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Katie Byrd

'Palace of Stone' a decent sequel to 'Princess Academy'

Katie Byrd Standard-Examiner Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, September 24, 2012 - 9:13am

At last, Shannon Hale’s “Princess Academy: Palace of Stone,” the long-awaited sequel to “Princess Academy,” was released in August.

Hale has written several young adult books which received nationwide acclaim. “Princess Academy” received the Newbery Honor and her first novel, “Goose Girl,” received the Josette Frank Award. An alumna of the University of Utah, Hale is the only Utah author to receive the Newbery Honor, which is awarded to notable children’s literature. Other well-known books that have received this award include “Charlotte’s Web” and “Because of Winn-Dixie.”

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Focus Features
(Left to right) Kara Hayward is Suzy, Jared Gilman is Sam and Jason Schwartzman is Cousin Ben in “Moonrise Kingdom.”

Seeing 'Moonrise Kingdom'? Go in with an open mind

Katie Byrd Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, September 3, 2012 - 1:49pm

Since the trailer for “Moonrise Kingdom” was released in January, I have been anxiously awaiting this film. My knowledge of the movie’s plot was limited, but the trailer alone had me sold. The incredible cast, including Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton and Bruce Willis, combined with the stunning 1960s scenery told me right away that I would love the movie.

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Illustration by WINNIE CHOW/Clearfield High School/tricklingrain@yahoo.com

Fun doesn't have to be expensive

Katie Byrd Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, July 2, 2012 - 9:30am

As teenagers, summer vacation is the perfect chance to spend time with your boyfriend/girlfriend or friends who you may not get to see as much during the school year. Between homework, extracurriculars and family obligations, we often don’t get to spend as much time with our friends as we would like.

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Latest John Green novel fresh air for the young adult reader

Katie Byrd Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, February 6, 2012 - 3:51pm

I received my copy of "The Fault in Our Stars" on Jan. 10, six months after my parents pre-ordered it for my 17th birthday.

After discovering the package in my mailbox, I quickly cast aside my English homework and raced through the book. Back when I asked my parents for the gift, I knew I would have quite a wait until the January release date, but having read each of the author's other novels, I knew it would be worthwhile. I can now say, with certainty, that John Green's new novel was well worth the six-month wait, as it was the best belated birthday present I have ever received.

Without giving away too much of the plot, "The Fault in Our Stars" (Dutton Juvenile, $17.99) tells the story of Hazel Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl living with thyroid cancer. When Hazel's parents force her to attend a cancer kids support group, she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a boy with osteosarcoma.

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College tours help high schoolers made big decisions

Katie Byrd Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, December 5, 2011 - 12:04pm

FOr many high school students, college tours can be one of the most imoprtant factors when choosing a college. Tours are the best way to learn what the school has to offer: from football to financial aid, as well as the details students usually don't think to ask about like transportation, food and libraries

There are several options when planning a visit to a college campus. Some high schools organize visits so students see the campus and hear from an admissions officer. This type of tour is helpful because of its convenience -- especially if the school isn't nearby -- but sometimes these tours can feel rushed and impersonal.

Kelsey Haddox, a senior at Ogden High School, visited Southern Utah University as part of a summer leadership academy. Students toured the campus and attended guest lectures.

"I learned that the class sizes there are very small and you are able to get to know professors on a personal basis," Haddox said. "While I was there I did apply to the school. The idea of a close-knit school with students from everywhere was appealing and the tour did impact my decision."

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