Y.O!

Mystery, romance, magic and adventure - Miki Falls has it all!

Miki Falls “Music Video”

Title: Miki falls.
Author: Crilley, Mark
Publisher: New York, N.Y. : HarperTeen Pub., c2007
Call number: Y English 741.5973 CRI

Image of book covers: <all rights reserved, New York, N.Y.: HarperTeen Pub., c2007>

Spring - A time for new beginnings. This is Miki Yoshida’s final year of high school, and she’s determined to make this the best year yet. Miki is in control until Hiro Sakurai shows up. The tall, handsome new student is hiding something, and Miki wants to know what. As she breaks down Hiro’s defenses, she is unnerved by how much she cares about him. Too bad he is the one guy who can’t care for her back. But Miki is falling for Hiro, and nothing’s going to stop her from getting close to him - not even his dangerous secret.

Summer - Miki is learning all about love. Her senior year has blossomed with promise ever since she gained Hiro’s confidence. Now she’s resolved to keep his trust as he reveals more about his secret mission and warns: “Don’t get involved.” But Miki fears his work might do more harm than good, and she takes control - with disastrous results. How can trying to make things right turn out so dangerously wrong?

Autumn - Miki’s life is finally settling into a routine. She and Hiro are spending all their time together, and Miki couldn’t be happier. There’s just one problem. Hiro’s breaking all the rules to be with Miki, and the more time they spend together - and the more they fall for each other - the more there is at stake. With jealous Reika on the prowl, Miki knows they can’t hide forever.

Winter - A bitter chill of desperation has settled over Miki and Hiro. Far from home, the young couple treks through the frozen north, with Akuzu’s powerful agents hot on their trail. Miki knows they are determined to tear her and Hiro apart. But she has different plans. With the help of an unlikely ally, Miki and Hiro endure a daring journey, battling freezing conditions and frightening forces just to be together. Miki is certain they can make it, hoping that love really does conquer all.

Don’t miss all four books for this teen manga series!

[*above reviews are extracted from backcover of the 4 books.]

Posted by: Janice Ow
Librarian
Young People’s Services

The Book Council is pleased to have invited Phil to Singapore for an exclusive workshop titled “From Comics to Screen: The Best Properties for Film & TV” on 23 Feb 2010.

At the workshop, we’ll study the fundamentals - the elements that stand out in graphic novels. Why some make it to Hollywood, while others don’t.

Phil has interviewed many famous comics creators in the USA. He knows a great deal about the actual creation of characters for graphic novels and the process of getting these creations to the big screen.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the guru as we look at adapting
graphic novels for film and television! Drawing skills not required.

The Book Council has extended the early bird rate to 8 Feb 2010 so that more can come.

So, register now to book your seat!
For workshop details and registration form, please download the form or visit www.bookcouncil.sg.

On a side note: Phil is appearing for a Meet-The-Author session at -
Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store (Takashimaya) on 21 Feb at 2pm.

For more info on Phil Yeh, click here.

Posted by: Reena Kandoth
Associate Librarian
Young People’s Services

Nominee: Phriya,17

Nominated by : Anjana Devi, 17

Phriya who I always refer to as Peno or PD is the most patient and polite friend. I can talk to her anything under the sun. Whenever I am down she never fails to cheer me up. Whenever we meet she always hugs   me and carries me in the air. She is like a huge teddy bear. When other people bully me she will always be there to protect me. She also teaches me good values and respects everyone despite their age. She is a very talented individual and is someone who can go very far. She is always there by my side through thick and thin. We like each other very much.

[Editor’s notes: More entry for “Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion” - a programme of Sports@Public Libraries, designed to celebrate the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Do you know of any “champion”? If so, here’s the chance to give them their due recognition!

For more details, you can refer to: [”Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion”] [http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/yo/stories-next-door-nominate-a-champion/]

Nominee: Gayatri, 17

Nominated by: Anjana Devi, 17

Gayatri is a very close friend of mine. We entertain each other in school everytime when we get bored. She is the only one with whom I can go out with for shopping, eating and watching movies. A very funny person with a funny attitude. Both of us will make almost the same decisions for many things. She is a very good person to rely on and we share our secrets. She is the only one whom I can trust in all aspects. She does correct me when I am in the wrong and praises me when I succeed. On the whole, she treats me with respect and is my very best friend.

[Editor’s notes: More entry for “Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion” - a programme of Sports@Public Libraries, designed to celebrate the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Do you know of any “champion”? If so, here’s the chance to give them their due recognition!

For more details, you can refer to: [”Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion”] [http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/yo/stories-next-door-nominate-a-champion/]

Nominee: Lee Yu Bin, 17

Nominator: Tan Shu Hua, 17 

As the class gathered outside the classroom, squeals of laughter and noisy chatter filled my ears. It was the first day of secondary school for all of us, and many were filled with excitement. As we were called upon one by one, to make introductions, a wave of panic hit me, and I was wishing fervently that it was lunchtime. My stomach had been churning all day. Coming from a little-known neighbourhood primary school, I was a little embarrassed to tell the class about my school and myself. I attribute it to a lack of self-confidence on my part, as well as the fact that it was the first day of school. Also, even after the orientation camp that was meant to provide opportunities for us to bond with one another and make new friends, I still had not made any new friends. As the time for me to stand in front of the entire class to introduce myself neared, I grew more and more nervous. My palms literally started sweating, and I was constantly drinking water, in the hopes that my voice would not be hoarse or cracked when I was talking. Gingerly, I stepped forward and introduced myself. I was clearly panicking. My mind was in a whirl, my cheeks burned and every muscle in my body tensed. With each sentence that I spoke, the ball of dread in my stomach just grew. Just at that moment, when I was on the brink of tears, Yubin told me to relax, flashing me a reassuring smile as she did so. My new classmates waited in breathless expectancy for me to continue. That was just what I did, but I could not have done it without Yubin’s help. That was four years ago, and since then, I have made many more new friends.

That is just one of the many incidences in which Yubin has demonstrated the values of excellence, friendship, and respect. In fact, it is evident in her daily life. In class, she is a keen learner, asking questions when in doubt and excelling in her studies. During physical education lessons, she never fails to give her best, actively participating in sports. Yubin also displays good sportsmanship. Whether she wins or loses, she never fails to congratulate the other party, and bears no grudges.

Striking a good balance between academics, sports, and a social life can be a highly challenging task, but Yubin manages to do so with much ease. She has a great respect for her teachers and peers, and has many friends. I can safely say that no one in class would disagree with me. To me, Yubin is an excellent role model that all of us, including myself, should follow. While there is a saying that ‘ some things are just impossible to reach’, I beg to differ. Yubin is the perfect example that nothing is impossible, if we set our mind and heart to it. Nothing can rival us, if we do not see it as a rival whom we cannot beat.

Nominee: Anne Soh Jin Ann, 13

Nominated by: Lim Yu Han, 13

No matter how close my family members are to me, Anne is the first person I always run to when in need. She sticks by my side when people are against me and has never backstabbed me since we met. She is a fun-loving friend who encourages me when I am down and she always trusts me without doubt. Anne is the best friend you can have and I am glad that she is mine. She is indeed a “champion”.

In celebration of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, you can use these pathfinders to learn more about sports, cultures, and global issues 

Click here for more information about the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Click here for the the three Olympic values.

Click on the Pathfinder that interests you.

1) Cultures of Countries

2) Global Issues

3) Self-Enrichment for Teens

4) Sports & the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

Posted by: Reena Kandoth
Associate Librarian
Young People’s Services

In celebration of young people and their passion for sports, the National Library Board invites all secondary schools to participate in the Sports @ Public Libraries - Design a Card Game Contest.

Step 1: Get a team of 5 with a teacher-in-charge.

Step 2: Submit the completed registration form & written proposal to showteens@nlb.gov.sg by Monday, 8th February 2010. The written proposal would include a proposed sports theme and 5 sports trivia based on the theme.

 (For the registration form and proposal template, please email showteens@nlb.gov.sg)

Step 3: 20 Qualifying teams will attend a 1-day workshop on Saturday 6 March 2010.

Step 4: To complete & submit the final design of the card game by Monday 22nd March 2010.

Prizes:

1st prize: $1,000 worth of prizes

2nd prize: $800 worth of prizes

3rd prize: $600 worth of prizes

4th & 5th Prize: $200 worth of prizes each

15 consolation prizes: $75 worth of prizes each

Results will be released in May 2010.

Here is a Sample of a written proposal

Nominee: Tang Kai Yin, 14

Nominator: Regine Yap, 14

Kai Yin is an all-rounded student who strives for excellence in everything that she does. Even if she fails, she never gives up and continues to do her best. Besides that, she is a very good friend to everyone. Whenever help is needed, she would immediately offer herself. Even if she is busy with something else, she will definitely put down what she is doing to help him/her. She is also always the first to offer her help to the teachers. Furthermore, she is also very active in the participation of school events. Kai yin is indeed a “champion” who fully demonstrates excellence and friendship.

[Editor’s notes: The first entry for “Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion” - a programme of Sports@Public Libraries, designed to celebrate the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Do you know of any “champion”? If so, here’s the chance to give them their due recognition!

For more details, you can refer to: [”Stories Next Door: Nominate a Champion”] [http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/yo/stories-next-door-nominate-a-champion/]

Title : They did you can - how to achieve whatever you want in life with the help of your sporting heroes
Author : Finnigan, Mike
Publisher : Carmarthen, Wales: Crown House, c2007
Call number : Y English 158.1 FIN

<all rights reserved, Carmarthen, Wales: Crown House, c2007>

Sporting Heroes fascinate us all.
When it comes to sports, are you a spectator or participant?
What is it that stands between you and having what you want?
Is it ‘luck”?
Michael Finnigan tells you that it isn’t.

Success is not about getting lucky. Failure is not about being unlucky. It is about you making things happen.

With the help of your Sporting Heroes, you can realize anything you want.

Michael has conducted interviews with Sir Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson CBE, David Moyes, Sir Tom Finney, Philip Neville, Gordon Banks, Gary Kirsten, Karen Barber, Dame Mary Peters, Jeremy Snape, Eric Simons, Beth Tweddle and Jonathan Davies MBE. Read and be inspired by what it was that helped these sports celebrities make it. They share the secrets of their success.

You can achieve your goals, too!

Posted by: Janice Ow
Librarian
Young People’s Services