Friday, May 25, 2012

More Beautiful Libraries from Around the World

A few months ago I made a post called 10 of the Most Beautiful Libraries and Bookshops to Visit on Your Travels. Well, library-lovers, today we can admire more of these international beauties. This time we'll look by continent, thanks to MentalFloss.com.

First, they've listed 15 Spectacular Libraries in Europe. This list includes 1 library in Ireland, 2 in England, 1 in France, 1 in Spain, 1 in Portugal, 2 in the Netherlands, 1 in Switzerland, 3 in Austria, 1 in Germany, and 2 in the Czech Republic. Take a look at the link above and just scroll through the pictures. Is your library this beautiful? Have you ever been to any of these landmarks?

 Next, there are 11 Fabulous Libraries in South America.This includes 2 in Brazil, 1 in Chile, 3 in Peru, 1 in Costa Rica, and 4 in Columbia. Click the link above and look at how beautiful these structures are both inside and out. I would love to sit down in any of these, but especially the EPM Library in Colombia. That one looks so cozy.

Lastly, and closest to home, they've looked at 10 Amazing North American Libraries. These have 2 located in Canada, 2 in Mexico, and 6 in the USA. Click the link above and see if you've been to any of these famous libraries. I've been to the Central Library of Vancouver, Canada and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Library, USA.

These all look so beautiful! What's the nicest library you've ever been to?

Friday, May 11, 2012

Results for the 2012 Printz Award Project

The Michael Printz Award is given annually by the American Library Association for excellence in Young Adult Literature. Over this past winter, teens in grades 6-12 volunteered to read and review books from a list of titles that were possible contenders for this award. 26 teens participated and 39 reviews were handed in. Out of the 25 titles offered, 20 books were picked up, reviewed, and rated from 1-5 (5 being the best) by these teens.

Thanks to all the teens who contributed. Here are the results!

Addie on the Inside by James Howe (Reviewed- 2 times; 5 stars)

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Reviewed- 2 times, 5 stars)

Chime by Franny Billingsley (Reviewed- 2 times, 3.5 stars)

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer (Reviewed- 1 time, 4 stars)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor by (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur (Reviewed- 3 times, 4 stars)

The Inquisitors Apprentice by Chris Moriarty (Reviewed- 1 time, 2 stars)

Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

L.I.E. by Caroline Bock (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. (Reviewed- 1 time, 4 stars)

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard (Reviewed- 4 times, 3.5 stars)

Pick-up Game edited by Marc Aronson and Charles R. Smith Jr. (Reviewed- 2 times, 2.5 stars)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (Reviewed- 2 times, 4 stars)

Shine by Lauren Myracle (Reviewed- 7 times, 3 stars)

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Small Persons with Wings by Ellen Booraem (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (Reviewed- 4 times, 4 stars)

Where I Belong by Gillian Cross (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Wildwood by Colin Meloy (Reviewed- 2 times, 2.5 stars)

Here are a few things that our teens have said on their reading:

"I liked the setting of this book and how it told a story that many people had never heard of before in history. It was also very inspiring that a girl my age was able to overcome obstacles and loss to survive, and never lost hope..." -Natalie, grade 9 on Between Shades of Gray.

"The book was beautifully written and very compelling." -Katherine, grade 12 on Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

"I liked the plot twists and surprises in the book. The unexpected events that occurred were very interesting and the character development through the story was very nice." -Jordy, grade 9, on Shine.

The actual winner of the Printz Award was Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

A Maurice Sendak Tribute

“There must be more to life than having everything.” -Maurice Sendak

It's a sad day for anyone who's ever fallen in love with a children's book. Influential, unrivaled and famous author Maurice Sendak died this morning, at age 83, four days after he suffered a stroke. Maurice "revolutionized children's books and how we think about childhood simply by leaving in what so many writers before had excluded. Dick and Jane were no match for his naughty Max. His kids misbehaved and didn't regret it and in their dreams and nightmares fled to the most unimaginable places" (Associated Press).

If you've never had the privilege of being taken away by one of Maurice Sendak's books, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Alligators All Around: An Alphabet

Pierre : a Cautionary Tale in Five chapters and a prologue

Very Far Away

Where The Wild Things Are

Also, make sure to take a look at this awesome blog inspired by the beloved Where The Wild Things Are, called Terrible Yellow Eyes. The pieces presented on this site were done as a tribute to his life and legacy.

And enjoy this brief and lovely adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are," almost undoubtedly his most famous book:

 

Then view this 2006 NBC interview with Maurice Sendak.


"Sendak spoke often, endlessly, about death in recent years - dreading it, longing for it. He didn't mind being old because the young were under so much pressure. But he missed his late siblings and his longtime companion, Eugene Glynn, who died in 2009. Work, not people, was his reason to carry on" (Associated Press).

We'll miss you, Maurice... but the wild things cried, "Oh please don't go! We'll eat you up, we love you so!"

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Fault In Our Stars Movie

Although you'd never know it from this blog, I am a huge John Green fan. If you are too, brace yourself, because he's just announced some extremely exciting news on his Twitter account!

His most recent (and arguably best) novel, "The Fault In Our Stars," was optioned very early by Fox 2000. Know what this means? A "The Fault In Our Stars" MOVIE! According to Zap 2 It, writing partners Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber have signed a deal to adapt the novel and the film will be produced by Temple Hill's Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, who are best known for their work on the "Twilight" franchise.

If you haven't read John Green's "The Fault In Our Stars" yet, YOU HAVE TO! Put a copy on hold by clicking this link.

And for more on John Green, his Twitter can be read here.

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