Category Archives: Books

Books, Children's services, Young Adults

Looking for book suggestions: Donor-conceived characters in YA or MG literature

Books-aj.svg aj ashton 01

CMLE members: this is a library person looking for suggestions. She found a few already, posted below; but if you have others, post them to the comments!

“Once a year I ask the collective wisdom if they’ve come across any donor-conceived characters in YA or MG literature in their past year of reading since one person (me) can’t possibly read everything!

I’m wondering if any of you have come across any more. Donor-conceived people are those conceived with sperm, egg, or embryo donation, usually to single mothers by choice, gay parents, or those with fertility struggles in heterosexual families who can’t use their own gametes to conceive. I am interested in how identity as a donor-conceived teen or tween is represented in YA or MG literature.

I curate a list on my YA Books for Door Offspring blog and I am always on the look out for more fiction on this topic.”

You’re Welcome, Universe / Whitney Gardner

The Upside of Unrequited / Beckly Albertalli

The Secret of a Heart Note / Stacey Lee

Swing Sideways / Nanci Turner Steveson

The Other F-Word / Natasha Friend

Saving Montgomery Sole / Mariko Tamaki

Spirit Level / Sarah N. Harvey

Ashes to Asheville by Sarah Dooley

The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue

Books, Children's services

Book suggestions for Habitat for Humanity Project?

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Image result for Habitat for Humanity logo

A library person is looking for book suggestions. A few came in, andI’m adding them below; if you have others to suggest, add them in the comments!

“My library is planning to partner with Habitat for Humanity this summer.  I’d like my family book club to get really involved, so I’m looking for a chapter book for kids (any level above Picture book and under YA is fine).  I’ve racked my brain, Google, and Goodreads to find something pertaining in some way to the importance of a home, house, families who need a second chance, or even building a home – but I haven’t come up with much other than Crenshaw.  Any ideas?  Thanks!”

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Books, Materials, School Media Specialist

Freedom to Read Foundation Offers 2017 Banned Books Week Grants

Banned Books Week

Applications are open for the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) Banned Books Weeks Grants offered through the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund.

Each year FTRF distributes grants to non-profit organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (Sept. 24 – 30, 2017.) Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and community organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded at two levels, $1,000 and $2,500.

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Books, Children's services, CMLE

Stumper: book about an African Gray Parrot

Book sale loot (4552277923)
CMLE people – I found another library person asking for help identifying a book a patron is seeking. As you guys have collectively been good at finding these books in the past, I’m posting this here for you. If you know it, you can post it to the comments, or send me an email!

“I hope it’s OK to post stumpers to this listserv – if there’s a better place, please let me know!

Patron is trying to track down a children’s book they read to their kids in the ’80s.
The title is [Boy’s Name] Gray, where [Boy’s name] is a two-syllable name and Gray refers to his African Gray Parrot.
It’s ringing zero bells in my head, and searches in Books in Print & Amazon didn’t pull anything up. Thought I’d see if one of you clever people may recall the book or have A Level sleuthing skills and can track it down.
Thanks in advance!”
Books, Young Adults

Some YA audiobook recommendations!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, english

A library person was recently asking for suggestions for audiobooks; so we are passing on the responses for your own thoughts for your collections!

“What’s your favorite YA audiobook? I’m looking for suggestions of good books, but also great narration.

I am asking for both personal and professional reasons. I have started listening to YA audiobooks in the teen room when we’re not crazy busy. The patrons like it, and a good number of them drift to the CD section now. I am also planning a booklist and display called “Now Hear This” with books and their audio. Thanks in advance.”

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