Most of these are 2017 publications, but I included books from the past 18 months. So in no particular order:
Showing posts with label book lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book lists. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Top 10 Best Reads of 2017
2017 was a good read year for me and there are certainly those books that really stood out from the rest. Here's my top 10 list for young adults, both fiction and non-fiction (although I could put more, I'll refrain...so hard to do!)
Most of these are 2017 publications, but I included books from the past 18 months. So in no particular order:
Most of these are 2017 publications, but I included books from the past 18 months. So in no particular order:
Friday, March 24, 2017
Diversity in YA literature Poster
Excellent books that feature diversity from various genres that feature different diversity in today's society. Here is the link to download the pdf
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Connecting the Real World with YA Books
Nothing says "I want to read that" more than making connections between teens and books. It's kind of like buy-in....you have to put something they can relate to into a booktalk to make that connection. And when that happens, you better stand back and let the stampede begin!
When I booktalk I always try to make sure there's a personal connection to the book that's interesting or even anecdotal. And you can do this many ways...through a picture, a video, a story, interesting facts...anything.
So here are some books I've booktalked and how I tried to connect them to teens:
The Season of You and Me by Robin Constantine. I LOVED that this novel had a main character who was handicapped...you don't see that much in YA lit.
Connector: mention the movie Me Before You...enough said.
The Women in the Walls by Amy Luakvics. You can't have an October booktalk without having a book about a creepy house, can you?
Connector: Ever dangled your foot beside your bed at night? Especially after watching a horror movie?
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen: slaves, soldiers, and ceasars. Mix them up and put them in a fantasy Roman Empire, and you have got their attention.
Connector: Let them show off their knowledge by asking them who the most famous Ceasar was of all time. Then mention a salad was named after him followed by the true story of the ceasar salad. Corny joke, but that's how I roll
Book trailer
The Novice by Taran Matharu: An orphan at birth, the main character has more power than he knows what to do with, until he meets up with some very interesting characters.
Connector: What exactly are Pokemon? No, they aren't cute card characters, they are deadly WEAPONS! (this plays nicely into the "demons" the characters can manipulate)
Book trailer
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas: small town and one horrible murder leads to eyewitnesses who aren't sure if they saw what they did or were persuaded to see what they did...
Connector: Give them the history of unsolved murders like the Black Dahlia (but not too much detail).
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco: nothing gets creepier than Japanese folktales come to life. Especially if they seek revenge in the most ghoulish of ways.
Connector: Because I'm half-Asian, I tell them some folktales my mother told me and my sisters like the Peach Boy. And I also ask them if they've ever seen The Ring or The Grudge...
Book trailer
Everything Everything: over ten year never stepping outside, never having friends, never falling in love. Well, that's what happens to the main character until a family moves in next door.
Connector: Ask people who do NOT have allergies to raise their hands. Then ask those who do and ask if anyone has an unusual allergy
Book trailer
With Malice by Eileen Cook: two best friends on a tour of Italy (and not the Olive Garden variety) end up in a car crash. One died, one survived but can't remember because of a concussion. Then the Italian police arrive to extradite her for murder.
Connector: tell them the story about Amanda Knox. Make sure they know this is a true story.
A Storm Too Strong by Michael. Tougias: Talk about the ride of a lifetime. Who wouldn't want to ride 80 foot waves in winds over 60 miles an hour on a rubber life raft in the middle of the night? Now multiply that by 100 and you have Hurricane Andrea meets Survivors
Connector: I start this one out by saying this is a story about two men who have witnessed and seen something no other man has lived to tell about. Then I show them what real waves look like via Youtube because the kids are a bunch of landlubber North Texans and don't understand life by the sea.
Show this video first Show this video second (just first 10 secs)
Amazing Fantastic Incredible by Stan Lee: this is by far the most colorful (literally and figuratively) memoir I've read in a long long time. A comic book memoir by the king of all comic book characters!
Connector: do you really have to ask? The cover itself is enough to catch their attention...or at least the attention of comic book and Marvel fans! Comic books aren't just for nerds, and regardless, we will embrace our nerdiness anyway :)
book trailer
film clips of Stan in Marvel movies (start at 12:48)
When I booktalk I always try to make sure there's a personal connection to the book that's interesting or even anecdotal. And you can do this many ways...through a picture, a video, a story, interesting facts...anything.
So here are some books I've booktalked and how I tried to connect them to teens:
Connector: mention the movie Me Before You...enough said.
Connector: Ever dangled your foot beside your bed at night? Especially after watching a horror movie?
Connector: Let them show off their knowledge by asking them who the most famous Ceasar was of all time. Then mention a salad was named after him followed by the true story of the ceasar salad. Corny joke, but that's how I roll
Book trailer
Connector: What exactly are Pokemon? No, they aren't cute card characters, they are deadly WEAPONS! (this plays nicely into the "demons" the characters can manipulate)
Book trailer
Connector: Give them the history of unsolved murders like the Black Dahlia (but not too much detail).
Connector: Because I'm half-Asian, I tell them some folktales my mother told me and my sisters like the Peach Boy. And I also ask them if they've ever seen The Ring or The Grudge...
Book trailer
Connector: Ask people who do NOT have allergies to raise their hands. Then ask those who do and ask if anyone has an unusual allergy
Book trailer
Connector: tell them the story about Amanda Knox. Make sure they know this is a true story.
Connector: I start this one out by saying this is a story about two men who have witnessed and seen something no other man has lived to tell about. Then I show them what real waves look like via Youtube because the kids are a bunch of landlubber North Texans and don't understand life by the sea.
Show this video first Show this video second (just first 10 secs)
Connector: do you really have to ask? The cover itself is enough to catch their attention...or at least the attention of comic book and Marvel fans! Comic books aren't just for nerds, and regardless, we will embrace our nerdiness anyway :)
book trailer
film clips of Stan in Marvel movies (start at 12:48)
Friday, September 30, 2016
Come Out Come Out Wherever Your Are - YA Reads to Thrill and Chill
August and September went by in a blur! What I thought was the beginning of another school year has turned into fall, meaning Halloween (coincidentally, also birthday) is around the corner! With that said, it's time to find some some fiendishly scary YA reads to display!
For me, horror fiction for young adults seemed to wane in a time where werewolves and vampires were having illicit romantic affairs. But it began to rear its scary head in recent years, and there have been some AWESOME horror novels for teens published in the last few years.
A frequently asked question, is what is the definition of YA horror? And to me, it's anything terrifying that happens to you in real life or on a paranormal level. Of course, this opens the playing field to a LOT of perspectives, so this list of 10 definitely is more paranormal heavy. But I couldn't help putting in two terrifying novels that are VERY reminiscent of horror in the real world.
** watch only if you dare...movie trailers may not be suitable to all audiences
There are in no particular order....
When you're covered with tattoos to protect you from evil, then encounter a huge flock of crows chasing you, you know something is about to happen. But it's when you show up at a cornfield knowing something evil lurks between the stalks...yes, it's that creepy!
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Children of the Corn
Nothing screams horror more than an axe murder. And that's what you'll find between the covers of this great non-fiction book. Narrative style writing makes this read easy, and the pictures, eyewitness testimonies and life for Lizzie Borden will draw readers to the end.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Halloween
This is horror...when the characters of this book are abducted and put into an underground bunker with no way to escape, the psychological thrillfest for the sociopath that kidnaps them begins.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Saw
Entering a contest is easy, but living through it is a different matter altogether. This is what happens when the teen winners of a contest by horror movie director goes from awesome to creepy. Facing your fears is one thing, living to tell them is quite another...
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Final Destination
Okiku crawls out of the well, her black hair dangling in front of her deathly face. The next thing you know, she is hanging from the ceiling looking at the man who just committed murder. Then the lights go out and the terror begins...steeped in Japanese ghosts and Shinto exorcisms, this book will make you scream with pleasure.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: The Ring
Jen and her father have just moved into Harmony House, home to several violent episodes, including the death of children. People in the small town seem to know what's going on, but Jen doesn't and the voices become more real with each day she lives and survives....
Horror movie pair: House on Haunted Hill
Evil is on the hunt for those strange and peculiar people who hide from him. But it's what happens when the hiding place is revealed. It's up to Jacob to keep these peculiar, and sometimes dangerous, children alive, if possible. The old pictures alone are sure to touch a nerve and fill it with dread.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: I actually couldn't think of one for this because it's just so different and...peculiar (bwaaa-haa-haaa) Here's the movie trailer
Two young women are trying to run to safety in a world filled with sharp knives. The one thing they can't shake off is the fact they see the dead all around them. Not only do they see them, but the dead won't leave them alone....ever...Are they here to help or hinder?
Horror movie The Sixth Sense
The entire premise of this book is to take something sweet and turn it into something dark and horrible, and these writers hit the mark! Think you know Alice in Wonderland? How about Sleepless in Seattle? Think again....
Horror movie pair: The Birds or Psycho
Going down a detour is irritating as best. But going down one in the middle of the woods can cause a little different mood, unless you're narcissistic and on a cell phone. But when the main character wakes up from an accident and finds herself in a basement, you know something bad is about to happen...
Horror movie pair: Misery
Beautiful house, never for sale. It's been handed down through generations of a family, and it's special. But a lot of sadness has occurred within the walls of this house. Mom died, the aunt disappeared....but perhaps you can hear the scratching on the inside of the walls and the cry to let them out? CREEP FACTOR times TEN!
Horror movie pair: The Conjuring
For me, horror fiction for young adults seemed to wane in a time where werewolves and vampires were having illicit romantic affairs. But it began to rear its scary head in recent years, and there have been some AWESOME horror novels for teens published in the last few years.
A frequently asked question, is what is the definition of YA horror? And to me, it's anything terrifying that happens to you in real life or on a paranormal level. Of course, this opens the playing field to a LOT of perspectives, so this list of 10 definitely is more paranormal heavy. But I couldn't help putting in two terrifying novels that are VERY reminiscent of horror in the real world.
** watch only if you dare...movie trailers may not be suitable to all audiences
There are in no particular order....
When you're covered with tattoos to protect you from evil, then encounter a huge flock of crows chasing you, you know something is about to happen. But it's when you show up at a cornfield knowing something evil lurks between the stalks...yes, it's that creepy!
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Children of the Corn
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Halloween
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Saw
book trailer
Horror movie pair: Final Destination
Okiku crawls out of the well, her black hair dangling in front of her deathly face. The next thing you know, she is hanging from the ceiling looking at the man who just committed murder. Then the lights go out and the terror begins...steeped in Japanese ghosts and Shinto exorcisms, this book will make you scream with pleasure.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: The Ring
Jen and her father have just moved into Harmony House, home to several violent episodes, including the death of children. People in the small town seem to know what's going on, but Jen doesn't and the voices become more real with each day she lives and survives....
Horror movie pair: House on Haunted Hill
Evil is on the hunt for those strange and peculiar people who hide from him. But it's what happens when the hiding place is revealed. It's up to Jacob to keep these peculiar, and sometimes dangerous, children alive, if possible. The old pictures alone are sure to touch a nerve and fill it with dread.
book trailer
Horror movie pair: I actually couldn't think of one for this because it's just so different and...peculiar (bwaaa-haa-haaa) Here's the movie trailer
Two young women are trying to run to safety in a world filled with sharp knives. The one thing they can't shake off is the fact they see the dead all around them. Not only do they see them, but the dead won't leave them alone....ever...Are they here to help or hinder?
Horror movie The Sixth Sense
The entire premise of this book is to take something sweet and turn it into something dark and horrible, and these writers hit the mark! Think you know Alice in Wonderland? How about Sleepless in Seattle? Think again....
Horror movie pair: The Birds or Psycho
Going down a detour is irritating as best. But going down one in the middle of the woods can cause a little different mood, unless you're narcissistic and on a cell phone. But when the main character wakes up from an accident and finds herself in a basement, you know something bad is about to happen...
Horror movie pair: Misery
Beautiful house, never for sale. It's been handed down through generations of a family, and it's special. But a lot of sadness has occurred within the walls of this house. Mom died, the aunt disappeared....but perhaps you can hear the scratching on the inside of the walls and the cry to let them out? CREEP FACTOR times TEN!
Horror movie pair: The Conjuring
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Ten YA Novels That Don't Follow The Rules (with a bonus of four more titles!
Of all of the books I've read, there are just some that stand out from the pack. They're what I call renegades, rebels, and non-conformists. Once I started reading these bad books, I was HOOKED. But don't think they aren't workhorses either. In today's educational world, students who can interpret and understand a variety of texts are the pros. It's not so much about the written word, but also how you can "read" different formats.
So here's a list of naughty but very nicely written YA novels that don't follow the rules:
1. Illuminae by Amy Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. 2015
Like the cover says, this is a compendium of files from charts, to layouts of space ships, government documents to personal texts, decoded voice and video files. Don't let the thickness daunt the reader, it's a FAST read with an excellent plot and conflict!!
2. YOLO Juliet by William Shakespeare and Brett Wright. 2015
When a generation comes up with their own langauge, why not write a novel with it? Better yet, why not only write a novel, but let is be a translation of one of the greatest works of all time!! It may help to have background knowledge, but even if you don't, it's definitely a FUN read!
3. TTYL, YOLO (Internet Girls series) by Lauren Myracle 2004-2015
Before emoticons, there were acronyms, and the beginning of some very interesting ones too. The list keeps growing, just like this series that is all about friendship, text, and three girls from junior high to college. Keep in mind (always!) - you can't read emotions in text...until emojis were born!
4. Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose by Gillian Cain and Legs McNeil. 2014
First-person perspective of a young girl whose life goes from okay to bad to downright sad. In non-fiction diary format, you will experience her pain, her joys, and her frustrations all the way until the last day she writes. But what captures the reader's heart is her self-portraits. Wide-eyed innocence or a look of being overwhelmed? Wow....powerful
5. Non-fiction Graphic Novels ( My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf) 2012
Graphic novels, a cousin of the comic book, brought non-fiction to a whole 'nother level. While teens may say there's nothing as boring as a non-fiction book (they should try narrative non-fiction!) this is THE antidote to boring. Pictures fill the pages along with the short storyline. Little do teens know interpreting graphic novels is all about reading waaaaay deeper than a regular novel. Gotcha!!
6. Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony. 2012
This is definitely not your average graphic novel, although it is considered one. First of all, there are no drawings. This is more like a scrap book filled with pictures, notes and a storyline all about elicit love and music. Difficult to read? No. Emotionally fulfilling?ABSOLUTELY!
7. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 2012
It doesn't matter how old you are, there will always be something comforting about reading a picture book. Until you read this one with some really crazy scary pictures in it! The storyline is impeccable and how the author weaves his story with these eerie images is a thrillfest. Love at first sight...or read...
8. The Notebook Girls by Julia Baskin. 2006
Who hasn't ever wanted to pick up someone's diary and read all about their lives? What you get with this novel is called a two-fer. The first is that first forbidden look into one of three girls' notebooks. The second is that this isn't a made-up story but a real one. Talk about living vicariously through characters in a book! 10 years later, visiting NYC, I couldn't HELP but think about this book and the teens who live there!
9. Post Secret by Frank Warren. 2005
Sometimes, all it takes is a small snippet to either suck the air out of the room or make you sigh with happiness. The premise is brilliant - share a secret with complete anonymity. There are more books in the series, and you'll want to read them after tasting the first one full of real-life and real people.
10. Monster by Walter Dean Myers 1999
When you're sitting behind bars, waiting to see what happens next, your mind can whirl with all kinds of thoughts. So why not create an alternate ending to life in the form of a movie? Myers nailed it in this fiction book and I contend that is why this is still such a favorite. Myers actually gets kids to read a movie script of an excellent YA story through a classic format not much widely read by young adults.
Other titles that dare to be different:
Juvenile in Justice by Richard Ross 2012
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates 2009
Twice Told: Original Stories Inspired by Original Art Work by Scott Hunt 2006
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 1999
So here's a list of naughty but very nicely written YA novels that don't follow the rules:
Like the cover says, this is a compendium of files from charts, to layouts of space ships, government documents to personal texts, decoded voice and video files. Don't let the thickness daunt the reader, it's a FAST read with an excellent plot and conflict!!
2. YOLO Juliet by William Shakespeare and Brett Wright. 2015
When a generation comes up with their own langauge, why not write a novel with it? Better yet, why not only write a novel, but let is be a translation of one of the greatest works of all time!! It may help to have background knowledge, but even if you don't, it's definitely a FUN read!
3. TTYL, YOLO (Internet Girls series) by Lauren Myracle 2004-2015
Before emoticons, there were acronyms, and the beginning of some very interesting ones too. The list keeps growing, just like this series that is all about friendship, text, and three girls from junior high to college. Keep in mind (always!) - you can't read emotions in text...until emojis were born!
4. Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose by Gillian Cain and Legs McNeil. 2014
First-person perspective of a young girl whose life goes from okay to bad to downright sad. In non-fiction diary format, you will experience her pain, her joys, and her frustrations all the way until the last day she writes. But what captures the reader's heart is her self-portraits. Wide-eyed innocence or a look of being overwhelmed? Wow....powerful
5. Non-fiction Graphic Novels ( My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf) 2012
Graphic novels, a cousin of the comic book, brought non-fiction to a whole 'nother level. While teens may say there's nothing as boring as a non-fiction book (they should try narrative non-fiction!) this is THE antidote to boring. Pictures fill the pages along with the short storyline. Little do teens know interpreting graphic novels is all about reading waaaaay deeper than a regular novel. Gotcha!!
6. Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony. 2012
This is definitely not your average graphic novel, although it is considered one. First of all, there are no drawings. This is more like a scrap book filled with pictures, notes and a storyline all about elicit love and music. Difficult to read? No. Emotionally fulfilling?ABSOLUTELY!
7. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 2012
It doesn't matter how old you are, there will always be something comforting about reading a picture book. Until you read this one with some really crazy scary pictures in it! The storyline is impeccable and how the author weaves his story with these eerie images is a thrillfest. Love at first sight...or read...
8. The Notebook Girls by Julia Baskin. 2006
Who hasn't ever wanted to pick up someone's diary and read all about their lives? What you get with this novel is called a two-fer. The first is that first forbidden look into one of three girls' notebooks. The second is that this isn't a made-up story but a real one. Talk about living vicariously through characters in a book! 10 years later, visiting NYC, I couldn't HELP but think about this book and the teens who live there!
9. Post Secret by Frank Warren. 2005
Sometimes, all it takes is a small snippet to either suck the air out of the room or make you sigh with happiness. The premise is brilliant - share a secret with complete anonymity. There are more books in the series, and you'll want to read them after tasting the first one full of real-life and real people.
10. Monster by Walter Dean Myers 1999
When you're sitting behind bars, waiting to see what happens next, your mind can whirl with all kinds of thoughts. So why not create an alternate ending to life in the form of a movie? Myers nailed it in this fiction book and I contend that is why this is still such a favorite. Myers actually gets kids to read a movie script of an excellent YA story through a classic format not much widely read by young adults.
Other titles that dare to be different:
Juvenile in Justice by Richard Ross 2012
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates 2009
Twice Told: Original Stories Inspired by Original Art Work by Scott Hunt 2006
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 1999
Thursday, March 3, 2016
75+ STEM Inspired Young Adult Books in 9 Categories
Recently, there had been a discussion about STEM/STEAM related YA books, which prompted this blog post. I chose the categories first and then searched for books I've read as well as some I haven't and categorized them to what I thought the book best suited. Some of them, of course, could possibly go into more than one category but alas! I had to choose but one. And interestingly enough, I didn't know I had read so many science related books! This was especially surprising as science isn't my forte at all! So here's a link to the Mindomo infographic I created. If you use the arrows at the bottom, it'll zoom into each one better :) https://www.mindomo.com/mindmap/a8f462216179467b97e02f857f50c749
If you know of any others I may have missed (or even categories) please comment and share with everyone because I'm SURE I've missed something STEM-MY
Thursday, February 25, 2016
The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller
On August 4, 1892, Lizzie Borden was having a typical morning. She got out her handkerchiefs to iron, and went out the the barn to find some fishing leads for her pole. But when she got back, chaos reigned...
Her father and step-mother had been brutally murdered, their faces hacked to pieces.
She was only gone 10-15 minutes. How could this have happened? Right away the police were called and the investigation into one of the most famous murders began to proceed. But what makes this murder and subsequent trial one of the most (in)famous trials in American history is the big whodunit?
At the time, it was HIGHLY irregular for a woman, especially a woman of society and wealth, to be put on trial for something as heinous as murder by an axe, but all evidence pointed to poor Lizzie. She was under house arrest, then taken to jail for months until the trial began in Fall River, Massachusetts. Who did it? Was it truly Lizzie or someone else? Will the real murdered be captured for the town could rest easy or not?
I absolutely LOVE narrative non-fiction, and Sarah Miller doesn't disappoint with her book. Not only does the reader feel like they're reading a novel, but she also leaves an air of mystery throughout, nudging the reader to the end to see if anything happened, new evidence was found, and who was ultimately responsible for the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Borden. Miller provides the reader with historical excerpts from newspapers and trial transcripts as well as eyewitness testimony from not only the day the murder happened, but all the interaction that happened between Lizzie Borden and themselves. Miller takes one of America's most intriguing events and creates a big picture that at the same time dispels rumors most people think from then until today. This is an excellent collection to any collection. Recommended JH/HS.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
My List of Top Ten YA Books of 2015
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https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2559/4182826573_d82b2ff78a_o_d.jpg |
What struck me about this book is the powerful theme it contains. Romy, the main character, faces the most intense hardships of high school - bullying, isolation, and being taken advantage of against her will. These take Romy to the brink of a breakdown but her strength, family and the few she can trust help her not only deal with what she went through, but also makes her realize her own self-worth.
When I can read in a book in one setting, I know it's a book that should be on this list. Emerson knows she has less than 48 hours to live - not due to illness, but to a meteor bearing down on the U.S. This novel shows how not only what happens to her, but others who decide to live the rest of their lives by fulfilling lifelong dreams, falling in love, and granting forgiveness. What grabbed me are the different threads of lives Schroeder writes about that begin to interweave in unusual ways leading to a beautiful ending.
This is one of those books that people either loved or not and that's why it made my list. Brooks' novel evokes powerful emotions from readers and what ultimately happens to the group of people who are victims of circumstance in this superbly suspenseful book. Another reason why I put this book on the list is that the ending is so climactic and unexpected, most of the teens I know who've read it can't wrap their minds around the ending of it all.
Fantasy fiction has become (or still is) a popular genre, and while so many I've read recently take place in another time and world, this book doesn't. Rowell writes an urban fantasy with quirky characters and villains in today's world where wizards co-exists with Normals. VERY reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, Rowell brings back the magical fun the characters and the school creates that makes it such a refreshing read. It's all about relationships first, conflict second and the ability to combine lighthearted reading with some dark places the readers get to explore.
Brown brings back into the spotlight the horrors, mistakes and redemptive circumstances that created the disaster of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. This book tells the story not only through words but the powerful images depicted on the pages, allowing those to not only read it, but truly look at what happened and allow it to resonate in them. This is one of the best graphic novels I've read not only because it brings an important event up in teens lives, but also because although it's a quick read, it stays there long after the last page is turned.
There are a few titles from O'Reilly's Killing series that have been adapted for young adults, and when there is, they become an important part of a YA collection because of the hidden history behind the event and person. This is about Hitler, but also about World War II and how his decisions led to the ultimate downfall of one of the most evil people in history. O'Reilly writes without any political motive, which makes this a book for all readers. You may not like the author, but try not to transfer bias to a great YA non-fiction book.
Follow five teens as they enter high school and begin their four year tour. Any teen will be able to find a character to identify with, whether it be the most popular girl in school or the geekiest kid to enter high school. Not only do you get to see how they change physically (case in point: freshmen year class picture to senior year) but also the relationships and conflicts that begin to create the person they are. Its' definitely a St. Elmo's Fire meets The Breakfast Club kind of book you'll fall into.
It's not the flashy Marvel or DC graphic novel, but it's definitely a contender in attracting readers' attention through the clever use of dialogue and character. Stevenson creates a meld of genres in this book. She mixes a little fantasy with a bit of science fiction and adds a touch of historical fiction to create a fabulous graphic novel about friendships and enemies that holds a deeper meaning in what it means to be a true confidante and mentor. I chuckled all the way through this book through Stevenson's dry and witty humor between the characters, especially Nimona and her unique talents.
There have been books that have made me shed a tear or two because of it's emotional impact, but this one jerked them right out of me because of its plot of love and loss. Blending difficult days spent behind bars with a love story with the beauty of adoption and foster care, Schmidt creates a character that has the weight of the world on his shoulders as well as the promise of new beginnings. This isn't a book with lots of pages (in fact, it won't take hardly any time to read) but it makes up for it through the large emotional reach it'll have once the last page is turned.
This short story collection has the best YA authors that have written stories that are truly from the dark side. This is horror at its best because it comes in small or large doses, depending on how much the reader can handle. This isn't for those who get nightmares from reading YA horror and supernatural, but will definitely delight those who enjoy walking on the side tainted by dark evil and revenge.
And one to grow on....
This is a slice of science fiction that takes place completely in outer space. There aren't a hundred characters, planets and ships to keep track of. One plot, one (or two) huge conflicts, and two main characters makes this book readable and enjoyable for those who can't manage to keep track of too much. The authors write the story through transcripts, text messages, secret documents and file and this is what makes it a standout. While reading this, I saw it as a movie in my mind...excellent sign of a great YA read!!
Now, bring on 2016!!!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Best of 2015 - Booklists for Young Adults
Others are quite different in that they're created by users and readers. They aren't part of a committee and are part of a voting poll or survey to see what they feel is the best of 2015.
Regardless of type of booklist, they're out! It's also interesting to see how many of the same titles can be found on each list. So how many of them have you read? :)
Here's a list with link of many of those booklists:
Morris Award Finalists (debut YA authors)
YALSA's Best of the Best Top Ten lists (from six different lists)
Texas Library Association TAYSHAS list (best YA books 2016 list)
Texas Library Association Maverick list (best YA graphic novels 2016 list)
National Book Award Lists (excellence in YA poetry, fiction and non-fiction)
Publishers Weekly Best YA Books of 2015
School Library Journal YA Best Books of 2015
Goodreads Best YA Fiction (based on readers' votes)
Goodreads Best YA Fantasy and Science Fiction (based on readers' votes)
The Telegraph's Best YA Books of 2015
Amazon's Best Books of the Year (So Far 2015)
Monday, June 23, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
It's all about Divergent!!
So, March 22nd is the big date, and nearly EVERYONE is thrilled about seeing the movie. In the library I can't keep up with how many copies are out or on hold or even missing! I'm just crossing my fingers that this isn't a sleeper, but a HUGE success!
And I'm getting swept along with the tide of excitement! Recently on a listserv, I was following a strand about an idea a wonderful librarian named Amanda K started. She's making a display revolving around the four factions and needed titles. Of course I contributed to the conversation, but my wheels began to turn about how I could fashion my March bulletin board display to this as well....
My library assistant and I started knocking heads on this one. She found a PERFECT poster from EpicReads ( http://epicreads.tumblr.com/post/66974564610/25-books-to-try-if-you-loved-divergent ) that gave her ideas for displays on the shelves.
I found a wiki with PLENTY of information, including the faction graphics we can freehand (or rather a gifted student with art skills, since I suck at drawing! Thank goodness there's a thing called an Elmo!) http://divergent.wikia.com/wiki/Divergent_Wiki
Then I came up with a list of books for each faction. It was a dauntless task, filled with abnegation to share with the erudites of the world who need a little more amity in their lives. (yeah, yeah...couldn't help myself) So here's what I'm using:
Candor (definition:honesty)
To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones
Harmless by Dana Reinhardt
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
And I'm getting swept along with the tide of excitement! Recently on a listserv, I was following a strand about an idea a wonderful librarian named Amanda K started. She's making a display revolving around the four factions and needed titles. Of course I contributed to the conversation, but my wheels began to turn about how I could fashion my March bulletin board display to this as well....
My library assistant and I started knocking heads on this one. She found a PERFECT poster from EpicReads ( http://epicreads.tumblr.com/post/66974564610/25-books-to-try-if-you-loved-divergent ) that gave her ideas for displays on the shelves.
I found a wiki with PLENTY of information, including the faction graphics we can freehand (or rather a gifted student with art skills, since I suck at drawing! Thank goodness there's a thing called an Elmo!) http://divergent.wikia.com/wiki/Divergent_Wiki
Then I came up with a list of books for each faction. It was a dauntless task, filled with abnegation to share with the erudites of the world who need a little more amity in their lives. (yeah, yeah...couldn't help myself) So here's what I'm using:
Abnegation (definition: selflessness)
Beastly by Alex Flinn
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Hideous Love by Stephanie Hemphill
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Contaminated by Em Garner
Erudite (definition: great knowledge or learning)
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Accomplice by Eireann Corrigan
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Test by William Sleator
Cheater by Michael Laser
Amity (definition: friends; friendly relationship)
Boy 21 by Matthew Quick
Roomies by Sara Zarr
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Fransisco X. Stork
Hothouse by Chris Lynch
Dauntless (definition: fearlessness, determination)
The Warriors Heart: Becoming a Man of Passion and Courage by
Eric Grietens
Courage Has No Color: the true story of the Triple Nickels:
America’s First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone
The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Fearless by Cornelia Funke
The Odyssey by Homer
Candor (definition:honesty)
To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones
Harmless by Dana Reinhardt
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
A little of everything from fantasy to non-fiction; romance to real life reads, even new vocabulary words! So can you use this? PLEASE DO! Let's all make the world a little more Divergent, shall we?
Friday, September 6, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
YA Summer Reads (by genre)
Ahhhh, the smell of sunscreen, the sting of mosquites, the taste of barbeque, the sound of lapping water...I think it's summertime! Here's a list for young adults about summer, water, islands and a few more things we think about when it's summertime:
GREAT READS FOR GIRLS
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (2010, Simon &
Schuster)
Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen (2009, Viking)
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott (2008, Harper)
They Came from Below by Blake Nelson (2007, Tor)
Stay by Deb Caletti
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor (2009,
Disney/Hyperion)
The Complete History of Why I Hate Her (2010, Atheneum)
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (2011, Scholastic)
REAL-LIFE READS
I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena (2010, Delacorte)
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (2012, Simon &
Schuster)
Try Not To Breathe by Jennifer Hubbard (2012, Viking)
Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd (2009, Dial Books)
Where Things Come Back by John Whaley (2011, Atheneum)
Rush for the Gold by John Feinstein (2012, Alfred A. Knopf)
The Raft by S.A. Bodeen (2012, Fiewel and Friends)
MYSTERY
The Night My Sister Went Missing by Carol Plum-Ucci (2006,
Harcourt)
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
(2008, Atheneum)
Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks (2008, Scholastic)
The Morgue and Me by John Ford (2009, Viking)
The Turning by Francine Prose (2012, HarperTeen)
DYSTOPIA
Ship Breaker by Paulo Bacigalupi (2010, Little Brown)
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher (2011, Sourcebook Fire)
NOVELS IN VERSE
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham (2007, Candlewick Press)
Formerly Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham (2013, Candlewick Press)
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham (2007, Candlewick Press)
Formerly Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham (2013, Candlewick Press)
HISTORICAL FICTION
A Summer of Kings by Han Nolan (2006, Harcourt)
The Vestpertine by Saundra Mitchell (2011, Harcourt)
The Vestpertine by Saundra Mitchell (2011, Harcourt)
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd (2013, Balzer+Bray)
BOOKS FOR THE BOYS (and girls)
Before You Go by James Preller (2012, Fiewel and Friends)
The Beet Fields by Gary Paulsen (2000, Delacorte Press)
Surface Tension by Brent Runyon (2009, Alfred A. Knopf)
SUPERNATURAL
Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor (2009, Fiewel and Friends)
Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore (2011, Delacorte)
The Diviners by Libba Bray
FANTASY
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (2010, Katherine Tegen)
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