The 7th Annual A.H. Teen Film Fest!
Posted by ason on 05/21/13
Teen Film Fest
 
So it's not exactly summer yet, but you can feel it in the air, right?  We're finally putting away our coats and boots and bringing out the shorts and sandals!  But, you ladies and gents probably know better than most that summer isn't just about the nice weather.  It's also about all the extra free time you get to do things!  This might mean finally reading that book, trying out that recipe, visiting a friend who lives far away, or writing the first pages of the next great American novel.  
 
Well, I come bearing good news!  Add making a film to that list of things you can finally do!  Whether you're a full-on aspiring filmmaker or are curious but a little hesitant about filmmaking, you should take a chance, create a film, and submit it for the Arlington Heights Teen Film Fest!  We are seriously excited to see what you can create — especially after seeing all the great short films in the festival last year.  
 
So summer is on its way, and hopefully it'll inspire you to create something great!
 
Check out some of the highlights from last year's Teen Film Fest in the video below!
 
 
ITBA Book Reviews
Posted by amypelman on 05/20/13
 
 
Today's ITBA review comes from Mark M.  Read on as he describes a powerful and captivating book:
 
 
Carey and Jenessa don’t live like normal girls. Their mother keeps them hidden; hidden so well that they live in an old camper deep in the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. Carey’s mother insists they escaped from an abusive father and if they are ever seen, he may come take them away. But Carey is also hiding something. She is hiding a secret so powerful that it has kept Jenessa from speaking to anyone but Carey---a doctor called it “selective mutism.”  Carey, only fifteen, has spent most of her life caring for her younger sister because their mother is often absent due to struggles with mental disabilities and addiction. It is during one of their mother’s extended absences that life as they know it would change. Carey’s father shows up with a social worker to take the girls home to his family. We spend the rest of the story hearing Carey describe her struggle to fit into a new family, attempt to assimilate into public school, and learn the truth about her past.
 
I was captivated by the characters in this story. The things they had to do to survive are truly tragic and amazing. It is also quite interesting to see Carey experience modern teenage life for the first time. Her “back woods” way of viewing things and unique narration add humor to an often sad story. The author also does a great job of entwining themes of hope and love into the dark narrative. I highly recommend this coming of age story to readers that enjoy books about teens forced to overcome extraordinary life situations.
 
Name: Mark M.
Department: Info Services
Years at AHML: Almost 2 years
Favorite thing I do at work: Helping people! I love connecting people to the information they need. I learn something new every day!
Best place to read my book: On the patio with my iPod.
Why I like reading YA: The books are so unique. YA authors are not afraid to experiment and this makes it a very exciting genre.
 
 
Where in the World?
Posted by mkrueger on 05/17/13
Ready to test your Geography skills? Geoguessr is an extremelly fun, and addictive, game that makes use of Google Maps. You are placed in a random location and have to guide yourself around to find clues of your location. You make a guess using the world map and gain points based on how close you were to the exact location. My top score was 9643, give it a try!
 
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