Teen Book Reviews: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Holes

November 23, 2021February 19, 2022 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Teens: did you know that you can earn community service credit for writing a book review and submitting it to us? Today, we’ll hear from a teen who did just that. Find out more about how to earn community service hours from home at cheshirelibrary.org/teens/.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, reviewed by Ali A.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a book about a Native-American boy named Arnold Spirit. Arnold was born with “water in his brain” and lives in the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. His reservation is full of drunk and violent people who often die to alcohol overdose. In fact, Arnold said he had been to 42 funerals by the age of 14. Everyone in the reservation has accepted the fact that they are poor and that there’s no hope for them, except Arnold. Arnold realizes that the only way to make it out of his sad life is to go to a predominantly white school in Rearden.

However, things aren’t easy when Arnold begins his high school life in Rearden. Rearden High School is 22 miles away from Arnold’s home, so his dad can only afford to drive Arnold only once or twice a week due to gasoline prices, so Arnold has to dangerously hitchhike with strangers to get to his school. Occasionally, Arnold can’t find anyone to drive him so he has to walk the full 22 miles! And once Arnold gets to school, he has no friends and everyone mocks him. After Arnold finally starts sticking up for himself and fights Roger, the school’s football star, Arnold feels more respected at Rearden and Arnold thinks that he can put his reservation days behind him. He quickly starts making friends with the school brainiac, Gordy, and even Roger becomes friendly with him. Arnold then tries out for the basketball team and actually becomes a starter for the varsity team and their best shooter.

Everything seems to be going well, until the reservation turns on him. People from the Spokane Indian Reservation label him as a traitor and his former best friend, Rowdy, starts hating him. Arnold’s grandmother and sister both die, and Arnold begins to feel depressed. Finally the reservation starts to accept Arnold after he had to endure those tragic losses. Humorous, heart-breaking and amazingly written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian reflects the life of an teen attempting to break away from the hopeless life he was destined to live.

4 Stars.

Holes by Louis Sachar, reviewed by Ali A.

Holes one of my favorite books and I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure books. Holes is about a kid named Stanley Yelnats who is wrongfully accused of stealing a pair of shoes from a famous baseball player named Clyde “Sweet Feet” Livingston. Clyde Livingston’s shoes were supposed to be donated to charity, but instead Stanley found the old shoes on his way home from school. Stanley was unaware that those shoes belonged to the baseball player so he instead brought them home for an experiment his father was conducting. Once the police found out that Stanley was in possession of the shoes, they arrested him and sent him to Camp Green Lake, which is actually a dessert where the prisoners dig holes from dawn to dusk.

Stanley starts making friends, and one of them is Hector “Zero” Zeroni. Stanley is finds it strange that Zero keeps trying to excessively help him dig holes, until he finds out that Zero was the one who stole Clyde Livingston’s shoes and dumped them on the sidewalk to avoid getting caught. Stanley forgives Zero and they both decide to escape the harsh conditions on Camp Green Lake. As Stanley and Zero make their journey, they make discoveries about Camp Green Lake and why the counselors force the prisoners to dig holes all day long in the desert heat.

I’d rate this novel a 5/5 because of all the details Louis Sachar incorporates into Holes. This book also makes me think about all the people around the world that are wrongfully accused and jailed for things they didn’t do, except that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you enjoy Holes, I’d also recommend Small Steps, which is a book about what happens to some of the boys after they leave Camp Green Lake.

5 Stars.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 26, 2021November 4, 2021 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

The Friends of Cheshire Library Used Book Sale is BACK! After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid, our most awesome used book sale is scheduled for November 18-21, mark your calendars! Of course there’s a ton of other stuff going on in November, too, take a look:

November Teen Volunteering Challenges

All month long

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Earn community service hours by submitting a photo, video, or other content that may be added to CPL’s social media pages! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. November’s challenges include:

Art: It’s the month of Slowvember! Slowvember is about quality and getting something you really like. During this challenge, work on one image and make it as good as you can.
Writing: Write a conversation that would take place at someone’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Food: November 1st is National Cook For Your Pets Day- so take this month to cook a delicious meal or snack for your pets!!
Reading: If you have a family gathering this month, add something to your pre-dinner ritual: ask each person to name a book they’re thankful for, then read one that appeals to you.
More Reading: November is Picture Book Month- to celebrate, read a picture book you’ve never read before.
Even More Reading: Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month by reading a book about Native American history or experience.
Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: We Were Liars

All month long

This month we are going to read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on November 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.

Meditative Mondays

Mondays from 2:00 – 3:00pm

Learn to master your thoughts, be in control of your mental & emotional well-being, and discover a world you never thought possible. This 7 session class will be teaching you various meditation techniques along with topics of awareness for inner transformation. Dress comfortably and enjoy the experience! Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Storytime @ Bartlem Park

Tuesdays, November 2 and 9, 2021, 10:00 – 10:30am

Enjoy an outdoor storytime at Bartlem Park full of books, music, and movement! Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Please register once per family. Registration begins 48 hours prior to each class. This program is subject to cancellation due to uncooperative weather. Please check your email for the cancellation notice.

Cheshire Art League Program on Painterly Composition

Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join nationally recognized artist and fine art photographer, Mark Battista, for a presentation on painterly composition for photographers and artists. Please register in advance for this Zoom program. All registrants will receive the emailed Zoom link at 5:30pm on November 3.

Light Pollution: What it is and why it matters

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join dark sky advocate Leo Smith (International Dark Skies (IDS) Northeast Regional Director and Chair of the Connecticut Chapter) for an overview of the adverse effects of light pollution on people, animals and plants, together with a review of Connecticut laws and regulations and best practices individuals can use to reduce light pollution. Registration is required. We are planning to hold this program in-person but will switch to Zoom if circumstances warrant. If that is the case, a link will be sent out to registrants prior to the program.

The Magic of Resilience with Joyce Saltman

Friday, November 5, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Back by popular demand join us as Joyce Saltman will make us laugh and learn with her informational presentation. Join us as Joyce offers a blueprint (based on extensive research and close to 100 interviews of resilient folks of all ages) for achieving good health and joy in the years to come. Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

The Natural and Cultural History of Cheshire Through an Ecological Lens

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

How did geology shape Cheshire’s development and history? Laurie Sanders, who grew up in Cheshire and was the town’s first environmental planner, will delve into the connection between people and the environment and how one affects the other. Join us for a fascinating overview of how Cheshire became the community it is today! Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

Art @ The Library – Urban Sketching

Monday, November 8, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Enjoy 90 minutes of sketching in real time a favorite subject of urban sketchers- their tools of the trade: pencils, pens, brushes! Urban sketching is about filling a sketchbook with sketches of people, places and events but it is good to start small and hone your drawing skills by sketching everyday objects. All levels welcome to this workshop, all materials provided. Come and have fun. Registration required.

Drop-In Tech Help

Monday November 8, 7:00 – 8:15pm
Tuesday November 23, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Drop-in Tech Help is back! Do you have questions about your laptop, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating the internet or downloading an ebook? Let us help! NOTE: Please be sure your device is charged beforehand. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis. Tech help may be limited to 15 minutes per person.

Chinese for Families

Tuesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 4:00 – 5:00pm

(classes will continue in December and January)

We are so excited to partner with NeuLingo, a live, engaging online Chinese program to offer free Chinese language and culture classes for children! Join us to go on a virtual tour of the most charming cities in China, learn and experience the traditions and stories behind Chinese festivals, pick up a few Chinese words, and practice them with other children through meaningful social interactions! Best for ages 5-12, register once per family to attend all 10 classes.

Mark your calendars! The Friends of the Cheshire Public Library 2021 Fall Book Sale is scheduled for:

Wednesday November 17, 5-8pm (preview night for members of the Friends only, memberships are available at the door)
Thursday November 18, 9am-8pm
Friday November 19, 9am-4:30pm
Saturday November 20, 9am-4:30pm
Sunday November 21, Noon-3pm (Bag of Books sale!)

Attendees must comply with CPL’s health precautions.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us virtually for an open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Join us once, join us every month! Please register online.

Trivia Night

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. Registration required for this adult program, a link to the program will be sent a hour before.

Books Over Coffee: If the Creek Don’t Rise

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet in person in the library Loft! This month’s book is If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss. Please register online.

Teen Book Reviews: Darius the Great is Not Okay and Divergent

October 19, 2021September 9, 2021 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram, reviewed by Ali A.

I really enjoyed Darius the Great Is Not Okay and feel like it’s a must-read for teens. The main character of this novel is Darius Kellner, a white-washed Persian living in the United States who is diagnosed with depression. He feels disconnected from his relatives in Iran, and doesn’t even get along well with his own father. His father, Stephen Kellner, is always disappointed in Darius and wishes Darius could be more normal instead of an overweight loner with funky hair. Darius gets teased at school and only finds peace at the tea shop he works in, the Tea Haven at the Shoppes at Fairview Court. Darius and his family then finds out that Darius’s grandfather, Babou, has a brain tumor and would die soon so Darius’s mother plans a family trip to Iran. It’s Darius’s first trip to Iran so he’s excited but is also worried. Darius knows barely anything about his Persian culture and heritage and doesn’t know if any of his family will like him, especially since Darius doesn’t even know the language of Farsi. However, when Darius gets to Iran, his life changes. He quickly makes friends with a neighborhood boy named Sohrab and Darius discovers more about the Persian culture. Darius’s relationship with his father also becomes tighter and they enjoy each other more. One thing is for sure- Darius is a different person by the time he returns to America. He is no longer lazy, lonely, or as teased as before. I loved this book because I share a lot in common with Darius Kellner. My grandparents and extended family live in India whereas I live on a whole different continent. Also, I only see my grandparents through awkward Skype calls and it’s tough to communicate with them because I don’t know Urdu which is the language that they speak. Adib Khorram did a wonderful job writing this empathetic novel that many teens including myself can relate to and love.

5 Stars.

Divergent by Veronica Roth, reviewed by Ali A.

Normally I hate science fiction books. They are usually about aliens, robots, or people trying to take over the world. Most of the stuff in science fiction books are too complicated for readers to understand and visualize in their minds and science fiction books are usually boring. However, Divergent is the only science fiction book that I have ever fully read and loved. Most science fiction books go overboard on crazy futuristic ideas, but Divergent keeps it real. The Utopian land that the citizens live on is divided into 5 difference groups, which are called factions. The 5 factions are Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Candor, and Amity. Each of the 5 factions prioritizes a special aspect. Abnegation prioritizes selflessness, Dauntless prioritizes bravery, Erudite prioritizes brilliance, Candor prioritizes honesty, and Amity prioritizes tranquility. The main character of the book is Beatrice “Tris” Prior. Beatrice was born into Abnegation and loved her parents and her brother. When everyone is 16 years old, the students are required to take the Aptitude Test, which helps the students discover which faction they should join. Beatrice takes the test and receives a horrid result. Her results revealed that she was Divergent, meaning she doesn’t really fit with one faction but rather a mix of all of them. Beatrice doesn’t understand why being Divergent is so bad or different, but no one explains that to her. On the Choosing Day, where each 16 year old chooses which faction they want to join for the rest of their lives, her selfless brother chooses to join Erudite. Beatrice knew she wasn’t as selfless as her brother so she thought that if he didn’t fit in Abnegation, then she didn’t either. So at the last second, Beatrice chooses to join Dauntless. In Beatrice’s training she has to work hard and do cruel things such as fight her peers for fun and learn to shoot guns. Although the pain is overwhelming, it makes her stronger. Beatrice soon finds out that Erudite is making plans with Dauntless leaders to declare war on her old faction, Abnegation. Veronica Roth did a wonderful job with the plot of Divergent and keeps the readers hooked with plot twists after plot twist.

5 Stars.

Teen Book Reviews: The Outsiders and The Giver

October 5, 2021September 9, 2021 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, reviewed by Ali A.

The Outsiders is a book about a gang in Oklahoma called the Greasers. The Greasers are made up of of poor, violent teenage boys that are led astray in society. However, the Greasers are not the only gang in town. The Socs, short for the Socials, constantly battle for control in Tulsa. The Greasers face constant threats of being jumped (jumping is when a group of rival gangsters “jump” out of a car or building and beat up a member of the rival gang), stolen from, or being seriously hurt. Ponyboy, the main character of the book, lives with his brothers Darry and Sodapop, who are also fellow Greasers. Darry is an athletic and strong young man who is trying to raise his younger brothers after their parents died in a car crash. Darry dropped out of school to work full-time to support his family. Sodapop is a carefree young man as well and is one of Ponyboy’s best friends. Ponyboy is able to avoid serious trouble until one day he was walking home from a movie and got jumped by a group of Socs. After that encounter, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are enjoying their time outside until another group of Socs try to finish the job and kill Ponyboy. However Johnny tried to protect his friend and accidentally killed one of the Socs. Now Ponyboy and Johnny have to escape the police and the Socs by hiding out. After the tragic killing, the Greasers and Socs agree to a gang war in Tulsa. I enjoyed the book and I’d reccomend this to readers who enjoy exciting novels with dramatic changes. One change I’d make if I were the author would be if the Greasers and Socs could achieve peace with eachother and end the practice of gangs. However towards the end, the Socs become somewhat more friendly with the Greasers.

4 Stars.

The Giver by Lois Lowry, reviewed by Ali A.

The Giver is a science-fiction book about a land in the future where no one has any freedom. The Chief Elder controls what your job will be, who you will marry, how many children you can have, what you will be named, when you can have a child, what you can eat, etc. Basically, the Chief Elder is a dictator. However the people who live in this Utopian land don’t feel restrained and instead feel happy that they can live in a world without any major problems. The reason the residents of this land feel this way is because the Chief Elder forces the residents to take a pill that restricts any feelings or emotions. This pill even makes it so that people can only see black and white out of their eyes! The Giver revolves around the life of a 12-year old boy named Jonas. In this Utopian land when a child turns 12 the Chief Elder selects each child’s future career based on the child’s skills and interests. As Jonas is at the ceremony and the Chief Elder assigns the careers, he skips over Jonas’ name. Jonas fears that he wouldn’t get a career and would be banished from the land, but instead he got an extra special job called “The Giver”. The Giver is the only job in this city that isn’t allowed to take pills, meaning they can feel all emotions and can see color. The reason for this is because the Chief Elder doesn’t allow residents to experience “memories”, so all memories of people go to The Giver. A lot of these memories are painful, but it’s Jonas’ job to experience them so that he can keep the community safe. As Jonas spends more and more time going through memories without the pills, he starts learning how bad his community really is, from killing babies and elders to lack of freedom, so Jonas decides he has to escape his backwards land. I’d rate The Giver a 2/5 because the storyline is very hard to understand. To fully understand what goes on in this story, you’d have to read Son and Messenger, but if you would read one of those books first, you wouldn’t understand what goes on in those stories without reading The Giver. I’d rate The Giver a lot higher if Lois Lowry did a better job of structuring her books that way readers could understand what’s going on.

2 Stars.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

September 28, 2021September 17, 2021 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Welcome to fall! In October we’re talking about books, learning to code, decorating pumpkins, and inaugurating our new piano with a concert by a Cheshire favorite. All that an a lot more, check out the October Calendar for details on all our upcoming programs!

October Teen Volunteering Challenges

All month long

Art: It’s the month of Drawlloween! Draw anything that reminds you of Halloween!
Writing: Write about what you have always SECRETLY wanted to be for Halloween.
Food: October is National Pizza Month- so explore the world of pizza and all the flavors it offers by making your own fabulous version!
Reading: Celebrate Dictionary Day (October 16) this month by looking up the definitions of words that you don’t know. Which words were they?
More Reading: Read a spooky story. If you don’t enjoy scary stories, read a non-spooky book with a traditionally spooky character.
Even More Reading: Read a book that features a character who wears a costume or disguise.
Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: The Inheritance Games

All month long

This month we are going to read The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! Join us here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on October 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk.

Introduction to Medicare

Saturday, October 2, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Join us online as we will learn about the enrollment processes, enrollment periods, timelines, deadlines, penalties, benefits, and costs relating to Medicare coverage and Medicare plans. We will also review coordination of benefits issues and address questions involving Medicare and HSAs. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Let’s Draw: Monsters

Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Award winning cartoonist and humorous illustrator, Rick Stromoski, will teach you how to create your own creatures, goblins, and ghosts during this virtual event! For children and teens in grades 2-6, please register once per family to receive a Zoom meeting link 1 hour prior to the program start time.

Navigating College Admissions

Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Learn how COVID-19 has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors. This virtual program covers how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Coding Club: Roblox

Wednesdays in October, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Happy Code Club will teach students in grades 5-8 the basics of scripting in Lua to add gameplay elements like traps and other game features during this virtual event. Technology Requirements: PC or Mac with wifi, Scroll mouse. No chromebooks or tablets. Roblox Studio must be installed and tested prior to class. This program meets four times: October 6, 13, 20, & 27. Register once to attend all four sessions.

¡Arte! A Bilingual Art Class for Kids!

Fridays in October, 10:00 – 10:45am

Join us for a virtual bilingual art and music class presented by Mi Amigo Hamlet from Go Creative Programs. Children will learn simple Spanish vocabulary through music, movement, and art! Best for ages 2-6. This virtual program meets 4 times: October 8, 15, 22, 29. Please register once per family to attend all 4 sessions.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, October 14, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Mixville Family Halloween Bash!

Friday, October 15, 2021, 5:00 – 8:00pm

Bring your own pumpkin to turn into a Jack-O-Lantern and display on the Mixville Park hillside before you take it home. Artsplace instructors and volunteers will be on-hand to provide stencils and guidance. Carving tools provided for use on first come/first served basis (or bring your own) as well as glow sticks to illuminate the pumpkins. Pumpkin carving and decorating will take place 5:00-6:00pm (pre-registration required for this portion of the event). Pumpkins will be lit by 6:15pm. Hocus-Pocus, everyone’s favorite family Halloween movie, will start at dusk. Bring a picnic dinner, your blankets, chairs and some bug spray!

Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire: Going for Silver!

Monday, October 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Since early 2020, the CSC has successfully collaborated with our municipal government, local non-profits, and small Cheshire businesses to build relationships and promote sustainable projects. These projects and others helped Cheshire earn “Bronze” certification with the state-wide initiative, Sustainable CT. Coalition members will share information about what it means for Cheshire to go for “Silver” and how you can take small (or large!) steps to improve our community with simple everyday actions. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 6:30 – 8:15pm

This seminar will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package from the college of their choice. Presented by Jennifer Philips, who worked for Fairfield University for over 6 years as Assistant Director of Financial Aid & has been in the field for 10+ years. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Homegrown National Park: Nature’s Best Hope

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30pm

Join us via Zoom for a talk with acclaimed author and speaker Doug Tallamy to learn more about the importance of native species and the difference each of us can make in planting them in our own yards. Doug will discuss simple steps that each of us can take to reverse declining biodiversity and will explain why by joining Homegrown National Park, we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Author Talk: You are Not Alone

Thursday, October 21, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Author Sydney Sherman looks at why and what we believe about the afterlife. Her book draws distinctions between myths and the paranormal and recounts numerous experiences with energies. She offers hints to avoid falling prey to the frauds in the paranormal field, and educates readers on how they too can continue their relationship with their loved ones. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Books Over Coffee: The Push

Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet over Zoom. This month’s book is The Push by Ashley Audrain. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Trivia Night

Thursday, October 28, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test you knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! Registration is required for this adult program. When registering, please register entire group from one person to a max five people. (Please note that his program may be moved to a virtual program. An e-mail will be sent to registered participants with any schedule changes.)