What genre do you like?

Often when kids come by the library and can't find a I book I ask them several questions about what kinds of books they have read before and liked, what TV shows or movies they like, and what it is about them they like. This helps me figure out what books to recommend, though it can still be hit and miss to find the perfect fit. Sometimes the book I recommend depends on the age/grade of the student and their maturity as much as what their answer's are to the questions. The better I know a kid the easier it is to recommend a book. It's easier if kids know what genre they like to read, though often books cross genres as do readers. The books included in this powerpoint are intended for 8th grade. Many of them have been read by students in other grades, but I'm recommending them especially to 8th grade. As always read what interests you!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox is full of so many suprises, emotions and puzzles, it's amazing. This book automatically caught my attention from the first page. I have recommended this book to a whole class before. I can honestly say that when my future daughter or son are old enough this is a book I will make them read. (Review by Yesenia R. 7th Grade)



For more information on this book check out the book trailer below or the website for the book http://www.theadorationofjennafox.com/

Shark Girl

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham is the most down to earth book I've ever read. A couple of times I caught myself feeling bad for the author because I forgot that the story wasn't about her. If you like realistic fiction, this is the book for you, so read it now. (Review by Yesenia R. 7th Grade)

Shark Girl uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to tell Jane's story. If you enjoy this book and want to read a non-fiction story along the same lines check out Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton. Hamilton survived an incident similar to the one in Shark Girl in real life and shares her story in Soul Surfer. (Review by Mrs. Netzer)

Secrets are everywhere....

In Jack: Secret Histories, author F. Paul Wilson brings his popular adult series Jack the Repairman to teen readers. Jack: Secret Histories is the first of three planned young adult titles that tell the back story of Wilson's popular Jack.

Set in the 1980's, Jack's life seems pretty normal and boring. The youngest child of three, he loves his older sister and fights with his older brother. Over the summer his boring life starts to get interesting when his friends, Weezy and Eddie, discover a mysterious mound in the barrens near their hometown.

In the mound they find both a dead body and a black cube that only Jack can open. What is the cube? Why are members of the local lodge suddenly dying since the body was discovered? What are the secret histories of the world?

This thriller of a mystery combines a search for clues with strange unexplainable events. You won't want to wait for the next book.

Scary, Creepy, and Spooky reads for October

For October I'm doing book talks on books that just generally creep you out or keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense. Below is a list of titles and authors for some books we will talk about. Try one out if this is a genre you like, if not feel free to stop by and ask for a suggestion from a different genre. To view the booktalk in powerpoint click here.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

House of Dark Shadows Book 1 in the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo

The Devouring and it's soon to be released sequel the Soulstice by Simon Holt

Skeleton Creek and The Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Cirque Du Freak (Soon to be released as a movie) By Darren Shan

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Series by Heather Brewer

The Haunting of Derek Stone series by Tony Abbott

Looking for something to read after the City of Ember?

First Light by Rebecca Stead would be a great book to read if you enjoyed Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember and it's sequels. First Light tells two stories that eventually connect in unexpected ways.

The story of Peter tells how his family temporarily moves to Greenland so his father can study glaciers and global warming. Peter bonds with one of the sled dogs, explores Greenland, and makes a new friend. The story of Thea tells of another world with no sun, dogs, and too many secrets. When Thea finds a map to the surface the two stories begin to connect.

The choices Peter and Thea make may save or destroy their worlds. Try out this 2009-2010 Truman Nominee, it fits well into the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre, with realism added by the discussion of global warming.

What do Zen and basketball have in common?

Not alot unless you are San Lee a new student at a new school in a new town. San spends a lot of time thinking about identity, and more specificly what his should be in his new school. Suprisingly it's not San who chooses his identity at this new school. Instead his fellow students ranging from Jocks, Skaters, Preps and Goth assign him the role of Zen Master based on his answer's in Social Studies. San willingly accepts his assigned role and does all he can to convince the students he is in fact a Zen Master. He convinces the school's not so great basketball team that he can help improve their game with Zen. Unfortunately his version of Zen comes mostly from the Tao of Pooh. Eventually the fact that San is faking is going to come out, but you won't be sorry you took a look at this Jordan Sonnenblick book.