Monday, November 23, 2009

So Many Books!

I am a book junkie.  I can't seem to read enough.  For every one book I read, I have about five more waiting. I am working on a huge book order.  I attended a wonderful workshop on Best Books for 2009.  I read a ton of book reviews.  I took numerous student recommendations.  I look forward to these new books!

Gordon Korman, POP.  I am very excited about this as it deals with football and alzheimers.
Chris Crutcher, Angry Management
Polly Horvath: Northward to the Moon (2010)
Michelle Zink: Prophecy of the Sisters
Kirsten Cronn-Mills: The Sky Always Hears Me: And the Hills Don't Mind
Jennifer Brown: Hate List

Monday, November 16, 2009

What are You Allergic To?

So I went to the doctor today.  I was poked 32 times with various samples of allergens.  I sat for 20 minutes only to find out that I am officially allergic to...COCKROACHES! My doctor assured me that I probably won't be bothered much around Oregon, but I could have problems if I move to the deep South! Why am I sharing this?  Well, just in case you wondered what I was doing this morning instead of working in the library.  Now it is on to the ENT docs to figure out my nasal issues...more to follow!  I got in immediately so I will be gone again tomorrow.
On Wednesday, the big Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled to arrive.  That is always fun! We are hoping to sell $3000 so we can make 50% back in book profit.  It's only going to be here a very short time so keep your fingers crossed.  Better yet, come on it and BUY some great books for Christmas gifts!
The Sprague Book Club is now reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Chbosky.  It is very controversial.  It will be fun to discuss what the fuss is all about.  Kinda like the F-Bomb?
I spoke with the Librarian at Crossler, and she gave me the ordering information for some really cool A-Frame displays for books.  I can't wait to order a couple for our library.  I am working on getting more comfy chairs. 
One more thing, I look forward to an all day YA book presentation in Portland on Thursday as well as my author class tomorrow night.  I can't wait to share my new lists!

Friday, November 13, 2009

TGIF!

Step aside Grisham, today there is something meatier.  I ran across this little article in American Libraries Direct, an e-newsletter of  The American Library Association published on Nov. 11, 2009.
Here is the gist:
"Jackson Pearce, author of As You Wish (HarperTeen, 2009), writes: “There’s been a lot of talk about why authors should or shouldn’t use mature language, themes, or concepts in YA literature. So I did a video!” In this direct talk to parents (3:00), Pearce advocates for “books that allow teens to speak in a realistic manner.” Parents can use this as an opportunity to talk to their teens about appropriate speech, or they can opt to go “la-la-la-la-la”..."
Of course I couldn't resist sharing.  As a high school Library Teacher not a day goes by when I don't hear the F-Bomb or other choice words.  I may not like it, but its reality.  If a young adult author is going to stay true to the characters, he or she should have "permission" to use what my mother calls "Curse Words" when necessary. 
Your thoughts?  Please share! :)
I will let you ponder that over the weekend while I finish my Grisham novel and get back on track next week!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday...Again...Weird Week

Monday, Monday...
Welcome to a very interesting week.  After a wet and wildly windy weekend, Monday arrived calmly.  The sunrise this morning was absolutly gorgeous.  Oranges and pinks and clouds like cotton candy.  What a view!  The start of today was promising...

Work began slowly.  I had a variety of quick tasks to complete.  Funny how on some days the tasks complete themselves.  One of the things on my to-do list was to check on the delivery of books that we have been waiting for.  Well, I walked into the office and there was the box! So Nineteen Minutes and Hitler's Canary have arrived at long last!  Then another order arrived...all of our mending tape! I also had a bonus delivery. I recieved a box of books from Junior Library Guild!  It felt just like Christmas!

I also have my PO number for Borders so that we (the library staff!) can go shopping!  I already have an order of YRCA books waiting for me.  I also want to take the book club kids shopping!  Speaking of he book club, we had about 10 students come to our first meeting.  What an amazing group of YA readers!  They know their stuff!  We agreed to read Hunger Games.  We are meeting again tomorrow to discuss the quick read.   I wonder what they will pick up next????

On Thursday is another webcast.  I love to tune in and get booklists of the hottest books.  This one is from School Library Journal and focuses on "Christian Lit." for teens.  This is an area that intrigues me so I am going to tune in and see what it's all about.  Perhaps I can find some new books!

So now my problem only continues to worsen!  How do I find the time to read everything out there?  I haven't even read the Dan Brown novel that I bought a couple of months ago when it came out.  I haven't even purchased Grisham.  Horrible!  I know, I know!

Any suggestions??????
And Mrs. W. thinks I have time to write my own novel!  Shsseessh! :)  At least Grisham made me feel better when he said that the first short story out of the seven in his new book has been kicked around for 20 years!  There is hope for me yet!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Come on Baby, Let the Good Times Roll...

Today I have song tunes running through my head.  Ms. A. came by and mentioned how she was making posters of song quotes for her room.  That got me thinking of all my favorite tunes.  Here is my current favorite:

Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
          -John Michael Montgomery

When I arrived at work today, I had a huge present waiting for me.  Mrs. M gave me an awesome painting of a kitty that she created.  I can't even begin to describe it so you need to stop by the library and take a look! Mrs. W received one too.  It is wonderful to work with such creative talent!  THANK YOU!!

Tomorrow is the first meeting of the Sprague Book Club.  Mrs. M and I created a fun little literary quiz and have some snacks ready.  I really hope a nice group shows up!  I have been working on a huge book order, and I want some input from students on what is HOT! and what is NOT!  I also want to take a trip to Borders and let the students buy books for the library.

I am working my way through a truck load of books by Mr. L.  He has an amazing collection that he is sharing with me.  If I don't have one of the books in the library, then I read through the book, check the reviews, see if it is in other libraries, and then decide whether or not to add it to my library order.  Each day, he brings in more so I need to keep busy reading.  It is like getting Christmas presents every day!

Did I mention that I love my job?
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