September 18, 2013

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Mahnaz Dar

About Mahnaz Dar

Mahnaz Dar (mdar@mediasourceinc.com) is an Associate Editor for Library Journal, and can be found on Twitter @DibblyFresh.

In Sync | Young Adult Authors Collaborate

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Collaboration between authors often yields unexpected and amazing results, and these young adult titles are no exception. With subject matter ranging from paranormal romance to contemporary realistic fiction, these titles by well-known YA writers will create a stir among teens.

This Boy’s Life | Recent Young Adult Fiction

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This trio of poignant young adult titles will resonate with teen boys not only because they feature male protagonists, but also due to their strong themes of identity and self-discovery.

Fiction Series Update | May 2013

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The latest installments in intriguing adventures, gripping sci-fi, and more.

NCAC Film Fest Celebrates Free Expression

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A host of teen filmmakers were on hand this Saturday at the New York Film Academy for Youth Voices Uncensored, a screening of the winners of The National Coalition Against Censorship’s Youth Free Expression Project’s film contest, which tackled the topic of book banning.

NYPL Panelists Explore Alternatives to Traditional Librarianship

Librarians on Alternative Librarianship panel

SLJ blogger and NYPL youth materials specialist Betsy Bird moderated a panel, “The Alternative Children’s Library,” in which several children’s librarians discussed their own nontraditional paths to the profession. Their places of employment include the Bankstreet School for Children, New York Society Library, Children’s Book Council, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

‘Inside the Artists Studio’: Tomie dePaola

Author/Illustrator Tomie de Paola

Author and illustrator Tomie dePaola’s exuberance and unrestrained creativity were evident this week as he joined Pratt Institute for an evening modeled after Inside the Actors Studio to discuss with moderator Pat Cummings his artistic process, his childhood, and his most notable works.

Poet, Photographer Nancy Wood Dies at 76

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Award-winning poet, author, and photographer Nancy Wood, who devoted her career to exploring the culture and lives of the Native American people of the Southwest, died this week in Santa Fe, NM.

Kick-Starting a New Life | Recent YA Titles

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Tackling the subject of refugees from war-ravaged nations who find an outlet in playing soccer, Maria Padian’s Out of Nowhere and Warren St. John’s Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town explore the devastating pasts and impoverished situations of these athletes, as well as the bigotry they encounter in their new homes.

Kid Lit Authors Discuss Diversity at NYPL

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How should librarians, publishers, and authors approach diversity in children’s books? Authors Sofia Quintero and Zetta Elliott and editor Connie Hsu joined a recent panel at the NYPL, moderated by Betsy Bird, to discuss these issues and more.

Fiction Series Update | March 2013

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Series update lists the latest installments in ongoing fiction series. This month’s titles include fast-paced adventures, hilarious middle-grade reads, and more.

Hats Off to Dr. Seuss!

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All things Seuss were in the air Monday at the 42nd branch of the New York Public Library as Random House Children’s Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises launched its “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss!” campaign, a yearlong celebration of the famed children’s book author.

Caldecott Honoree Antonio Frasconi dies at 93

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Antonio Frasconi, the award-winning illustrator best known for his woodcuts, died on January 8 at age 93. Among his notable contributions to children’s literature are his bilingual picture books The House That Jack Built, a Caldecott Honor Book, and The Snow and the Sun, an ALA Notable Book.

‘Anansi the Spider’ Author/Illustrator Gerald McDermott Dies at 71

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Gerald McDermott, award-winning author and illustrator best known for his original take on folktales, died on December 26. He was 71.

Our Bodies, Our Minds | Confronting Self-Image in YA Fiction

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Though books related to body image have abounded in recent years, the following titles offer a new perspective on the subject. These novels tackle fresh and original topics that range from morbid obesity to gender dysmorphia.

Getting it Right, Making it Fun: NYPL Panelists Talk Writing Nonfiction

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At a recent New York Public Library panel on Ethics and Nonfiction, four popular juvenile nonfiction authors discussed the challenges of writing entertaining and enlightening works for kids while adhering to the facts.

Fiction Series Update: January 2013

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The latest installments in ongoing fiction series that are well-known to most of our readers.

U.S. State Department Launches Online Game to Aid English Learners

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The U. S. government has joined the list of organizations using gaming to enhance learning. This week, the Department of State released a new game to give English-language students a hands-on way to augment their mastery of English.

Edublog Awards Tap the Best of the Web

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’Tis the season for prizes, including the 2012 Edublog Awards. Announced yesterday, the winners and runners-up include “Best Individual Blog,” “Best Twitter Hashtag,” and “Best Individual Tweeter.” John Schumacher’s (aka Mr. Schu) Watch. Connect. Read (pictured) was runner-up in the “Best/library/librarian blog” category.

YALSA Reveals Five Nonfiction Award Finalists

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The five finalists for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults were recently announced.

YALSA Names Five William C. Morris Award Finalists

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Finalists for the William C. Morris Award, an honor given to a book for young adults written by a debut author, were announced today.