Facts About Maureen Johnson

Check out these fun facts about Maureen Johnson you may be interested to know before Skyping with her TONIGHT!

First book: The Key to the Golden Firebird

Latest book: Scarlett Fever (sequel to Suite Scarlett)

Other well-known books: 13 Little Blue Envelopes, The Bermudez Triangle, Devilish, Girl at Sea

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Current town: New York City

Major in college & grad school: Writing and theatrical dramaturgy (want to know what dramaturgy is? Let's ask her tonight!)

Nickname: MJ

Author friends: Libba Bray, John Green, Hank Green, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, and so many more!

MJ is a big fan of the Internet. You can find her at these places...

Email: maureen@maureenjohnsonbooks.com

Website: http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/

Ning (online community): http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/

Blog: http://maureenjohnson.blogspot.com/ (Keep your eye on her blog in August - she's promised to participate in BEDA aka Blog Every Day August!)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maureen.johnson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/maureenjohnson (She recently won an award for "Most Interesting Twitter User to Follow"!)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/maureenbooks

A final fun fact about Maureen Johnson:

Once she lost a bet. Here's what happened.

Want to know more about Maureen Johnson? Ask her questions TONIGHT when we Skype (video chat) with her at the Library!! The fun begins in the Baxter Room at 6:30 pm. Bring your friends!

Book Review: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Suite Scarlett is one of Maureen Johnson's newest books. Scarlett Martin lives in a hotel. Unfortunately, this is not as glamorous as it sounds. Her parents own it, and they rarely have guests. When an eccentric, rich woman checks into the hotel on Scarlett's 15th birthday, Scarlett becomes her personal assistant. Throughout a summer that involves Hamlet, an actor friend of Scarlett's older brother, her older sister's rich boyfriend, and unicycles (though not necessarily in that order), Scarlett finds herself having a more interesting summer than she expected.

Read more about this book on Maureen Johnson's website and be sure to check out the reviews at the bottom by some other authors you may know: John Green, Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, and more!

OR check out this video about Suite Scarlett featuring Maureen Johnson herself!

And don't forget, you can talk to Maureen Johnson TOMORROW, Thursday, May 27th when we Skype with her at the Library. The program begins at 6:30 in the Baxter Room. For more information, go to calendar.webrary.org, call 847-929-5101, or stop by the Youth Services or Reference Services Desk.

STAR Volunteers

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Volunteer at the Library! You can become a STAR volunteer and help during the Youth Services' Summer Library Challenge. You'll sit at a desk and talk to little kids when they come in. You might also play a quick game with them when they stop by the desk.

The program is from June 7-August 1. On the application, you can fill out the times and days you're available and we'll use it to create your schedule each week. If you're out of town or busy during that time, that's ok - just write down the dates. You can also write down any friends you may want to work with and we try to arrange that.

At the end of the summer, not only will you have something you can list on a resume or college applications, but you'll also be invited to the Teen Volunteer Pool Party!

You can download an application here or pick one up at the Library in the Teen Zone. But hurry! You'll need to attend a training session. The first one was tonight at 6 pm, but don't worry, there's another one next Tuesday at 7 pm. Register for one at http://calendar.webrary.org/, stop by the Library, or call 847-929-5101.

Book Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

In 13 Little Blue Envelopes, one of Maureen Johnson's most popular books, 17-year-old Ginny heads to Europe on an adventure. Her favorite aunt, who has recently died, left Ginny 13 envelopes to be opened and read as Ginny completes the assignments listed in the letters. Ginny wants to know more about her aunt's life in Europe before she died, but the rules and instructions her aunt left her will force Ginny to break out of her shy comfort level.

This book has it all - adventure, romance, surprising twists, and a fabulous setting as Ginny travels all over Europe. It may not be too realistic with Ginny's adventures in Europe, traveling all over by herself or relying on people she hardly knows, but if you can get past that, it's a fun read. For everyone who reads and loves this books, keep your eye out next spring for the sequel - The Last Little Blue Envelope!

And don't forgot, you can talk to Maureen Johnson on Thursday, May 27th when we Skype with her at the Library! Register at calendar.webrary.org, call 847-929-5101, or stop by the Reference Services or Youth Services Desk.

May Programs

It's a new month! There are a ton of fun events going on at the Library in May. Check them out!

To register:
Online: Go to http://calendar.webrary.org
By phone: Call 847-929-5101
In person: Stop by the Reference Services Desk or Youth Services Desk

Origami with Jean Mishima
Fri. May 7th, 4-5 pm
Jean Mishima will introduce teens to this ancient art of paper folding in celebration of Asian Pacific American month. Registration is required.

Teen Volunteer Interviews

Sat. May 8th, 12-1 pm

Do you need a few more service hours but haven't volunteered at the Library before? Stop by the Activity Room to learn more, fill out an application, and interview.

DIY Crafts: Duct Tape
Sat. May 8th, 1-2 pm
Bring your friends to the Library and learn how to make cool flowers and wallets using duct tape! Instructions and supplies are provided. Registration is required. For teens 7th grade and up. Registration is open NOW!

Teen Tech Workshop: Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter
Mon. May 10th, 7-8 pm
Do you use Facebook, Flickr, or Twitter to keep in touch with friends or to post pictures? Check out these fun websites at this Teen Tech Workshop and learn how to create free accounts, change privacy settings, connect with friends, and get the most from each social network. Registration is limited to six. Teens only; Morton Grove residents have priority. Registration is open NOW!

Teen Drawing/Writing Club
Wed. May. 12th, 5-6 pm
Do you like to write or draw? Come to the library for an informal club meeting where you can share ideas and tips, or just talk to other writers or artists.

Gettin' Saucy Teen Cooking Class
Wed. May. 19th, 6-7 pm
Learn to prepare delicious food! Supplies and instructions provided. Registration required. Teens only. Registration is open NOW!

Tech Fest
Sat. May 22th, 11-2 pm
Explore technologies of the past, present and future at Morton Grove Public Library’s Tech Fest! Learn how to download audio and electronic books, use Skype, get help with homework and LOTS more. You can also play Wii Bowling or Rock Band and see a live demo of the Apple iPad! Visit our Gigabyte Café for snacks and play our technology bingo game to win awesome prizes!

Skype with Young Adult Author Maureen Johnson
Thurs. May 27th, 6:30-8:00 pm
Bestselling young adult author Maureen Johnson will "visit" the Library and video chat with us on Skype! Whether you've read her novels (including The Key to the Golden Firebird, Girl at Sea, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, Suite Scarlett, or her latest Scarlett Fever), follow her on twitter, or read her blog, join us and talk to this fun author. Registration is required and is open NOW!

See you there!