💖 We are wearing our
hearts on our counters!
Stop by the teen area
and check out a
and check out a
heart titled book this month.💖
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
King wins Printz
As a long time fan of A.S.(Amy Sarig) King's books, it was wonderful to hear last week's announcement from the American Library Association that she won the Michael L. Printz Award for 2020, for her latest book, Dig. Please see all of her books in the slider above. The book covers are linked to our catalog. Click here for the professional reviews of Dig(scroll down). Click here for the reader reviews on Goodreads.
I particularly recommend her books if you enjoy, as I do, character-driven offbeat stories that surprise you with magic realism. In addition to her novels you can find A. S. King in these two short story collections: Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories (The Boy Who Won't Leave Me Alone, by A. S. King, 2011); Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors on the Dark Side of Love (Own Your Heart, by A. S. King, 2018) A.S. King only uses the initials of her first two names on her books and has said in interviews and on her blog at as-king.com, "If ever you've heard that I chose to write under the name A.S. King because it spells "asking" then you heard right.". On her writing journey, King said in an interview she gave in 2009: "It took me 7 novels and 15 years of writing to publish a book.". Like most authors who give advice on becoming a writer, King encourages people to read.
The American Library Association's Printz Award has been awarded every year since 2000, for a Young Adult book that exemplifies literary excellence.
Dig, by A.S. King, 2019. Five white teenage cousins who are struggling with the failures and racial ignorance of their dysfunctional parents and their wealthy grandparents, reunite for Easter. Genre: Magical realism. Listen to King read an excerpt from the beginning of Dig here.
The Printz committee also names up to 4 Printz Honor (the silver seals) books each year. (BTW- Please Ignore Vera Dietz, by A. S. King, was a 2011 Printz Honor book.) Here are the 2020 Printz Honor Books:
Beast Player, by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hirano, 2019. Nahoko Uehashi's The Beast Player is an epic YA fantasy about a girl with a special power to communicate with magical beasts and the warring kingdom only she can save.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, 2019. Upset about her on-again, off-again relationship with her girlfriend Laura Dean, Freddy Riley depends on her friends, a local mystic, and a relationship columnist for help in dealing with her situation. Graphic novel. Genre: Realistic; Romance.
Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir, by Nikki Grimes, 2019. The author recounts her traumatic childhood, with a mother suffering from mental illness, unfortunate experiences in a series of foster homes, and her discovery of her love of writing, which eventually helped her overcome the hazards of her life. Nonfiction. Memoir in Verse.
Where the World Ends, by Geraldine McCaughrean, 2019. In the summer of 1727, a group of men and boys are put ashore on a remote sea stac to harvest birds for food. No one returns to collect them. Why? Surely nothing but the end of the world can explain why they have been abandoned. And how can they survive, housed in stone and imprisoned on every side by the ocean? Genre: Historical fiction.
Want to know more about the Printz selection process? Click here for School Library Journal's articles on Pondering the Printz on Its 20th Anniversary.
I particularly recommend her books if you enjoy, as I do, character-driven offbeat stories that surprise you with magic realism. In addition to her novels you can find A. S. King in these two short story collections: Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories (The Boy Who Won't Leave Me Alone, by A. S. King, 2011); Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors on the Dark Side of Love (Own Your Heart, by A. S. King, 2018) A.S. King only uses the initials of her first two names on her books and has said in interviews and on her blog at as-king.com, "If ever you've heard that I chose to write under the name A.S. King because it spells "asking" then you heard right.". On her writing journey, King said in an interview she gave in 2009: "It took me 7 novels and 15 years of writing to publish a book.". Like most authors who give advice on becoming a writer, King encourages people to read.
Get to know King a little though this fun reading pep talk she gave in 2016:
The American Library Association's Printz Award has been awarded every year since 2000, for a Young Adult book that exemplifies literary excellence.Dig, by A.S. King, 2019. Five white teenage cousins who are struggling with the failures and racial ignorance of their dysfunctional parents and their wealthy grandparents, reunite for Easter. Genre: Magical realism. Listen to King read an excerpt from the beginning of Dig here.
The Printz committee also names up to 4 Printz Honor (the silver seals) books each year. (BTW- Please Ignore Vera Dietz, by A. S. King, was a 2011 Printz Honor book.) Here are the 2020 Printz Honor Books:
Beast Player, by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hirano, 2019. Nahoko Uehashi's The Beast Player is an epic YA fantasy about a girl with a special power to communicate with magical beasts and the warring kingdom only she can save.Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, 2019. Upset about her on-again, off-again relationship with her girlfriend Laura Dean, Freddy Riley depends on her friends, a local mystic, and a relationship columnist for help in dealing with her situation. Graphic novel. Genre: Realistic; Romance.Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir, by Nikki Grimes, 2019. The author recounts her traumatic childhood, with a mother suffering from mental illness, unfortunate experiences in a series of foster homes, and her discovery of her love of writing, which eventually helped her overcome the hazards of her life. Nonfiction. Memoir in Verse.Where the World Ends, by Geraldine McCaughrean, 2019. In the summer of 1727, a group of men and boys are put ashore on a remote sea stac to harvest birds for food. No one returns to collect them. Why? Surely nothing but the end of the world can explain why they have been abandoned. And how can they survive, housed in stone and imprisoned on every side by the ocean? Genre: Historical fiction.
Want to know more about the Printz selection process? Click here for School Library Journal's articles on Pondering the Printz on Its 20th Anniversary.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Young Adult Page to Screen in 2020
Read the book - then see the movie!
Click on the book jacket cover below to place a hold.
Click on the book jacket cover below to place a hold.
What's your not-to-be-missed book to movie?
Thursday, January 16, 2020
20 YA Books in 2020
Twenty books to hurry up and wait to read in 2020:
Bloom, by Kenneth Oppel
Dragon Hoops, by Gene Luen Yang
The Kingdom of Back, Marie Lu
The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron
Wicked As You Wish, by Rin Chupeco
January
Come Tumbling Down, by Seanan McGuire
One of Us is Next, by Karen McManus
The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci
One of Us is Next, by Karen McManus
The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci
February
All the Stars and Teeth, by Adalyn Grace
Gravity of Us, by Phil Stamper
Red Hood, by Elana Arnold
This Train is Being Held, by Ismee Williams
What I Want You to See, by Catherine Linka
Yes No Maybe So, by Becky Albertalli
Gravity of Us, by Phil Stamper
Red Hood, by Elana Arnold
This Train is Being Held, by Ismee Williams
What I Want You to See, by Catherine Linka
Yes No Maybe So, by Becky Albertalli
March
Bloom, by Kenneth Oppel
Dragon Hoops, by Gene Luen Yang
The Kingdom of Back, Marie Lu
The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron
Wicked As You Wish, by Rin Chupeco
April
Goodby From Nowhere, by Sara Zarr
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur
May
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins (It's a prequel!)
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
August
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Top Checkouts in 2019
Below are the top 12 fiction books checked out from our Young Adult collection during 2019. The Fantasy genre is in lead (4) followed by historical fiction (3), realistic fiction (2), and mystery (1). Click on the book jacket numbers to link to that title in our catalog.
And, if you are wondering, the top 12 titles checked out from our manga and graphic collections were: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, Sisters, Drama, and Smile (in that order) by Raina Telegemeier, Fullmetal Alchemist by Kiromu Arakawa, Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, Bleach by Tite Kubo, Bone by Jeff Smith, Black Butler by Yana Toboso, and Samurai Deeper Kyo by Akimine Kamijo.
Top 12 Checkouts 2019 by kclaire
And, if you are wondering, the top 12 titles checked out from our manga and graphic collections were: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, Sisters, Drama, and Smile (in that order) by Raina Telegemeier, Fullmetal Alchemist by Kiromu Arakawa, Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, Bleach by Tite Kubo, Bone by Jeff Smith, Black Butler by Yana Toboso, and Samurai Deeper Kyo by Akimine Kamijo.
Top 12 Checkouts 2019 by kclaire
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Book Floods
While December brings a flood of "best of" lists to my inbox, next month will see the start of the award announcement flood. (Although, the National Book Awards were announced last month: 1919 The Year That Changed America, by Martin W. Sandler, won in the Young People's Literature category.) I enjoy the end of year "best of" lists and love the winter holidays, but, I think I would trade all the winter holidays for Iceland's Jólabókaflóð (Yule Book Flood). If you don't know this fantastic celebration, here is NPR's report on it published in 2012: Literary Iceland Revels In It's Annual Christmas Book Flood. What could be more ideal than a holiday that brings a pile of new books (I think chocolate is also involved.) shared by and with friends and relatives, and the time to read them? Perfection! If only I could persuade everyone to adopt this book flood celebration...
Here are a few of the best of lists from my inbox:
And here are 5 of my favorite YA reads from 2019:
The Missing of Clairedelune, by Christelle Dabos, 2019. When her dangerous gift for reading the history of objects is revealed by her promotion to Vice-storyteller, Ophelia turns for support to her enigmatic fiance, Thorn, throughout a formidable investigation into the disappearances of several high-profile courtiers. (Book 2 in the Mirror Visitor Quartet.) Fantasy.
Sadie, by Courtney Summers, 2018. Told from the alternating perspectives of 19-year-old Sadie who runs away from her isolated small Colorado town to find her younger sister's killer, and a true crime podcast exploring Sadie's disappearance. Murder Mystery, Suspense.
On the Come Up,
by Angie Thomas, 2019. Sixteen-year-old Bri hopes to become a great
rapper, and after her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,
must decide whether to sell out or face eviction with her widowed
mother. Realistic fiction.
The Boneless Mercies, by April Tucholke, 2018. Four female mercenaries known as Boneless Mercies, weary of roaming Vorseland, ignored and
forgotten until they are needed for mercy killings, decide to seek glory
by going after a legendary monster in this re-imagining of Beowulf. Fantasy.
Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom, by Ken
Ilgunas, 2013. The author describes his experiences working in Alaska to
pay off his college student loans and, how, inspired by the example of
Henry David Thoreau, he lived in spartan conditions in his van while
attending graduate school debt free. Nonfiction, Memoir.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Paranormal Sightings Fall 2019
Whether you are thrilled to return to the classroom (or not), we have some fun programs and movies planned to amuse and astound you this Fall. Are you ready for Fall? We are! Please join us this October/November for the mysterious and mystifying as we investigate the paranormal through a series of programs and movies. Make a Day of the Dead mask, learn tea leaf reading, discover New England witchcraft tales (other than Salem), find out the real story behind the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or have your mind read. Most programs are scheduled for a Thursday evening but we are also trying out hosting programs on Friday and Saturday evenings. No mystery about it - we really hope you will enjoy our roster of thrills and chills!
New England Witchcraft Tales with Roxie Zwicker
Join Roxie Zwicker from New England Curiosities - for a most curious evening! Do you know the tales of New England witches outside of Salem, Massachusetts? Roxie will include witchcraft stories from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and Maine for tales that you may not be familiar with - and some that pre-date the Salem witch hysteria.
The presentation will highlight the evolution of customs and superstitions relating to witchcraft throughout New England. Learn about New England place names that relate to old witchcraft tales. You may find yourself checking underneath the front doorstep, in your chimney, or in the backyard for remnants of these stories.
Legends of Sleepy Hollow with Christopher Rondina
It’s been two-hundred-years since Washington Irving dreamed-up the ‘Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow’, the most iconic ghost in American folklore – but was the famous specter truly just a figment of the author’s imagination, or is there more to the legend?
Join Christopher Rondina, writer and ghost-chaser, for an evening of literary adventure and haunting mystery as we explore the true beginnings of America’s favorite ghost story and unmask the long-lost identity of the phantom horseman himself!
There are two sessions of this workshop as follows:
Brainstorming is an interactive stage mind-reading show. Minds are read, spoons are bent, volunteers test their own "powers", and, if appropriate, the evening concludes with a re-creation of the kind of manifestation you might have witnessed in a séance chamber over a century ago! While the show is "TV clean", it is more suitable for teens and adults than for children..
A life-long interest in all things psychic and paranormal led Rory to pursue a career as a mentalist and mindbender. His goal is to reproduce the kind of effects parapsychologists have been researching for years. What is a mentalist? A mentalist is a theatrical mind-reader; a performer who, using a variety of techniques, is able to produce results that would only seem possible by psychic or paranormal means.
Reading tea leaves is a fascinating form of divination, which some refer to as a “lost art.” It has been found in cultures all around the world. Roxie has been reading tea leaves for over 25 years. She will customize a blend of organic, herbal tea to suit your needs and situation and the magic of your own tea leaf reading will begin! Roxie will go over the history, lore and methods of tea leaf reading in this presentation.
New England Witchcraft Tales with Roxie Zwicker
Join Roxie Zwicker from New England Curiosities - for a most curious evening! Do you know the tales of New England witches outside of Salem, Massachusetts? Roxie will include witchcraft stories from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and Maine for tales that you may not be familiar with - and some that pre-date the Salem witch hysteria.
The presentation will highlight the evolution of customs and superstitions relating to witchcraft throughout New England. Learn about New England place names that relate to old witchcraft tales. You may find yourself checking underneath the front doorstep, in your chimney, or in the backyard for remnants of these stories.
Legends of Sleepy Hollow with Christopher Rondina
Rescheduled to: Friday, October 18,
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Join Christopher Rondina, writer and ghost-chaser, for an evening of literary adventure and haunting mystery as we explore the true beginnings of America’s favorite ghost story and unmask the long-lost identity of the phantom horseman himself!
Paint a Day of the Dead Skull Mask with Mandy Roberge
Wednesday, October 30, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Paint and decorate a festive DÃa de los Muertos style skull mask.
Workshop led by artist Mandy Roberge.
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM for ages 7 to 10
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for ages 11 to 18
Space is limited. Register at the Reference desk.
Brainstorming: An Act of Mentalism with Rory Raven
Saturday, November 2, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Brainstorming is an interactive stage mind-reading show. Minds are read, spoons are bent, volunteers test their own "powers", and, if appropriate, the evening concludes with a re-creation of the kind of manifestation you might have witnessed in a séance chamber over a century ago! While the show is "TV clean", it is more suitable for teens and adults than for children..A life-long interest in all things psychic and paranormal led Rory to pursue a career as a mentalist and mindbender. His goal is to reproduce the kind of effects parapsychologists have been researching for years. What is a mentalist? A mentalist is a theatrical mind-reader; a performer who, using a variety of techniques, is able to produce results that would only seem possible by psychic or paranormal means.
Learn Tea Leaf Reading with Roxie Zwicker
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Reading tea leaves is a fascinating form of divination, which some refer to as a “lost art.” It has been found in cultures all around the world. Roxie has been reading tea leaves for over 25 years. She will customize a blend of organic, herbal tea to suit your needs and situation and the magic of your own tea leaf reading will begin! Roxie will go over the history, lore and methods of tea leaf reading in this presentation.
Scary Movie Schedule:
Thursday, October 10, 6:30 PM to 7:55 PM
Lights Out, Rated PG-13.
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Rebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother's experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with a supernatural spirit attached to their mother. Directed by: David F. Sandberg. Stars: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello.
Friday, October 11, 2:00 PM to 3:40 PM
Hocus Pocus, Rated PG.
Comedy, Family, Fantasy
A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
Directed by: Kenny Ortega.
Stars: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy.
Thursday, October 17, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
The Final Girls, Rated PG-13.
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s, finds herself pulled into the world of her mom's most famous movie. Reunited, the women must fight off the film's maniacal killer.
Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson.
Stars: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Adam Devine.
Thursday, October 24, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Happy Death Day, Rated PG-13.
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity.
Directed by: Christopher Landon.
Stars: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine.
Thursday, October 31, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
The Craft, Rated R.
Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft, and they all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them.
Directed by: Andrew Fleming.
Stars: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell.
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