YA Review: SEX: A Book for Teens

Sex: A Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety by Nikol Hasler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very impressed with this book, but I'm sure it will be the type to get tons of reads in my library's teen room, but not actual checkouts.

I'd learned of the Midwest Teen Sex Show a while back when searching for good resources to direct my teens to about sex and reproductive health. The show is almost jarringly blunt and unrestricted and the conservative in me screamed out in fear. LOL Yet, I found it extremely informative and honest. The same can be said of my experience with the book.

Jackpot in a Lunchbox

And the Winner Is.....

Technology Treat: Pixton Comic Maker

As an outreach librarian, part of my job is finding ways to simplify and stimulate the work of area teachers and parents.  In that vein, next month I will be visiting an Open House at one of the local high schools.  While my first instinct was to bring a ton of programming flyers and bookmarks for the students, I began to realize that it is just as important for me to nurture the relationships between myself and the teachers.


So today, I tried out Pixton.  Pixton is a web-based comic-strip maker.   You decide how many panels you want in your strip, drag the characters into the poses you want, change the expressions, and add dialogue. It was VERY easy and free to use, though there is a paid professional version and an educator version as well.

 I highly recommend it for ages 9 and up.

I've taught before, so I understand completely how difficult it is to keep learning exciting, while also hitting benchmarks and professional goals.  There are times when book reports and even power point presentations just don't get it.  As we head farther into this techno-heavy era, it would just be ridiculous not to explore the many resources found all over.  BUT, it is also hard finding the time to sift through it all, though I've decided to try.  I'll be sharing my finds here, and with the teachers at the Open House.

Win a Free Book from Hartlyn Kids!!

So remember a couple weeks ago when I introduced everyone to my friends over at Hartlyn Kids Publishing?  The nifty publisher that seeks to expose readers to the lives and cultures from around the world?  Well, if you were interested in learning more about them, I've got awesome news.

HK is hosting their first book giveaway. Not only are they giving away The Bamboo Dance, signed by illustrator Lisa Butler, but also one of their cute Passports to keep up with this and any other HK books you read.  If I were you, I'd head on over to their blog and enter the givaway.

And if you haven't already, don't forget that I'm hosting a giveaway as well.



Ah...what could be better than free stuff?  MORE free stuff!

Gaming Review: Dead Rising 2

This has been a year of undead.  From vampires to zombies, we've been bombarded.  Whoever designed this game, however, must have a personal belief that there never has seemed to be enough Zombies to go around.

School Is In! (and a Giveaway!)

School has started in my villages.  The library has grown a bit quieter in the day now and kicks into pandemonium somewhere near 1:30ish.  I'm pretty sure that in a few weeks I'll be bored silly with all the quiet, but it is a good break from the summer reading frenzy.

Although I'm enjoying this slight break though, as an outreach librarian, part of my job is to,...well,..reach out.  I love finding resources to support schools and parents and this year in particular, I'm seriously interested in finding more exciting ways to help people stay motivated about reading and learning. Which is why I was really excited to find this book in our collection today, and thought it was a perfect segue into a giveaway.

Storytime Theme: Snakes and Snails and Reptile Tales

Icky, sticky and gooey goodness was the theme this week at my library.  Well, it was actually desserts and sweets but the week before was cows and ice cream...so its safe to say that I've had my fill of the frilly and fattening.  To give us some much needed balance, (and fun), I decided on a slithery and slimy focus for this week's storytime.  (I just used a LOT of adjectives...and parentheses).  Anyway, ON TO THE BOOKS!

To Read: If It Takes a Village, Build One and Losing My Cool

Found this one on Reading in Color.  I'm generally a fan of Mrs. Rock, so I'm looking forward to this.  My library doesn't have it, but I'm putting in my request.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

YA Graphic Review: Skim by Mariko Tamaki

Skim by Mariko Tamaki
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Whenever I read a book that has graced a few banned lists, I always wonder why people don't trust young adults or worse yet, TEENS, to be intelligent and open-minded enough to ingest a story and take only the parts necessary to them. Contrary to belief, they are not as susceptible to peer pressure as most accuse them of being, and are actually more willing to step out on their own beliefs than most adults I know!

That being said, it is clear why Skim made the banned list. Teen Suicide, Student/Teacher impropriety, Wicca and homosexuality make it a prime target for rough attention. However, each and every one of those plot-lines is addressed in such a cavalier way that this book becomes all too important for young adults to read.

Book Trailer: Hartlyn Kids Books!

I am consistently reminded and convinced that I have in my possession the most outstanding collection of friends.  They are innovative, expressive, and forward-thinking men and women who truly want to see this world improve by way of reaching out to children and young adults. I'm always amazed and excited to see what they think of next.

Today, I present my friends from Hartlyn Kids!

Currently Reading: The Sons of Liberty

While browsing through this month's School Library Journal, I found myself interested in this new series.  The Sons of Liberty is basically a story of two runaway slaves during the civil war, who through a cruel experiment conducted by the son of Benjamin Franklin, are gifted with superpowers.

Um, Yeah.  Gifted with Superpowers.

Threw me for a second too.

Books to Movies: Hunger Games News

Thanks to a glimpse provided by Green Bean Teen Queen, I saw the Entertainment Weekly premiere of and Peeta and Gale (Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth) and figured you guys wanted  to see it too.  Here ya go.

Random Librarian Thoughts: Farewell SRP

I am ecstatic that our Summer Reading Program is over.

Shhh, don't tell anyone.