograph 'Pop of Color.'
Congratulations to the following teens who won in each of our 10 categories. Take a look at their winning photographs.
Editing/Effects: Sabrina Pierantoni (Grand Prize Winner)
Catch all: Gabrielle Tribelli
Design: Katie Walker
Nature/Landscapes: Alicia Cauthen
People: Josh Redsun
Transportation: Sabrina Pierantoni
Flowers: Katie Walker
Close up: Ashley Falconer
Animals: Zoe Martin
Get Caught Reading: Najm Phillips
Solano County Library would like to thank all the creative teens who particpated in this year's contest submitting over 300 amazing photographs! Stop by our Flickr site and see the work of all of our contestants.
"Pop of Color" by Sabrina Pieranoni
Comment / Share
LIBRARY LINKS
- Latest Movies
- Read Away Fines
- Teen Books
- Teen Fiction ebooks/eaudiobooks
- Teen Nonfiction ebooks/eaudiobooks
- Volunteers
HOMEWORK HELP
- Live Homework Help®
- Magazine & Newspaper Articles
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context
- LearningExpress
- More...
HANDY STUFF
