*Authors, Authors EVERYWHERE!*

I truly believe in the phrase, “Why fix it if it ain’t broke?” There are a number of books I have read by authors that I would enjoy interviewing on my blog. However, trying to get in touch with a number of them, especially the really popular ones, isn’t always as easy as it might seem. However, why let this restrict me from me learning about them and sharing the information with you? I’ve decided to put together various links to blogger author interviews and YouTube videos of author interviews so the information can all be in one place.

Keep in mind there are a number of other interviews available online, so I just chose a few for each author. Also, I know there are a very wide range of teen fiction authors out there now, so this is just a sprinkling of them to start. Enjoy! J

Laurie Halse Anderson

Books: Speak, Twisted, Chains, Wintergirls, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

Ellen Hopkins

Books: Identical, Crank, Burned, Impulse, Tricks, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

John Green

Books: Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

Lauren Kate

Books: Fallen series

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Cassandra Clare

Books: Mortal Instruments series

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Anthony Horowitz

Books: Alex Rider Adventure series, Gatekeepers series, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Lauren Oliver

Books: Before I Fall, Delirium

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Jay Asher

Books: Thirteen Reasons Why

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Sarah Dessen

Books: Along for the Ride, Dreamland, Just Listen, Lock and Key, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

Sherman Alexie

Books: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Face, Fight, & more!

Interview #1

Interview #2

Interview #3

 

...Ramblings from a Librarian...(#11)

A few weeks ago an older female patron came into the library asking if I could recommend any fiction books that would “teach her something”. When adult patrons ask me for book recommendations, sometimes I feel bad because they don’t get such a personal recommendation as when I recommend books to teens for the simple fact that I don’t read a whole lot of adult fiction.

When this patron asked for a book recommendation, my first thought was to recommend a book by Jodi Picoult because not only is she one of my favorite adult fiction authors, but I feel like I’ve learned something from each book I’ve read of hers. Yet, I was kind of taken aback because from the books she’s told me she has read and enjoyed, I thought a Jodi Picoult book might be a little too edgy for her. Nonetheless, I ended up recommending Picoult’s book My Sister’s Keeper. I briefly explained the plot to her and the patron said she would give it a try.

So, yesterday this same patron came back into the library, approached the reference desk, and began telling me just how much she enjoyed the book. I was thrilled! While we were talking, she made the following two comments which kind of threw me off a bit:

1. “I really liked this book, but I’m surprised someone as young as you could enjoy a book like this.”

My response: “Yeah, I really did enjoy it and most of the other ones she has written.”

My internal response: “Lady, are you crazy? You think I’m too young to enjoy this type of book? What books do you assume I read then? Wow-za!”

2. “I was so pleased with you recommending this book that I told the head librarian [I still don’t know who this “head” person is] that I appreciated you, I didn’t remember your name, recommending it to me. I told her the youngest librarian recommended it to me.”

My response: “Well thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it so much [insert smile here].”

My internal response: “Ahhh yes, the “youngest” librarian. Hahaha!”

Every day I am always surprised what patron’s say to me, whether it’s something positive or negative. Overall though, I am really glad I was able to give this patron a good book recommendation, especially since it was kind of out of my usual “teen” element.

Now Vs. Then ~ Book Covers

I'm always interested to see the changes made to book covers, whether it's a new edition of the book or the book is being released into a paperback format. Here are some books I recently stumbled upon that have a "new"cover.

The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

Wow! When I saw this book cover change, I was really surprised. Growing up, I remember seeing the cover on the left hand side. Actually, until I started browsing B&N, I didn't realize this new cover existed. Although the new cover on the right might be "newer" than the one on the left, I feel like the original cover gives a better explanation of the book.

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

For me, this cover change is definitely one for the better! The cover on the left seems kind of cheesy and is a book I wouldn't pick up based on the cover alone. It looks old and dated. On the other hand, the cover on the right is fresh, new, and gets the point of the story across. I especially like the heart in the sand. :-)

Which covers do you prefer? Do you feel like having a new cover made is necessary when creating a new edition or going from hardback to paperback? Sometimes I like the paperback version more that it makes me want to replace the hardback, which I wouldn't just do if the hardback was in good condition. How do you all feel?

Peak by Roland Smith

Received: At the library

Rating: 3.75/5.0 stars

Summary: After Peak Marcello is arrested for scaling a New York City skyscraper, he’s left with two choices: wither away in Juvenile Detention or to go live with his long-lost father, who runs a climbing company in Thailand. But Peak quickly learns that his father’s renewed interest in him has strings attached. Big strings. He wants Peak to be the youngest person to reach the Everest summit—and his motives are selfish at best. Even so, for a climbing addict like Peak, tackling Everest is the challenge of a lifetime. But it’s also one that could cost him his life.

In the beginning of this book, Peak is caught and arrested after scaling a skyscraper. Yes, I said a skyscraper! My first thought when I read about this was, “This kid must be obsessed with climbing!” Besides that brief thought, Peak is a short book, with plenty of “stuff” to capture and maintain your attention throughout. Part of the book focuses on Peak’s very believable resentment and disappointment in his father’s choice not to really be a father to him and his true reason for helping Peak escape having to go to juvenile detention and instead join him on his climbing quest. Peak’s feelings are thoroughly explored and just feel believable, rather than forced.

Aside from feelings, this story is jam packed with adventure! It focuses on Peak’s adventure of climbing Mount Everest and his quest to get to the top. Smith does a great job at painting a clear picture of the climbing trip. While I was reading I could literally feel the bitter cold and exhaustion many of the climbers felt. Having this type of connection with the book makes you that much more interested in going on the fictional journey with all of the characters. Mixed in with the emotions and adventure are mystery and deception. Just when you think you have a good grasp on the story line, you will be surprised at some of the secretive antics of a few of the characters. Will Peak make it to the top of Mount Everest…alive? Girls and guys alike will enjoy this well-crafted adventure tale all the way until the very end.

...Summer (vs. Other Seasons) & Reading…

Having worked in public libraries for the past couple of years, it is pretty obvious that, especially for youth, summer is a popular time to read. Youth race into the library to pick out “fun” books that they can read for pleasure, that they might not normally get a chance to read during the school year. Adults also flock to the library to pick out books and/or audiobooks to read on vacation or to listen to on the drive to their vacation destination. All sorts of reading materials fly off the shelves during this time of year.

For me personally, it seems like as the weather gets warmer, my reading interest sort of decreases. One of my co-workers said she actually reads more during the summer because she can sit on her patio, enjoy the weather, and read a book. For me, when the weather gets warm I am more active in doing things outdoors, so my wanting to cuddle up with a good book isn’t at the top of my list. On the other hand, when it’s cold or rainy outside, those are the days and/or times that I want to do nothing but read a good book. Also, I know a lot of people grab books to read when they go on vacation, but when I’m on vacation I’d rather be busy doing/seeing things…not necessarily reading, with the exception of the plane ride.

When do you all tend to read the most books? Do you read a lot when you go on vacation?

~First Glimpse of Katniss~

Hell-O Katniss!

Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Received: At the library

Rating: 3.5/5.0 stars

Summary: A perfect murder. A faceless witness. A lone courtroom champion knows the whole truth . . . and he's only thirteen years old. Meet Theodore Boone. In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he's only thirteen years old, Theo Boone thinks he's one of them. Theo knows every judge, policeman, court clerk—and a lot about the law. He dreams of being a great trial lawyer, of a life in the courtroom. But Theo finds himself in court much sooner than expected. Because he knows so much—maybe too much—he is suddenly dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial. A cold-blooded killer is about to go free, and only Theo knows the truth. The stakes are high, but Theo won't stop until justice is served. I initially decided to read Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer because it is one of the current Read for a Lifetime (IL) books AND because it is at the middle-school reading level, which is an age range of books I’m striving to read more of. Plus, John Grisham is such a popular adult author that I was curios to see how he would do as a juvenile author.

Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer is a mystery/detective type of novel with Theodore being the main character. This is a perfect choice for teens that have enjoyed other light-hearted mysteries with teen detectives such as Encyclopedia Brown. Sometimes when I’ve read mysteries in the past there has been a lot of violence and/or crime, but this book isn’t like that. Although I liked Theodore as a character, sometimes his actions and intelligence was a little unbelievable, especially since he is only supposed to be thirteen years old. Nonetheless, he is still a smart, witty character that I think middle school students will enjoy reading about.

The plot in the story moves pretty quickly, especially when Theodore discovers a mysterious witness to the crime that no one but the witness’s cousin knows about. Although it would be easy for Theodore to bring the witness into the courtroom and allow him to testify, a complicated situation with the witness makes it hard for Theodore to decide what the “best” action to take is.

The one major downfall I had with this book is that it is not wrapped up in the conclusion. Although there is a second book coming out following the adventures of Theodore Boone, this book didn’t seem like it needed to be left at a sort of cliffhanger ending. Either way, I would recommend this to teens that want a quick, not overly intense detective book, especially those in grades 5th-8th.

Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel (Graphic Novel)

Received: At the library

Rating: 4.0/5.0 stars

Summary: "Garth Hale is as good as dead...The only problem is he's still alive. When Garth Hale is accidentally zapped into the ghost world by Frank Gallows, a washed-up ghost wrangler, he discovers that he has special powers. Soon he finds himself on the run from the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who wants to use Garth's newfound abilities to tighten his grip on the spirit world. After Garth meets Cecil, his grandfather's ghost, the two search for a way to get Garth back home, nearly losing hope until Frank Gallows shows up to fix his mistake."

I’d like to start off by saying that I am no way any sort of expert when it comes to graphic novels. Actually, I’m just the opposite. I’m going to the local middle school to give a book talk session (and an informational session for the summer reading club) and thought it would be a good idea to incorporate not only different genres of books, but different formats such as graphic novels and audiobooks. At a tween services conference I attended last week, one of the books that was highly praised was Ghostopolis. From the brief summary of the book that was given, it seemed like a graphic novel that would be right up my ally.

Man oh man was I right! Not only did I enjoy the story line of Ghostopolis (who doesn’t like a story in which the main character rides a ghost horse?!) but the graphic novel format was easy to follow and understand. There was a lot of humor within the novel which was not blatant, making it that much funnier. Filled with elements of the supernatural, super powers, battles, and even a tab bit of romance (not enough to turn off male readers), this graphic novel has everything a reader will want! Recommend this graphic novel to those that enjoy the format and those just getting started in reading the format. 

Jay Asher's New Book!

For those of you that *enjoyed* reading Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why, like I did, than I have *big* news for you! Set to release in November 2011, Jay Asher’s new book, co-authored by Carolyn Mackler (author of books including The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things), is going to be published! The title of the book is The Future is Us. Here’s a brief look at what the book is going to be about:

 “The Future is Us is set in 1996, when less than half of all American high school students have ever used the internet. Facebook will not be invented for several more years. Emma just got a computer and an America Online CD-ROM with 100 free hours. When she and her best friend Josh log on to AOL they discover themselves on Facebook … fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what life has in store for them. Josh and Emma are about to find out.” (Summary from HERE)

To say the least, I am VERY excited/interested in this book’s storyline. In 1996 I was 11 years old and can really relate to the fact that the internet wasn’t nearly as prominent as it is today. I even laughed at the mention of the “American Online CD-ROM” because I remember getting those in the mail all the time. Overall, I think the premise of The Future is Us sounds like a book that will be right up my ally!!

ARC Giveaway~Dreams of Significant Girls!

I have 1 ARC Copy of Dreams of Significant Girls by Christina Garcia set to be released July 2011 up for grabs. Please see giveaway rules/how to enter below.

Summary: Brought together each summer at a boarding school in Switzerland, three girls learn a lot more than just French and European culture. Shirin, an Iranian princess; Ingrid, a German-Canadian eccentric; and Vivien, a Cuban-Jewish New Yorker culinary phenom, are thrown into eachother's lives when they become roommates. This is a story of 3 paths slowly beginning to cross and merge as they spend the year apart, but the summers together. Through navigating the social-cultural shoals of the school, developing their adolescence, and learning the confusing and conflicting legacies of their families' past, Shirin, Ingrid, and Vivien form an unbreakable bond. Like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this story takes readers on a journey into the lives of very different girls and the bonds that keep them friends.

***GIVEAWAY RULES!***

1. This contest is open to all participants interested that reside in the U.S.

2. Give yourself +1 entry if you are a follower of my blog

3. Give yourself +2 entries if you post about this giveaway somewhere on your blog or on Twitter (please leave a link if you do this).

***TO ENTER: Leave a comment with your e-mail address and the appropriate number of entries below. Winners will be announced on my blog and will be notified by e-mail on Thursday, June 9!***

Good luck and thanks for participating!

"How Rude!"

In the words of Full House's Stephanie Tanner, “How rude!” Working with the public in a library, it should come as no surprise that you will be helping a number of patrons that are not always on their best behavior. I make this statement, but there are in fact plenty of times when I am surprised by the way patrons’ act towards me. Even though I try to be as approachable and helpful as possible, some people just don’t care. The other day, I was walking from the front of the library back towards the reference desk after helping a patron locate a CD-Rom. As I was walking, I heard a loud whistling but didn’t think much of it. Then I hear a man say, “I guess some women don’t like getting their attention that way.”

Picture this: I turned around and this man, a.k.a. “the whistler”, started walking towards me, chest inflated, and looking around him to see who was watching this encounter. This was “that guy”…the pompous one that obviously thinks it’s acceptable to whistle at a woman to get her attention. How rude! How arrogant! As much as I wanted to give him a piece of my mind, I did what I always do with rude patrons. I put a smile on my face and ask, “Do you need some help?”

For those of you that work in a library, what have been your most surprising “How rude!” moments? With these types of moments happening pretty often, do they still surprise you when they do happen?

*REALLY* Interesting Look @ Librarians

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane

Received: At the library

Rating: 3.75/5.0 stars

Summary: Eighth-grader Molly's ability to throw a knuckleball earns her a spot on the baseball team, which not only helps her feel connected to her recently deceased father, who loved baseball, it helps in other aspects of her life, as well.

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies is one of those books that seems short and easy to read through just from the looks of it, but there are so many layers within the story that it is not just a brief, quick read. Molly is not only dealing with the death of her father, which she believes could be more than just an accident, but she is also experiencing life with a mother who acts distant and unreachable due to the fact that she has lost her husband. Molly experiences a number of feelings in regards to her father’s death and the grieving process, which gives readers a clear understanding of how Molly is feeling.

Aside from Molly experiencing that, she is also going through the awkward stages of middle school, including feeling self conscious and unsure of boys. In addition, when softball tryouts are about to start, she feels torn because even though she is a girl and the softball team is where she “belongs”, Molly has such a stronger connection with baseball that she would rather try out for the baseball team than the softball team, no matter what the consequences might be. I liked this aspect of the story because Molly wasn’t just some girl wanting to be on a sports team for boys. Instead, she grew up loving and playing baseball with her father, that that is where she truly felt comfortable and where she belonged. She shows readers that it is ok to want something beyond what’s expected of you.

This book also contained light humor, which made it enjoyable to read. One of my favorite passages in the book is when Molly is describing some of the boys on the baseball bench: “They were chewing gum and spitting sunflower seeds, pushing and pawing each other and kicking up dirt, knocking off each other’s caps. They were tall as men, some of them, had ropey muscles in their arms, but they still acted like little boys. The whole scene at the bench looked a lot like fourth-grade recess.” Working with middle school students for a couple of years, this image is perfectly done. Boys especially are growing and although they might look like teens/young adults, they are still just regular middle school boys.

Besides grief and sports, Molly also questions her interest and “sort of” romance with a boy on the baseball team. Rather than this being a complete romance book, it just lightly touches on the topic. Although I was wanting a little more development at the conclusion of the book, The Girl Who Threw Butterflies is one of those light-hearted, emotionally connecting books that will be a perfect read for the tween/middle school level student.