Author Archives: Sally Snyder

Mockingjay!
The third and final book in the Hunger Games series will be out on August 24, 2010 and Scholastic is promoting it with some give-aways. They are holding a Hunger Games 13 District Tour; you are invited to visit 13 different blogs, each on a certain date, and register to try to win some terrific prizes. Visit Scholastic’s blog to learn about the sites and get started on your tour of the 13 Districts. I hope some Nebraska libraries win prizes!
I picked up a library copy of Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley, inspired by the contest won by Lindsey and Gordon (see my blog posting of 7/23/10). Mina is 16 and a junior in high school. Her parents are vampires, but they have regular jobs and serve regular food at dinner time. Mina finds out she must attend vampire lessons twice a week for a month, and then she’ll have to decide if she wants to remain human or become a vampire. Great fun so far!
(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!
Let’s all give a cheer for Lindsey Tomsu and Gordon Wyant who are the lucky winners of the recent Still Sucks to Be Me Launch Contest and have won a visit to the La Vista library from the author Kimberley Pauley. The author combined their entries when she learned how close their libraries are. Visit her announcement here and find out what percentage of the vote the Nebraska entry received. (Woo-hoo!)
I checked out a copy of Sucks to Be Me from the Lincoln City Libraries so I can catch up with all the teen readers in La Vista and Bellevue. (And be ready for the sequel!)
I just started Crunch by Leslie Connor and it is already intriguing. The parent left on a semi truck delivery route and are now stuck close to Canada since the gas shortage went from a shortage to nothing – no gas anywhere. It is now a gas ‘crunch’ according to one character. The kids can handle things at home; Lilly is 18, Dewey (the main character) is 14, Vince is 13, and the twins Angus and Eva are 5. And… they have a bike repair shop and business is booming. (Maybe too much…)
(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.)

Have You Heard the One About…?
One of the posts on YALSA-BK contained information about the new, upcoming Jon Scieszka book Guys Read: Funny Business. Here is a link to a YouTube video promoting the new book, due out September 21! If you can, take a look at it, great fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCd9ln6Y5Cs
Titled: Guys Read: Funny Business – The Joke
It has a number of well-known authors telling a joke. In alphabetical order (not joke telling order) are:
Mac Barnett, Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Kate DiCamillo (the only female), Paul Feig, Jack Gantos, Jeff Kinney, David Lubar, Adam Rex, Jon Scieszka, and David Yoo.
I’m looking forward to reading the book!
I’m in the middle of Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman. I am a fan of her titles Catherine, Called Birdy, The Midwife’s Apprentice and Matilda Bone and this title is in the same vein. Meggy, unable to walk without her two sticks, has been sent to London to live with her father, an alchemist, and someone she knew nothing about. He was expecting a boy and is quite disappointed with Meggy. London is very different from her former home of village and countryside, but she is trying to fit in and find her place.
(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.)

Carnegie Medal:
Congratulations to Neil Gaiman, who has won the Carnegie Medal with The Graveyard Book. The Guardian notes in their column of Thursday, June 24: He is “the first author ever to win the Carnegie and the Newbery medals with the same book.” Quite an accomplishment!
For more information on England’s top award for children’s literature, visit their home page, http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/home/index.php.
You can watch his acceptance speech, if you wish, it contains some great quotes:
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/2010awards/media_ceremony.php?file=1.
I just finished Rikers High by Paul Volponi. Martin (17), was accused of ‘steering,’ telling a police officer where to buy marijuana. He has been waiting for his court date for five months, a long time due to some unusual circumstances. While he waits, he does his best to avoid conflict and ends up going to school on the island. The author has reworked his adult novel Rikers, into this book aimed at teen readers. Volponi taught for six years on Rikers Island and much of what is in this book actually happened, though the reader does not know which of the events are true.
(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.)

Free audio books download
Take a look at SYNC , part of a new social networking site for people who enjoy audio books. Starting July 1 and running through September 1, you and your patrons are welcome to download one young adult title per week and one classic title paired with that book’s theme. There is no charge and you do not have to join the Audiobook Community, sponsor of the downloads, in order to download the titles through Overdrive. They are in MP3 format and are compatible with Windows and Mac. Go to the SYNC website to see the list of titles and the dates they will be available.
I just finished Far From Gringo Land by Edward Myers. Rick (17) travels from his home in Colorado to spend the summer living with some family friends, the Romeros, in Santo Domingo, Mexico. He is there to improve his Spanish and help them build a new house. He has a little culture shock and some discomfort at first with the family, he hasn’t seen them for ten years. The work is back-breaking, but he is determined to work as hard as his hosts. A look at another culture through the eyes of an American teen. The novel is based on the author’s own experiences.
(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.)

Girls’ State
Girls’ State was held in Lincoln last week and the Library Commission hosted a visit from seven attendees who were representing the Commission director and our six Commissioners. They only had an hour with us but it was a wonderful visit. Rod Wagner and I talked a bit about services the Commission provides and asked them some questions about libraries. All seven are enthusiastic library users and supporters. When I asked them what they would like to tell librarians, here was the answer from the entire group, “Ask us what books and authors we would like you to add to the library, and then buy some of them for us to use.” I mentioned budget cuts and they know that is the case, but please buy a few titles suggested by teens. So, please get out an old Suggestion Box or find another method to ask teens (and children) to let you know of any books or authors they would like to see in the library. Thank you, from Girls’ State. 🙂
I borrowed This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer from the library. (her blog: http://susanbethpfeffer.blogspot.com/ ) It is the third book, following Life As We Knew It and The Dead and the Gone. In the front the author says, “For Anyone Who Ever Wondered What Happened Next” so this is the first book dedicated to me! (and to everyone else). We rejoin Miranda, her mother and brothers, Matt and Jon in May, and soon the first year anniversary of the event is noted. Miranda and her brothers begin to scavenge the empty houses in town for clothing, heaters (sometimes there is electricity) and toiletries. Not sure how much to give away… Miranda’s father, step-mother and baby brother appear on their doorstep one day, with some friends in tow, including Alex and Julie Morales.
(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.)

Win a chance to have Sharon Flake visit your school!
I heard about this opportunity on the YALSA-BK mail list. The contest is open from June 1, 2010 – August 13, 2010. First, interested students should read any or all of Sharon Flake’s books. Then they need to write a 500 word essay about how one of Flake’s novels, short stories, or poems has affected his or her life or changed the way he or she looks at their community. This reading contest is open to students in grades 5 – 12 who live in the lower 48 states. All essays are due by Friday, August 13, 2010. Email essays to flake.sharon@gmail.com. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. For details, check out the contest page: http://www.sharongflake.com/4u/contests/ It would be great if a student in Nebraska won!
I am in the first third of The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan. Gabrielle (Gabry) lives in Vista with her mother, Mary (from The Forest of Hands and Teeth). Gabry is frightened of the world outside the village’s walls, but one night her friends talk her into climbing the wall and exploring with them, with horrible consequences. As a result of this terrible event, Gabry and her mother talk; Gabry is shocked to hear her mother’s whole story, and chides her for not trying harder to find and rescue her friends after she was safe. Mary leaves the next day to do just that. Now Gabry must decide what she will do.
(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.)

Fantastic Fiction
Recently Kathryn here at the Commission mentioned another useful site to me. It is called Fantastic Fiction and the URL is http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ . She said “It is wonderful for finding books in series as well as providing bibliographies in general and I have found it to be very accurate.” So I took a look and she is right! It is full of information. I especially enjoyed the times that authors recommended books (not all do). Enter an author’s name on the search button and when you scroll down to the bottom of his or her page, there may be a “so-and-so recommends” section. Rick Riordan recommends two books on his page. Kathryn noted that Stephenie Meyer recommends some titles too. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/stephenie-meyer/). Thanks, Kathryn!
And while I’m at it, I would like to mention (again) the place to go to learn how to pronounce an author’s name: http://www.teachingbooks.net/pronunciations.cgi?nid=3792&rid= There are a lot more authors represented there since I first heard about it in March of 2008!
I just finished Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret. A lot of the story takes place in Nebraska, although not many towns are named. (Alliance is!) Sunny, 13, has been in foster care since her mother and grandmother died in a car accident when she and her twin, Starr, were three. The twins were separated and Sunny went through two relatives before ending up in Nebraska. She has been in several foster homes, always hoping someday to reunite with her sister. When she finds some cash on a trail she tries to find the owner, and then runs away using the money to finance her trip to find her sister. A rescued dog, boys playing a trick, and a tornado make the trip harder. A strong determined girl who always tries to do the right thing is unwilling to give up on her dream, though it may not turn out as she wishes.

Super Summer Sweepstakes
Listed under the Parents section of the HarperCollins web page, is an opportunity to win eight picture books by various authors including Mo Willems, Neil Gaiman, and Jane Collins. Visit Super Summer Sweepstakes to see the titles and to enter, and let me know if you win!
I checked Savvy by Ingrid Law out of the library and am enjoying it immensely. Mibs is about to turn thirteen, and in her unusual family that is the day they each get their “savvy,” something special they are able to do. One of her brothers can affect electricity; another can bring windy, rainy weather. No one knows what Mibs will be able to do on her birthday. Then her father is badly injured in a car accident two days before her birthday and all Mibs can think about is if he will get well. An exceptional, touching story deserving of the Newbery Honor it received last year.

Golden Kite Awards
I missed this announcement from March, sorry! So now I am posting about the 2010 Golden Kite Awards presented by The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. As stated on their website “The Golden Kite Award is the only award presented to children’s book authors and artists by their peers.” That certainly makes them very special to the recipients. Go to: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Current-News?2010-Golden-Kite-Awards-Announced to see this year’s winners and honor books. There are four categories: fiction, nonfiction, picture book text, and picture book illustration.
Go here: http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Golden-Kite-Award to learn more about the award itself.
I recently started to read Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Ethan Wate, a sophomore in high school, has lived in Gatlin, S.C. his entire life, knows everyone, is bored with the “in” crowd, and can’t wait to leave. Until Lena moves to town and starts school. She is the girl who has been in his dreams/nightmares. There is a promise of a “dark, dangerous secret” but I don’t have a clue, yet, it’s too early in the book (and I usually avoid reading reviews until after I finish the book, no spoilers that way!). Compelling reading, as I can barely put it down to get other tasks done at home.
(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 Teen Books Coming Out
Two individuals, librarian Keri Adams and web designer Stefan Hayden, created a convenient way to keep track of upcoming book releases of young adult novels. They also decided to share it with everyone (woo-hoo!). You can go to their web page: http://www.yalit.com and find out what’s coming! The “Upcoming” page lists titles for the current month. Go to “Updated” to see a list that includes the current month and several months beyond. It is not in chronological or alphabetical order (nor in any order I can explain), but now I know that Twelfth Grade Kills (The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd) by Heather Brewer is coming out on September 21, 2010. Oh, and did you know Jonathan Stroud has written a new Bartimaeus book? I didn’t until today. The Ring of Solomon will be out November 2. You are also invited to share information if you know of something not yet on their list, just fill out the brief contact form.
I am engulfed in The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan and it is excellent! Carter (14) and his sister Sadie (12) have a difficult challenge: they are up against an Egyptian god. Adventure, humor, and a lot of action make for exciting reading. Rick Riordan has a terrific new series (and how long do I have to wait 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.)

Unshelved
You may alreay know the online comic strip Unshelved is all about public library humor. Take a look at: www.unshelved.com if you haven’t seen it. They have book reviews, usually on Friday, and an interesting new feature. They recently added “Unshelved Answers” http://answers.unshelved.com/ where librarians (and other book fans) can ask other librarians (and other book fans) questions. Not so long ago they had a strip where Dewey (a male librarian) offered his list of “Books Teen Boys Would Read (If They Knew They Existed)” but they didn’t have an actual list. So they asked their readers to give suggestions. There isn’t a compiled list, but you can read the 130 replies (one of them from me) here:
Books Teen Boys Would Read (If They Knew They Existed).
I just finished the graphic memoir Smile by Raina Telgemeier, it’s a true story (told in graphic novel format) from her life about the loss of her two front teeth and the years of orthodontia she endures: braces, surgery, temporary false teeth, etc., whew! She also tries to survive the “normal” middle school issues, like puberty, crushes, and friends who are sometimes mean to her. Middle school readers are sure to relate to her life, and hopefully, their dental issues are less involved than hers were.
(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.)

Best Fiction for Young Adults
Maybe you already heard that YALSA has changed their “Best Books for Young Adults” list and committee. It is now “Best Fiction for Young Adults” which will be announced in January of 2011. The change was to make the committee work more possible, and there is the possibility in the future of additional lists being added beyond those they now sponsor (maybe a “Best Nonfiction for Young Adults” – this is just me speculating, it is not a sure thing).
It is nice to know what titles are being considered. YALSA posts the nominated titles once a month, go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/bestficya/titlesnominated.cfm to see all the titles nominated by April 2010. You are also welcome to nominate titles for the list. The web page www.ala.org/yalsa/bfya lists the criteria for the award. To nominate titles, go to: http://yalsa.ala.org/forms/bfya.php and fill in the form. Please let me know what you nominated, if you don’t mind.
I have been completely engulfed in The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. She is a favorite author of mine and this book is another reason why. Peter (10), instead of buying bread, gives the coin to a fortuneteller. She lets him know his younger sister is alive. His father died in the war, his mother died giving birth, his sister did not. Or did the fortuneteller lie? His guardian, Vilna Lutz, a retired soldier, says she did. Who is lying? As the fortune teller says on page seven, “The truth is forever changing.” She also said Peter must follow the elephant to find his sister. There are no elephants in the city of Baltese, what could she mean? Magical writing!
(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
Children’s Book Week is May 10-16 (remember how they changed it in 2008 from November to May?). Sponsored by the Children’s Book Council (http://www.cbcbooks.org/) since 1944, visit http://www.bookweekonline.com/ to see the poster, future CBW dates, and something new: this year they are asking children and teens to vote by May 3rd in their Children’s Choice Book Awards: http://www.bookweekonline.com/voting.
A list of five titles, five authors and five illustrators is given for 4 different age groups. I’m looking forward to finding out which ones get the most votes!
I am in the middle of Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. Fifteen unusual short stories, illustrated by Tan in black-and-white or full color make an interesting afternoon read. So far my favorite story is about the foreign exchange student, Eric. Only the illustrations show you how truly unique he is. The family isn’t sure he is enjoying his stay with them, until they see the farewell gift he left them.
(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.)

“Gotta Keep Reading”
A friend sent this link to me, and I must share it with you.
http://educatorcommunity.scholastic.com/_Gotta-Keep-Reading-Ocoee-Middle-School-Florida/video/943126/104512.html
Take a look at what Ocoee Middle School did (how did they ever organize this?) How many titles did your recognize while watching? I caught a few.
I am reading another library book: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, the Newbery Medal winner this year. It is 1979 and Miranda (12) is dealing with issues and changes. She is puzzled by her long-time friend, Sal, he suddenly doesn’t want to walk with her to school or eat lunch with her. She is afraid of and carefully avoids the laughing man, a homeless man who appears to be mentally unstable. Occasionally she finds a cryptic note in a strange place, her coat pocket, for instance. Who is leaving them and how is he or she doing it? I’m looking forward to finding out!

Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros
April 30 is traditionally the day to celebrate Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros! But choose a day that works for your patrons and your library. Some good information can be found on the page provided by ALSC (Association of Library Services for Children):
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/diadelosninos/diacelebrations/diacelebrations.cfm
You could also visit Pat Mora’s page at http://www.patmora.com/dia/dia_song.htm where she tells about the history of Book Fiesta, which began as a song and became a book celebrating Día de los Niños and Día de los Libros. Pat Mora was instrumental in starting Día de los Libros and adding it to Día de los Niños.
Book Fiesta by Pat Mora, which I just finished reading, is a colorful romp noting all the ways and places children can read, including at the library! My favorite page is quite fanciful. The children are reading in a submarine. The submarine has arms that extent to the front and are holding a large book the children can read through the huge window. Light is provided by a deep sea type fish with an illuminated node on the end of a string-like projection from its head. Interesting creatures are swimming by, too. A perfect picture book for a day of celebration. (Preschool – grade 1)
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 Author Contest
Cheerios® has been sponsoring a new author contest for three years (I didn’t know that), now they are looking for authors for their fourth contest. If you or someone you know is a hopeful author, this may be a terrific opportunity. Take a look at: www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com and let me know if you win!
On another note – Congratulations to Scribner-Snyder Community School for winning the Big Box O’ Books in the recent contest!!
I just finished Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, which just came out last month. I read an ARC (Advance Reviewer Copy) version of it, which is an uncorrected proof of the book. I waited too long and should have read it as soon as I received it.
Melody has a sharp brain in a body with cerebral palsy. She is frustrated with “learning” the alphabet over and over when she has a photographic memory (or nearly so). Since she cannot talk, the neighbor, Mrs. V., rigs up a word and alphabet board on her wheelchair. Finally Melody is sent to “inclusion classes” where children from room H-5 experience life in a real classroom for certain subjects. Melody loves this chance to learn in a regular fifth grade classroom. But it isn’t until she gets her best “gizmo” ever that she really thinks she has a chance to become a part of the class. (For grades 4-6)
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.

Celebrate Libraries!
As you may know, School Library Month has always been April, to coincide with National Library Week. This year’s theme is “Communities thrive @ your library®” and the spokesperson is Laurie Halse Anderson. Sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the theme of the first year, 1985, was “Where Learning Never Ends: The School Library Media Center.” For more information, visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/slm/schoollibrary.cfm
National Library Week is April 11 – 17, 2010, again with the theme “Communities thrive @ your library®.” The National Library Week Honorary Chair is Neil Gaiman. Visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm
Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve is about an extraordinary farm. They grow chocolate rhubarb (yum!), giant rhubarb, medicinal rhubarb and regular rhubarb. Every Monday at 1 pm it rains and visitors ride the umbrella ride during the rainfall. But now, the rain has stopped. Polly (11), one of the children of the owners, is deeply concerned. What has happened to the magic? Polly needs to find her gift and hope it will rescue the farm. She can’t imagine living anywhere else. I’m really enjoying this quirky story and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
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.

Book Activities
Publisher HarperCollins provides an A-Z list of some popular picture book titles that includes activity ideas teachers and librarians may like to use. So far, my favorite is a sheet of A-Z items to make a stinky alphabet soup, to go with the book I Stink by Kate and Jim McMullen. And I have just started to explore. The list can be found here: http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/Teachers/BookActivities.aspx
Hope you find some terrific ideas!
I just finished reading a review copy of Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs by Ursula Vernon. This is the second book about Danny Dragonbreath, an actual dragon, his best friend Wendell, an iguana, and their new friend Suki (well, Wendell’s friend anyway). Suki brings in a possible girlfriend aspect to the story as Wendell likes her quite a bit. Danny currently is fascinated by the martial arts and when they discover that ninja frogs are following and trying to capture Suki, it’s like a dream come true for Danny. Real ninjas! Told mostly in text with numerous black, white, and green illustrations, the story is occasionally told with a page or two of graphic novel format and then back to text. It’s great fun. Danny is almost fearless and Wendell is overly cautious so they balance each other nicely.
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.

Top 100 Children’s Books
Betsy Bird asked readers of her blog to each send her their list of the top ten children’s novels ever published. She compiled the lists received, and the top 100 titles receiving votes are being announced on her blog. To see her final list, in sections, visit her blog on the School Library Journal site: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379.html
She lists them in groups of five, except for the first post where she started with numbers 91-100. As of today, February 18, 2010, she has listed numbers 51-100. The books’ publication dates range from 1908 – 2009 (so far). It really gets me thinking about the many books I have read over the years and what my Top 100 list would be, or my Top 10. Or what a Nebraska children’s librarians’ Top 100 list would be.
I just started and finished a review copy of Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. This 32 page book is a great introduction to this real historical figure. She tells a little about his childhood, but focuses on his years as a lawman. As she says in her author’s note, “Bass’s story is so incredible it comes close to sounding like 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.)