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2010 October
 Plain Kate By: Erin Bow
Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch blade" --- a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.
For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate's father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading feat of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.
 Pirate radio
Rock n' Roll can change the world! In the 1960s this group of rogue DJs, on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic, played rock records and broke the law all for the love of music. The songs they played united and defined an entire generation and drove the British government crazy. By playing Rock n Roll they were standing up against the British government who did everything in their power to shut them down. This hilarious movie has a great story, stellar actors, amazing fashion, and an even better soundtrack.
Jellicoe Road By: Melina Marchetta
Jellicoe Road, set in Australia, is a beautiful mystery/coming of age story about love, death, abandonment and identity. It flips between two stories: that of the protagonist, Taylor Markham and the manuscript written by Taylor’s caregiver, Hannah. Taylor is a senior at a boarding school. She is the reluctant leader of her house which is in the midst of a vicious territorial war. The war is between the boarding school students, the townies and the cadets who visit the woods next to the boarding school each year. One day Hannah suddenly disappears and Taylor begins reading pieces of the heart wrenching tale Hannah has been writing. While looking for clues in the story, Taylor begins to realize some things about herself ...
The Brothers Bloom
The Brothers Bloom have been con men since they were kids, swindling millionaires in complex and brilliant webs of deceit. Now they've decided to take on one last job – this time with an eccentric, lonely, New Jersey heiress. The trouble is, a genuine romance begins to develop, and it’s too late to back out. In the end, no one really knows who is conning who.
Mockingjay By: Suzanne Collins
Without giving away any spoilers, all I can actually say is this is the third (and highly anticipated book) in the Hunger Games trilogy. It's release date is August 24 and if you happen to be a fan, there are a few stores in the GTA that will be open midnight so you can get the most awesomest book ever as soon as possible!! (otherwise, you can visit the library and put your name down for the book...not a bad way to go at all! And Free!!) Go Katniss Go!
Street Pharm By: Allison van Diepen
Seventeen-year-old African-American drug dealer, Ty Johnson, takes over his father's business. He is intelligent, patient, and skillful. Life is pretty sweet when everything is running smoothly for Ty. But when a series of events turn his life upside down, Ty struggles to make sense of his life when competition from out of town threatens him and those who are close to him. Can Ty handle everything?
The Spy Next Door
The Spy Next Door is a 2010 martial arts action comedy film starring Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, Billy Ray Cyrus and George Lopez. A former CIA spy Bob Ho (Chan) takes on his latest and toughest assignment that is babysitting his girlfriend's three kids and winning over her three opinionated kids. And when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Bob's long time nemesis, a Russian terrorist, moves in for the attack. How will Bob handle the most challenging mission of his career – the roles of spy and prospective stepfather?
The Spy Next Door
The Spy Next Door is a 2010 martial arts action comedy film starring Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, Billy Ray Cyrus and George Lopez. A former CIA spy Bob Ho (Chan) takes on his latest and toughest assignment that is babysitting his girlfriend's three kids and winning over her three opinionated kids. And when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Bob's long time nemesis, a Russian terrorist, moves in for the attack. How will Bob handle the most challenging mission of his career - the roles of spy and prospective stepfather?
The Naming By: Alison Croggon
Maerad is a slave, but her entire life is thrown upside down when the mysterious Cadvan finds her and rescues her. They begin an epic journey together, where Maerad learns about the Light and the magical Bards who protect the Balance. But when the Dark returns in the shape of the Nameless One, it’s up to Maerad and Cadvan to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Book one of the Pellinor quartet; and an engrossing adventure!
Yours, Mine & Ours
If you are looking for a romantic comedy movie, I highly suggest you check out "Yours, Mine & Ours" which is a new arrival in the Vaughan Public Library! This movie will keep you laughing from beginning to end with its clever family geared jokes.
Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) recently moved to New London with his eight children, so that he could run the Coast Guard Academy. Frank, although a loving father, runs a tight ship. While here, he bumps into his old high school flame Helen North (Rene Russo). She is a designer with ten children living in loving chaos. Sparks fly again, and the two quickly marry. Unfortunately, problems start to occur when the two very large families must move in together. Frank and Helen's children, who are a product of their parent's view, were raised with very opposite believes and views. As a result, the children hate each other, and decide to join forces to show their parents their respective philosophical differences about life.
Tender Morsels By: Margo Lanagan
Tender Morsels is a dark and vivid story, set in two worlds and worrying at the border between them. Liga lives modestly in her own personal heaven, given to her by natural magic in exchange for her earthly life. Her two daughters, gentle Branza and curious Urdda, grow up in this soft world, protected from the violence, predation, and village prejudice that once harmed their mother. But the real world cannot be denied forever - magicked men and wild bears break down the borders of Liga's refuge. Now, having known heaven, how will these three women survive in a world where beauty and brutality lie side by side
New Moon
Bella is still very much in love with Edward. The rest of the vampire coven who call themselves the Cullens, especially Alice, decide to throw Bella a private party for her eighteenth birthday. Things go wrong when Bella cuts her finger and thirst overcomes the vampires. As a result of the danger Bella was put through, the Cullen family decide to leave Forks, Washington. Bella becomes so depressed that she exempts herself from all social activities. But, she realizes she can coexist with childhood friend, Jacob. As usual for Bella, things aren't what they seem. Something is happening to Jacob that he can't explain to Bella, and their friendship starts to deteriorate. But when Alice returns to tell her that Edward thinks she is dead, Bella must go on a journey to save Edward from wanting to die himself.
The Alchemyst By: Michael Scott
It was just another day for Josh and Sophie, teenaged twins living in San Francisco, but sooner than they could imagine everything changed. Join them as they discover a world within, and world beyond ours. Filled with myth, action, adventure, and magic this book (and the rest of the series) are sure to be fast reads!
Coraline
Adapted from the beloved book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a young girl who discovers a parallel world to her own, inhabited by her "other mother". But while everything at first seems ideal, things begin to take a sinister turn. This Oscar nominated film for Best Animated Feature is visually stunning as well as nail-biting.
The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins
Cities and societies have risen and fallen...In the future, what was once North America is now the nation Panem: a glorified (and all-powerful) Capitol City surrounded by 12 Districts. There were rebellions, there were wars - and now, to keep control and remind the peoples of the separate Districts who won, the Capitol holds the Hunger Games every year.
Every year, everyone between the ages of 12-18 has their name put into a draw. From each District 1 boy and 1 girl gets chosen to play. The game? Survival - the winner is the last one standing, the last one left alive. To keep things even more interesting, the Games is broadcasted across all the districts for everyone to see.
16 year old Katniss Everdeen has already been surviving and helping the rest of her family survive as they struggle to live in their impoverished District. But when her 12 year old sister is selected to play in the Games this year, Katniss steps in to take her place. Now, in order to survive, Katniss won't have to just keep herself alive, she'll have to decide if she can kill.
Avatar
For those of you who have not yet seen it, Avatar - the latest creation of James Cameron (who unfortunately has the history of Titanic attached to his name as well - though, to be honest, minus all the Kate and Leo stuff, it wasn't bad) - is pretty darn amazing.
A very simple story - kind of like Pocahontas, actually - Avatar is a movie about a person from one kind of society, with all its notions and biases, learning to embrace a new and completely different culture. And obviously there's a bit of a love story to it as well.
Jake Sully (Sullivan) is a crippled soldier who gets the opportunity to be a part of the Avatar program on the planet Pandora (to the uber fans out there, ok, technically it's a moon). This program allows Jake to connect and essentially transfer his mind and consciousness into an avatar - a physical representation/embodiment - of the local population, the Na'vi.
Humans have arrived on Na'vi and are very interested in a particular mineral that is native to Pandora, and virtually unobtainable anywhere else....more or less making it an incredible hot item. The human mining colony, in its desire and methods to expand have made relationships with the natives close to the brink of war. And as Jake is a former Marine, he is easily persuaded by the head security to use his position to 'infiltrate' the Na'vi. However, as he becomes more and more enmeshed into the culture and people of the Na'vi, the more he questions his orders.
It is a really awesome movie - I could have kept sitting there for probably another 3 hours! And it's definitely worth seeing in 3d.
A great and terrible beauty By: Libba Bray
Its 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemmas reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, shes been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spences most powerful girlsand their foray into the spiritual world lead to?
Ugly Truth
A romantically challenged morning show producer is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love.
2009 December
Let it Snow : Three Holiday Romances By: John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren miracle
Give a gift to yourself this holiday season by reading this charming trio of holiday tales. Who knew the true love might be regained while working at Starbucks? Or that a stranded train is the not the end of a plan but the beginining of an adventure. Whip up some cocoa and be prepared to warm your heart with this special book.
Wild Child, 2008
Poppy More almost has it all, friends, money and a fabulous home in L.A. But when Poppy's dad gets ready to come home with her new step mom , Poppy's bad behavior results in her being sent to a British boarding school. Poppy goes from L.A. sunshine to British gloom and from designed duds to a school uniform. But as time goes on Poppy begins to find and bring friendship and beauty to her place of exile.
Child of dandelions By: Shenaaz Nanji
It is set in 1972, when the Ugandan government, headed at the time by Idi Amin, ordered all people of Indian origin to leave the country within ninety days, regardless of whether they were Ugandan citizens or not. It was a dangerous time fraught with violence, government corruption, racism and discrimination. As the countdown grows shorter life for Sabine, the heroine of the story, her family and other Indians in Uganda becomes more difficult. This story is a great example of an entertaining and page turning book that addresses issues like class and race and takes place in a real time in modern history.
The Tudors
Journey back to England in the 16th century, at the court of King Henry VIII before he went through his six wives. You can watch the English court as Henry disposes of Queen Catherine for the beautiful Anne Boleyn, as dukes and nobles fight for power, and as alliances are formed and lost and formed again. Who thought history could be so exciting? Seasons one and two are available at VPL, and season three is airing now!
Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650) 266-8233 By: Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman
Things weren't so peachy in Cathy's life before Victor broke up with her. Her father died unexpectedly, she's failing school, and her best friend is mad at her. But when Cathy decides to investigate Victor's reasons for ending their relationship, things suddenly go from bad to very, very, very bad as her findings produce more questions than answers. For instance, what does the death of Victor's co-worker, the strange mark that appeared on Cathy's arm, and the surreal behavior of several Chinese elders have to do with it? Through Cathy's unique and irresistible voice-and lots of proof in the form of letters, photographs, date book entries, telephone numbers readers can call, websites they can access, as well as secrets only a careful reader will be able to decipher-readers will enter a strange and fascinating world where things often aren't how they appear.
Jennifer's Body
Nerdy, reserved bookworm Needy and arrogant, conceited cheerleader Jennifer are best friends, though they share little in common. They share even less in common when Jennifer mysteriously gains an appetite for human blood after a disastrous fire at a local bar. As Needy's male classmates are steadily killed off in gruesome attacks, the young girl must uncover the truth behind her friend's transformation and find a way to stop the bloodthirsty rampage before it reaches her own boyfriend Chip.
The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian By: Sherman Alexie; art by Ellen Forney
Arnold is aboriginal. He lives on a reservation. He was born with water on the brain. He is teased, bullied, and daily encounters the lack of hope on the reservation. It is this realization that causes Arnold to make a dramatic decision not to loose hope, and go to a high school off the reservation. At his new high school the only other aboriginal is the mascot. Sherman Alexie's book is full hardships, mingled deeply with sarcasm and wry humour, and Arnold's sketches of the world and people around him.
Fame
In this 1980 musical, follow eight New York City students as they navigate four years of learning, love and life in a performing arts high school. Expect plenty of drama and comedy, as well as big musical numbers. See it before the brand new, updated version is released in theatres September 25th.
Looking for Alaska By: John Green
After breaking free from his boring existence at home, Miles "Pudge" Halter's first year at Culver Creek Prep school is full of great new friends and crazy pranks. However, a tragic accident forces him to search for answers about life, death and his own sense of responsibility.
Rebel Without a Cause
Starring James Dean, this classic movie tells the story of misfit Jim Stark, the new kid in town who is desperate to settle down, fit in and be the son his parents always wanted. Unfortunately, that never seems to work out for him and he once again ends up involved in violence in order to prove himself to his peers...
Alexandria of Africa By: Eric Walters
This book is about a girl name Alexandria Hyatt. She has a fabulous life. Mommy and Daddy pay for everything. Life is so easy to her. Rich is what she was born to be. However, Alexandria is arrested for shoplifting and is sentenced to Kenya a month where she has been ordered to work for an international charity to build a school.
Imagine that no hot water, no cell phone reception, no friends or family and she is over 7,000 miles away from home. How can Alexandria survive the whole month?! Not just to mention, even doing the most basic functions like taking a shower and using the toilet. Everything means nothing to her - designer clothes, jewellery, MAC make up, acrylic nails, and salon hair.
Throughout the book, readers would notice her gradual transformation in stages of new ways thinking and acting. And how she becomes a mature independent girl.
Hellboy II. The golden army
The official synopsis of Hellboy 2: The Golden Army has been released, so here it is....
With a signature blend of action, humor and character-based spectacle, the saga of the world's toughest, kitten-loving hero from Hell continues to unfold in "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army." Bigger muscle, badder weapons and more ungodly villains arrive in an epic vision of imagination.
After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it's up to the planet's toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it's time to call in Hellboy.
Along with his expanding team in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development--pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz aquatic empath Abe and protoplasmic mystic Johann--the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who's accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him.
The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins
This book is a futuristic look at a ruined place called the nation of Panem, which is made up of a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. If she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Transformers
In 2007 DreamWorks released "Transformers" an action pack must see movie about robots. The movie was about two robotic clans, the heroic Auto bots and the evil Deceticons who are battling to take over the world and the fate of mankind is hanging in the balance. On June 24th the sequel "Transformers Revenge of the Fallen" will be in theaters, if you are planning on seeing this movie, and you have never seen the first "Transformers" movie, or you would like to see it again, please come to the library and check it out.
The Summoning By: Kelley Armstrong
Chloe Saunders wants nothing more than to fit in. The trouble is, she can see dead people, which earns her a ticket to Lyle House, a centre for disturbed teens. At first, Chole just tries to do her best to get out of there until she realizes that the other patients of Lyle House have similar paranormal powers to hers. Can Chloe trust her fellow teens to find the truth about Lyle House, or is she doomed to forever be a prisoner of the psychiatric hospital? Book one of "The Darkest Powers" series, and an extremely difficult book to put down!
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
This charming and witty movie takes place in 1939 in the city of London, which is threatened by war. Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand ) is a frumpy, middle aged governess who once again finds herself without a job and without her next meal. In a desperate attempt to regain her life she shows up at the door of a singer named Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams) and begins the job of social secretary, a role a little outside of her comfort level. In the course of a day she is catapulted into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of this American actress and singer. Miss Pettigrew must help her new friend juggle her 3 love interests and win the lead role in a big musical. Over the course of a day these two fast friends will discover how to empower each other and discover their romantic destinies. You will love this movie for both’s it’s humour, historical context, and impressive sets and costumes, don’t miss your chance to see this delightfully entertaining movie.
The Twilight companion: the unauthorized guide to the series By: Lois H. Gresh
This book is loaded with the lore of vampires and werewolves, insights into the series, quizzes, and fascinating facts. For those who just can’t get enough Twilight, or for those who are just plain curious.
Step brothers
Step brothers is very funny. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have a blast together. Many of the scenes are improvised, making the humor quite surprising. The one rule of improvisation is that you always have to agree with and develop whatever ideas the person improvising with you comes up with, no matter how nonsensical. Here you’ll see the craziness that ensues when two very funny actors pretend they are spoiled 40 year olds, still living at home, and competing for the attention of their parents.
The Luxe By: Anna Godbersen
The Elizabeth Holland and Penelope Hayes are best friends and the queens of the social scene in turn of the century New York. Things are about to change though because Elizabeth, who is already in love, is getting engaged to Penelope's flame, Henry. As it turns out though it turns out though Henry has someone else in mind for himself, and you won't believe who. This book blends money, intrigue, romance and a healthy dose of gossip that makes it a great read.
Anyone reading the Gossip Girl novels; or who enjoys a bit of arsenic with their romance needs to read this series. The second book Rumors continues this scandalous series, and watch out for book three: Envy.
Veronica Mars
In this quick-witted teen drama, Veronica Mars tackles high school by day while moonlighting as a private eye at her dad's firm. Using her super sleuthing power there's no mystery she can't solve! Well, except that of who murdered her best friend, Lilly. The suspects are numerous and the evidence plenty but something just isn't adding up. In the three seasons that aired, Veronica solves mysteries big and small all with her trademark snark and humour.
The Summoning By: Kelley Armstrong
The first installment the new Darkest Powers trilogy, The Summoning follows the story of fifteen-year-old Chloe who is sent to Lyle House, a home for mentally disturbed teens, after she starts seeing ghosts. Chloe soon beings to feel that all is not what it seems at Lyle House, and she must figure out the mystery before she and her new friends come to any harm. This imaginative novel starts the series off with a bang, and will leave you craving the next one!
Planet Earth
This 5-disc documentary series from the BBC is a breathtaking tour of our world, including some of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet as well as many of the precious and endangered species we must try to protect. The amazing cinematography alone makes this series a must-see!
Peaches: a novel By: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Three teenaged girls, Murphy McGowen, Leeda Cawley-Smith, and Birdie Darlinton, from very different backgrounds, thrown together to pick peaches in a Georgia orchard, spend a summer in pursuit of find
Jackie Chan's First Strike
Jackie Chan portrays a Hong Kong police officer, Chan Ka Kui, who works with CIA to track down a stolen Ukrainian nuclear warhead and arrest an illegal weapons dealer. Along the way he is attacked, assaulted, framed for murder and forced to defend himself in a way that only Jackie Chan can. Everything within arm's reach becomes a weapon: ladders, brooms, tables, cars, stilts, even sharks!
2008 December
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist By: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
This book is a comedy based on the movie of the same name currently out in theaters, about two teens thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living, and, live, loud music. Nick and Norah have nothing in common except for their taste in music; their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band’s secret show. The night ends up becoming the first date that could change both their lives.
Saved!
Saved! is a classic teen comedy. Mary believes God wants her to save her gay boyfriend by sleeping with him instead he gets sent to an anti-gay indoctrination camp while she ends up pregnant--which starts to drive a wedge between Mary and her snotty best friend Hilary Faye. Saved! respects faith but gleefully mocks the excesses and absurdities of contemporary organized religion, particularly its suburban, let's-speak-the-language-of-the-kids manifestations. This movie has a star studded cast and is a must see.
Brisingr By: Christopher Paolini
OATHS SWORN . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.
Have you read Eragon & Eldest? Are all your friends talking about them? Read the lastest book by Christopher Paolini. Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives and Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep!
Ferris Buller's Day off
It's November, the leaves have turned, it has already snowed several times and we're only two months into the school year. Need to give your brain a break and warm up a little? Why not take out some old classic movies from the library? One of my favourites is Ferris Bueller's Day off. If you haven't seen it, it's the story of Ferris a street-wise kid who knows all the tricks and decides he’s going to take the day off school. When Ferris takes the day off, so must his best friends, Cameron and Sloane. Cameron is reluctantly persuaded to borrow his father's Ferrari, and together they hatch a plan… It's an entertaining movie that will make you laugh and feel great.
Gothic! Ten original dark tales By: Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Joan Aiken and Caitlin Kiernan
If dark fantasy and sinister horror have got you bitten, why not give these ten tales a try? You will meet with a swarm of scheming aristocrats, murky melodrama, and dreadful suspense. Family curses abound, along with ancient catacombs, decaying bodies, bewitchings, and brooding melancholy. 'Tis the season to be afraid, very afraid. Authors include Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Joan Aiken and Caitlin Kiernan.
Rocket Science
You're fifteen year-old Hal and feel trapped in adolescence by a painful stutter. Trying to overcome your impediment, you join the High School Debate club. Here you meet and fall in love with the club's star, who convinces you that you have the talent to succeed in public speaking, and who wants to take you on as her debate partner. Rocket Science is laced with quirky, deadpan humour and is full of adolescent angst. You will like how 'un-Hollywood' it is.
Breaking Dawn By: Stephanie Meyers
If you haven't been heard about Stephanie Meyers series of vampire books you may be living under a rock. Well, maybe not a rock, but it seems like it would be impossible to have ignored one of the most popular book series that has come out recently. Breaking Dawn is the last book in the series to come out, and completes the story of Edward, Isabella, and Jacob. The book has gotten a lot of attention over the summer, but the question is, did it deserve it? Are you tired of vampires, werewolves, or are you desperately searching for new series of similar books until the movie comes out? If you haven't picked up one of the books from this series, you should definitely get on the list to read Twilight, and see if you think it is all hype, or if this series is the greatest thing since Harry Potter. Either way, enjoy the read!
Mr. Woodcock
Imagine the high school gym teacher of your nightmares - The one that made students cry at the mere mention of his name. Now imagine that your mother is about to marry him! Mr. Woodcock stars Seann William Scott as John Farley, a young man who discovers that his mother is marrying Mr. Woodcock, the most abusive, sadistic teacher that has ever disgraced a classroom. Can Farley successfully stop his mother from marrying the man that made high school a nightmare for virtually everybody that has ever crossed him?
Uglies By: Scott Westerfeld
Do you like thought-provoking, action-packed novels? Then we have a book for you!
Uglies is a New York Times bestselling science fiction novel by author Scott Westerfeld set in a dystopian world in which everyone is turned "stunningly attractive and blithely carefree" – or “pretty” – when they turn 16. The story revolves around teenager Tally Youngblood who decides to rebel against society's enforced conformity. It will leave you as a reader pondering questions about power, loyalty, beauty, individuality and betrayal. For an exciting and intellectual book, pick this one up today!
Check out Scott Westerfeld’s own Uglies site (http://www.scottwesterfeld.com/books/uglies.htm), and read some of what he and other people have had to say about his series of novels.
Indiana Jones Trilogy
Are you excited about the big summer blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Well then you should definitely check out the first three movies in this fun and exciting series! This is one of the most successful and well-loved movie franchises of all time for a reason. Watch Indy dodge snakes, melt Nazi faces, eat monkey brains, shoot sword fighters, save priceless artifacts and smooch beautiful women while never losing his hat. Check out the trailers through the catalogue on the library’s website!
Keturah and Lord Death By: Martine Leavitt
Keturah, a girl famous for her storytelling, is lost in the deep forest that surrounds her village. Feeling herself close to dying, she is surprised to find that Death is actually a handsome young lord. Keturah uses her storytelling to charm Death, making a deal with him to earn herself more time among the living. The deal is that she must find her true love and finish the story she began telling to Death, or else her soul belongs to him. Can Keturah save herself, and her village, before Death finds her again?
House of Flying Daggers
May is Asian Heritage month so curl up and this martial arts masterpiece. The date is 859AD and China's Tang Dynasty is in decline. The corrupt government is in ferocious battles with rebel armies and the largest, and most powerful of all is the 'House of Flying Daggers'. Two local captains, Jin and Leo, have been ordered to capture the rebel armies new leader. On their journey, they met a beautiful, blind revolutionary named Mei. Gathering her trust by rescuing her from prison, Jin and Leo decide use her to lead them to the House of Flying Daggers' secret headquarters. Their plan works, but to their surprise, Jin and Mei fall deeply in love.
Dead Silence By: Norah McClintock
After Mike skips out on meeting his friend Sal, he is stunned to find out that Sal has been stabbed to death near his high school. Even though there were lots of kids nearby, nobody will come forward to say what they really saw. So Mike starts asking some questions of his own and finds out that Sal was hanging around a girl who recently left a gang. Are they responsible for killing Sal? How can Mike find out the truth when nobody will talk?
Camp
Misfits in their lives back home, a group of young people live it up at musical-theatre camp. While the sports counsellor is completely ignored, the kids' spend all their time in rehearsal for a gruelling schedule that involves a new show every two weeks. Several personal stories come to the fore. Before High School Musical, there was Camp!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time By: Mark Haddon
A neighbour's favourite dog is killed and 15 year-old autistic Christopher is falsely accused. To clear his name, he decides to follow in Sherlock Holmes footsteps and find the real killer but ends up discovering secrets about his dead mother.
Transformers
Based on the popular 1980's toys and cartoon series, Transformers the Movie has it all! Action, Explosions, Humour, and Giant Alien Robots make this movie a must see! DVD FIC Trans
Looking for Alaska By: John Green
Tired of his boring life at home, Miles Halter decides to leave Florida for Culver Creek Prep School in Alabama. The move brings new friends and great pranks, but after a tragic accident, Miles is left the challenge of confronting loss and searching for answers about life and death.
Planet Earth
This stunning collection of 5 DVDs will show you the planet as you’ve never seen it before. Sweeping landscapes and animal behaviours normally never seen by humans are captured in this amazing series, narrated by David Attenborough (Call Number: DVD 550 Pla). Well worth checking out for those days you don’t want to venture outside yourself!
I Capture the Castle By: Smith, Dodie
The 1934 journal of seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain reveals her perspective on six stormy months in the eccentric and poverty-stricken life of her family in a ruined Suffolk castle, ending with the revelation that Cassandra is deeply in love
Shrek the Third
When Fiona's father and King of Far Far Away passes away, Shrek and his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots embark on a journey to find the rightful heir to the throne. Meanwhile, the ambitious Prince Charming plots a coup d'état to become the new king. A wonderful movie for everyone. Check it out at your local library!
2007 December
Chrismukkah : everything you need to know to celebrate the hybrid holiday By: Ron Gompertz
For those of you who spin the dreidel under the mistletoe, or who just want to laugh while learning about different holiday traditions…
Fans of The O.C. may be familiar with Chrismukkah, the holiday that Seth Cohen named on behalf of his family's both Christian and Jewish heritage. Nowadays millions of families celebrate some combination of holidays during this festive season. This book gives insight into the history, lore and celebrational events of Chrismukkah, including decorations, games, songs and recipes. Eat some Mama Mia Matzah Pizza while lighting the Godzilla Menorah! Author Rom Gompertz also writes a companion website for his book at http://chrismukkah.com/ where you can read up on Chrismukkah stories and reviews from around the world, and pick up some decorating ideas.
For a soundtrack to your holiday reading, VPL has the CD, "Have a very Merry Chrismukkah" which features holiday classics by hip bands. Let's embrace our diversity! Check it out!
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
If you're tired of predictable holiday movies, with happy children, frolicking reindeer, and predictable lessons, then this is definitely the movie for you…
Check out Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, a seasonal classic (which season? You can decide after you watch it…) that features an exciting, adventuresome plot, amazing stop-motion animation and a fantastic musical score.
Jack Skellington lives in Halloweentown, where they celebrate things dark and gruesome all year round. He finds himself growing tired of the daily routine of grimness and gloominess, and wanders off in search of something different. On his journey he uncovers a crazy, bright, happy holiday called "Christmas", and he tries to share its joys with everyone. Adventures ensue, involving, among other crazy things, a plot to kidnap and torture the big red man himself.
Fans of horror, fantasy, musicals, comedy and animation will all be delighted by this holiday classic. Check it out today!
LIFE AS WE KNEW IT By: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Miranda's diary addresses the usual topics of interest to high school students: friends, romance, arguments with family. But when a meteor hits the moon and knocks it closer in orbit, life on earth changes forever, and Miranda documents the change.
The lunar catastrophe causes violent earthquakes, massive tsunamis, millions of deaths, an increase in volcanic eruptions, and outbreaks of disease. Food and gas supplies are scarce, and Miranda's family prepares for a looming winter without heat or electricity. Fans of Meg Rosoff's "How I Live Now" will enjoy this thought-provoking story of survival.
Fruits Basket
Tohru Honda is down on her luck. Her parents are dead, and she doesn't want to be a burden to her grandfather, so she moves into a tent in the forest. The land happens to be owned by the wealthy Souma family, who have a mysterious secret of their own.
Three of the Soumas take Tohru in, and risk having her learn of their secret. A few members of the family are cursed by the zodiac, and if they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they transform temporarily into animals of the Chinese zodiac. Normally people who discover the curse have their memories erased, but Tohru is permitted to remain with the Soumas by the sinister head of the family.
"Fruits Basket" is just one of the new anime titles coming to VPL. Be sure to check the library catalogue for more of your favourite anime shows!
Waves By: Sharon Dogar
Imagine that you are on summer vacation in England, near a surfing beach, with loads of friends to have beach parties and cook-outs with. You have a family that gets along and parents who allow you lots of freedom.
Unfortunately, the dark-side to this beautiful picture is very dark indeed. Your sister has a surfing accident and ends up in a permanent coma, only she won't stop communicating with you, egging you on, demanding that you uncover the truth about the last days of her life. In the end you must step aside entirely to allow your sister a voice, and a last good-bye with her first love. This story is creepy, sinister, beautiful and sweet.
Lost in Translation
A low budget movie, written and shot in a very loose, improvisational style, this movie is a surprise.
Scarlett Johansson plays a recent philosophy graduate from Yale, who has no idea what to do with her life. She is in Tokyo with her artsy photographer husband. The shallowness of one of her husband’s adoring friends she finds alienating, though amusing
Road of the Dead By: Kevin Brooks
Kick-start your back to school reading with a riveting mystery! Upon finding out their older sister has been brutally murdered, two teenaged boys set out to find the killer in an isolated, desolate town. Unfortunately this case will be anything but easy to solve as there is nothing; no motive, no leads, and no suspect. Even worse: everyone in town seems to be doing whatever it takes to make sure the mystery of their sisters death never gets solved. What can you do when everything and everyone is working against you?
Friday Night Lights
School is starting, so get into the team spirit with this 2004 film about high school football. Set in the economically-depressed town of Odessa, Texas in 1988, this story about the hopes and pressures of the school football team explores such issues as poverty, racism, and the impact of football in American cities. Starring Billy Bob Thorton as the new coach poised to lead his team to victory, Friday Night Lights ranked number 37 in Entertainment Weekly's "50 Best High School Movies". Find Friday Night Lights in our VPL collection and catch up on the film in time to watch the season premiere of the hit NBC spin-off show on October 5.
The Third Magic By: Welwyn Wilton Katz
Waiting for your copy of the Deathly Hallows' to arrive? Here's a thrilling read-a-like tale of magic to keep you entertained in the meantime! In this mystical tale, 15 year old Morgan Lefevre is summoned through time to the alien world of Nwm in a mistaken case of identity. Mistaken for one of her own ancestors, Morgan is caught between the Two Magics of Nwm; the cruel Circle and the Line. When Morgan and her companion gain possession of a weapon of the mysterious (and powerful) Third Magic, the Earth is drawn into the magical struggle as times and worlds merge!
An Inconvenient Truth
Do you ever wonder what kind of impact your lifestyle has on the planet? Narrated by Al Gore, this film has been responsible for elevating the environmental movement into a mainstream issue. Gore details how damaged the environment has become and how much further destruction will occur if global warming continues at its current pace. Presenting the evidence for global warming clearly with humour and the use of lots of visuals (even cartoons!), this film shows us how and why we must change our lives if we are to bring global warming under control.
The book thief By: Markus Zusak
Death is the narrator of this powerful story of a town in Nazi Germany. He is a kindly, caring Death, overwhelmed by the souls he has to collect from people in the gas chambers, from soldiers on the battlefields, and from civilians killed in bombings. Death focuses on a young orphan, Liesl; her loving foster parents; the Jewish fugitive they are hiding; and a wild but gentle teen neighbor, Rudy, who defies the Hitler Youth and convinces Liesl to steal for fun. After Liesl learns to read, she steals books from everywhere. When she reads a book in the bomb shelter, even a Nazi woman is enthralled. Then the book thief writes her own story. More than the overt message about the power of words, it's Liesl's confrontation with horrifying cruelty and her discovery of kindness in unexpected places that tell the heartbreaking truth.
Winner of the 2007 BookBrowse Ruby Award for Most Popular Children's Book.
Eragon
In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy called Eragon finds a mysterious blue stone in the forest which is the last dragon's egg in existence. At first, he thinks it is a lucky discovery to his family. However, Eragon is soon thrust into a world of destiny, magic, and power through which he and the dragon must navigate.
A wonderful movie for everyone. Check it out at your local library!
Shattered By: Eric Walters
Is earning community service hours is the last thing you want to do? Then meet 15 year old Ian. Ian saves earning his community service hours until the last minute. He is forced to serve at "The Club", a soup kitchen that is not as glamorous as it sounds. Ian’s work at “The Club” changes him as he learns the truth about the streets and he begins to affect the lives of others. Shattered is a nominated title for the White Pine Awards by the Ontario Library Association.
Tristan and Isolde
What should you do when love and duty collide? This question is explored in the tragic tale of Tristan and Isolde, two young Medieval lovers whose destiny lies apart from each other. In this gripping tale of love and loss, Isolde the young princess of Ireland is commanded to marry the Lord Marke in order to help unify a warring Britain. This classic romantic tale will live on in your thoughts long after the movie is over.
Copper Sun By: Sharon Draper
This powerful book on African slaves in America will be one that you won't soon forget. Copper Sun is the story of a teenage girl, Amari, who was kidnapped, forced into slavery, and made to endure unspeakable degradation at the hands of her "owners". She has to rely on unlikely allies and her undying hope if she is going to have any prospects of achieving her ultimate dream – freedom.
She's the Man
Viola is upset when the girl's soccer team at her school gets cut, so she dresses as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boy's team. While at school as her brother, Viola falls in love with her roommate, Duke, who is in love with another girl, Olivia, who loves Sebastian, who is really Viola! Things to from bad to worse when the real Sebastian comes back to school. A hilarious retelling of Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night". Check it out!
Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness By: Brian Lee O'Malley
Scott must defeat the seven evil ex-boyfriends of Ramona before he can officially date her. The current challenge may prove more than Scott can handle. Envy Adams broke Scott's heart a little over a year ago, and now she is dating Ramona's ex, the current challenge and the one Scott must defeat. Evil art-rock, vegans with mysterious psychic powers, demented ex-girlfriends, and battle scenes galore…
An Inconvenient Truth
Get fully informed about global warming with this riveting documentary. Al Gore speaks from the heart and presents us with the facts that leave little room for doubt. Check it out!
Missing you By: Meg Cabot
Jess Mastriani was known as the Lighting Girl, after being hit by lighting and gaining the powers to find missing people. After using her powers for the government during the war, she returns to the States having lost her powers and enrolls in Julliard. When her ex-boyfriend turns up asking for help to find her sister, how can she help without her powers and when she doesn't even know know herself anymore?
Life As We Knew It By: Susan Beth Pfeffer
The whole world is excited to hear of this once-in-a-lifetime event: an asteroid is going to collide with the moon, and the crash will be visible from Earth! But moments after the collision, excitement is replaced by fear when the moon is knocked closer to Earth, taking a disastrous environmental toll. The story is told through the diary entries of Miranda, a 16-year-old who chronicles her family's struggle to survive starvation, illness and the almost unbearable weather conditions that the catastrophe has left in its wake.
West Side Story
With all the Oscar buzz this month, why not check out a classic film that was one of the biggest winners of all time with no less than 10 statuettes. Set in the 1950s, West Side Story is a musical version of Romeo & Juliet. Hailed as a masterpiece, this exciting, intense and moving song and dance extravaganza is a winner for a cold winter's night!
Uglies By: Scott Westerfeld
It is in every teen's passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld takes us into a futuristic world which is divided into areas for "uglies" and areas for "pretties". Every citizen has a compulsory operation at the age sixteen which changes all physical differences by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. Then, the "pretties" move to a new part of the town and have a life filled with fun while the "uglies" has to live in dorms until they are old enough to have the operation.
Tally, a girl in her senior year in her dorm, is ready to have the compulsory operation, but this new girl named Shay refuses to go along with the system which turns Tally's world upside down.
What would Tally do? Is she going to have the operation? What would happen if she refuses?
Let's find it out!!!
High School Musical
Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens star in this Disney Channel Original Movie as popular basketball team captain Troy Bolton, and brainiac Gabriella Montez at East High School in Albuquerque. Both love to sing and decide to trying out for the school musical. Will they make it to the final?
A wonderful movie for everyone which filled with hip music and popular dance moves. Check it out at your local library!
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