Great book for Middle Schoolers

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
by Gennifer Choldenko





First there's Kirsten McKenna. It's the beginning of the school year, she's gained 30 pounds, her parents are hardly talking to each other and her bff Rory is hanging out with the popular crowd. Then there's Walker "Walk" Jones. He's new to Kirsten's upscale, private school and only one of three African American's there. As they try to adjust to these changes, the two strike up an uneasy friendship, but why does Kirsten's mom gets uneasy whenever Walk is mentioned? Is it because of his race? The story is told from both characters point of view and is sure to shock at the end.




Click here to find If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period in the library catalog

Alameda County Youth Leadership Academy

Alameda County is holding its 6th annual Youth Leadership Academy starting in December. The Academy is a free, five-session course on County government aimed at high school juniors and seniors. Participants gain leadership skills, learn about public sector jobs and meet county officials. The Academy will meet on various Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon at different county facilities.

Find more information about the Youth Leadership Academy at the County's website .

Deadline for applications is November 30, 2007.

The library has a limited amount of applications. See Shawna if you're interested.

Some cool reads

Check out these great books available from the Hayward Public Library:

Marguex with an X
by Ron Koertge

Margaux would seem to have it all. She's the prettiest girl in her Los Angeles high school. She's got plenty of dates and smarts too, but something is bugging her. The guys she goes out with are good looking, but shallow. And her family life is no better. Her dad, a professional gambler, ruined their relationship when she was a young girl. And her mother, a shopping channel addict, doesn't want to hear about it. Then one day she meets Danny, a boy from school who wears over-sized second hand clothing and is far from the good-looking guys she's usually with, but somehow she finds herself drawn to him. As their relationship develops, Marquax comes fact-to-face the demons of her past that helps her move toward a positive future.

Click here to find Margaux with an X in the library catalog

Hell Phone
William Sleater

Nick wanted a cellphone to call his girlfriend Jen. His mom couldn't be depeneded on to pay the bill on home phone, so with a cell phone he was guarunteed to be able to call her. He saved his money and bought the only phone he could afford. It didn't have caller ID, but Nick figured that wouldn't be a big deal. Except, as soon as he gets the phone wierd people start calling him. One is a crying woman and it sounds like she's in danger. The other is a strange man who seems to know details of Nick's life, like the name of his girlfriend. Then the previous owner calls and tells him the phone is dangerous and he should get rid of it pronto. But Nick doesn't want to let go of it so easy and the once good boy, suddenly finds himself doing some very bad things.

Click here to find Hell Phone in the library catalog