Some goodies from the book fair, part 1
Here are some of the things that came through the book fair and will soon be available in the library…
Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller
by Sarah Miller
Grades4-10
This is historical fiction in that it tells the story of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller’s teacher, from Annie’s point of view. However, the events, conflicts, and even much of what Sullivan thought, are well-documented in other accounts, so this feels as much like a memoir as anything. A quick and lively read.
Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
by Heather Brewer
Grades 5-YA
We now have the first two of this series in the library. It’s a vampire book, yes, but it’s also a book about a teenage boy trying to cope with loss and growing up and the pain of being different. This isn’t going to be a classic, but it’s a worthwhile read for both boys and girls.
Chains
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Grades 5-YA
I think Anderson is writing some great stuff for young adults. Her contemporary fiction (most famously the novel “Speak”) is spot on, and her historical fiction is both compelling and interesting. This novel, the first in what will obviously be a series, tells the story of a Revolutionary War slave who is supposed to be freed when her master dies, but is instead sold off to a cruel Loyalist where she is overworked and beaten. In the meantime, the war is raging and both sides are trying to use her for their own purposes. This was a National Book Award finalist this year. A great read.
Models Don’t Eat Chocolate Cookies
by Erin Dionne
Grades 5-8
I was wary of this one, but the story takes a pretty healthy approach to the topics of teenagers, body image, and beauty. An overweight teen puts up with teasing and the loss of her best friend, but is basically ok with herself until her Aunt enters her in a plus size beauty pageant. She starts to eat healthier and exercise in order to sabotage the pageant and make herself ineligible. In the mean time she also learns some lessons about believing in herself and speaking up for what she wants. A nice story about empowerment.
An a podcast worth noting:
The Moth
This one is not for kids, but I have been listening obsessively to all the backlist stories from this wonderful show. The concept is simple: people tell a true story about themselves on stage without notes. Most of the stories run 10-15 minutes. They range from hilarious to heartbreaking. The language can be rough, as can the content, but the stories are compelling.
