'Hunger Games' Director Unpacks VMA Footage

"Hunger Games" director Gary Ross explains the footage from the movie revealed during the MTV Video Music Awards, heaping praise on star Jennifer Lawrence in the process.

"The Hunger Games" teaser trailer from the VMAs

Here's the link. What do you think about it?

Vote for your favorite books! Now through Sept. 16th!

Check out the Teens' Top Ten, where you can vote for your favorite books. Sixteen book groups choose nominees each year, and teens across the US vote for their favorites. The Teens' Top Ten is announced during Teen Read Week, Oct. 16-22, 2011.

First 'Hunger Games' Footage to Debut at Video Music Awards

This Sunday, Aug. 28th at 8:00pm. Article here.

The Last of Your Book Reviews from Summer Reading

Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult, Fic Picoult. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult is the perfect book if you're looking for a suspenseful book with a surprise ending. It covers the tragedy of a high school shooting, from the views of the police, parents, victims, and the shooter. All of their stories mesh together as the shooter is brought to court. Was he really at fault, or was the constant bullying too much for him to bear and his act is therefore justified? This novel explores the social cliques of modern teenagers, the pressure to fit in, and the problems that arise if you aren't one of the popular crowd. -- Molly, Grade 10

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, J Fic Rowling. I LOVE the Harry Potter series! This is my fourth time reading the entire series in a row... J.K. Rowling is just a great writer and sometimes I forget I'm not with Harry, and that I'm just reading :) -- Lauren, Grade 9

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, Mystery McCall Smith. I really enjoyed reading the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. I liked it because the main character, Precious, is very ambitious and believes women to be just as equal to men in a time where this wasn't the case. Precious decides to set up her own detective agency, and the book is about the cases that she encounters, along with problems she has with her own life. This book was a nice, easy read that I really liked. -- Maria, Grade 9

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler, 362.8298 Fes. I thought that The Girls Who Went Away is a bittersweet book. It made me really understand what had happen during those times. These girls had struggled to go on with their lives as some had been kicked out of their houses and some had to give away their baby. Some would never know who their biological mother was. It was a happy ending as the author has found her mother. I really appreciated the book as well as found true reality in the book. -- Nipah, Grade 9

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, Fic Gruen. This summer, I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I always read books before I see the movies, so when I saw the trailer for Water for Elephants, I decided I had to read the book. And I did. I absolutely LOVED it!! Other than being a fantastic romance story, Water for Elephants describes so much about what happens behind the scenes in circuses; a world that I find very intriguing. One of my favorite things about Water for Elephants is that it can't really be classified as one genre; it's romance and mystery and a little bit of a documentary. I have to say, this might just be one of my favorite books of all time...a MUST read!!! -- Ariana, Grade 9

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Teen Fic Sepetys. I really enjoyed reading Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. This book takes place during the 1910s.It tells the story of a girl, Lina, and her family during the time of Stalin’s dictatorship. I thought Ruta Sepetys did a great job making this book interesting to read, while still informational. Stalin did terrible things to his people, and this time in history is overlooked many times in textbooks. Reading this book is not only a great read, but a look into history as well. -- Alyssa, Grade 10

Mother, Help Me Live by Lurlene McDaniel, Teen Fic McDaniel. I loved the book Mother, Help Me Live. Sarah has leukemia and desperately needs a bone marrow transplant for any chance of survival. Since she has two siblings, she perks up when the doctor informs them that the marrow needs to match a long number sequence, but with siblings, there's a good chance of a match. But her parents look uncomfortable and say there's no reason testing them. Sarah finds out she was adopted and that her birth mother didn't want anyone to know. After being giving a great amount of money by someone anonymously, Sarah is off on a desperate quest to find her birth mother. -- Kimmy, Grade 9

Please Don't Die by Lurlene McDaniel, Teen Fic McDaniel. Please Don't Die is a captivating story. When contacted by the foundation that a few years earlier had supplied her with enough money for a new heart, Katie volunteered to spend the summer at Jenny House. She becomes a "big sister" to Amanda, Chelsea, and Lacey, who become some of her closest friends. Amanda has leukemia, Chelsea has a bad heart like Katie did earlier, and Lacey has diabetes. When Amanda takes a turn for the worse, the girls and their friend Jeff do everything they can to give her her best last weeks. -- Kimmy, Grade 9

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Fic Shelley. I read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley as part of my summer reading for high school. The story was very interesting and held my attention. However, some of the vocabulary may be challenging for the average reader. I was very excited to read this British classic and I recommend this book to anyone looking for something a bit more sophisticated. -- Michael, Grade 12

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Fic Hosseini. I really enjoyed reading Hosseini's "The Kite Runner". It was based on a true story and took place in India. I thought it was a bit hard to get into at first and thought my Mom's recommendation might not have been very good. Suddenly I got a few chapters in and I really started liking it! It was very interesting to learn a little about the Afghani culture and some cool traditions they have. I would highly recommend this book to all! -- Ally, Grade 9

That Summer by Sarah Dessen, Teen Fic Dessen. The book I really liked was That Summer by Sarah Dessen. I liked it because I could really relate to the things that happened in the book. Also, it had a lot of ups and downs, and teens who read this book will really enjoy it and won't be able to put it down. – Brittany, Grade 9

We've still got books on the York Summer Reading list.

Come take a look if you need one!

Looking for something to read? Here are more of your book reviews

Pulling Princes by Tyne O'Connell, Teen Fic O'Connell. I really enjoyed reading Pulling Princes. It was a good read for teens. Some don't know how it is to go to a boarding school. This book gives you a little bit of what's inside. --Nipah, Grade 9

The Sword of Camelot by Gilbert Morris. The Sword of Camelot by Gilbert Morris, is the third book in the Seven Sleepers series. Now the Sleepers find themselves in a medieval King Arthur type place complete with jousting, battles, huge beasts, knights, and chivalry. Reb Jackson soon becomes the hero with his bravery, determination, and extreme talent for horseback riding. But it quickly goes too far, and Reb finds himself caught in a big mess. Without knowing it, he falls into the trap of the Dark Lord. Will Goel rescue him once again? -- Kimmy, Grade 9

The Janis Project by Nancy Rue. The book, The Janis Project, by Nancy Rue was a great book! Janis started out in a new town with new kids, but the same personality. She was the shiest girl ever and everybody befriended her as their new project to try to get her to come out of her shell. Time went by, Janis became more comfortable and realized she was valued in the eyes of God, and the kids finally became to see her as more than a project, especially Ernie. -- Kimmy, Grade 9

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen, Teen Fic Dessen. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen, is a book about a girl named Mclean. Since her parents’ nasty divorce, Mclean and her dad have moved four times, and each time, Mclean takes a new name. Liz, Eliza, Lizbet, and Beth are a few. With each name comes a new personality, but in this new town she is just Mclean. Finally with the help of new friends she can be her real self, and she can stop all the pretending. -- Molly, Grade 10

Grayson by Lynne Cox, 797.21092 Cox. The book I read was Grayson by Lynne Cox. I really enjoyed this book because I really like animals. I would recommend this book to people like me who like animals and adventure. This book was very addicting, I couldn't put it down. I also enjoyed it because it had a great plot. -- Brittany, Grade 9

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins, Teen Fic Collins. I read The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I liked this series a lot because I like reading different authors' ideas of what the future of America could be like. I liked that the Hunger Games had enough details about this time where children are forced to fight to the death and the war going on in the area, that it doesn't baby anything and captures the readers emotions and attention. -- Sarah, Grade 12

Night World Series by L.J. Smith, Teen Fic Smith. I really liked the whole Night World series. The books had a lot of detail and the whole idea of another world of people around us is amazing. Each book had a different plot, yet they all followed the same idea. I also liked how each story combined with the other ones to make one big group in "Soulmate." -- Ashley, Grade 10

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, J Fic Rowling. I loved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It's very intense, exciting, and holds you're attention. It's also a book for all ages. J.K. Rowling writes in a way so that you never know what to expect. This is my favorite book ever. Read it! -- Theresa, Grade 10

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, Teen Fic Ness. I read The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. It was a very adventurous book that always surprised you and I could tell it had a very thought out plot. It takes you into a new world that tests the ethics of the characters between what is right and wrong. -- Lillie, Grade 10

Summer Reading Prizes & Coupons

All the prize winners have been called. You can still pick up your coupons and wristband through Sun., Aug. 21st, if you haven't already. (For people who submitted at least one online booklog.)

More Book Reviews

Grayson by Lynne Cox, 797.21092 Cox. I didn’t like Grayson by Lynne Cox. This story about a girl and a lost baby whale (such a cute idea!) and takes place in a matter of a couple of hours. The book was drawn out but technically short and left you constantly waiting for something else to happen. There was a lot of information on any given page about the ocean and its inhabitants. Whereas this would be very useful if you are seeking knowledge about the ocean, but it simply did not fit into the storyline at all, or is believable to be coming from the main characters minds eye at the given moment. -- Sarah, Grade 12

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, Mystery Christie. SPOILER ALERT: I really enjoyed this book. In conclusion the murder was pre-planned by many of the workers of the victims. There were many of the passengers who all contributed to his death by each stabbing him once. They would have gotten away with it if it was not for the snow storm. -- Maya, Grade 11

Crank by Ellen Hopkins, Teen Fic Hopkins. The book that I liked the best is Crank by Ellen Hopkins. I really liked this book because, even though it was long, it was an easy and quick read because it was all in poems. The poems aren't boring, they actually tell the story in an exciting and fun way. The book was about 500 pages, and I read it in less than 5 days. I couldn't put this book down! It was exciting and it could've been based on a true story, it seemed so real. I could really connect with all the characters. I really did LOVE this book. -- Caroline, Grade 10

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, Teen Fic Zevin. I liked the book Elsewhere, the novel was about a girl who died when she was on a bike and a car crashed. She was taken on a ship that takes her to a place called "Elsewhere" and she tries to figure out why she’s seeing people that died, and the novel goes on from there. -- Kamil, Grade 9

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson, Teen Fic Patterson. When I read the first book in the Maximum Ride series, I wasn't very pleased, however my sister insisted that they were great books. Reluctantly, I told her that I would only start the second book if I had no other books left to read. The time came where I was without a book, and I decided to pick up Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever, and I am very glad I did! After reading that book, I became hooked on the series and finished the rest of the books within a week. They are quick, fun reads and I can't wait for the last book to come out in February! -- Maria, Grade 9

The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Fic Stockett, Book Discussion Stockett. I loved the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This book showed how African Americans were treated back in the '60s, especially the help. It kept me wanting to read more and made you fall in love with some characters and hate the others. It had twist and turns that you wouldn't expect but the ending was great. This book is amazing and definitely worth the read. -- Caroline, Grade 9

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling, J Fic Rowling. I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. J. K. Rowling is an amazing author who really knows how to paint a picture in the reader's mind. The story of Year Five at Hogwarts is just as thrilling and exciting as ever. Harry and his friends are trying to figure out what Voldemort is up to, why he's doing what he's doing, and how to stop him, all while dealing with things like growing up, new and unfamiliar relationships, and the ever-looming O.W.L.s! Once you pick up Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, you won't want to put it down. -- Jenna, Grade 10

**Tomorrow is the last day to submit your online booklogs & book reviews!**

You could win an new Multi-touch iPod Nano, an Avon gift basket, accessories from Enzee Boutique, gift cards from any of these: Al's Hobby Shop, Buffalo Wild Wings, DuPage Dance Academy, Elmhurst Art Museum, Smoothie Factory, and Southtown Hot Dogs.

Have you picked up your coupons for free stuff?

Have you submitted at least one online booklog? Have you picked up your coupons for free stuff (including York Theatre) and your wristband? Come and get them at the 2nd Floor Information Desk through Aug. 21st.

New magazines in the Teen Area!

Nylon and the WWE Magazine are on the shelf now. Nylon Guys is coming soon. Take a look!

Teen Summer Reading Prizes!

You can submit your online booklogs through Saturday, 8/13!

Teen Summer Reading Prizes in the Display Case. In addition to the iPod Multi-touch Nanos, we've got an Avon gift basket, accessories from Enzee Boutique, t-shirts, tote bags, posters, water bottles, and gift cards from: Al's Hobby Shop, Buffalo Wild Wings, DuPage Dance Academy, Elmhurst Art Museum, Smoothie Factory, and Southtown Hot Dogs.

More Book Reviews

Fallen Series by Lauren Kate: Fallen, Torment, and Passion, Teen Fic Kate. I really liked the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. It’s a sci-fi love story that’s different than the vampire craze. I like learning about the characters and the history of their lives as the story goes on. I like the second one the best where Luce makes new friends at her new school (which I like better than the school in the first book). The only thing I would complain about is the confusion that comes with reading the third book and how the main character Luce often takes selfish actions and does whatever she is told not to do. -- Sarah, Grade 12

Tyrell by Coe Booth, Teen Fic Booth. I really liked the book Tyrell because it told a story sbout people's lives. Not everyone knows what goes on in someone's life and the stuff told about in this book is true. It told about his life and what he went through every day like how his mother expects him to make money and how his dad is in jail. Stuff like this happens every day in people's lives. -- Felicia, Grade 9

I Could Not Call Him Father by Beverly Mattox. I loved I Could Not Call Him Father because it was a tearjerker. It was such an easy read and very captivating. It is triumphant story of a woman who truly overcomes. She faced difficult circumstances and prevailed. The book left you feeling energized and uplifted. -- Marissa, Grade 10

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink, Teen Fic Zink. Browsing the shelves of the teen section in the library late one evening, I stumbled across a book called Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink. I decided to give it a try, although I had never heard of it before, and wasn’t even completely sure as to what it was about. I finished the book not even 10 minutes ago, and I can definitely say I am glad I gave it a chance. I liked it not only because it was historical fiction (my favorite genre), but because it tied in mythology and mystery too. It maintained a sense of dark suspense the whole way through, which was perfect considering its Edwardian setting, and which made it nearly impossible to put down. I plan on starting the sequel as soon as possible. -- Kelsey, Grade 12

Heaven is a Playground by Rick Telander, 796.323 Tel. I recently read Heaven is a Playground by Rick Telander. I enjoyed this book because it is filled with clever writing and depictions of the many people involved in the book. It revolves around the summers of 1973 and 1974 that Rick Telander spent in the parks of New York City. He spent these summers playing and watching talented inner-city athletes play basketball. He listened and wrote about the children and young adults struggling to survive ghetto life and depicted their ultimate dream of playing in the ABA or NBA. -- Avery, Grade 9

The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Teen Fic Dashner. I read The Maze Runner by James Dashner. It was very good. It had a very well thought out plot that had you trying to guess what would happen next. There was also a lot of action and adventure that moved the story along well. The main character was relatable, but also had a side the reader might not like, adding more depth to him. -- Lillie, Grade 10

Check out the New Teen Books for this Month!

Click here to see the list. Subscribe and get the list every month in your email!

Teen Summer Reading Prizes!

You can submit your online booklogs through Sat., 8/13!

Teen Summer Reading Prizes in the Display Case. In addition to the iPod Multi-touch Nanos, we've got an Avon gift basket, accessories from Enzee Boutique, t-shirts, tote bags, posters, water bottles, and gift cards from: Al's Hobby Shop, Buffalo Wild Wings, DuPage Dance Academy, Elmhurst Art Museum, Smoothie Factory, and Southtown Hot Dogs.

Attention York High School Students

We have TONS of books for you to check out from the York Summer Reading list. Stop by the 2nd floor and pick up your copy.

More of Your Book Reviews!

Switched by Amanda Hocking, Teen Fic Hocking
Switched was a book on the York High School reading list for this year, so I picked it up at the beginning of the summer just to get through it so I could stop thinking about school. I read the entire thing in one morning! It was a fast read that was really interesting. The actual concept of the book is an odd combination of fantasy (with Trolls and other mythical creatures) and high school/teenage drama. There is love, action, mystery and much more and I loved the book and have been waiting to get the other two books in the trilogy ever since I finished the first book. It is definitely worth reading especially because it is a summer reading list book! -- Lauralee, Grade 12

Divergent by Veronica Roth, Teen Fic Roth
A book I enjoyed was Divergent by Veronica Roth. This story depicts a Dystopian Chicago where at the age of 16, every citizen must pick a section to live in and devote themselves to: Abnegation for the selfless, Erudite for the intelligent, Amity for the peaceful, Candor for the honest, or Dauntless for the brave. Beatrice, who renames herself Tris, finds that she doesn't belong in any single faction, making her Divergent. As she tries to settle into her faction, she learns that being Divergent is a very dangerous thing. -- Unknown, Grade 9? —If this is your review, email eplteen@elmhurst.org and let us know. The booklog did not have your name, library card # or email address.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma, Teen Fic Suma. Overall, I thought it was okay but it was definitely a weird book. Also, not all of the questions in the book were answered, like how and why her sister could do the things she could. Also there was a relationship between the main character and a guy and all of a sudden the guy hated her without an explanation which was confusing. --Lillie, Grade 10

Crank by Ellen Hopkins, Teen Fic Hopkins
I didn't like Crank by Ellen Hopkins. This book focuses on a teenage girl who turns to trying drugs such as meth and other more serious drugs when she visits her father after her parents are divorced. Whereas I like the style Hopkins uses to make every page like a diary entry and artistic, this style of publishing wastes a ton of paper in the producing process. I am very anti-drug and alcohol, therefore I did not like the idea of this girl becoming addicted and making other bad choices, without serious consequences. At the closing it implies that the character is not about to change her ways therefore I have no inclination to reading any of the sequels. -- Sarah, Grade 12

The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone,
J Fic Malone. I read the book The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone. It is about best friends Ruthie and Jack, two sixth-graders who take a field trip to the Art Institute. Both of them are intrigued by the Thorne Rooms, eerily realistic miniature rooms set in different periods of time around the world. As they slip into the corridor behind the rooms, they discover a key that lets them shrink small enough to be able to explore the rooms. Soon they find some magical objects that don't fit with the room. They decide to spend the night and explore. During the night, they discover many secrets about the rooms, and end up deep in history. The book is expertly written in a combination of historical facts and fictional characters. I really enjoyed this book because it takes place at the Art Institute in Chicago, one of my favorite places to go. The characters were dynamic, the plot thick, and the writing flawless. A wonderful book for art geeks, historical fiction readers, or mystery lovers. --Haley, Grade 9

Queen of the Dead By Stacey Kade, Teen Fic Kade. I really liked The Queen of the Dead. It had suspense and action. It was sort of a mystery and romance. I kept flipping the pages and hope for the sequel! -- Nipah, Grade 9

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Teen Fic Garcia. This book is about a new girl who comes to a small town called Gatlin. This girl, Lena, is picked on and ignored by almost everyone. A boy, Ethan, has lived in Gatlin all his life. He has had dreams about losing a girl in his dreams. When he meets Lena, he knows she is the one he has been dreaming about. Lena and Ethan find a locket and when they touch it, they have a vision about the past, involving both of their ancestors. Read this book if you want to find out more. It is the first book in a trilogy.--Brianna, Grade 9

More "Hunger Games" movie info and photos!

First look at the men of 'The Hunger Games'. See article here. Print copies available in the Teen Area and Magazines Area.

Teen Summer Reading Continues Through 8/13/11!

You have until Sat., Aug. 13th to submit more booklogs and win an iPod Nano or other prizes! And don't forget to pick up your coupons for free stuff including a York Theatre ticket & sandwich at Oven Baked Subs.