ALA New Orleans

As I sit and reflect on the many highlights of this summer, picking a singular favorite would be a tall order. One that stands out was my visit to the American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition which took place June 21-26 in the historic city of New Orleans.

A benefit of attending ALA is the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow librarians. You get to talk shop with associates hailing from around the 50 states, share ideas and notes, celebrate the happenings in your community. Furthermore, the platform provides us in the library world a venue to meet with authors (Ransom Riggs admittedly had me starstruck) and artists within the publishing world. With a host of panel discussions, programs, and classes, the only difficulty resides in trying to coordinate a schedule to attend as many presentations as possible. That being said, here are several of the forums I attended:

From Nine to Nineteen and Beyond

Five Young Adult authors (Erin Beaty, Tae Keller, McCall Hoyle, Jodi Kendall, Ashley Woodfolk) discussed what keeps their readers coming back for more, as well as criteria that cross genre boundaries and age categories. They examined how emotion drives characters, how emotion drives readers, and how reading increases empathy in the world at large.

Teen Voices Lead the Way

Our children can be our greatest teachers. Students today are raising their voices to participate, and even lead the way, in critical national conversations. Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), Justina Ireland (Dread Nation), Tahereh Mafi (A Very Large Expanse of Sea), and Elana K. Arnold (Damsel) explored writing for teens, their teenage selves, and the young, diverse voices that inspire them today.

Cultural Icons in the Library

Have you ever wondered how to leverage a love of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman into a passion for reading? Do you want to find out which superhero books are appropriate for Middle Grade and YA readers? DC Comics authors Mariko Tamaki, Danielle Paige, Shea Fontana, Ridley Pearson, Kami Garcia, Meg Cabot, and Lauren Myracle had the answers!

1,000 Books to Read Before You Die

James Mustich began his career in bookselling at an independent bookstore in New York in the early 1980s. In 1986 he co-founded the acclaimed book catalogue A Common Reader. He is currently Vice President for Digital Product at Barnes & Noble. As part of his panel, James discussed how he curated the list for 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die.

Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid

Dylan Thomas is the cofounder and creative director of Atlas Obscura. First published in 2016, the NYT bestselling book has provided readers with a multitude of locations to have wanderlust for. Now Dylan has brought the world of travel and unique global locations to young readers. During their commentary, authors Rosemary Mosco and Ella Morton conveyed the importance of nonfiction, travel, and curiosity.

It's Personal: Writing the Book of Your Heart

The book of your heart is a tricky thing. It's close to you. What's it like trying to get it published? Reading Reviews? Is it harder to take criticism on a story that's personal vs. something else? Eric Smith, Ashley Woodfolk, Kati Gardner, Daniel Jose Older, and Lydia Kang talked about their stories and the personal challenges that arise.

The Fab Four of YA

Brandy Colbert - winner of a 2018 Stonewall Book Award, Monica Hesse - Edgar Award winner, Emily X.R. Pan, and Jay Cole chatted about their new and highly anticipated novels.

Recently Added to the YA Bookshelf

Taking a look at some of the most recent additions gracing the shelves of our YA department:

Stormcaster (Shattered Realms) by Cinda Williams Chima

Vagabond seafarer Evan Strangward can move wind, waves, and weather, but his magical abilities can’t protect him forever from brutal Empress Celestine. As Celestine’s relentless bloodsworn armies grow, Evan travels to the Fells to warn the queendom that an invasion is imminent.

Love Songs & Other Lies by Jessica Pennington

Interning for a battling bands reality television show, teenaged Vee reconnects with Cam, her first love (and her first heartbreak), but the media spotlight threatens to expose the couple’s past secrets.

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer

Feisty and fearless George Warren has never let life get too serious. Now that she’s about to be a senior, her plans include partying with her tight-knit group of friends and then getting the heck out of town after graduation. But instead of owning her last year of high school, a fight with her best friend puts her on the outs of their social circle.

Legion (The Talon Saga) by Julie Kagawa

Devastated by revelations about the Talon dragon organization, hatching Ember Hill stands against her heir-apparent brother, Dante, who has threatened to unleash the greatest threat dragonkind has ever known.

The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth

When Cyra’s father Lazmet Noavek, a soulless tyrant thought to be dead, reclaims the throne, Cyra and Akos Kereseth are desperate to stop him from igniting a barbaric war.

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Amelia has looked forward to her last summer before college working at the Meade Creamery, but when the owner of the local landmark passes away, her nephew has big changes in mind.

Time Bomb by Joelle Charbonneau

Seven students trapped in their school after a bomb goes off must fight to survive while also discovering who among them is the bomber.

Twelve Steps to Normal by Farrah Penn

When Kira’s father enters rehab, she’s forced to leave everything behind. Now her father’s sober and Kira is returning home, determined to get her life back to normal. However, is that what Kira really wants?

In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

Seventeen-year-old Klee’s father was the center of his life. He introduced Klee to the great museums of New York City and the important artists on their walls. He told him stories of myths and magic. Until his death. Now, forced to live in the suburbs with his mom, Klee can’t help but feel he’s lost all the identifying parts of himself. That is, until he meets wild and free Sarah in art class.

Winter Glass (Spindle Fire) by Lexa Hillyer

Aurora, torn from the dream world and Heath, plots to assassinate the faerie queen Malfleur, only to confront temptations she never expected.

This readers advisory brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Getting to Know...Maggie

Introducing another valuable member of our YA Volunteer Team, Maggie Jernas! A 12-year-old seventh grader, Maggie has accumulated 42.75 volunteer hours since October 2017.

FAVORITE BOOK GENRES:  Mystery, Fantasy

FAVORITE TV SHOW:  Girl Meets World

A TOPIC SHE COULD DISCUSS FOR AN HOUR:  Books she likes

AN INVENTION SHE WOULD UNINVENT:  Star Wars

DESERTED ISLAND FRIENDS: Amelia and Belle

HAPPY PLACES: Library, Bedroom

INTERESTING FACT:  She is homeschooled

Book Covers

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, though in a literal sense it can make-or-break what might otherwise be a gripping page-turner. As award winning writer Jacqueline Thomas notes, “You can string together the most insightful, lyrical, delicious words ever connected in the human lexicon, but if your book cover looks like Photoshop amateur hour, no one will ever pick it up.”

So, dear reader, I ask, have you ever been influenced to select, or reject, a book solely based on the jacket design?

Reading Without Walls Challenge

Gene Luen Yang, former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, designed the Reading Without Walls Challenge to encourage folks to choose books outside their comfort zones and expand their reading horizons. There are 3 ways this can be accomplished:

1. Read a book about a character who doesn’t look, or live, like you. Diversity comes in an assortment of forms – race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, geography, class, and ability.

2. Read a book about a topic you don’t know much about. Become educated on a new subject; whether it be history, science, sports, etc.

3. Read book in a format that you don’t normally read for leisure. Consider a graphic novel, chapter book, picture book, selection of poetry, or audio recording.

Reading Without Walls helps to broaden experiences and ideas. Will you take the challenge?

This event highlight brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Tackle Twelve - Spotlight on Read a Western

As part of BPL’s Tackle Twelve promotion, 16 reading challenges have been issued. This week’s blog takes a closer look at ‘Read a Western' and offers up recommendations.

Shadow of a Hang Rope: A Western Story by Lauran Paine

John Hawk steals a herd of horses and sells them for a sizable profit. All the while knowing that he could be in a lot of trouble if anyone finds out his secret.

When I Die: The Legend of Joe Mundy by Monty McCord

After surviving a shooting in Taylorsville, and the 1876 influenza outbreak, Marshal Joe Mundy is enjoying the summer courting Sarah, the abandoned wife of the town’s first marshal, George Welby. Until the killings begin.

The Devil’s Waltz by Ethan J. Wolfe

Yuma, Arizona, in the early 1880s. When U.S. Marshal Dale Posey needs help bringing notorious outlaw Tom Spooner to justice, he turns to the one man he knows who can deliver: the former leader of Spooner’s gang, a man now serving a lengthy sentence at Yuma Prison, Jack Posey, Dale’s younger brother.

The Which Way Tree by Elizabeth Crook

Early one morning in the remote country of Texas, a panther savagely attacks a family of homesteaders, mauling a young girl named Samantha and killing her mother, whose final act is to save her daughter’s life.

Men of Violence: A John Henry Cole Story by Bill Brooks

A former detective from Cheyenne, Wyoming risks the dangers of a life spent bringing criminals to justice by establishing his own agency at the sides of other ex-lawmen.

The Stacked Deck by J.D. March

After former gunfighter Johnny Fierro is arrested for murder, he is determined to guard secrets about his past, but his brother Gus realizes he must learn the truth about Johnny if he is going to help him.

Escape to Fort Abercrombie by Candace Simar

Mama and little Elsa are kidnapped by Indians. As his father lies dying, fourteen-year-old Ryker Landstad promises to take the nine-year-old twins to safety and rescue them. It takes all Ryker's gumption to reach the fort, only to discover that Fort Abercrombie is besieged by 500 warriors.

The Carroll Farm Fight by Greg Hunt

Living at a frontier crossroads can have unexpected perils, especially when war is afoot. Mel Carroll wants only to plow and harvest, tend to his stock, marry his sweetheart, and live a quiet life in the rugged Ozark country. But within a day of the arrival of a northbound Confederate army, his farm is hurriedly transformed into a fortified military camp.

The Grub Rider by James C. Work

Mysterious forces drive Gabe Allen to leave home in search of the Keystone Ranch. Job by job, handout by handout, he finally makes it. However, his next journey will be far more dangerous and demanding.

Shane by Jack Schaefer

In the summer of 1889, a mysterious and charismatic man rides into a small Wyoming valley, where he joins homesteaders who take a stand against a bullying cattle rancher.

This readers advisory brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris

Why Volunteer?

Perspectives offered from five of our Young Adult volunteers…

What do you feel are the benefits of volunteering?

Maggie (age 12) - You feel good that you have helped others. And it is always fun, especially if you volunteer with your friends.

Sara (age 17) - It helps the community and keeps some kids out of trouble.

Jabari (age 15) - To help people in need. To do our part for the country, state, town, basically everywhere. In addition, we need to look out for each other.

Dustin (age 11) – I feel very good volunteering because everyone can keep doing what they’re doing.

Braden (age 13) – Meeting new people. Doing something for the community. Resume building. Experience that will help you later in life.

What do you personally enjoy about volunteering at Bremen Public Library?

Maggie – Being at the library in the first place. Every time I come, I do something fun. I laugh almost every time.

Sara – It’s fun. It gets me out of school for a good reason.

Jabari – Books have always been my thing, and I want to do my part to help this library be the best it can be. So much goes on in this library, more than I know from other libraries. This library may be small, but it has a big story, and it wouldn’t be like this without our Bremen Public Library staff. Thank you for having us here!

Dustin – I like that when I’m done I get treats!

Braden – You aren’t forced to work lots of hours as a requirement. You can decide when you want to work. The librarians are nice. You always have something to do. I can get to the library easily.

This Q & A brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.