We all of those favorite reader's advisory questions. I'm a history buff, and one of my favorite reader's advisory questions is when someone is seeking a historical fiction recommendation.
Lately, I have been flooded with questions with book requests on quality fiction books set WWII.
I secretly love it.
With these questions, I have been trying to making a running list of some of the best ones.
I read an article recently about how library youth services is one of the most undervalued departments in the library world. At first, I was shocked. This can’t be right, how does the public and library administration not see the value in early literacy and in children?
I considered it more, and realized the validity in this statement. There is a misconception in general as to what librarians do. I can not tell you how many times I tell people that I want to be a librarian and they make comments like, "That sounds relaxing. You get to read all day, right?"
If I don't get that, I might get comments like: "You mean go to school to be a librarian?"
The children's department isn't safe from these remarks. I feel like so often many people think that all we do is summer reading with a few storytimes mixed in there. To help combat that, I try to strive to offer innovative programming and services to my community, but it can be exhausting to constantly worry about what the next big this is.
One of my library instructors recently challenged us to watch a video on Neil Gaiman's three books that changed his life. I watched this video and I was surprised at how lifted me up it made me feel. It made me realize that the foundation of the library will always be with the books and the information we provide to patrons. It was not long before I started to consider books that have changed my own life.
Neil Gaiman : Three Books that have Changed my Life
When I think about what stories have changed my life, the time spent in the car listening to my mom tell stories of her life, story times at my library, and spending time with my family reading books out loud always comes to mind. I think these moments formed the foundation for my love of reading.
When I stop to consider what books changed my life, I would have to say the following had the most influence on me : (1) The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
I have learning disabilities and had a hard time learning to read. At age 9, I was still reading early readers, and I was at a point where I wanted to give up and not read at all. My mom was desperate for me not to give up. She asked my friend's mom what her and her daughter was reading. My friend’s mom mentioned that they were reading Magic Tree House. Out of desperation, my mom picked up one of the books from the library, and we slowly worked on the words together. By the end of the first book, I was hooked. It inspired me to want to read. I remember going to the library later that week and getting 3 more books in the series, but it still took me a long time to finish each book. I remember stealing my family’s flashlight out of the kitchen so I could keep on reading the books at bedtime. It was the first book that made me want to learn to read. It also got me interested in the study of history. I would later get my BA in history in my and picked up books on historical events whenever possible.
This book will always be my first love, and I love sharing it with my library kids. When the movie comes out, I will be sure to be that one adult that will have to see it.
(2) Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret
My fourth grade teacher read this book out loud to me and my class. I hung on every word. The Magic Tree House series had some action, but I had no idea a book could be so exciting. Once we got done reading it as a class, I checked it out from my local library and eventually had to buy a copy of my own. I eventually wore out two copies. I still need to buy another copy! I was enthralled by the writing and the story itself. I still am. This book showed me that books didn’t have to boring or have the same plot. Stories are a way for us to share experiences and allow us to go places that we haven’t before. (As cheesy as that sounds). I started to develop a reading taste and learned what I liked reading. This made me fall in love with reading even more.
(3) This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
In middle school, I really struggled. I was an outgoing child, but once I hit about 7- 8th grade, I started to doubt myself. I faced some bullying and retreated inside myself. I become a quiet and unsure kid. My childhood friends found other friends, and I felt alone. This is probably a classic middle school tale, but I found comfort in books. I became friends with the characters in the books I read. The author I especially loved was Sarah Dessen. Her books were so relatable. It felt like she was writing a story for everything I faced.
When my sister left suddenly, I read Dreamland. When I was struggling with confidence, I read Keeping the Moon. When my crush asked me out, and I was afraid of getting hurt, I read This Lullaby. When I was scared about going off to college, I read Along for the Ride. I always felt like Dessen was my personal Jiminy Cricket. She showed me that we can learn from each other through the stories that we tell. She will always be special to me. I hope to someday to meet her, but I suppose everyone has their own Dessen.
As I journey more into the library world, I am realizing how important reader's advisory is for our tweens and teens.
I used to be really worried about delivering the next big program, but this isn't what the library is about.
The flashy stuff like programming makes us sparkle, but it isn't what is going to make a lasting impact on our community. Instead, that lasting impression comes from the books themselves.
Books are the magic and we are the magicians.
It is up to us as children's librarians to connect kids and families with that. We should create a environment for families to have an experience with reading & stories.
A large brick house that has been for sale for many years has been a playground to children for many generations. It has been Gail, Jerry, and Nancy's personal playground. When the kids notice a sold sign, they feel like they have lost a place of their very own. Naturally, in their disappointment, the new owner appears and introduces himself as Dr. Fell. As he introduces himself, he asks why they are upset. The kids explain that they are disappointed that they have lost their playground.
The new buyer takes to heart the children's disappointment.
In no time, the people of the neighborhood notice to trucks full of items arriving to Dr. Fell's residence. One day after school, the kids find that a large wooden structure has taken form in front of Dr. Fell's house. It is the biggest and best playground the kids have ever seen, but Gail, Jerry, and Nancy can't help but feel like something is wrong.
At first, the playground attracts a small amount of kids, but then the playground begins to attract kids from other towns.
Pretty soon, someone gets hurt. Dr. Fell comes to the rescue and is able to heals broken bones and injuries that comes about within hours. Gail, Jerry, and Nancy are the only ones that can withstand Dr. Fell's spell. They must find out who Dr. Fell really is and why kids in the neighborhood are acting so strangely before it is too late.
Thoughts
Mr. Neilsen is a master story teller. I instantly fell in love with the story and with the purple top hat wearing Dr. Fell. Neilsen cleverly based this book off of the nursery rhyme I Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fells. In case you are unfamiliar with this rhyme, here is a video:
I Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fells Video
The story itself is spooky, but it still manages to stay humerous. The mystery surrounding Dr. Fell was engaging enough to be a page turner. Parents and educators alike will appreciate the vocabulary words that Neilsen sprinkles throughout the book. Some of the words include: fortuitous, revelry, whippersnappers, urchins, chasm,cherub, stout, and rapscallions.
I found this to be refreshing. With the vocabulary and the story itself, I could see this book being a great candidate for a read aloud book for a class.
Triggers for Reader's Advisory
This is definitely a spooky story. I would recommend it for kids 4th grade and up.
For reader's advisory, I must note that there is one swear word. Please note, however, that it is natural for this story.
If it were a movie, it would get a PG rating, but when using books in school setting and in the library, we must make note of this.
Overall
I would highly recommend this book. Often, I get requests for mystery / horror books in middle grade. There is only a select few within this genre that kids will read. I feel like this book will be a well received by my tweens and will a breath of fresh air to this genre.
I look forward to seeing what other works Mr. Neilsen comes out with. He has quickly become one of my 2016 favorites.
Books like this one:
Have you read it yet? What did you think?
-Pamela
*Please note that I received an advance reader's copy of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review*
It is thirteen-year old Avery's birthday. Instead of spending her birthday stuck inside, Avery decides to go into the woods with her brother. Going out into the forest alone is strictly against her father's rules, but it is her special day and she is determined to enjoy it. This enjoyment doesn't last long, however, Avery is being followed. She grabs her brother and finds safety in a tree house that her father built for her. They wait. When they think the danger is past, they slowly creep out. An old lady grabs them and puts them in a cage. Avery spends hours wondering what will happen to her next. Finally, the wagon stops. Avery is let out and is met by other children who are all thirteen. She is tired and scared, but she notices that her brother is no longer with her. The old lady tells her she must do what she is told or her brother will die. A girl named Kate takes Avery to get clothes and rest. It is there that Avery finds out that she is living among a community of kidnapped children. She must find a way to get out to save her brother, but as secrets unravel, she finds out that she is connected to the community of children in more ways then one.
Strengths
This book is engrossing, original, and faith based. Even though this book is faith based, it is not an in your face Christian novel. Avery goes to church and the service does mention some verses, but it doesn't dominate the plot.
The plot does seem a little scary on the surface, but I would say it is ironically very family friendly. There are strong themes of kindness, community, hope, and family.
There is just enough action to keep readers wanting more. It would be perfect audio or family book for tweens and their families. I must say it is one of my favorite books of 2016!
Weaknesses
I had a difficult time adjusting to the underground children's society. It was difficult for me to take in a 13-year olds talking about marriage and then adjusting the the children run government. I think this annoyance is due to my age.
When I stopped to think about it why the book was this way, this weakness quickly became a positive. I realized that the theme of the story was that children can do anything & this helps to support that. More importantly. in history we did have children rulers and societies. If this book was read by a family, families could explore these historical connections or even connect it to children heros in the bible. As libraries, we could pair this book with non-fiction titles on this subject.
If you are an adult reading this book, I would recommend adjusting to this before you read it. You can enjoy the story more in this frame of mind.
Overall
I listened to this book on audio and I found myself sitting in parking lots trying to finish up the chapter I was on. I was so addicted I downloaded it on my phone and started to listen to it as I walked between my daily tasks.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy. Some great read a likes are:
I am anxiously waiting for the second book in the series to make its way to my library.
The next book called The Ruby Moon will be release on October 1, 2016
Have you read The Glass Castle yet? What did you think?
After buying a bag full of movies from Family Video and a new book shelf put my new movies on, I am starting to realize I might have a movie addiction.
Lucky for me most tweens have the same problem.
We are not even into summer 2016, and Hollywood is already announcing their lineup next year.
I like to stay on top of this to order things early on and to think about programming for next year.
I already turned in my fall program plans, but I am looking ahead to winter 2016-2017,
After looking at the schedule, I think a Lego program will be a must!
Here are some more buzz worthy movies to talk about with your tweens during
your summer reading dash :
Lego Batman
February 2017
Beauty and the Beast
March 2017
I think doing a Beauty and the Beast program is a must, right?
Power Rangers
March 2017
Yup, it still lives.
Barbie
June 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Pirates of the Caribbean 5!
May 2017
Wonder Woman
June 2017
Captain Underpants
June 2017
Cars 3
Summer 2017
Despicable Me 3
June 2017
Spider-Man
Homecoming
July 2017
Jumanji
July 2017
Thor
November 2017
The Craods 2
December 2017
and...
Star Wars!
December 2017
Who else is excited? I am anxiously waiting for Gilmore Girls : A Year in the Life to make its arrival to Netflix. Until then, I will anxiously await more movie / pop culture news & update this with trailers as I can.
This story follows three different perspectives Nick, Ruby, and Alexis. All three are apart of a young Search and Rescue group that partners with the police. Nick loves his position on the Search and Rescue team and hopes that it will help give him the experience he needs to join the military someday. When a woman is found murdered down the street from Nick, however, he quickly becomes the prime suspect. Can Ruby and Alexis help Nick clear his name? Or is Nick a Killer?
April Henry masterfully weaves together an exciting murder mystery story for reluctant readers.
Favorite Quote
"Technology's only as good as the human beings interpreting it."
In Summary
This book is part of the "Point Last Seen" series. Even though it is part of a series, it stands well on its own. I did not read the previous book and was able to easily follow along.
For readers advisory, I might only note these things:
+This is great for reluctant readers. Even though the cover might not appeal to boys, there are different viewpoints from a boy and girl perspective that might appeal to a wide range of readers
+Great for readers who are interested in criminal investigation & this could pair well with nonfiction titles or unit on crime scene investigation. It briefly describes Locard's exchange principle, the concept of trace evidence, the Ted Bundy Serial Killer case, how police cast tracks. and killer profiles such as the Sociopath.
+There is a scene where Nick visits someone in prison who details the horrors of war to try and talk the character out of enlisting in the military. This could offend some readers, but does help to provide a realistic approach of the realities of war that might get teens to think about before they enlist.
+The killer is revealed pretty quickly. His perspective is included within the story. Although there is still a little bit of a twist, this could turn some readers away.
+There is a little bit of gore. It is appropriate, but there is a scene where a girl gets hit by a truck and she breaks her leg to a point where the bone is showing. This could make some reader's uncomfortable. There is also some other scenes similar to this one, but please note this is natural for a plot such as this one.
Given this, I might only recommend this to ages 12 and up.
Overall, this was a fun summer read. I only note these things to help me to pair this book to the best reader.
April Henry is a favorite of both myself and my library tweens!
I recently took a multicultural class, and I was blown away by how much I was not aware of. I realized that most libraries only offer a small marginal collection of books for multicultural patrons in our community.
This class has changed me, and it has opened up my eyes to how much we need diversity in the library.
One of the many thing that I have found useful is links to diverse resources. Before this class, I didn't know where to go to gain insight on diverse literature. Here is a list that I complied from various sources :
