For Teens - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

#FDL: 2023, The Year of Sanderson

What did you do during “Lockdown 2020?” Brandon Sanderson wrote 4 secret books!

Just over one year ago, Brandon Sanderson, the popular science fiction and fantasy author, started a crowdfunded project on the Kickstarter platform called “Surprise! Four Secret Novels by Brandon Sanderson.” With only vague, yet tantalizing hints, Sanderson’s fans did not disappoint. Nearly 186,000 people pledged over $41 million to see these books come to fruition. Sanderson now holds the bragging rights for the highest funded project on kickstarter.com!

If you missed out on participating, don’t worry. The books are also coming to Fondulac District Library. The first book is already on our shelves, with the second set to arrive over the summer. Find out more below.

Secret Project #1: Tress of the Emerald Sea

Publication Date: April 4, 2023

Author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe shared by The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn with a new standalone novel for everyone who loved The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?

Find it at the library!

Secret Project #2: The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England

Expected Publication Date: June 27, 2023

Brandon Sanderson meshes Jason Bourne and epic fantasy in this captivating adventure that throws an amnesiac wizard into time travel shenanigans—where his only hope of survival lies in recovering his missing memories.

A man awakes in a clearing in what appears to be medieval England with no memory of who he is, where he came from, or why he is there. Chased by a group from his own time, his sole hope for survival lies in regaining his missing memories, making allies among the locals, and perhaps even trusting in their superstitious boasts. His only help from the “real world” should have been a guidebook entitled The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, except his copy exploded during transit. The few fragments he managed to save provide clues to his situation, but can he figure them out in time to survive?

Find it at the library!

Secret Project #3: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Expected Publication Date: October 3, 2023

A gripping story set in the Cosmere universe told by Hoid, where two people from incredibly different worlds must compromise and work together to save their worlds from ruin.

Yumi comes from a land of gardens, meditation, and spirits, while Painter lives in a world of darkness, technology, and nightmares. When their lives suddenly become intertwined in strange ways, can they put aside their differences and work together to uncover the mysteries of their situation and save each other’s communities from certain disaster?

Secret Project #4: The Sunlit Man

Expected Publication Date: January 2, 2024

Brandon Sanderson shows us a future in the Cosmere universe where a perpetual planetary wanderer must decide whether to keep running or stay and make a difference on a struggling planet.

Years ago, he had comrades in arms and a cause to believe in, but now the man who calls himself Nomad knows only a life on the run. Forced to hop from world to world in the Cosmere whenever the relentless Night Brigade gets too close, Nomad lands on a new planet and is instantly caught up in the struggle between a tyrant and the rebels who want only to escape being turned into mindless slaves—all under the constant threat of a sunrise whose heat will melt the very stones. Unable to understand the language, can he navigate the conflict and gain enough power to leap off-world before his mind or body pay the ultimate price?

-Annotations from the publishers

–Post by Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist

Susie Rivera2023-06-15T17:09:48-05:00June 15th, 2023|

Nature Photography Contest

Fondulac District Library is hosting a Nature Photography Contest for teens and adults aligned with our Summer Reading Theme, “Find Your Voice.” Showcase your artistic voice by submitting photographs from June 2-30. Entries will be displayed in the Adult Services Department for library patrons to vote for their favorite piece throughout the month of July. Winners will be announced during the first week of August. There will be prizes for first, second, and third place winners.

All interested photographers should read the library’s policy regarding Art in the Library
Entries must be framed or matted, with the appropriate hardware to be hung on a Walker display system
The final piece, including frame or matte, should be no larger than 12”x18” (landscape or portrait layout).
Please include name, phone number, and email address attached to the back of the piece.
Limit of one entry per person.
Original works only.
Only photos with a nature theme (animals, plants, landscapes, etc.) will be accepted.
Turn in the entry to a staff person at the 2nd floor Information Desk.

Please email Julie at julien@fondulaclibrary.org with any questions.

Susie Rivera2023-06-05T09:17:47-05:00June 2nd, 2023|

FDL Reads: Fantastic Planet

Fantastic Planet by Stephan Wul

Reviewer: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is This Book About? Fantastic Planet was first published in French in 1957 under the title Oms en Serie. It wasn’t until 2010 that it was translated into English. The story takes place in the far distant future on the planet Ygam where giant blue, red eyed humanlike creatures known as Traags dominate tiny humans who they brought to their planet from Earth. The Traags consider themselves the master race and treat the Oms like animals. Some Traags place collars on their domesticated Oms and treat them as pets. Other Traags consider Oms to be filthy, wild, nefarious creatures who pose a threat to their superior way of life and desire to control their populations through extermination. The main character of the story is an Om named Terr. Terr was owned by a Traag named Tiwa. He was naturally intelligent, and like all Oms, grew quickly. He used Tiwa’s learning headsets to gain Traag knowledge, and he learned to read and talk. He eventually escaped captivity and met up with some wild Oms. These Oms lived in a park and they pillaged Traag factories and warehouses to survive. One day, Terr noticed a sign at the park entrance. It stated that the Traags were planning to conduct a mass extermination of the Oms. The wild Oms, lead by Terr, banded together to plan and execute a mass exodus to the Wild Continent where no Traags live. Terr stole Tiwa’s learning headset and shared it with the others. The Oms used their new technical knowledge and their plunder to build three sea faring ships that will take them to freedom, not without complications and tragedies, however. The Traags eventually catch up with them, but the Oms are now technologically advanced enough to defend their new home. In the end, the Traags and the Oms agree to a peace in which there is no master race.

My Review: There is an interesting reason why I chose this book to review. A few months ago, a young man drove from Grand Rapids, Michigan on a Sunday afternoon to borrow FDL’s copy of Fantastic Planet. He couldn’t check it out, so we let him read it that afternoon in the library. He was so grateful. Apparently, there are very few copies available in libraries across the country and it’s not easy to find an available copy to purchase. FDL is fortunate to own a copy. The young man’s enthusiasm peaked my interest so I decided to read it. It was a great read with a great message. When the Supreme Tragg shows concern at the end of the novel that the Traggs will now be at the mercy of the Oms, Terr says, “Not at all. If you look closely at article 10 of the treaty…you will see the significance for both our peoples. It allows for a partnership between our two civilizations. There will be no master race anymore, but two equal races working side by side and mutually benefitting from their progress.” Though the novel is fiction and takes place during the future, what an applicable and hopeful message for our time.

Three Words That Describe This Book: insightful, allegorical, thought provoking

Give This a Try if You Like: Definitely give this novel a try if you have seen the 1973 award-winning animated movie Fantastic Planet. The movie is based on the book. Also, if you like the films or the book Planet of the Apes by, Pierre Boulle, you may like Fantastic Planet.

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2023-06-02T12:08:26-05:00June 1st, 2023|

Summer Writing Contests at the Library

The library is hosting writing contests this summer to go along with our summer reading theme “Find Your Voice.” Read over the guidelines and submit starting June 1st.

Children

Age Groups:

5-7 (250 Words)

8-10 (500 Words)

11-14 (1000 Words)

Keep your creative juices flowing this summer by participating in our writing contest! The writing theme is “summer” and contest entries can embody this theme in any way the author chooses. Entries must be submitted via email to alice@fondulaclibrary.org. Winners will be chosen in each age group. Please make sure submissions meet the requirements for that age range. The deadline is 7-21-23.

Prizes will be awarded in each age group.

Submission Guidelines:

In the email, please use “Find Your Voice Writing Contest” in the subject line.
Attach submission as a document
Include name, age, and phone number of participant
Include a note indicating permission (or not) to share your writing.
Only original writings will be accepted.
Make sure to include the theme of “summer” in some way in your writing.
Write “The End” at the completion of your entry.
One entry per person.

Teens and Adults

Enter the library’s Flash Fiction Writing Contest for adults and teens! Our wonderful panel of judges will select two winning adult authors and two winning teen authors. All manuscripts must be 1000 words (or less) and a work of original fiction that uses the theme of “Find Your Voice,” which can be interpreted in any way the author chooses. All entries must be submitted to Jeremy at jeremy@fondulaclibrary.org by August 24, 2023. See below for specific guidelines.

Prizes (for each age category):

First Place: $50 Gift Card & Swag Bag
Second Place: Swag Bag

The four winning entrants will have their stories published on the library’s website and/or social media.

Submission Guidelines:

In the email, please write in the subject area: “FIND YOUR VOICE WRITING CONTEST.”
Attach your manuscript to the email in a .doc or .docx file.
Manuscript should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Include your name and phone number in the message section, indicate teen or adult, and if you give permission to post your short story with your name (or if you want to be anonymous) if you win.
Only original materials may be entered.
Entries must be in good taste and refrain from profanity.
On the last page of your story, below the ending write: “THE END”
Limited to one entry per person.
Winners must be able to pick up prizes at Fondulac District Library.
Submission deadline is August 24, 2023.

Susie Rivera2023-06-02T11:32:56-05:00June 1st, 2023|

Find Your Voice! Summer Reading 2023

Our voices have power! This summer, we encourage readers of all ages to share stories, express yourselves, spark change, and get creative with FDL for the library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program: Find Your Voice! Join us June 1 through July 31 for a fantastic summer reading program offering fun and prizes for readers of all ages! Readers can register and track their progress online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org or on-the-go with the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log from the library.

Engaging programs are planned throughout the summer focusing on a variety of creative activities, such as writing contests, a photography contest, comic book workshops, art projects, a musical instrument petting zoo, and more! We’ll also have family favorites like story times, movie nights, and crafts, as well as a lineup of exciting presenters to share magic, music, wildlife, science, and more! Find programs and register to attend through our online calendar.

Start Reading!
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Fondulac District Library or download or stream eBooks and audiobooks from our digital collections.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.

Earn Badges
• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 50 minutes (PreK-2nd graders), 100 minutes (3rd-8th graders), or 150 minutes (high schoolers and adults).
• Earn one badge for completing an activity or attending any three Fondulac District Library programs.
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program. Kids can pick up badges at the Youth Services desk, and teens can pick up badges from the 2nd floor Information desk).

Win Prizes
• Participants receive prizes for reaching the halfway point by earning 5 badges AND for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Participants who complete the program will also be entered into a prize drawing!
• Halfway prizes can be picked up starting June 12, and completion prizes can be picked up starting June 26. Prizes are available while supplies last.
• The last day to pick up prizes is August 13.

Our 2023 Summer Reading programs and prizes are made possible thanks to our amazing community sponsors!

list of summer reading sponsors

Beth Weimer2023-07-31T16:03:02-05:00May 15th, 2023|

FDL Reads: The Door of No Return

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

Reviewed by: Chelsea Bunton, Youth Services Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Middle School (6th-8th grade)

What is this book about? Kofi is a young boy living in the Asante kingdom of Africa around the year 1860. The story follows his daily life, learning the “Queen’s” English at school, swimming with his friends, and getting embarrassed in front of his crush, Ama. As with his other middle grade novels, Alexander uses verse-poetry to tell the story, interspersed with free-written chapter beginnings to set the tone of each section. The author states that he wanted to tell an African history story that started from the beginning, not the “middle,” which he considers to be slavery. The book accomplishes that as we follow a young boy living a rich culture before ultimately being captured. Kofi’s story is one of vibrant lifestyle, heartbreak, and the harrowing journey of a young boy who feels very real and easy to connect with.

My Review: “…until the lions tell their side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter…”

This book was a very compelling tale of the life lived BEFORE slavery. I agree with the author, that too often historical accounts focus on slavery when there is so much rich history that happened before. Especially in this case, where we get to see an individual’s life before captivity- it is humanizing, heartbreaking, and engrossing. I actually wasn’t sure if this was a story leading to slavery throughout much of the book- and I think that was the correct assumption as it is simply a vignette into a culture and a story of a boy coming of age. I enjoyed the writing style as well- books written in verse are a nice break from prose every once in a while. It is nice to move through the pages quickly, while still feeling like you are absorbing and perceiving the right things. This was a quick read that feels essential to a comprehensive understanding of lives lived before enslavement.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Poignant, Authentic, Passionate

Give This a Try if You Like… Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by: Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, Books written in verse (like The Crossover or The One and Only Ivan), Stella by Starlight by: Sharon M. Draper, It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by: Trevor Noah

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2023-05-23T14:55:32-05:00April 27th, 2023|

FDL Reads: African Town

African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Teen, Adult

What is the book about? In 1860, the importation of enslaved people into the United States had been illegal for decades. However, that year 110 men, women, and children were bought and smuggled from Africa to Alabama. They were hidden in swampland and secretly divided up to work on plantations. After the Civil War, these newly-freed people established a community of their own: Africatown, USA (near Mobile, Alabama). Originally hoping to buy passage back to their homelands, they created a unique society for that time and place, the South in the late 19^th century. This book tells their story in fourteen distinct voices, including that of the ship they sailed on through the Middle Passage, the Clotilda.

My Review: I listened to the audiobook version of this book and found it to be very engaging and informative. These people who remembered their lives in Africa and knew who their ancestral people were had a unique frame of reference when it comes to slavery and the post-Civil War era in the United States. I liked how the different perspectives were examined and portrayed throughout the story. Since this is historical fiction, there are some parts of the story that were altered for a more cohesive narrative. Those changes are detailed in an appendix at the end, which I found to be a very conscientious choice for the authors to make.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Poignant, Heartbreaking, Compelling

Give This a Try if You Like… Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston, Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi, The Last Slave Ship by Ben Raines

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2023-04-28T17:19:19-05:00April 19th, 2023|

Central Illinois Reads

FDL is proud to partner with Bradley University, Chillicothe Public Library, Dunlap Public Library District, Methodist College, Morton Public Library, Neighborhood House, Pekin Public Library, and Peoria Public Library to celebrate every individual’s Freedom to Read!

With the marked increase in book challenges nationwide, Peoria Public Library invited Central Illinois libraries to come together to encourage everyone to exercise their intellectual “Freedom to Read” what they choose.

April 11 through October 7 (Banned Books Week), local libraries will host events to empower you to stand against censorship, including programs with nationally known authors whose books have been banned, screenings of films based on banned books, discussions with librarians who are pushing back against intolerance, exclusion, and censorship, and more.

Please join us in celebrating each person’s Freedom to Read. Get a library card. Read outside your comfort zone. Unite against book bans.

Learn more at peoriapubliclibrary.org/central-illinois-reads/.

Upcoming Central Illinois Reads Events:

Tuesday, September 12 — Central Illinois Reads Presents: Talking About Trauma

6 p.m. — Methodist College, 7600 N. Academic Dr.

As part of our Central Illinois Reads’ exploration of intellectual freedom, we’ve discovered that many of the books challenged and censored deal with trauma of some sort. Our keynote speaker, Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, found her book near the top of censorship lists because it dealt with teen sexual assault and suicidal ideation.

Almost everyone has experienced some type of trauma. Yet, talking about trauma is often still taboo.

In order to become a more trauma informed and, hopefully, trauma engaged community, we need to normalize the discussion of trauma.

This symposium will feature several speakers who will discuss different types of traumas, such as childhood trauma and systemic trauma, from different perspectives, such as professionals in healthcare and human services and as a parent.

Please join us for this important conversation.

Free and open to all. Refreshments provided.

Beth Weimer2023-08-30T16:12:28-05:00April 11th, 2023|

#FDL: Young Adult Fiction – April Giveaway

Young Adult Fiction – April Giveaway

Young Adult fiction novels are often centered around themes like friendship, individuality, coming-of-age, and risk-taking – great subjects for teen and adult readers! Enter the drawing below for a chance to win advanced reading copies of these upcoming young adult titles, a collection of contemporary fiction and fantasy novels.

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

Thirty years ago, a young woman was murdered, a family was lynched, and New Orleans saw the greatest magical massacre in its history. In the days that followed, a throne was stolen from a queen.

On the anniversary of these brutal events, Clement and Cristina Trudeau—the sixteen-year-old twin heirs to the powerful, magical, dethroned family—are mourning their father and caring for their sick mother. Until, by chance, they discover their mother isn’t sick—she’s cursed. Cursed by someone on the very magic council their family used to rule. Someone who will come for them next.

Cristina and Clement used to be each other’s most trusted confidant and friend, now they barely speak. But if they have any hope of discovering who is coming after their family, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other and their family’s magic, all while solving the decades-old murder that sparked the still-rising tensions between the city’s magical and non-magical communities. And if they don’t succeed, New Orleans may see another massacre. Or worse.

Contemporary urban fantasy • Expected publication: 04/04/2023

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton

Saoirse Sorkova survives on lies. As a soldier-in-training at the most prestigious barracks in the kingdom, she lies about being a siren to avoid execution. At night, working as an assassin for a dangerous group of mercenaries, Saoirse lies about her true identity. And to her family, Saoirse tells the biggest lie of all: that she can control her siren powers and doesn’t struggle constantly against an impulse to kill.

As the top trainee in her class, Saoirse would be headed for a bright future if it weren’t for the need to keep her secrets out of the spotlight. But when a mysterious blackmailer threatens her sister, Saoirse takes a dangerous job that will help her investigate: she becomes personal bodyguard to the crown prince.

Saoirse should hate Prince Hayes. After all, his father is the one who enforces the kingdom’s brutal creature segregation laws. But when Hayes turns out to be kind, thoughtful, and charming, Saoirse finds herself increasingly drawn to him-especially when they’re forced to work together to stop a deadly killer who’s plaguing the city. There’s only one problem: Saoirse is that deadly killer.

Featuring an all-Black and Brown cast, a forbidden romance, and a compulsively dark plot full of twists, this thrilling YA fantasy is perfect for fans of A Song Below Water and To Kill a Kingdom.

High fantasy • Expected publication: 06/27/2023

Saint Juniper’s Folly by Alex Crespo

For Jaime, returning to the tiny Vermont town of Saint Juniper means returning to a past he’s spent eight years trying to forget. After shuttling between foster homes, he hopes he can make something out of this fresh start. But every gossip in town already knows his business, and with reminders of his past everywhere, he seeks out solitude into the nearby woods, called Saint Juniper’s Folly, and does not return.

For Theo, Saint Juniper means being stuck. He knows there’s more out there, but he’s scared to go find it. His senior year is going to be like all the rest, dull and claustrophobic. That is until he wanders into the Folly and stumbles on a haunted house with an acerbic yet handsome boy stuck—as in physically stuck—inside.

For Taylor, Saint Juniper is a mystery. The surrounding woods speak to her, while she tries—and fails—to practice the magic her dad banned from the house after her mother died. Taylor can’t seem break out of her spiral of grief, until a wide-eyed teenager barges into her life, rambling on about a haunted house, a trapped boy, and ghosts. He needs a witch.

The Folly and its ghosts will bring these three teenagers together. But they will each have to face their own internal struggles in order to forge a bond strong enough to escape the Folly’s shadows.

Paranormal fiction • Expected publication: 05/16/2023

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu

Best friends Loli Crawford and Ryan Pope have earned their nickname, the “Bonnie and Clyde of Woolridge High.” From illegal snack swapping in kindergarten to reckless car surfing in high school, they have been causing trouble in their uptight California town forever. Everyone knows that the mischief starts with Loli. When it comes to chasing thrills, drama, and adventure, no one is on her level.

At least until Loli throws the wildest party Woolridge High has ever seen just to steal a necklace and meets X, a strange, unidentified boy in a coat closet, who challenges her to a game she can’t refuse—one that promises to put her love of danger to the ultimate test.

Loli and X begin an anonymous correspondence, exchanging increasingly risky missions. Loli’s fun has always been free and easy, but things spin out of control as she attempts to one-up X’s every move. As Loli risks losing everything—including her oldest friend—she’ll face the most dangerous thing of all: falling for someone she shouldn’t.

Contemporary fiction • Expected publication: 06/06/2023

Annotations from the publishers

– Post by Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist

Giveaway

Enter your name here for a chance to win ARCs of the books mentioned in this post. One entry per person. Drawing to be held approximately 7 days after this post.

ARCs are “advanced reading copies.” These are free copies of a new books given by a publisher to librarians and other reviewers before the book is printed for mass distribution.

#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria.

Susie Rivera2023-04-03T14:32:57-05:00March 31st, 2023|

Introducing Find It at Fondulac: A Fondulac District Library Podcast!

The library is excited to launch our new podcast: Find It at Fondulac! Hosted by our Reference Assistant Jeremy, this monthly podcast will cover library news and updates for patrons about our services, programing, and other points of interest for the East Peoria community. Jeremy will also discuss books, services, and programs with other library staff and special guests each episode – plus more surprises! In the first episode, Jeremy interviews Katie, FDL’s Teen Specialist, about Teen Tuesdays, video games, and vampires! Take a listen below!

Find It at Fondulac is currently available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and RadioPublic, so be sure to stay tuned, and follow or subscribe for future episodes! (You can also find our podcast page under the ‘At the Library’ tab and listen to it there.)

Beth Weimer2022-12-29T17:10:50-06:00December 29th, 2022|