You can probably guess what this is about:
The blog is moving to Wordpress: TheGraphicShelf.wordpress.com Please remember to update your book marks and feeders!
After being a loyal Blogger way longer than I should have, Google's stunt on February 24, and immediate backpedaling by February 27 was the final straw. My honest belief is that Google is getting ready to shut down the platform. They're being underhanded because remember how everyone felt when Google Reader was shut down?
To be honest, I've been toying with the idea of moving the blog since the start of the year. I've held back for a while (mostly because I didn't want to make yet another change), but as I started to look between Blogger and Wordpress, I was starting to feel that Blogger did not meet my needs anymore.
I'll leave this here as a reference, but posts have moved to the new site so you can find the same information there too.
Thank you!
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Review: The Dumbest Idea Ever! by Jimmy Gownley
Title: The Dumbest Idea Ever!
Author: Jimmy Gownley
Illustrator: Jimmy Gownley
Publisher: Scholastic Graphix
Copyright: 2014
Price: $11.99
ISBN: 978-0545453479
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Being a teenager sucks, but for Jimmy, he's having a tough time. First he gets sick and misses school, then he gets sick AGAIN and misses more school. He stops caring about school and starts focusing on his comics. A friend suggests a comic book idea for him, but he decides it's the dumbest idea. Only when his first idea flops, does he give it a chance and lands on possibly the best idea ever. As Jimmy rise in fame, he's also dealing with normal teenage things like first loves and changing friendships.
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Recommended Audience: Middle School
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: Jimmy Gownley is probably best known for his Amelia Rules series, which is very popular (it is in my library), so this will probably be snatched up by readers who love the series. To be honest, readers will probably read this because it's a Scholastic middle school slice of life graphic novel with praises from Jeff Smith (Bone), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters), and Jeff Kinney.
Take all that away though and you have a great biographical story about how Jimmy Gownley's teen years helped him become a graphic novel artist. He shows how he did research, practiced drawing, and had a good support system, including supportive parents. This graphic novel is perfect for any budding artist, writer, or creator to see how Jimmy survived his teen years and made it.
There are a few fantastical elements that help him. Jimmy talks to the Grim Reaper, showing at least twice how he thinks he wants to die, only to realize he wanted to press on. For me, this was a strong point in the story and helped me become invested in it. When it ended, I didn't want it to end. Thankfully there's an afterward that expands on it.
Overall feeling: Cartoonish art, inspiration, slice of life, and teen years combine for a powerful story that begs to be read multiple times and shared with friends. A must have.
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Bonus: Jimmy Gownley is from PA (according to the bio). He spoke at PaLA in 2008.
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Source: Library/Review copy
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Manga Review: Midnight Secretary - Series Recap
Author:Tomu Ohmi
Illustrator: Tomu Ohmi
Publisher: Viz Media, Inc.
Copyright: 2013-2014 (Japan: 2007)
Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: Vol. 1: 978-1-4215-5944-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Kaya Satozuka knows what she wants to be and that is a secretary. She works hard to be the most efficient, pleasant, and best secretary anyone knows. No one can really say a bad word about her work. Actually, they'd say she really should take some time for herself. Her identity is built around the idea of her being a secretary. Otherwise, she's got a baby face and looks much younger than she really is. Being a secretary allows her to comfortably be her age and be taken seriously. Things change for her though when she's assigned as Director Tohma's secretary. Unfortunately, it is not the blonde haired Director Masaki Tohma, whom she has a crush on in the beginning
Kyohei Tohma is just one of the directors of the Tohma corporation. He's known to be a womanizer, constantly taking women into his office for a little afternoon fun. On the other hand, he is good at what he does. Kyohei does have some strange tendencies that at first just seem odd. When Kaya stumbles upon the truth that he's a vampire, she does what she would naturally do: research and support her boss for all that he needs.
Just one problem: the moment he tastes her blood, he realizes he doesn't want anything or anyone else and it infuriates him. Kaya and Kyohei navigate what at first is a working relationship that slowly becomes deeper.
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Recommended Audience: adult
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Things to be aware of: nudity, sex, a little blood (vampires!)
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Further Thoughts: I have not been this excited for a manga artist/writer for a long time. Until recently, my all time favorite artist/writer was CLAMP (which is actually a collection of women). Tomu Ohmi is now up there. I could gush about her art for hours and I have pretty much decided I will own as much of her work as I can get. I am currently reading/purchasing her new series Spell of Desire (SO GOOD).
Just to recap, I was reading this at the same time as Happy Marriage?! My review of that you can find here. In my review, I mentioned that Midnight Secretary felt similar. The similarities include: a secretary falling for the head of a company (and vice-versa), the head of the company changes his original direction and theoretically takes a step down, the male love interest is dark and brooding, and lastly, the characters are navigating how to be in a relationship with each other.
Now Midnight Secretary is much more serious than Happy Marriage?! and the similarities I list above end there. Whereas I felt Happy Marriage?! let me down, Midnight Secretary was closer to what I wanted: a considerate hero, a smart heroine. The story about the vampire clan was a successful subplot that eventually becomes the plot.
The romance never felt as if one of the two had to be dominant over the other. Kyohei started out thinking he needed to be that way, but Kaya was willing to stand up for herself. She did not let him walk all over her. I admire her for her ability to take what she wanted and take into consideration her best interests. She makes a few missteps, but she's human.
I also admired that Kyohei could see her beauty and understand why she did what she did. There was a story where her glasses break, and he finds out what she really looks like with her hair down and everything. He offers to get her glasses, even after finding out the glasses are fake, but tells her she doesn't need them. On the other hand, he recognizes that her personal image is "the secretary." She breathes that image and he doesn't want her to change that if that's what she wants.
Kyohei is a considerate vampire hero and one that I like (unlike another one who borders stalking). Kyohei depends on Kaya being herself. Instead, his internal struggle is realizing that he does need someone to keep him in check after spending so long convincing himself, for the safety of himself and others, that it was better to be alone. Kaya works with this. When the hero disappears (as required of a romance hero) she doesn't just stop, she shines. Yes, she has her meltdowns, she misses him, but in a glorious scene, when they meet again, he explains everything. His actions speak louder than the words he uses.
The physical part of the romance is always consensual. He never takes her blood without permission. The only reason it starts is that she recognizes he needs help or he'll be ill. He considered the circumstances and took it. Looking over it again, I realized that in a way, the blood offering is almost always a sexual gesture and he takes a brief moment to ask please (more in a body language way).
Let me take a moment to talk about the vampire mythology. The mythology is strong in this. He's a vampire while his brother isn't because his mother is and not his father. It is interesting how vampires could "walk among us" so easily in this story. With a few adjustments to their schedules, activities, and such, the vampires are just like anyone else. I know I wanted just a little more about The Clan mythology, but overall, I enjoyed the subplot and conflict that was The Clan. The way the series ends, I have a small hope that we'll see these characters again, but more secondary.
In the end, Kyohei and Kaya are individuals and remain as such throughout the story, but without each other they couldn't grow into stronger individuals. This is how a relationship should be to me. They come together and eventually work through the forces tearing them apart, together. Side characters support them and are three dimensional. Occasionally, they get their own small story at the end of the volume, which adds even more depth to what is happening.
The art: Kyohei is the traditional brooding manga hero, but he is crazy sexy. He has the requisite dark hair, narrow eyes, the right muscle lines and I have a crush on him from the art and the story combined. His one fault is that he smokes, but hey, he's a vampire and adult.
Kaya is different for a manga heroine (at least compared to that other title). She starts out pretty much a blank slate with her dark hair in a bun, glasses, and the standard issue secretary uniform (which is a thing). When her hair is down, she looks childish with big eyes. The glasses narrow her eyes a bit. As the story progresses though, her style slowly changes from a wisp of hair here, to fashion that I want in my closet. The hair tends to stay up in a professional setting and the glasses stay, but she's coming into her own and you can see that.
Overall feeling: If you're considering adding "new adult" manga titles to your collection but not sure where to start, then this is a strong one and at 7 volumes, affordable.
If you read romance but not manga, or new adult and not manga, please weigh in and ask me questions! As I said, I don't really read romance, but this genre of manga is something I will be sure to read more of as it comes stateside (if it does).
Tomu Ohmi's stuff better keep coming stateside, and while we're at it, let's get CLAMP back in publication!
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Note: Looking at the back covers, I noticed there is a small "animation" going from each volume that works up to them kissing. HOW COOL IS THAT?
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Source: Vol 1-3 purchased; 4-7 Edelweiss ARCs and then purchased vol 4-6. Still need to get myself volume 7 apparently.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Manga Review: Happy Marriage?! Series Recap
Title: Happy Marriage?! (vol. 1-10, series recap)Author: Maki Enjoji
Illustrator: Maki Enjoji
Publisher: Viz Media, Inc.
Copyright: 2013-2015 (Japanese 2009)
Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: Vol. 1: 978-1-4215-5934-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Chiwa Takanashi is working two jobs to pay off her father's debts. By day, she's a secretary at Mamiya Corporation and at night, she's a hostess. To help Chiwa, the Chiarman of Mamiya offers her a deal: marry his grandson and all the debts will be erased. Seems legit, but then she finds out he's the jerk that got her fired from her hostess job the night before. Oh, and he's the company president.
Hokuto Mamiya has his own reasons to work up the ladder of Mamiya Coporation. Part of that has to do with the death of his mother by a hit and run. Hokuto is convinced that the Mamiya family is behind it somehow and will stop at nothing to find out what happened. So if the Chairman, his grandfather, wants him to marry a secretary he doesn't know, so be it.
In 10 volumes, the story covers their on again, off again relationship, how they navigate this semi-arranged marriage and their insecurities, which both have. The story is from Chiwa's perspective. Every volume has a fight that has someone walking out or slamming a door and the mystery of Hokuto is a strong subplot.
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Recommended Audience: Adults
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Things to be aware of: sex, druinkeness, emotional abuse, nudity (female)
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Further Thoughts:I am not an avid romance reader. See my note below on that, but if I was a romance reader, I'd say this reads like a romance. Mostly.
It was the last volume that killed it for me and I'll get into that in a bit. The series starts out strong enough for a romantic comedy: Chiwa is innocent and a virgin. He's the head of a company and the heartthrob in the story. How does Chiwa get to have him? For the first three to five volumes, they keep their marriage a secret from the other employees Chiwa works with (but of course, he tells the WORLD). Then she considers fooling around with an old love interest and decides to work for him because Hokuto isn't supportive of her being a housewife, which she only became because she didn't feel he supported her work, not to mention he's an idiot and works himself to exhaustion so Chiwa feels responsible to keep him healthy. Also, she's a neat freak and he's not.
The plot almost always follows the same cycle: they keep secrets, it escalates, one of them passes out/gets drunk/ticks the other one off/a side character reveals a secret, they fight, they promise to be open to each other and then it starts all over again.
Chiwa is a typical manga heroine: curvy, shoulder length hair, relatively good dresser, and shorter than the hero. She has her moments as a strong heroine, but more often than not her insecurity gets in her way and she's wondering: am I the perfect wife to Hokuto? If only she could help Hokuto. If only he would LET her help. Really, by the end of the series, I really don't know much about her likes or dislikes and she felt flat as a character (compared to Midnight Secretary which I was reading at the same time and in a way, has a slightly similar plot). Even the Christmas story illustrated that the only gift she wants is whatever makes him happy. Although, he does pick up that she might like a personal island.
Hokuto is the brooding hero and he's handsome as is expected in manga. He has the eyes, the dark hair, is tall, broad shoulders, well dressed, and he's got all the right lines (I'm talking muscles here). Honestly, he's a jerk more often than not by the end of the series. On the flip side, he's a wounded guy. He's strongest as a character when he protects Chiwa from a stalker, opens up to her about his real motivations for what he does with Mamiya Corporation (after she finds out from someone else he's done something like stepped down from Commerce) and he's patient enough to wait for her to be ready for sex (which happens in volume 3 or 4. The sex is so "hot" that a lot of the volumes I purchased were plastic wrapped. Fact: The sex in the Midnight Secretary, seemed hotter and was not plastic wrapped).
Let's talk about the sex a little. It's steamy in places. It's just the right amount of romantic. The most you see is what you'd see in movies, but there are at least two or three times I'm kind of concerned about the characters. He has drunk sex with her and doesn't realize it until half way through. I'm certain there is a borderline rape at least once where she says "NO" but he pushes the right buttons and she gives in. I always find fault with these kinds of scenes regardless if it is a movie, book, or comic, because I honestly don't know how I should feel about it.
There's also a few instances where he hits her. She hits him a few times too (like as part of the drunk sex scene because he really is like "Oh, hey, I didn't realize I was having sex"), but as a Goodreads Reviewer did note: he hits her to calm her down. He doesn't talk her down, he just slaps her face and she doesn't bat an eyelash. She blinks and seems calmed down enough to listen to him. UGH.
So you think by volume ten, the end of the series, they'd get what it was to be in a relationship. No. I had realized by volume eight that every volume had the same formula. Although, from eight to ten where the stuff with the family starts to come to light (the most interesting part at this point and the only reason I was still reading), we had the requisite "where'd the hero go?" Chiwa acted like her life was over. She cleaned her Dad's place and went back to attempt to help his lazy self. She worked (I think. I was getting bored with the series and really just wanted the subplot). She thought about Hokuto, but he had to go find himself. So, she'd be true and wait for him. UGH.
The last volume came along, I read it twice, and was really disappointed in how the characters had NOT grown. It was such a let down that the same patterns from earlier just continued: keeping secrets, a side character points out the secret, they fight. I was not convinced that these characters loved each other and I really didn't think they should be together in the end.
On the flip side of all of this, I know that Japanese culture is different. For example, working to exhaustion is a real problem and is used often in manga. Regarding relationships, I'm not sure what is permitted or not, but seeing how I've read a lot of romance-ish manga, this relationship was an odd one.
Overall feeling: The first few volumes are a quirky, romantic comedy and enjoyable. After the halfway point though, elements of abuse start to sneak in and can make the reader uncomfortable. It was the first time I didn't feel the characters "grow" in a manga title. I only own up to volume 7 with no intent to purchase more. There are better new adult manga titles out there.
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Note: I am not an avid romance reader and by that, I'm mostly talking about the trade paperbacks/Harlequin's. The only one I've successfully loved in that genre of romance is J.D. Robb. On the other hand, I've had my fair education on romance novels and the plot. I defended romances in college in Gothic Lit and did some research then. This book started to fit the romance genre and then went somewhere else entirely. If you're a romance reader, please weigh in at the comments below!
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Source: I purchased 1-2 and read volumes 3-10 from Edleweiss (an then purchased some of those).
Sunday, February 8, 2015
The Diversity Discussion: Some Thoughts
I have spent about 8 hours on this post and I've spent the past evening and this morning trying to get reality checks from fellow librarians. I offer to you my opinions and ask that you keep that in mind.
I got in a Twitter argument on Saturday. Or discussion. When it comes down to it, it really was a discussion because in the end, I felt heard by those I was discussing with and we had new ideas and points. It was good. Here's the Tweet that started it:
The first point is this: CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT. Since Saturday morning, I've read the Story Time Underground Post, I've read the blog post above, and I've read more twitter stuff like Justina Ireland's Storyfied post. Honestly, her posts sum up my philosophy easily.
The more I read, the more I think about how this is one singular comment posted on Twitter for all to see and here's how I see it: it is a relatively harmless comment on its own (please be patient with me before you go commenting. This is very, very complex). I say this because I understand this response. I had the same thing happen in my picture book collection when I started. Since then, I've bought more picture books with POC and I include them because of their topic, not the color of skin: i.e. moving because it is a very well done story about moving, opposites because it is a fun story about opposites, etc.
My community reads diverse books for the story.
So the answer given by others to the issue of The Crossover being a hard sell is to... hand sell it? Fine. That can be done, but sometimes, no matter the amount of hand selling, the book (and I'm talking generally here because I can think of one Newbery that appears on my weed list occasionally) is still going to be a hard sell. It goes out once or twice or not at all.
If the book (general, again) won an award, it'll stay, and maybe in 3 years, it'll be crazy popular again because I have that population and readership. In the meantime, there are over hundreds of other books to chose from.
In fact, that's part of the issue: there are so many books coming out. When it comes to diverse books, I look to content over characters. Is the book getting a favorable review? Check. Is the topic of the book something my readers would like such as a love story, fantasy, family moving, topic my parents have asked for, etc? If so, then I'll get it because my community will probably read it for the story.
From my experience, which is how I'm relating to this, I only do reader's advisory when kids or parents ask and I pick books that match their question. If there is a diverse book on that topic and it is in, I'll share it. If it doesn't match or it's not in, there are a bunch of other books to chose from.
Does that mean I ignore diverse books in my collection? No. I put them face out on displays whenever I can and let readers discover them. I will include them on books lists when I make them. I treat the books by their stories.
What I see happening is two camps: one that says librarians must promote books, authors, and particular ideas, while another says we must promote and provide to our community and what they like. Unfortunately, librarianship is not so black and white. We all fall onto a continuum of this and it depends on your readers, your collection policy, your mission statement, and your statistics.
Does this mean I don't purchase diverse books for my collection? No. I treat all book reviews equally and keep my readership in mind. Again, this is my community I'm purchasing for and I want to have what they want and what they might be willing to read to broaden the mind. Again, they read diverse books because they want to read a story.
Community is, I think, a great part of the book purchasing equation. We need to include things to broaden the mind, but also provide what they want. It's a balancing act which means some great starred books will be passed over for something that had a decent review and better suits the readers. Public libraries cannot buy ALL THE BOOKS. Gosh, if there is a library that has that kind of budget and does buy ALL THE BOOKS, I'd like to see this library. (Hold on. I think I have. How about a library in an average service community, though?)
On the flip side, a great collection is diverse and will have at least one book or item that offends someone. If you are not offended by one thing in my collection, I have not done my job. If I'm not offended by something in my collection, I also haven't done my job.
I don't love all graphic novels. This One Summer is not one of my favorites. Does this mean I'm not going to have it in my collection? NO. I recognize the merit of the book and it's getting a bunch of press so I got it. I got The Crossover after it was announced as the Newbery winner, but am I a bad librarian because I didn't buy it the first time around? I did purchase How It Went Down when it first came out because of the story. Basketball does not come up often for middle school and high school RA at my library. Baseball and football are more likely the stories they want.
Librarianship and libraries are changing. We're in uncertain times. Diversity needs to happen in books. That is true, but we also need to be careful we don't alienate our readers and each other. By this, I'm saying we need to be sure we're striking the balance between what they want and what might push their boundaries. If we make a point to get diverse books but if our readership doesn't relate to them in some way, they'll go somewhere else.
On the other hand, this is just part of a discussion I've seen happening for years: some award winners are a hard sell to the community, regardless of what's between the covers. I can think of a Newbery winner a few years ago that someone told me they tried to read and couldn't get into it. I can think of Printz winners I wasn't sure would go (one of which didn't go when it came out, but years later has found a readership). I have books I love, authors I love, but no matter how much hand-selling I do, sometimes the readers just don't find it appealing.
So what should librarians be doing: promoting books, their authors, and particular ideas, or promoting community and a love of reading? Is it our job to make particular books succeed or is it our job to make books in general succeed? Has this librarian (and I'm wondering if I have) failed for not providing The Crossover since March? I don't think so.
What I'm saying is that we need to open a dialogue about all angles of this: diverse books, our communities, what we stand to promote, the award winners that don't have a huge appeal regardless of what's between the covers, and we need to do it with an open mind and with respect to each other. Librarians are the loudest, most outspoken people I know, but seeing some of the comments that have come out of this discussion (mostly in the vein of "You're not doing your JOB") makes me ashamed of us as a profession that I have always seen as diverse, open minded, and open to discussion. Our JOBS are as diverse as the books that are out there. Our jobs are as diverse as the libraries. What is popular in one half of my state, is not popular in the other (finally attending a conference near Pittsburgh really showed me how different it is compared to Philly). This idea can even be expanded to the entire country.
Everyone is different and bringing their experience to the table. Let's have discussion and stop casting blame.
This is my philosophy of librarianship: The Five Laws of Library Science (source-Wikipedia):
Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider this point of view. I want to remind you this does NOT reflect my employer and this does NOT reflect the Library Association I'm part of.
I got in a Twitter argument on Saturday. Or discussion. When it comes down to it, it really was a discussion because in the end, I felt heard by those I was discussing with and we had new ideas and points. It was good. Here's the Tweet that started it:
If you're a librarian, it's your job to do your job and it's your job to HELP THESE BOOKS SUCCEED ffs. pic.twitter.com/09IMeCELDy
— Kelly Jensen (@catagator) February 7, 2015
First, you can find my points under there easily, so I'm not exactly going to rehash all of those. What I am going to do is bring up the points that I've come up with since reading the Story Time Underground Facebook Group and So Tomorrow's Blog Post.The first point is this: CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT. Since Saturday morning, I've read the Story Time Underground Post, I've read the blog post above, and I've read more twitter stuff like Justina Ireland's Storyfied post. Honestly, her posts sum up my philosophy easily.
The more I read, the more I think about how this is one singular comment posted on Twitter for all to see and here's how I see it: it is a relatively harmless comment on its own (please be patient with me before you go commenting. This is very, very complex). I say this because I understand this response. I had the same thing happen in my picture book collection when I started. Since then, I've bought more picture books with POC and I include them because of their topic, not the color of skin: i.e. moving because it is a very well done story about moving, opposites because it is a fun story about opposites, etc.
My community reads diverse books for the story.
So the answer given by others to the issue of The Crossover being a hard sell is to... hand sell it? Fine. That can be done, but sometimes, no matter the amount of hand selling, the book (and I'm talking generally here because I can think of one Newbery that appears on my weed list occasionally) is still going to be a hard sell. It goes out once or twice or not at all.
If the book (general, again) won an award, it'll stay, and maybe in 3 years, it'll be crazy popular again because I have that population and readership. In the meantime, there are over hundreds of other books to chose from.
In fact, that's part of the issue: there are so many books coming out. When it comes to diverse books, I look to content over characters. Is the book getting a favorable review? Check. Is the topic of the book something my readers would like such as a love story, fantasy, family moving, topic my parents have asked for, etc? If so, then I'll get it because my community will probably read it for the story.
From my experience, which is how I'm relating to this, I only do reader's advisory when kids or parents ask and I pick books that match their question. If there is a diverse book on that topic and it is in, I'll share it. If it doesn't match or it's not in, there are a bunch of other books to chose from.
Does that mean I ignore diverse books in my collection? No. I put them face out on displays whenever I can and let readers discover them. I will include them on books lists when I make them. I treat the books by their stories.
What I see happening is two camps: one that says librarians must promote books, authors, and particular ideas, while another says we must promote and provide to our community and what they like. Unfortunately, librarianship is not so black and white. We all fall onto a continuum of this and it depends on your readers, your collection policy, your mission statement, and your statistics.
Does this mean I don't purchase diverse books for my collection? No. I treat all book reviews equally and keep my readership in mind. Again, this is my community I'm purchasing for and I want to have what they want and what they might be willing to read to broaden the mind. Again, they read diverse books because they want to read a story.
Community is, I think, a great part of the book purchasing equation. We need to include things to broaden the mind, but also provide what they want. It's a balancing act which means some great starred books will be passed over for something that had a decent review and better suits the readers. Public libraries cannot buy ALL THE BOOKS. Gosh, if there is a library that has that kind of budget and does buy ALL THE BOOKS, I'd like to see this library. (Hold on. I think I have. How about a library in an average service community, though?)
On the flip side, a great collection is diverse and will have at least one book or item that offends someone. If you are not offended by one thing in my collection, I have not done my job. If I'm not offended by something in my collection, I also haven't done my job.
I don't love all graphic novels. This One Summer is not one of my favorites. Does this mean I'm not going to have it in my collection? NO. I recognize the merit of the book and it's getting a bunch of press so I got it. I got The Crossover after it was announced as the Newbery winner, but am I a bad librarian because I didn't buy it the first time around? I did purchase How It Went Down when it first came out because of the story. Basketball does not come up often for middle school and high school RA at my library. Baseball and football are more likely the stories they want.
Librarianship and libraries are changing. We're in uncertain times. Diversity needs to happen in books. That is true, but we also need to be careful we don't alienate our readers and each other. By this, I'm saying we need to be sure we're striking the balance between what they want and what might push their boundaries. If we make a point to get diverse books but if our readership doesn't relate to them in some way, they'll go somewhere else.
On the other hand, this is just part of a discussion I've seen happening for years: some award winners are a hard sell to the community, regardless of what's between the covers. I can think of a Newbery winner a few years ago that someone told me they tried to read and couldn't get into it. I can think of Printz winners I wasn't sure would go (one of which didn't go when it came out, but years later has found a readership). I have books I love, authors I love, but no matter how much hand-selling I do, sometimes the readers just don't find it appealing.
So what should librarians be doing: promoting books, their authors, and particular ideas, or promoting community and a love of reading? Is it our job to make particular books succeed or is it our job to make books in general succeed? Has this librarian (and I'm wondering if I have) failed for not providing The Crossover since March? I don't think so.
What I'm saying is that we need to open a dialogue about all angles of this: diverse books, our communities, what we stand to promote, the award winners that don't have a huge appeal regardless of what's between the covers, and we need to do it with an open mind and with respect to each other. Librarians are the loudest, most outspoken people I know, but seeing some of the comments that have come out of this discussion (mostly in the vein of "You're not doing your JOB") makes me ashamed of us as a profession that I have always seen as diverse, open minded, and open to discussion. Our JOBS are as diverse as the books that are out there. Our jobs are as diverse as the libraries. What is popular in one half of my state, is not popular in the other (finally attending a conference near Pittsburgh really showed me how different it is compared to Philly). This idea can even be expanded to the entire country.
Everyone is different and bringing their experience to the table. Let's have discussion and stop casting blame.
This is my philosophy of librarianship: The Five Laws of Library Science (source-Wikipedia):
- Books are for use.
- Every reader his [or her] book.
- Every book its reader.
- Save the time of the reader.
- The library is a growing organism.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider this point of view. I want to remind you this does NOT reflect my employer and this does NOT reflect the Library Association I'm part of.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
The Caldecott Honor of 2015
It's on everyone's minds: HOW did a graphic novel get a Caldecott Honor? This is nothing like when Hugo Cabret won. That could be justified, but a graphic novel? A YA book no less? How was that possible?
I don't know, but what I do know is that there is going to be discussion about it for months to come.
This Horn Book blog post from Calling Caledcott raises great points and a lot of points I considered: Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: the Process Edition. (HT Twitter Julie Jurgen @himissjulie).
When I mentioned to my husband that there will be discussion (and crazy discussion at that) he brought up the Sandman by Neil Gaiman, issue 19 caused a bit of a stir for winning a Short Story Award:
I suspect the Caldecott rules will change after this. This One Summer will be harder to explain to parents. I'm surprised it's considered a 14 and under title. I'd put it in high school range, but that's just because of the topics dealt with in the book. It is a darker story.
So this raises a bunch of questions: who is the Caldecott for? Will more graphic novels be included or will the rules change? Have graphic novels always been included? Or will it change nothing and we'll go back to the usual picture books for the next few years until the next oddball? Time will tell.
I don't know, but what I do know is that there is going to be discussion about it for months to come.
This Horn Book blog post from Calling Caledcott raises great points and a lot of points I considered: Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: the Process Edition. (HT Twitter Julie Jurgen @himissjulie).
When I mentioned to my husband that there will be discussion (and crazy discussion at that) he brought up the Sandman by Neil Gaiman, issue 19 caused a bit of a stir for winning a Short Story Award:
At the 1991 awards, comic book The Sandman issue #19 "A Midsummer's Night Dream" scripted by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Charles Vess, won the Award for Best Short Fiction.[3] The widely circulated story that the rules were subsequently changed to prevent another comic book from winning is not entirely true. The official website states: "Comics are eligible in the Special Award Professional category. We never made a change in the rules."[4] Gaiman and Vess, however, won the Award under the Short Fiction and not the Special Award Professional category.From Wikipedia: World Fantasy Award
I suspect the Caldecott rules will change after this. This One Summer will be harder to explain to parents. I'm surprised it's considered a 14 and under title. I'd put it in high school range, but that's just because of the topics dealt with in the book. It is a darker story.
So this raises a bunch of questions: who is the Caldecott for? Will more graphic novels be included or will the rules change? Have graphic novels always been included? Or will it change nothing and we'll go back to the usual picture books for the next few years until the next oddball? Time will tell.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth
Title: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth
Author: Ian Lendler
Illustrator: Zack Giallongo ; Colors by Alisa Harris
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1596439153
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Have you ever wondered what the zoo animals do at night after everyone has left? At the Stratford Zoo, the animals break from their cages and put on a play for each other. On this particular night, readers witness Shakespeare's Macbeth, adapted for a zoo setting, including comments from the audience.
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Recommended Audience: Upper elementary
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Things to be aware of: cartoon violence
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Further Thoughts: Let me just start off that I am not familiar with Macbeth, the play, so I have no idea how close this is to the actual play.
But, let me say that I did enjoy this adaption.
The Lion is Macbeth He is hungry for something more than a very large hot dog. What he learns is that he's hungry for POWER. Following the prophecy by the three witches, Macbeth spirals downward until finally he is dethroned. The elements of the play are here: key phrases, key characters, key plot points, but there's so much more! Lady Macbeth is a cheetah, a fact lost on her until late in the story and ends up adding to her demise in a swath of bubbles and soap (it's almost comedic). The man who brings down Macbeth is a stork and of the "hard boiled" detective type. There are audience members (mostly two kid monkeys) making comments throughout the story and lots and lots of ketchup.
Overall feeling: A great adaption with comedic timing for a Shakespearean tragedy. A great introduction to Shakespeare's great work Macbeth. I really hope this team adapts more (the last page hints that the next night is Romeo & Juliet).
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Source: Library/Review
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Ares: Bringer of War (Olympians)
Title: Ares: Bringer of War
Author: George O'Connor
Illustrator: George O'Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2015
Price: $
ISBN: 9781626720138 (paperback)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ares. God of War. It is time for his story and instead of using a traditional myth, O'Connor highlights the Trojan War. Ares and Athena go head-to-head, using the humans to act out their battle to determine which side should win.
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Recommended Audience: middle/high school
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Things to be aware of: Violence
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Further Thoughts: If you don't have these books already, what are you waiting for? This is by far one of THE most popular graphic novels in my library. I actually debated writing a review, except I skipped a volume or two and I wanted to point out, this is a popular series.
It's Ares turn now to tell his tale and instead of a myth, O'Connor continues the Trojan War story line he introduced in Aphrodite (how cool is that?). Athena and Ares have it out, arguing and deciding which side should really win. Both try the patience of the other Gods and Goddess. There is a fantastic set of panels where you see them wandering away from the map and Zeus getting agitated over it. Ultimately, a side has to win, but which side?
As usual, the colors and illustrations are strong. That's partially the appeal. I think the other part is probably Percy Jackson-related. My favorite part of this series though is that O'Connor introduces the Greek Gods and Goddesses in a new light, for a new audience, and introduces kids to The Trojan War. This in my mind, opens the doors for connections down the line, like remembering they already read about it when they actually begin studying it or reading something like the Iliad. O'Connor includes a great discussion at the end (as usual) and it is eye opening.
Overall feeling: Do you have this? NO? Go get the hardcovers/library-bound now. They last. The kids love them and the people I've given this to as reader's advisory want more.
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Source: Netgalley
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The Glorkian Warrior Delievers a Pizza!
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| Not the coloring my copy had |
Title: The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza
Author: James Kochalka
Illustrator: James Kochalka
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1596439177
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Super Backpack wants to go on an adventure! Glorkian Warrior wants an adventure...on the couch...napping. The phone rings and, after The Glorkian Warrior realizes he has a phone, he answers the call...to deliver a pizza. It must be destiny! But wait...he doesn't have a pizza, or does he? Yes, the pizza in his fridge will do. Despite adventures like crashing his Glorkian Super Car to meeting with Gork to an alien abduction attempt, The Glorkian Warrior will deliver the pizza to...wait...
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Recommended Audience: Elementary kids
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Things to be aware of: ?
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Further Thoughts: If you find the summary odd, that's how I found this book: odd. It's not quite on par with A.L.I.E.E.E.N (which has a different author, is very strange, and not a kids book). The Glorkian Warrior Pizza book is slapstick, cartoonish humor. The Glorkian Warrior never gets a name and he just wants to deliver the pizza from the mysterious phone call. I, personally, would not want some random guy's pizza.
It's a strange book. For kids, it's a story involving a mundane task which becomes an epic adventure. The Warrior makes friends and avoids danger. He pretty much bumbles his way into saving the day. Normally, I like the bumbling hero, but I'm not so sure about this guy.
Basically, it has what kids would like (I think?). There's bad grammar, bad jokes, and cartoon illustrations. Silly humor and silly adventure.
My issue was that it was hard to get into. Everything that could go wrong, did. The Glorkian Warrior is pretty oblivious. What I did enjoy was the cyclic story and the adorable alien that adopts him. But, I'm still left with this feeling that something is off. Honestly, I can't figure out what I find off about this book.
Overall feeling: Hard to say. It seems like kids would love this. If you need more random humor graphic novels, go for it.
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Source: Library/Review
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
Author: Box Brown
Illustrator: Box Brown
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1596438514
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Andre the Giant was a wrestling legend in his time. Due to a condition, Andre grew and grew over time, which made him world-famous and the loveable giant in The Princess Bride. It also gave him constant pain. Box Brown writes a graphic novel biography that showcases Andre the Giant's Career and life.
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Recommended Audience: high school/adults
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Things to be aware of: drinking, wrestling
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Further Thoughts: My first exposure to the name "Andre the Giant" was when I watched The Princess Bride with a relative. It was after 7th grade, the movie was awesome and I watched it a few times. When the giant came on, the relative said "Isn't that Andre the Giant?" I was like "I don't know."
Wrestling for me has always been on the fringes. I knew Hulk Hogan simply by name. Some friends were into it. I wasn't sure I could get into it, but I think it was one of the things we weren't allowed to watch. When my husband saw this on my review pile, he was like "read it!" Why? 1.) It's Andre the Giant. 2.) Box Brown is local to us.
So imagine my surprised when I enjoyed this book. I'm not a sports fan (except baseball), but Box Brown tells this story with humor, emotion, and insight all with the use of black and white and shadows. Brown also did his research. There is a huge bibliography and a great introduction to the wrestling scene. He took artistic liberties as needed, but I don't think it detracts from the history (I say this not knowing anything on Andre the Giant).
By the end of the book, I wanted to know more about Andre the Giant. I was surprised at who he was. In some ways, he lived up to the Giant in The Princess Bride. In other areas, he was a jerk, but overall, Brown shows that Andre was human, which is what I come away with after reading this biography.
Overall feeling: Have it for Princess Bride movie fans. Have it for wrestling fans. As far as non-fiction/biography graphic novels go, this is a strong one. I'd get it for my library and personal collection.
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Source: Library/Review
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Best of the Best Reading 2014
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| Source: OpenClipart.org |
On the flip side, I'm missing out on a lot of great stuff. Just looking at some Best of lists for Youth books, I've done ok in YA but missed a lot of chapter books and picture books (remember, I'm a Youth Librarian by day). I'm generally aware of what's getting the hype, but don't always read it or I save it for later. So enter my reading the Best of Lists.
Youth
For Youth, I've selected the Notable Children's Books of 2014. It's short and sweet with about 6-10 books in each section. I can do that.
After that, I'm going to try School Library Journal's Best of 2014 list. At 70 books, that seems like a lot, but I'm hoping some ground has been covered in the first list.
Graphic Novels
I really hate to admit I have no idea where to start in finding a "Best of 2014 Graphic Novels List." That's not good and won't do. In the spirit of being a better resource (because if this week showed me anything, it's that people see me as a resource), I started to seek out lists.
To make it easy on myself I've started with these since they cover a lot of the same ground and are sources that the average person might use:
- Publisher's Weekly Best of 2014 Comics List - at 5 books, this should be easy.
- The AV Club's Best Comics of 2014 List - This is their Graphic Novels and Archival list. It's a little more hefty but at a glance, seems to cover some good ground. Plus, Husband is always reading AV Club so...I may have just picked them from name recognition.
- GoodReads Choice Awards: Best Graphic Novels & Comics 2014 - I vote in it. You probably do too. I missed a bunch in their list (as usual). This covers a slightly different ground but a lot in common with the above. Plus I've already read a few! Yay!
overwhelm myself (a bad habit I have) so I'm listing it for you to check out. I will also look at ALA's list for teens when it comes out at the end of the month and will probably grumble about half of it like I usually do.
EDIT (1/13/15): Here's another list to consider: IGN's Best of Comics List.
Will there be reviews of graphic novels? Maybe. It depends. Some I do have on hand because I was already supposed to review them for the county library sysem. If you want to see reviews, let me know either in person on in the comments.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thursday Morning Musings
Good morning! I realized that my Twitter account is separate from here. I've been retweeting a lot of good stuff. In the next few days, I'll add the widget back with my account. Eventually, I'm hoping to create an RSS feed account where you can see when I updated. All of this is eventually.
I practically live on Twitter. I've had a lot to muse on this morning and wanted to share some of it.
First, yes, it is cold and if you're in the south eastern portion of PA, you should follow these guys. Generally, they are spot on with weather predictions. Then occasionally they have stuff like this:
I practically live on Twitter. I've had a lot to muse on this morning and wanted to share some of it.
First, yes, it is cold and if you're in the south eastern portion of PA, you should follow these guys. Generally, they are spot on with weather predictions. Then occasionally they have stuff like this:
MEGA ALERT BREAKING WEATHER NEWS: It's winter and it's going to be cold. Cue flashing graphics and icons with tag team meteorologists!
— PhillyWx.com (@phillywx) January 7, 2015
Next, a comic artist I follow on Twitter muses about her library experiences as a page and in an awesome pop culture library I did not realize exists. Star Trek Memorabilia? YES!
I love reading Questionable Content. Lately, he's been having a lot happen in the library with characters...but including some interesting commentary on libraries. Take a read here: First part and a follow up. I could go in-depth on this, but just enjoy the humor and how Marten and Claire (intern) and Tai (the head librarian) have their opinions of the [academic] library.
Last, Story Time Underground has this neat blog prompt called "Resolve to Rock." I first heard about it through Laura at Literacious (who is awesome). I may do this just for myself. I know it's time to set my vision and goals for the coming year so this might help me focus professionally.
Anything you found interesting so far this week? Want to discuss something? Share in the comments.
I Was a Librarian http://t.co/JjZUdcg5hp
— Kelci Crawford (@KelciDCrawford) January 8, 2015
I manage 2 nonprofit Facebook pages (my library and another) and I admit, I haven't actually sat down to read this yet, but it looks intriguing. I like 99u for their inspirational posts.
A day in apps: The social media manager’s edition. http://t.co/f6tmW3Rbwa
— 99U (@99u) January 8, 2015
Remember Ferguson Library? They are still doing awesome work.
Now Trending on Twitter: Public Libraries http://t.co/gEYTl6dKDx
— Publishers Weekly (@PublishersWkly) January 7, 2015
I love reading Questionable Content. Lately, he's been having a lot happen in the library with characters...but including some interesting commentary on libraries. Take a read here: First part and a follow up. I could go in-depth on this, but just enjoy the humor and how Marten and Claire (intern) and Tai (the head librarian) have their opinions of the [academic] library.
Last, Story Time Underground has this neat blog prompt called "Resolve to Rock." I first heard about it through Laura at Literacious (who is awesome). I may do this just for myself. I know it's time to set my vision and goals for the coming year so this might help me focus professionally.
Anything you found interesting so far this week? Want to discuss something? Share in the comments.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Nick Bertozzi's Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey
Title: Shackleton: Antarctic OdysseyAuthor: Nick Bertozzi
Illustrator: Nick Bertozzi
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1596434516
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: This is Ernest Shackleton's last great expedition across the Antarctic in the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration." Shackleton's great idea was to cross the South Pole with his crew and explorers and finish out on the other side. Like all great plans, this did not exactly happen. The ship become entrenched in ice and eventually sank. Men lost beloved items and supplies ran low. This is the story of Shackleton, his crew, and the miraculous story of how all the men survived.
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Recommended Audience: Middle & high School
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Things to be aware of: minor vulgarity; animals are eaten
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Further Thoughts: First, I was disappointed this was not the expedition that involved the mummies I was partially obsessed over in 4th grade. That was the Terra Nova Expedition, I think. Either way, Bertozzi includes in the opening of the story a very detailed listing of all the expeditions to get to the true South Pole.
Next, I'm still really confused by this book. This is another graphic novel where I started to read it, but it took me until a quarter to about half of the way through to realize how the author paced it. Instead of an overall "novel" it's more like vignettes where it's a page to two pages and a snippet of the story. Until I realized that was going on, the story itself didn't mesh well for me. After I realized it, bam!, I could read it, but still, I'm left with this overall feeling, "I don't get this story."
Mind you, it wouldn't normally be my first pick for a graphic novel for me to read. I can easily see Philosopher Musician (aka my husband) getting more out of this than me. I can see how educators would go for this and recommend it as part of a unit on Shackleton.
The art was interesting. Bertozzi uses his panels well, breaking out of the frame and twisting the frames around. For example, when the ship sinks, the panels shift, fall, and twist like the ship. My favorite panel might have been on page 75 where Shackleton is dreaming that the noise on the ice is all the various sea monsters under the water.
But, this book lost me, quite a bit. When they ate the dogs because rations were low, I was uncomfortable. I get that it happened, but alas, anything that happens to animals like that leaves me feeling sad. It was a rough journey. It was a tale of survival.
It was one I just could not get into, despite all the accolades it is getting (Junior Library Guild, Kirkus Star).
Overall feeling: Great from an educational perspective. Great for history buffs. Not for me.
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Source: Library/review copy
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Reviews will start back up next Tuesday and post weekly!
Be sure to check back!
Be sure to check back!
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