Banned Books Week

 As a young librarian, I used to think Banned Book Week was something to celebrate. But now that I've been through a serious book challenge, I know that it is not. 

After a complaint brought against one book, the First Selectmen in the town where I work wanted to close the Children's Department and do an inventory of the entire collection during Summer Reading, the busiest time of year.

The summer of the incident was so stressful. Ultimately, the town came together to support the library and it's one of the best things to come out of that horrific experience. 

No one should have the power to decide what kids/teens read except for their families.

As public librarians, we are not gatekeepers. If you ask me for a book, I'm going to give it to you. I might recommend others that I also think you'd enjoy as well. 

The conversation about Banned Books has changed recently. People have organized to ban books. People have become scary. Librarians are scared. They don't always have the community support. They don't always have their boss's support or the administration support. It's a tough world out there, but as librarians it is our job to fight for the freedom to read.

Over the years, I have tried to make sure the library's collection is diverse. We want people to see themselves and more importantly other people in books. It's one way to create empathy.

We NEED empathy in the world right now. The world is on fire and has been for a while. 

Here are the most challenged books reported from last year. Not all challenges are reported to ALA.

Notice anything similar about them?

Go here for more information about Banned Books and book challenges.

Don't forget to vote - because often times (as it did in the town where I work), that's who is making these important decisions. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Fall Books (1)

Happy Fall Y'all! Just a few books to celebrate the season. 

A board book about seeds and plants - specifically pumpkins. The pictures are lovely and Nat Geo Kids does a great job explaining planting and making this book interactive. 

A picture book about planting pumpkins for Halloween. It takes a long time to grow a pumpkin and it's hard to be patient. 

All the things to Love about Fall complete with illustrations in fall colors. It covers both Halloween and Thanksgiving.  What's your favorite thing?

What did the Old Lady create this time? This is a favorite series in my library. 

Animals at the zoo love pumpkins - do you?  Lots of vocabulary in this book and lots of animals to talk about.

As the days turn from warm to cool, the leaves begin to change colors. Four friends explore the forest and the leaves. The gorgeous illustrations makes this book one to pour over. There's also extra information at the back of the book about photosynthesis. 

Do you have any fun fall plans? 

Graphic Novel Review: Tryouts

The middle school baseball team is going for a decade of winning the championship. Al's been playing baseball for years, she's not sure that she'll be allowed to tryout for the team. But baseball is her life, and she's determined to try.

She doesn't have to fight to join the team. The coach is more than happy to give her a shot. It seems like everything is working out - until the team gets their first win. The local news channel wants to interview her. Even though Al talks about the team, that part is cut. The interview makes it seem like Al is responsible for the win. The rest of the team isn't thrilled about this. 

They keep losing and moral is at an all-time low. Even though this is a rebuilding year, they still want to win.

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the yearbook series. I love how this one centered around sports. Al was great - strong, determined, and talented. The team didn't gel, but they did have some good moments. I loved the side stories: the art club, the mascot, and the girls' basketball team. I love how the coach didn't need to be convinced to let a girl try out for the team. I admired that. I'll be honest, that wasn't where I thought the story was going. Lots of strong friendship moments in this graphic novel series. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel series for your school and public library collection

Picture Book Wednesday: More Nature Books

Last week, I shared some nature picture books and board books. This week, I have some more to share.

Somehow, I missed this book when it first came out. But trust me, if you haven't read it, go back and do so.

A young girl and her grandmother create a garden with help from nature.

This is a cool idea as lots happens beneath the surface of a garden. I loved learning about all the animals and insects. Pus the illustrations are great.

There are a lot of important trees in this country. I liked how this book combines poetry with trees and history. 

Many of these trees, I didn't know about. Now I have a few new places on my bucket list. 

This book is great for many reasons:

1. The illustrations

2. The Alphabet includes lots of hiking information and safety tips

3. The Alphabet Trails are fascinating to learn about (I've hiked several of these trails and more on are on list.)

4. It's fun for younger kids and older kids.

This nonfiction book also has a lot of information - but in small groups of text interspersed with pictures. The pictures are amazing. There's lot of pour over and share here. 

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival Day

 

 * Book 10 in the Mindy Kim series * 

Mindy's grandfather dies; she and her family are heading to Korea. They will be there for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It's a tradition that honors family and ancestors. Of course, she's sad about the death of her grandfather. But, since it's her first official festival in Korea and she's determined to make it the best it can be. 

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love how Mindy discovers more about Korea - the food and the culture. She has all the feels - sadness about her grandfather, happiness to see her family, and excitement over her first festival. I wish there were more traditions about family here. Mindy Kim is such a sweet girl with a big heart who enjoys learning and her family. I can't wait for more books about her. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming and makes me hungry

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school or public library. 

Middle Grade Review: The Loss of the Burying Ground

 

n this twisting, page-turning read, shipwrecked teen girls from opposing sides of a long war must find common ground in order to survive.

When the Burying Ground goes down in neutral waters, it sends the delegations from two warring nations—and the peace treaty they were about to sign—to the bottom of the ocean. The only survivors are a pair of teen girls: Cora, daughter of a Duran newspaper man, and Vivienne, lady’s maid to an Ariminthian princess. Neither has known a time when war between their two countries did not rage, but now they must learn to trust each other if they are to find sustenance, avoid dangerous pirates, and have any hope of rescue from the remote island they washed up on. However, in the midst of a conflict steeped in fierce national identity, propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization, finding a common path forward seems nearly impossible, for both Cora and Vivienne and their respective countries. But when the teens’ politically charged rescue seems likely to extend the war, Cora and Vivienne realize they do have a shared purpose: peace. If only it isn’t too late. - summary from the publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I like how the girls hated each other at first but then realized they had similar goals. I liked the way they started to work together even though they didn't trust each other. There were lots of twists and turns in this book. The ending sets it up for a sequel; I'm looking forward to reading more about these two girls.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great book for your school and public library's collection.

Board Books

Just a few new to me board books

This is a sweet story about all the things to do at the like. I love the illustrations. A perfect book to share.

* book sent for review

This is a book with lots of questions - making it a book to pour over. Lots of vocabulary and colors.

This book of opposites is cute and a great learning tool. 

A fun book with slides and tabs to move pictures. This series is always fun. A great introduction to the middle ages. 

If you're into space, this board book is not to be missed. I loved the blast off slide. Another fun book in this series. 

An alphabet food that will make you hungry - and even I learned a few new foods.

Lots of fantastic pictures in this book - perfect for babies. Each picture has is from a different country - which is identified on the page. There's so much love in this book.