New Year, New Job

Here I am...trying to revive this blog. This past Monday, I started a new job at a different library. I was a teen librarian at Library A for two years, and this opportunity came up at Library B and I am so lucky for it.

I'm not here to bash my old library. But there were things I wasn't happy with (I mean, if I were totally happy I wouldn't have left, right?)  and Library B offers more of what I want to do: work with teens. Library A had me work teen services and adult services, so I was limited to when I could do programming, or when I could even walk around and hang out with the teens. I couldn't do any outreach, couldn't attend town events on behalf of the library, and so on. But now in my new position I'm not on an adult desk-just teen. I'll be able to go to the local schools and do book talks. I'll be able to do more outreach. There is no set desk schedule. Everyone in the teen department is flexible and easy going about it. If you have time you sit on the teen desk. If you don't someone else will do it. It's wonderful. The teens at Library B are mostly older high school age, and at Library A they were middle school-13-14 years old-a tough age.  I also mentioned on Twitter recently that Library A had a horrible insurance plan that almost bankrupted me. A high deductible HSA that cost me so much money. But Library B offers both-so I'm back on a traditional plan with no deductible. No more paying out of pocket for almost everything.

The library itself is pretty amazing. The teen collection alone made me want to weep with joy. So many books. So many graphic novels and manga! Teen movies! We are also have much more flexibility when it comes to programs. We can do after hour programs here; something I wanted to do at my previous library. Nerf Wars, here we come! I was delighted to find out the library has a collection of giant games, and I can't wait to figure out when we can use them. Hey, it's the little things that make me happy. The library is also a maze, and has a much bigger staff than what I'm used to. So it's still taking me some time to figure out the layout and who works in what department. Most employees have been here for years, which is a good sign. Not a lot of turnover means a happy staff.  And I like being part of the teen department. We're a team.

(My face after seeing the Teen collection)

I already met with some of the media specialists, and we are planning on some book talks in May. I expressed interest in doing a book tasting event, and they seemed excited about that. So if you have any experience with these please drop me a line! The only negative about my new library that I've seen is that there is no coffeemaker of any kind here. No Keurig, no coffeepot...I almost died when I found out. I'm a coffee drinker. I pretty much need my second cup in the afternoon like we need air to breathe. What does everyone do at this library when they need coffee?  I did talk to my assistant director and she assured me I could bring in a small Keurig or whatever I wanted to make coffee. Yes! I know, I know. Stupid to get worked up over coffee, but there isn't anyplace I can walk to in the area to grab a cup.

Here's hoping that I'm here for a long time, and that I'm happy here.

I'm Back, Baby!

Helloooo!

I pretty much abandoned this blog back in...2016. Ouch. I was trying to go to school for my MLS, while juggling my ever changing jobs, so it kind of fell by the wayside. I started this blog as a school assignment, but I was thinking about it recently and how I'd like to start it again. In the years that I didn't write, a lot happened. A lot.  I'll try to summarize, if anyone is interested.

• In the summer of 2016 I left my position in a high school media center to take a job as a reference librarian in my town library. I loved it. However, it was part-time. So when one of my former libraries came to woo me, I...

• started a job in 2017 as a cataloger. I worked that position for a year, then moved to the Head of Children and Teen Services.  I stayed there for *almost* a year, and then...

• I took a different job in a different library as a Teen Librarian. I was there for two years, where next week I will...

• start yet another new job as a Teen Librarian. 

• Oh. I also got my MLS (with a specialization in Youth Services) in August of 2017. Whoo hoo!

Phew! Ok, so next week I start my new job, and I couldn't be more thrilled.  I also just came back from spending the weekend at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia, and it was a lot of fun. It was my first time at Midwinter, and there is definitely a difference between that and Annual. Midwinter focuses on most things youth-oriented, which being a teen librarian suits me just fine. I came back with at least 100 books, because the publishers are amazing. I mean...I've never come back with so many books before. And I've been to Annual and Book Expo. Midwinter is also a lot smaller. The floor at Annual was so big last year that I missed a big chunk of it. But at Midwinter I pretty much walked the entire thing in 15 minutes. I also like that all the publishers talk about their new books right on the stages on the show floor. At Annual they are spread out all over the convention center over a few days. However, Annual focuses on a lot of educational panels, professional development, etc. Midwinter is mostly a meeting for committee members. But still-I would go to Midwinter again if it was within driving range. I probably wouldn't fly out for it, though.

I want to try to stick with this blog for book reviews, professional development, programming ideas, and just general library musings. I'm pretty opinionated, and I've had a lot of interesting things happen to me in library land since I've been here. I volunteered for an ALA Committee. I also volunteered for a state-wide book award committee (and I'm actually doing another one this year). I also found a naked man on the bathroom floor napping at one of my previous jobs, but that is a story for another day.

I hope some of you will read my little blog. I know there are a ton of library blogs out there, so mine might not be the most original, but it's a good way for me to keep my thoughts written down. Enjoy!

Book Review: Frightlopedia

Frightlopedia: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, From Arachnids to Zombies by Julie Winterbottom. Illustrated by Stefano Tambellini.
Published by Workman Publishing in 2016
Age level: 8-12 years; Grade level: 3-7 Lexile Level: 1060.

Summary: Frightlopedia is a young person's encyclopedia on everything scary. The author has chapters on ghosts, haunted houses, poisonous trees, and more. Each chapter has illustrations or pictures, and facts about each subject. Some chapters have crafts or are even dedicated to telling an urban legend type of story. The author also offers harmless pranks or "horrifying how-to's"in some chapters, such as how to haunt your own house.

My Thoughts: This was a very fun, and funny book. There is a lot of information packed into this slim volume, and there is probably a lot more horror stories and folklore for the author to publish another volume. The language used and the goofy illustrations take the chill factor down for young readers, but there isn't anything truly scary that will disturb readers. The author has placed a "fright meter" in the beginning of each chapter, with a finger pointing to whether the subject matter is highly frightening, or only moderately so. The author does a well balanced job with writing about supernatural topics such as the Ouija board, seances and ghosts, with "real" interests such as spiders, snakes, and even Transylvania. I loved the light-hearted tone, and the facts and experiments that are thrown throughout the book.

Of note: Julie Winterbottom also has a book called Pranklopedia, for those who enjoyed the harmless pranks in this book, or just enjoy pranks in general. For readers who especially liked the urban legends in this book, they might want to check out the classic book Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz or The Thing at the Foot of the Bed and Other Scary Tales by Maria Leach and Kurt Werth.

Book Review: Eye Candy: Crafting Cool Candy Creations

Eye Candy: Crafting Cool Candy Creations by Dana Meachen Rau
Published by Capstone Press in 2013
Age level: 8-14 years; Grade level: 3-4; Lexile: 790L

Summary: This book has over ten recipes to make candy "crafts." Some of these include a lollipop disco ball, winter icicles made out of rock candy, and an earth bead bracelet. Each recipe has step by step instructions and colorful photos to accompany it. There is even a glossary in the back. The author also helpfully places a "decorator's toolbox" on the first two pages, with a picture of all the tools you will use to make your eye candy. All are basic items that can be found in any kitchen, from wax paper, lollipop sticks, to scissors

 

My Thoughts: This is a very fun book. The cover alone caught my eye. The photos in the book are very colorful, and each step in making the candy is very descriptive. There are also helpful tips for each recipe. However, I think it would have been ever better if the author included pictures of the different steps to making the candy. While the instructions are pretty straightforward, images always help, especially for those who might not be used to cooking or baking. Making candy sushi has been a very popular program at many libraries, for tweens and teens. This book includes a recipe for it as well. There is a glossary at the end, and resources. This book is a teacher or a librarian's dream, and will work well for a tween or teen program.

Of note: This book is just one of many written by Dana Meachen Rau focusing on food for tweens and teens. Some of her others include: Dessert Designers: Creations You Can Make and Eat!, A Teen Guide to Breakfast on the Go, Piece of Cake! Decorating Awesome Cakes, and Smart Cookie: Designing Creative Cookies.

Book Review: Welcome to Mars: Making a Home on the Red Planet

Welcome to Mars: Making a Home on the Red Planet, by Buzz Aldrin and Marianne J. Dyson
Published by National Geographic Kids in 2015
Age level: 8-12 years; Grade level: 3-7; Lexile level: 900

Summary: Welcome to Mars is book written by former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Marianne J. Dyson, a physicist and a former NASA flight controller. The book details how it would be if humans built a colony on Mars and lived there. The book describes every step in detail, from the very beginning of the solar system, different space crafts throughout the years, the history of Mars, and even growing food on Mars. Spread throughout the book are different activities for the readers to engage in, such as finding Mars in the sky without a telescope, comparing the sizes of Earth and Mars, and building a mock-up of what a house on Mars might look like.

My thoughts: There is a lot of information in this book. A lot. It is perfect for young readers who love science and space, and will draw in the STEM crowd. Every page has either a photo or illustration (or both), and there are numerous factoids spread throughout as well. However I feel it might be a little overwhelming for younger readers at times, especially those who just want to read about Mars itself. The activities offer a fun way to break up the text, however, and they would all be great for a school classroom, or at home. I feel there is nothing left uncovered in this book, which makes it a great resource. Everything from the terrain, to the Mars Rovers, and even The War of the Worlds book by H.G. Wells is discussed in depth. This probably could have been split into two separate books, with the history of Mars being one, and the 'what-if' scenario of actually living on the planet another. There is just so much information that it can be a lot to take in at once, especially with all of the visuals, graphs, and charts on every page. I am not trying to underestimate young readers, but I found it overwhelming at times, and I am an adult!

Of note: The end of this book has numerous resources for further study, including books and websites. Some of these are Buzz Aldrin's official website, the NASA website, and more. Here are just some:

Buzz Aldrin Official Website: http://buzzaldrin.com/

NASA Kids' Club: https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

National Geographic video about the Mars Rovers: https://youtu.be/7zpojhD4hpI

 

Book Review: Dare to Disappoint: Growing up in Turkey

Dare to Disappoint: Growing up in Turkey, by Ozge Samanci
Published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux in 2015
Age level: 14 and up; Grade level 9-12; Lexile level HL570L

Summary:  Dare to Disappoint details the life of Ozge Samanci and her family, who live in Turkey. There is a lot of pressure on Ozge and her sister to do well in school, so they can get into prestigious colleges. Ozge's father wants them to be independent and make money, but Ozge has dreams of scuba diving, or being an actress. She is not as good of a student as her older sister, but more of a creative and artistic spirit. Her family is not religious, so she often does not fit in at her high school. Ozge goes from being an actress to a mathematician to finally realizing she was meant to be an artist. Samanci also goes into what the political world of Turkey was like in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the changes the country went through.

My Thoughts: After finishing a section on graphic nonfiction for class, I became inspired to seek out other graphic nonfiction works, especially graphic novels. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this, as there is so much on each and every page. I often found it hard to figure out where and what to read first. However, after getting into Samanci's story, I began to really like it. Teenagers who read other graphic memoirs such as Persepolis and enjoyed them will also feel a connection to Samanci's story. I think that many teenagers will be able to relate to Samanci's growing up, even if they don't live in Turkey. She goes through many of the same issues as any other teen: not having the "in" style fashions, or good grades, or a brand new Commodore 64 computer. But what I found to be the most profound issue of this book was Samanci's relationship with her father. She seeks his approval, but in the end must go down her own path to be happy.

Of note: The official website lists the awards the book has won and been nominated for, and also has the book trailer. http://www.daretodisappoint.com/

Ozge Samanci also has a website, that features her professional portfolio: http://ordinarycomics.com/portfolio/

She also has a blog: http://www.ordinarycomics.com/

Link to an interview from Comicsbeat.com where she discusses Dare to Disappoint: http://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-ozge-samanci-on-art-family-and-a-love-of-learning/

Book Review: Tuesday Takes Me There

Tuesday Takes Me There: The Healing Journey of a Veteran and his Service Dog by Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter, with photos by Dan Dion.

Published by Post Hill Press in 2016
Age level: 3-8; grade level P-2

Summary: Tuesday Takes Me There is a narrative nonfiction picture book. It is the story of Luis, a military veteran and his service dog, Tuesday. The book is "narrated" by Tuesday, and explains that Luis suffers from PTSD from being in the Iraq War, and how Tuesday helps him in life, from waking up in the morning to traveling to new places. In this book, Luis and Tuesday visit New York City and Washington D.C.

My Thoughts: Simply put: I loved this book. This book deals with some tough subjects, such as war, veterans, and post traumatic stress disorder and explains them in the gentle voice of Tuesday, the service dog. The photos by Dan Dion are just wonderful, and create a "realness" that illustrations sometimes can't. There is nothing more touching than the photo of Luis and Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery, and it really moved me.  Also to note that there are factoids spread throughout the book. Whenever Luis and Tuesday visit an important landmark, a fact will pop up somewhere on the page. This happens with the Jefferson Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower. This book would be perfect for a read-aloud, as it gives ample opportunities for children to ask and answer questions, and learn a great deal about sensitive subjects. The end of the book talks about Tuesday and Luis visiting schools and libraries and talking about these subjects as well.

Of note: There are other books about Tuesday what young readers will enjoy. Tuesday Tucks Me In, the first book about Tuesday, details everyday life with Luis. There is also Until Tuesday: a Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him, which isn't a children's book, but meant for teens and adults. Luis Montalvan also has an official website, with a section dedicated to Tuesday: http://www.luiscarlosmontalvan.com/tuesday.html