Jillicious Healthy Bites: Guinness World Records!

In every school library I have ever worked, the Guinness World Records books have been one of - if not THE! - most popular books in the library.  These colorful collections of record breaking achievements have delighted readers for decades. 

According to their website, "Guinness World Records aims to inspire ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things." The books strive to entertain, inform, and celebrate the world’s best.  And that is exactly what they do!  Who can resist facts about the fastest, the largest, the smallest, the tallest, and the absolute wackiest??  

So, why am I writing about these books?  Because kids love them and every library servicing kids should have them!  These books, like other factual and almanac style books, are enjoyed by a wide range of readers, including both the reluctant and the advanced.  They are meant to be "dipped into", not read cover to cover (although that 's fine too!).  This inviting format is not intimidating and allows students to read the facts and sections of which they have the most interest.... and then to share them with everyone around them!  :)

The Guinness World Records books in my library have become a joke between my library assistants and myself.  They drive my hardworking ladies crazy, because the books are constantly falling apart and in need of repair due to their high circulation.  But I say, it's worth it!  

So, librarians: I encourage you to purchase copies of the latest GWR edition for your library every year.  Even if they disappear, fall apart, and/or need constant repair.  If you have a Scholastic Book Fair, use your points to acquire multiple copies of the latest version.  Or, pick up a few extra copies at Costco each year as a personal donation to the library.  :)  The enjoyment they provide your readers is worth the investment. 

And, teachers & parents:  Please don't discount these selections as not qualifying as "real reading."  Any reading is "real reading," and a kid's choices should be respected and allowed.  Of course, they are times for novel studies, reading requirements, and literary analysis.  But, like adult readers, students want to have some fun along their reading journey.  So bring on the Guinness World Records!  The comics!  The graphic novels! .. and the fluffy, dishy "beach reads!"  If it helps build a lifelong reading habit, it is worth it.  :)    

Library Opening in Midland!

I went to Midland (my hometown) for the opening of a new library branch a few weeks ago.  What a special weekend! 

John Trischitti ("Mr. T"), the Library Director, led the project to build a new branch for Midland County.  The library opened to a large, excited crowd on the morning of April 13.  The event was headlined by (my fellow Midland Lee High School graduates!)  First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush and General Tommy Franks.  After opening remarks from these distinguished guests, the doors were opened and the people flooded in!    

The First Lady of Libraries :)  Mr. T smiling proudly!

The Centennial Library is an engaging space for patrons of all ages.  The design is modern and offers cutting edge technology.  Ceiling-installed data projectors splash videos onto the walkway floors that delight young and old.  The library's smallest patrons can be seen eagerly chasing the butterflies through the images.  :)  The walkway is lined with large, live trees that give the space a unique, tree house feel.

The children's area - which General Franks calls "the kiddie section" ;) - is vibrant and interactive.  The kids flock to it ... an immediate sign that it completely succeeds in reaching its audience!    
 

A hot air balloon invites readers to climb in and "ride!"

Kid-friendly keyboards

A sight that makes a librarian's heart sing!

Other cool features of the library are these giant touch screen catalog search stations (like giant iPads!),

... a cozy reading room complete with comfy chairs and a fireplace,  

... self checkout stations,

... a genealogical research center, and flexible spaces to showcase traveling exhibits.  All of these features come together to create a relevant, inviting library that encourages exploration, reading, and learning by users of all ages.

After the opening, the library foundation hosted a lovely luncheon.  First Lady Laura Bush and General Franks made further remarks and thoroughly entertained the lunch guests.  My mother and I were delighted to be a part of this special event.

Kudos to Mr. T (and all who worked on this worthy project) on the library design and the opening day festivities!  It was an outstanding day for Midland, for the Midland Lee Rebels :), and for libraries.  I was truly honored to be a part of it.  If you are ever in the Midland area, definitely make a stop at the Midland County Centennial Library!  And then go to Taco Villa or Murray's for lunch.  ;)

Book Talk with Teri Lesesne

I attended Teri Lesesne's Tools of the Trade workshop at Region 10 on Thursday.  I always enjoy her presentations.  She so skillfully and succinctly pinpoints the heart of a book.  She also preaches the power of silent reading time (Amen!) and offers great ways to connect books to all parts of the curriculum.  On Thursday, she spoke about several of my favorite new books as well as some that were new to me.  I fell in love with ...

Paul Meets Bernadette  

by Rosy Lamb (Candlewick)

This charming book tells the story of Paul, a goldfish who swims around and around in his bowl desperately looking for something new.  Then, Bernadette arrives.  She shows Paul a whole new world just beyond the fish bowl and a whole new way to live. 

The  brushstrokes are distinct and bold, the word choice is exquisite, and the story is absolutely delightful.  I can't wait for this one to be published!  

Thanks for coming to Dallas, Teri.  Look forward to hearing you again soon and adding more books to my reading list!         

Return to Me

by Justina Chen

Summary:  Nothing is going as Rebecca planned.  She selected a college across the country where she could get away from her parents.  Now her father's job is taking the whole family exactly where she is going.  And, what about Jackson, her amazing boyfriend?  Everyone knows long distance relationships don't work, right?  But before she can even really decide what to do about him, her family is shaken with news that makes Rebecca question absolutely everything.  

Thoughts:  I read an interview with author Justina Chen about the inspiration for the novel and then heard her speak about it in person at a Little, Brown dinner at ALA Midwinter.  In both interview and talk, Ms. Chen eloquently described how she went through a devastating life change but she came through it, the pain and dust ultimately transforming to beautiful stardust.  She penned Return to Me to tell a story of redemption and to remind her children (and readers!) that it is possible for good to come from the bad.  

Return to Me completely succeeds.  It is a powerful story of redemption as well as first loves, expectations, disappointments, and self-discovery.  As in North of Beautiful, Ms.Chen incorporates complex characters, complicated family relationships, the power of art, and the potential to find oneself through new experiences and travels.  This time the art is in the form of architecture (a subject I love!) and the adventure takes place in Hawaii (what's not to love?). 

Read Return to Me if you ... 

• enjoyed North of Beautiful (be watching for some former characters to make a brief appearance!) 
• have an interest in architecture
•  have experienced a painful family conflict
• enjoy stories of first love 

Visit Justina Chen's blog to learn more about Return to Me and this talented author.  

The Tragedy Paper

by Elizabeth LaBan

Summary: Duncan is disappointed when his senior dorm assignment is not only the smallest room on the hall but also the former dorm of the albino loner, Tim Macbeth.  Duncan is surprised to discover that Tim left him a collection of CDs narrating the events from last year - Tim's transfer to The Irving School, his secret romance with Vanessa (the girlfriend of the most popular guy at Irving), and the one night everyone is trying so desperately to forget. 

Thoughts:  A boarding school, a senior thesis, secrets and forbidden love ... I was sold on the premise alone, and, once I began, couldn't put it down. The Tragedy Paper is a smart teen novel that tells two parallel stories.  Duncan's senior year experiences and romance are played out alongside Tim's retelling of events from the previous year.  The alternating points of view are well-crafted and add intrigue and depth to the story.  The isolated boarding school, the cold winter, and Tim's honest narration give the novel a captivating, melancholy mood, somehow feeling both contemporary and historical. Readers will stay engaged through the end wanting to know how things ultimately play out and will likely be surprised by the outcome.  The familiar subjects of teen love, heartbreak, and the need for acceptance are freshly explored in this compelling debut novel.  

Read The Tragedy Paper if you ...

• enjoy books set in boarding schools
• like books about inspiring teachers
• are a fan of John Green
• enjoyed Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why
• have ever felt like an outsider
  
• prefer your realistic young adult fiction with some depth & intrigue
• enjoy discover exciting new authors. 

Click here to read an interview with author Elizabeth LaBan by popular adult author Jennifer Weiner. 

Jillicious Snack: 2013 Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner!

I must admit I was surprised when I heard which book won this year's Texas Bluebonnet Award.  Postcards from Camp was not one I had read and didn't seem to be one of the biggest contenders.  I hate to admit that I hadn't even noticed that it was written & illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Simms Taback!  :/  

When Postcards from Camp was announced as the winning title, I finally took the time to read it.  What a clever book!  It is composed of letters exchanged between a father and son when the son is away at camp.  Michael's first time at camp does not start well.  He sends many pleas to Dad requesting to be rescued.  :)  Dad replies with humor and encouragement; as the book progresses, Michael discovers that camp has a lot to offer after all.  

Taback's distinctive artwork adds personality and whimsey to the book.  Many of the letters are folded and placed in envelopes which readers enjoy pulling out and exploring.  The letters from both father and son are hilarious.  After finally opening this book, it is easy to see its strong kid (and grown kid!) appeal and why it was this year's Texas Bluebonnet Winner. 

Unfortunately, Simms Taback passed away in 2011 and will not know of the book's love among Texas students.  The story was inspired by his daughter's first time at camp; she will surely be touched to know that her father's legacy lives on as young readers continue to connect with his special books.  Below is the video announcement of the award which includes some words from Taback's editor (if you have trouble viewing, click here to view directly from Adobe Connect.)

In my former middle school, I purchased several of the Bluebonnet titles every year but we didn't participate in voting as a school since we just had one eligible grade.  Now that I work in a library that serves students in grades 5-8, I have the chance to become more involved in Bluebonnets again. I am excited about this and plan to be much more prepared and aware next year!  :)    

ALA Midwinter!

At the end of January, I attended the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle.  ALA events are always such fun, invigorating celebrations of books and libraries.  It was an added bonus that it was located in Seattle and gave me an excuse to visit for the first time!  I completely fell in love with this beautiful city.  

Highlights of the weekend included: 

So much literary greatness in one place!

• Little Brown dinner at  Dahlia Lounge with authors Cat Patrick, Justina Chen, Sean Beaudion, and Suzanne Selfors
• Penguin dinner at Anchovies & Olives with authors Ruta Sepetys, Gayle Forman, Lisa Graff, and Gordon Dahlquist
• Macmillan, Disney Hyperion, and Boyds Mills Press preview events showcasing their upcoming releases  
• Random House Newbery panel featuring Christopher Paul Curtis, Kirby Larson, Jennifer L. Holm, Louis Sachar, Jerry Spinelli, Rebecca Stead, and Clare Vanderpool moderated by celebrity librarian Nancy Pearl at the Seattle Public Library - an all-star lineup at a perfect location.  What an event!  

The announcement of the Youth Media Awards happens on the Monday morning of the conference and is always an amazing experience.  Anticipation!  Excitement!  The room is a buzz! 
 
This year I was thrilled with the committees' decisions.  I adore illustrator Jon Klassen and love that he earned both a Caldecott honor (Extra Yarn) and the medal (This is Not My Hat)!  When the Newbery Medal was announced - The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate - the crowd went wild!... all so excited that such a beautifully written story that truly appeals to readers won the big prize! 

My only disappointment was that The Fault in Our Stars by John Green did not receive recognition by the Printz Committee.  After receiving so many (well-deserved!) starred reviews and resonating with so many teen (and adult!) readers, I felt it should have been named among the Committee's awards.  I was glad it did earn the Odyssey Medal for outstanding audiobook which it definitely deserved as 
 well. 

I must mention Jack Martin ... he is the president of YALSA and an absolute hoot.  As president, he announced all of the YALSA literary awards.  The early morning crowd was in for a treat when he approached the podium!  His announcements were hilarious ... full of pizazz and personality.  He sent "love bombs" to the crowd, and we all sent them right back!  Bravo, Jack, for a job well done.   

I was able to sneak off from the conference one day to enjoy a glimpse of the city.  I ventured down to the famous Pike Place Market which completely lived up to its reputation ... fresh fish, flowers, everything!  .... amazing places to eat ... darling shops... it's a feast for the eyes!  I must go back to take in more someday, but loved the bit I saw.  

Looking for a bite of lunch, I discovered a delicious restaurant called Matt's in the Market.  What a find!  The cozy restaurant overlooks the market and the bay and serves the most fabulous food.  I ate  at the bar, so I could be served by the renowned bartender Robbie.  He was a delight!  If I lived in Seattle, this would definitely be a weekly ritual!  If you are planning a visit to this city, be sure to add this restaurant to your list.  Make a reservation for the bar so you can enjoy some time with Robbie while enjoying your delicious eats.

It was a great weekend with friends, old and new.  Thanks to all the publishers for including me in the fun events and for sharing their exciting new ARCs.  My bedside table is now overflowing!  Now, I just need a month off to catch up on all this reading.  :)   

Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

by Steve Sheinkin

Summary:  "In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: when placed next to radioactive material, a uranium atom split in two." This launched a worldwide race to be the first nation to create the world's first atomic bomb.  Scientists, spies, dictators, revolutionaries, and military leaders all played a part in the race for military world domination.  

Thoughts:  This nonfiction book is truly fascinating.  Admittedly, I didn't know very much about the development of the bomb; I was completely intrigued by this account of all that took place in multiple nations around the world.  I was particularly interested in the Norwegian resistance.  The narrative was extremely engaging - both interesting and sobering.  Nonfiction has come a long way in recent years, and this book is a prime example of how readable and appealing it can be.  The book was a 2012 National Book Award Young People's Literature Finalist and will likely - and deservedly - earn many additional honors. 

 

Read Bomb, if you ... 

• are interested in WWII
• enjoy exciting stories involving spies and intrigue
• have an interest in science 
• like true stories from history

Visit author Steve Sheinkin's website to learn more about his writing and his newest book, Lincoln's Grave Robbers.

The Fire Horse Girl

by Kay Honeyman

Summary: Jade Moon was born under the sign of the Fire Horse.  This sign is a curse for Chinese girls ensuring that they are too spirited and strong willed.  As Jade Moon's family worries about who will marry her, she dreams of a different life where she will not be married off and won't always be an embarrassment to her father.  An unexpected turn of events takes Jade Moon to America where her cursed strong spirit may be exactly what she needs to survive.      

Thoughts:  The Fire Horse Girl is a well-researched, beautifully written historical novel.  Feisty Jade Moon is an endearing character with a compelling story; she quickly won my heart.  I knew very little about the Angel Island  internment and the plight of the Chinese immigrants during this time.  Honeyman gives us a vivid, authentic picture of this experience through the eyes a memorable teen.

Read The Fire Horse Girl if you ...

• like stories about plucky heroines 
• enjoy reading about characters who must find the strength and courage to overcome adversity
• have ever felt that you don't quite fit in
• like books about Asian culture and history
• relish finding books by exciting new authors!  

Mrs. Honeyman's story is an interesting one.  She became fascinated with Chinese immigration while going through the process of adopting a son from China.  Visit her blog to read more about her journey and her writing. 

Full disclosure:  Author Kay Honeyman is a co-worker and a friend.  Yet I choose to spotlight her novel strictly because it is a lovely piece of historical fiction for young adults.  

Resolve to Read

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I used to make many ... too many.  I would get carried away with new goals and then, exhausted, abandon them all by January 3.  Now, I don't make the traditional resolutions.  Instead I focus on experiences and trying new things - this year the goal is 13.  So, I decided to extend this to my reading.  My goal is to read at least 13 books every month.  And, I'm also going to try to spice things up!  Read more of a variety .... more adult books, graphic novels, and nonfiction.  

To keep me focused, I am participating in the Good Reads 2013 Reading Challenge.  Readers set their personal goal for the year, and Good Reads helps you track your progress as you go.  So far having read 2 books and currently reading several more, I am on track for my goal of 156 books this year.  If you resolved to read more and/or differently in 2013, join me in the challenge! 

Now, if I can just get off Pinterest long enough to finish a book, I am on my way!  :)