Author Archives: Sally Snyder

As a follow-up to the wonderful, informative, and sometimes unusual things Michael Sullivan talked about during his tour of Nebraska in April, I would like you to know the Library Commission has one copy each of two of his professional titles available for loan: Connecting Boys with Books: What Libraries Can Do and Connecting Boys with Books 2: Closing the Reading Gap. We also have a copy of Stephen Krashen’s book: The Power of Reading: Insights from the Research. (I have that one checked out right now, but if you want it, I can finish it later.)

I am in the middle of reading The Vanishing Violin by Michael D. Beil, the second book in “The Red Blazer Girls” series. The four girls (in seventh grade) live in New York City and attend St. Veronica’s School, and are soon embroiled in several mysteries. This title also contains puzzles and codes to be solved while the team works on a mystery about a missing violin. Humor, a nasty classmate, some typical middle school issues, and (very) light romance will attract readers. Familiarity with the first book (The Ring of Rocamadour) will be helpful. The codes and puzzles add a fun dimension to the story, and the reader is challenged to solve them before the text reveals the answers.

(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Congratulations to La Vista Public Library!

Lindsey Tomsu, Teen Coordinator for the La Vista Public Library, recently learned the library will receive one of twenty Summer Reading Program Grants from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Lindsey noted that teen participation at the library increased by 510% from the 2009 to the 2010 Summer Reading Program. Wow! The $1,000 grant will be used to provide cultural-related activities for this year’s summer reading program “You Are Here.” Way to go Lindsey!

I recently finished reading Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan. It takes place in India of 1919. Rosalind, 15, lives with her mother and has had quite a bit of freedom while her father has been away in the British military during World War I and after. She takes a couple of risks to help someone, as she struggles with the idea of a class system and why some people have so much and others so little. She is found out and sent “home” to England to live with aunts she doesn’t know. Gandhi and the possible freedom of India intrigue her. The book gives a good sense of the time and place and also gives readers some food for thought. Good for middle school readers.

(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Kathy Schultz, Golden Sower Award Committee Chair, announced the 2011 Golden Sower Award winners and honor books. She also noted they were selected by a record-breaking 70,365 readers across Nebraska.

Primary Winner:
Titanicat by Marty Crisp; illustrated by Robert Papp

Primary Honor Books:
The Dog Who Belonged to No One by Amy Hest; illustrated by Amy Bates
Duck Soup written and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic

Intermediate Winner:
Stolen Children by Peg Kehret

Intermediate Honor Books:
Swindle by Gordon Korman
Savvy by Ingrid Law

Young Adult Winner:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Young Adult Honor Books:
Artichoke’s Heart by Suzanne Supplee
Fakie by Tony Varrato

Nominate a title for YALSA’s 2011 Readers’ Choice List.

YALSA’s Readers’ Choice Task Force is currently seeking out and reading nominations for the 2011 Readers’ Choice List. YALSA posts official nominations online on a monthly basis. This month’s nominated titles for YALSA’s Readers’ Choice List is now available from this web page.

Anyone can nominate their favorite “must-read” YA titles each year in six broad genres and one wild card category chosen each year by the task force. Then in November 2011, YALSA members will vote on the titles for the final list.

This year the categories are:
Horror/Thriller
Mystery/Crime
Nonfiction
Realistic Fiction
Romance
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Steampunk (this year’s Wildcard Category)

If you or your teens would like to nominate a title, please review the selection criteria on the web site here. Keep in mind that titles need to be published between November 1, 2010 and October 31, 2011. Then send a nomination to the committee with this link.

I am currently reading The Maze Runner by James Dasher (and I have The Scorch Trials waiting for me next!) Thomas (about 16) remembers nothing before his arrival in an elevator to the Glade. Populated by boys who arrived in the same manner and condition, the Glade is surrounded by a huge, intricate, and moving Maze. Their goal is to solve the Maze and find the way out. But why do some things here seem familiar to Thomas, when he can’t remember his family or anyone from his past.

(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Children’s Book Week, May 2-8!

Visit this site to find ideas and learn about the history of Children’s Book Week. There is a place where you and your children and teens can vote for their Children’s Choice Book Awards until April 29.

Oh, and I hope you have something planned for next week’s Día de los Niños/ Día de los Libros! But I know it is hard to plan for everything.

Sorry for so long between posts, I was out on the road a lot in the last two months. I’m back now and planning to blog much more often!

I recently finished Mission Unstoppable, Book 1 of the “Genius Files” by Dan Gutman. Lots of action, danger, and humor. Twins Coke and Pepsi (almost 13) are traveling across the country in an RV with their parents. They must avoid assassins, solve puzzles, and save the world (without their parents finding out). The adventure will leave readers eagerly waiting for book 2.

(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Wear a “Cat in the Hat” hat tomorrow and read a Dr. Seuss book to celebrate his birthday. Have some silly fun if you get the chance, too.
Take a look here for some fun ideas. Hooray for Dr. Seuss!

Great learning opportunity coming across the state!
Michael Sullivan, author of Connecting Boys with Books, will be in four locations across Nebraska in April. Funded by Read Aloud Nebraska, NLA’s Public Library and Trustee Section, a CE & Training grant from the Nebraska Library Commission and supported by the Regional Library Systems, this program will give you the opportunity to hear Michael Sullivan “share practical, proven, and sometimes off-beat suggestions on how to turn boys into lifelong readers.” The afternoon session will address library services and the future; it is titled “Breaking All the Rules.” This program offers 5 hours of CE credit.
Details and a registration form may be found on the brochure, located here. You also may register online at Read Aloud Nebraska. Early bird registration ends April 1, 2011.

I am enjoying Around the World in 100 Days by Gary Blackwood. Twenty years after Phileas Fogg went around the world in 80 days, his son, Harry, is caught in a similar situation. This time Harry was expounding on motorcars and how they will take over from horses and buggies. He insisted that the model he and a friend have developed is far superior to any other. Now he must drive all the way, except when crossing water, in 100 days or lose the bet he can’t afford. Great fun, some danger and trouble. Can’t wait to find out if they make it!
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Did you know February 21, 2011 is International Mother Language Day?
Join people all around the world celebrating on the 21st. Sponsored by UNESCO, an agency of the United Nations, the first International Mother Language Day was celebrated in 2000. It’s purpose is “to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism” as stated on the UN’s page here.
National Foreign Language Week is March 7 – 13, 2011. First celebrated in 1957, National Foreign Language Week is sponsored by Alpha Mu Gamma. This year’s theme is “Languages Make the World Go ‘Round.” The week’s purpose is to emphasize the importance of studying a language other than your first language.

I just finished No Such Thing as Dragons by Philip Reeve. Ansel (10) has been mute since his mother passed away three years ago. His father eagerly arranges for Ansel to serve Johannes Brock, a reasonably successful dragon hunter. Brock confides in Ansel that there really are no such things as dragons, but there is the fear of dragons so he always has work. This trip, though, he might be wrong. Very wrong. People and animals have disappeared and the townsfolk of the mountainous village are desperate for help. More death is on the way. Excellent storytelling with a (mostly) sympathetic cast. Sure to be popular with boys and reluctant readers. Aimed at grades 4-7, it has 186 pages.
(This book is from the library, but the Nebraska Library Commission does receive free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Teen Tech Week Begins March 6!
The theme is “Mix & Mash @ your library” for this year’s Teen Tech Week. You can register if you want to, look at some program ideas and publicity tools, visit the FAQ if you have questions, and more – just go here. You can also find out when Teen Tech Week is planned for upcoming years. My favorite program idea on their web page is: Cell Phone Novels. A collaborative writing project where each teen writes one line of text and sends it on to the next teen. (Remember when we used to do this with pen and paper?) Cell phones will make it more fun.

I recently read the Caldecott Medal winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. I hadn’t seen this book before it won the award and I was curious about it. It is a fun story about a zookeeper who goes to work every day and spends time playing chess, reading a story or other activities with some of the animals. One day he stays home sick, so the animals decide to visit him. It is a quiet book about caring. I loved looking for the mouse and/or bird in many of the illustrations. They add another level of interest to the book. Let me know what your patrons think of it.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Teen Video Contest for the Summer Reading Program!
I am excited about Nebraska’s participation in the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s (CSLP) video challenge to teens. Teens can create a video (30-90 seconds) promoting the upcoming summer reading program “You Are Here.” The video chosen to represent Nebraska will win the teen(s) $250 and their public library $100.
Be sure to let your teens know that anyone acting in the video must fill out and submit a “Model Release Form” with their Nebraska entry form. Rules, entry form, how to enter, and more information can be found [obsolete link removed] here, if you have additional questions, please call or email me. Don’t worry if you do not see Nebraska listed yet on the CSLP website, we will soon be included on the list. I can’t wait to see what Nebraska teens create!

I just finished Tall Tales by Jeff Smith, a reissue of Stupid-Stupid Rat-Tails. It is now in color and great fun to read. Smiley Bone and Bartleby take three young Bone Scouts out for an overnight in the woods. Storytelling by Smiley enchants two of them, but not the third. Later that night the skeptical young Bone puts on the big hat the leader wears, and has a lengthy dream about Big Johnson Bone and how he endeavored to overcome the Rat Creatures, their Queen and their Prince to save the animals of a valley. It is quite a Tall Tale!
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

“Proof Positive,” an article in the November, 2010 issue of School Library Journal, gives the highlights of a recent three-year study of summer reading programs. Prior to this study, the one completed in 1978 by Barbara Heyns has been a public librarian’s often quoted source. Carole Fiore and Susan Roman wrote the article and were instrumental with the study. One of their most important statistics shows “…kids who participate in these programs are 52 Lexile points ahead of those who do not.” (p. 26) While some of the other statistics are not as definitive, children’s librarians should take a look at the article and the study. Go here to see the Executive Summary and the Final Report. It’s great to have some data behind our knowledge that summer reading programs do a world of good.

I just finished reading A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. (Really, I read the last pages this morning in my office before 8:00 rolled around.) It takes some of the lesser known, original Grimm fairy tales and cleverly winds Hansel and Gretel through them. Starting with their adapted story (they get their heads cut off! and then reattached), he then has them continue through their kingdom and beyond, sometimes separately, to encounter the various troubles of the other fairy tales. The author occasionally addresses the reader throughout the book, at first mostly to request that all young children leave the room, for he tells the bloody, gruesome original versions of the stories, and to warn, on page 16, “…this is where things start to get, well …awesome. But in a horrible, bloody kind of way.” This may sound awful, but it is a wonderful reworking of the fairy tales, and kids will be fascinated by the story. Good for grades three or four and up.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Richie’s Picks!
People who subscribe to YALSA-BK and certain other mail groups are likely familiar with Richie Partington. He regularly posts a review of a new children’s or young adult book on the mail group and always has an in-depth look at the title. His posts are titled “Richie’s Picks” and his reviews are definitely worth reading. If you prefer, you can visit his website and read the reviews when convenient for you. His site is here, and if you scroll down you can take a look at his list: “The Best of 2010.” See if you agree with him. He also has an extensive list of stand-alone reviews on his web page, these are the ones he has posted to the mail groups.

Recently I finished Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke. This graphic novel with black-and-white art is a blending of fiction and non-fiction, and is based on a Chicago event from 1994. The author noted several sources he used, after telling the story of an eleven-year-old boy who became both a perpetrator and a victim of violence as a member of a gang. Told through the eyes of a fictional school mate, Roger, the author presents several questions, and quotes John D. Hull from Time Magazine (September 1994) who stated, “I still couldn’t decide which was more appalling: the child’s life or the child’s death.” A powerful story.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Graphic Novel Webinar a Winner!

“A Clever Title With a Pun Involving the Word Graphic” is the title of the terrific webinar by Gordon Wyant, Young Adult Services Librarian at Bellevue Public Library, and Lindsey Tomsu, Teen Coordinator at La Vista Public Library, which ran live on Dec. 8, 2010. They gave “a short and mostly accurate history of graphic novels and manga for librarians” as it is described in the archive. If you missed the live presentation, set aside an hour and view the archive of the webinar. Gordon and Lindsey hit the highlights of the development of graphic novels and manga in the U.S.

I just finished The Wyvern’s Treasure by R. L. LaFevers, third book in the “Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist” series. The short chapters and frequent illustrations will appeal to readers in grades 2-4. Nate is 10 and his Aunt Phil is training him in the family business of beastology, working to save, protect, and keep secret mythological creatures. Nate's “pet” goblin, Greasle, is a lively character who sometimes surprises Aunt Phil. In this adventure, they must go to the mountains of Wales to calm and pacify the wyverns (dragons), who claim the treaty with them has been broken. Nate and Aunt Phil must find out who is causing the trouble while avoiding being eaten by the young wyverns. I hope there are many more titles for this series!

(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children's and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

One Book List is Not Enough!
I mentioned the list by Kirkus Reviews last week. Now I see the New York Public Library has posted a PDF of their top 100 titles for children for 2010. If you are interested in seeing what they recommend this year, visit this site. I see some familiar titles, some titles I want to read, and again some titles I haven’t heard about yet. I guess I’ll have plenty to read for the next few weeks.

I recently read the picture book It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon. This one is right in line with his earlier title: No, David! All the Christmas things children want to do, but shouldn’t, or accidently do is here with his hilarious illustrations. “No peeking!…No snitching!” “Be patient.” He is told. Oh, it is hard to wait for Christmas. Great fun, and the kids will know just what David is going through! (And their parents will, too!)
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Kirkus Reviews posts their “2010 Best Books for Children and Teens!
Interested in what one review source selected as the best books for the year? Just to go this page and choose the children or teens list. It’s always interesting to me what one journal or person chooses compared to what someone else chooses. And there are always a few books I’ve never heard of, how do they get by me? Take a look at the Kirkus list then let us know, via comments, what is your favorite book from 2010. We could end up with a Nebraska librarians “Best of” list!

I recently finished a fun title for grades 2-4: The Chihuahua Chase by A. E. Cannon. Addy (in fourth grade) wonders why Teddy Krebs picks on her so much. But when his Chihuahua, Phantom, disappears, she teams up with him to try to find the dog. Two (or maybe 3) possible candidates for dog-nappers will keep the readers guessing. A good early chapter book choice with frequent illustrations to break up the text.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Dealing with Bullies.
I want to mention the excellent presentation Gayle Roberts did April 28, 2010, for NCompass Live on bullying. If you didn’t see it, go here for the archived program. [http://nlc.nebraska.gov/NCompassLive/NCArchivelist.asp] The title is “Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall…Bullying Concerns Us All.” You can scroll down to April 28 or hit “control F” for a search line to appear at the top of the page and search for ‘bullying.’ Take a look at some of the other sessions, there may be more you’ll want to watch.

I recently finished a Geronimo Stilton graphic novel, #6 in the series. Titled Who Stole the Mona Lisa? it is 50 pages long. The mice travel back in time to visit Leonardo da Vinci and try to discover what nefarious plans Catardone III of Catatonia and his band of Pirate Cats are up to. Occasional one panel text boxes pop up when needed to give nonfiction background information for the reader. It’s silly fun with adventure and time travel; Geronimo is easily frightened but refuses to leave his friends in danger. This series is aimed at elementary school age readers. I haven’t read a text version of the books so I can’t compare, I guess I should do that soon!
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Searching for series?
Back in June I mentioned a web site that finds the book titles in a series for you, and I would like to mention another site now: Kent District Library’s site, “What’s Next”, found here. It would be remiss of me not to mention the Library Commission’s web pages for finding series titles, just go here. And while you are there you can try some of the other Books in Series guides recommended by the Library Commission staff (including the Kent District Library site). Hope you find what you need when you need it!
I just finished the graphic novel Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale. It is the sequel to Rapunzel’s Revenge and maintains the story and art quality of the first title. Rapunzel and Jack return to the city to find it in the giant, Blunderboar’s grip. Parts of the city are in crumbles as the huge Ant People have attacked, tumbling buildings and carrying people away. Jack wants to find and rescue his mother, but that is a difficult mission. It looks like Jack, Ranpunzel and a couple of other friends will have to face Blunderboar by themselves. Action, adventure, good vs. evil, and humor are combined in this enjoyable tale.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Pigeon!
I was talking with Sandy Wallick (Gere Branch, Lincoln City Libraries) a few weeks back and she shared some wonderful information with me. This web page has lots of fun things for kids. There are coloring pages you can print and use; kids can learn how to draw the pigeon; games to play and more. You can also find teachers’ guides and event kits on the “Grown-up Stuff” section. And if you click on the “More Mo!” icon, it takes you to another page with Cat the Cat and her friends. If you want a craft using an empty toilet roll tube, go here. Thanks, Mo Willems! (and thanks, Sandy!)
I am reading The Body at the Tower by Y. S. Lee, Book 2 in the “Mary Quinn Mystery” series. In Victorian London, Mary is now 18 and her second assignment for the secret detective agency (all women) is to disguise herself as a boy and work at the construction site of the Houses of Parliament and the clock tower as an errand boy to try to discover any information concerning one man’s death and the perpetual delays in the construction. Gives some insight into the plight of the everyday worker of the time, especially young boys. An interesting mystery, a strong capable woman, and some romance.
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

New SLJ Blog.
School Library Journal has a new blog for teen librarians to explore. It is called “Adult Books 4 Teens.” Along with bibliographic information, the bloggers give some information on a personal level about the title. Then they give a good review, covering plot as well as why they believe it will appeal to teens. To view the blog go to SLJ and click on the word “Blogs” listed across the top of the page. This gives you a drop-down menu to find “Adult Books 4 Teens.” Hope you find it helpful!
I just finished The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens. It introduces us to a 12-year-old couch potato, Kevin, and his likewise-minded dog, Cromwell. Athletics do not go well for Kevin even though his father is a famous former player for the Chicago Bears. While clicking through the channels one day, Kevin happens on a televised dog agility trial. Cromwell sits up, watches, and suddenly becomes a fanatic, even trying to jump through the tire swing in the backyard and getting stuck. After deceiving his parents, Kevin and Cromwell begin agility classes, where the dog crashes into the obstacles and Kevin trips over the leash and equipment. Cromwell is not going to give up. Includes humor and finding one’s abilities. — And is dog agility a sport, or not?
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)

Madeline, in parody.
Picture book fans, and especially fans of the Madeline books, need to take a look at Nathan Hale’s blog . He is the illustrator of Rapunzel’s Revenge, that wonderful graphic novel by Shannon Hale. He is posting the pages of his parody, Frankenstein, on his blog; two or three pages a day to have it all posted by Halloween. You will need to extend the size of your window on the side to see both pages, let it hang off the edge while you chuckle. There are no plans to actually publish it, as far as I know now. Great fun! His rhythm and rhymes truly echo the original. (I learned about this via the School Library Journal blog: “A Fuse #8 Production.” )
And let’s celebrate picture books. A recent article in the New York Times stated that parents are by-passing picture books to get their children into chapter books sooner. Sigh. Picture books provide children with great stories, varied and beautiful art, and often a chance to snuggle up with Mom or Dad. Let’s hope this story is an exaggeration of reality.
So, what else am I reading? I can’t believe I forgot to include the hilarious Guys Read: Funny Business edited by Jon Scieszka in my “Best Youth Books of 2010” for last week’s NLA/NEMA conference. So far I have read three of the ten stories included (plus the introduction) and they are unique and incredibly funny. The next time someone asks you for a funny book, hand them this! (And a couple of others because, as we all know, not everyone loves the same thing.)
(The Nebraska Library Commission receives free copies of children’s and young adult books for review from a number of publishers. After review, the books are distributed free to Nebraska school and public libraries.)