Carol Littlejohn

“Going Bovine” by Libba Bray (Michael L. Printz winner)

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:37:45 +0000

I am now reading “Going Bovine” by Libba Bray, this year’s winner of the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature. The summary? “Cameron Smith, a disaffected 16-year-old who, after being diagnosed with Creutfeldt-Jacob’s disease (mad cow disease), sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital in an attempt to find a cure.” Wow. I’m expecting “On the Road” meets Terry Pratchett. The book trailer has definitely caught my attention. I just can’t decide if I like it or not. See what you think. As for the book itself, it has the makings of a cult classic.

Carol

“Miss Smith and the Haunted Library” by Michael Garland

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:10:27 +0000

Miss Smith and the Haunted Library written and illustrated by Michael Garland. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2009.
Ages 4-8.
Read-aloud picture book.
Booktalk: Zach goes on a field trip to a haunted library. When the librarian, Ms. Creeper, reads from her favorite scary stories, the characters come to life and join in the fun!
Note: This read-aloud picture book is great during Halloween and all seasons that demand a simple mystery. The librarian introduces the children to many classics, such as “The Headless Horsemen” by Washington Irving and “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie. The authors and titles are listed on the back pages. If you like this book, try the series by Michael Garland.

Newbery & Caldecott Awards

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:40:58 +0000

On January 18, 2010 the ALA announced the winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards. I have not read these books and have them on reserve in my local library. The New York Times article gives more information on the winners.

Carol

J.D. Salinger’s obituary

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:12:26 +0000

J.D. Salinger died recently. For those people that would like to know more about the author of “Catcher in the Rye” and “The Zooey Stories,” check out his obituary.

Carol

Sylvia Louise Engdahl and Sci Fi

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:54:44 +0000

Many of Sylvia Louise Engdahl’s science fiction books are now available through the author’s website. As a special treat, she will send signed copies. Sylvia Louise Engdahl is my favorite science fiction author of the 1970’s. My favorite series begins with Enchantress from the Stars and end with The Far Side of Evil. As a matter of fact, I wrote an article in The ALAN Review that gives a detailed look at each book written by Sylvia Louise Engdahl.

Carol

“The Plot Chickens” by Mary Jane Auch

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:48:00 +0000

The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane Auch and Herm Auch. New York, NY: Holiday House, 2009.
Ages 5-8.
Read-aloud.
Related books: Author: A True Story by Helen Lester; What do Authors Do? By Ellen Christelow; Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One by Kate Duke.
Henrietta the chicken loves to read so she decides to write a book. First, she reads a book Writing Rules! by Reed Moore. Once she learns all the rules, she starts to write her book, The Perils of Maxine. It’s an eggstraodinary book!
Note: Author provides the rules of writing a book: invent a main character; “hatch” a plot; develop the plot; give your character a problem; write what you know; build suspense; make your story come alive by using all five senses; main character must solve problem. Adult can help children write a story together, using the rules Later, the book can be illustrated with clip art and put together as a book.

“American Bloomsbury” by Susan Cheever

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:17:07 +0000

American Bloomsbury: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau: Their Lives, Their Loves, Their Work by Susan Cheever. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2006.
Adult nonfiction.
Booktalk: Who are the Transcendentalists? In the 1850s, a group of intellectuals challenged the norms of American society. They debated education, ecology, feminism and marriage. Their questions are still being asked today. Find out whyLittle Women’s author, Louisa May Alcott, was the sole support of her family. Was Louisa May Alcott in love with Henry Thoreau, the writer of Walden? Why was Ralph Waldo Emerson the benefactor of this strange group?
Note: Author Susan Cheever has written a fascinating collective biography that reads like fiction. She calls the group the “American Bloomsbury, ”an appropriate appellation. Some are geniuses (like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau), but all are revolutionary in their religion, sexual politics and point of view. The unknown Margaret Fuller has the most interesting (and tragic) life; Cheever calls her “the sexy muse.”

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:45:45 +0000

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. New York, NY: Scholastic, 2008.
Grades 13-18.
Science fiction.
Booktalk: Get ready for the Hunger Games! Sixteen-year-old Katniss volunteers her services after her younger sister Prim is selected. She barely knows the baker’s son, Peeta, but he is also selected. Together they will fight to the death. But, the question is, can or will they kill each other? Gladiators, anyone?
Note: This first book in a series (Catching Fire is the sequel) has already attracted devoted young adult readers. In a future North America, the rulers of Panem maintain control through a televised event pitting teenagers against each other; the survival of the fittest will win the tournament. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger. A book club could be named after the title of this book—as long as you serve snacks!

The Book Club with One Member

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:14:22 +0000

Is the best book club with just one member? Read this fascinating article by Motoro Rich in the New York Times on January 24, 2010 and respond:

www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/weekinreview/24rich.html

Carol

“Scat” by Carl Hiaasen

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:09:44 +0000

Scat by Carl Hiaasen. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.
Ages 9-12
Ecological Mystery.
Booktalk: Mrs. Starch was known as the school’s meanest (and best) teacher. One day she mysteriously disappears on a field trip. Everyone knows that her student, Duane “Smoke” Scrod was responsible. He bit (and swallowed!) a pencil that Mrs. Starch was holding just the day before. But is Duane responsible for the mysterious disappearance? Nick and Marta believe Duane is innocent. But can they prove it?
Note for adult sponsor: The author provides humor within a well-developed mystery that involves ecology, particularly the extinction of the Florida panther. The characters are also well developed, especially Nick whose father lost an arm during the Iraq war. The title Scat refers to panther dung and to telling the hopeful oil drillers to “Scat!” Useful for all types of book clubs and will provide discussion about many issues, including ecology, extinction, post-traumatic stress and no-nonsense teachers who are unlikable but skillful.