YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION a DIVISON of the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Young Adult Library Library Servicesservices

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THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION A DIVISON OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION young adult library library servicesservices

VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 3 SPRING 2011 ISSN 1541-4302 $12.50

INSIDE:

MORRIS AWARD QUICK PICKS

CHOICES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS AND MUCH MORE!

Awards Issue

The official journal of The Young adulT librarY ServiceS aSSociaTion young adult library services

VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 3 SPRING 2011 ISSN 1541-4302

The View from ALA Plus: 4 The Stonewall Book Award for Children’s 2 From the Editor and Young Adult Literature Joins the ALA Sarah Flowers Youth Media Awards 3 From the President By Lisa Johnston Kim Patton 6 Great Reads, Intriguing Characters 45 Professional Resources The Schneider Family Book Award WinnersBy Barbara Klipper 47 Guidelines for Authors 47 Index to Advertisers YALSA Perspectives 49 The YALSA Update 8 YALSA’s Not So Silent Auction at Midwinter Meeting By Pam Spencer Holley

Best Practices 10 Getting Diverse Books Into the Hands of Teen Readers How Do We Do It? By Neesha Meminger

Hot Spot: Awards 14 YALSA Announces 2011 Award Winners and Selected Booklists 18 Reproducibles About This Cover 30 Called to Judge Find the best books and media for young adults each How Our YALSA Committee Experiences Prepped Us for Non-ALA Jury Service year through YALSA’s Best of the Best! Visit By Francisca Goldsmith & Eva Volin www.ala.org/yalsa/best to download the lists, which highlight the very best in reading, listening, and 33 Discovering the Next Great YA Author viewing for teens, as well as marketing tools to The William C. Morris YA Debut Award By Angela Frederick promote the winning titles at your library. Downloads for 2011 include bookmarks, bookplates, 36 WARNING! This List Contains Drugs, spine labels, logos, and more. Best of the Best Violence, Language, Sex, Abuse, and Some materials were created through funding from the of the Most Amazing Things on the Planet! Friends of YALSA, www.ala.org/givetoyalsa. YALSA’s Quick Picks List By Heather Gruenthal 40 Too Old? Too Young? Just Right? YALSA Award Winners and Selection List Possibilities for Middle School Aged Library Users 2011–2012 YALSA Editorial Advisory Committee (performing referee duties and providing advisory input for the journal) Kimberly Bolan Cullin, chair, Indianapolis, Ind.; Sarah English, Omaha, Neb.; from the Laura Pearle, Carmel, N.Y.; Jessica Pollock, Greenﬁeld, Mass.; Cindy Welch, Knoxville, Tenn.; and April Witteveen, Bend, Ore.

2011–2012 YALSA Publications Committee Sasha Matthews, chair, Chesapeake, Va.; Amy Barr, York, Neb.; Editor Heather Booth, Westmont, Ill.; Sarah Evans, Seattle, Wash.; Kathy Watson, Flemingsburg, Ky.; and Cassie Wilson, Rowlett, Texas. YALSA Executive Director Sarah Flowers Beth Yoke Editor-in-Chief Sarah Flowers he Youth Media Awards event at ALA’s Midwinter Managing Editor Meeting has always been a favorite of mine and of many Stephanie Kuenn T people who are fortunate enough to be there. In my early Circulation days in YALSA, I remember rushing to the phone or the Internet Young Adult Library Services (ISSN 1541-4302) is published four times a year Cafe to notify my colleagues at home of the winners. Now, of by the American Library Association (ALA), 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. It is the official publication of the Young Adult Library Services Asso- course, anyone who is interested can watch the event streaming live ciation (YALSA), a division of ALA. Subscription price: members of YALSA, on ALA’s website or follow the barrage of tweets or live blog $25 per year, included in membership dues; nonmembers, $50 per year in the U.S.; $60 in Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Back issues within one year entries. It is always fun to see which winners are crowd favorites of current issue, $15 each. Periodicals class postage paid at Chicago, Illinois and which are surprises. In the days immediately following and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Young Adult Library Services, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Members: Midwinter, YALSA’s selected lists are announced and the Address changes and inquiries should be sent to Membership Department, blogosphere and Twitterverse proceed to discuss the choices. Changes to Young Adult Library Services, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Nonmember subscribers: Subscriptions, orders, changes of address, Needless to say, not everyone agrees with every choice (“Really? and inquiries should be sent to Changes to Young Adult Library Services, They chose that book? I couldn’t get past page 50!”). I can assure Subscriptions, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 1-800-545-2433, press 5; fax: (312) 944-2641; [email protected]. you, however, that committee members labor mightily and that Statement of Purpose every book, movie, or audio that makes a list has been discussed Young Adult Library Services is the official journal of the Young Adult thoroughly in terms of the particular committee’s rules and Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association. YALS primarily serves as a vehicle for continuing education for procedures. My term on the Printz Committee (2004: The First librarians serving young adults, ages twelve through eighteen. It will include Part Last, by Angela Johnson) was a great lesson for me in articles of current interest to the profession, act as a showcase for best practices, provide news from related fields, publish recent research related to YA consensus building. It was a shining example of the way a diverse librarianship, and will spotlight significant events of the organization and group of people can take a complex task, break it down into offer in-depth reviews of professional literature. YALS will also serve as the official record of the organization. manageable pieces, and come to an end result that everyone can agree with, all without sacrificing civility. The unexpected bonus Production Cadmus Communications was that strong friendships were forged at the same time. All of us owe a great debt of gratitude to the hard-working committee Advertising Bill Spilman, Innovative Media Solutions; 1-877-878-3260; fax (309) members who devoted hours and hours of their free time to 483-2371; e-mail [email protected]. YALS accepts advertis- reading, watching, listening, making notes, discussing, ing for goods or services of interest to the library profession and librarians in service to youth in particular. It encourages advertising that informs readers contemplating, and finally coming up with these lists. and provides clear communication between vendor and buyer. YALS adheres This issue of YALS is all about those awards and selected lists. to ethical and commonly accepted advertising practices and reserves the right to reject any advertisement not suited to the above purposes or not We hope you enjoy and make use of the reproducible copies of the consistent with the aims and policies of ALA. Acceptance of advertising in 2011 selected lists. In this issue you will also find articles about the YALS does not imply official endorsement by ALA of the products or services advertised. still-new Morris Award (by Angela Frederick) and the Quick Picks Manuscripts list (by Heather Gruenthal). And we look at some non-YALSA Manuscripts and letters pertaining to editorial content should be sent to awards that are of interest to our members, including the Eisner YALSA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; e-mail: yalseditor@gmail. (Francisca Goldsmith and Eva Volin), the Stonewall Award (Lisa com. Manuscripts will be sent out for review according to YALS’s established referee procedures. Visit www.ala.org/yalsa for further information. Johnston), and the Schneider Family Book Award (Barbara Indexing, Abstracting, and Microfilm Klipper). Pam Spencer Holley takes at look at some of this year’s Young Adult Library Services is indexed in Library Literature, Library & lists and gives us her top choices for sixth, seventh, and eighth Information Science Abstracts, and Current Index to Journals in Education. Microfilm copies of Journal of Youth Services in Libraries and its predecessor, graders. Neesha Meminger has some really practical advice about Top of the News, are available from ProQuest/Bell & Howell, 300 N. Zeeb getting diverse books into the hands of teen readers. Finally, you’ll Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. find professional reviews and the YALSA Update. The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of I hope you enjoy this issue of YALS. If you are coming to ALA American National Standard for Information Sciences-Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. 1 Annual Conference in New Orleans, be sure to sign up for the Ó2011 American Library Association Margaret Edwards Award luncheon, where you will be able to hear All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be photocopied for the noncommercial purpose of scien- this year’s honoree, Sir Terry Pratchett, and the Michael L. Printz tific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Award Program and Reception, with winner Paolo Bacigalupi and Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other photocopying, reprinting, or trans- lating, address requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. the honor book winners. It’s a great opportunity to personally thank those hard-working committee members, too! YALS

2 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 from the President Kim Patton

earing the announced during the enhance our readers advisory skills and What is ALA Midwinter Meeting has help our teens find the reading material popular with H always been one of my favorite that will suit their interests and engage our teen events of the year. It also certainly counts them in conversations about their readers does as some of the most fun I have during reading choices. not always conferences. As a voracious reader and Award winners and items on the match what is someone who tries to keep up with the selection lists can be invaluable tools to assist chosen by an growing volume of teen reading material teens and their parents in finding reading experienced committee of professionals. available during the year, I am always materials for pleasure reading or educational Because teens are so often opinionated in pleased when titles I have read and loved pursuits. Because most award winners are their response to selected titles it is great are acknowledge for their literary value or chosen from the current year’s crop of newly that we now have a chance to engage them appeal to teens. My interest is always published materials, library professionals can in the process and give them a chance to piqued when titles that have slipped by my be assured that the titles chosen are timely agree or disagree with a selection notice are brought to my attention as and reflect contemporary reading interests. committee’s choices. With YALSA’s new award- or list-worthy titles and I am always By adding the branding of the Best of the Readers’ Choice booklist (www.ala.org/ more than willing to go back and reread a Best and its promotional tools to the cream yalsa/readerschoice) and with the help of title that wasn’t necessarily my favorite and of the crop of the YALSA selection lists, their favorite librarian, teen readers will be give it another chance to wow me like it did library professionals have an even better and able to nominate titles of their own those seasoned veterans who selected it as more comprehensive tool to direct their teen choosing and see how well they stack up or an honored title for the year. patrons to. don’t stack up to vetted selection lists and Helping teens find quality materials Sharing award winners with teens award titles. in the library always seems to be easier helps us make those great connections and I’m already looking forward to hearing during award season. Before the awards engage our teen readers, and we all love to from teens as they begin nominating titles are announced everyone is speculating have those opportunities. We can use and seeing whether I will find many of my about their most and least favorites and programming like book clubs, mock award old favorites on the new Readers’ Choice wondering where they will end up contests, and battle of the books programs list next year or if I will be adding many when it all shakes loose. After the as ways to let teens have a chance to enjoy, more new titles to my outrageously high awards, there is always buzz about the discuss and contemplate the year’s crop of reading pile. winners. Either way, it’s a chance to winning and recognized titles. YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 3 feature The View from ALA

novel, Patience and Sarah, was the first recipientofwhatwasknownatthetime The Stonewall as The Gay Book Award. This was a grassroots acknowledgment of excellence in GLBT literature. In 1986, ALA Book Award for officially recognized the award, and the name was changed to the Gay and Lesbian Book Award. As the years (and society) progressed, the award was Children’s and expanded to include general adult nonfiction, going through various name changes before becoming the Stonewall Young Adult Book Award. Today, these awards are given annually to English-language books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Literature Joins the experience. The first Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Award was presented in ALA Youth Media 2010 to Nick Burd for his young adult novel, The Vast Fields of Ordinary, published by the Penguin Group. The novel concerns teenage Dade Hamilton, Awards who endures his parents’ divorce and the end of a secret relationship with a school athlete, then experiences first love during By Lisa Johnston his last summer in Iowa before college. This year, our winner is Almost Perfect byBrianKatcher,publishedbyDelacorte Press. Katcher’s novel tells the story of a transgender girl and the boy who falls for her. Sage is the new girl at Logan’s school. He is drawn to her and they become friends, efore dawn on the morning of hadbeenincludedintheYouthMedia though their romantic attraction to one January 10, 2011 at the ALA Awards ceremonies, and needless to say another is strong. Sage’s life is a mystery. B Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, we were thrilled. When she reveals she was born a boy, Logan California, the members of the 2011 2011 was the second year the questions his own sexuality, and abandons Stonewall Book Award Committee, Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult his friend when she needs his support most. which is a subcommittee of the GLBT-RT Literature Award has been presented, but There are also four honor books this (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender the Stonewall Awards themselves have a year, all written for young adults. Their Round Table), gathered for a photo. long history. In 1971, there was one award, topics are varied. In Will Grayson, Will This was the first time this new award for general adult literature. Isabel Miller’s Grayson by John Green and David Levithan, published by Dutton/Penguin, a flamboyant, musical theater-loving football LISA N. JOHNSTON is Associate Director/Head of Public Services player brings together two very different at the Sweet Briar College Library in Virginia. She is the chair of boys who happen to have the same name. the 2011 Stonewall Book Awards Committee of the ALA GLBT Freaks and Revelations by Davida Round Table. Wills Hurwin, published by Little, Brown

4 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Johnston

and Co., is based upon the true story of two teenagers, one a violent Neo-Nazi, and the other a homeless gay boy he nearly kills, who meet as adults and learn to forgive. Love Drugged, by James Klise, published by Flux, makes a strong statement on the use of prescription drugs to magically change who you really are. Finally, The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams and illustrated by Quentin Blake published by Razorbill/Penguin, is geared toward nine to twelve year old readers. A young soccer player who loves fashion and prefers dresses to trousers figures out, with the help of friends, how to celebrate his difference. The growth of a nation is reflected in its literature, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the ever-expanding pool of children’s and young adult books reflecting the GLBT experience. These books can save lives. If young people can find themselves represented in a book, it can ease their struggle. They know they are not alone. One quality book will lead them to others. It is the job, and indeed the privilege, of librarians to help these young people on their journey. The Stonewall Book Award is proud to help point people in the right direction. For more information, see www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/glbtrt/ stonewall/honored/index.cfm. YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 5 feature The View from ALA

years later we’re here to celebrate the fact that the situation has dramatically Great Reads, improved.” Like the Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpre, and Stonewall awards, the Intriguing Characters Schneider Family Book Award responds to the fact that segments of society, in this case persons with disabilities, have been underrepresented and at times The Schneider Family misrepresented in literature for children and teens. These awards, in celebrating the creators of high-quality depictions of Book Award Winners members of minority populations, encourage the writing and publication of even more books that accurately and By Barbara Klipper sensitively reflect the life experience of these groups. In Schneider Award–winning titles, the person with a disability can be either the protagonist or a secondary character, and the definition of what constitutes a heavy metal band named Dumb, a middle grade (9–13), and teen (14–18). disability is left to the discretion of the jury. high school senior who is deaf, The awards recognize writing for young A $5,000 gift for the winner in each Arecording contracts and some people that artistically represents disability category accompanies the award. A romance—all in one book? The answer is experiences. The books that are honored representative of YALSA sits on the yes, and it’s this year’s teen winner of the with this award not only have literary merit committee, ensuring that the perspective Schneider Family Book Award. and reader appeal, but they portray of librarians who serve teens is included in Librarians who work with teens know characters whose disabilities are part of a the jury’s deliberations and the selection of they can rely on YALSA awards; the full life, introducing young people to a the winner. Printz, the Alex and others point them diversity of experience in a way that is In San Diego in January, the 2011 towards quality titles to purchase and neither condescending nor didactic. Schneider jury selected Five Flavors of suggest to young adult readers. There is Dr Katherine Schneider, founder of Dumb by Antony John as this year’s winner another award that is not as well known the award, reports that when she was in the teen category. With a very strong among teen librarians, but which can also young there were very few representations female protagonist, references to rock and be used as a reliable source in collection of people who were blind like her: “In the heavy metal music, interesting secondary development and reader’s advisory. That is 1950s when I was in grade school, the characters, a well-defined sense of place, the Schneider Family Book Award, only media mentions of blind people were and an accurate depiction of some of the administered by ALA. of Helen Keller, Louis Braille, and the issues in the deaf community, this book The Schneider Family Book Award seven blind men who went to see the exemplifies the intent of the Schneider has been given each year since 2004 in elephant. Other disabilities fared no Family Book Award. Librarians can be three categories; young children (age 0–8), better.” She happily notes that, “Fifty assured that the teens who pick up this book will enjoy reading it as they expand BARBARA KLIPPER is a youth services librarian at the Ferguson their knowledge of themselves and the world. That is what librarians look for in Library in Stamford, Conn., where she works with teens with any title we want to pass on to young disabilities and their families. She has presented workshops and people. conference sessions on libraries and disabilities. She served on While some past winners of the the 2011 Schneider Family Book Award jury. Schneider award, like the 2010 winner

6 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Klipper

Table 1. The teen winners of the Schneider Family Book Award, 2004–present. affected but not defined by their John, Antony Five Flavors of Dumb (Dial/Penguin) 2011 disabilities. Stork, Francisco X. Marcelo in the Real World (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic) 2010 Each year at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting librarians who work with Friesen, Jonathan Jerk, California (Speak/Penguin) 2009 children and teens wait excitedly for Rorby, Ginny Hurt Go Happy (Starscape/Tom Doherty Associates) 2008 the Monday morning Youth Media Sachar, Louis Small Steps (Delacorte) 2007 Awards announcements. We cheer when Rapp, Adam Under the Wolf, Under the Dog (Candlewick) 2006 titles we love are selected, and mutter Abeel, Samantha My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir (Orchard/Scholastic) 2005 when the choices surprise us, and we wait Clements, Andrew Things Not Seen (Philomel/Penguin) 2004 with bated breath as the presentation moves toward the venerable Newbery and Caldecottawards,thelasttwoawardsto Marcelo in the Real World and 2007’s Small Jordan Sonnenblick’s winning novel is the be announced. One of the first awards to Steps, were well known and recognized stand-alone sequel to Drums, Girls and be announced at the Youth Media outside of the disability community, others Dangerous Pie (2004). AfterEverAfter, Awards event each year, however, is the may have been less widely read before the says the jury, “tells the story of Jeffrey, Schneider. So, don’t be late when you award brought them more attention. All who is free of cancer but not the fallout attend the session at Midwinter or turn on are worthy of the expanded audience that fromthetreatment.Tad,hiscancer the streaming video next year. While this the Schneider Family Book Award brings. survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as award may not yet have a long history, you See Table 1 for a list of all the teen winners they cope with their ‘chemo-brain,’ other can count on the Schneider Family Book since 2004. cancer effects and typical eighth grade Award each year to point you and your This year’s middle grade winner, angst.” Engaging, humane, and never teen patrons to wonderful books that you AfterEverAfter(Scholastic), will appeal sentimental, this book, like Five Flavors of and they will want to read. to the younger teens served by YALSA. Dumb shows characters whose lives are YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 7 feature YALSA Perspectives

ALSA kicked off the 2011 YALSA’s Not So Midwinter Meeting in style with Y its first Not-So-Silent Auction! Bidders had a wide variety of items to consider, from packs of books to Silent Auction at homemade tote bags and even a customized YALSA cookbook! All in all, it was a fun evening and nearly $4,000 was raised for the Friends of YALSA, money Midwinter Meeting that will be used to promote the titles on YALSA’s awards and selection lists to ensure great books are placed into the By Pam Spencer Holley hands of teens. Become a Friend for as little as $10; visit www.ala.org/givetoyalsa to learn more. Read on to see a few of the photos from the auction (to see a complete set, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ notsosilentauction). YALS

Sometimes, bidders had to stop and think how much to raise a bid, as Mari Smith (foreground) and Jennifer Lawson, chair of YALSA’s 2012 Amazing Audiobooks for When the auction began, all the donations were lined up, bid sheets Young Adults committee, and centered and pens ready for the bidders. And then the crowds arrived another bidder are doing as they and soon bidders were making decisions. contemplate the donations.

8 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Holley

YALSA Board of Directors members Jack Martin and Christopher Shoemaker share the YALSAtini with sampler David Mowery (a former YALSA president). The YALSAtini was created by Jack, Christopher, and Past President Linda Braun and is YALSA’s “signature drink.”

The popular librarian tote bag, made by YALSA Board of Directors member Stephanie Squicciarini’s mother, was a hot bidding item.

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 9 feature Best Practices

matter, for having an aversion to books presented in this way. Getting Diverse So I thought back to the young reader that I was in my teen years. Yes, I wanted all the hyped books—the ones everyone was Books Into the reading (which, at the time, were books such as Judy Blume’s Forever and Paul Zindel’s My Darling, My Hamburger). And although those books showed me a lot Hands of Teen about the culture I was then immersed in and taught me more about “real life” than the adults around me were willing to talk Readers about, there was more I needed to know. There were gaping chasms in the information available to me and no one was covering them. Even I did not know what How Do We Do It? was missing until it was placed in my hands. It may be tempting to take the requests of young people at face value and simply “give them what they want.” But By Neesha Meminger statements like that remind me of slogans such as “give the consumer what they want” and “the customer is always right”—retail catchphrases that are more about making sales and moving quantity. ne statement I’ve often heard in teens who might benefit most from As educators and youth advocates, I the conversation about diversity such books. see our role as a different one than meeting O in teen literature is that people I mulled over her words for weeks the demands of a market, particularly when don’t want to shove books featuring after the conference because she was right. that market is young readers. I don’t mean characters of color (or other marginalized No one wants to be told, “here, read this— to belittle teens today. Every single young characters) at young readers with the idea it’s good for you,” like, “eat your spinach, adult I’ve met has been amazingly astute, that those books are “good” for them. In it’ll make you healthy.” Reading books aware, and savvy, and some are far wiser fact, I recently presented at a conference featuring people of color, LGBTQ than many adults. Yet we, the adults who where one librarian said that most teens protagonists, differently abled or sized serve and advocate on behalf of teens, have come into her library not looking for books main characters, or other marginalized the benefit of experience and hindsight. about diverse experiences. She said most voices should not be something anyone If all of my teachers and counselors teens want books like Twilight, Gossip Girl, should be made to feel they have to do— and youth service providers when I was a or whatever the latest big hit may be, and whether out of a sense of obligation, duty, teen had done what was easy and given me she asked how she could get more diverse or guilt. Books about marginalized teens only what I wanted, I most likely would books into the hands of these teens—often are not medicine or antidotes, and I don’t not be here right now. Because what I blame young people, or adults, for that wanted then was to be with young men who were prone to violence and addiction. NEESHA MEMINGER is the author of the young adult novels Jazz in What I thought I wanted was to be skinny like the models in magazines and films and Love (2011) and Shine, Coconut Moon (2009). She is passionate on television. What I wanted was to find about diverse reading options for teens and has written many some sort of product, abrasive, or surgery articles to that end. For more information, visit Meminger online that would lighten my skin so I could pass at NeeshaMeminger.com. for white. My teenage years were a

10 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Meminger

crossroad. They were the point where I painful crush—with each other. I read with a promising future and a “good,” learned the contradictions between what I about teen girls struggling with their upwardly-mobile, model minority family at had been told and what was. My eyes were weight and body issues. S.E. Hinton’s home. My parents were both together. We beginning to open to the various levels of novels, especially, resonated for me. And lived in a nice neighborhood. And my power and privilege in the world, and I was through reading these books, I began grades were always stellar. And still ... trying to make sense out of it all. There piecing together a kind of road map that The reality is that not a single teen of was a clanging rage inside that wanted would help me find my way. I didn’t know color I know would ever walk into a library expression, but there were no words to give it, but I was learning about life through or bookstore and say, “I’m looking for a book it form, no possibilities or options created these novels—a different depiction of life about teens of color struggling with racism,” for me to choose from besides what the than what the media was selling me. I was or, “I would like a book about someone like mainstream depictions had to offer. And learning about young people who didn’t me who is successfully navigating the issues I that was not enough. grow up privileged and moneyed, young face every day.” Likewise, it is a rare teen But I was lucky. I found caring people who lived in dysfunctional homes, who walks into a library and says, “I’d like a teachers, librarians, and youth counselors young people who knew the kinds of book about young boys struggling with who were able to steer me toward new violence and pain I’d seen. These issues of sexuality,” because these things paths—toward depictions of girls like depictions helped me feel less alone, and point out differences. We all know that me—lonely, isolated, silent—who were the way the characters forged a path social acceptance is part of survival in high able to find their way, and who were able through and out of certain situations, the school, and part of social acceptance is to learn to love themselves despite lessons they learned—these helped me fitting in. That which makes us different is everything around them telling them they create bits of my roadmap. what we try to hide, beat into submission, were not valuable or wanted. Again, none of this was happening on or sever entirely. The librarian at my local library got to a conscious level. I know this now, upon Being different, for most teens in this know me. I was a sad, quiet, shy teen with reflection. This is very important to society, is laced with shame. It makes pigtails. At home, things were a grand understand, because if you ask a teen point them outsiders during a time when all mess, and inside, there was a vast blank what they need, they will never say, they want to do is fit in—to be accepted, hollowness. This librarian asked me “I need a roadmap to help me get out of the valued, and liked. So the last thing teens questions. She probed gently without hell that has become my life.” arelikelytodoiswalkintoanypublic overstepping boundaries. And because she But, at the same time that I was space and announce anything that puts was the first adult to show interest, the navigating the hard stuff, I was still a teen. them outside an accepted norm created by first to care and shine a light on me and my I worried about my hair, my thighs, my the dominant culture. They may take out needs, I flowered under her probing. skin, body odor. And I was a hopeless the books that advertise their difference I went to that library every single day. romance novel addict. So the same local when no one is looking, on the down-low And even though I asked for the same librarian made sure to include romance when it is safer, and when no one is books my friends were reading, she asked novels in my pile—in addition to the titles around to witness their shame, their me what areas I liked to read and offered she thought I might connect with outsiderness—but they would never suggestions in those. She set books aside otherwise. The important thing is that she announce their difference when they are for me—an entire pile, based on what I made sure that pile was full of different so busy trying to conceal it. said I liked to read, including the titles I types of books. I can tell you, without a shadow of a asked for. And then she left me in peace to Here’s the thing: the young me would doubt, that if those teens are anything like go through the books and pick out the ones never, ever, in a million years, have walked I was as a teen reader, they need these I wanted to check out. into a library and said, “Hello. I am dying books. They will read the mainstream best Through her, I was introduced to a inside. I am neglected and full of shame for sellers because they can see themselves in wide range of genres, voices, and things outside my control. People I love are the universality of those stories, too. But experiences. No, I did not see many hurting, and they are hurting me—badly. these books, the ones that might help teens characters of color, but there were stories And I have nowhere to go and no one to on the periphery build a road map back to of those who were struggling, as I was, in turn to.” That was the truth. But we don’t themselves, are the books that can throw a other areas. I was introduced to a novel do that, right? On the outside, I was a lifeline—they are stepping stones in the about two girls experiencing their first smart, attractive, well-spoken young woman midst of rushing waters.

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 11 Getting Diverse Books Into the Hands of Teen Readers: How Do We Do It?

Having teens come out and tell us what l Ask readers what their favorite genres Once Was Lost, and my first novel, they need would make our jobs as parents, are. Do they read only romance or Shine, Coconut Moon. When I was educators, and youth advocates much easier, paranormal books? If so, what growing up, every Sikh teen I knew, but it’s not going to happen. All we can do is have they tried? This, then, can lead whether it was a boy who wore a patka make as varied a pile of reading materials as to an opportunity for suggesting (topnot), or a girl who wore salwaar- possible available to young readers. All we and recommending books such as kameez to school, was struggling with can do is gently and respectfully ask Silver Phoenix Cindy Pon, Huntress issues of faith, spirituality, and religion. questions. All we can do is show that we care Malinda Lo, A Wish After Midnight Even if they walked into a library by giving the young people in our lives equal Zetta Elliott, Half World Hiromi looking for a Gossip Girl novel, books dosesofwhattheywantandwhatthey Goto, or Akata Witch Nnedi like the above would have been might need. And part of that is providing Okorafor. extremely important options. young readers with what is “good” for them, l Use the “if you liked this, you might l Find a way to spotlight books about even if they don’t yet know it themselves— like these” approach. If the teen is very marginalized teens in a more general without having it feel like medicine, much into paranormal romance, way—either as a display of some sort, something mandatory and educational, or introduce novels that are cross-genre, or a book-of-the-month, or some other like someone has just thrown open the such as Wish. It has a contemporary way to get books in front of readers protective shades and exposed their shame. urban component as well as a without targeting specific teens. If So, I’ve taken a bit of time to come up time-travel element, some romance, diverse reading choices are normalized with a small list of possible action steps for and it also looks at slavery and life in your library or teaching space, it getting diverse books into the hands of teen for African Americans in the becomes a safe space to bring up readers. This is just a beginning and I’m sure 1800s. Explore reading lists for issues—a safe space to discuss there are lots more creative ways to do this, other novels that infuse narratives differences. When my children start a but I wanted to at least get the conversation with diversity, history, information, new school year, they put out feelers to going. If you have strategies you are using and guide posts. see what their new teachers are willing that work, please share them with your l Avoid making book recommendations to discuss by asking safe, low-risk colleagues and add them to this list. about the difference. In other words, if a questions, then making decisions based teen walks in wearing a hijab, don’t on the answers they receive. Placing l Whenever possible, use the “pile” grab all the books in the library about books about marginalized teens front method—even if the pile is only two or Muslims. That’s a sure-fire way to and center and valuing them is one way three books. Try, if you can, to offer make that particular teen walk out— to say clearly, “It’s okay. In here, it is more than what the teen is asking for. and fast. Instead, consider looking for okay to be exactly who you are.” Imagine you’re offering a new food to books about faith—about teens l Talk about what is universal about the someonewhohasnevertrieditbefore. dealing with all kinds of issues around books when introducing them to How would you entice them? One way faith, and sprinkle them into the readers. Instead of saying, “here is a might be by offering the new item, or suggestions and recommendations. book about a gay teen,” try, “this book something similar to it, every time the Doing this doesn’t spotlight the has the most awesome fight scene in it! person comes to eat. Nine times out of difference, but focuses on the sameness The protagonist gets possessed by a ten they will reach for what is familiar, with other teens who are working demon and shoots lethal sparks out of but eventually, they will become through issues of faith. The teen years her eyes ...” Or try some other way to curious or bold enough to try the are about learning our place in the draw the reader into the excitement of unfamiliar item. Remember, we’re world and where we belong. Showing the narrative, because, truly, books working against all the media hype out teens what connects them to others about marginalized teens are books there—all the messages about what is provides a sense of belonging. about all teens. The themes in all these “normal” and acceptable and desirable. There are great books that focus books—identity, fitting in, belonging, It will take time for teens (indeed, all of on issues of spirituality and faith, such family, dating, relationships, faith— us) to challenge those messages within as Lara Zielin’s Donut Days, are absolutely universal. ourselves, and make different, perhaps Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich’s l Above all, and whatever else you do, at emotionally risky, choices. Eighth Grade Superzero, Sara Zarr’s least try. But don’t beat yourself up if

12 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Meminger

it doesn’t work. You are doing your best because you care. This is hard stuff. There is some intense conditioning in the media about normalcy and what makes an individual desirable or valuable. Don’t give up trying. You may reach that one reader who most needs the information you have to share. I’m immensely grateful that the teachers, educators, and librarians who tried so hard with me didn’t give up before I entered their lives. YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 13 feature Hot Spot: Awards

l The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel by Alden Bell, published by Holt YALSA Announces Paperbacks, a division of Henry Holt and Company, LLC l Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue, 2011 Award published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hatchette Book Group, Inc. l The Vanishing of Katharina Linden: A Winners and Novel by Helen Grant, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, Selected Booklists division of Random House. Members of the 2011 Alex Awards Committee are Chair Beth Gallaway, Haverhill (Mass.) Public Library; Lana Adlawan, Sacramento Public Library, Elk n January 10, 2011, YALSA complete list of official nominations, please Grove, Calif.; Hope Baugh, Carmel Clay announced the winners of its six visit www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/alex. (Ind.) Public Library; Meghan Cirrito, O book and media awards at the The 2011 Alex Awards are as follows: Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, annual Youth Media Awards N.Y.; Crystal Faris, Kansas City (Mo.) announcement during ALA’s Midwinter l The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Public Library; Karen Keys, Queens Borough Meeting. This year’s announcement Had To by D. C. Pierson, published Public Library, Jamaica, N.Y.; Ann Perrigo, included the Alex Awards, the Margaret A. by Vintage Books, a division of Allegan (Mich.) District Library; Jessi Snow, Edwards Award, the William C. Morris Random House, Inc. Boston Public Library; Ellen Wathen, Award, the Excellence in Nonfiction for l Breaking Night: A Memoir of Walnut Hills High School, Cincinnati, Young Adults Award, the Odyssey Award, Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey Ohio; Scott Rader, administrative assistant, and the Michael L. Printz Award. from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Hays (Kan.) Public Library; and Ian In addition, YALSA announced Murray, published by Hyperion Chipman, Booklist consultant, Chicago. its recommended booklists during l Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok, Midwinter Meeting: Amazing published by Riverhead Books, Audiobooks for Young Adults, Best a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Margaret A. Edwards Award Fiction for Young Adults, Fabulous l The House of Tomorrow by Peter The Margaret A. Edwards Award honors Films for Young Adults, Great Graphic Bognanni, published by Amy Einhorn an author and specific titles by that Novels for Teens, Popular Paperbacks Books, an imprint of G.P. Putnam’s author for significant and lasting for Young Adults, and Quick Picks for Sons, a division of the Penguin Group contribution to young adult literature and Reluctant Young Adult Readers. l The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton, is sponsored by School Library Journal. published by Thomas Dunne Books Learn more at www.ala.org/yalsa/ for Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. edwards. The 2011 Edwards Award Book and Media Martin’s Press winnerisSirTerryPratchettforthe Awards l The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: following titles: A Novel by Aimee Bender, published Alex Awards by Doubleday, a division of Random l Amazing Maurice and His Educated The Alex Awards are given each year to House, Inc. Rodents, published by HarperCollins ten adult books with special appeal to teens l The Radleys by Matt Haig, published Children’s Books; and are sponsored by the Margaret A. by Free Press, a division of Simon and l The Wee Free Men, published by Edwards Trust. To learn more and see a Schuster, Inc. HarperCollins Children’s Books;

14 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 YALSA Announces 2011 Award Winners and Selected Booklists

l A Hat Full of Sky, published by l Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber, Bowers, published by National HarperCollins Children’s Books; published by Margaret McElderry Geographic Society; l Going Postal, published by Books, an imprint of Simon and l The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by HarperCollins Publishers; Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. Paul Janeczko, published by l The Color of Magic, published by Candlewick Press; and HarperCollins Publishers Members of the 2011 William C. l Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin l Guards! Guards!, published by Morris Award are Chair Summer Hayes, Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates by HarperCollins Publishers; King County Library System, Tukwila, Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw, l Equal Rites, published by Wash.; Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie published by Charlesbridge. HarperCollins Publishers; Library of Pittsburgh (Pa.); Carol l Mort, published by HarperCollins Edwards, Denver Public Library; Alison Members of the 2011 YALSA Award Publishers; and M. Hendon, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young l Small Gods, published by Library; Diana Tixier Herald, Mesa Adults Award committee are Chair Don HarperCollins Publishers. County Valley School District #51, Grand Latham, Florida State University School of Members of the 2011 Edwards Junction, Colo.; RoseMary Honnold, Library and Information Studies, Committee are Chair Robin Brenner, Voice of Youth Advocates, Coshocton, Tallahassee; Christine Allen, Arlington Brookline (Mass.) Public Library; Amy J. Ohio; Kathleen Taylor Isaacs, Pasadena, High School, Riverside, Calif.; Rachel Alessio, Schaumburg (Ill.) Township Md.; Angie Manfredi, Los Alamos County Aronowitz, San Francisco Public Library; District Library; Christine A. Jenkins, (N.M.) Library System; Adela Peskorz, Carrie Bryniak, Wadsworth (Ohio) Public University of Illinois, Champaign; Betsy Metropolitan State University Library and Library; Monique Franklin, Texas Levine, San Francisco Public Library; and Learning Center, St. Paul, Minn.; Amy Women’s University School of Library and Hollis Rudiger, Madison (Wis.) West Anderson, administrative assistant, Information Science, Denton; Jeanette High School. Bellevue (Wash.) Regional Library; and Larson, Pflugerville, Texas; Teri Lesesne, Ilene Cooper, Booklist consultant, Chicago. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; Courtney Lewis, Wyoming William C. Morris Award Seminary Upper School, Kingston, Pa.; The William C. Morris Award honors a Excellence in Charli Osborne, Oxford (Mich.) Public book by a first-time author writing for teens Nonfiction Award Library; Judy Sasges, administrative and is funded by YALSA’s William C. The YALSA Award for Excellence in assistant, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville, Morris Endowment. For more information, Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction Wash.; and Laura Tillotson, Booklist visit www.ala.org/yalsa/morris. published for young adults in a Nov. 1–Oct. consultant, Chicago. The 2011 Morris Award went to The 31 publishing year. To learn more and see a Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston, complete list of official nominations, visit published by Carolrhoda Lab, an imprint www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfiction. Odyssey Award of Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner The 2011 Nonfiction Award went to The Odyssey Award honors the producer Publishing Group. The following titles Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel, of the best audiobook for children or young were selected as finalists, along with Freak published by Amulet/Abrams. The adults available in English in the United Observer, in December 2010: following titles were selected, along with States. It is coadministered with the Janis Joplin, as finalists in December 2010: Association for Library Service to Children l Hush by Eishes Chayil, published and sponsored by Booklist. To learn more, by Walker Publishing Company, l They Called Themselves the KKK: The visit www.ala.org/yalsa/odyssey. a division of Bloomsbury Birth of an American Terrorist Group The 2011 Odyssey Award went to Publishing, Inc.; by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Listening Library, an imprint of Random l Guardian of the Dead by Karen published by Houghton Mifflin House Audio Publishing Group, producer Healey, published by Little, Brown Harcourt; of the audiobook, The True Meaning of and Company/Hachette Book Group; l Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of Smekday, written by Adam Rex and l Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy narrated by Bahni Turpin. Honor McBride, published by Henry Holt; and the Civil Rights Movement by Rick recordings are:

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 15 YALSA Announces 2011 Award Winners and Selected Booklists

l Alchemy and Meggy Swann, written by publishedbyLittle,Brownand those ages 12-18. To see the full list of Karen Cushman, narrated by Katherine Company, a division of Hachette Book thirty-one titles and top ten titles for 2011, Kellgren and produced by Listening Group. Honor books are: visit, www.ala.org/yalsa/audiobooks or see Library, an imprint of the Random the reproducibles on page xx. House Audio Publishing Group. l Stolen by Lucy Christopher, published Members of the 2011 Amazing l The Knife of Never Letting Go, written by Chicken House, an imprint of Audiobooks Committee are Chair Jamie by Patrick Ness, narrated by Nick Scholastic Inc.; Mayo, Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library; Podehl and produced by Candlewick l Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King, Angela Craig, Charlotte-Mecklenburg on Brilliance Audio, an imprint of published by Alfred A. Knopf, an County (N.C.) Library; Betsy Crone, Brilliance Audio. imprint of Random House Children’s Guilford County Schools, Greensboro, l Revolution, written by Jennifer Donnelly, Books, a division of Random House, N.C.; Viola Dyas, Berkeley (Calif.) Public narrated by Emily Janice Card and Inc.; Library; Jennie A.D. Evans, Carrollton Emma Bering and produced by Listening l Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick, (Texas) Public Library; Sara Fitzgerald, Library, an imprint of the Random published by Roaring Book Press, an Martin County (Fla.) Library System; House Audio Publishing Group. imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Jennifer Lawson, San Diego County (Calif.) l will grayson, will grayson, written by Publishing Group; and Library; Sasha Matthews, Chesapeake (Va.) John Green and David Levithan, l Nothing by Janne Teller, published by Public Library; and Julia Riley, Pflugerville narrated by MacLeod Andrews and Atheneum Books for Young Readers, (Texas) Community Library. Nick Podehl and produced by an imprint of Simon and Schuster Brilliance Audio. Children’s Publishing Division Best Fiction for Members of the 2011 Odyssey Award Members of the 2011 Printz Award Young Adults Committee are Chair Sarah M. Committee are: Chair Erin Downey The Best Fiction list, formerly known as McCarville, Grand Rapids (Mich.) Public Howerton, Johnson County Library, Best Books for Young Adults, meets the Library; Catherine M. Andronik, Brien Overland Park, Kan.; Jan L. Chapman, criteria of both good quality literature and McMahon High School, Norwalk, Conn.; Cuyahoga County Public Library, appealing reading for teens. To see the full Stephanie D. Bange, Wright State Strongsville, Ohio; Sarah Couri, New list of ninety-nine titles and top ten titles University, Dayton, Ohio; Mary Clark, York Public Library; Melissa S. Rabey, for 2011, visit, www.ala.org/yalsa/bfya or Greenwich (Conn.) Country Day School; Frederick County (Md.) Public Library; see the reproducibles on page xx. Bradley Debrick, Johnson County Library, Janet P. Sarratt, Gaffney, S.C.; Brenna The members of the Best Fiction for Overland Park, Kan.; Kristin Brand Shanks, King County Library System, Young Adults Committee are Terri Heathcock, Hillsborough Community Issaquah, Wash.; Eva Volin, Alameda Snethen, chair, Blue Valley North High College, Plant City, Fla.; Patricia McClune, (Calif.) Free Library; Jamie Watson, School, Overland Park, Kan.; Martha Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Baden, Alice Boucher World Languages Pa.; Alison Ann O’Reilly, Suffolk Md.; Rollie Welch, Cleveland Public Academy, Lafayette, La.; Jennifer Barnes, Cooperative Library System, Bellport, Library; Sophie Brookover, administrative Gleason Library, Carlisle, Mass., and N.Y.; Ellen Rix Spring, Rockland (Me.) assistant, Infolink: The Eastern New Jersey Concord- Carlisle (Mass.) High School; District Middle School; and Sue-Ellen Regional Library Cooperative, Piscataway; Louise Brueggemann, Naperville (Ill.) Beauregard, Booklist consultant, Chicago. and Gillian Engberg, Booklist consultant, Public Library; Debbie Fisher, Central Chicago. Falls (R.I.) High School; Michael Fleming, Pacific Cascade Middle School, Issaquah, Michael L. Printz Award Wash.; Janet Hilbun, University of North The Michael L. Printz Award honors the Booklists Texas DLIS, Denton; Alissa Lauzon, best book written for teens each year and is Haverhill (Mass.) Public Library; Shelly sponsored by Booklist. To learn more, Amazing Audiobooks for McNerney, Blue Valley West High please visit www.ala.org/yalsa/printz. Young Adults School, Overland Park, Kan.; Shilo The 2011 Printz Award went to The Amazing Audiobooks list selects Pearson, Chicago Public Library; Judith Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, audiobooks from the past two years for Rodgers, Wayzata Central Middle School,

16 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 YALSA Announces 2011 Award Winners and Selected Booklists

Plymouth, Minn.; Ann Sloan, McLennan Members of the Great Graphic Campbell County Public Library, Community College, Waco, Texas; Patti Novels for Teens Committee are Candice Newport, Ky.; Sarah B. Hill, Paris (Ill.) Tjomsland, Mark Morris High School, Mack, chair, Los Angeles Public Library; Cooperative High School; Jennifer H. Longview, Wash.; Brooke Young, Salt Emily Brown, Harry Kizirian Elementary Korn, Public Library of Cincinnati and Lake City (Utah) Public Library; Shauna School, Providence, R.I.; Lisa Goldstein, Hamilton County, Ohio; Renee C. Yusko, Evergreen Junior High, Redmond, Brooklyn Public Library; Jesse Karp, McGrath, Nassau Library System, Wash.; Crissy Claiborne, administrative Little Red School House/Elisabeth Irwin Uniondale, N.Y.; Kelly C. Metzger, assistant, Las Vegas-Clark County (Nev.) High School, New York; Joy Kim, Pierce Dedham (Mass.) Middle School; Library; and Gillian Engberg, Booklist County Library System, Tacoma, Wash.; Elizabeth Schneider, Monrovia (Calif.) consultant, Chicago. Jessica Lorentz Smith, Bend (Ore.) Senior Public Library; Mari S. Smith, Cicero, High School; Barbara Moon, Suffolk Ill.; Shanna Smith, Mesa County Public Cooperative Library System, Bellport, Library District, Grand Junction, Colo.; Fabulous Films for N.Y.; Kimberly Paone, Matawan- Kate Toebbe, Public Library of Young Adults Aberdeen (N.J.) Public Library; Michael Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; Each year, the Fabulous Films committee Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Sarah Townsend, Norfolk (Va.) Public selects a list of films around a theme Brooklyn, Ohio; Christian Zabriskie, Library; and Melanie Wachsmann, that will appeal to teens in a variety of Queens Public Library, Jamaica, N.Y., Lone Star College—CyFair Branch, library settings, with varied tastes and Dorcas Wong, San Francisco Public Cypress, Texas. interests. The 2011 theme is Other Library; Matthew Moffett, administrative Times/Other Places. To see the full list assistant, Fairfax, Va.; and Ian Chipman, of forty films, please visit www.ala.org/ Booklist consultant, Chicago. Quick Picks for Reluctant yalsa/fabfilms or see the reproducibles Young Adult Readers on page xx. Quick Picks compiles recommended Members of the Fabulous Films for Popular Paperbacks for titles for teens who, for whatever reason, Young Adults Committee are Chair Young Adults do not like to read. The 2011 list of Adrienne Butler, Oklahoma Department Each year, the Popular Paperbacks eighty-seven titles, including a top ten, of Libraries, Oklahoma City; Sarah Bean committee creates thematic booklists to can be found at www.ala.org/yalsa/ Thompson, Springfield-Greene County encourage teens to read for fun. To see the booklists/quickpicks or in the (Mo.) Library; Sarah Chaar, Emporia full list of ninety-nine titles, plus the top reproducible on page xx. State (Kan.) University; Natalie ten, visit www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/ Members of the Quick Picks for Houston, Orange County Library poppaper or see the reproducibles on Reluctant Young Adult Readers Committee System Leesburg, Fla.; Melanie Metzger, page xx. This year’s list represents the are Chair Gregory Lum, Jesuit High School, Lone Star College, Cypress, Texas; Sarah following themes: Portland, Ore.; Tamera DiBartolo, Rapides Sogigian, Massachusetts Regional Parish Library, Alexandria, La.; Marea Library System, Waltham; Andrea l Thrillers and Killers Black, Phoenix (Ariz.) Public Library; Sowers, Joliet (Ill.) Public Library; and l What’s Cooking? Heather Gruenthal, Western High School, Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of l What If... Anaheim, Calif.; Susan Hawk, Dunwoody Pittsburgh, Pa. l Zombies, Werewolves and Things (Ga.) High School; Jamison Hedin, Ludlow with Wings (Mass.) High School; Brenda Kilmer, Miami, Fla.; Lisa Lindsay, Fresno (Calif.) Great Graphic MembersofthePopularPaperbacks County Public Library; Lalitha Nataraj, Novels for Teens for Young Adults Committee are Escondido (Calif.) Public Library; Sherry Great Graphic novels is a list of Franklin Escobedo, chair, Oceanside Rampey, Independent Youth Services recommended graphic novels and (Calif.) Public Library; Kay I. Bowes, Library Consultant, Gaston, S.C.; Anne illustrated nonfiction for teens. To see the Brandywine Hundred Library, Rouyer, New York Public Library; and complete list of sixty-three titles and top Wilmington, De.; Amber Creger, Amy Cheney, administrative assistant, ten list, visit www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt or see Chicago Public Library, Woodson Alameda County Juvenile Hall Library, the reproducibles on page xx. Regional Library; Valerie Davis, San Leandro, Calif. YALS

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Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 29 feature Hot Spot: Awards

opportunity to work—er, volunteer. We’ve been asked to share how our YALSA Called to Judge committee work compared to and contrasted with the work each of us did with the San Diego Comic-Con Eisner Award Jury (Eva, How Our YALSA 2008; Francisca, 2010). When we sat down to discuss that, we both realized how intricate the comparison and contrast is! Committee Experiences As a quick background, the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, named for the father of the graphic novel, Will Eisner Prepped Us for Non-ALA (1917–2005), are presented annually in a range of categories, from the aesthetic (Best New Album) to the technical (Best Jury Service Penciling). Each year, five jury members are appointed to spend months reading and sifting and winnowing through comic book, By Francisca Goldsmith graphic novel, and related publications (including web comics) brought out that and Eva Volin year. The jury then meets once, in March, to create nominations lists of three to five or so titles or people in each category, the nominations are announced on the Comic- Con website (http://www.comic-con.org/ cci/cci_eisners_main.php), and industry s active members of YALSA, we oriented responsibilities have been the members get to vote for the winners, have been appointed and elected to Michael L. Printz Award (Eva), the announced during the July Comic-Con. A a small but diverse range of Margaret A. Edwards Award (Francisca), Incidentally, although voting is limited to selection and award committees, in addition Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Eva), and members of the comics industry, if you are to reading, reviewing and discussing the Odyssey Award (Francisca). a librarian you can also vote on the winners publications outside committee work. But YALSA isn’t the only award from these slates. Among our recent YALSA publication- granting venue through which we have had Now, on with what we had to say about the contrast and comparison when FRANCISCA GOLDSMITH’s affair with YALSA has been ongoing for we chatted about our experiences: Eva: I compare the Eisner Jury to a couple of decades, during which she has worked in professional being the Academy at the Academy positions ranging from Teen Services Librarian to Library Services Awards. This handful of judges develops Director. She has written two books on graphic novels from a the list of titles for the members to vote on. library perspective, reviews for a variety of professional Francisca: And that’s different from publications, and has interviewed several cartoonists including the Printz world or even the world of Will Eisner and Art Spiegelman. making recommended lists like GGNT, EVA VOLIN is Supervising Children’s Librarian for the Alameda where the committee works from the full (Calif.) Free Library and a committeeholic. In addition to scope of possibilities down to the finalists and then any specific winners. volunteering her services to pretty much anyone who asks, she Eva: The nice thing with YALSA also reviews for Booklist and NoFlyingNoTights.com, and is a selection award committees is that you commentator on the Good Comics for Kids blog at know for sure that all the voters read all schoollibraryjournal.com. the books. That’s not true with either the

30 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Goldsmith and Volin

Eisners or the Oscars. (Yes, some spot!) or why it’s good to move forward an support of people around them categories of the Oscars require that all the excellent item in spite of it coming from a particularly. Envy and admiration, voters watch all the films in that category, small press (the retailer’s weak spot). We definitely, but not the kind of knowing but not in each category). were supportive of each other needing the support YALSA committee members on Francisca: And the committee, in the leg up. similar heavy lifting committees get from case of YALSA, is composed of people Eva: I find this to be true in YALSA their colleagues. with similar professional commitments. selection committee work, too. There were Eva: Yeah, that support system is Not quite like the judges who create the subjects that some of us would know more invaluable, as is the years of experience annual list of Eisner nominees. about than others. And this is where the Association for Library Service to Children Eva: Very true. One of the nice things discussion became so vital to the process. I (ALSC) and YALSA have in putting these about the Eisners is that the judges come missed having time for meaningful lists together. The Eisners have been from a variety of backgrounds, with the discussions when working on the Eisners. around for almost twenty-five years hopes that the slate will be broad and cover Everything moved so fast. (developing from the Kirby Awards), and all aspects of the industry. Francisca: Discussion is such an the executive director has a set way of Francisca: Yes, each jury comprises a essential part of this kind of selection work! proceeding during the voting weekend. But retailer, an academic, a member of the Although the Eisner discussions moved too there isn’t a documented set of criteria, all press, and a creator, and across the past six fast to be deep, there was still that truly of the awards are changeable from year to years, a librarian. I really enjoyed that interactive element with people’s year, and there’s no way to really know aspect of it! Hearing from judge to judge expressions, tones, and the pages they what you’re getting into before you agree to about how differently each of us saw both chose to show as parts of their arguments serve. A moving target can be hit, but it’s the audience and what “good” means. for or against. not an easy shot. Eva: Exactly. Sometimes our Eva: I’m so jealous that you got that Francisca: Right. And although I discussions were quite lively as a result. We extra day. Mine was the last year that they reallyenjoyedandappreciatedthefact certainly weren’t coming from similar tried to squeeze the final list discussions into that the judges are each from a different viewpoints on intellectual freedom or even a weekend. It was a sprint to the finish. part of the comics world, we had to really whether availability trumped quality. Francisca: Mine was more like talk through and across our cultural Francisca: I think YALSA sprinting another half lap after you had assumptions a lot. Very different from a committees are a lot clearer about a couple spent all your energy! Before either of us YALSA committee whose members of other things, too: what the workload of walked into that room in San Diego, we subscribe to a set of values that we have such committee or jury responsibility had spent months not just reading but heard before and are likely attached to entails and the need to be open-minded. hunting down the obscure and learning institutions we understand the workings Eva: The fanboy defense mechanisms how to appreciate covers and other of. Being an Eisner judge is more snapped into place and I often found elements we don’t usually discuss in like working on an international myself defending books that had never YALSA committees. space station. made it to the direct market. But I also had Eva: Ha! But getting back to what you Eva: Exactly, even though school to be schooled a few times on some of the said about the workload, I have to agree. librarians use different terminology than pamphlets that hadn’t yet been collected Those of us who have served on YALSA public librarians do, for example, we’re all into graphic novels. So there was a learning committees have a good sense of how much talking about the same things. curve on both sides. time a selection committee takes up—at Francisca: Both YALSA and Eisners Francisca: Yes, I can say all of us on least we do by our first Annual. It takes a share one kind of diversity: committee jury the jury learned and schooled each other, ton of time! And someone who thinks, members come from all over the country, coming away with a different manner of “Oh, I can read a handful of comics in an and not just from where the publishers are. perceiving what the “best” of the comics afternoon,” doesn’t necessarily think about Eva: And this can make a huge field means than the one with which we that afternoon multiplied by 300 books. difference in the way the list comes started the discussions. Each judge had Francisca: Yes, and enough of us have together. difficulty getting a handle on an aspect that served in the past that we serve as a kind of Francisca: Exactly! In both cases, another judge totally understood, such as culture, whereas the Eisner judges are each there can be years in which the Southeast what makes a great penciler (my weak in it for the first time and aren’t feeling the suburbs leave a scent and in other years, it

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 31 How Our YALSA Committee Experiences Prepped Us for Non-ALA Jury Service

really is a smorgasbord of different regions and population densities. I appreciate that fact about both kinds of lists. Eva: But a thing that’s different from most YALSA committees I’ve been on is that there is often a single female Eisner judge, where it’s the other way around in the library world. It REALLY changed the flow of the discussion, and I found myself having to defend books that don’t necessarily appeal to male readers. As a result I’ve become much more conscious of how boys might read a book differently than I do. It’s changed not only how I read books but how I listen to the other committee members now on a YALSA committee. Francisca: That’s great! We had a diversity issue my year on the Eisners that caught me up because it contrasted so sharply with YALSA. Forty percent of the panel was gay and an equal number were not particularly gay friendly. Not the library world! Eva: Wow! Not at all! Francisca: That helped me to appreciate the softer but necessary side of bonding with your committee. Both the YALSA committees on which I’ve served and the get-together with the Eisner jury work better when you can take a coffee break together or celebrate the final decisions with a drink or a meal. Eva: Yup, no matter what kind of committee you’re on, snacks make everything better. YALS

32 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 feature Hot Spot: Awards

housands of books are published for young adults every year, and Discovering the T YALSA has been a frontrunner in recognizing the best of the best. In 2009, YALSA bestowed the first William C. Morris YA Debut Award. The namesake of Next Great the award, Bill Morris, was a HarperCollins publisher who championed young adult literature and was beloved in librarianship. He left an endowment to YALSA, which YA Author has funded this award, among other endeavors. Thanks to his legacy, the Morris Award will help recognize the new voices among the thousands. The William C. Morris YA The Morris Award committee is composed of nine YALSA members, Debut Award including a chair. They have the charge to find debut authors who display the highest quality storytelling and potential appeal to teens. According to the requirements, the By Angela Frederick award and honor book winner must be authors of original young adult works of fiction in any genre, nonfiction, poetry, a short story collection, or graphic work. This eliminates authors who have published works for other age groups, and our administrative assistant, Amy Library in Washington and the chair of the among other considerations. Anderson; they were the very definition 2010 committee, compared being on the Adela Peskorz, faculty librarian and of tireless and dedicated in hunting Morris Award during only its second year associate professor at Metropolitan State down the specifics, which helped all of to an exciting adventure. Says Nelson: University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, us enormously. I think all of us had “Everyone in YALSA is so collegial that I served on the 2011 committee. She stated, some disappointment in realizing books was able to brainstorm with the previous were ineligible for whatever reason—in chair of the committee to work out any Like any award committee, we were fact, for me it was a deja vu moment situations that arose.”2 Another aspect that very focused on our charge in our when I realized that, exactly like my Nelson enjoyed was helping to set a vetting of eligible titles and had to be experience on the first Printz standard for the award for the committees scrupulous about adherence to Committee, I had to boot a book from that followed. “It allow[ed] for really reviewing only true YA debut works, contention because it was officially wonderful, constructive and critical where the author was publishing a first published for the adult market though discussions that are unique because the ever book of any kind, in any market. they both were screaming YA.1 committee does not have examples of That strict scrutiny was particular to success to fall back on. When you are new, this award and required constant Being on a newly formed committee is you are the example, and you get to define vigilance for things like authorship in a unique experience. Judy Nelson, youth what you want to accomplish within the another market or co-authorship only services director at Pierce County Public description you are given to work with.”3 with another debut contributor, and while we all looked for red flags, I can tell you the task would have been ANGELA FREDERICK is a Teen Services Librarian at the Nashville impossible without the extraordinary Public Library in Tennessee. She was honored to serve on the 2010 efforts of our chair, Summer Hayes, William C. Morris YA Debut Award committee.

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 33 Discovering the Next Great YA Author The William C. Morris YA Debut Award

Because the Morris Award committee clear: good storytelling is always good and profound voices in the literature— announces a shortlist of finalists in storytelling, even if the author is a novice. For exactly what separates this particular December every year, the committee must Nelson, reading debuts was “an interesting award from all the other selection stay in touch online and through look at the complete writing process. I loved processes. [In looking for a debut], I conference calls to complete its work. it...it was fun to potentially discover the looked for the same level of quality I Peskorz admits next great Jacqueline Woodson or M.T. would in any other selection process. Anderson.”5 Angie Manfredi is the head of Excellence in crafting; strong writing; I was actually really surprised how well youth services at Los Alamos County Library richly developed, fully dimensional the virtual committee process worked. System in New Mexico and served on the characters and dialogue; developmental Because we had to have our shortlist 2011 committee. She said “I think Morris resonance—features that speak directly unveiled before Midwinter, all post- books will always be in my favorites because, to the teen experience and emotional Annual nominated books had to be in a way, they represent all the struggle and arc; solid narrative and appropriate (to discussed through a chat function hope and work that goes into getting a book the work genre) structure; but also the hosted through ALA Connect. This published that very first time.”6 intangibles: a book that stays with you was definitely unique to this committee Peskorz points out that and transports you, a book that gets you process and a new way of interacting to thinking, seeing the world in a unique or fulfill our responsibilities—certainly one [the committee was] looking for books different way, a voice that haunts, leaving with some challenges, not the least of that embodied all the expectations of a vivid impression—those are still which was synchronizing scheduling the award, but also writers we wanted essential indicators of strong works and arrangements. There were a few to encourage and support—to launch strong voices. Like the Printz, this is an technical glitches (and it’s still a little them into the wider world and nurture award not defined by proven popularity challenging to track the spool of them in the true spirit of William but rather potential teen appeal—a book committee voices in real time), but we Morris’ legacy. I can’t count the number that may not speak to every teen, but were definitely able to have vibrant of times we asked, Would you want to when it does, its impact will be conversations across the wires, which read this author’s next book? in our profound. I loved our shortlist this year paved the way for what was ultimately a discussions, as a kind of marker for both and am particularly proud that we very smooth voting process.4 current and future potential—what covered such a wide range of genres and kind of promise was indicated in the styles. These are books that I believe Reading so many debuts in one year initial launch? When I was on other represent the timeless and enduring helps one to understand what a great committees, authors were often already quality always intended for this award.7 challenge and triumph it is to actually write a established, but here was this book and have it published. One thing is opportunity to open doorways for new As a member of the 2010 committee, I found the most enjoyable part of the whole experience was celebrating all the hard work of both the authors and the 2011 Morris Award committee. I feel a connection to my other Winner: The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston committee members and “our authors,” as Finalists: Hush by Eishes Chayil, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, Hold Me Closer, we like to call them. Knowing that we Necromancer by Lish McBride, and Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber. helped change their careers for the better 2010 Morris Award was an amazing feeling. Manfredi agrees. Winner: Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan At the 2011 reception, she Finalists: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, The Everafter by Amy Huntley, Hold Still by Nina LaCour, and Ash by Malinda Lo. heard, first-hand, the way the Morris 2009 Morris Award Award...changes authors’ lives. [The] Winner: A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce Morris reception was immensely Finalists: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne, Madapple moving to me, seeing [three of our by Christina Meldrum, and Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine authors] in attendance (winner Blythe Woolston and honorees Lish McBride

34 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Frederick

and Barbara Stuber) and hearing them The committee welcomes field 4. Peskorz, e-mail message to author. talk about what writing meant in their nominations. Please visit www.ala.org/ 5. Nelson, e-mail message to author. lives and knowing that the Morris yalsa/morris for more information. 6. Angie Manfredi, “A Chance to Win Flash Award recognition was going to make Burnout & Love for L.K. Madigan,” Fat their publishing even a little bit easier, Girl Reading, Jan. 17, 2011. www. well, it was significant to me.8 References fatgirlreading.com/flash-burnout- love-for-l-k-madigan (accessed Of course, as librarians and 1. Adela Peskorz, e-mail message to author, Jan. 28, 2011). professionals who work with teens, we also Jan 29, 2011. 7. Peskorz, e-mail message to author. hope that the winners and finalists will 2. Judy T. Nelson, e-mail message to author, 8. Manfredi, “A Chance to Win Flash speak to the readers who frequent our Jan. 27, 2011. Burnout & Love for L.K. Madigan.” libraries and media centers. 3. Ibid. YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 35 feature Hot Spot: Awards

schools, arts academies, youth shelters, public libraries, and juvenile detention WARNING! This List centers. Members of the Quick Picks Committee read hundreds of books and lurk in teen hangouts such as bookstores, Contains Drugs, comic book and craft stores, their local teen room, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and Hot Topic to find some fun, interesting, and downright crazy books. We survey Violence, Language, books published in the last eighteen months that will get even the most reluctant teen to pick up a book and READ! Sex, Abuse, and The committee relies heavily on teen feedback to determine what books other reluctant readers will find interesting. When a book gets the approval of teens Some of the Most from our focus groups across the country, chances are they will work with your teens too. Through my work with Quick Picks, I Amazing Things on must admit I’ve become a reluctant reader; I won’t read anything unless it captures my attention immediately. There are too many good books out there to waste any time on the Planet! something I don’t love. The same rule should apply to our reluctant readers. Quick Picks is a list that appeals to a wide variety of teens, from the kid who never YALSA’s Quick Picks List finished a whole book in his life, to the Advanced Placement student who doesn’t have time to read for fun, but will stay up By Heather Gruenthal all night reading Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and go on to devour the trilogy. Sometimes we do our job too well, and our students go on from not reading at all to becoming avid readers once they find their reading niche. he Quick Picks for Reluctant professionals from all over the United Young Adult Readers committee States who represent our nation’s teens. T is made up of eleven library They work in public schools, private What is a Quick Pick? HEATHER GRUENTHAL is a Teacher Librarian in the Anaheim The charge for Quick Picks is “To prepare Union High School District serving both Orangeview Junior High an annual annotated list of recommended School and Western High School in Anaheim, California. Heather books appropriate for reluctant young adult readers. The list is for young adults currently chairs the Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Selection (ages 12–18) who, for whatever reasons, Committee. She has published articles in the California School do not like to read. The purpose of this list Library Association Journal and Knowledge Quest, the journal of is to identify titles for recreational reading, the American Association of School Librarians. not for curricular or remedial use.”1

36 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Gruenthal

It is important to note that Quick these teens get exposure to are l “I read books because my teachers Picks are not instructional books for teens instructional materials that teachers make me.” taking remedial reading classes; that is make them read. l “I would rather watch TV, play sports, another kind of literacy problem that and hang out with my friends.”6 requires special books and instruction. In the past, YALSA had a selection group The Importance of Letting teens self-select their called the High Interest/Low Literacy Level Self Selection reading from new and interesting books Materials Evaluation Committee,butthe is key to getting reluctant readers committee’s charge was changed to what is Self selection is important to reluctant invested in their reading experience. In now known as Quick Picks when they readers. The quickest way to kill interest in The 2010 Kids and Family Reading Report found that remedial books “did not reading is to force teens to read something. written by the Harrison Group and accomplish the purpose of improving For example, Walter Dean Myers has been funded by Scholastic, teens ages 12–17 reading because kids wouldn’t select them. a Quick Picks author multiple times for who were surveyed on their reading Teens hated being labeled as remedial and books such as: Shooter, Street Love, What habits reported that 90 percent were singled out with special books.”2 As a They Found: Love on 145th Street, Dope more likely to finish a book they choose result of these findings, the Quick Picks Sick, and most recently, Lockdown; proving themselves.7 In a study published in 2008 committee changed its focus to a more he can win over a teen audience again and by Scholastic and Yankelovich, among teen centered rather than a materials again. However, teens in focus groups in the top reasons teens stated they do not centered approach. which Myers’ books are required reading in read is they can’t find what they like. schools were not interested. Anne Rouyer, More than half of the participants said a 2009–2011 committee member from they didn’t think there were enough good What is a Reluctant New York, reported one teen refusing to books for boys or girls their age.8 The job Reader? pick up the book saying, “Ma’am, that’s a of the Quick Picks committee is to find SCHOOL book.”4 those good books teens love and let the According to Gregory Lum, 2011 Quick When a book is taught in schools, professionals who work with teen groups Picks chair, often the joy is taken out of reading. Kelly know about them through the annual Gallagher has written a book on the topic Quick Picks book list. [A reluctant reader] is a girl who does called Readicide: How Schools are Killing not like to read. It may be a boy more Reading and What You Can Do About It. interested in nonfiction than in fiction. “Readicide” is defined by Gallagher as: “the The Cover is Key It is a girl who turns to the end of the systematic killing of the love of reading, book to see the number of pages. It is an often exacerbated by the inane, mind- The covers of Quick Picks books need to AP student who is ‘overbooked’ with numbing practices found in schools. ... be eye catching and interesting. You’ve studying, an afterschool job, sports, and Many of the reading practices found in heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its activities. It is a boy who wants to read today’s classroom are actually contributing cover,” but that’s exactly what we do. The what everyone else is reading. It is a girl to the death of reading.” Central to this cover is the advertisement for the book. who has never found the ‘right’ book. A practice is focusing on test preparation Many of the popular books feature photos reluctant teen reader can be from any rather than reading to learn.”5 To illustrate of real teens that look like them such as the demographic.3 his point, Gallagher asked his 2007–2008 Bluford High series, Drama High series, students what they thought about reading, Kimani Tru imprint, and Urban Our target audience, the reluctant and some of the answers they gave were Underground series. If teens are going to reader, can read, but chooses not to enlightening: be seen with a book, it’s an extension of because the books they are exposed to are who they are. They want to look cool; they not interesting to them. This is l “Reading, I hate it because of the lack want something that reflects them and particularly understandable in these of fun it brings me.” their interests. According to Amy Cheney, tough budget times when there are very l “Hate runs through me when I spend 2010 Quick Picks chair, most important of few new books to choose from in schools hours of time I could be spending all, the cover has to reflect what is inside and libraries. Probably the only books doing something enjoyable.” the book. Teens are really turned off by

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 37 YALSA’s Quick Picks List

“false advertising,” when the inside of the What’s Hot addicted to drugs, or homeless. It helps book does not live up to the cover image.9 them cope with their own daily dramas to A really hot book will take off like a chain know there are other teens that are worse letter. A teen loves a book and off than themselves. Gateway Books recommends it to two friends, and they Librarians sometimes ask why the tell two friends, and so on and so on and Quick Picks committee puts controversial Sometimes the cool packaging is a factor so on (like the old Suave commercial if you and sometimes adult books on the list. Our that draws teens to a book. My teens are remember the ’70s). To find out what my charge is to serve teens from age 12–18, so crazy about DK’s The Soccer Book, because teens are interested in, I do an activity what is appropriate for an eighteen-year-old it looks and feels like a real soccer ball. called “What’s Hot and What’s Not?” I (a legal adult) is not necessarily appropriate Smash hits like Farts: A Spotter’s Guide by show the teens books that were popular for a twelve-year-old. Unlike other Crai Bower and Steve Mockus and How to with the previous year’s group, and ask selection committees, Quick Picks relies Speak Zombie: A Guide for the Living by them if the topic is still Hot? or Not! You heavily on teen input. One of our most Steve Mockus and Travis Millard attract can use a show of hands or colored signs controversial adult book nominations were teens with their sound effects buttons. that say “Hot” in red, and “Not” in blue; the books by Bodhi Oser, Fuck This Book These books are what we call the gateway that way you can see at a quick glance and Fuck the World. These books made the books. If we can get a teen interested in a what topics your teens will go for. The list because the teen response to them was book and have a positive experience with popular topics that have appeared on tremendous! What could be better to give books and libraries; that is the first step Quick Picks recently are: prison, abuse, to a teen who hates to read? Handing a towards growing a reader. Rouyer explains tattoos, vampires (not romantic – my teen Fuck This Book proves that we really the appeal of these gateway books: teens say Twilight is so over!), zombies, mean it when we try to find books that werewolves, funny foods, real life teens will want to read. Browsing books end up being some of memoirs, high school drama, gangs, gross To prove that teen input really is the the best books we get. If you look at past stuff, dystopias, love gone wrong, suicide, determining factor in making the final list, lists you will see that the non-fiction cute animals, strange but true, and all one of our adult book nominations that was books are almost all these type of books. things weird and amazing. not approved by teens last year was Andrew Books that touch on subjects that Kipple’s The People of Walmart.The interest teens are IMPORTANT! It Walmart book is like a train wreck: you doesn’t matter if they read word for Why the List Contains can’t help looking at it. You have to ask word, what’s important is that they are Controversial Materials yourself, “How could those people leave the excited about a book, about opening that house looking like that?” ...andwhatisit book and sharing that book with friends Over the years, the Quick Picks list has about Walmart that draws people who and family. Some of the best experiences been the center of controversy regarding bring their pet goats shopping?” This is one on the committee that you will have is some of our nominations. Teens love book that did not make the list because looking at a book like that with a teen or controversy. It gives them something to many of our teens shop at Walmart, and group of teens and talking about it think about, engages them in a discussion they thought it was classist, and making fun together whether it has text or not.10 about things they care about. An example of poor people. One Quick Picks member reported by Cheney, from a teen in reported a discussion among her teens in The way you can use these gateway Alameda County Library Juvenile Hall, of which one said that she felt like a bad books is to help draw teens to your teen what teens like to read is “My fav book is person for laughing at it. area. A Quick Picks committee member drugs, money, sex, violence, drama, Some critics of the Quick Picks list say, from 2010–2011 calls these her coffee fighting, guns, gangs, cussing....”11 “Shouldn’t we be giving teens ‘good’ books?” table books. She puts them on a table near Sometimes this type of interest stems In our opinion, any book that gets teens to the entrance of the library and just watches simply from teens’ desires to live read is a good book. Our testers expose their the teens pick up and interact with the vicariously, but most often, teens face a lot teens to all kinds of books. Sometimes we books. The conversations among teens of problems in their daily lives. They like to get our hearts crushed when a book we love overheard browsing this section gives great read the trauma fiction that portrays teens is flat out rejected by our teens. It may be a insight to what teens like and don’t like. that are in gangs, in jail, pregnant, abused, great book, but has a lousy cover or is more

38 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Gruenthal

appropriate for the Michael L. Printz Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do and Procedures.” www.ala.org/yalsa/ Award or Best Fiction for Young Adults. not need to endorse every idea or booklists/quickpicks (accessed Feb. 8, 2011). But in fact, a good book will appeal to presentation they make available. It would 2. Stacy Creel-Chavez, “Looking at the readers of all types. Many years there are conflict with the public interest for them to BBYA and the QP Lists: Three Myths books that are featured both on the Quick establish their own political, moral, or and Three Realities.” Young Adult Library Picks list and the Best Fiction for Young esthetic views as a standard for Services (Spring 2008): 35–39. Adults. The crossover titles in 2011 are: determining what should be published or 3. Gregory Lum, e-mail to author, date? Matched by Ally Condie, The Maze Runner circulated. 4. Anne Rouyer, e-mail to author, date? by James Dashner, Girl Stolen by April 5. Kelly Gallagher. Readicide: How Schools Henry, Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers, Publishers and librarians serve the Are Killing Reading and What You Can Do Scrawl by Mark Shulman, and Some Girls educational process by helping to make About It. Portland, Me.: Stenhouse Are by Courtney Summers. available knowledge and ideas required for Publishers, 2009, 2. the growth of the mind and the increase of 6. Ibid., 4. learning. They do not foster education by 7. Harrison Group, “2010 Kids and Give Your Teens the imposing as mentors the patterns of their Family Reading Report: Turning the Freedom to Read own thought. The people should have the Page in the Digital Age.” http:// freedom to read and consider a broader scholastic.com/readingreport, 35. Although the Quick Picks is a great range of ideas than those that may be held (accessed Feb. 8, 2011). selection tool, it is not a buy list. Every by any single librarian or publisher or 8. Yankelovich, “2008 Kids & Family book is not for every teen in every library. government or church. It is wrong that Reading Report: Reading in the 21st It is important to read reviews and what one can read should be confined to Century: Turning the Page with evaluate the appropriateness of the what another thinks proper.13 Technology.” http://scholastic.com/ selections for your demographic. The aboutscholastic/news/kfrr08web.pdf, 35. Quick Picks policies and procedures (accessed Feb. 8, 2011). remind us that “All titles should have How Can I Participate? 9. Booklist, “Reaching Reluctant Readers: appeal as self-selected leisure reading for Using High-Interest Fiction to Engage and young adults. Books should be evaluated We’re always on the lookout for new hot Inspire,” webcast, http://vimeo.com/ by subject, cover art, readability, format, books, so if you have something that’s 16074269 (accessed Feb. 8, 2011). style and teen feedback. Teen feedback taking off with your teens, be sure to 10. Rouyer, e-mail to author, date? from reluctant readers is encouraged. submit a field nomination on the YALSA 11. Cheney, e-mail to author, date? Standard selection criteria consonant with Web site. Nominate a title at www.ala.org/ 12. YALSA, “Quick Picks for Young Adult the ALA Library Bill of Rights shall be yalsa/booklists/quickpick Readers Selection Criteria.” www.ala.org/ applied.”12 In conclusion, although we yalsa/booklists/quickpicks (accessed Feb. may feel personally that a book is not 8, 2011). appropriate for teens, it is our charge to References 13. ALA, “Freedom to Read Statement” make all books available and let the www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/ patrons decide what is appropriate for 1. YALSA Board of Directors, “YALSA’s statementspols/ftrstatement/ their reading. Keep in mind these words Booklists & Book Awards Quick Picks for freedomreadstatement.cfm (accessed Feb. from ALA’s Freedom to Read Statement: Reluctant Young Adult Readers Policies 8, 2011). YALS

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 39 feature Hot Spot: Awards

of reviewers, but as with any title, there’s no guarantee that a child within the suggested Too Old? Too grade level will love, like, or even be a good candidate for reading any specific title. Interestingly, of the 114 total books Young? Just Right? found on this list, twenty-three were for grades eight and up, twenty-eight were for grades seven and up, and fifteen were for grades six and up, which makes 58 percent YALSA Award Winners of the books useful for eighth graders; 38 percent possible for seventh graders; and 13 percent in a range for sixth graders. Another and Selection List source that is useful for those working with middle school students is the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) list Possibilities for Middle entitled Children’s Notables that can be found at www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/ School Aged Library Users awardsgrants/notalists/ncb/index.cfm.

Books Suggested for By Pam Spencer Holley Grades Eight and Above The “and above” is a clue that these books are intended for high schoolers, but may be of interest to special eighth grade readers.

ALSA often receives inquiries to 18 years of age based on interest, appeal, Paolo Bacigalupi. Ship Breaker. (Little, from librarians, teachers, and and literary quality. These decisions result Brown Books for Young Readers, 2010). Y parents asking which of the titles in titles that offer readers a wide selection 2011 Printz Winner, 2011 BFYA. Near on the selection or award lists are suitable of subject matter and reading levels. a drowned New Orleans ravaged by for middle grade students. That’s a difficult The list below is culled from the 2011 hurricanes and global warming, Nailer question to answer as not only is every lists of the Best Fiction for Young Adults, and his young crew eke out a meager middle school aged reader different, but Morris Award finalists, Printz Award, and existence by scavenging materials found middle schools vary from grades 5 to 8, 6 Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalists (refer on the ship-littered coast. to 8, 7 to 9, or other permutations. to pages 14–17 for more information). The Holly Black. White Cat. (Simon and YALSA award and selection list committee suggested grade levels are based on an average Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2010). members choose books for readers aged 12 of the grade levels recommended by a variety 2011 BFYA. Cassel comes from a family of curse workers and suspects his PAM SPENCER HOLLEY is currently serving on the Award for brothers have cursed him to use him as Excellence in Nonfiction Committee for YALSA. She has chaired the a tool in their quest for power. Best Books for Young Adults Committee, the Printz Award Elizabeth C. Bunce. Star Crossed. Committee, and the Odyssey Award Committee, in addition to (Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Books). 2011 BFYA. Escaping the city, the thief serving as YALSA President. Pam has written or edited two books Digger ends up in a remote castle filled for YALSA: Quick and Popular Reads for Teens (ALA Editions, 2009) with nobles and becomes involved in and co-authored Annotated Book Lists for Every Teen Reader political intrigue in a country where (Neal-Schuman, 2010). magic is forbidden.

40 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Holley

Don Calame. Beat the Band. illness, and the voices he hears in his Allan Stratton. Borderline. (Harper (Candlewick, 2010). 2011 BFYA. own head. Collins/Harper Teen, 2010). Coop, along with his buddies, plans to Caragh M. O’Brien. Birthmarked. 2011 BFYA. After Homeland win the battle of the bands to regain his (Roaring Brook Press, 2010). 2011 Security breaks into his house and status after being paired with an outcast BFYA. After her parents’ arrest, Gaia hauls his father away as a person partner in Health class, but none of assumes her mother’s role as midwife, of interest in a possible terrorist them plays any instruments. but questions her allegiance to the attack, Sami sets out to prove his Elisa Carbone. Jump. (Penguin Group/ strictness of the Enclave’s rules. father’s innocence. Viking Juvenile, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Matthew Quick. Sorta Like a Rock Star. Suzanne Supplee. Somebody Everybody P.K. refuses to attend boarding school (Little, Brown Books for Young Listens To. (Penguin Group, 2010). and Critter escapes from the psych Readers, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Despite 2011 BFYA. Retta Lee’s dreams of ward, but a chance encounter at a the fact that she lives in a school bus, making it as a country singer have a rock-climbing wall brings them to Amber Appleton is the biggest optimist chance of coming true if she can survive Yosemite for an unforgettable adventure. you’ll ever meet, until one tragic event the reality of life on her own in Elisabeth Combres. Broken Memory: A makes her question everything. Nashville. Novel of Rwanda. (Groundwood Books, Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw. Janne Teller. Nothing. (Simon and 2009). 2011 BFYA. Emma is still Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Schuster/Atheneum, 2010). 2011 haunted by images of her mother’s Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates. Printz Honor Book, 2011 BFYA. brutal murder during the 1994 genocide (Charlesbridge, 2010). 2011 When a classmate says “nothing massacres in Rwanda. Nonfiction Finalist. Through matters,” his peers reinforce the James Dashner. The Maze Runner. fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and opposite and sacrifice what matters (Random House/Delacorte, 2010). scientific debate, the bones of Turkana to them in progressively intense 2011 BFYA. Thomas awakes on an Boy, Lapede Child, Kennewick Man challenges as they assemble a pile elevator, only to find himself in the and Iceman are used to tell the of meaning. Glade where he’s trapped by monsters fascinating stories of four members of Rachel Ward. Numbers. (Scholastic/ and a maze that changes every day. the human family tree. The Chicken House, 2010). 2011 Keren David. When I Was Joe. (Frances Louis Sachar. The Cardturner. BFYA. Jem, a 15-year-old British girl, Lincoln Children’s Books, 2010). 2011 (Random House/Delacorte, 2010). and her boyfriend Spider, are on the BFYA. After seeing another teen 2011 BFYA. Alton’s summer job is run because of complications from her murdered, fourteen-year-old Ty becomes turning cards at bridge games for his “talent” of seeing the date people will a witness for the prosecution, but his blind great-uncle Trapp, but he learns die when she looks into their eyes. truth is costly for Ty and his family. more than how to play bridge. Gabrielle Williams. Beatle Meets Alice Hoffman. Green Witch. Natalie Standiford. Confessions of the Destiny. (Marshall Cavendish, 2010). (Scholastic, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Green Sullivan Sisters. (Scholastic, 2010). 2011 2011 BFYA. Superstitious John journeys to learn the histories of the BFYA. When their grandmother “Beatle” Lennon meets Destiny local witches and free her soul mate “Almighty” threatens to cut the family McCartney on Friday the 13th and from prison. out of her will after an unknown offense their romance begins, complicated Beth Kephart. The Heart Is Not a Size. by one of the granddaughters, each of by Beatle’s current girlfriend, his (Harper Collins/Harper Teen, 2010). the three siblings writes out a angry twin sister, and a stalker. Can 2011 BFYA. A service trip to Mexico confession. love survive? affords Georgia time to gain perspective Francisco X. Stork. The Last Summer Blythe Woolston. The Freak Observer. on her life and challenge the things of the Death Warriors. (Scholastic/ (Carolrhoda Lab/Lerner, 2010). 2011 she never discusses with her best Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010). Morris Winner. Sixteen-year-old Loa friend Riley. 2011 BFYA. Seventeen-year-old experiences a year of loss during which Han Nolan. Crazy. (Houghton Mifflin Pancho grapples with the mysterious she tries to heal her family and make it Harcourt, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Jason death of his sister while accompanying through school, using the laws of fears he’s crazy as he tries to adjust to his new friend, D.Q., on his own quest physics to try to understand what can his mother’s death, his father’s mental to face down death. never make sense.

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 41 Too Old? Too Young? Just Right?

Books Suggested for Kate De Goldi. The 10 PM Question. Jackson, Mississippi, where they Grades Seven and Above (Candlewick, 2010). 2011 BFYA. encounter the prejudice and violence of When a free-spirited new girl arrives at the segregated South. Again, the “and above” lets you know that school, Frankie questions the way she Andy Mulligan. Trash. (David Fickling the book is likely to also be recommended looks at his life. Books, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Three for high school students. Emily Diamand. Raider’s Ransom. garbage-picker boys find an item of (Scholastic/Chicken House, 2009). great value in the huge trash landfill, Sandra Alonzo. Riding Invisible. 2011 BFYA. Pirate raiders kidnap the which leads them on a treasure hunt (Disney-Hyperion Books for Children, prime minister’s daughter, prompting while keeping one eye out to see if the 2010). 2011 BFYA. His older brother 13-year-old Lilly to set out on a rescue police are still following them. Will has behavioral issues and when he mission accompanied by a mysterious Kenneth Oppel. Half Brother. threatens Yancy’s horse, Yancy runs talking jewel to cover the ransom. (Scholastic, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Ben away, recording his thoughts in his Cornelia Funke. Reckless. (Little, begins to see the chimpanzee his father Adventure Journal. Brown Books for Young Readers, uses to study language acquisition as Susan Campbell Bartoletti. They 2010). 2011 BFYA. Jacob Reckless more than a test subject, which leads to Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth knows about the fantasy world behind problems when funding runs low. of an American Terrorist Group. the mirror but his brother doesn’t and Lynne Rae Perkins. As Easy as Falling (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010). now he is turning to stone and needs Off the Face of the Earth. 2011 Nonfiction Finalist. This in-depth Jacob’s help. (HarperCollins/Greenwillow, 2010). look at the KKK uses primary source Morris Gleitzman. Once. (Macmillan/ 2011 BFYA. On the way to camp, Ry material to trace its history from Henry Holt, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Felix, finds himself in the middle of nowhere formation to its subsequent evolution ana€ıve Jewish boy in a Catholic when his train leaves him behind, into a violent organization. orphanage, runs away to find his leading to a remarkable journey full of Erin Bow. Plain Kate. (Scholastic/ parents in Nazi-occupied Poland. surprises and adventure. Arthur A. Levine Books). 2011 BFYA. Hiromi Goto. Half World. (Penguin Mitali Perkins. Bamboo People. After her father’s death, Plain Kate has Group/Viking, 2010). 2011 BFYA. (Charlesbridge, 2010). 2011 BFYA. nothing but her carving tools, her cat Overweight and over-teased, Melanie Burmese soldier Chiko and Kerenni Taggle, and a vulnerability to witches Tamaki follows her mother into refugee Tu Reh meet on opposite sides and to those town folk who think she is Half-world where the cycles are out of of a war and each must learn what it one. balance and require her to fight the means to be a man of his people. Rick Bowers. Spies of Mississippi: The horrible Mr. Glueskin. Philip Reeve. Fever Crumb. (Scholastic, True Story of the Spy Network that Tried April Henry. Girl, Stolen. (Macmillan/ 2010). 2011 BFYA. Fever Crumb, to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement. Henry Holt, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Sick raised by the Order of Engineers and the (National Geographic Society, 2010). with pneumonia, blind teen Cheyenne only female among its ranks, finds her 2011 Nonfiction Finalist. In 1958, is asleep in the backseat of the car while engineer rationality continually tested as the Sovereignty Commission was her stepmother picks up her medicine, she discovers more about her past. established in Mississippi to spy on and when the car is stolen and Cheyenne Jame Richards. Three Rivers Rising: A squelch the civil rights movement as part unintentionally kidnapped. Novel of the Johnstown Flood. (Random of a secret mission to retain segregation Ron Koertge. Shakespeare Makes the House/Knopf). 2011 BFYA. This in the state. Playoffs. (Candlewick, 2010). 2011 novel in verse revolves around the Cinda Williams Chima. The Demon BFYA. Fourteen-year-old Kevin Boland’s people whose lives intertwine before King: A Seven Realms Novel. (Disney- biggest problem isn’t the baseball playoffs, and after the 1889 failure of the Hyperion Press, 2009). 2011 BFYA. it’s what to do when he’s dating one girl earthen dam above Johnstown, The lives of Princess Raisa and former but e-mailing poems to another. Pennsylvania. street lord Han intertwine when Han Margaret McMullan. Sources of Light. Jennifer Roy. Mindblind. (Marshall finds an amulet that helps him discover (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010). Cavendish, 2010). 2011 BFYA. his true heritage and Raisa uncovers 2011 BFYA. After her father dies in Fourteen-year-old Nathaniel is a high treachery in the castle. Vietnam, Sam and her mother move to functioning “Aspie” who struggles with

42 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Holley

social interactions but can solve 2010). 2011 BFYA. In a Perrault fairy Jessica Day George. Princess of Glass. mathematical problems that elude tale relocated to pre-British India, (Bloomsbury, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Poppy, graduate students. impoverished stepsisters encounter a one of the twelve dancing princesses, Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The Prince of Mist. goddess whose gifts bless or curse, witnesses events surrounding a mysterious (Little, Brown Books for Young leaving one speaking jewels and flowers princess at court who wears glass slippers Readers, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Roland, while the other spews toads and snakes. to the balls. Max, and Alicia battle the mysterious Megan Whalen Turner. A Conspiracy Christina Diaz Gonzalez. The Red Prince of Mist, a diabolical character of Kings. (HarperCollins/Greenwillow, Umbrella. (Random House/Knopf, 2010). who returns from the sea to collect on a 2010). 2011 BFYA. When his uncle 2011 BFYA. Lucia and her brother live an debt from the past. the king is murdered, Sophos must set idyllic life in Cuba until the 1961 Marcus Sedgwick. Revolver. (Roaring aside his self-doubt, accept his role revolution when they are sent to live with Brook Press, 2010). 2011 Printz Honor as Sounis, and unite the kingdom strangers in Nebraska until their parents Book, 2011 BFYA. Sig is alone with his against invaders. can escape. father’s body when the lawless man his Kimberly Willis Holt. The Water father thinks he’s escaped appears out of Seeker. (Macmillan/Henry Holt, 2010). the icy wilderness. Books Suggested for 2011 BFYA. Amos Kincaid comes from a Sharon Shinn. Gateway. (Penguin Grades Six and Above family of men who are able to find Group, 2009). 2011 BFYA. Daiyu finds underground water, a gift that accompanies herself in the alternate world of These books might enter into the upper him and his family as they travel west. Shenglang where her help is needed to realm of high school students, but most Paul Janeczkol. The Dark Game: send an evil traveler back to his own likely will top out at grades nine. In some True Spy Stories. (Candlewick Press, 2010). iteration before he can wreak chaos in cases they cover an important topic or have 2011 Nonfiction Finalist. In this Shenglang. appeal to lots of readers and could range compilation of spy stories from the Mark Shulman. Scrawl. (Roaring from grades six to twelve. Revolutionary War through the Cold War Brook Press, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Laurie Halse Anderson. Forge. era, readers learn about the Choctaw Code Sent to detention, eighth grade bully (Simon and Schuster/Atheneum, 2010). Talkers of WWII, Soviet moles, Mata Tod uses the time to journal his 2011 BFYA. All that stands between Hari and their impact on history. thoughts and experiences, which expose runaway slave Curzon and his freedom is Geraldine McCaughrean. The Death- the bleak private agonies of life behind continuing to serve in George Washington’s Defying Pepper Roux. (HarperCollins, his actions. army and enduring a winter at Valley Forge. 2010). 2011 BFYA. When Pepper Roux is Arthur Slade. The Hunchback Fran Boyce. Cosmic. (Walden Pond born, his aunt has a vision from Saint Assignments. (Random House Press, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Twelve-year-old Constance that the boy will die on his 14th Children’s Books, 2009). 2011 BFYA. Liam, who could pass for a thirty-year-old, birthday, but Pepper Roux has other ideas. Modo is a gifted spy, fighter, and poses as the adult chaperone on a kids’ Glenda Milford. The Boneshaker. scholar who always hides his disfigured mission to space but grows up fast when he (Clarion, 2010). 2011 BFYA. In 1914 face, but when children go missing must save the group. Arcane, Missouri, Natalie stands at the in London, his skills just might Kathryn Erskine. Mockingbird. crossroads, looks the devil directly in locate them. (Penguin Group/Philomel, 2010). 2011 his face, and saves both her family and Barbara Stuber. Crossing the Tracks. BFYA. Ten-year-old Caitlin has to figure her town. (Simon and Schuster/McElderry, out how to make the world work now that Glenda Millard. A Small Free Kiss in 2010). 2011 Morris Finalist, 2011 her brother Devon is dead. the Dark. (Holiday House, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Iris finds love and acceptance in Nancy Bo Flood. Warriors in the BFYA. Runaway Skip struggles to survive unexpected places in the summer of Crossfire. (Boyds Mill Press, 2010). 2011 during an unexpected war, living in an 1926 after her father sends her away to BFYA. In 1944 the Japanese and abandoned amusement park with an older work for a doctor and his elderly Americans fight a bloody battle for the homeless man, a young orphan, a teenage mother in rural Missouri. island of Saipan where twelve-year-old ballerina and a newborn. Heather Tomlinson. Toads and Joseph must decide who to trust so that he Gary Paulsen. Woods Runner. Diamonds. (Macmillan/Henry Holt, can save his family. (Random House/Wendy Lamb, 2010).

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 43 Too Old? Too Young? Just Right?

2011 BFYA. In 1776, thirteen-year-old the 1960s, Amelia finds her one true friend the original items from the Grimm’s fairytales, Samuel returns home from hunting to find and the courage to stand up to the town but she realizes items are going missing. his settlement burned and most of the bullies, local bigots and her train-wreck family. Jordan Sonnenblick. After Ever settlers murdered. Polly Shulman. The Grimm Legacy. After. (Scholastic, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Bonnie Shimko. The Private Thoughts of (Penguin Group/Putnam, 2010). 2011 Jeffrey must figure out how to live as a Amelia E. Rye. (Macmillan/Farrar Straus and BFYA. Elizabeth begins work in a strange cancer survivor as well as graduate from Giroux, 2010). 2011 BFYA. Growing up in lending library that has everything, including eighth grade. YALS

44 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 YALS Professional Resources

HIV/AIDS, source of the infection, protagonist concerns or Gates, Pamela S., and Dianne L. Hall Mark. Cultural fears, controllability of the disease, and fate of the character. The Journeys: Multicultural Literature for Elementary and bibliography opens with a key to qualify each title (1981 to 2008) Middle School Students. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, included. These include whether the story is an accurate 2010. ISBN: 9780810850798. 257p; $24.95. depiction of HIV/AIDS, if the role of HIV/AIDS is central to the plot, and the book’s literary merit. For example, in the entry Published in 2006, this paperback edition is a standard in classes for Push by Sapphire, acquisition librarians and students alike for multicultural literature. Although written for educators, the will find the annotation easy to read. The book’s treatment of contents can be utilized by librarians to spark discussions. The first HIV/AIDS is rated as accurate and central to the plot, and the chapters explain the importance of purchasing a variety of book itself is rated excellent in literary merit. The study was well multicultural books and identifying the quality stories from thought out and executed by the authors, and it can stand as a stereotypical depictions. The following six chapters divide the “how to” for other bibliographies. This timely book belongs on material into picture books, folktales and fairy tales, historical and every high school and college reference shelf. —Maggie Moran, realistic fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Many book titles are given Director of Learning Resources, Northwest Mississippi Community throughout the text to emphasis points made in all chapters. After College, Senatobia, Miss. each genre chapter, readers are treated to unit lessons within the topic, such as “Japanese Internment” in historical fiction. An excellent works cited list appears after each unit plan to aid the librarian who wants to lead a discussion or create displays. The Fletcher-Spear, Kristin, and Merideth Jenson-Benjamin. appendix covers additional resources for unit plans not discussed in Library Collections for Teens: Manga and Graphic Novels. the earlier chapters. An extensive thirty-five page bibliography and New York: Neal-Schuman, 2011. ISBN: 978-1555707453. fifteen page index aid in the search for topics and thematic books. 175p; $55. Do not let the age of this book scare you from the list of resources included. The 1990s seem to be the peak for publishing in Only six years since the publication of Francisca Goldsmith’s multicultural literature, and most titles are staples on library essential Graphic Novels Now (ALA, 2005), do we really need a shelves. Although, the audience for this book is teachers for the new book on graphic novel collections? Fletcher-Spear and younger grades, librarians can use the same units for young adults Jenson-Benjamin’s answer comes in one word: Manga. Whereas and conduct dynamic discussions using folktales and fairy tales, Goldsmith only rarely mentioned the then newly-burgeoning picture books, and historical fiction. —Maggie Moran, Director of Manga market, Fletcher-Spear and Jenson-Benjamin understand, Learning Resources, Northwest Mississippi Community College, from the title of their book on, the seismic shift that has made Senatobia. Manga the centerpiece of most libraries’ graphic novel collections. So, despite largely following Goldsmith’s structure–definitions, history, collection development, special issues, programming–this book offers an entirely new and important focus on the way Carruth, Debi, Annette Y. Goldsmith, and Melissa libraries today approach this format. Additionally, at almost twice Gross. HIV/AIDS in Young Adult Novels: An Annotated the length, Fletcher-Spear and Jenson-Benjamin’s text has ample Bibliography. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 2010. ISBN: space for heaps of recommendations, including excellent capsule 9780810874435. 231p; $49.95. reviews, and notations of which titles or series are good starters, foreitheracollectionoranewreader.Thetextisnotwithoutits This book demonstrates teamwork at its best. Gross, Goldsmith oddities: the authors, for example, reprint (strangely, without and Carruth found a gap in our professional bookshelf and set citation) an apparently un-updated 2005 VOYA article by out to correct the lack of representation. The daunting question Fletcher-Spear and Kat Kan which includes broken links and they began with was: What books are out there that might help outdated information about Anime programs. Nor do the authors young adults project or empathize with a character who is HIV include a bibliography for further reading. Nevertheless, the positive or has full-blown AIDS? Most reviewers did not authors’ fleet, engaging prose, and the sheer density of mention HIV/AIDS characters, and this created a challenge in information make this work the new standard professional guide finding books. Once titles were identified, all three read the to graphic novels. —Mark Flowers, John F. Kennedy Library, books and qualified their findings as to which character had Vallejo, California.

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 45 Professional Resources

Cvetkovic Bowman, Vibiana, and Katie Elson Anderson. MacKellar, Pamela H., and Stephanie Gerding. Winning Stop Plagiarism: A Guide to Understanding and Prevention. Grants: A How-to-Do-It Manual for Librarians with Multimedia New York: Neal-Schuman, 2010. ISBN: 9781555707163. Tutorials and Grant Development Tools. New York: Neal-Schuman 285p. $65. Publishers, 2010. ISBN: 9781555707002. 275p. $99.95.

This guide to teaching ethical research and the methods for This updated and expanded edition of Grants for Libraries (2006), avoiding plagiarism is presented as a sequel to the editors’ 2004 also by MacKellar and Gerding, is an impressive resource that title, Stop the Plagiarism Plague (Neal-Schuman, 2004). Essays certainly lives up to both its name and the notable qualifications of by university librarians and educators provide background and the authors included at the end of the book. From the foreword practical tips for teaching “generation M” students to select and whose author praises that she “can confidently say that every person use resources appropriately and to understand copyright responsible for writing a grant would benefit greatly from reading” this guidelines as they are presently interpreted by the academic book through to the very end of the extensive and seemingly community. exhaustive resource, readers will grow increasingly confident that The book is presented in three parts. “Part I: Understanding they will be better equipped to take on the grant process. While the Problem” provides an overview of information access from someone new to the process may be overwhelmed by the volume, several viewpoints, including those of the editors, several reading the preface that clearly spells out what each chapter covers educators, and a college student. The philosophy and changing will allow users to digest the flow of process in smaller parcels. The attitudes toward understanding copyright are presented, with authors also set up the process with the caveat that “grants are not reference to the ease of buying papers online and analysis of the free money that will magically solve your library’s budget problems.” difficulty of trying to prevent students from turning in work that The early chapters are also helpful in focusing on how a library’s they have not done themselves. “Part II: Finding Remedies” is strategic plan, mission, and goals need to be kept current and perhaps the weakest section of the book despite its stated revisited so that they are relevant when grants are available that intention; attempts by several universities to address issues of could support them. Methods for approaching these critical guiding plagiarism are presented but no solution to the problem is principles and documents are also included which further aid in suggested, likely because there is no one solution that will suffice. preventing libraries from mission creep and possibly going after “Part III: Practitioner’s Toolkit” is a very helpful collection of grants or creating projects ill-advisedly to “simply” get funding policies, legal guidelines, and mechanisms for teaching research, streams. The authors provide solid examples, tables, sidebars, annotation, and citation, and it includes an annotated documentation, and figures throughout each chapter. In addition, bibliography of print and online resources. Some of the suggested when there are resources on the accompanying DVD and reading is already a bit dated—given the fast-changing world of available through the author-maintained blog relating to topics the Internet, books that are five or six years old may be of limited covered, there are icons indicating such. With the inclusion of such use. However, there are many suggested resources with 2010 helpful guidance from sample grant applications and submissions, publication dates. some from libraries that have received multiple grants, a listing of A CD is included that contains tutorials and Web site funders with descriptions of their project focuses, and a section links. The CD runs only on Windows machines and was not devoted to what libraries should do if their project is not funded, it reviewed. Readers are also directed to a Wiki site that purports is hard to imagine a more complete and well-rounded resource than to keep the book’s information current by allowing readers to this book. While the accompanying DVD is a little tricky to post new information and discuss issues that arise. For any navigate, once users get to the resources they want, they can be school or academic library this book will be a very useful downloaded and edited. There are also videos that could be used in resource—in fact, this reviewer has taken it to several recent group training sessions, further making the purchase of this book a plagiarism policy meetings with good success. This book is valuable investment for either a single branch or a system, for grant highly recommended. —Cathy Rettberg, Head Librarian, Menlo newbies and experienced alike. —Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Teen School, Atherton, California. Services Librarian, Fairport (N.Y.) Public Library. YALS

46 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Guidelines for Authors

Young Adult Library Services is the official publication of the Young practice relating to teen services and spotlights significant activities Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American and programs of the division. Library Association. Young Adult Library Services is a vehicle for For submission and author guidelines, please visit www.ala continuing education of librarians working with young adults (ages .org/yalsa and click on “Publications.” twelve through eighteen) that showcases current research and

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the YALSA update Association news

Find the latest YALSA news every Friday at the YALSA Blog, http://yalsa.ala.org/blog.

Join YALSA at ALA simple strategies for providing basic but San Diego, California, and again via Annual Conference! effective programs and services for teens. conference call, on March 2, 2011. Presentations will focus on why teens need Minutes for both meetings, as well as YALSA has big plans for Annual 2011— each other, must-have teen services, teen documents for all agenda items, can be join us in New Orleans, June 23–28. programming, and ideas on incorporating found by visiting www.ala.org/yalsa and YALSA will offer two half-day technology to deliver these services and clicking “Governance,” then “Board preconferences on June 24: programs. Meeting Agendas, Documents and YALSA will also host three additional Minutes.” Give Them What They Want: ticketed events: the Edwards Award Board highlights from Midwinter Reaching Reluctant YA Readers Luncheon featuring winner Sir Terry 2011 include: 12:30–4:30 p.m., $129, includes Pratchett; the YA Author Coffee Klatch, refreshments featuring several popular YA authors; the l Approving the Teen Services Printz Awards Program and Reception, Evaluation Tool. YALSA developed Reluctant YA readers are everywhere, featuring winner Paolo Bacigalupi and a tool for library administrators, except maybe in your library. Meet seven honor book winners Lucy Christopher, A.S. librarians, and other public library popular YA authors and learn strategies for King, Marcus Sedgwick, and Janne Teller. workers to use to evaluate an reaching today’s teen reluctant readers In addition, YALSA programs will individual institution’s overall level of through collection development, highlight the the 2011 Alex Award success in providing teen services, with marketing, outreach and more at this half- winners, the 2011 Odyssey Award winner a framework provided by YALSA’s day preconference! Hear insights from YA and honor recordings, the YA Services latest competencies for serving young authors Jay Asher, Sarah Dessen, Chris Mashup Table Talk, Research Paper adults in libraries, Young Adults Grabenstein, Julie Halpern, James Presentations and much more. Be sure to Deserve The Best Kennedy, Carolyn Mackler, and Walter arrive in time on Friday for YALSA’s l Adding proposed bylaws changes to Dean Meyers. From passive programs to popular YALSA 101. the ALA/YALSA Ballot. The board use of web 2.0 tools, explore ways to get Advanced registration ends May 13— proposed a number of updates to the more teens in your community reading and YALSA members save $65 over onsite YALSA bylaws, to make sure that using the library. registration costs. YALSA’s governing document is timely Find more details about registration and accurate. The bylaws changes were The Nuts & Bolts of Serving Teens: and housing at the ALA Annual Web site, voted on by the membership in the Practical Tips for the Library www.alaannual.org. For more details on spring 2011 elections. Generalist or New YA Librarian YALSA’s Annual schedule, visit the l Approving a new white paper. The 12:30–4:30 p.m., $129, includes YALSA Annual Conference Wiki, http:// board approved a new white paper, refreshments. www.tinyurl.com/yalsaac11. “The Importance of a Whole Library Approach to Public Library Young Teens are a key audience for libraries, Adult Services” by Linda Braun, but their unique needs can make designing YALSA Board of which was published on the YALSA services and programs for this audience a Directors Update website. challenge. At this session, presenters Erin l Updating YALSA’s sponsor and Helmrich, Jesse Vieau, and Mari Hardacre The YALSA Board met at the 2011 vendor policy. The board approved will crack open their tool box and share ALA Midwinter Meeting in January in an updated sponsor and vendor

Spring 2011 | Young Adult Library Services | YALS 49 policy, which was posted on the will take place in YALSA’s ALA The 2011 award and grant winners are: YALSA website. Connect space (http://connect.ala. org/yalsa) during the first full week of l Yvonne Miller and Sarah Wethern, On March 2, the Board met via each month. Topics will change YALSA/Baker & Taylor Scholarship conference call to discuss post-conference monthly. Grant, which provides up to $1,000 to committee reports. each recipient to attend ALA’s Annual To see the latest developments from Conference for the first time. the YALSA Board, visit http://yalsa.ala. Propose a 2012 Annual l Melanie Feyerherm and Keri Weston, org/blog/tag/yalsa-board/. Conference Program for YALSA/BWI Collection YALSA Development Grant, which provides up to $1,000 to public librarians for YALSA’s Current Online YALSA is currently accepting proposals collection development CE Opportunities for programs for the 2012 ALA Annual l Shannon Crawford Barniskis, Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 22-26. YALSA/VOYA/Frances Henne Looking for continuing education online? Proposals may be submitted through May Research Grant, which provides Look no further than YALSA! YALSA 31 at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ $1,000 in seed money for small-scale has several ways for you to find continuing YALSA2012rfp. research projects education: YALSA seeks creative, innovative l Oakhurst Middle School, Clarksdale, proposals that address new topics or that Miss., for the Great Books Giveaway, l YALSA’s Third Thursdays webinars address current topics in a unique way. in which YALSA and publishers Held the third Thursday of each Proposals must fall within one of the donate a years’ worth of review month, these interactive sessions following categories: materials to a needy library. YALSA provide an hour of training with received enough materials in 2010 to YALSA trainer on timely topics in l Advocacy award second place to Colleton youth services. Each session includes l Leadership County High School, Walterboro, time for questions and answers. l Outreach S.C., and third place to Fletcher Webinar registration costs $29 for l Programming (Okla.) Public School. students, $39 for individual YALSA l Readers’ Advisory l Katie George, MAE Award for Best members, $49 for all other individuals, l Research Literature Program for Teens, which and $195 for group registrations. l Young Adult Literature provides $500 to the winner and $500 YALSA’s group rate applies to a group l Youth Participation to the winner’s library for an excellent of people that will watch the webinar teen reading program together in one location. All YALSA Individuals may submit multiple members receive complimentary access proposals, although no individual will be For more information or to access an to webinars two months after they take chosen to present or co-present more than application, visit www.ala.org/yalsa/ place. Learn more at www.ala.org/ one program. Proposals that are largely sales awards&grants. yalsa/webinars or contact Eve Gaus, pitches or that focus only one particular YALSA program officer for continuing product will not be accepted. All presenters, education, at [email protected] or 1-800- moderators, speakers, or anyone otherwise YALSA, WWE Name 545-2433, ext. 5293. affiliated with giving the presentation will be WrestleMania Reading l Navigating the Divide: Teens and expected to cover their own travel and Challenge Champions Tweens Online Course. This new conference registration costs. Programs need online course will run July 11 to Aug. to be either 90 or 120 minutes in length. Eric Jose, Marinna Vela and Brandy 8, co-taught by Beth Gallaway and Those who submitted proposals Eggleston were crowned national Alissa Lauzon. Registration for this will be notified of their status by champions in the WrestleManiaÒ XXVII online course will cost $135 for July 31, 2011. Reading Challenge on April 2, sponsored YALSA members, $175 for ALA by the Young Adult Library Services members, and $195 for nonmembers. Association (YALSA), a division of the Registration now open at YALSA Member Award American Library Association, and WWE, www.ala.org/yalsa/onlinecourses for and Grant Winners with support from Mattel, Penguin, Cold more information. Stone Creamery, DK Publishing, E1 l YA Forum. YALSA will host a Each year, YALSA gives more than Entertainment and Topps. monthly asynchronous discussion for $40,000 in awards and grants to its Twenty regional winners in grades 5-12 members only in ALA Connect called members. The deadline to apply is from across the United States and Canada won YA Forum. The discussion will be December 1 and applicants must be the chance to compete in the WrestleManiaÒ moderated by a YALSA expert and current members of YALSA. Reading Challenge World Finals.

50 YALS | Young Adult Library Services | Spring 2011 Students competed in a trivia contest l Bryant Martin Jr., Atlanta; help others plan their TRW celebrations, to win the title of World Champion for l Cristian Patino, Hammond, Ind.; or brainstorm creative program and activity their age division and ringside tickets to l Selina Rosas, Marion, Texas; and ideas. There’s even space for librarians to WrestleMania. WWE Legend Jimmy l Angel Solis, Los Angeles. provide links and information about their “Mouth of the South” Hart served as own TRW plans! emcee and WrestleMania Reading Ò The Teen Read Week Wiki is located Challenge spokespeople included WWE Picture It @ your library at http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/ Superstars Big ShowÒ, Kofi KingstonÒ, Teen_Read_Week. Ò Get Ready for Teen Read Hornswoggle and WWE Diva Eveä, Week, Oct. 16–22, 2011 Teen Read Week is a national literacy who asked the questions of the finalists initiative aimed at teens, their parents, during the competition. Joan Bauer, author YALSA kicked off Teen Read Week librarians, educators, booksellers and other of Stand Tall and Peeled, served as a judge 2011 on April 14, Support Teen concerned adults. For more information, for the competition. Literature Day, by launching the Teen contact the YALSA office by e-mail at Each regional winner won: a trip for Read Week website, opening registration, [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-545- two to Atlanta, tickets to WrestleMania and offering resources for the annual 2433, ext. 4390. XXVII, and $2,000 for their sponsoring celebration of teen reading, including library. More than 50,000 students at activity ideas, planning resources, 1,800 libraries participated in this year’s publicity tools, products, and more. Keep Teens Reading competition. Students pledged to read five YALSA members can apply for one of ten This Summer with the books or graphic novels between Teen $1,000 grants for Teen Read Week Teens’ Top Ten Read Week and WrestleMania XXVII, programming, funded by the Dollar then designed and submitted artwork to General Literacy Foundation. More YALSA announced the twenty-five encourage reading. information, including registration nominees for the 2011 Teens’ Top Ten at The 2011 regional finalists included: benefits, can be found at www.ala.org/ www.ala.org/teenstopten, as selected by teenread.Teen Read Week is Oct. 16–22 sixteen teen book groups from throughout Grades 9-12 and will be celebrated with a theme of the United States. Encourages teens at Picture It @ your library, which your library to read the nominees before l Anthony Alakwe, Atlanta; encourages teens to read graphic novels the national Teens’ Top Ten vote, which l Roberto Cortez, San Diego; and other illustrated materials, seek out will take place in August and September at l Brandy Eggleston, Durham, N.C.; creative books, or imagine the world www.ala.org/teenstopten. The winners will l Hilary Hunsley, Edmonton, Alb.; through literature, just for the fun of it. be announced during Teen Read Week, l Elmaz Mohmutovic, Sioux Falls, S.D.; In addition, librarians prepping for Oct. 16-22. l Rebecca Murrell, Courtice, Ont.; and Teen Read Week have a unique The Teens’ Top Ten is a teen choice l Sarah Walker, Philadelphia. resource to look to for help: the TRW list, in which teens nominate and choose Wiki. The TRW Wiki is a great place their favorite books of the previous year. Grades 7-8 to find creative program ideas; smart Nominators are members of the YA professional resources; and Galley Group — teen book groups in 16 l Khalid Hamin, Atlanta; recommendations for theme-appropriate school and public libraries around the l Kyain Jones, Schenectady, N.Y.; books, media, movies, and Web sites to country. Teen book groups for YA Galley l Courtney Brown, Julian, N.C.; share with teens. are chosen every two years; applications l Luke Taylor, Dundas, Ont.; But the wiki is far from complete— will be accepted in spring 2012 for the l Marinna Vela, Zillah, Wash.; and and that’s where YALSA members come next round. l Caitlan Wolkenhauer, Fessenden, N.D. in! YALSA invites its members and any Nominations are posted on Support other TRW stakeholders to visit and Teen Literature Day during National Grades 5-6 contribute to the TRW Wiki. Librarians, Library Week. The 10 nominations that teachers, parents, or anyone else who wants receive the most votes will be named the l Trey Johnson, Swedesboro, N.J.; to participate in Teen Read Week can add official Teens’ Top Ten. Nominated titles l Eric Jose, Oshawa, Ont.; book recommendations for the Picture It were published between January 2010 and l Chase Leclair, Sherwood Park, Alb.; theme, provide links to articles that may March 15, 2011. YALS

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