New Teen Reads

Fans of Percy Jackson are lining up for the latest book by Rick Riordan. The Red Pyramid, Book one in the Kane Chronicles, hits book shelves this month and Percy fans will find that this latest tale seems right out of a parallel universe. Like his Last Olympians series, this new offering also takes place in New York. This time instead of Manhattan, Brooklyn is the scene for the fast paced action involving Egyptian gods and ensuing chaos.   Witty characters, short chapters, young people with special powers, it’s a formula that works for Riordan and has fans lining up for his latest book.



Those pining for Percy will pick right up with14 year old Carter Kane and his 12 year old sister Sadie when mysterious forces descend upon the city and the teens get caught up in the action right from page one. While the publisher suggests this series for ages 10 and older, the action transcends word count barriers and reluctant readers, and busy adults, will find this book a welcome addition to their summer reading list.

You’ve read his books and seen the movies, but now, popular author John Grisham breaks into the Young Adult market with the character of Theodore Bone, a 13-year old who knows every judge and every policeman in his small town, as well as a bit about the law.

Sure he dreams of being a great trial lawyer, someday, but Theodore finds himself in a courtroom sooner than expected. A cold blooded killer is about to go free and Theodore’s the only one standing in his way. The resulting courtroom drama will have Grisham fans on edge as the suspense builds. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, available May 25, will keep you guessing until the final bang of the gavel. A must read for teens and anyone who enjoys a great courtroom saga.

Historical fiction just sounds like something thick and dusty but in the hands of author Michael P. Spradlin the age of kings comes alive in his series The Youngest Templar. The newest book in this series, Trail of Fate, follows the journey of Tristan, a young squire attending to the needs of the Knights Templar.  Together with Robard, the king's archer, and a young female assassin named Maryam, they travel across France, protecting the Holy Grail.  Adventure tinged with French history, and a bit of romance might have you thinking again about studying medieval history.  Think young Indiana Jones in the year 1192 and you're on the right track.  But start with book one in this series, Keeper of the Grail.

Reel in some Steelhead Books at the Library

Every good fisherman knows there's more to just tying the fly or baiting the hook.  With about one more week left of finding steelhead in our local rivers, many people are searching the library shelves for ideas, insights, and techniques to help them bring home the big ones.


Flyfishing doesn't have to be complicated and with a few simple egg patterns being an effective choice for Lake Erie waterways even a novice can have a successful day on the water.  In Steelhead Guide: Fly FIshing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead by John Nagy, you'll find lots of information about everything from flies to steelhead behaviors.  Many of the photos were taken in Pennsylvannia but resemble shorelines in Mill Hollow as well as other spots along the Vermilion River.

Fishing Ohio by Tom Cross gets specific, listing more than 200 fishing spots around Ohio.  You'll find a map in the front with numbered icons that direct you to more in detailed descriptions.  The map makes it easy to locate your area or even plan a trip.  Number 41 is the Vermilion River, with notes that it is one of the more recent additions to the state's list of steelhead sites.For each spot a brief overview is listed along with headings for Special Regulations, Driving Directions, and Camping Facilities. If you're headed to Van Buren Lake, Number 40, the author gives you a tip about a great little local ice cream spot located in the center of town. Hey, it's not just about fishing.

Best Streams for Great Lakes Steelhead by Bob Linsenman notes that several world-record fish have been caught in the Great Lakes Basin.  This comprehensive guide includes maps of all the Great Lakes. Rivers in Chapter 8 include the Rocky RIver, Grand RIver, and Elk Creek.  A brief history of Great Lakes fishing is also included.  Check page 58 where a section called "Fly Recipes" begins.  Here you'll find everything to put together the perfect combination of hook, thread, and everything else to put together the fly that will get the job done.


An index and resource guide make this book a good starting point for beginning anglers.

For another perspective try A Good Life Wasted or Twenty Years as a Fishing Guide by Dave Ames.  If you've ever daydreamed about what it would be like to not have a real job, but just fish every day for a living then this book is for you.  Written by a man who spends more than 150 days a year fly fishing, this collection of insights and stories will have you looking at that desk job in a whole different way.  Anyone who spends that same amount of time in a cubicle will want to tag along as Dave Ames takes you down river to abandoned copper mines to the tune of distant fiddles.  A perfect campfire or lounge chair adventure.


Whatever you're looking to hook, be it fish or just a solemn interlude spent contemplating the fishing lifestyle, the library has the book for you.  Cast off, but stop at your library first.

Treasure Hunters

Everyone is a treasure hunter at heart and searching the shelves at the library can lead to an unending supply of treasured reading choices.  Since the 39 Clues have been on our series spotlight it's been hard to find one on the shelf. With titles like The Viper's Nest and The Sword Thief kids are quick to grab up any of the titles when the cover directs you to "Read the books. Play the game. Win the prizes."

But treasure seekers will also want to check out Attica, by Garry Kilworth.  Aimed at grades 5-9, this adventure follows the step-siblings Alex, Chloe, and Jordy as they move into a new house and find that the attic holds more than dusty remnants of the past owners.  Entering the attic they're transported to a world that is as magical as it is dangerous.  Bizarre landscapes and Dali-type characters interact with them along their journey.  This book will have you checking your own attic for strange activity.

The Door of No Return by Sarah Mussi first attracted me because of the main character Zac has ties to Ghana.  When his grandfather tells him tales of his link to African royalty and a secret treasure Zac just assumes it's a fairy tale. 

When his grandfather is murdered Zac has no choice but to set off on a journey to find the gold and search out the reason behind his grandfather's death.  I'm hoping for more books featuring this character.

Leepike Ridge by N.D. WIlson tells the story of 11 year old Matt.  While he's lived on Leepike Ridge all his life he never would have believed he would be caught underneath it.  Worried about his home life, what kid wouldn't be if mom was dating the math teacher, Matt sets out on a late night walk and ends up being washed down a river and into a series of underground caves.  But he's not alone.  No, his troubles only get worse as his only companions are a dead man and an injured dog. 

Matt's mom presumes he's dead but a group of villianous treasure hunters are in pursuit. What could be under Leepike Ridge that would draw all this attention?

Some times just searching the shelves results in unexpected treasure.  Visit the library today and see what treasures you can find.

We're in Stitches!

Yes, it's true...Crochet Workshop is back on the calendar with a new six week workshop presented at the Amherst Public Library in cooperation with Pat Catan's of Amherst. Vivian will be there to help you review some of the stitches we learned in previous workshops and to get new members up to speed. Then we're off and running for six weeks where we'll make a scarf, six more weeks of winter you know, and then learn a new afgan pattern.

Bring along your size J crochet hook and a skein of "Peaches and Cream" yarn for the first night and any project yarn you choose after that. For those looking for more instruction check out some of the crochet books and DVDs we offer at the library. Crochet Basics, by the editors at Vogue Magazine, has some patterns perfect for beginners. Instructional DVDs and even books for left-hand crochet have been popular choices.

Younger crochet enthusiasts will appreciate Crochet Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows & More by Jane Davis. A great pattern is included for slippers and the photos in the back will get you started with basic stitches or act as a visual reminder after you leave the workshop.

Crochet with Wire by Nancie M. WIseman proves that crochet is not just for yarn as she takes you through some designs using light gauge wire along with beads and findings. For the rebellious at heart, check out Anticraft: Knitting Beading and Stitching for the Slightly Sinister by Renee Rigdon. Crafting with pagan overtones is presented in some fun projects including "Bad Eggs" and a Skull cross stitch pattern. The Tree of Life and Death is a beaded shine using peyote stiches and advanced beading techniques. The wican skirt might make a hit at the next staff meeting.

Our crochet workshop takes place Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the library's community room February 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16, and 23. Call the reference desk at 440-988-4230 to register or just drop in on whatever dates you can join us.

Deadline to Read

Imagine what you would do if you found out you had only one year to live? For Ben Wolf, a high school senior, this was reality and what he chose to do changed the way he saw his family, his friends, and even uncovered some secrets about his small hometown of Trout, Idaho.

Ben chose to keep his eminent death a secret from his friends and even from his brother, Cody. The fear of our personal mortality keeps us all on a sort of moral leash, but undone from this boundry of fear of the unknown, Ben was able to question everything from his history teacher's blessed text book to understanding how his own death would impact those he loved.

Chris Crutcher’s books always take readers on an emotional journey, and DEADLINE is no exception.

The goal of "Choose to Read Ohio", sponsored by the State Library of Ohio, is to encourage the reading of books written by Ohio authors together across Ohio communities. The Amherst Public Library encourages Ohioans to Read Together, Read Ohio, and Read for Life.

For more information on "Choose to Read Ohio" visit their website for a full list of titles for children, teens, and adults. Find Deadline by Chris Crutcher (2007, Harper) at the Amherst Public Library in our Young Adult section (call number YA CRU).