Jennifer Niven's visit featured in The Epitaph!

Author Jennifer Niven's visit to Homestead in January is featured in this month's Epitaph. Reporter Carla Gonzalez also reviews "All The Bright Places." 

Pick up a copy of The Epitaph at the library, or check out earlier issues online. 

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars was such a good movie, i didn't expect it to end that way. It brought me to tears, and it such a great movie that's why i would recommend for people to watch this movie. So basically it's about Hazel Grace Lancaster, as she battles for cancer. Not only is she trying to live the normal life of a 16 year-old girl, but she also struggles with what it will be like for her parents after she dies. Hazel attends a church support group of cancer survivors, she meets a boy there named Augustus Waters. She requires him to read her favorite book An Imperial Affliction. Hazel relates to the character of her favorite book, Anna, because Anna has a rare blood cancer. Augustus uses his last wish foundation to fly him and Hazel to Amsterdam, where the author lives, to talk to him in person. All things catch my attention to see the movie, and i hope you like it.                              

Dan's picks # 4 "The testing"

Set in a barren, dystopian future, the best and brightest graduates of each of the colonies go through a series of tests to see whether they are fit enough to go to the university and help the government rebuild the war stricken country. The testing is dangerous and complex and not at all voluntary.

This book gives off a familiar feeling of something out of the hunger games trilogy, and this makes a lot of sense considering both stories have a harsh dystopian government picking young citizens to serve in a cutthroat game. Both stories even have a strong leading female as the protagonists. The point where the similarities became too much was when two of the main characters fighting to survive become love interests. Regardless, this book kept me engaged throughout her whole adventure and the story is beautifully written. If you like " The hunger games" definitely read this masterpiece.

Frozen

    When i first saw the trailer on tv of Frozen i thought it would be a boring cartoon movie. My friends would talk about it at school saying that it was one of the best cartoon movies they seen, i thought they were joking. But out of curiosity i just wanted to see a bit of it to see how could it was. This movie is basically about Anna, the sister of queen Elsa, set of a dangerous and mysterious journey to bring back Elsa, who has run of because of causing a endless winter upon her home town. Anna must get through challenges and meet new friends, such as Olaf, an adorable talking snowman that Elsa created when she was little. And face her charming boyfriend to save the kingdom from not only Hans, but from forever winter. I really enjoyed this movie especially because of Olaf, im sure you would enjoy it to. I recommend you to watch Frozen i promise you wont regret it.

Dan's picks #3 " WINGER"

This book showcases an exceptionally smart and athletic teenager, and his adventures at his private boarding school.  The twist in our protagonist's journey, is that he is roomed with one of the biggest jerks on his rugby team. A side story also plays out with our character pursuing the girl he has always liked.

This story plays out somewhat predictable with our character getting in his share of trouble and crazy adventures, however the main reason I particularly like this book beside the impeccable writing style is the seamless and important inclusion of serious topics like bullying, self identity and even suicide. The author brings a gravity to the crazy shenanigans and makes this book worth picking up.

Evaluating information sources

As you research, either for an academic purpose OR for your own knowledge need, you need to make sure you are using sources that will provide accurate, useful information. The CRAAP test is a quick, easy way to decide if the source you've found, especially online, is worth your time. Here's a short interactive presentation to introduce you to or remind you of the process.