It's always very exciting when authors come to town. I love hearing about where they got the idea for their characters and how they keep coming up with new adventures for those characters.

Jennifer Allison, author of the Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator series, will be at the Downtown Library on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 7 - 8 p.m. Books will be on sale at the event. Grade 4 - Adult.

A debut tween novel, The Princess Curse will be discussed by the author Oct. 4 from 4-5:30pm in the Gallery of U-M Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library. The author is the library's own Merrie Haskell Fuller. In her fairy tale/myth, twelve princesses suffer from a curse -- and whoever breaks it will win a reward. Reveka sees the money could bring her a master herbalist position, so she goes for it. On her quest she meets a shadowy stranger, finds a blighted land in need of healing, and must decide whether to break the curse at the peril of her soul. On Oct. 4, the author will discuss the book and the process of getting published.

In this new book by Gloria Whelan, eighteen year old Kate, daughter of famous artist Dalton Quinn, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in ten years, lives in northern Michigan with her mother. She wishes to attend art school in Detroit, which requires local residency. Since her father is back from New York and now residing in Detroit, living as a recluse and painting like a madman, she decides to drop in unannounced with the idea that she would live with him while attending art school. Things don’t quite go as planned. Her cantankerous father is less than open to the idea of her living with him, taking up space, and interrupting his work flow. When he falls ill, they strike a deal. Kate learns a lot that year. About herself, her father, and the art world.

See What I See is written from Kate’s young artist point of view, and she paints pictures as she narrates. Everything around her holds such texture, such color, such detail, and demands a painting. Author Gloria Whelan's time in Michigan is apparent. Kate's comparisons of Northern Michigan and Detroit are quite lovely to read, as we try to see what she sees.

During this hands-on workshop you'll view a presentation on how screen printing works, and will then get a chance to screen print onto paper or cloth. You’ll have a choice between printing an original Summer Game design onto a tote we supply (or a cloth item that you bring in), OR you can print a different Summer Game design onto paper to create a print. That’s right, we’ll have two of Jannie Ho’s AADL Summer Game designs and two screen printing stations set up, ready for you to DIY.

To keep up with screen printing, check out these books as a resource.

This DIY event is for Grades 6- Adult, and takes place at Pittsfield on Wednesday, June 29, 7-8:30pm. See you there!

SRGelephantJannieHo

Perhaps you read The Wednesday Wars and fell in love with it, as I did. If so, you are in luck, and even if not, you’re in luck. Author Gary Schmidt presents his latest young adult novel, Okay For Now, which is a companion piece to his Newbery Honor book, The Wednesday Wars. The books are written so you can read them independently, but there are some overlapping characters.

Set in 1968, Okay For Now focuses on 8th grader Doug Sweitek, one of the class bullies gone good in The Wednesday Wars. Doug comes from a troubled home, and he and his two older brothers have reputations for being rotten eggs. His father has a heavy fist he has to duck from, but his mother is sweet and supportive, and has a smile that melts Doug’s heart.

After moving to a new town he hates, Doug spends his summer at the local library, where he makes a friend and falls in love with the Audubon book plates housed there. It is a summer of birds, drawing, new friends, family, fights, baseball, Vietnam, Coca-Cola, and Jane Eyre. This book is a truly delightful read.

swimming baby by tomeppy, Flickr.com
If our scorching 90-degree weather is any indication, summer is finally here! Before packing up to hit the beach, make sure to check out some of our awesome youth magazines.

For Parents:
American Baby -- Stroller reviews, tips for new dads and a guide for teaching your tot to swim.

For Kids:
Nintendo Power -- Check out Sonic Generations for the 3DS, plus an advance look at Mega Man Legends 3!

Sports Illustrated Kids -- Learn more about the Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto and the Brazilian world cup star Marta. Also in this issue, a profile of the US women's world cup team, and "10 Ways to Make Sports More Awesome."

For Teens:
Justine -- College advice, a great list of books for summer reading, and a look at actor Grey Damon - leading man of new series "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" (based on these books).

Lucky -- A talk with actress and teen book author Lauren Conrad, and style advice from actress Rose Byrne.

Thrasher -- It's "The Interview Issue," and you will not believe how many interviews they managed to cram into this magazine: Aaron Homoki, Cody McEntire, Ben Hatchell and Daniel Lutheran are only the merest sampling of what Thrasher has to offer.

WWE Magazine -- An interview with John Cena, and 50 things to do this summer.

Pippa with Pink Hat
Memorial Day is right around the corner! If constant rain prevents you from hitting the pool, at least you will be able to read some great new youth and teen magazines! Or, hey, you could also read them at the pool...

Kids:
Owl Magazine celebrates their 35th birthday by giving you presents! You can win a retro owl t-shirt, and also bake an owl-shaped caked. Cuuute! Also inside are "Animal All Stars" and "10 Things You Didn't Know About Water."

Teens:
Transworld Skateboarding welcomes the "New Breed" of up-and-coming skateboard virtuosos and has fun interviewing Julian Davidson, Felipe Gustavo and Theotis Beasley, as well as oodles more.

Us Weekly shares the diet and exercise secrets of the stars in the "Hot Bodies" issue. You can also read the latest gossip about Leonardo DiCaprio's love life and Pippa Middleton, the sister of the new Duchess of Cambridge.

Of course, we have plenty more great magazines to read while working on your tan! Come on down and check some out, before Memorial Day Weekend!

Breakin Curfew

The Neutral Zone and UMS present the 8th annual Breakin' Curfew. The event is created, produced, marketed, and performed by local teens. The performances at Breakin' Curfew feature everything from dance, spoken word, jazz, classical music, rock, to hip hop, and much more. The electricity of a teen-centric audience watching a show of teens, produced by teens, is amazing. It is quite the unique showcase of talent. All this fun takes place at the Power Center on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm. See here for ticket info and more. Yes, adults are of course welcome to attend and support these great minds!

May 14, 8pm | Power Center | See UMS site for ticket info

piggy bank by alancleaver_2000, Flickr.com
As some gear up for the chocolate bunny and jellybean eating of Easter weekend, others are excited about our new teen and youth magazines!

Teen magazines have a bumper crop this month:
Celebrity Hairstyles -- Learn how to choose the right makeup for your hair and steal the hairstyle secrets of the cast of Modern Family, plus "350 Summer Hair Secrets."
ESPN Magazine -- This issue is "All About the Money." Find out how athletes splurge, and what they do when the money runs out.
Teen Voices -- Learn about henna, as well as serious issues like child marriage and teen runaways. Includes an interview with Liz Murray, who wrote Breaking Night as a memoir of her own experience as a homeless teen in New York.
Us Weekly -- The drama behind the scenes on "Dancing With the Stars," and the Style Stars of 2011!

For the kids and parents we have:
Family Fun -- With crafts for Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day, as well as recycle crafts for turning trash into treasures.
New Moon Girls -- The issue shares girls' true travel stories, and asks the question "What's your definition of beauty?"

AADL youth and teen magazines -- as colorful as a spring treat, but 100% sugar free.

image by Raúl!, Flickr.com
April 15th, AXIS Coffeehouse will be celebrating National Poetry Month with a special poetry fest for teens and adults! Come join us to read poetry, write poetry and flex your creative muscles. Snacks (and prizes!) provided. The time is April 15th, 6:30-8pm. The place is the Pittsfield Program Room. Be there, or be quadrilateral.