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No thanks to United/Continental Airlines, I have finally made it to New Orleans for the American Library Association's Annual Conference. (The only good thing about the flight was the fact that "Beastly" was the in-flight movie). After arriving at 4:30am local time this morning, thanks to extensive delays, I am ready to report on all the geeky librarian fun I will be having...stay tuned!
Today started with SLEEPING IN, and then a magical discovery that my hotel's pool was on the roof. Reading in the glorious sunshine was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. (I am still trying to finish up the last of the BFYA books that I brought with me). 90 degrees feels wonderful to someone stuck in the horrible Seattle "spring" that we've had.
Tonight I am off to two publisher events, with the opportunity to meet wonderful authors and eat yummy food. Will post details later...
Are you in NOLA? What are you most excited for this weekend?
School is FINALLY out...yeah! Those snow days, many of which weren't really snow days, stretched the year out an extra week, but we have survived and made it to SUMMER! Now, if only the sun would cooperate...
If you are looking for good reads for all ages, from Kindergarten through High School (and adult!), check out the EJH Library "Summer Reading" website. The lists are divided by grade level, and students of all ages, reading levels, and interests will find something good to read, I promise. Some will find MANY great books to read. The lists are designed for students "graduating" from the grade levels listed, but some students will also find titles of interest on the lists above and below their grade level. (By the way, the call numbers listed next to each title are the King County Library System call numbers). And if you are a grown up looking for something good to read this summer, start with the High School list. Great titles to choose from!
Stay tuned to the blog throughout the summer. It will be updated daily with "latest and greatest" titles not published in time to be included on the Summer Reading lists. I would LOVE your feedback on books that you've read or books that I should review here! Feel free to comment. We can have our own online book club...
Title: The Mermaid's Mirror
Author: Madigan
Genre: Fiction, Surfing, Families, Mermaids
Pages: 308
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Lena has lived her whole life near the beach, walking up and down the shore, watching the surfers, and breathing in the salty air. The thing she wants more than anything is to learn how to surf. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Lena vows she will no longer watch from the sand: she will learn to surf.
But her father, a former surfer who almost drowned in an accident, refuses to let Lena surf. Being a typical teenage girl however, that does not stop her. She can't help the powerful and unexplainable draw the ocean has always had over her. One morning while looking out into the ocean, Lena catches sight of a beautiful woman — with a silvery tail. Now nothing can stop Lena from seeking out the mermaid, not even the dangerous waves.
The premise for this book is completely original. What starts out as realistic fiction turns to fairy tale/fantasy and still keeps readers hooked. The characters are well-rounded and engaging. Lena is a typical teen and her emotions are real. She is a girl struggling to find out where she belongs and who her family is. The setting is vivid, and the undersea world is so well drawn, you will think you have become part of Lena's home under the sea. Although you wouldn't think it, the connection between the real and fantasy worlds is completely believable and works with the story.
Overall, a perfect read for the perfect summer day at the beach.
,Oh please don't get me started on how far behind I am in my reading. When nominations finally closed, there were 91 books nominated for Best Fiction for Young Adults (BFYA). Because I was BUSY reading non-nominated titles so that I could complete my summer reading lists for all grades, I got behind! I am going to have to abandon my dream of reading everything before our committee meeting.
However, it's not as bad as you might think. Here's the update:
16 DAYS TO GO
34 BOOKS TO READ (oooh, that does look scary, but there are several weekend days and a LONG plane ride to the meeting).
Of the 34 books to read, I don't have 14 of them, so am unlikely to read them at this point. That brings the number down to 20. That feels better!
So, with the end of school madness, two kids birthdays, Father's Day, and packing for this trip, am I going to make it?
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