On July 31, 2013 (Harry Potter and author  J. K . Rowling’s birthday), Scholastic unveiled a new look for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Author/illustrator Kazu Kibuishi created new covers  for each of the titles in beloved series. The book covers were revamped in time for the 15th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Rowling’s series opener.

Kazu Kibuishi in front of the newly revealed cover that he illustrated for the new edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Photos by Mark Tuchman.

For more photos of the Harry Potter birthday/cover reveal celebration, check out the slideshow below.

“The magical wizard Harry Potter (the “older” end of the generation): These “first wave Millennials” (today’s 20-somethings) came of age in the economic boom of the 1990s/2000s, a time infused with the spirit of “Yes We Can” and the belief that college, working hard, and playing by the rules would guarantee future success. Raised by idealistic Boomer parents, they were told they were special and gifted, with a magic wand capable of changing the world. They were shaped by a context of seemingly limitless possibilities.

The Hunger Game’s trailblazing survivalist Katniss Everdeen (the younger end of the generation, peeking into Gen Z): This second wave of Millennials, today’s tweens and teens, have known a very different youth. They came of age in an economic downturn, seeing college grads struggling with huge student loan debt and living through “a cascade of social media-amplified tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook. For them, life has always been a 24/7 social media show.”

According to MTV, the younger Millennials have high expectations for themselves, want to have clear goals and plans for the future, and are likely to engage in DIY learning. So what does this mean to teen services librarians? Possible library programming for the “Katniss” group could include SAT prep for tweens, financial planning, and “share an expert” presentations. And because “57% like to take a break from technology to make things with their hands,” consider cooking, woodworking, sewing, or pottery classes to share with teens.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Scholastic is sponsoring a contest to give public libraries the opportunity to win a Harry Potter party pack. To enter, librarians are asked to describe in up to 500 words how they would host a Harry Potter celebration that would also acquaint a new generation of children with the beloved series. All entries must be submitted by July 17. On July 31st, Harry Potter’s birthday, 15 winners will be announced. Parties will be held on August 27—the date when new paperback editions of the full series will be released with cover art by author/artist Kazu Kibuishi.

The winning libraries will receive 100 copies of the new edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a paperback boxed set of all seven Harry Potter books signed by Kibuishi, a $100 gift card to fund the library’s Harry Potter celebration, and a Harry Potter kit with stickers, name tags, bookmarks, and more.

“Throughout the past 15 years, librarians have introduced millions of children to Harry Potter, and helped young readers discover the joy of reading,” said Ellie Berger, president of Scholastic Trade Publishing. “Today we celebrate librarians, the magic of Harry Potter, and all the future readers who are getting ready to start their journey to Hogwarts.”

Summer Reading Challenge for Latino Students

During the summer months, students can lose important literacy skills they learned during the school year. Libraries, summer camps, youth groups, and cultural centers planning programs this summer can register their group for the Latino Children’s Summer Reading Program, sponsored by Google and launched by Latinas for Latino Literature (L4LL). The program runs through August 12. Register for free online, and receive reading lists featuring Latino books for all ages, reading logs, bilingual student pledges in which readers agree to read at least eight titles, and certificates of achievement. Once registered, each group will be entered to win a Google Hangout with Latina poet Margarita Engle or author/illustrator Lulu Delacre. Hangouts will take place in July.

To incorporate the program into your class or camp, print the summer reading packets for students. Have them sign the pledge at the beginning of the program, and give them logs to take home to record the number of books they have read. At the end of the program, ask the students to write a book report on one of the books that they have read or one of the books that you’ve read together as a class, or ask them to give an oral presentation. Give all the students certificates of achievement at the conclusion of the program.

Latinas for Latino Literature was created in 2012 by four Latina bloggers in response to the New York Times article, “For Young Latino Readers, an Image Is Missing,” in which the author notes that Hispanic children now make up about a quarter of public school enrollment, but most books for young readers don’t have characters who are non-white Latino children.

COLUMBUS, Chris and Ned Vizzini. House of Secrets. illus. by Greg Call. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. 2013. ISBN 9780062192462. JLG Level: FM : Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle (Grades 5–8).

From the director of the first “Harry Potter” films in collaboration with a bestselling YA author, comes a new fantasy that even J. K. Rowling calls, “a breakneck roller coaster of an adventure.” Dr. Walker remembers falling asleep in the hospital, but he wakes up standing over a patient, holding a bloody scalpel. He has carved a symbol into the man’s stomach. With the loss of his job, the family must move to a less expensive home. The Kristoff House, owned by an occult novelist, seems too good to be true―a fully furnished, two-story mansion with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Eldest son Brenden is sure that he sees the creepy old lady next door spying on them. Too late, the family realizes that they are in grave danger. Screeching that she wants revenge for her father, Dahlia Kristoff reveals her true identity―the Wind Witch. The children’s parents are struck down, the house shakes, and when the chaos is over, a primitive forest now lies outside their door. Will they have to conspire with the Wind Witch? Can they defeat her? How will the children get home? Pirates, enormous pre-historic creatures, and a cowboy meld with magical characters in a fantasy novel with nonstop action.

FERRIS, Jean. Thrice Upon a Marigold. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547738468. JLG Level: B+ : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

In the kingdom of Zandelphia-Beauridge, a new princess is born―Princess Poppy Allegra April Rosemary. A Welcome Party will introduce her to the empire, but past events lead King Christian and Queen Marigold to worry that well-meaning fairy wishes could put Princess Poppy in danger. Phoebe, daughter of the exiled torturer-in-chief, and Sebastian, son of exiled poisoner-in-chief, stumble on an evil kidnapping plot. When they lose the evidence, they must find another way to convince the royal family of their loyalty. With the aid of an elephant and a dragon, the pair of rescuers will unite with the King and Queen to fight against none other than their own fathers. The third installment of the series continues the wit and pace of a fairy tale with no boundaries.

FISHER, Catherine. Obsidian Mirror. Dial. 2013. ISBN 9780803739697. JLG Level: FM : Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle (Grades 5–8).

In the first of a new trilogy, Fisher sends readers to the past, where magic lurks and possibilities seem infinite. A scientific invention―the obsidian mirror, takes travelers through time, but no one is able to control its powers. A son leaves school to track down the man who murdered his father. The widower who owns it fights desperately to repair the mirror, so that he can be reunited with his beloved. A mysterious runaway volunteers to be the test subject, even though she is aware of the danger. Magical creatures live in the woods nearby, though their connection to the strange house and its inhabitants remains a mystery. The mirror unites them all and no one knows what the future really holds. Dark and suspenseful, Fisher’s characters weave in and out of the tapestrylike plot, leaving readers spellbound.

LERANGIS, Peter. The Colossus Rises: Seven Wonders Book 1. illus. by Mike Reagan. HarperCollins. 2013. ISBN 978006207040. JLG Level: FM : Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle (Grades 5–8).

“On the morning I was scheduled to die, a large barefoot man with a bushy red beard waddled past my house.” So begins the first adventure of Jack McKinley―hero elect who learns he has inherited a gene that gives him powers that could also kill him if he doesn’t get treatment. Finding the seven Loculi with others who have the same genetic trait is their only chance for survival. The first missing Loculus, however, is in a lost world―the city of Atlantis. Professor Bhegad provides training and direction, but it’s up to him and his companions to survive an adventure in which they scale a cliff, fight a griffin, and find a life-saving waterfall. Fans of Rick Riordan will welcome this new seven-book series that blends adventure, magic, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World into a fast-paced quest.

MULL, Brandon. Chasing the Prophecy: Beyonders. S & S/Aladdin. 2013. ISBN 9781416997962. JLG Level: FM : Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle (Grades 5–8).

In the thrilling conclusion to the Beyonders, the heroes follow the oracle’s prophecy, splitting into teams to defeat the evil emperor, Maldor. Jason and Rachel are not Lyrians, but time spent in their world teaches them about the power of friendship and good versus evil. The final battle is upon them, and the glimmer of victory is dim. Galloran, the Blind King, claims his throne and leads his people in a fight that could end their lives. Characters who can exchange body parts and drinlings who need no rest join with Rachel who has learned to control a person’s body through her mind. Jason has a powerful sword that he must learn to use if they are to beat Maldor. The evil emperor has his own support army―lurkers who can invade your dreams and learn your secrets. Will their plan be sabotaged in one incident? Do they have to sacrifice everything to gain freedom for the citizens of Lyrian? Though the series ends with this tome, fans will wait eagerly for future tales in this fantastical world.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

Create art based on literature: It Came from a Book!, a Teen Read Week art contest, is being launched by The Library as Incubator Project in partnership with Teen Librarian’s Toolbox, The Real Fauxtographer, and EgmontUSA. Teens are encouraged to read any book and create an original piece of art in any medium—painting, drawing, photo, sculpture, manga, etc.—inspired by the story. Then, they must take a digital photo of the artwork and submit the photo (or file if it is digital) to trwartcontest2012@gmail.com by September 30. Make sure to read the instructions carefully. Librarians are urged to encourage their teen patrons to enter the contest and can download a poster that contains all the relevant information. Teens can submit their own artwork or librarians can do it for them.

During Teen Read Week—October 14-20, 2012—The Library as Incubator Project will host a digital art gallery of all the entries. Online voting at The Library as Incubator Project is open to the public and will determine the winner. One grand prize winner, to be announced on October 20th, will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, The Library as Incubator Project t-shirt, photograph prints from The Real Fauxtographer, signed copies of books (Crewel by Gennifer Albin, Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and Divergent by Veronica Roth), and a package from EgmontUSA, including their Teens Top 10 nominated titles.

Teen Read Week is a literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association. The annual event is intended to encourage teens to read books just for fun on a regular basis so that reading becomes a habit.

Reading Club

Harry Potter: Scholastic has announced the launch of the Harry Potter Reading Club for educators, librarians, and after-school program coordinators “who want to organize a book club with access to all the tools they need to host a Harry Potter Reading Club and celebrate the joy of reading.” A welcome kit that includes bookmarks, stickers, and nametags will be given to the first 10,000 registrants for the online club. The site will include a discussion guide for each of the seven Harry Potter novels. Scholastic plans to add new content on the site every month. To celebrate the club’s launch, educators can register their classes for a live virtual webchat with J. K. Rowling, author of the series, on October 11th at 12 pm (ET) where she will answer questions from children.

Industry News

New imprints: Soho Press is launching a new imprint for young adults called Soho Teen. What We Saw at Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard is the debut title scheduled for publication in January 2013. Mitchard has previously written four books for children and six young adult novels, including The Midnight Twins (Razorbill, 2008) and All We Know of Heaven (HarperTeen, 2008). Soho Teen’s first list will also include five other titles. “Every story must have a mystery at its heart,” according to Daniel Ehrenhaft, Soho Press’s editorial director.

Triangle Square Editions is a new children’s book imprint that will be launched by Seven Stories Press this fall. The first list, for middle school and young adult readers, will include both fiction and nonfiction titles. Among the first releases are A Different Mirror for Young People by Ronald Takaki, Do You Dream in Color? Insights from a Girl without Sight by Laurie Rubin, James Lecesne’s Trevor, and The Story of the Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason.

Granted

Achieve, a nonprofit education reform organization, has been awarded a three-year, $7 million grant from the GE Foundation. The grant will assist Achieve in giving states support needed to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS). “We look forward to working with Achieve’s leaders as they further engage governors and the business community in getting ready for the changes required by the Common core,” noted Robert Corcoran, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship and President and Chairman of the GE Foundation.

The Lending Library, offered only in the U.S. and for free to Amazon Prime members, lets readers download one title each month—with no due date. While public and school library patrons must sometimes wait for popular titles to become available, Amazon pointed out in a statement that under the deal “there are no limits on how many people can simultaneously borrow the same title—so readers never have to wait in line for the book they want.”

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