Friday, October 17, 2014

Sneak peek - new books!

New books, new books, how I love me some new books! One of the BEST parts of being a librarian is that I get to preview and buy tons of fabulous books for our library. I'm always on the lookout for what's new and exciting in children's literature - I read book blogs, watch book trailers from publishers, browse the book stores and public libraries, read professional reviews, and gladly take book suggestions. Here are some of the new ones coming to our library next week - I've read them all and LOVE each and every one of them!

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
In a mostly autobiographical tale told in verse, Jacqueline describes growing up in the North and South in the 1960s and 1970s. She always wanted to be a writer, but living in her sister's shadow, she never knew she could until someone saw it in her. This is a beautiful story about family, life, and going for your dreams. And it's a National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature!

I was so lucky to hear Jacqueline speak last weekend at NCSLMA (Jenni and Justine were there too!), where she recited parts from her books to make them truly come alive. If you haven't seen her in person, now is your chance! She'll be at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh on Wednesday, October 22!


Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla written by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Have you ever read a book so lovely that you wanted to hug it and hold it close to your heart? That is what Ivan is to me. It all started with The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, which won the Newbery Award in 2013, and told the story of the incredible silverback gorilla who spent most of his life in a glass cage in a shopping mall. Applegate's novel told Ivan's story through his perspective, but this new picture book tells his story through an informational lens.

Fans of Ivan, you will love this book!


The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak is hilarious. Just watch the video below for proof:




Finally, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen (what a dynamite duo!) had such a delightfully surprising ending that I can't wait to see what others think about it. Here's the trailer:



Enjoy the new books!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, try...

Are you anxiously awaiting the release of the newest Wimpy Kid book? The Long Haul comes out in ONE MONTH!

Until then, here are some books that you can check out that are similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. They're mostly funny school stories with great characters! Enjoy!


Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce
Supremely confident middle-school student Nate Wright manages to make getting detention from every one of his teachers in the same day seem like an achievement.


Stink series by Megan McDonald
The shortest kid in the second grade, James Moody, also known as Stink, learns all about the shortest president of the United States, James Madison, when they celebrate Presidents' Day at school.


Spaceheadz series by Jon Sciezcka
On his first day at Brooklyn's P.S. 858, fifth-grader Michael K. is teamed with two very strange students, and while he gradually comes to believe they are aliens who need his help, he has trouble convincing anyone else of the truth.


Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look
A young boy in Concord, Massachusetts, who loves superheroes and comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, wants to make friends, but first he must overcome his fear of everything.


Wayside School series by Louis Sachar
Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story.


Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler
Fourth-graders Hank, Ashley, and Frankie are excitedly preparing for a magic show at the Rock 'N Bowl when Hank's creative alternative to an English essay lands him in detention and grounded the week of the show.


Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker
While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building.


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