Thursday, August 21, 2008

My picks for August

Fiction Book- Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel is a young necromancer journeying to the Old Kingdom. Along the way, she has found Touchstone- a young man imprisoned as a wooden ship's figurehead! Now they need to find the Abhorsen- but Sabriel only has her bells and sword so far! Part one of the Abhorsen trilogy.

Nonfiction Book- The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History

Curious about the inventions of the ancient Mayas? Wonder when and where did agriculture first begin? Trying to figure out what changes did the Norman Conquest bring? All this and much more can be found in this encyclopedia- complete with many internet websites if you want to learn even more about your favorite historical
period or event.

Manga- Godchild by Kaori Yuki

Earl Cain of Hargreaves lives in Victorian England. Cain seems to be always involved in solving mysteries- very often involving poison. But are they isolated- or perhaps connected to a certain secret society?

Anime- Vampire Princess Miyu

Miyu is the chosen one to banish the wicked shinma from the earth. Miyu passes herself as a regular schoolgirl- but her only true friend is her guardian Larva. This anime has both a 4 episode OVA and a 26 episode TV series- both of which are very good.

Website- Neuroscience for Kids

How do dreams happen? What does each lobe of the brain do? What exactly happens in your body when you touch something hot? Why are yawns so contagious? How do you get to see in color and three-dimensionally? These questions, and more, can be answered in this very informative and entertaining website. Also contains informations about the many careers related to neuroscience.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Upcoming Programs @ Jan Platt Library

Looking for something fun to do after school? If you live in South Tampa, Jan Platt Library will be having teen programs 3 days a week after school starting in September. Here's the schedule:

Tuesdays @ 4:30
Ophelia Project: Girls Circle
For grades 6-8. Sign up now for this exciting club just for girls. Come enjoy group discussions, crafts, books and special activities. This program will take place every Tuesday during the school year. Begins Sept 2.

Wednesdays @ 4:30
Anime-Manga Club

Join us for a discussion of your favorite anime and manga, an ongoing anime movie series, skits, games, and more! Learn how to draw characters, and speak phrases in Japanese. Begins Sept 10.

Thursdays @ 4
Game Zone

Get in the zone and join your friends for some gaming fun with Dance Dance
Revolution, Guitar Hero and other great games. Begins Sept 11.

We have even more planned for November, when we will begin our Teen Advisory Board and host two special teen programs at our library...Stay tuned!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Anime in America

Animenation's News Blog has a great article today about the history of anime in America. Check it out right HERE.

My favorite part of this article is when the author mentions Voltron premiering in 1984. Though I did watch my share of "Japanese cartoons" back then, I did not find out that Voltron was originally an anime called Go-Lion until many years later!!!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Brisingr

Coming soon- the third installment of the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. This third book is called Brisingr. Inheritance was originally intended to be a trilogy...but there is just so much to the story, that the author has decided to write it in four books! Now we have a title- and on the 20th of September we will have the book in our hands! Check out the official site to see what "Brisingr" means in the language of Alagaesia and for more news about this long awaited book.