Check out new worlds!

What do most people think of when they hear the word "library"? Reading, of course! 2014 is the year to "Reconnect with Reading 365" at the Cuyahoga County Public Library. To celebrate this initiative, the Bay Village Branch will display monthly calendars that include daily trivia questions or quote from books both classic and modern following a theme for each month. Library staff and customers are looking forward to sharing our suggestions from various genres here with you in the Observer in the feature, "What Your Neighbors are Reading"!

One reason people like to read is to escape from reality. Teens love to escape into new worlds, worlds of technological advances, magical powers, and mythical creatures. In a recent survey conducted with middle school students at the Bay Village branch library, more than 30 students gave titles of their favorite science fiction and fantasy books. And the results are …

"The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins came out in first place by far with teens loving the action, the adventure, the suspense, and the fight to the death. Lilan C. recommends this series because "people need to realize how lucky we are." The "Divergent" trilogy written by Kate Egan was the next favorite. Carly E. loved the adventure in it and Delaney C. found the parts about facing your fears very interesting.

If you liked these favorites of the teens as well, you might enjoy trying "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandria Bracken, a book about kids with a variety of psychic abilities that have to band together against the government to avoid repression and death. And don’t miss your chance to read "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner before the movie is released next fall!

Many different series came up for fantasy. Teens enjoyed series such as J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter," as well as the "Percy Jackson" series and "The Kane Chronicles" – both by Rick Riordan. Zak H. recommends the "Pendragon" series by D.J. McHale, saying: "There’s always a mystery to be solved and a constant cliff hanger." My favorite is the "Ascendance" trilogy by Jennifer Nielsen. It is about a boy king who is full of courage, wit, humor and … himself.

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien was a top choice among teens, as well, for the excitement. Fantasy is Danielle C.’s niche. She suggests that if you are interested in reading Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," that you begin with "The Hobbit," as the former is a tough read and easier to understand if you read "The Hobbit" first. She says, "Books are simply meant to take you away, let you imagine things and give you a break." So, give yourself a break today and try one of these excellent teen reads!

Join us for two exciting events this May. Booked for Lunch will take place on Facebook – live again on Wednesday, May 7, for a chance to "talk" books over lunch! On Tuesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., the William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage will present award-winning author, journalist and recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant, Katherine Boo, as its final author in the 2013-2014 series. Katherine will discuss her book "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity," which won the National Book Award in 2012. Tickets for the event held at the Ohio Theatre are still available! Please check our website at cuyahogalibrary.org or writerscenterstage.org for more information.

Remember to check the Observer next month to see What Your Neighbors are Reading on the June theme of Summer Reading, and visit the Bay Village Branch, 502 Cahoon Road, where the staff would be very happy to give you personal reading recommendations too. We hope to see you soon!

---------CALL-OUT BOX----------------

WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE READING

at the Bay Village Branch Library

May Themes: Check Out New Worlds!

(Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Travel)

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Sue Grame, teen librarian

Sue Grame is the Bay Village Branch Library Teen Librarian

Read More on Libraries
Volume 6, Issue 9, Posted 9:49 AM, 04.29.2014