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AGOSTO, Denise E. & June Abbas, eds. Teens, Libraries, and Social Networking: What Librarians Need to Know. 184p. bibliog. index. Web sites. CIP. Libraries Unlimited. 2011. pap. $40. ISBN 978-1-59884-575-4; ebook $40. ISBN 978-1-59884-576-1. LC 2011004690. ALESSIO, Amy J. & Kimberly A. Patton. A Year of Programs for Teens 2. 150p. appendix. index. CIP. ALA. 2011. pap. $45. ISBN 978-0-8389-1051-1. LC 2010013661. KNIFFEL, Leonard, ed. Reading with the Stars: A Celebration of Books and Libraries. 158p. photos. further reading. CIP. ALA. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8389-3598-9. LC 2010051954. WILSON, Leah, ed. The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” Trilogy. 210p. Smart Pop. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935618-04-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-935618-36-2. LC number unavailable. WOLF, Shelby A. & Karen Coats, Patricia Enciso, and Christine A. Jenkins, eds. Handbook of Research on Children’s and Young Adult Literature. 553p. bibliog. index. CIP. Routledge. 2011. Tr $295. ISBN 978-0-415-96505-7; pap. $119.95. ISBN 978-0-415-96506-4; ebook $119.95. ISBN 978-0-203-84354-3. LC 2010016339.
Many tech-savvy libraries have already found success connecting with teens on social networks and have used them for booktalks, announcing new titles, and promoting library events. This text is divided into 10 chapters, covering topics such as safety/privacy concerns, legislative issues, a survey of teens’ use of social networking, practical examples from public libraries, and comparisons among popular social-network utilities. The authors also include surveys of the ways that YA librarians use social networks in their libraries. This book serves as a textbook introduction that is most useful for public libraries just beginning their connection to teens on social networks. For others, it’s an additional purchase.–Stephanie Malosh-Rivera, Washington D.C. Public Library
In this sequel to their wildly popular book on library programming for teens, the authors offer great suggestions to public and school librarians who either need more ideas or to those who just want to spice up their current routines. The book includes plenty of real-life examples and variety. Part one offers ideas for core programming–those that can be scheduled on a regular basis. The authors give great advice for starting monthly clubs as well as introducing or revamping reading programs. Great book lists and ideas for displays are included, and passive activities like puzzles and quizzes round out this section. The second section lays out a year’s worth of possible programming, with multiple options for each month. Programs that are relatively low cost or easy to put on are widely represented. Each write-up is fully fleshed out with information such as preparation time, length of program, shopping list, and planning time lines. The authors also provide good feedback and advice on why programs might not be doing well and what to do in those situations; their encouragement and advice regarding flops is definitely a welcome addition. This book would be a great professional resource for librarians who want to investigate new ideas as well as those who are new to programming and want some ready-made examples. A must-have for school and public libraries.–Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR
In recognition of the importance of libraries in the United States, 14 celebrities speak about their personal experiences with books, literacy, and the freedom to read. President Barack Obama talks of the importance of education and reading in relation to the strength of our democracy. Bill Gates tells of the investment of the Gates Library Foundation and its work throughout the country in public library computerization. Laura Bush discusses her role as a librarian and her work with 21st-century library education grants to recruit library and information science professionals. Ken Burns speaks of the importance of archiving information for future generations and of his experiences using libraries and historical societies to complete research for his work. Cokie Roberts addresses the role of librarians as curators of information. Al Gore discusses the function of libraries in the “democratization of knowledge.” Each chapter focuses on one individual and includes books written by that person. The inspiring words and ideas of all of those interviewed are presented in an appealing manner using attractive art that introduces and ends each chapter. A pleasant read for anyone who works with books and those who read them.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
Fans of the trilogy will undoubtedly enjoy exploring elements of the series through the eyes of the author’s contemporaries, each with a different expertise. The selections address the deeper social and political issues as well as the development of multilayered characters through witty and sometimes raw essays that ask readers to look deeper. The 13 articles encompass various issues, such as genetic mutations (“Not So Weird Science” by Cara Lockwood), the reality television phenomenon (“Reality Hunger” by Ned Vizzini), politics that lead the unsuspecting into wars (“The Politics of Mockingjay” by Sarah Darrer Littman), and love (“The Heart Is a Weapon the Size of Your Fist” by Mary Borsellino). Essays explore these and other subjects from within Katniss’s world of Panem with humor, irreverence, and social understanding. This thought-provoking text will be especially useful for educators or librarians utilizing the multidiscplinary themes in this trilogy with their students.–Jessica Breslin, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH
In their description of the project, the editors note that this collection of essays “is the first to bring together the leading scholarship on children’s and young adult literature from three intersecting disciplines: Education, English, and Library and Information Science.” It includes the perspectives of popular authors, too. From the scholarly to the personal, the selections provide an amazing array of points of view, separated into three sections: “The Reader,” “The Book,” and “The World Around.” Topics range from the historical roots of children’s and young adult literature to teaching it, book awards, school libraries, creating readers, and even the politics of reviewing children’s and young adult literature. Many entries, in fact, have follow-up “Point of Departure” essays from well-known authors such as Lois Lowry, Joseph Bruchac, Jacqueline Woodson, and Katherine Paterson, who provide their own takes on a particular topic. The contributors–who likewise represent various scholarly fields–have worked hard to put together a truly interdisciplinary, highly readable collection that will have meaning to a diverse body of readers, and that will enlighten and expand all of our considerations of the literature. This resource should get a lot of attention.–Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA
