January school holidays are over for another year.  Our Tintin inspired Snowy felt softies were a big hit, as were the graffiti art workshops.  Thanks to all who attended, I hope you enjoyed the programs and come back to another next time.

Don’t forget that the Summer Read Book Trailer and Book Review Competition closes on January 31, leaving just over 12 days to enter.  Prizes include iPod touches and iTunes gift cards.  More information on the competition can be found here.

This blog will be celebrating the National Year of Reading with posts on each month’s theme, and with some competitions.  January’s theme is The Amazing Read and I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about some of the amazing books I read, and re-read over my Christmas/New year break.

Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

 With the movie coming out on March 22 this year, I read, and reread this series.   Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games.” The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat’s sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent is another dystopian novel and if you liked Hunger Games then you will love Divergent.  Book 2 Insurgent comes out in May 2012.  In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater 

Forever is Book 3 and the conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy. In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Untraceable – the nature of grace by S.R. Johannes 

 Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.  When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.  One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.  Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

If I stay by Gayle Foreman 

I really liked this book and stayed up very late a few nights to finish it.  In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck… A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Where she went by Gayle Foreman

It’s been three years since the devastating accident… three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future – and each other. Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

This was my first John Green novel ever, and I have now reserved the rest of his novels. When it comes to relationships, everyone has a type. Colin Singleton’s type is girls named Katherine. He has dated–and been dumped by–19 Katherines. In the wake of The K-19 Debacle, Colin–an anagram-obsessed washed-up child prodigy–heads out on a road trip with his overweight, Judge Judy- loving friend Hassan. With 10,000 dollars in his pocket and a feral hog on his trail, Colin is on a mission to prove a mathematical theorem he hopes will predict the future of any relationship (and conceivably win the girl).

Emma and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  Not sure what to say about these literary classics.  I read them while I was at school, then uni and some friends talked me into reading them again.  *whispers* I still don’t really like them…..

So welcome to the National Year of Reading – may you discover or rediscover this year the joy that reading brings.

Monday 9th January

Logan North Library 11.30-12.30 

Logan Hyperdome Library 3.30 – 4.30

 Tuesday 10th January

Marsden Library  11.30-12.30

Greenbank Library 3.30 – 4.30 

Wednesday 11th January

Logan West Library 11.30 -12.30 

Jimboomba Library 3.30 – 4.30

 Thursday 12th January

Beenleigh Library 11.30-12.30 

Logan Village 3.30 – 4.30 

Friday 13th January

Logan Central Library 11.30-12.30 

All our holiday events are free but bookings are highly recommended due to limited places.   Please phone your nearest library for more information or book online.

‘Words to Inspire’ Graffiti workshop – Join Logan Artist Evangeline Goodfellow for a hands-on workshop.  Write, sketch and paint your own message and artwork.

Monday 16th January

Marsden Library 1.00 – 4.00 pm

Tuesday 17th January

Beenleigh Library 1.00 – 4.00 pm

Logan Central Library 1.00 – 4.00 pm

All our holiday events are free but bookings are highly recommended due to limited places.   Please phone your nearest library for more information or book online.

Snowy Softies – Create your own ‘Tin tin’ inspired dog softie.

Tuesday 17 January

Logan Hyperdome Library   10.30-12.00

Wednesday  18 January

Logan West Library   10.30-12.00

Thurs 19 January

Greenbank Library 3.30 – 5.00 

All our holiday events are free but bookings are highly recommended due to limited places.   Please phone your nearest library for more information or book online.

Passion, a Fallen Novel by Lauren Kate

Shelter, a Mickey Bolitar Novel by Harlen Coben

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Invincible:  I am the power they can’t tear down by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The Lost stories, Rangers Apprentice #11 by John Flanagan

Animal farm:  a fairy story by George Orwell

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Forever, Wolves of mercy Falls #3 by Maggie Stiefvater

Power of Six, Lorien Legacies #2 by Pittacus Lore

 You can reserve any of the above mentioned books in person or online, and pick them up from the library closest to you.

Book Trailer Workshops - Are you a budding film maker? Do you love to read?  Come along and learn how to create a book trailer that you can enter into our Summer Read Book Trailer and Book Review Competition.

Monday 12th December

Marsden Library 10.30 – 11.30 am

Logan West Library 1.30 – 2.30 pm

Jimboomba Library 4.00 – 5.00 pm

Tuesday 13th December

Logan North Library 10.30 – 11.30 am

Logan Central Library 4.00 – 5.00 pm

Wednesday 14th December

Beenleigh Library 10.30 – 11.30 am

Logan Village Library 1.30 – 2.30 pm

Greenbank Library 3.30 – 4.30 pm

All our holiday events are free but bookings are highly recommended due to limited places.   Please phone your nearest library for more information or book online.

Just Bead It – create your own creatures, book marks, gift or simple jewellery using beads.

Thursday 15th December

Greenbank Library 4.00 – 5.00 pm

Monday 19th December

Logan North Library 11.00 – 12.00

Logan Hyperdome Library 3.30 – 4.30 pm

Tuesday 20th December

Marsden Library 11.00 – 12.00

Logan West Library 3.30 – 4.30 pm

Wednesday 21st December

Logan Central Library 11.00 – 12.00

Jimboomba Library 3.15 – 4.15 pm

Thursday 22nd December

Beenleigh Library 11.30 – 12.30 pm

Logan Village Library 4.00 – 5.00 pm

All our holiday events are free but bookings are highly recommended due to limited places.   Please phone your nearest library for more information or book online.

You need to be in Grade 8 -12 in 2012.

 Read a book.

Shoot a short video (up to two minutes long). It can be a Video Book Review (why you liked the book) or a Video Book Trailer.

 Post it to your YouTube account and tag your YouTube Video with LOGANSUMMER11/12

 Fill in an entry form available from all Logan City Council Libraries.

Prizes include 2 x iPod Touch.

The contest runs from December to January, so please enter videos anytime between December 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in February. You can enter as many videos as you like – they just need to have separate You Tube URLs and be entered separately.

Don’t have a video recorder? Logan Libraries have flip cams that can be borrowed for use inside the library, to create your masterpieces.

All book trailers must adhere to copyright laws. They must be original, copyright free or permission must have been obtained for borrowed images and/or music.

You Tube has some great videos on understanding Copyright and understanding creative commons.

What is a Book Trailer or Book Review?

 A book trailer is like a movie trailer for books. It uses a variety of multimedia including images, sounds, video, animation, music and words to compel the viewer to read the book. It has to be captivating, engaging and persuasive.

 A video book review is exactly like a book review, except captured on film instead of on paper.

Winners from the 2010/2011 Summer Read.Flip.Win Competition

 Book Trailer examples

 Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins

 The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

Rangers Apprentice – John Flanagan

More….

Some Book Review examples

 City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Anna and the French Kiss

The Hunger games by Suzzane Collins 

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Part 1 – How to create your own book trailer/book review

Choose and read the book

Review the book - what was good, unique, interesting, etc. – brainstorm/list/mindmap

Write a first draft – impressions, the feeling, important points

 Create a storyboard - break it down into how you would like the clip to run

 Plan effects – transitions, sound, colouring, etc.

 Create the book trailer/review

Part 2 – What tools can I use to create a book trailer?

 Tools

Windows Movie Maker (PC Desktop)

Microsoft Photo Story 3 (PC Desktop)   

Animoto

iMovie (Mac) 

Music

Jamendo

Free Play Music 

CC Mixter

Incompetech 

Images

FlickrCC

Flickr Storm

Compfight

CC Search 

Part 3 – What tools can I use to create a book review?

Webcam, Video camera, Flipcam,  Camera , Mobile phone and Computer

Try and include Title and Author, plot summary, main characters, setting and personal opinion.

Click here for a print friendly version of this post.

The Gold Inky for the most popular Australian Book goes to Silvermay by James Moloney.

Sixteen-year-old Silvermay Hawker feels drawn to the newcomer in her village – a young man of solemn good looks named Tamlyn. But only heartache can come of this, because Tamlyn is devoted to Nerigold and to little Lucien, her son.

So things seem, until the dark forces of Coyle Strongbow come in search of Nerigold′s baby and Silvermay is swept up in the young family′s escape. When Lucien is entrusted to her care, she discovers the startling horror of what he might become, and the truth about Tamlyn, too.

Can Lucien be spared his fate, or is he doomed to become like Coyle? And Tamlyn, can he be trusted, can he be loved and can he love in return? Silvermay′s heart will not give him up, but what happens when devotion becomes a weapon in the hands of the ruthless?

The Silver Inky for the most International book goes to Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.

Magic is dangerous–but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by–and torn between–two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length…everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world…and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

The creative reading prize was won by Esther, a Year 9 student from Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee, for her story inspired by Tamora Pierce’s Tricksters Choice. 

Don’t forget both books can be placed on reserve or borrowed from one of Logan’s nine libraries.

Shine by Lauren Myracle

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.  Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher by Doug MacLeod

Thomas Timewell is sixteen and a gentleman. When he meets a body-snatcher called Plenitude, his whole life changes. He is pursued by cutthroats, a tattooed gypsy with a meat cleaver, and even the Grim Reaper. More disturbing still, Thomas has to spend an evening with the worstnoelist in the world. 
A black comedy set in England in 1828, The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher shows what terrible events can occur when you try to do the right thing. ‘Never a good idea’, as Thomas’ mother would say.

The dead I know by Scott Gardner

When Aaron gets a job at a funeral home, he surprisingly takes to it. But there are dark secrets hidden in Aaron’s subconscious.  He experiences dangerous bouts of sleepwalking and recurring dreams he can’t explain: a lifeless hand, a lipsticked mouth, a man, a gun… Can he piece the clues together and figure out the truth of his past?

The Nest by Paul Jennings

Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it’s time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal’s unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn’t known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she’s ever known.

The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

In the beginning there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet …  That’s the old story everyone knows and loves (even if they don’t really believe it). But now the Carpet is home to many different tribes and peoples and there’s a new story in the making. The story of the Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet. The story of power-hungry mouls – and of two Munrung brothers, who set out on an adventure to end all adventures when their village is flattened.  It’s a story that will come to a terrible end – if someone doesn’t do something about it. It everyone doesn’t do something about it …

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library— a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.  When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.

The Comet Box by Adrian Stirling

Tense and moving novel, set in the new housing estates of 1980s Melbourne – the heart of the Australian suburban dream. It’s as well-written, psychologically true and compulsively readable as Adrian’s first novel, Broken Glass, but the central characters in The Comet Box could be you or your friend or anyone in your class – what happens to them could happen to any one of us, as they discover that their perfect world isn’t so perfect after all, and the more they know about the people around them, the more they want to forget….

Anti-prom by Abby McDonald

They’ve spent years at the same high school without speaking a word to one another, but that’s all about to change. Popular Bliss was having the perfect prom until she found her BFF and boyfriend making out in the back of a limo. Bad girl Jolene wouldn’t be caught dead at the prom, yet here she is, trussed up in pink ruffles, risking her reputation for some guy – some guy who is forty minutes late. And shy, studious, über-planner Meg never counted on her date’s standing her up and leaving her idling in the parking lot outside the prom. Get ready for The Anti-Prom, Abby McDonald’s hilarious, heart-tugging tale about three girls and one unforgettable prom night

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.   His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.   Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.  But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes….

Clarity by Kim Harrington

When you can see things others can’t, where do you look for the truth?
Clarity “Clare” Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It’s a gift. And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare’s ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case – but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare’s brother – who has supernatural gifts of his own – becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

 Task 1 Detect a monster

An essential piece of kit for avoiding the many zombies at large during a zombie apocalypse is a zombie detector. Make a zombie detector using the materials provided. Extra points for multiple functions.

 Task 2 Know your enemy

Knowing the weak points of your enemy is essential to survival in a zombie apocalypse. Your task is to create a zombie skeleton and mark the most vulnerable parts with the materials provided.

 Task 3 Maim, crush and kill

Weaponry can be the difference between survival and death during a zombie apocalypse. Please fashion at least 4 different types of weapons from the material provided. Extra points for creativity.

 Task 4 Target, aim, destroy

Accuracy is very important for surviving a zombie apocalypse. Test your skills at the Zombie target range. 3 shots only per team member. All points scored will add to your total.

Task 5 Watch this

Having a record of events can be very important for those who come after. Record a video blog entry 1-2 mins long of your experiences on day 3 of the Zombie Apocalypse. Only 1 take is allowed and do not watch the finished product. Bonus points for atmosphere/sound effects/ originality. Points deducted for any bad language.

An awesome night was had by all!!

An estimated 5.4 million Australians suffer from food poisoning each year. Australian Food Safety Week (7-13 November 2011) raises awareness of food safety to reduce the prevalence of food-borne illness in the community. Logan City Council is again supporting the event via a ‘Spotlight on Food Safety’ Competition.

 To use creativity while focusing the spot light on food safety, Council invites Logan’s youth, aged 13 to 19 years of age, to produce their own short film that captures the importance of food safety and how easily food borne illness can be prevented with basic food safety knowledge and sound food handling practices.

Some examples of issues that could be investigated and demonstrated are:

• What is cross contamination and how can it be prevented?
• What role do Council and its Environmental Health Officers play in food safety?
• How do you wash your hands properly?
• What is the temperature danger zone?
• Why can you have a rare steak but all other meats need to be cooked thoroughly until juices run clear?
• What is Listeria and why is it a problem?
• Signs and symptoms of food poisoning?
• What should the appearance of a food handler be?
• What pests could you find in a kitchen?
• Where do food poisoning bacteria come from and how do they grow?
• Who are ‘vulnerable persons’ and why is food safety so important when preparing food for them?
• What foods are ‘potentially hazardous’ and why?

Submitting entries

There is no cost associated with entering the competition and all entries must be submitted as a video file on a DVD. Entries can be submitted individually or by a group of up to four people.

Entry forms and DVDs must be received by Council no later than 5pm on Friday 11 November. 　

The winning short film may be uploaded to the Logan City Council website and the winner will be awarded　a　$100 gift voucher which can generally be used in any store that accepts EFTPOS. In the event a group of four wins the competition, all members will receive a $100 voucher.

If you have any further questions after reading the information package, contact the Environmental Health Officer via email.

Don’t forget Logan Libraries have flip cams that can be used inside our libraries to film and edit your video.