Legacies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill - I read this a while back, but I don't think I talked about it. This is a "paranormal school adventure" of the classic style; Spirit White is recovering from a devastating accident that killed the rest of her family when she is swept off to Oakhurst Academy, an isolated private school in Minnesota. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that not only did her parents attend this school, but that she is a "legacy", a person with magical powers. But when students at Oakhurst start disappearing, Spirit and her new friends find that they must use their powers in self-defense.
This is an exciting story, fast-paced but with a coherent plot. Spirit is understandably unhappy, mourning her lost family and confused by the enormous changes in her life. Her friends are variously rebellious, troubled and underachieving. Each comes from a troubled or difficult background, and each has a different magical power. I enjoyed learning how magic worked, and what the expectations were in this world. The story is complete, but leaves several major threads open for future novels to explore.
Conclusion; if you like stories like Libba Bray's or Richelle Mead's, you should like Legacies.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
More New Books
Graphic Novels:
Shonen Jump for June/July 2011
Superman. Last Stand of New Krypton. Vol. 1 -- Living on New Krypton, Superman and other super-powered Kryptonians, struggle to keep the society alive but face their worst nightmare as Brainiac, the alien believed to be responsible for the destruction of the original plant Krypton, attacks, and it is up to Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy to defend their planet.
Justice League Generation Lost. Vol. 1 -- 12-issue maxi series to coincide with Brightest Day. There will be one more volume. Why does almost no-one remember Maxwell Lord? Will the few superheroes who do be able to stop him in his new bid for world power? And why will nobody else believe them?
Booster Gold. Vol. 6. Past Imperfect -- The shocking events of Justice League: Generation Lost leave Booster Gold bloody and beaten. The only way for him to put right what went wrong and save the people he loves is to travel back into the past. But, what happens when Booster comes face-to-face with himself and Justice League International?
Fiction:
The Silver Sea by Julie Golding -- When pirates raid a village in ninth-century Norway, eighteen-year-old Toki is captured as a prize, while Freydis, his younger sister, is taken to a friendly village where she and her African slave, Enno, learn that their fates are linked by prophecy.
Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper -- When seventh-grader Bette finds an angel coin she puts it in her pocket and forgets it, but soon the mysterious and kind Gabby moves into her building and helps her face her major losses, and then the coin connects her with three classmates who all find new ways to believe in themselves.
Red Glove by Holly Black -- Sequel to White Cat; When federal agents learn that seventeen-year-old Cassel Sharpe, a powerful transformation worker, may be of use to them, they offer him a deal to join them rather than the mobsters for whom his brothers work.
Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks -- sequel to Reformed Vampire Support Group; When Tobias wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the night before, a mysterious man tells him he has a dangerous condition, and he finds himself involved with a group of werewolves convinced he needs their help.
The Year We Were Famous by Carole Dagg -- A novel based on the true story of seventeen-year-old Clara Estby's walk across America with her mother Helga in 1896 to win a ten thousand dollar prize and save their home from foreclosure.
Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance by Emily Franklin -- Two popular television stars who dislike each other intensely must pretend to be a couple for publicity purposes, and when the truth is discovered their relationship goes through many changes.
Shonen Jump for June/July 2011
Superman. Last Stand of New Krypton. Vol. 1 -- Living on New Krypton, Superman and other super-powered Kryptonians, struggle to keep the society alive but face their worst nightmare as Brainiac, the alien believed to be responsible for the destruction of the original plant Krypton, attacks, and it is up to Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy to defend their planet.
Justice League Generation Lost. Vol. 1 -- 12-issue maxi series to coincide with Brightest Day. There will be one more volume. Why does almost no-one remember Maxwell Lord? Will the few superheroes who do be able to stop him in his new bid for world power? And why will nobody else believe them?
Booster Gold. Vol. 6. Past Imperfect -- The shocking events of Justice League: Generation Lost leave Booster Gold bloody and beaten. The only way for him to put right what went wrong and save the people he loves is to travel back into the past. But, what happens when Booster comes face-to-face with himself and Justice League International?
Fiction:
The Silver Sea by Julie Golding -- When pirates raid a village in ninth-century Norway, eighteen-year-old Toki is captured as a prize, while Freydis, his younger sister, is taken to a friendly village where she and her African slave, Enno, learn that their fates are linked by prophecy.
Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper -- When seventh-grader Bette finds an angel coin she puts it in her pocket and forgets it, but soon the mysterious and kind Gabby moves into her building and helps her face her major losses, and then the coin connects her with three classmates who all find new ways to believe in themselves.
Red Glove by Holly Black -- Sequel to White Cat; When federal agents learn that seventeen-year-old Cassel Sharpe, a powerful transformation worker, may be of use to them, they offer him a deal to join them rather than the mobsters for whom his brothers work.
Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks -- sequel to Reformed Vampire Support Group; When Tobias wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the night before, a mysterious man tells him he has a dangerous condition, and he finds himself involved with a group of werewolves convinced he needs their help.
The Year We Were Famous by Carole Dagg -- A novel based on the true story of seventeen-year-old Clara Estby's walk across America with her mother Helga in 1896 to win a ten thousand dollar prize and save their home from foreclosure.
Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance by Emily Franklin -- Two popular television stars who dislike each other intensely must pretend to be a couple for publicity purposes, and when the truth is discovered their relationship goes through many changes.
Monday, April 25, 2011
What I've been Reading
I just finished reading a couple of graphic novels;
Chi's Sweet Home #5; this is the MOST adorable manga! Chi is a lovable little kitten who lost her way and found a new home with a Japanese family. She doesn't remember her own mama anymore, so in this story when "Aunt Calico" offers to introduce Chi to "her mama", Chi gets scared and runs away to her new home. Was Chi that close to finding her mother again? We'll have to wait to see if volume six reveals the end of the story... Seriously, if you're a cat person, you'll delight in seeing Chi discover tape, the cat door, the fluffy neighbor cat, and more...
I also read "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne" by Grant Morrison. Honestly, people, what is going on? This was a confusing, choppy mess! I am not the most knowledgeable about Batman, but I could NOT make sense of much of this story... I also thought that the dialog was really trite in places. The artwork was good, though.
Chi's Sweet Home #5; this is the MOST adorable manga! Chi is a lovable little kitten who lost her way and found a new home with a Japanese family. She doesn't remember her own mama anymore, so in this story when "Aunt Calico" offers to introduce Chi to "her mama", Chi gets scared and runs away to her new home. Was Chi that close to finding her mother again? We'll have to wait to see if volume six reveals the end of the story... Seriously, if you're a cat person, you'll delight in seeing Chi discover tape, the cat door, the fluffy neighbor cat, and more...
I also read "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne" by Grant Morrison. Honestly, people, what is going on? This was a confusing, choppy mess! I am not the most knowledgeable about Batman, but I could NOT make sense of much of this story... I also thought that the dialog was really trite in places. The artwork was good, though.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
New Books
Graphic Novels:
Shonen Jump - May Issue
Spider-Man. The complete Clone Saga Epic. Book 5 -- As his entire race of Symbiotes invade Earth, the origins of Venom are revealed, and the saga of Peter Parker and Ben Reilly comes to an end.
Amazing Spider-Man. Grim Hunt -- Years after the death of Kraven the Hunter, one of Spider-Man's greatest enemies, his wife and daughter prepare to attempt an unholy resurrection.
Amazing Spider-Man. by JMS ultimate collection. Book 1 -- Spider-Man faces a stranger who will change how he views himself, the events of September 11, Aunt May discovering his identity, and Dr. Octopus in California.
Amazing Spider-Man. The Gauntlet. Vol. 5, Lizard -- As the Gauntlet culminates, the Lizard struggles to be free of Dr. Curt Connors and Spider-Man must survive the second coming of one of his oldes foes.
Spider-Man. The real clone saga -- Presenting the Clone Saga as it was originally intended to be told, be here as Peter Parker's worst nightmare begins again ... now with an ending you have to see to believe!
Amazing Spider-Man. Black Cat -- As Spider-Man is stalked during the Grim Hunt, the world's slyest, smartest, and sneakiest jewel thief's latest heist puts the Black Cat face-to-face with the family that has been terrorizing Spidey's dreams and threatening those closest to him!
Amazing Spider-Man. Animal magnetism -- Collecting four tales of animal oriented action! Howard the Duck's brain has been scrubbed, and it's up to Peter Parker to set the duck straight.
Incredible Hulks : Enigma force. Dark son -- Trapped on the planet conquered by the Incredible Hulk's son, Hiro-Kala, these re-united protectors of the Microverse find themselves outgunned, out of their element ... and out of their minds!
Hulk. The end -- Chronicling the final days of the Green Goliath! A searing vision of the future in which Bruce Banner, the Incredible Hulk, is the last man on Earth.
Hulk. Volume six, World War Hulks -- The identity of the Red Hulk is revealed as there is a final showdown between the Red and Green Hulks.
X-Men. X-Campus -- Follows the teenage X-Men as they struggle with adolescence and the brewing war between man and mutant.
X-Men forever 2. Vol. 1, Back in action -- In the not-too distant future, war is a spectator sport. Warriors die hard and live fast, and living larger than anyone is super-soldier Lieutenant Mike Travers.
X-Men forever 2. Vol. 2, Scream a little scream -- Blind and with one bad hand, Sabretooth, now an X-Man, is in for the fight of his life when he is confronted by his Marauder clone. And Kitty Pride faces down the clone of her dead mentor, Wolverine.
Astonishing X-Men. Vol. 6, EXogenetic -- Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., isn't the type who asks for help, but when she finds herself careening toward Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid, it's time to call the X-Men.
Marvel masterworks presents. The uncanny X-Men. Volume 3 -- The first issue the X-Men wake up somewhere strange, and by the end of the book, they still haven't gotten home!
X-Men first Class. Volume 1 -- For millions of years, mankind's place on Earth was unchallenged - until five young people paved the way for a new kind of human!
Tales of the Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 -- The Corps battles against Star Sapphire, establishing their Citadel headquarters and more!
Superman. Mon-El -- Following the startling events of NEW KRYPTON, Earth finds itself without Superman. Luckily, Metropolis still has heroes like Mon-El. But after years of knowing nothing but the solitude of the Phantom Zone, how will Mon-El acclimate himself to society?
Superman. New Krypton. Vol. 3 -- Superman has decided to live with his newfound people on a brand-new world. But, can he keep peace between Earth and this New Krypton? Not if General Zod has anything to say about it.
Superman. Nightwing and Flamebird. Vol. 1 -- The only thing standing between the good (and the not-so-good) citizens of Earth and the shadow of doom are the all-new Nightwing and Flamebird. But, who are these two heroes who have taken their names from legends of Krypton's past?
Superman. Last stand of New Krypton. Vol. 2 (vol 1 is ordered) -- Superman, along with Supergirl and Superboy, fights to free the Kryptonians of New Krypton, who have been imprisoned by the alien Brainiac and betrayed by their own leader, General Zod.
Booster Gold. Vol. 5, The tomorrow memory -- After fighting Black Lantern Ted Kord, Booster Gold finds himself lost in time, struggling to save his sister Goldstar from imminent death. However, when Booster rescues her from the timestream, he realizes that the sister he saved is not the same girl he remembers.
Batman confidential. vol. 8, Batman vs the Undead -- Doctor Herbert Combs has escaped from Arkham Asylum, and now he's heading to New Orleans to raise the dead. The only ones who can stop him are The Dark Knight, with help from Superman and two unlikely allies: the vampire Dimeter and the werewolf Janko.
Batman. Joker's asylum Vol. 2 -- The Joker shares five stories from his cell at Arkham Asylum, including tales about the Mad Hatter, The Riddler, Killer Croc, Clayface, and Harley Quinn.
Showcase presents. Justice League of America. Vol. 5 -- The JLA battles Blackest Night villain Solomon Grundy, meets Deadman, faces a cosmic vampire, and teams up with both The Justice Society of America and The Seven Soldiers of Victory.
Lewis and Clark by Bertozzi -- Presents, in graphic novel format, the adventures of explorers Lewis and Clark during their journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean.
The Dresden files. Storm front. Volume two, [Maelstrom] -- Harry’s latest investigation has pushed him to the precipice. He’s up against mysterious murders by magic that some believe only he could have committed–even Harry’s best friend doubts his innocence–and a gangland boss who wants Harry to stay out of the way.
Hatter M. Volume three The nature of wonder -- Hatter M has escaped a mad house to travel to Washington D.C. in the Spring of 1865. It's the final days of the American Civil War, and Hatter M's search for Alyss is about to take its darkest twist yet as the powers of Black Imagination gather and descend on America.
Naruto Vol. 50
Slam Dunk Vol. 14
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar -- Retells, in comic book format, Shakespeare's play about political intrigue, personal betrayal, and the aftermath of a brutal assassination in ancient Rome.
William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew -- In graphic novel format, presents William Shakespeare's story of Petruchio who, spurred by a friend in love with her younger sister, courts and weds Katherina Minola, a gentlewoman renowned for her "scolding tongue."
William Shakespeare's The Tempest -- Retells, in comic book format, Shakespeare's play about the exiled Duke of Milan who uses his magical powers to confront his enemies on an enchanted island.
The secret notes of Lady Kanoko. Volume 1 -- It's high school meets nature documentary in this new shojo comedy!
Cardcaptor Sakura. Book one -- Fourth grader Sakura Kinomoto finds a strange book in her father's library -- a book made by the wizard Clow to store dangerous spirits sealed within a set of magical cards. But now they've all escaped, and it is Sakura's job to recapture them.
Dengeki Daisy vols. 2-3 -- When Teru's home gets burglarized, she ends up staying at Kurosaki's apartment. The close quarters lead to tension, but things get even more complicated when a woman named Riko Onizuka shows up, bringing up a past that involves Kurosaki.
One Piece vols. 1-2 -- Monkey D. Luffy, who can stretch his body like rubber, is searching for a treasure called One Piece that was hidden by the pirate Gold Roger. Legend says it will make whoever finds it the king of pirates.
Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 24
InuYasha vol. 56 -- the Final Volume of this long-running series!
Fiction:
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins -- After learning that she is capable of dangerous magic, Sophie Mercer goes to England with her father, friend Jenna, and Cal hoping to have her powers removed, but soon she learns that she is being hunted by the Eye -- and haunted by Elodie.
Plague: a Gone Novel by Michael Grant -- A deadly, flu-like epidemic and a plague of flesh-eating creatures threaten the lives of the children at Perdido Beach while Sam, Astrid, Caine, and Diana each struggle with doubts and uncertainties.
Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan (10th and final bk of Ranger's Apprentice) -- Months have passed since Horace departed for the eastern nation of Nihon-Ja on a vital mission. Having received no communication from him, his friends fear the worst. Unwilling to wait a second longer, Alyss, Evanlyn, and Will leave their homeland behind and venture into an exotic land in search of their missing friend.
Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby -- As mysterious circumstances bring Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah together, their lives soon interlock like the turning gears in a clock, and they realize that each one holds a key to solving the others' mysteries.
Shonen Jump - May Issue
Spider-Man. The complete Clone Saga Epic. Book 5 -- As his entire race of Symbiotes invade Earth, the origins of Venom are revealed, and the saga of Peter Parker and Ben Reilly comes to an end.
Amazing Spider-Man. Grim Hunt -- Years after the death of Kraven the Hunter, one of Spider-Man's greatest enemies, his wife and daughter prepare to attempt an unholy resurrection.
Amazing Spider-Man. by JMS ultimate collection. Book 1 -- Spider-Man faces a stranger who will change how he views himself, the events of September 11, Aunt May discovering his identity, and Dr. Octopus in California.
Amazing Spider-Man. The Gauntlet. Vol. 5, Lizard -- As the Gauntlet culminates, the Lizard struggles to be free of Dr. Curt Connors and Spider-Man must survive the second coming of one of his oldes foes.
Spider-Man. The real clone saga -- Presenting the Clone Saga as it was originally intended to be told, be here as Peter Parker's worst nightmare begins again ... now with an ending you have to see to believe!
Amazing Spider-Man. Black Cat -- As Spider-Man is stalked during the Grim Hunt, the world's slyest, smartest, and sneakiest jewel thief's latest heist puts the Black Cat face-to-face with the family that has been terrorizing Spidey's dreams and threatening those closest to him!
Amazing Spider-Man. Animal magnetism -- Collecting four tales of animal oriented action! Howard the Duck's brain has been scrubbed, and it's up to Peter Parker to set the duck straight.
Incredible Hulks : Enigma force. Dark son -- Trapped on the planet conquered by the Incredible Hulk's son, Hiro-Kala, these re-united protectors of the Microverse find themselves outgunned, out of their element ... and out of their minds!
Hulk. The end -- Chronicling the final days of the Green Goliath! A searing vision of the future in which Bruce Banner, the Incredible Hulk, is the last man on Earth.
Hulk. Volume six, World War Hulks -- The identity of the Red Hulk is revealed as there is a final showdown between the Red and Green Hulks.
X-Men. X-Campus -- Follows the teenage X-Men as they struggle with adolescence and the brewing war between man and mutant.
X-Men forever 2. Vol. 1, Back in action -- In the not-too distant future, war is a spectator sport. Warriors die hard and live fast, and living larger than anyone is super-soldier Lieutenant Mike Travers.
X-Men forever 2. Vol. 2, Scream a little scream -- Blind and with one bad hand, Sabretooth, now an X-Man, is in for the fight of his life when he is confronted by his Marauder clone. And Kitty Pride faces down the clone of her dead mentor, Wolverine.
Astonishing X-Men. Vol. 6, EXogenetic -- Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., isn't the type who asks for help, but when she finds herself careening toward Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid, it's time to call the X-Men.
Marvel masterworks presents. The uncanny X-Men. Volume 3 -- The first issue the X-Men wake up somewhere strange, and by the end of the book, they still haven't gotten home!
X-Men first Class. Volume 1 -- For millions of years, mankind's place on Earth was unchallenged - until five young people paved the way for a new kind of human!
Tales of the Green Lantern Corps vol. 3 -- The Corps battles against Star Sapphire, establishing their Citadel headquarters and more!
Superman. Mon-El -- Following the startling events of NEW KRYPTON, Earth finds itself without Superman. Luckily, Metropolis still has heroes like Mon-El. But after years of knowing nothing but the solitude of the Phantom Zone, how will Mon-El acclimate himself to society?
Superman. New Krypton. Vol. 3 -- Superman has decided to live with his newfound people on a brand-new world. But, can he keep peace between Earth and this New Krypton? Not if General Zod has anything to say about it.
Superman. Nightwing and Flamebird. Vol. 1 -- The only thing standing between the good (and the not-so-good) citizens of Earth and the shadow of doom are the all-new Nightwing and Flamebird. But, who are these two heroes who have taken their names from legends of Krypton's past?
Superman. Last stand of New Krypton. Vol. 2 (vol 1 is ordered) -- Superman, along with Supergirl and Superboy, fights to free the Kryptonians of New Krypton, who have been imprisoned by the alien Brainiac and betrayed by their own leader, General Zod.
Booster Gold. Vol. 5, The tomorrow memory -- After fighting Black Lantern Ted Kord, Booster Gold finds himself lost in time, struggling to save his sister Goldstar from imminent death. However, when Booster rescues her from the timestream, he realizes that the sister he saved is not the same girl he remembers.
Batman confidential. vol. 8, Batman vs the Undead -- Doctor Herbert Combs has escaped from Arkham Asylum, and now he's heading to New Orleans to raise the dead. The only ones who can stop him are The Dark Knight, with help from Superman and two unlikely allies: the vampire Dimeter and the werewolf Janko.
Batman. Joker's asylum Vol. 2 -- The Joker shares five stories from his cell at Arkham Asylum, including tales about the Mad Hatter, The Riddler, Killer Croc, Clayface, and Harley Quinn.
Showcase presents. Justice League of America. Vol. 5 -- The JLA battles Blackest Night villain Solomon Grundy, meets Deadman, faces a cosmic vampire, and teams up with both The Justice Society of America and The Seven Soldiers of Victory.
Lewis and Clark by Bertozzi -- Presents, in graphic novel format, the adventures of explorers Lewis and Clark during their journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean.
The Dresden files. Storm front. Volume two, [Maelstrom] -- Harry’s latest investigation has pushed him to the precipice. He’s up against mysterious murders by magic that some believe only he could have committed–even Harry’s best friend doubts his innocence–and a gangland boss who wants Harry to stay out of the way.
Hatter M. Volume three The nature of wonder -- Hatter M has escaped a mad house to travel to Washington D.C. in the Spring of 1865. It's the final days of the American Civil War, and Hatter M's search for Alyss is about to take its darkest twist yet as the powers of Black Imagination gather and descend on America.
Naruto Vol. 50
Slam Dunk Vol. 14
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar -- Retells, in comic book format, Shakespeare's play about political intrigue, personal betrayal, and the aftermath of a brutal assassination in ancient Rome.
William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew -- In graphic novel format, presents William Shakespeare's story of Petruchio who, spurred by a friend in love with her younger sister, courts and weds Katherina Minola, a gentlewoman renowned for her "scolding tongue."
William Shakespeare's The Tempest -- Retells, in comic book format, Shakespeare's play about the exiled Duke of Milan who uses his magical powers to confront his enemies on an enchanted island.
The secret notes of Lady Kanoko. Volume 1 -- It's high school meets nature documentary in this new shojo comedy!
Cardcaptor Sakura. Book one -- Fourth grader Sakura Kinomoto finds a strange book in her father's library -- a book made by the wizard Clow to store dangerous spirits sealed within a set of magical cards. But now they've all escaped, and it is Sakura's job to recapture them.
Dengeki Daisy vols. 2-3 -- When Teru's home gets burglarized, she ends up staying at Kurosaki's apartment. The close quarters lead to tension, but things get even more complicated when a woman named Riko Onizuka shows up, bringing up a past that involves Kurosaki.
One Piece vols. 1-2 -- Monkey D. Luffy, who can stretch his body like rubber, is searching for a treasure called One Piece that was hidden by the pirate Gold Roger. Legend says it will make whoever finds it the king of pirates.
Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. 24
InuYasha vol. 56 -- the Final Volume of this long-running series!
Fiction:
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins -- After learning that she is capable of dangerous magic, Sophie Mercer goes to England with her father, friend Jenna, and Cal hoping to have her powers removed, but soon she learns that she is being hunted by the Eye -- and haunted by Elodie.
Plague: a Gone Novel by Michael Grant -- A deadly, flu-like epidemic and a plague of flesh-eating creatures threaten the lives of the children at Perdido Beach while Sam, Astrid, Caine, and Diana each struggle with doubts and uncertainties.
Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan (10th and final bk of Ranger's Apprentice) -- Months have passed since Horace departed for the eastern nation of Nihon-Ja on a vital mission. Having received no communication from him, his friends fear the worst. Unwilling to wait a second longer, Alyss, Evanlyn, and Will leave their homeland behind and venture into an exotic land in search of their missing friend.
Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby -- As mysterious circumstances bring Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah together, their lives soon interlock like the turning gears in a clock, and they realize that each one holds a key to solving the others' mysteries.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Book trailers
Do you ever love a book so much you just HAVE to share it? How about making a book trailer?
But then what? Post it on Youtube and hope other book lovers magically find it? How about a site that organizes, shares and distributes book trailers by students, teachers and librarians?
Here it is: Booktrailersforall
Watch and enjoy, and then, if the bug strikes you, try making your own trailer for that book you just adored...
Note: if you want to post your trailer, you must follow the rules for creating them... no copyrighted images, no copyrighted music, full credit to all sources... but there's plenty of info on the site to get you started!
But then what? Post it on Youtube and hope other book lovers magically find it? How about a site that organizes, shares and distributes book trailers by students, teachers and librarians?
Here it is: Booktrailersforall
Watch and enjoy, and then, if the bug strikes you, try making your own trailer for that book you just adored...
Note: if you want to post your trailer, you must follow the rules for creating them... no copyrighted images, no copyrighted music, full credit to all sources... but there's plenty of info on the site to get you started!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Teen Top Ten 2011 List
The list of 26 nominees is out! Remember, come October you will have a chance to VOTE for your favorite title. So start reading now, and pick your favorite!
This is a great list of books, selected by librarians and teen reviewers all across the United States. Don't miss your chance to read them all...
This is a great list of books, selected by librarians and teen reviewers all across the United States. Don't miss your chance to read them all...
Best Science Fiction of 2010
Are you a genre fiction reader? I LOVE certain genres, especially Science Fiction and Fantasy, so when I find a really good list, I devour it. Voya just put out their list of the best sci-fi and fantasy (and horror) of 2010. Unfortunately, it isn't up on their website yet... although the whole issue is available, if you want to browse through it (page 8-10 is the SF list) by clicking on "Digital Voya" on the right,
Also, I just got back from the Texas Library Association annual conference, where I had LOADS of fun. One program I attended was called "Demons in the Library: how to run an Anime Con." Since I will be hosting a 2-3 hour long program this summer, loosely called Japan Day, (to go along with India day and Polynesia day events), I was very interested in the subject.
I've decided that we should have a Cosplay Parade through the Library, show an anime episode of some sort, and have plenty of food and crafts to do. How does that sound? If you have any other suggestions, please comment (but realize we only have a couple hours of time!).
Also, I just got back from the Texas Library Association annual conference, where I had LOADS of fun. One program I attended was called "Demons in the Library: how to run an Anime Con." Since I will be hosting a 2-3 hour long program this summer, loosely called Japan Day, (to go along with India day and Polynesia day events), I was very interested in the subject.
I've decided that we should have a Cosplay Parade through the Library, show an anime episode of some sort, and have plenty of food and crafts to do. How does that sound? If you have any other suggestions, please comment (but realize we only have a couple hours of time!).
Monday, April 11, 2011
Recent Returns
Wow! We had a huge number of books returned over the weekend! I hope everyone enjoyed what they've been reading...
Some recent returns are:
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins; a novel in verse, it follows Hunter, Autumn and Summer, the three children of Kristina, who died 19 years ago of a crank overdose. All three suffer from problems with addiction, feelings of loss and abandonment, and from being raised in foster homes. This is the conclusion of Crank and Glass. 17 checkouts.
The Wake of the Lorelei Lee by L.A. Meyer. "Being an account of the further adventures of Jacky Faber, on her way to Botany Bay." Jacky (aka Bloody Jack the pirate) is newly rich from her last adventure diving for pirate treasure; however, when she returns to London, she discovers her enemies have spread lies about her, and she is arrested. Soon she finds herself being shipped to Australia, to a new penal colony, on her own ship, with 250 other female prisoners! What is she going to do? Take her fate lying down? Unlikely! 3 circs for this book (still on the new shelf).
Silverfin by Charlie Higson, read by Nathaniel Parker. This audio is an "old favorite" reading of the first "Young James Bond" novel. Learn how a teenaged Bond got his start as an adventurer, spy and secret agent. 11 circs just for the audio.
Nightmare Inspector vol 3 by Shin Mashiba. Help awaits those who suffer nightmares, at the Silver Star Tea House. But there is a price... In this volume, an amnesiac with a missing sister, a voice actor who can no longer be heard, a wall that blocks true love, and a boy who literally masks his feelings. 9 circs for this volume in the series.
Rave Master #2 by Hiro Mashima. No sooner did Haru Glory accept his destiny as the new Rave Master, than his magical sword shattered into a thousand pieces fighting his first enemy. Now he has to travel to the Continent of Song to have Musica the blacksmith reforge his blade. 53 circs
Some recent returns are:
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins; a novel in verse, it follows Hunter, Autumn and Summer, the three children of Kristina, who died 19 years ago of a crank overdose. All three suffer from problems with addiction, feelings of loss and abandonment, and from being raised in foster homes. This is the conclusion of Crank and Glass. 17 checkouts.
The Wake of the Lorelei Lee by L.A. Meyer. "Being an account of the further adventures of Jacky Faber, on her way to Botany Bay." Jacky (aka Bloody Jack the pirate) is newly rich from her last adventure diving for pirate treasure; however, when she returns to London, she discovers her enemies have spread lies about her, and she is arrested. Soon she finds herself being shipped to Australia, to a new penal colony, on her own ship, with 250 other female prisoners! What is she going to do? Take her fate lying down? Unlikely! 3 circs for this book (still on the new shelf).
Silverfin by Charlie Higson, read by Nathaniel Parker. This audio is an "old favorite" reading of the first "Young James Bond" novel. Learn how a teenaged Bond got his start as an adventurer, spy and secret agent. 11 circs just for the audio.
Nightmare Inspector vol 3 by Shin Mashiba. Help awaits those who suffer nightmares, at the Silver Star Tea House. But there is a price... In this volume, an amnesiac with a missing sister, a voice actor who can no longer be heard, a wall that blocks true love, and a boy who literally masks his feelings. 9 circs for this volume in the series.
Rave Master #2 by Hiro Mashima. No sooner did Haru Glory accept his destiny as the new Rave Master, than his magical sword shattered into a thousand pieces fighting his first enemy. Now he has to travel to the Continent of Song to have Musica the blacksmith reforge his blade. 53 circs
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Rock the Drop 2011
Here's a GREAT idea...
Go to the website on the Left. Print out the bookplate provided. Put it in a book. And then, on April 14, "drop" the book off in a public place. Take a picture of yourself dropping off the book, if you can (or at least of the book in its public drop spot).
Send your picture to ReaderGirlz. Thousands of other readers who love TEEN lit, teen readers, and general life-goodness will be doing the same!
Since I will be in Austin that day, at the Texas Library Association Annual Convention, I guess I'll have to drop my book off somewhere in that area...
Recent Returns
Tenryu, Vol 4 by Sanami Matoh - Are they humans in dragon form or dragons in human form? Can they keep their tempers long enough to find out? Two sword-packing brothers must find their father's killer and learn their true origin in war-torn ancient China. In this volume Hiryo struggles to find a way to express his love to the princess, while perfecting his combat skills. 21 circs for this action-packed manga favorite!
Something Magic This Way Comes - short story collection - our modern world has left little place for magic... except in these amusing, chilling, disturbing tales of fortunetellers, talking cats, or werewolves...just 3 circs, how sad!
Midnight Charter by David Whitley - Mark and Lilly are each in desperate need when they find each other in Count Stelli's tower. By trading places they are able to trade destinies, in a way, and each goes on to lead a successful life; but many questions remain unanswered, and as years pass, they find they will need each other again, to answer them. 6 circs for this fascinating fantasy adventure.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper - Will Stanton is just eleven when he discovers that he is not an ordinary human. He is the last-born member of the Old Ones, who for the entire existence of humanity have fought against the Dark. It is Will's role to lead the fight, preventing the rise of evil that would surely destroy all he knows and loves. 131 circs on 5 copies. Also on Audio.
Something Magic This Way Comes - short story collection - our modern world has left little place for magic... except in these amusing, chilling, disturbing tales of fortunetellers, talking cats, or werewolves...just 3 circs, how sad!
Midnight Charter by David Whitley - Mark and Lilly are each in desperate need when they find each other in Count Stelli's tower. By trading places they are able to trade destinies, in a way, and each goes on to lead a successful life; but many questions remain unanswered, and as years pass, they find they will need each other again, to answer them. 6 circs for this fascinating fantasy adventure.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper - Will Stanton is just eleven when he discovers that he is not an ordinary human. He is the last-born member of the Old Ones, who for the entire existence of humanity have fought against the Dark. It is Will's role to lead the fight, preventing the rise of evil that would surely destroy all he knows and loves. 131 circs on 5 copies. Also on Audio.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What I'm Reading
Starcrossed by Elizabeth Bunce - fantasy tale of a street-thief named Digger; when a job goes wrong and she flees the scene of the crime, Digger knows she must get out of the city of Gerse, where the Greenmen are now hunting her. But the last thing she expects to happen is for a group of teen-aged nobs to take her under their wing, and to end up spending the winter at a mysterious castle deep in the mountains. There she stumbles into magic and political intrigue. Can she keep her own identity secret, and what secrets of others will she uncover?
This is a well-crafted story, tightly written, and with a strong, courageous heroine. Digger, also called Ceryn, takes charge of her own life, but learns trust as she bonds with Meri and the other young people. Eventually, she has to decide whether to remain in her new life, or go back to Gerse and try to pick up the pieces of the life she left behind. If you like Tamora Pierce or Libba Bray, you should like Elizabeth Bunce.
New Spring: the Graphic Novel by Robert Jordan (Note: this is a gift, and will be added to the collection in a few weeks). The Aes Sedai, a group of magic-weilding women, defend their world against the return of the Dragon, a world-ending evil. But when war comes, they must hunt for a baby, born on the slopes of the Dragonmount. For this child is the long-prophecied male weilder of magic, who is the only hope of winning their war in the now-soon-to-arrive final battle. But in the meantime, Moiraine and Siuan follow the challenging lives of young aspirants to the Aes Sedai. Moiraine has the added fear that, after the death of her uncles in battle, she may be called upon to become Queen.
While I have not read the novel this GN is based on, I am greatly enjoying it. The art is good, the characters have clear personalities, and the world is well-described. I look forward to discovering what happens to Moiraine and Siuan, and whether they ever find the child of prophecy they are hunting for.
This is a well-crafted story, tightly written, and with a strong, courageous heroine. Digger, also called Ceryn, takes charge of her own life, but learns trust as she bonds with Meri and the other young people. Eventually, she has to decide whether to remain in her new life, or go back to Gerse and try to pick up the pieces of the life she left behind. If you like Tamora Pierce or Libba Bray, you should like Elizabeth Bunce.
New Spring: the Graphic Novel by Robert Jordan (Note: this is a gift, and will be added to the collection in a few weeks). The Aes Sedai, a group of magic-weilding women, defend their world against the return of the Dragon, a world-ending evil. But when war comes, they must hunt for a baby, born on the slopes of the Dragonmount. For this child is the long-prophecied male weilder of magic, who is the only hope of winning their war in the now-soon-to-arrive final battle. But in the meantime, Moiraine and Siuan follow the challenging lives of young aspirants to the Aes Sedai. Moiraine has the added fear that, after the death of her uncles in battle, she may be called upon to become Queen.
While I have not read the novel this GN is based on, I am greatly enjoying it. The art is good, the characters have clear personalities, and the world is well-described. I look forward to discovering what happens to Moiraine and Siuan, and whether they ever find the child of prophecy they are hunting for.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Recent Returns
Recent Returns
Rise of the Darklings: The Invisible Order, book One, by Paul Crilley - When Emily, an orphan in Victorian London, who struggles to support herself and her little brother, discovers that she can see into the Faery realm, her whole life changes. For soon, the Invisible Order learns of her ability, and they will do almost anything to gain control of her power. But who should Emily trust? The Seelie who asks her aid, the Order, who at least are human, or the Unseelie who want what they claim was stolen? 1 circ for a brand new book.
Walk Across the Sea by Susan Fletcher -- In 19th Century California, the chinese are seen by the local whites as a threat, to their jobs, and their way of life. but when Eliza first meets Wah Chung, he rescues her from a treacherous wave. When the townsfolk band together to expel the "heathens", Eliza must decide whether to agree with her father and the other townspeople, or make an unpopular decision to do what she knows is right. A good look at an important historical period. 7 cirs.
Words in the dust by Trent Reedy -- Zulaikha is called "donkeyface" by the boys of her village, because of her cleft lip. But when she writes the words she has learned, she knows that she can live up to the meaning of her name, "a brilliant beauty". Then the American soldiers tell her they can help her get surgery that will repair her lip; and a woman named Meena offers to teach her to read. Can Zulaikha grasp her chance for change? Or will the realities of life in an Afghan village ruin her dreams? Based on a true story. 0 circs for this book (which came up just this week).
Kampung Boy by Lat -- the life story, in graphic novel format, of a Malaysian boy growing up on a rubber plantation. From the day of his birth, when his father greeted him with great pride, to the day he departs home to attend a far away school... a wonderful look at a boy's years growing up, learning about life and family and religion and the world. 4 circs.
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