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So, I decided to follow in my friend Joy’s footsteps and join this weekly meme, begun by Sheila, of the Bookjourney blog.
Here’s what I’m reading, currently:
Book: Tell Us We’re Home by Marina Budhos
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Young Adult fiction
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication date: May 2010
Paperback: 297 pages
Right now I’m on page 94…. and am loving it so far. The following is just a short something about the book, and not meant to be a review or even a complete musing. The setting is a richy-rich suburban town in NJ, and the main characters are not, like in most YA fiction set in such towns, bitchy rich girls, but rather, they are the three daughters of women who work as nannies and housekeepers for the families of the rich girls. While such a book might strike fear into the hearts of those who disdain didactic fiction, be not afraid! This book (so far) does no such thing. There are such nuances! Such perspicacity! Such heart!
Serving Teens Through Readers’ Advisory is targeted toward the librarian who is motivated to help teens find the books and materials they really need and want. It is laid out in five main parts, as follows:
- What do we do and why do we do it? (covers the history of RA, teens in the library)
- Foundations (Why is RA for teens different; tips for the generalist librarian who may not already be familiar with teens and/or YA lit)
- Taking Action (How to get the RA interview started, how to talk about appeal with teens)
- Special Circumstances (How to deal with situations where the teen in question is not present or when you’re helping the teen with an assignment book)
- Resources (how to move beyond lists of award winners, how to create meaningful resources to be used in-house, and an intriguing section on indirect RA / Marketing)
Following these, an Appendix section is chock-full of useful lists: (popular authors, “sure bets,” and teen-selected book awards).
The section that is of most interest to me is Part 3, as I feel that I already have a basic understanding of the foundations of RA and also of how and why teens use the library. Below I have laid out a few of the tidbits that one can glean from a careful reading and reading of this section.
Part 3 – Taking Action
This section has three chapters, entitled Opening the RA interview, Detecting Interest, and Articulating Appeal. As I read the first, I found myself nodding in agreement as Booth describes ways to convey that one is open and interested in helping the teens, but without being too forceful. She also makes an excellent point when she points out that we as adults tend to monitor the teen area when we think something is going wrong, but that “it is imperative to be a positive, proactive presence as well if we hope to have positive interactions.” (p. 49) This is a strategy that I take to heart: although I believe I already practice this, I find myself thinking I should keep this in mind as a “best practice” and endeavor to keep this in mind every day.
Booth also provides a short list of conversation starters to use when trying to connect with teens while at the shelves. I won’t list them all here, but they include statements like “Have you read this one? I’ve been hearing a lot of people talking about it,” and “Looking for something for fun or for school?” All of these are excellent suggestions and should help the librarian who is a bit nervous about jumping in!
In the Detecting Interest chapter Booth gives wonderful advice, in the form of four questions that we can ask teens as a part of the RA interview. These are:
- Do you read a lot or not so much?
- Are you looking for a specific book that you know of?
- Can you think of a book that you’ve liked recently?
- Have you read anything recently that you really hated? (pp. 54-58)
Below each of these, she gives a rationale for the question and explains how one can read the answer to provide better RA service to teens. It’s brilliant advice, and I intend to reread this chapter several times, in an effort to make this a more intuitive part of my current RA interview strategy.
In the last chapter of this section, Booth covers the art of how to pitch books to teens — watching one’s language so that it is neither too erudite, nor dumbing it down (teens, as all of us, hate condescension.) She also has excellent advice about how to “form your pitch,” meaning how to couch the book talk that you may do with teens about a particular book. She explains, for example, that the same book can be pitched in widely varying ways to emphasize different appeal factors for different types of readers. She gives the example of the book I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, and provides three different “book talk pitches,” each one emphasizing a different appeal factor.
This is another section I would like to keep bookmarked, for rereading. In fact, it would be a great activity, in a YA services meeting, to have several YA librarians get together and practice writing out pitches for the same book, to hit on the various appeal factors in a collective setting.
In this entry, I have only covered one section of Booth’s book; but even in this one slim section, this book proves its mettle, and I believe it’s worthy of the YA librarian’s hard-earned dollar. While the copy I’ve been perusing is an ILL book, I plan on buying my own copy!
Book: Ash by Malinda Lo
Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy tale, Retelling, GLBTQ
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: 2009
Hardcover: 272 pages
Other: Finalist for the 2010 William C. Morris YA Debut Award
Summary: Aisling (Ash) lives on the edge of the forest with her much loved mother and father. But her life changes when her magical mother dies, and her father is kept away for months at a time on the King’s business. When her father remarries, she somehow adjusts to a new stepmother and sisters. However, when even her father dies, she starts to wish that the fairies would steal her away, as they did in her mother’s stories. Her wish seems to be on the verge of being fulfilled when she starts to fall in love with the dark, brooding, and possessive Sidhean, a fairy from the forest. But just when it seems that she may indeed succumb to him, another possibility dawns in the shape of Kaisa, the King’s Huntress. Whom will Ash choose?
To whom will this appeal?: Those who love gorgeous, lush, bewitching prose will be drawn into the dark and magical mood created by this book. The pace is unhurried and the story slowly unfolds, as the retelling diverges from the original tale. Older teens and adults alike will enjoy this book if they are drawn to retellings; also they must be comfortable with unconventional endings as well as GLBTQ love.
Book: The Clearing by Heather Davis
Genre(s): Young Adult Light Paranormal, Romance
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date: 2010
Paperback: 212 pages
Other:
Summary: Amy, a high school senior who’s starting fresh in a new town in the countryside, is having a tough time fitting into the different culture of her new school, and would much rather wander around in the woods behind her Great Aunt Mae’s trailer than hang out with kids in this odd town. On one of her rambles, she finds a mysterious, misty clearing in the woods. When she crosses the mist and meets Henry, she changes his (and her own) life forever. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but suffice it to say that there is something supernatural about the mist and it is instrumental in helping a sweet romance to sprout–a romance with unintended consequences for all in the story.
To whom will this appeal?: Lovers of romance will flock to this book. While intended for a teen readership, both teen and adult readers will enjoy this book if they like books where the plot unfolds slowly, with a touch of magic, a swirl of romance, and a tinge of bittersweet happy-sadness.
Book: Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Multicultural
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Multicultural
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Other:
Summary: Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins is the story of Asha and Reet, two sisters who couldn’t be more different. Reet is beautiful, feminine, curvy, sweet and patient (everything that was expected from a teenage girl in 1974 India) her sister Asha is everything a girl is NOT supposed to be in that time and place – a skinny tomboy, athletic, argumentative, and competitive. But somehow their differences knit them together, and they are part of a happy family.Things change drastically when their dad loses his job, and cannot find work as an engineer in India. When he makes the tough decision to leave India to search for a job in the U.S., suddenly their lives change. The girls and their mom have to leave their home in fun, modern Delhi and go stay with Baba’s relatives in claustrophobic, strict, old-fashioned Calcutta.
Suddenly Asha is no longer allowed to play cricket, or football, or even to take an unaccompanied walk. Her gorgeous sister is attracting way too much boy attention. There isn’t enough money to send the girls to school. And her mom is so depressed; she’s not much help either. The girls have a nickname for her depression – The Jailor.
Asha’s only refuge is the wide, flat roof, where she disappears for hours with her secret keeper – her diary. But soon, she realizes that she’s not alone up there. There is a boy next door, watching her. When they strike up a forbidden friendship with hints of something deeper underneath the surface, Asha is amazed that a boy would be interested in her rather than in her beautiful sister. Between her new secret friendship, protecting her mother from The Jailor, and scheming with her sister and cousin on how to prevent Aunti and Uncle from marrying Reet off to some Lusting Idiot, Asha has her hands full.
She can hardly wait for the much-wished-for telegram from America, which she hopes will say, “Job Found! Sending plane tickets. Come quickly!”
***Spoiler alert!***
But before that day comes, Asha’s mettle will be tested. Can she bring herself to sacrifice her first love in order to save her sister from an unwanted arranged marriage?
To whom will this appeal?: Fans of Little Women will love this sweet, gentle and yet strong literary historical novel. The characters are well-developed, down to the grandmother, who may not have many lines, but makes her perspective clear! The pace is relaxed and the story unfolds slowly. There is some sweet, understated romance — in keeping with the era and place where the story is set. Those who like to read about strong female protagonists struggling with society’s cultural expectations will be fascinated.
Book: White Cat by Holly Black (first of the Curse Workers series)
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Horror
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster)
Publication date: 2010
Hardcover: 320 pages
Other: White Cat is on many Mock-Printz award long lists
Summary: Smart, cynical and world-weary at the age of 16, Cassel Sharpe is trying to keep a low profile at his snooty, prestigious boarding school. He must, as his status of coming from a “curse working” family makes him a not-so-palatable member of society. It’s a double curse, then, that not only is he the only unmagical member of his family, but a nightmare sleep-walking incident almost causes him to jump off the roof of his dorm. Temporarily kicked out of school until a doctor can certify that he is mentally stable enough to come back, Cassel becomes motivated to try to unravel all the secrets of his strange family. To tell you more than this would be to ruin the beauty of the twisted yet exciting world that Holly Black has created.
To whom will this appeal?: White Cat will appeal to the teen and adult lover of urban fantasy, especially those who like twists and turns in the plot that will keep them on their toes as they try to figure out what is going on. Holly Black is great at creating a gritty, true-sounding, alternative world in which the rules of society become apparent without needing to be made explicit in some sort of rule book. The dark tone is balanced by the protagonist’s sarcastic and understated humor. One must be comfortable with a certain level of violence and suspense to truly enjoy the book. If you liked the dark sardonic tone of Lev Grossman’s The Magicians, you might like this, although it’s not quite a read-alike. (Maybe it’s a read-along?)
Book: ttyl by Lauren Myracle
Genre(s): Realistic Contemporary Fiction, Series
Publisher: Lee and Low Books
Publication date: 2004
Hardcover: 224 pages
Other: first of the Internet Girls series
Summary: Told entirely via instant messages, this is the story of the trials and tribulations of three high school sophomore girls who are best friends — they call themselves the “Winsome Threesome.” Myracle uses “texting spelling” and internet slang (“ttyl” for “talk to you later,” “u r” for “you are,” “g2g” for “got to go,” “laffing” for “laughing,” “byeas” for “bye-bye,” for example) to recreate the way contemporary teens actually communicate. The story unfolds via these chat messages, and through their online dialogue we learn that each of the girls has challenges to overcome as they navigate the social perils of high school life. Angela is a bit boy crazy and has trouble keeping her crushes in perspective. Maddie is moody and can at times not be the best judge of how to act. Zoe is quiet and shy, the “good girl” who nevertheless (literally) lands in hot water. It is a pleasure to read over their shoulders as these loyal friends cheer each other on, providing solid advice to each other, without sounding like they are the puppets of an adult agenda. Their genuine voices and the ways they deal with their problems will be inspiring to many a teen or tween girl who is dealing with similar issues.
To whom will this appeal?: First and foremost, the potential reader of this book will want to be familiar with (or patient enough to look up) internet slang. Combine the slang with the computer-screen style layout, and you have a particular format that will be highly appreciated by many teens and tweens who are excited to see their daily life reflected in their reading matter. The tone of the book is conversational, and the characters are well-developed, but one must be able and willing to extrapolate a lot from the conversations, as all of the action is only described via chat conversation. This may be disconcerting to the reader seeking continuity, but will be a boon for those who revel in unusual and innovative formats. While serious issues (as well as mundane high school angst) are discussed, and problems must be overcome, overall the tone is upbeat and positive and sends the message that strong friendships can help you overcome anything life throws at you.
Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (first of a trilogy)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: 2008
Hardcover: 384 pages
Other:
Summary: Katniss Everdeen may be a 16 year old girl, but the weight of the world hangs on her shoulders. Not only does she support her mother and 11 year old sister Prim by hunting (illegally), she is the one upon whom will hang the burden of fighting in the 74th annual Hunger Games — a gladitorial fight to which her district must contribute two children to fight 22 others to the death~ all for the entertainment of the Capital. But fighting with her (or is it against her?) will be Peeta, the quiet blond haired boy who saved her life when he gave her some bread, all those years ago. How will Katniss handle her bow when it’s other kids, and not wild animals whom she must hunt?
To whom will this appeal?: Neck-breakingly fast-paced and dark of tone, this book will appeal to the teen or adult who enjoys reading about the possible bleak dystopian futures we may all be facing. While there is some (gallows) humor, know that this book will weigh heavily on you, either creating a need for you to run out and read the next two in the trilogy — or to run away to some lighter fare.
Lovers of romance will find some sustenance here, as Katniss is torn between two amazing boys, (and there are some amazing fashion moments!) but Katniss is most definitely not your average stereotypical sighing-in-love girl. Think blend of a cup of Twilight and a gallon of Girl with a Dragon Tattoo… (Some romance mixed in with a strong, kicking-butt, fighting for survival, female protagonist).
Book: Yummy: The Last Days of A Southside Shorty by G. Neri & Randy Duburke
Genre(s): Realistic Historical Fiction, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Lee and Low Books
Publication date: 2010
Paperback: 96 pages
Other: has been selected for several Mock Printz lists
Summary: Based on the life of a real boy whose short, tragic life and death horrified the nation in 1994, the story of eleven year old Robert “Yummy” Sandifer is told through stark, arresting black and white drawings, and from the POV of another neighborhood kid, Roger. Yummy is a short, cute kid who loves candy, his teddy bear, and his grandma. Mischievous and energetic, he is irresistibly drawn to join the local gang and in a tragic accident, ends up shooting a 14 year old girl by the name of Shavon. The book explores the reasons such a young child could commit such violence, even inadvertently… Could it be his search for sense of security? (His parents are in jail and his grandma’s place is crowded with too many children and responsibilities for her to keep tabs on him.)
The narrator, Roger, explores these and more questions as he sees his older brother being drawn further into the gang culture and wonders if his own family will end up as devastated as Yummy’s and Shavon’s.
To whom will this appeal?: This book will appeal as much to the lover of historical fiction as to the graphic novel aficionado. The combination of the stark black and white drawings and the simple and searing prose will appeal to many adults, teens and children, regardless of their genre preferences. And, at 96 pages, this is a quick, stunning, and, perhaps, depressing read–that will probably stir the reading interest of many a reluctant reader who may be initially drawn in by the short length. But one which will appeal to those who want to see gritty realism reflected in their reading.
Book: Nation by Terry Pratchett
Genre(s): Science Fiction, pseudo-historical fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 2008
Hardcover: 384 pages
Other: Printz Honor book, 2009
Summary: Far away and long ago, in a parallel world much like our Earth, a boy – Mau – is about to become a man by completing the ultimate test of his island Nation — a coming of age ritual in which he must find his way back home after spending a month on Boys Island. Just as his ordeal is almost over, a sudden tsunami destroys his Nation and Mau is left bereft, not even sure if he’s a boy, a man, or a ghost.
In the meantime an English girl — Daphne — is marooned on Mau’s island, by the very same tsunami. Nation is the story of the coming of age of these two teens as they navigate language and cultural differences to help each other — and others — survive and rebuild a very different Nation. Funny and heartbreaking by turns, this book will grab those who venture into its vast world.
To whom will this appeal?: This book will appeal to older teens and adults who enjoy adventure stories with a strong twist of humor as well as philosophy. Fans of Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy are especially advised to run, not walk, to find a copy of this book, as this book will help to slake the thirst that Pullman’s work creates, for the rare combination of adventure, humor, philosophy, deep understanding of human nature, and an understanding of the fragility and simultaneous beauty of the human predicament.
Others who will also enjoy this book: fans of “marooned on an island” adventures, appreciators of multicultural literature, fans of historical fiction, folks who are mesmerized by books such as Lord of the Flies (but wish for a less damning ending).
As far as appeal factors, while the book is indeed faster paced than many a philosophical meditation on the human condition, and at times is in fact a page-turner, this is more a book to be savored than rushed through, so it will be better appreciated by those who like their adventures more on the literary side.
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