VBPL Recommends

Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry Mazer and Peter Lerangis

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I remember talking to Harry Mazer thirty years ago about his semi-autographical teen novel The Last Mission. I'd had to respond to a request for reconsideration because the soldiers in that WWII story used a lot of vulgar words. He confirmed that his purpose was to show how war changed a young man's sensibilities. Over the years since then, we've learned more and more about how war changes people.

Ben has everything – girlfriend, best friend, loving family, a potential career in music or theater, and on the eve of high school graduation a compelling sense of obligation to serve his country. He enlists and is sent to Iraq. Soon there's the all too familiar story of an IED blowing up the humvee carrying Ben and his fellow soldiers. Ben suffers traumatic brain injury.

In the third part of the book Ben, his family, his best friend and his girlfriend, attempt to recover. Ben's mind is so badly injured that he recognizes no one but his younger brother Chris. The stresses of dealing with this strange, memory-less personality inhabiting their beloved Ben are almost too much for the others. Chris, who has autism, finds creative ways to cope and express his feelings. Ariela feels her fiance is gone even though his body looks much the same.

Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am is quite short though it covers a year and a half, and the emotions of all the characters are raw and intense. But the most impressive achievement is how the authors get inside Ben's injured mind and help us see what he is experiencing. For this, the book received the teen level Schneider Family Book Award which is given to a book for the artistic expression of the disability experience.

Drawing on his own teenage war experience, Harry Mazer is one of the finest writers about combat for adolescent readers, so try his other novels too. Another teen novel about the Iraq war is Sunrise over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers which was reviewed here several years ago.

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Many years ago when I first worked in a library, my mentors would name in hushed voices a legendary librarian, Anne Carroll Moore. I always wondered how she had so impressed them. Now, thanks to Pinborough and illustrator Debby Atwell, I have a feel for the remarkable personality behind American public library services to children.

This children's picture biography celebrates a determined young women who refused to be confined by Victorian expectations, or to let libraries be restricted either. During Annie's childhood, the public libraries that existed were for adults. Annie began reading law in her father's office but when her parents tragically died, she went off to New York to learn to be a librarian.

There Miss Moore managed children's services in all the

New York library branches. When the iconic New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42d Street was erected, Miss Moore designed its children section. This quickly became a model for other libraries. And in that way she helped create opportunities for librarians who wanted to serve children. This book comes at an especially appropriate time as the final touches are being added to the library that will be shared by TCC and the Virginia Beach public. The Friends of the Library are funding an interactive children's section designed by the Phoenix-based Burgeon Group.

If you enjoy the picture biography Miss Moore Thought Otherwise, there are other picture books about historic librarians: Miss Pura Belpre is the subject of The Storyteller's Candle = La Velita de los Cuentos by Lucía M. González. Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora tells how a librarian influenced Tomás Rivera, child of farm workers, to grow up to become chancellor of a university. In Goin' Someplace Special Pat McKissack describes a visit to the one unsegregated place in 1950s Nashville, Tennessee, the public library. One fictional picture book, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, also catches the spirit of Anne Carroll Moore.

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

A fish in a derby confesses his theft. And, as thieves do, he justifies his actions. He convinces himself that he is going to get away with the hat. He heads for the place, “where the plants grow big and tall and close together.” And his last words are, “Nobody will ever find me.”

Klassen has condensed the essence of a crime story into sixteen double-page illustrations and just over two hundred words. The words are a stage soliloquy by the fishy thief, while all the time the illustrations are telling a different story.

Muted pastels on a black background and repeated oval shapes for both leaves and fish create a deceptive visual simplicity. Planning illustrations that will cross the gutter where the pages join is tricky. And there is careful comic timing in making sure that picture and words stay in sync. Here, the words and pictures play off each other to tell the full story just as they do in Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. It is not surprising that This Is Not My Hat won the 2013 Caldecott Award. The large font lettering on a white background offers the added benefit that some children with impaired vision will be able to enjoy this story.

Best of all, this is a perfect story to start a family conversation because the fishy thief's last words create a foreboding but ambiguous ending. When you share this story with a child, be sure to listen to what the child thinks happened to the little thief. Another ethical dilemma to talk about is whether the crab was right to snitch. Klassen's previous picture book I Want My Hat Back was reviewed on this blog last year.

What Matters in Jane Austen? By John Mullan

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

This year is the bicentennial of the publication of Pride and Prejudice so we may expect to see several new books about Austen and her characters. Mullen's exploration is subtitled “Twenty Crucial Puzzles Solved,” but rather than puzzles, most of his chapters highlight the subtle ways Austen shows us characters that are not perfect and presents us with plots where happy endings are not foreordained. The operation of chance on believably flawed people is among the gifts Jane Austen brought to fiction.

Somehow Mullen manages to make this as entertaining as if we were attending an assembly ball with all of Austen's characters and gossiping about them as they dance. The twenty topics include how sisters get along, the effect of sexual attraction on her characters, the role weather plays in precipitating events, how Austen builds character with dialogue and why some characters are never quoted, the general knowledge of everyone's financial status, the role of blushing, and of illness. All this is illustrated with quotations from the novels that juxtapose characters from different books. The author notes that Austen's characters are younger than they are generally portrayed in film. For example, Mrs, Bennet is a still sexy forty and the pompous Reverend Collins a callow twenty-four in the novel.

Among the latest additions to the Austen shelf is The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne who uses significant artifacts to organize stories about Austen's life. What Matters in Jane Austen? will delight Austen fans, but for those who have not yet read her, begin with Pride and Prejudice, the most popular of her six completed novels. This is the year to discover the writer who created the prototype Regency Romance and Comedy of Manners and inspired uncountable “sequels,” parodies, films, adaptations, and imitations.

Back to Front and Upside Down by Claire Alexander

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It's the principal's birthday so the class are making birthday cards. But when Stan tries to write Happy Birthday, his letters come out back to front and upside down. Stan is sure everyone will laugh at him. “Stan felt sick, like his tummy was being all stirred up with a big wooden spoon.” The illustration shows a dismal Stan huddled in the lower corner of a big black page.

At recess, his friend Jack urges Stan to ask the teacher for help. And when Stan does, no one laughs and Mimi admits she needs help too. With a lot of practice, Stan is able to make the card come out the way he wants. He proudly presents it to the principal at the party.

Students, teacher, and principal are each pictured as a different animal with very expressive faces. The story is written in letters like a young child's printing. Any child entering school can take heart from the words of Stan's friend, “We all have to ask for help sometimes.”

Miriam Cohen's When Will I Read? offers similar reassurance as children begin to master writing and other skills in school. Back to Front and Upside Down can also augment a selection of birthday stories like Ezra Jack Keats' A Letter to Amy. While dyslexia is not mentioned in Alexander's book, it is the only picture book in the catalog with the subject of dyslexia. And, it received the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award for younger children. These awards honor an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience.

Desdaemona by Ben Macallan

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s think over a few keywords:

Urban fantasy. Vampires. Werewolves. Teens.

. . . Wait, hold that thought.

Hell. Bounty. Mafia. Runaways.

That’s more promising, yes?

Desdaemona is a British urban fantasy about two not-quite teens on the run from all sorts of monsters. Jordan has been one day short of his 18th birthday for the many years that he has been running and hiding because of a mysterious birthright. That, plus Hell has a bounty on him. Trouble really likes Desi and cannot stay away. Further complicating matters is Desi’s secret past and selling her soul for power and long life as a daemon (full name: Desdaemona haha). Jordan, being an experienced runaway, helps other runaways find their way home, so Desi seeks him out to find her missing sister who is hunted by this paranormal world’s own version of the mafia. Not surprisingly, their troubles combine for an interesting mess and lots of adventure.

Desi is one of the best things about this book: a girl who kicks butt, can take care of herself, and has smarts, looks, and attitude to match. Still, she is no Wonder Woman or even close to perfect. She is horribly and wonderfully flawed, very human in spite of her super abilities, making her (and her past) that much more intriguing.

Familiar urban fantasy elements and even traditional fairy tales get a fresh twist, with nothing feeling generic. There are paranormal creatures, like werewolves, vampires, harpies, undines, shapeshifters, as well as ones from mythology and folklore, like the Green Man, king of Hell, Sibyl the seer, and the Twa Corbies (in the sequel). Drawing on the darker and more ambiguous natures of these classic tales and figures, Macallan’s versions go beyond mere representations of good and evil and retain an inhuman and deadly quality, well-captured in writing.

Macallan’s prose is wonderful—nuanced, darkly poetic at times, and thoughtful, balancing between a fast-paced, action-packed narrative and a satisfyingly profound story, making it more than just a fun fluff piece. The first-person narration gives a kind of lilt to the words and character with a personal touch that makes the reading experience such a pleasure. A bit dark and bleak to be considered teen fiction despite teenaged main characters, this is a treat for urban fantasy fans yet something more literary for readers who want more.

Look for Desdaemona in the VBPL Catalog. Trouble follows Desi in the sequel, Pandaemonium. Macallan is a pseudonym for Chaz Brenchley who writes horror. Caitlin Kiernan’s Blood Oranges brings darkly lyrical prose to her urban fantasy about a junkie turned werewolf-vampire hybrid.

Rest in Pieces: The Curious Fates of Famous Corpses by Bess Lovejoy

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

“. . . while death troubles us, it also intrigues us. Death is the ultimate mystery, and contemplating does us good,” offers Lovejoy in her introduction to this fascinating book.

Death is a sensitive topic, yet death means something different to so many people, and death is not always the end.

Dead is dead, but some celebrities’ corpses have had pretty active and interesting afterlives. Part trivia and part history, Lovejoy shares these accounts in a factual and practical tone with just enough humor to make it an engaging and, at times, entertaining read. The book is organized by categories, with sources provided for each celebrity, and an introduction that lets readers know how this book came about. More than just a memory, these famous corpses are symbols of some sort and still possess meaning to the living, going beyond friends and family to include followers, admirers, institutions, and even enemies. Looking at the dead and their part in history lets readers know not just about the celebrity but the history surrounding that figure, information about the time and place, and changing attitudes toward death and mourning

Here are some tidbits:

-Of course, there is an Elvis sighting. Elvis Presley gets his own section, with Lovejoy documenting the facts surrounding his death and burial at Graceland Mansion, acknowledging the challenges and hoax claims made.

-Santa Claus has a section, which may sound silly, except Lovejoy focuses on Saint Nicholas, the saint he is based on and elaborates on the spread of his myth and legend.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley, Romantic poet and Mary Shelley‘s husband, tragically drowned and was subsequently cremated. A friend plucked his heart out of the flames (believed to be), another friend preserved it in wine before returning it to Mary. An interestingly fitting end when the heart’s final resting place had special meaning to figures in the Romantic Era.

-Eva Perón (Evita)’s corpse had one of the strangest and longest journeys before resting. Her body was embalmed when she died in 1952 and secretly buried. With constant political upheavals, her body was moved and re-buried several times before finally coming back to Buenos Aires to rest in 1976

Look for Rest in Pieces in the VBPL Catalog. For more chronicles of corpses’ afterlife journeys, try Body of Work by Christine Montross and Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach.

Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

“Once upon a time. . .”

“. . . and they lived happily ever after. The end”

With these classic lines, we’re either talking about fairy tales or romances. It is not quite either. This is the story that comes after the supposed happily-ever-after, and the fairy tale world draws on older and darker folklore, more akin to Grimm’s fairy tales and the Mabinogion.

The story begins as a family’s living nightmare when teenager, Tara Martin, inexplicably disappears. Her family cannot find any trace of her, and Tara’s boyfriend is blamed for her disappearance. Eventually, everyone moves on with their own lives. After twenty years pass, Tara appears back home, barely aged in her absence. It should be a miracle, a dream come true, and a happily-ever-after ending to the tragic scenario, but it is only the beginning of this tale, especially with Tara insisting she spent only six months in the world of the fairies.

It seems fitting to call this literary fantasy. The lyrical and eloquent writing itself sets this book apart from typical fantasy. For all the magic and fairies present, there is no adventure, magic wands and tricks, or quest with heroes. Drawing from older traditions, it is an understated magic that is less about escapism but about making reality more vivid and real. Set in the real world and present day, it is Tara’s word against what is normal and expected. What follows is a rather realistic, very human, and, at times, heartbreaking account of the rehashing of old hurts, attempts to reconcile past and present, and efforts to make sense of the unbelievable.

The book becomes a fascinating character study. Tara is the mystery that the others try to solve. It is a jarring experience between memory and what is before their eyes. Readers see through the eyes of her therapist, her brother and his wife, and even Tara’s boyfriend--Outsiders and insiders, all trying to understand Tara and her outrageous-sounding claims. This multi-layered story is a Rip Van Winkle, Urashima Tarō, Oisin, and similar tales for contemporary times with present-day attitudes. It is not only about truth, what happened, and even Tara herself but also about how people see things.

Look for Some Kind of Fairy Tale on the VBPL Catalog. For more of Graham Joyce’s blending of magic into the everyday, real world, try How to Make Friends with Demons or Limits of Enchantment. Try Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan for fairy tales gone wrong.

Bro-Jitsu: the Martial Art of Sibling Smackdown by Daniel H. Wilson

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Full title: Bro-Jitsu: The Martial Art of Sibling Smackdown. 126 Techniques to Gain Family Domination.

Sibling rivalry elavated to an art form! This little tongue- in-cheek handbook gives you one of the more interesting (certainly creative) forms of “martial arts.”

Here is a bit of humor for those with siblings (either brothers or sisters), for the only child who may be glad now not to have siblings, for reminiscing over childhood antics, and for learning about techniques you may not have experienced (and should really be relieved you were spared).

This manual makes for a fun package and a quick read. There is a semi-serious martial arts theme to the whole book that actually works, taking it beyond a gimmicky title and premise. The 126 techniques for proper sibling smackdowns come complete with appropriate labels, a description of what it is and how do it, variations, illustrations sometimes, alternative names, additional pointers, and index of moves, all carefully organized into categories.

Just a fraction of the techniques available

Wilson maintains a balance between comedy and information. The tone is humorous, matter-of-fact, and fiendishly gleeful at times, giving readers plenty of laughs. Sometimes gross, but surprisingly not hard to imagine some child pulling those pranks. In line with martial arts codes, the book is not about promoting violence, emphasizing that siblings should not cross a line in tormenting each other. It acknowledges that sibling rivalry exists, that children play rough, and that kind of play can be a bonding experience.

Look for Bro-Jitsu in the VBPL Catalog. For more similarly humored handbooks by Wilson, try How to Survive a Robot Uprising and How to Build a Robot Army. Wilson has also written science fiction, Robopocalypse and Amped.

Dark Currents (Agent of Hel) by Jacqueline Carey

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Vampires, werewolves, fairies, and demons. Just the kind of creatures you expect to find in paranormal fiction.

Except the Norse mythology connection (minus Thor).

Jacqueline Carey’s new urban fantasy series features those creatures and more, plus a half-breed hell-spawn heroine with anger management issues and her own little tail.

A Michigan resort town, Pemkowet, is a hotbed of paranormal activity and the site of an underworld, acting as a magnet for all sorts of supernatural creatures. The paranormal tourism bureau promotes fairy sightings and such. The incongruously-named Daisy is the half-demon heroine, and she works double duty as the police department’s file clerk and off-the-books liaison to the eldritch community and Norse goddess Hel’s enforcer. Usually that involves small matters until a college boy’s death occurs with strong indications of supernatural involvement. The police department requires Daisy to partner with a werewolf officer to solve the murder, since it means lynch mob possibilities for Pemkowet’s monsters if not resolved soon. Of course, things are never that straightforward, and Daisy finds herself juggling several things on her plate, and the murder case shows signs of deeper problems.

The book cover surprisingly avoids the usual urban fantasy images of midriff-baring heroines wearing painted-on clothing, which is a good indication of the story contained within. It’s not all witty banter, sassy comebacks, hot girls in high heels, and non-stop action scenes. The novel is well-written with engaging and carefully-developed characters (both humans and monsters), containing a strong plot and thoughtful ideas, remaining a fun read despite its dark subject matters. Like Carey’s previous works, Dark Currents does not stick to the usual rules and expectations of popular trends. She creates an interesting framework for the existence of many supernatural creatures with their struggles to co-exist with humans in the modern world,.

Carey takes a thoughtful approach to the monsters she writes about, especially Daisy who constantly struggles with her nature. Daisy makes for an interesting and insightful case for nature-vs-nurture: a naturally hot-tempered person whose emotional outbursts cause extensive damage to anything around her is raised by a kind-hearted mom who truly loves and stands up for her half-breed daughter. With Daisy’s line of work, she encounters other supernatural creatures, dealing with their own differences and living alongside humans.

Look for Dark Currents on the VBPL Catalog. The sequel, Autumn Bones, comes out October 2013. Read Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire for urban fantasy with monsters in the real world and a feisty heroine to keep things in check and the Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance (starting with Touch the Dark ) for more paranormal activity and half-breed demons.

Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant and The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Katie L) — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

I collect hobbies. Last Friday out of the blue, I got the itch to try my hand at terrarium design. Lucky for me, I work in the library and can find books on whatever topic strikes my fancy each day. My first attempts at terrarium craft were fun and the results varied. My 2 year old found the entire "playing in the dirt with mommy" process delightful.
I wouldn’t have known where to even begin this project without the help of 2 enlightening books. Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant and The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin. These titles were my guide throughout the entire process- from creative brainstorming to shopping for supplies.

Terrarium Craft and The New Terrarium are both modern takes on this age old process. Each title has its own strengths and together they provide a wonderfully rounded overview for the beginner.

I recommend Terrarium Craft for inspiration and ideas. This title is wonderful for visual learners who are looking to be motivated by beautiful design. All instructions and examples are depicted in stunning photography. If you are familiar with crafting books, this one follows the traditional layout with basic information in the front followed by specific project designs and instructions.

For a bit more insight into the art of terrarium design The New Terrarium is a wonderful in-depth resource tool. Here is where you can find information on plant selection, fertilizing, ventilation, etc. This book even devotes an entire chapter to "the venue" with detailed descriptions of bell jars, wardian cases, cloches, cold frames and more.

The next time you are feeling inspired visit VBPL to find just the right resource for all of your DIY or crafting needs. And if building a terrarium is on your to do list check out Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant and The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin during your next library visit.

Living the Savvy Life: The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living by Melissa Tosetti and Kevin Gibbons

noreply@blogger.com (Katie L) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:42:00 +0000

Spring is in the air…and so is spring cleaning! I have made a conscious effort to de-clutter my life this spring. As anyone working fulltime with a small child and too many hobbies knows, this isn’t an easy feat to pull off. So, I called in reinforcements by searching for the most inspirational and easy to implement self-help books I could find on the topic.

I am excited to share that I have been able to make some noticeable changes to my own home and habits and found a lot of motivational advice in Living the Savvy Life: The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living. Though the title might cause you to think this is purely a book on personal finance Living the Savvy Life is actually a holistic approach. They recommend finding your personal priorities and goals and than focusing your spending, time and energy on creating a smart lifestyle that allows you to also do the things you love. Though not all chapters were relevant to what I was personally working on, the book lends itself to skipping around to the chapters that focus on your own personal goals at hand.

If you are looking for some motivation this spring I recommend Living the Savvy Life: The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Livingfor anyone looking to clean up your budget, home or life priorities.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Katie L) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

I will admit it...I put off reading Mockingjay until just last week! Embarrassing I know. I have recommended this series to probably hundreds of people. I have pushed it to teens, librarians, family, friends, strangers, VBPL Recommends readers… you get the picture. Yet, I had never finished the series myself. I will tell you why - the rumors got me down. I heard from so many people that they didn’t like the ending that I postponed ending the series myself.

Now, having read Mockingjay, I have to say closure is a good thing.

Collins ends strong. Mockingjay picks up where Catching Fire let off. Katniss has been rescued by (the once believed to be extinct) District 13 and the rebellion is in full swing. Still the begrudging face of the revolution Katniss’s wounds are healing and she is thrust right back into the violence, drama and war that have engulfed Panem.

As with the first 2 books in the series Mockingjay is a wonderful mix adventure and political intrigue with the slightest touch of romance. Collin’s ends this story appropriately, at least in my opinion, with the characters all finding closure…or death. Really, a post-apocalyptic story based on an arena full of children forced to kill each other cannot end with a happily ever after for everyone. And though it doesn’t, you walk away with a sense of peace.

So, if you are like me and have put off finishing this phenomenal series I recommend you check it out at VBPL before the next movie comes out and the books fly back off the shelves. You will be happy you did!

Quilts from the House of Tula Pink: 20 Fabric Projects to Make, Use and Love by Tula Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Katie L) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Fabric designer Tula Pink has published a georgous book of modern quilts using some of her iconically whimsical fabric collections. The book begins with helpful techniques, quilting tips, color choice recommendations and most excitingly … a “sneak peak” into the magical world of fabric design.

Tula Pink’s 20 quilt patterns and fabric projects include a wide variety of modern quilts that look so cozy and colorful they make you want to curl up with a good book (maybe even this book) under a one of these beautiful designs and spend a few hours in solitude…with an active toddler and a full time job maybe this is just my personal interpretation. Regaurdless, Quilts from the House of Tula Pink will inspire any quilter or fabric craft extraordinaire to dig into their fabric stash and start creating one of these inspiringly bright patterns.

My personal favorite is the Any Which Way Quilt, which incorporates the scrappy fusing technique into large scale geometric arrows on a subdued background. Another simple, but eye catching design is the Lollipops Pillow made with fabric covered buttons.

I recommend this book if you are interested in modern quilting, fabric design or simply want to enjoy the beautiful photographs that accompany these projects. Checkout Quilts from the House of Tula Pink at VBPL today.

Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmidt

noreply@blogger.com (Katie L) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Percy loves balloons! And really, who doesn’t? But, loving balloons can be a bit disappointing when you are a porcupine.

POP!

Percy doesn’t let it get him down though.

Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmidt is executed in Schmidt’s endearing pastel illustrations that once again feature those huggable porcupines. The book follows Percy as he tries to think of a way to play with balloons without getting those pesky quills in the way.

I can relate to Percy because his planning process often drifts…to things like ice cream (a personal problem I too face).

Perfectly Percy is a fun picture book that seamlessly incorporates cause and effect and problem solving skills. In addition, this is a wonderful book for practicing narrative skills as it lends itself to easy retelling for pre-readers. My toddler and I read this book nightly for a week just to make sure it passed muster for VBPL Recommends - and we can both report that Perfectly Percy passes the re-read test with flying colors! And not to worry…Percy comes up with a creative solution to that pesky balloon popping problem.

If you enjoy Perfectly Percy be sure to check out his sister’s book Hugs from Pearl at VBPL today.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

noreply@blogger.com (Kaitlin) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

In the dramatic conclusion to Jeri Smith-Ready’s Shade trilogy, Aura is moving on from the tragic loss of her rock star boyfriend Logan as she begins to fall deeper for Zachary. Zachary and Aura share an undeniable bond as both seek to discover the connection to the Shift, the event that allows post-shifters to see ghosts. But, something changes when the Department of Metaphysical Purity detains Zachary following a deadly plane crash that Zachary fails to board at the last minute. Aura must fight to uncover the true power of her birth, save her boyfriend, and complete her senior year of high school.

Shine is an exciting adventure and mystery story. Details and events from the first two novels are covered, allowing the book to possibly stand by itself. You might feel like you are solving a mystery along with the characters as the details are complex and full. Aura’s voice is completely believable as a teenager, with authentic emotion and thoughts. The love story between Aura and Zachary is trying and passionate with whirlwind, fantastic elements that are both heart breaking and warming. A well-developed ghost story, fans of the series will enjoy the conclusion, and if you haven't read the first two, start with Shade and Shift. If you enjoy a chilling ghost story, you might also like Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

noreply@blogger.com (Kaitlin) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Josie is eleven years old when she moves into an apartment above a book store. Now at seventeen, Josie works in the bookstore to support herself. Why is she left to her own devices? Well, her mother is a prostitute working in a New Orleans brothel in the 1950s in Ruta Sepetys' Out of the Easy.

"My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind. She's actually quite pretty, fairly well spoken, and has lovely clothes. But she sleeps with men for money or gifts, and according to the dictionary, that makes her a prostitute."

Josie is a precocious and upbeat girl despite her situation and dealing with her thieving, selfish mother. Yet problems arise as Josie plots to escape New Orleans only to become tangled in a murder investigation that will test her spirit and her will.

Sepetys' historical fiction is beautifully written and engaging from page one. Out of the Easy serves up a varied cast of characters, each well rounded and robust. Much like her previous book, Between Shades of Gray, Sepetys' novel is sure to be a hit with both young adults and adults.

If you like this and other historical fiction, you might also try Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein or Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick.

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

noreply@blogger.com (Kaitlin) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

David Sedaris' new collection of essays was released last week. Thus, for the past week I have spent my lunch breaks giggling and snickering in the staff lounge while my coworkers eye me with both suspicion and pity. "Look at her laughing like a mad woman at her Kindle. She might have finally lost it!" I have not lost it. I am in fact discovering. You can join too! Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls!

This collection of essays begins with an author's note explaining the inner workings of high school forensics competitions. Then Sedaris explains that some of the essays to follow are perfect selections to be read at such events. So for reader's familiar with Sedaris' regular personal essays, you will now also be treated to sprinklings of not-so-personal essays about one narrator's distaste for common phrases such as "I'll never forget the time..." among other musings.

Never one to disappoint, Sedaris will leave a stitch in your side from uncontrollable outbursts of laughter. Hidden beneath the humor and recollections are sincere and moving thoughts on the ways of the world, including everything from the importance of familial relationships to socialized health care to adopting sea turtles. Sedaris' newest work is just as hilarious and scintillating as his New York Times best sellers Me Talk Pretty One Day and Naked.

For more laughs you might also try Sloan Crosley's I Was Told There'd Be Cake or Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me?

Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks

noreply@blogger.com (Kaitlin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

We all have those moments when our minds play tricks on us. Perhaps we heard a noise that no one else did, or maybe we saw a figure that simply wasn't there. In Hallucinations, Oliver Sacks discusses these very real images which can be strange, off-putting, yet more common than we may wish to admit.

Oliver Sacks is a biologist, neurologist, writer, and a professor of neurology and psychiatry at Columbia University. His previous books, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Musicophilia, are award winners and best sellers as Sacks is able to make difficult neurological and psychiatric concepts more accessible and quite fascinating.

Hallucinations is no different as the reader gets to explore a brief history of the misunderstandings of these brain images. As science and technology have advanced, we can now map the brain and have a better understanding of hallucinatory experiences and how they have given rise to folklore, art, music, religion and more. Rather than attempting to cover too many topics in one book, Sacks focuses on medical scenarios such as blindness, narcolepsy, sensory hallucinations such as hearing or smelling things, and what he refers to as "organic psychoses" such as delirium and drug use. The personal stories of patients he encounters are touching, often sad, and utterly relatable. For example, it is hard not to tear up as he tells the story of a blind patient who is able to "watch" life unfold behind her eyelids.

For fans of Sacks' previous titles, this book will surely deliver. You may also want to try Muses, Madmen, and Prophets: Rethinking the History, Science, and Meaning of Auditory Hallucination by Daniel Smith.

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

noreply@blogger.com (Kaitlin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Molly Idle's wordless picture book, Flora and the Flamingo is so perfect there really are no words to describe it. But, I'll try to think of a few.

Our story begins with Flora, dressed in swim flippers and a bathing cap, ready to take on the world. She attempts to discretely mimic a graceful flamingo but she lacks the stealthiness to do so. The irritated flamingo attempts to shoo Flora away, yet the unlikely pair become a frolicking dance duo!

Fold down flaps reveal flora sneaking glances at the all-too-smart flamingo. The illustrations are both gorgeous and amusing while being simple and sparse; mostly white pages feature nothing more than Flora, the flamingo, and a few other splashes of pink and yellow.

This is a fantastic story to share with children and allow them to create their own thoughts or dialogue. Additionally, anyone, adult or child, can relate to the playful tenacity of Flora. Readers may also like to try Molly Idle's next title Tea Rex or Ame Dyckman's Boy + Bot

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Gwyneth Shepherd is a rather ordinary girl from an extraordinary family of time travelers. Her cousin Charlotte has been training her entire life for her eventual role as time traveler; however, when the time comes Gwyneth is the one who gets sent back in time. Once it is discovered that Gwyneth is the one with the special ability, she is forced to train with her new partner, Gideon, who is not impressed. Gwyneth is thrust into a strange world with a new set of rules and soon discovers that many things are not what they seem.

Ruby Red or Rubinrot is translated from German by Anthea Bell. Not only are there an interesting cast of characters in Ruby Red, but Gier transports the reader throughout the centuries and makes one feel like they are in that time. The characters are somewhat stereotypical of a teen novel, but interesting nonetheless. As this is the first book in a trilogy, it will be interesting to see how the mystery unravels. A good read full of suspense for teens and adults who like to read teen fiction.

You can find Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier on the VBPL catalog. If you enjoyed Ruby Red you may want to try Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare or The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater.

Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Samhain “Sam” LaCroix is a regular guy working at a burger joint until a random encounter with a customer goes very wrong. That customer, Douglas, just happens to be a Necromancer who raises the dead for a price. What Sam doesn’t know is that he too is a necromancer and now Douglas wants his power. Douglas will do anything in his power to make sure Sam does what he wants, to the peril of those closest to Sam. Sam has a short time to figure things out and outwit Douglas and needs to rely on his friends and family to save him.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is a fun romp with things that go bump in the night. The prose utilized by McBride is entertaining and makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read. Many of the usual suspects are included (werewolves, witches, fairies, etc.) in the story with some interesting additions like a werebear. While completely entertaining, there is definitely a dark side to this tale. Not only is Sam hindered by good intentions and trying to outwit a maniac, he is also dealing with secrets from his family’s past. While intended for an older teen audience, this is a fun read for adults as well.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is a William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist for 2011, and also is on YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011) and Top Ten Books forYoung Adults (2011) book lists.

You can find Hold MeCloser, Necromancer by Lish McBride on the VBPL catalog. If you enjoyed Hold Me Closer, Necromancer you may want to try The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith or White Cat by Holly Black.

Rotters by Daniel Kraus

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Joey Crouch’s life is turned upside down when his mother is killed in an accident. He is sent to live with the father he doesn’t know in a small Iowa town. Not only does Joey have to deal with being the new kid in town, but also the son of the “Garbage Man.” Joey discovers his father is not only eccentric, but also a “Rotter” or grave robber. Soon, Joey is learning the family business and is embroiled in the macabre goings on in the world of Rotters.

Rotters is not for the light of heart. This dark look into the world of those who rob from the dead is an interesting study of the human condition. Looking beyond the macabre, there is a good story about a father and son learning to love one another and also about how the past never really stays in the past. A thrilling horror for both older teens and adults.

Rotters is the recipient of ALSC’s Odyssey Award in 2012 for the best audiobook produced for children or young adults.

You can find Rotters by Daniel Kraus on the VBPL catalog. If you enjoyed Rotters, you may want to try The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey or Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Jasper “Jazz” Dent is not your average teenager. His father is one of the most notorious serial killers and raised him to be the next best serial killer by taking Jazz to “work” with him. Now that his father is behind bars, he takes care of his grandmother who is slowly slipping away and tries to be a normal teenager. As if this wasn’t enough to deal with, bodies are starting to appear in their small town of Lobo’s Nod and the crimes seem eerily familiar. With Jazz’s firsthand knowledge of the crimes, he lends aid to the local police department but as the case progresses, Jazz begins to wonder if he is more like his father than he thought.

I Hunt Killers takes one directly into the mind of a killer. Throughout the story, the main character, Jazz, struggles with maintaining his normalcy and questions whether he can ever truly live with “normal” people. Lyga explores the motives behind truly being a monster and the product of one’s circumstances. The mystery in the story is intriguing, but not difficult to piece together if paying close enough attention to the details. A great book for older teens and adults who enjoy a thrilling case of murder.

For those who enjoy I Hunt Killers, the second book in the Japser Dent series, Game, will soon be available on the VBPL catalog.

You can find I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga on the VBPL catalog. If you enjoyed I Hunt Killers, you may want to try The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson or I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells.

The Diviners by Libba Bray

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Evie O’Niell has a special ability that she tries to conceal. One night at a party, she reveals her talent for reading objects and is forced to leave her small town in Ohio to spend some time with her reclusive uncle in New York. Evie is thrilled to be heading to New York to be where the action is and plans to be somebody. However, things do not go as planned and not only is she the victim of a pickpocket at Grand Central Station, she discovers her Uncle Will is the curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult – commonly referred to as “The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies.” Not long after her arrival, a series of occult-based murders occur and the police seek the aid of Evie’s Uncle Will. Evie can’t stay out of the investigation and is the only one who can piece together the various clues left by the killer.

Bray has managed to transport readers straight into the Roaring Twenties. Not only are readers physically transported by the locales but with the language itself. The characters are fleshed out and immerse one into the story. This book has something for everyone with historical, paranormal, mystery, and thriller elements throughout. While a rather large tome, the story is so engrossing one cannot help but continue to turn the page to figure out what will happen next. It may be a good idea to read this with a light on, as the thrilling conclusion to this first book of the series will leave you with chills.

You can find The Diviners by Libba Bray on the VBPL Catalog. If you enjoyed The Diviners, you may want to try The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater or Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.