I Was Vermeer: The Rise and Fall of the 20th Century's Greatest Forger

Book by Frank Wynne

I Was Vermeer is an intensely interesting biography which focuses on the life of Hans van der Meegeren, the 19th century's greatest forger of fine art. Van Meegeren was a man of immense artistic talent when it came to the styles of the old masters, but he was born 50 years too late. With the advent of the camera, realism had been tossed aside to make way for styles such as impressionism and post-impressionism. When van Meegeren couldn't find a market for his amazing paintings, he turned to forgery, and was soon a master. He fooled almost all of the art world, and those who suspected that his works (which he primarily passed off as Vermeers) were forgeries said nothing. He was finally arrested, but not before his forgeries had been proclaimed several times over as authentic masterpieces. However, he was arrested not for forging, but for selling "national treasures" (his forgeries) to the Germans. He eventually confessed, causing uproar in the art world. He died before he could serve his sentence.
This book is utterly fascinating, and describes in detail not only van Meegeren's life, but also the techniques he invented to make his forgeries authentic. Even non-art fans will be captivated by the story of Hans van der Meegeren, the great artist and forger.

--Review by Ingrid M.

Chess - Chess - Chess

By Damian M.

Chess is a great game in the big world. Some people play it to occupy them at boring times and when they have nothing to do. To me it has a whole other story. I play this great game for the fun and the knowledge of it. For me it is a game where you can meet many other people all because of one game. This game is great to me because I have met many players and I have made many friends. I come to the library to enjoy a good game of chess with a new opponent every time! The feeling of pressure when you are in an intense game is marvelous. I like the fact that there is always a new way to play the game, and that at one turn you might win and the next you might get sloppy and lose to the same opponent. I just like the game and the way people play it and I always get to test my school until I become the best!!!

Never give up on something you like to do!!!!!

The Railway Children

Book by E. Nesbit

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit is a heartwarming novel about three children and their mother whose lives are drastically changed when their father is called away for mysterious reasons. The fractured family finds itself shunted from a comfortable, wealthy life to one of poverty and worry. However, the children (Peter, Roberta, and Phyllis) find consolation in the nearby railway station, where they encounter numerous adventures and many opportunities to make new friends. One of these new friends (a kindly old gentleman whose name is never revealed) proves invaluable when he manages to restore their father to them. In the end, all is righted, and the story concludes on a happy note. This is a book which has been enjoyed by many and will no doubt be enjoyed by many more in the future.

--Review By Ingrid M.

FANTASY LOVE

Excerpt from Elegant Taste
By Jelissa J. and Alana H.-B.

Walking alone on a snow-covered day, I remember my first love. Someone who was sweet and kind. Always smiling gently. Just then I see a figure that looks like him, extending his arm out as if he were asking me to dance. I drop my stuff and grab his hand. Just then the snow forms a tornado, and I am transported to a magical place that is a giant ballroom on top of a snow hill. Inside the ballroom is a wide marble floor, and pillars that stand at the edge of the ballroom are made of diamond. Looking around the ballroom, I am amazed! I look at myself wearing a dress made out of silk that is embroidered with lace and pearls. The dress looks beautiful. I look at my shoes and they match with the dress. I walk down the stairs and I see him extending his arm and I reach for his hand and we start dancing. I feel like we are on air.

The flow of love and passion goes through me. I want to do this forever, but alas, I have to go back to reality and leave this fantasy. But there is one thing I know.a dream or a fantasy can be everlasting.

Of the Springfield City Library

Invites YOU to participate this year!

Have fun & work with other teens.
Help publish our teen newsletter.
Plan teen programs such as an anime club,
book discussions, or dance/music events.

YOU can make our teen board a success.
All teens ages 12-18 are welcome.

Call Martha at 263-6828 ext 425 for more information or email mcoons@springfieldlibrary.org

This newsletter was written and edited by Marcus B., Sheldon G., Alana H.B., Jelissa J., Emmanuel M., Jesus M., Stasia M., Ingrid M., Jose M., Damian M., Ashley R., Shanique S.

Shanique S.
1/24/07

My mind spins,
Humming like angry bees, rages inside me
Inspires me to write my poetry frantically
Caz all I see is young children of the future
Puffin on weed, coughin on dreams
Yet I'm suppose to believe that I'm the one who's wack
Caz I haven't smoked this and haven't smoked that
Step back on my goals to bail you out caz of the life you've chose
Na I don't think so
And the whole world keeps blamin it on one thing or the other
Talkin about some "peer pressure"
But ain't nobody can make you do what you don't wanna do
So when you drop out of school and respectable people cut you with their gaze
Don't be enraged caz your the one who decided you wanted to " promote that haz"
Put it out on the streets for some messed up
Young kid's parents decide that that kid don't have to eat
Spend their last five dollars to supply their need
So won't you think about that!
And all the things you can't take back
And face the facts; you're the ones who are wack!
But of course you think I'm the fool and I'm un-cool
And I ain't nobody to tell you what to do
Getting high on that herb "rolled right"
Caz that's the only thing you've learned
Blinded by the smoke you can't see through
That I'm the One
Tell you..
The TRUTH!

THE BIRTH OF SCRIPTITO

BY- EMMANUEL M. AND JESUS M.

It was a cool, spring day. There was a lot of noise in the forest. I could hear loud machines roaring. Sometimes the sawing noise would stop and then voices could be heard.
"This one looks ready, Joe. What do you say?"
"Yea, we'll take that down next," answered Mike.
A huge blade was soon driven over near me. I was standing about forty feet high. The loggers couldn't even see my head. As I looked down I thought to myself, " What tiny midgets these people are. They are barely as tall as a baby sapling." Nonetheless, I knew my time had come.
The men stood together looking around my forest home. They were talking over how to make the cut and which way they wanted me to fall. I was ready. I saw the process over and over again. The only thing I didn't know was what wonderful new form I would take.
Finally they decided. They drove the machine with its mighty blade to my left side. The motor began to roar again and it hit my side. I was falling..I was happy because I knew the form I was going to be. I was in the back of a truck. I was placed on a table the men where looking at me, they were carving me into a wild beast and then they put me on a shelf so I faced a bed. It was dark.. and I woke up from a dream that I was being chopped down and being carved into a beast. Then I realized it was true.
I was terrified. I jumped off the shelf and then I saw two men with a knife and next to them were sheds of wood. So I got angry and some how I was hairy and I grew some claws, feet, arms, and fangs I surged forward towards them. I swung at them and they fell on the floor. I was terrified cause I didn't know what to do!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Do you like to write?
Two good suggestions:
  Join TAB and help edit this newsletter
  Check the Teen Page at http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/YA/teen_writing.html

Requiem for Gravitation

Just thinking, I think of you.
Just wondering, I wonder about you.
I feel so tranquil and yet understood when I'm with you. You make me so carefree;
it's pssible for me to fly away with you.
You feel the same for me as I do for you.
Being together we share something that no one can even compare to.
Meeting by Chance,
Unstoppable force,
It's Gravitation.

-Alana H-B.

For the newsletter as originally formatted by the T.A.B. team, click here (Word document):