Avengers Teen Movie Night

Marvel Movies have universally taken over pop culture. So when it comes to programming for tweens and teens, Marvel has become a fandom favorite. 

Recently, we did an Avengers: Infinity War interactive movie program for teens that attracted tweens, teens, and some adults. We ended up with triple the number of participants then we normally have, and all it took was a Marvel hook and some self-guided library activities. 

We popped some popcorn, provided some cookies, and set out a few fun activities. 

The main activities was trivia. My library is lucky enough to have several large projectors. While the movie was playing, I also have trivia going. Below is the trivia slides I used! Feel free to use them.



If teens did not want to play trivia to win an advanced reading copy of YA titles, we had other  activities that included : 

• Reading a large display of library comics 

• Making Wakanda bracelets with large wood beads and silver permeate markers we purchased from Amazon. (A Night Owl Blog has a wonderful tutorial on how to do this) 

• Voting station to share various theories they had about the new movie Avengers: End Game. 

• Superhero photobooth 

This program was low cost, fun, and an easy fandom program that libraries could easily plug into for an all age programming that showcases library materials. 

Have you done a Marvel program? 

Until next week, 

Pamela

Five New Books You must use for Storytime Spring 2019

When people ask me what a teen librarian does, I always have to laugh. We do a little bit of everything. One of my favorite things to do is toddler storytime.

 Lately, I feel like I am in a funk so I have been on a quest to find some new storytime books. Below is a list of some of my favorites from this year.


Without further ado, here are my top five for Spring 2019: 

Bloom Bloom! by April Pulley Sayre

April Pulley Sayre is known for her delightful nature picture books. Books like Raindrops Roll, Best in Snow, and Full of Fall are some of my favorite storytime books! Now, Sayre finally has a book dedicated to spring. The simple text and large vibrant photographs are perfect for a toddler or even preschool storytimes.

For more interaction, you can add in Sign Language for bloom or flower and have the audience do the sign each time "bloom bloom!" is said. 

How to Two by David Soman 

A quiet day at a playground quickly becomes busy when one boy slides down a slide and sees two kids on a see-saw, and three kids playing jump rope. Before long there are ten kids playing! 

How to Two by David Soman is a must own concept book that focuses on counting to ten and then reverse counting. Not only is the interactive counting concept a storytime winner, but this book also sneakily celebrates inclusive play, friendship, and community. 

Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish by Beth Ferry 

I don't know about you, but I love silly storytime books. In this book, readers find out ten rules you must follow in order for your birthday wish to come true. Like How to Two, this is an excellent concept counting book. There is also a lot of humor in too that would make it perfect for school-age outreach visits or preschool storytime. You could also easily plug this book into a birthday storytime or unbirthday program. 

There are No Bears in this Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach 

You might recognize Julie Sarcone-Roach's name from her Ezra Jack Keats Honor Book The Bear Ate Your Sandwich. 

This book takes on a similar plot as her previous work. It is about a bear that gets into a little trouble. 

Told from a cat named Muffy's perspective, Muffy hears a sound in the bakery and goes to investigate.  Muffy isn't sure what she will find, but she is not expecting to find a bear! 

Both entertaining and sweet this book is perfect for older preschool or school-age outreach visits. 

Everybunny Dream! by Ellie Sandall 

Author Ellie Sandall has been a Jbrary favorite for several years now. The newest book in the bunny series is no exception. Filled with repetition and beautiful illustrations, this book is begging to be used in a bedtime storytime!

Other titles 








What are some of your favorite 2019 picture books so far?

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Do your readers need more read alikes for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, Dork Diaries, and Smile? Behold the next big graphic novel, New Kid by Jerry Craft. 

I know saying that this is the next big thing is something we hear a lot, but what makes this book special is its diversity. This is a diverse version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and a boy version of Dork Diaries. Interested? 

Let's chat with a quick overview of the book. 

Here are all of the important things you need to know about this book. 

New Kid 

by Jerry Craft 

Release Date : February 5, 2019 

Audience : Tweens 8-12 years old 

Pages : 256 

The Story 

Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? 

* This description is provided by Goodreads* 

Verdict 

My library got this book a few weeks ago and my manager told everyone in the department that this book will be the new Raina Telgemeier.  As librarians, we often hear publishers pushing books by calling it the next big thing, and if you are like me, it lost its significance. 

Despite my feelings, I saw this book available on Overdrive and decided to skim through it. After reading just a few pages, I busted out laughing and knew that this book was a winner. The characters were well developed and authentic. 

Not only does this book tackle everyday middle school worries and woes, but it takes it to a deeper level by tackling issues like black identity and racism that open the door for further discussion. 

It a necessary addition to children's literature that we have needed for a long time. 

With that in mind, I am happily awarding this book the five-star rating! 

Run to your nearest library or book store and grab a copy. 

Enjoy it for yourself and then gift it to a classroom or tween in your life. 

Have you read it? What did you think? 

Best, 

Pamela