Gearing Up for College

Although the school year hasn’t even started many students already have college on the brain. The Moore Memorial Public Library has a number of books that can help future college students prepare for their furthering their education. A number of these books and some websites have been compiled in a brochure, also known as a bibliography, available at the library and online. The bibliography, entitled “College & Career Resources” contains information about available test preparation guides, financial aid, scholarships, and college guides. Prospective college students may also check out books that can help with the application and essay process. For those who are still exploring career options, the guide provides the names of books and links that explore career trends. Lastly, the guide also has a list of Spanish language materials and websites for local universities and community colleges.

The printed version of the guide is available in the computer area of the library. Please speak with a reference Librarian, who can help you locate the desired materials. Preparing for college is an exciting experience, and your local library is here to help you with the process.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins, author of the Underland Chronicles, a children’s fantasy series, has turned her hand to young adult fiction in the Hunger Games, the first of a futuristic trilogy that has already been snapped up by Lionsgate for its movie rights. The book’s heroine is Katniss, a 16 year old who lives in what used to be the United States but is now Panem, a country which consists of twelve “districts” under the absolute control of the Capitol city. There was an attempted rebellion by the districts in the past against the Capitol, which was unsuccessful. As a punishment and a deterrent for such future efforts, a televised battle to the death takes place every year, between young contestants chosen by lot from each district. These battles are staged like our reality television shows (except that their dazzling technological effects are way ahead of what we can do today).
Some of the districts are poorer than others, and Katniss comes from the poorest one. Although technically the richer contestants are better-fed and trained in combat, Katniss has fed her family by hunting, which has given her an edge in survival skills. You are immediately introduced into Katniss’ world, watching her forage for game in the woods next to her district, and the details of the society are easily explained and fit into the action. The lottery for choosing the candidates is one of the first events, yet Collins’ skill is such that you are already sharing Katniss’ apprehension and fear as it takes place. The novel is well-paced, with surprises and plot twists next to passages relating Katniss’ reactions to both the physical and the emotional challenges. 'Who will survive' is the hook that keeps you reading, yet the hook is stronger from the relationships that Katniss has with the other contestants, and how they are played out. This book has been recommended for girls and boys as well as adults, with special notice for boys who are reluctant readers!