* Thirsty by M.T. Anderson: From the moment he knows that he is destined to be a vampire, Chris thirsts for the blood of people around him while also struggling to remain human.

* Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz:
Select teenagers from some of New York City's wealthiest and most socially prominent families learn a startling secret about their bloodlines.

* Uninvited by Amanda Marrone: Jordan’s ex-boyfriend keeps trying to get in her window at night — she’d be thrilled, if he wasn’t dead.

* Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber: Sixteen-year-old Raven, an outcast who always wears black and hopes to become a vampire some day, falls in love with the mysterious new boy in town, eager to find out if he can make her dreams come true.

Can you think of other similar books that you have enjoyed? Please leave a comment!

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Update: The Westport News wrote about us!

Taken by Edward Bloor is set in 2035, when kidnapping has become a common crime. Charity Meyers, a thirteen-year-old girl in the Highlands, Florida, lives with her father and ex-stepmother. Being extremely wealthy, Charity must live in a highly defended home to protect her from kidnappers and their well known 24 hour ransom process. However, when defense fails Charity finds herself strapped to a stretcher in the back of an ambulance. She reminds herself to stay calm, but soon finds out that this kidnapping would not follow the normal pattern of business, and in fact, change her life forever.

I would (obviously) suggest this book to anyone who enjoys reading anything set in the future, and to people who like realistic fiction. Taken is a light read, but not something that is be easy to get through all at once. Personally, I found Charity to have a bland personality, and I couldn't imagine her in real life. Others, though, made up for her lack of character. Another main aspect of this book was the balance of wealth. If you're interested in the sides of rich and poor, this book would be an appropriate choice.

I know that all of you are excited about The Dark Knight*, but don't forget about the Library's Book Sale!

* Yes, I am going to the movie tonight. I figured it was my duty as a Teen Services Librarian to stay abreast of pop culture :)

Hooray! Our popular environmental wiki On The Green has been nominated for a WetPaint award in the "Civic Superstars" category. I contribute to this wiki regularly as well as my lovely coworker Nancy. You can contribute to by registering on the site. In the meantime, make sure to vote for us here.

THANKS!

Calling all readers! I'm looking for volunteers to help me review new books on my blog. I have a few volunteers already, but could definitely use more. Here are the guidelines:

* YOU choose what you'd like to read. I have advance copies of books that I get directly from publishers, and I also have a variety of new books in the collection. The only requirement is that the book should be new, as in published in the last 6 months. If we don't have a book that you'd like to read, we will purchase it. If a book hasn't come in yet, you can be first on the hold list!

* Reviews should be between 300-500 words and should include a brief description of the plot. The reviews on Flamingnet are a great example of what I'm looking for.

Let me know if you're interested!

jlewis@westportlibrary.org

A lot of people have been asking for a link to the Staples Summer Reading list. Until I can find a good place to put it on our website, I will provide it here:

STAPLES SUMMER READING LIST

Hooray!

Edit: The link is now on our homepage. Enjoy!