notes on books, teaching, and tech from your friendly neighborhood librarian
I Am Princess X, Cherie Priest
Graphic novel hybrid/Mystery
May and Libby were best friends. Starting in fifth grade, they devoted all of their free time to Princess X: a character they created one day on the playground. May would come up with the story and Libby would draw the pictures, and by the end of junior high they’d filled dozens of notebooks and shoeboxes and grocery bags with the story of Princess X. Continue reading “Book of the Week: I Am Princess X, by Cherie Priest”
Liar & Spy, Rebecca Stead
Realistic fiction
After his dad loses his job, Georges – with a silent S – has to move to a tiny new apartment. He’s not thrilled about it, but he’s dealing. You see, George is named for George Seurat – a famous Impressionist painter – and his mom constantly reminds him to look at the big picture, just like those painters did, so that’s what he’s trying to do. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Liar & Spy, by Rebecca Stead”
We Are All Made of Molecules, by Susin Nielsen
Realistic fiction
Stewart and Ashley have basically nothing in common. Stewart is a nerd who has plenty of friends at Little Genius Academy. Ashley is not so smart, but she is super popular at her normal high school. In a just world, they would never have to cross paths. Continue reading “Book of the Week: We Are All Made of Molecules, by Susin Nielsen”
Into the Grey, Celine Kiernan
Mystery/Horror
First line: We were watching telly the night Nan burnt the house down.
Booktalk: Until the day their grandmother burned their house down, life was pretty normal for Pat and Dom, 15-year-old twin brothers growing up in Ireland in the 1970s. After they lose their home, everything changes. Instead of living in their comfortable heated house in the suburbs, they move out to their seaside cottage. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Into the Grey, by Celine Kiernan”
Ultimate Spy: Inside the Secret World of Espionage, H. Keith Melton
Nonfiction
Spies have been around for literally thousands of years, and this new nonfiction book has the scoop on the long history of espionage, from the Renaissance to World War II to present-day counterterrorism efforts. You’ll find out about spy technology, like secret cameras hidden in lighters, watches, and even a glue stick! There were also surveillance devices hidden in people’s glasses – which makes sense to me. I’ve always known that people with glasses can’t be trusted. You’ll also read about code breaking, spy weapons, and communication devices. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Ultimate Spy, by H. Keith Melton”
Now That You’re Here, Amy Nichols
Science fiction
Danny and Eevee have always lived in different worlds. Danny is a graffiti artist who’s constantly on the run from government spies. Eevee is a science nerd who gets straight As and studies all night. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Now That You’re Here, by Amy Nichols”
Nimona, Noelle Stevenson
Graphic novel/Fantasy
Reprinted from an award-winning webcomic, Nimona is the story of a girl – or maybe a shark – well, sometimes she’s a dragon – or a cat – well, it’s the story of a shapeshifter who is usually a teenaged girl named Nimona. Continue reading “Book of the Week: Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson”
She Is Not Invisible, Marcus Sedgwick
Mystery
First line: One final time I told myself I wasn’t abducting my little brother.
Booktalk: When Laureth’s father goes missing, her mom isn’t concerned. In fact, her exact words are, “I could not possibly care less where your father is.” It’s not a huge surprise. Her dad is a writer, and he has a tendency to wander off while he researches. Continue reading “Book of the Week: She Is Not Invisible, by Marcus Sedgwick”
The Red Queen, Victoria Aveyard
Science fiction
Booktalk: The first in a trilogy that’s already being produced as a movie, The Red Queen is one of the most talked-about books of the year. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Red Queen, by Victoria Aveyard”
The Port Chicago 50, Steve Sheinkin
Nonfiction
Booktalk: During World War II, the U.S. military was segregated. In the Navy, Black sailors were not allowed to work on ships except to cook and clean. Most of them would never go to sea at all. One group of these men were assigned to work at Port Chicago in California, loading ammunition and bombs onto ships. Continue reading “Book of the Week: The Port Chicago 50, by Steve Sheinkin”