CHECK IT OUT:Teens can win prizes in summer reading program

What are teens reading this summer? From now until mid-August, teens have an opportunity to read for fun or get a head start on their school’s summer reading lists and win prizes at the same time.

The Teen Summer Reading Program, with this year’s theme of “Peace, Love & Read,” encourages students in seventh through 12th grades to read and be creative during the summer months.

Register at any of the Newport Beach Public Library branches, read a book and write your review on a “Peace, Love & Read” form. That’s all it takes to qualify for a weekly prize drawing, including paperbacks, coupons, gift certificates and more. You could be the winner of the fabulous grand prize.

Maybe you are the artistic type? Express yourself in any visual or written medium using the theme, “Peace, Love & Read,” by creating an original painting, photograph, digital artwork, poem, verse, or whatever appeals to your imagination. Entries must be received by Friday, Aug. 17, to be eligible for a prize. What could be better than that? Sign up in person or online at www.nbplteens.org .

Teens have bestsellers too. All are available in the Young Adult category. Try some of these cool tales for a sizzling summer read.

“Eragon” by Christopher Paolini: This fantasy series is available in paperback, hardcover, downloadable electronic form, cassette, CD and now a movie on DVD. With a format selection like that, it’s got to be good! Thrill to the story of an orphan boy, 15-year-old, Eragon, who is the chosen to become the new Dragon Rider and savior to a repressed people ruled by the wicked King Galbatorix. The action incorporates wizards, dragons, magic, elves, monsters, princesses, and all sorts of battle sequences.

“The It Girl” by Cecily Von Ziegesar: From the creator of the “Gossip Girl” series, this collection explores interpersonal relationships among the girls at an exclusive boarding school in upstate New York.

Expanding on the mean girls theme and the essence of inclusiveness, this tale follows sophomore Jenny Humphrey as she aspires to be the most popular girl in the school.

“The Highest Tide: A Novel” by Jim Lynch: A Bildungsroman is a novel about the early years of someone’s life; about the development of character and personality.

These types of coming-of-age tales are especially poignant for young adults. In this novel, teenager Miles O’Malley experiences the trials of growing up in Puget Sound, Wash., his love of the sea, the girl-next-door and imperfect parents.

“Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber” by Louis A. Meyer: In this sequel to the exciting “Curse of the Blue Tattoo,” 15-year-old female “midshipman”

Jacky is once again back at sea, this time wresting control of a British warship. Expect plenty of seafaring action featuring pirates and treasure in swashbuckling 19th-century style.

“Across the Nightingale Floor, Episode 2, Journey to Inuyama” by Lian Hearn: Continuing the story of the “Tales of the Otori,” this historical, adventure fiction presents the Japan of ages past filled with treacherous warlords, political scheming and exotic locations. This special series combines fantasy with Asian mystery and romance.

“Angel of Mercy” by Lurlene McDaniel: This is a perennial favorite author of readers enjoying romance with a Christian slant.

Eighteen-year-old Heather Barlow volunteers with a mission group bound for Africa. There she meets the attractive medical intern and seminary student Ian McCollum.

McDaniel offers teens a sentimental tale, while documenting the tragedies in Uganda.

is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.