Just drop-in & enjoy discussing books with other teens.

Also take a look at our book blog for more ideas of what to read.

Contact Pat Humphreys, Young Adult Librarian, for more information:

- by phone at 914-232-3508

- e-mail katref@westchesterlibraries.org

- in person at the library.

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BOOK

MEETING DATE

DESCRIPTION

(Click on links for more information)

Feb. 14th

7:30 p.m.

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Lowry has created a haunting alternative society in Gathering Blue just as she has done in The Giver--that is not to say that it is the same society in both books.

The plant that provides the blue color Kira needs as she dyes threads is not easily found; it is outside of the authoritarian society in which she survives. In the village she knows, the adults are abusive, the children surly, the hierarchy unquestioned. She was born with a twisted foot, which would mean sure death except that her mother protected her and promised that she would be a contributing member of the society. Now, as the story opens, her mother is dead and the adolescent Kira is brought before the council on trial, accused of being useless, condemned to death. A council member defends her on the basis of her skill with cloth, a skill learned from Kira's mother, who was responsible for a crucial part of the annual rituals that hold this culture together. Kira is saved from death, brought into a comfortable Council Edifice, where she eventually meets two other creative young people, a wood carver and a singer, who are also there to prepare for the ceremonies. (Claire Rosser, Kliatt, Nov. 2002)

Wednesday

Mar. 7th

7:30 p.m.

Whale Rider by Witi Tame Ihimaera

(The movie Whale Rider (PG-13) will be shown on Thursday, Feb. 22nd, at 2 p.m. Drop by for a great movie!).

A breathtaking tale of eight-year-old Kahu, a Maori girl in New Zealand whose destiny is to be a whale rider and the savior of her tribe. Moving between contemporary New Zealand and some ancient past time, the story of Kahu's life unfolds. Kahu is unloved by her great-grandfather, the main object of her affection, and shown that girls have no place of importance in Maori culture. Undeterred by this, Kahu learns all she can about her culture and her people, meanwhile developing a quiet and mysterious connection with the whales. The time for Kahu to fulfill her destiny comes when the whales strand themselves on the beach of Kahu's village. She rises to the challenge, proving to her great-grandfather that she is indeed worthy of being heir to the title of chief. Kahu is feisty and determined, a strong hero in a small package. (Amanda MacGregor, Kliatt, Nov. 2003)

Wednesday

April 11th

7:30 p.m.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

What do you think will happen in Book 7?

(The movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PG-13) will be shown on April 4th, at 2 p.m. Drop by & enjoy the fun!)

Harry is in his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is now 16, and romance is in the air along with hefty helpings of humor, horror, and Rowling's delightfully inventive fantasy details (wouldn't you like a potion that confers luck?). Headmaster Dumbledore teaches Harry about the background of Harry's mortal enemy, Lord Voldemort, so that together they can try to defeat him. Old adversaries Draco Malfoy and Professor Snape play important roles, as do Harry's faithful friends Ron and Hermione, and a particularly beloved character meets a nasty end.