STABies,
This week we are celebrating Teen Tech week. How you ask, will we be celebrating such a distinguished and longstanding event? I’ll tell you. I have a 8 step plan:

1. Join me on Twitter (if you like). Twitter will send you text messages when I update the site. If you don’t want the text messages, you can also just get the messages on the site. Remember, if you get charged for text messages on your phone, you’ll get charged for these messages from me, too. So, though the service from Twitter is free, you may be charged for the messages they send you. Or that you send back to me.
2. Remember the STABlog? (Yeah, me neither.) Go check it out and look at the updates. Something fun for everyone no doubt. (And I promise I’ll update it more often. ) (Will you be the 1000th visitor?)
3. Come in and do a STABcast. They are relatively painless to do, you get community service hours for it and I would appreciate it. Call me to set-up a time to come in and record your book review. Bring a book to review and a couple of notes on what you want to say. And listen to a couple while you are thinking about it!
4. Come to Game On! tomorrow night! Wednesday, March 5, from 4-6pm. No volunteer hours for that, but you can destroy me in Super SMASH Bros. Melee, Wii Sports or Guitar Hero.
5. Do you one of the fascinating things listed here!
6. Take an online survey: (you can be a male or female to take this quiz)
7. Create a song and win

8. Use some of the very hand resources on the KCLS website such as the Teen Zone or live homework help

I think that could keep anyone busy for a week! Talk to you all sooner than you would like!

Ever curious what book you are? No need to keep wondering. Take the quiz and find out.
And, if you are curious, this is what book I am:

You're The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

by Douglas Adams

Considered by many to be one of the funniest people around, you are
quite an entertainer. You've also traveled to the far reaches of what you deem possible,
often confused and unsure of yourself. Life continues to jostle you around like a marble,
but it's shown you so much of the world that you don't care. Wacky adventures continue to
lie ahead. Your favorite number is 42.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I realize that many of you have been dying to know about my trip to Philadelphia for ALA. However, as far as my blogging goes, you all know that it could be described best as spotty. In any event, here is my update from the city of brotherly love (AKA Philadeplphia):
My trip to Philly was uneventful, probably because I left at 6am in the morning and nothing happens that early in the morning. I was lucky enough to travel with a bunch of my friends so we had someone to complain to when we couldn’t find our luggage when we got to Philly.
My hotel was near a lot of the major attractions so on my way to and from the convention center I could look at Independence Hall and the like from afar. It was nice, if a little frustrating since I really wanted to see this stuff.
Our meetings kicked off Friday night with the straw poll votes. It was really tiring counting all 200+ votes, I needed a nap afterward, but there was still work to do. Most of my work consisted of hitting the “Forward” button on the remote for my iPod. I have to admit, that iPod thing is one sweet invention. I mean, I can listen to music on it and run a slide show. Very handy.
Saturday, I hit the exhibits. It seemed a little small to me this year, but maybe that was because I’m getting bigger. Regardless, I still got a pretty good haul of stuff, sending 2 boxes of books home. Plus, I got a bunch of other SWAG that I packed in my bags. This year the odd bits of swag I collected included a balsawood airplane and a variety of squeezy items (light bulbs, earths and brains) and some kind of oversize luggage tag. However, this year was definitely the year of snazzy bags. I collected them for all sorts of companies—Barnes and Noble, Scholastic and Baker and Taylor just to name a few. I think I may have had more bags than books.
My committee was a great group of people. They worked really hard to choose the very best books this year for you and all of your peers. Sadly, I wasn’t able to pay much attention to their in depth discussion of the books since I was too busy trying to run the slideshow. And watch the time. And do vote tabulations. And make sure everything was running smoothly. It is actually a lot harder than it looks. Or maybe I’m just not that good at it. Either way, I didn’t give them all the attention they deserved. I did perk up for a couple of discussions. Specifically, for Beowulf by Gareth Hinds. I really wanted to talk about this book, but, due to my position on the committee, I was forced to remain quiet. But it made it, so that was OK. I also was interested in the discussion about manga Romeo and Juliet. My colleagues were very complimentary of the book and I had to sit there and bite my tongue--literally. It ended up making the list, so I was a bit disappointed. You might like to see the final list to if your favorites made it or not. http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/bestbooksya/08bbya.cfm
Another highlight of the Midwinter meeting is the Youth Media Awards (watch it here) that happen Monday mornings. They have been described as the Academy Awards of the library world. This year, I didn’t really have as much of an investment in the awards as in previous years because I’m not a full fledged voting member. However, it is always still interesting to watch because it is so entertaining to watch other people’s reactions. Also, I have a number of friends on the various committees so I like to see what they’ve been up to. To highlight a couple of awards:
The Printz Award: (Your Own, Sylvia and others) Given to a teen book for literary quality
The Alex Awards: (Which includes American Shaolin) Given to the 10 best books written for adults but have an appeal to teens
The Margaret Edwards Award: (Orson Scott Card for Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow) Honors a specific author for his or her lifetime contribution to young adult literature by singling out specific works by that author for special recognition.
And some other selection lists that I thought you might find interesting:
Quick Picks: For reluctant readers
Popular Paperbacks: Themed booklists to help you focus what you read
Great Graphic Novels: Because some of you just can’t get enough
On Tuesday morning we took our final vote. I wasn’t feeling well so it was even harder to count to 15 than normal. But, with the help of my committee members we made it! We had a healthy list, complete with 85 titles. Then came the really boring bit we had to pack up everything and clean the room. It was about this time that I was wishing I had a gaggle of my STABies to clean up the room for me, but, alas, none of you were to be found.
On Wednesday I had some time to run around the city and see the sights. So I made a quick run to see the Rocky Steps, the Mutter Museum (also known as the Museum of Medical Oddities), the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall with my friend, Summer. Then we jumped on our plane and were back in Seattle after one of the most excruciating flights I have ever had the misfortune to be a part of. Yeah for air conditioning (or lack thereof) on planes!
It was a great experience, as ALA always is. I'll miss my committee work but it will be nice to have a break from it and to focus on more local stuff, like making sure I have enough snacks hidden around my desk. Oh, and STAB too.

Scott Westerfeld at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.

Today our intrepid band of STABies (Myself, my lovely wife Gail, Natalie, Molly, Leslie and Roxana) visited the Shorecrest PAC to hear Scott Westerfeld speak. Scott Westerfeld is the author of a number of books including So Yesterday, the Uglies Trilogy (Uglies, Pretties, Specials) and Peeps. His new book, Extras, is the 4th book in the Uglies Trilogy (Huh?).

Natalie was on crutches and we tried to use this to our advantage, like to get better seats or jump the line, but to no avail. About 100 people were scattered over the auditorium and a group of not very boisterous librarians I knew sat behind us. Mr. Westerfeld spoke quite extensively about his books and where his ideas came from. For example, the inspiration for Uglies came from a trip a friend of his took to the dentist. He also discussed his new book, Extras, and how it started out with the idea of what it would be like to know your Myspace/Amazon rating instantaneously and if it were based on more than just hits and sales figures. Most of talk was based around questions from the audience. And I have to say, this crowd seemed a little more educated than the one at the Stephenie Meyer lecture I attended earlier this year.

Mr. Westerfeld was very gracious and signed our books. I also had him sign a copy of Peeps that he had already signed. This time I had him make it out to STAB for our group. (Next time you are in, ask to see it and gaze at it's glory.) He, however, did not remember me from our encounter we had at the ALA conference in New Orleans in 2006.

Afterwards we, (the STABies without Scott Westerfeld) went to local fast food drive thru and had frozen "dairy" products and I used a coupon. If was a lot of fun and, I hate to break this to you, you really missed out if you didn't go.

Adrenaline Junkies and Armchair Adventurers
Revised October 2007

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Takeo learns the skills of a nobleman…and an assassin.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
Matt is a cabinboy aboard a luxury airship when the vessel is attacked by pirates and crash-landed on a mysterious island.

Between a rock and a hard place by Aron Ralston
Aron Ralston was rock climbing alone in Utah when his arm was caught in rockslide. His only hope of escape was to do the unthinkable. Based on a true story.

Blood Red Horse by K.M. Grant
During the 3rd Crusade, a horse helps two brothers understand the true meaning of friendship, family and courage.

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer
Mary disguises herself as a boy, changes her name, and signs aboard a naval ship as a cabinboy.

Children of the Lamp: The Akhenaten Adventure by P.B. Kerr
All around the twins, wishes seem to be coming true. But why?

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
In World War II, Ned Begay and his Navajo classmates help to create the only code system that the Japanese could never break: a code based on the Navajo language.

The Death Collector by Justin Richards
What can you not like about a reanimated T-Rex run by steam power in Victorian London?

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
The aliens will soon return to attack Earth, and only Ender’s soldiers can fight them off. But is Ender smart enough to outwit the Buggers?

Escaping the Giant Wave by Peg Kehret
When a tsunami strikes the Oregon coast, Kyle must save his younger sister and another boy. Also by this author: Earthquake Terror , The Volcano Disaster , The Flood Disaster and others.

Far North by Will Hobbs
Gabe and Raymond are stranded in the frozen world of Deadmen Valley for the winter. Also by this author: Downriver, The Maze, Jason’s Gold and others.

House of Stairs by William Sleator
Six orphans are trapped in building with no ceiling, floors or walls. To survive they must either rely on each other or kill one another.'

I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter
Cammie Morgan attends a boarding school where she is learning to become a spy. However, all of her education in espionage doesn’t help her much when she falls for a local boy.

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
The author’s account of the disastrous climbing season on Mount Everest.
Non-fiction.

Left for dead : a young man's search for justice for the USS Indianapolis by Peter Nelson
Eleven year old Hunter Scott used his history day project to clear the name of naval captain court martialed in World War II. Based on a true story.

The Lightning Thief : Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Percy and his friends are on a magical quest to retrieve items of power.
First in a series.

Maximum Ride : the Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Max and her “Avian-American” family must escape from the lab—fast.
First in a trilogy.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Sam runs away to the woods, tames a wild falcon, and lives off the land. Also by this author: Julie of the Wolves

Operation Red Jericho by Joshua Mowll
Rebecca and Doug are thrust into a world of espionage and intrigue when they join their uncle and the mysterious group known as the Honourable Guild of Specialists.

Pirates! by Celia Rees
To escape an arranged marriage, Nancy Kington and the slave girl Minerva join a band of pirates, braving storms, capture, and mutiny at sea.

Poison by Chris Wooding
When Poison’s sister is kidnapped she starts on a journey that lead to realm of Fairies and perhaps to the end of her life.

Sabriel by Garth Nix
Sabriel is a necromancer and her job is to keep dead things dead.

The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
audiobook narrated by Gerard Doyle
Jack accepts a quest to Jotunheim, the land of the trolls, accompanied by the savage Olaf One-Brow, a young shield maiden, and a very odd crow.

Shackleton's Stowaway by Victoria McKernan
In 1914, Perce Blackbrow stowaways on the Endurance, Ernest Shakelton’s. The adventure of a lifetime that Perce expects to have quickly turns out to be a fight for life or death in the treacherous Antarctic. Based on a true story.

Shade’s Children by Garth Nix
Alien Overlords have decreed that no child will live past age 14. Aided by the mysterious Shade, a few children have escaped…or have they?

The Storm Thief by Chris Wooding
Probablity storms on the island of Orokos can change anyone or anything. They key to defeating them lies in hands of two thieves and an innocent golem.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
After his uncle is mysteriously murdered, Alex Rider is recruited by MI6 to track down his killers with the help of his arsenal of high-tech hardware.

Terrier by Tamora Pierce
One part CSI. One part Gladiator. Sprinkle with fantasy. Enjoy.

The Thief by Megan Whelan Turner
Gen is the best thief in the kingdom…unfortunately, he’s a thief with a big mouth.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
All the adults are prisoners, and only a few kids remain free to make the choice: surrender, run away…or fight back.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
As punishment for severely beating a younger boy, Cole must choose: prison, or living in isolation on a remote Alaskan island for a year.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
When you are 16, they will give you an operation to make you pretty. But your face isn’t the only thing the operation will change….

The worst-case scenario survival handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
Learn how to survive nearly any life or death situation with this handy pocket sized book.

The Wreckers by Iain Lawrence
In 1799, the law said that those who found a ship wrecked on the shore could keep the contents if none aboard survived the wreck. And so some people decided to make sure that nobody would survive the wreck of the boat
Isle of Skye….

Stephenie Meyer author visit

This evening I visited Summit elementary school in Seattle to see Stephenie Meyer speak. The visit was sponsored by All for Kids bookstore (Thanks!) The crowd was enormous, with at least 600 bodies filling nearly every seat in the auditorium. There were far fewer costumes than I would have imagined for event of this nature, so that was a bit disappointing. Sadly, as with the parade, nearly all of you STABies cancelled on me. I did, however, go since I promised a few individuals I would get them books. Thankfully, I was with my lovely assistant (manager), Alene, so I wasn’t too lonely. I was one of the very few people in my demographic at the event. (Surprise!)

Ms. Meyer had no prepared comments, nor did she read from her newest tome. She opted, instead, to answer questions from the audience. There were some extremely insightful and ponderous queries presented to Ms. Meyer. For example, one question was, “What does Bella eat for breakfast ?” Another was, “How much wood, would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” She refused to answer questions regarding the future of the characters in the books, even when threatened with physical harm.

We purchased our books at the door which was a mistake as those who bought their books before hand were given a better place in line. Our ticket number was 1021. However, a librarian friend of mine was there with her daughter. They had bought a book before hand and recived a ticket, but, alas, forgot to bring their book. She offered me her ticket. It was number 61. I’m only a little embarrassed to tell you I nearly cried with joy.

After the Q&A, we were ushered into an adjoining room where I’m pretty sure we were breaking the fire code by half. A few tables were set up for various arts and crafts related to the books. Alene and I took the time to chat with Megan and Kathryn from STAB who had also come. They had good tickets too, but not as good as ours. (Tee hee.)

When our number was called we were herded into line to wait in an antechamber to go into a waiting room to be frisked and wanded before approaching Stephenie Meyer. We were given explicit instructions, “1) at no time are you to make eye contact with Stephenie Meyer, 2) you are not to make sudden movements around Stephenie Meyer, 3) do not talk to Stephenie Meyer, 4) do not breathe in the direction of Stephenie Meyer, 5) do not feed Stephenie Meyer,. . .” and the list went on.

We made our way through the line and Ms. Meyer was extremely nice. She took our books and graciously signed them. We were then escorted out the door into the chilly night breeze. And that was pretty much it. As you can see from the picture I had a pretty good time.

Too bad for those of you who didn’t go, but feel free to place your holds on her much anticipated book or (audio version if you prefer) if you have not already done so.

Stepping out at the Shoreline Parade


Today was the Shoreline parade. It was perfect weather for a parade—bright, sunny and a tiny little breeze that turned our signs into petite sails that sent us spinning across the street. We looked like some kind of concrete parasailers. Our merry bunch of 15 souls marched proudly between a marching band in front and a large truck behind. It was a tiny bit claustrophobic.

Sadly, only 2 STABies came to the parade. I’d like to do a special shout-out to Kathryn and Chelsea who braved the elements and swelling crowds to march proudly and show their Shoreline pride. Represent! Sorry, got a bit excited there. Thanks to these two STABies all 10 of the signs created by our intrepid set of artists were showcased during the march.

Of course, the stars of the show were my 2 kids who rode in style in a little red wagon-future STABies to be sure.

To those of you who didn’t go, you missed some great donuts , a nice walk , my stellar company , loads of teeth rotting candy and cute children. Also, a bunch of volunteer hours . Hopefully, you’ve all learned your lesson and can come next year. Also, you can see more pictures of the event if you so choose at our STABucket site.

The return of the STABcast!

By popular demand I bring you a brand new, fresh from the studio, STABcast!

Bruce, our STABcaster today, has chosen to review Foundation by Issac Asimov.



Foundation is available from KCLS as a book, or a book, a large print book, an audio book or a book containing all three parts of the trilogy. (Phew!)

Library Ninja!

I thought you might appreciate this. I think I may have found a new calling.

STABies,
The other thing we discussed at the STAB meeting was the upcoming Harry Potter Book launch party. I think we should call "Harry Potter and the STAB meeting". It will be at the Richmond Beach library July 21st .
The Harry Potter countdown is for the book and the party, though it doesn't technically mention the party:

Anyways, here are the notes. There are plenty of opportunities for you guys to volunteer and make your mark (creativily speaking, of course.) Let me or Aarene know if there is anything you would like to add or amend:

Those who would like to design a Harry Potter button for the HP party are encouraged to do it! Artistic skill is not a requirement; that is why God created Photoshop. I see no reason to stick with just one button if there are several cool designs submitted. Anybody who has a great idea for a button to promote the program ahead of time, please get it on paper and let me see it!

For the day of the party, we'd really like FOUR buttons, so that participants can be sorted into houses. The following artistic geniuses have agreed to apply their talents to design:
Krystina - Slitherin
Roxanna - Griffindor
Logan - Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw

Good ideas for activities are still being sought. So far, the ideas include:
face painting
costumes
hat making (also wand-making)
qwiddich (maybe out in the park?)
wizard chess (no fair clobbering the little kids with swords!)

Any ideas about snacks? The Friends of the Library will purchase pizza around 5pm, but what else should be available for snackage during the day? Pumpkin juice is a nice idea, but would anybody actually drink it? (bleh!)

The meeting room definitely needs to be decorated. Molly had some ideas about this. I'd love to see stars hung from the ceiling in the meeting room...and what else? Somebody please jump-start my brain...or better yet, show up here with a bunch of crepe paper and creativity. But tell me what you want to do so I can buy supplies!

Naming your STABcasts.

Mica, this weeks STABcaster, has chosen to review The Naming by Alison Croggon.

Having a problem with the player? Try getting it from Twango.

The Naming is available from the King County Library System as is the sequel, The Riddle.

May STAB meeting wrap up.

We have some upcoming meetings in June:
June 5th, “Super” STABBBYA Meeting, 4pm-7pm (We need at least 15 people)
June 12th, STAB Meeting, 4pm-6pm
June 19th, Last STABBBYA meeting before ALA (Possibly with visitors), 4pm-6pm

STABcasts: Still need volunteers. Please let me know when you can come in and I'll try and set up a time.

Volunteer hours: Get them now (and later). I still need volunteers to help with all sorts of things. Let me know if you can in sometime and I'll make sure you have some stuff to do. I'm in this weekend (June 2 & 3) so if you are looking to get out of the sun, you know where to go.

Buttons and badgers: Holly, myself and the members of the BBYA committee would like you to design a button. Please get it to me by June 5th at the latest (our SuperSTABBBYA meeting!). Design elements should include the phrase "BBYA 2008" and possilby Committee Member. The badges should be circular in nature. You could incorporate the theme of Washington DC as well, as that is where conference will be held. You may also want to insert the YALSA logo / conference logo as well. Please no pictures of badgers.

An abundance of STABcasts.

Jennifer, our STABcaster this week, has chosen to review the 2007 Printz honor book An Abundance of Katherines by John Green. It also appears on the 2007 Best Books for Young Adults list.



An Abundance of Katherines is availabe on CD as well as in your traditinal codex format. As opposed to, like, a scroll.

John Green is also the author of the 2006 Printz Award winning book, Looking for Alaska, which we have on CD, EAdudio, in Spanish as well as a good old fashioned book.

Also, Unshelved highlighted An Abundance of Katherines on their Unshelved Book Club.

Fun fact about John Green: I've had the pleasure of dining with him and have also chatted with him on a number of occasions and he is a heck of a nice guy. I talked with him last year in New Orleans when he spoke a the Printz reception. He had a nasty case of the flu and could barely stand. But, due to his illness, no one would go near him so I had him to myself practically the whole night. He probably doesn't remember this interaction, but he promised me that his next book would be dedicated to me. At least, that is the way I remember it.

The Long Dark STABcast of the Soul.

Mica, our STABcaster this week, has chosen to review The long dark tea-time of the soul by Douglas Adams.



Having problems with Twango player? Try listening to it here!

Many of you may be familiar with Douglas Adams from his series of books The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy.

On a personal note, Douglas Adams is one of my favorite authors.

On a professional note, the fact that he is one of my favorite authors has nothing to do with the fact that I ran to my computer to post this review as soon as I got it.

Just in case you haven't been keeping up, this is our 7th STABcast. And, coincidentally, Just in case by Meg Rossoff is the book that this week's STABcaster, Jennifer, has chosen to review.



Having trouble with the Twango player? Get it right from the source!

Just in case is available from the King County Library System.

Fun fact: Meg Rossoff won the Printz award in 2005 for her book How we live now, which we have in Large Print, on CD, Tape and as EAudio to download.

Another fun fact: She also has a great picture book titled Meet the Wild Boars which discusses how difficult it can be to be friends to a pack of four wild boars named Hoarace, Boris, Doris and Morris.