It will almost be a month since I started my position as a Children's Librarian. While this doesn't seem like a lot of time, within this one month, I have learned a lot about my career choice.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, my boss has been absent and I have had to take over projects and programs for the department. It's given me a great perspective of my job responsibilities and has thrown me head first into the life as a children's librarian.
One of the things I've taken on is our field trips and outreach. Our library tries to fit visits from school and daycare groups into our schedule, as well as outreach in which we go and visit local groups for storytimes and informational sessions. To get as much experience as possible, I have become a major "yes" person and have accepted a lot of these field trips/visits.
To many I seem like an eager beaver, always volunteering myself and many credit that to the fact that I am new and I'm told one day that I'll be drained and too cynical to say "yes" to all these projects. I find that a pretty negative view to tell someone that is getting work done and does that work with a positive attitude. However, I've heard that this happens all the time, but I don't want that to stop me from getting my experience.
Just this week alone I've led two storytimes (on my own!), supervised a movie showing (best way to put off work for the first hour and half of your work day), and co-led a Dr. Seuss program. People assume that once you start working in the children's department that every single child will love you and listen to you. That is not true. Often times during storytime you have to gain the child's trust - usually by being silly and admitting to mistakes - and then after that, you will have their attention. I will try to post my storytimes as they happen so that they can be resources to other librarians or teachers or daycare providers. This is a learning process for me and I love feedback and the Internet is a great resource for finding storytime ideas.
I hope you all are celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday month! Go eat some green eggs and ham.
*The Teeny Librarian
Friday, March 6, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge 2015
What a surprise! Another challenge. This time it's the Book Riot 2015 Read Harder Challenge. I've included some of the links that Book Riot provides for descriptions and suggestions of each category.
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
Kody wrote this book when she was 18, which makes me feel extremely unaccomplished! I'm currently halfway through and I'm liking it so far. This book has been made into a movie and I'll be interested in seeing it.
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
Kody wrote this book when she was 18, which makes me feel extremely unaccomplished! I'm currently halfway through and I'm liking it so far. This book has been made into a movie and I'll be interested in seeing it.
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people): My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
This was one of my book club readings for December. It had a wide variety of different YA authors and it was a quick read!
A book published by an indie press: The Boring Patient by R. David Lankes
So this book was actually written by a professor of mine from grad school. He has published several books before this about library science. This book is about his experiences with cancer and he self-publishes! The name of the self-publishing group is called CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. I'd say that book is very indie. Also, I recommend this text to my fellow graduates and those that work in the medical field.
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: Lord John and the Succubus by Diana Gabaldon
The main character is Lord John and he is gay, but keeps it a secret since the story takes place in the 18th century, I think. He is also in the military and has a secret attraction to a main character in the Outlander series (sorry if this is a spoiler!).
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
This is the second book in the Game of Thrones series. I'm still trucking through it so I can be caught up when I watch the second season.
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A young adult novel: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
It's interesting and kind of reminds me of Thirteen Reasons Why which is FANTASTIC on audio and very sad, but I highly recommend it. Ah, I just love YA.
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel: A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
One day I will finish her series! I took a hiatus from continuing the series since each book is at least 600 pages long. But I can't stay away too long! If you've read her books or have watched the TV miniseries - this series has multiple genres, but I would definitely consider them romance novels (with lots of historical fiction, time travel, action, and mystery).
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade: Late Wife by Claudia Emerson
This book is dear to my heart because it was written from a poetry professor of mine in undergrad. She was a Pulitzer Prize winning poet and I was lucky enough to take a creative writing class with her. Unfortunately, she passed away last year from cancer so I purchased some of her poetry in her remembrance. This book of poetry received the Pulitzer Prize in 2005.
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
An audiobook: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn
I am always listening to audiobooks, whether it's a book on CD in my car or on my phone when I'm walking the dog. This was definitely a good choice to listen to with audio. I wasn't as impressed with the movie, however...
A collection of poetry: Pinion: An Elegy by Claudia Emerson
This is also another book of poetry written from my late poetry professor. This was one of her first published books. All of her work is beautiful and haunting!
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind: This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki
This one was really quick read but it covered a depth of characterization!
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over): Dancing in My Nuddy Pants by Louise Rennison
I'm still getting through this series because it's hilarious. The main character is goofy and kind of boy crazy but I love it all the same. I guess I see it as a guilty pleasure because of the title!
A book published before 1850
A book published this year: George by Alex Gino
This is a middle grade children's book, that I purchased for our library, and it is about a 4th grade girl who is in the body of boy. It's one of the few children's books that discusses transgender, which is a step in the right direction!
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people): My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
This was one of my book club readings for December. It had a wide variety of different YA authors and it was a quick read!
A book published by an indie press: The Boring Patient by R. David Lankes
So this book was actually written by a professor of mine from grad school. He has published several books before this about library science. This book is about his experiences with cancer and he self-publishes! The name of the self-publishing group is called CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. I'd say that book is very indie. Also, I recommend this text to my fellow graduates and those that work in the medical field.
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: Lord John and the Succubus by Diana Gabaldon
The main character is Lord John and he is gay, but keeps it a secret since the story takes place in the 18th century, I think. He is also in the military and has a secret attraction to a main character in the Outlander series (sorry if this is a spoiler!).
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
This is the second book in the Game of Thrones series. I'm still trucking through it so I can be caught up when I watch the second season.
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A young adult novel: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
It's interesting and kind of reminds me of Thirteen Reasons Why which is FANTASTIC on audio and very sad, but I highly recommend it. Ah, I just love YA.
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel: A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
One day I will finish her series! I took a hiatus from continuing the series since each book is at least 600 pages long. But I can't stay away too long! If you've read her books or have watched the TV miniseries - this series has multiple genres, but I would definitely consider them romance novels (with lots of historical fiction, time travel, action, and mystery).
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade: Late Wife by Claudia Emerson
This book is dear to my heart because it was written from a poetry professor of mine in undergrad. She was a Pulitzer Prize winning poet and I was lucky enough to take a creative writing class with her. Unfortunately, she passed away last year from cancer so I purchased some of her poetry in her remembrance. This book of poetry received the Pulitzer Prize in 2005.
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
An audiobook: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn
I am always listening to audiobooks, whether it's a book on CD in my car or on my phone when I'm walking the dog. This was definitely a good choice to listen to with audio. I wasn't as impressed with the movie, however...
A collection of poetry: Pinion: An Elegy by Claudia Emerson
This is also another book of poetry written from my late poetry professor. This was one of her first published books. All of her work is beautiful and haunting!
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind: This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki
This one was really quick read but it covered a depth of characterization!
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over): Dancing in My Nuddy Pants by Louise Rennison
I'm still getting through this series because it's hilarious. The main character is goofy and kind of boy crazy but I love it all the same. I guess I see it as a guilty pleasure because of the title!
A book published before 1850
A book published this year: George by Alex Gino
This is a middle grade children's book, that I purchased for our library, and it is about a 4th grade girl who is in the body of boy. It's one of the few children's books that discusses transgender, which is a step in the right direction!
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
Pop Sugar Reading Challenge 2015
I saw this reading challenge floating around social media, and being the challenge nut that I am, I decided to give it a try. I've already filled up about a third of it but I wanted to share my progress with you all! I encourage you all to do a reading challenge; you'd be amazed how it pushes you to read books that are out of your comfort zone.
1. A book with more than 500 pages: The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
If you've read any books by this author, you know that most of her books have at least 700 pages. I was already halfway through this book when the New Year arrived so this worked out perfectly!
2. A classic romance: I'm thinking of reading either Sense and Sensibility, Madame Bovary, Lolita, or Passage to India since I already have these books on my reading list(s).
3. A book that became a movie: Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
This book was already on my Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. Not to mention it's a precious story and if you haven't seen the movie - what are you waiting for?
4. A book published this year: I'm on the waiting for my library's copy of Lauren Oliver's Vanishing Girls that comes out March 2015!
5. A book with a number in the title: Not really sure what to do with this one. Any suggestions?
6. A book written by someone under 30: Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
This book was written when the author was 25. It was on the Oprah Book List too! This book was haunting and is a great global read.
7. A book with nonhuman characters: Here Be Monsters by Alan Snow
This is the perfect book for this category. The movie The Boxtrolls is based on this book!
8. A funny book: I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stack by Gina Sheridan
This book has hilarious and real stories about people that come to the library from the point of view of library staff. Even if you don't work at library, read this for lots of laughs.
9. A book by a female author: Crash Course in Children's Services by Penny Peck
I didn't have a better category to put this book in, but it's an important one since I read this right before my job interview!
10. A mystery or thriller: Tunnel Vision by Susan Shaw
This is a YA book that was on my original reading list. Despite poor reviews, it still had an interesting "thriller" aspect.
11. A book with a one word title: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
This was a book I had to read for my book club! I highly recommend it.
12. A book with short stories: Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot and other authors
Eh, I would not recommend this book. I love Meg Cabot, but her short story was kinda awful.
13. A book set in a different country: On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God
Ok, now before you judge me on this title, this book is part of a British series by Louise Rennison that I started when I was probably 13 and now I'm just curious how it ends.
14. A non-fiction book: Compost: A Family Guide to Making Soil from Scraps by Ben Raskin
My new hobby/fascination is composting and this book really drew me in because of it's unique construction and features (like pop-up pages!).
15. A popular author's first book: I haven't done my research for this just yet.
16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet: Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
I'm working through her Outlander series and the Lord John series is a spin-off series.
17. A book a friend recommended: This will be an easy one to fill out. Most of my friends are book nerds too!
18. A Pulitzer Prize winning novel: Again, I haven't done my research yet.
19. A book based on a true story: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
This is a book club selection and it's pretty awesome. The premise of the book is about a duchess in Brittany who is being forced to marry someone and her political advisers are not looking out for her best interests. The author uses real names and sticks with a basic accurate historical event. The assassin nuns...not so accurate!
20. A book at the bottom of your TBR list: The problem with this one is that I don't follow my list by any certain order. Not to mention, I have multiple TBR lists! I guess I'll just choose one I've been avoiding.
21. A book your mom loves: Not sure. It's either Scarlet Pimpernel or a Stephen King book. I'll have to ask her!
22. A book that scares you: Probably a Stephen King book, haha!!!
23. A book more than a 100 years old: That should be easy to find. I do love classics!
24. A book based entirely on its cover: I will have to browse when I'm at work!
25. A book you were supposed to read in school and didn't: There's a few, but not a lot. I was one of those kids who always did the assigned reading. I'll probably pull something from my college syllabi.
26. A memoir: Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
It was definitely an interesting read, but it was hard for me to feel bad or empathize with someone who grew up in a privileged lifestyle. I also don't get the hipster hype. Nevertheless it was an interesting read.
27. A book with antonyms in the title: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Well, I don't know if this counts towards antonyms but the book brings up the theme about how winners can even be cursed by what they win/receive. This was a book that I read for my book club and it's got a sequel in the near future. Another great YA read.
28. A book you can finish in a day: Lord John and the Hellfire Club by Diana Gabaldon
This was a novella that goes before Lord John and the Private Matter. I listened to it on audiobook on one of my day's off.
29. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit: I'm thinking it would have to be set in Europe. That shouldn't be too difficult.
30. A book published the year you were born: Ahh, readers, you'll have to wait until I find one before you can figure out my age!
31. A book with bad reviews: I'll have to do my research. Usually it's easy to find books with good reviews, but bad ones are a little harder. I'm going to look to Goodreads to help me out.
32. A Trilogy: Not sure. This category is weird because it means 3 separate books, unless I can find one that all three books are condensed into one. I will probably ask on Facebook for suggestions.
33. A book from your childhood: Not sure about this one. But now that I work in children's, this shouldn't be to hard to find.
34. A book with a love triangle: Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
This was a weird story and a weird love triangle. But I mainly read it for my book club.
35. A book set in the future: I know this won't be hard to find, though I'm not a HUGE fan of science fiction.
36. A book set in high school: Every Day by David Leviathan
I read this book and this was really the only category available. Of course, it's not hard to fit any YA fiction in this category...and I read a lot of YA!
37. A book with a color in the title: Nothing yet.
38. A book that made you cry: Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
This is another book club selection and reviewers say it's a mix between John Green and Rainbow Rowell - and I agree. Both authors have made me cry and so this book definitely did. If you read this book and like it, I recommend reading Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. Another book, though not YA that made me cry.
39. A book with magic: Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore
It's the second book in the series where the main character fights off demons and other supernatural creatures.
40. A graphic novel: My co-worker who reads graphic novels suggested Same Difference or Fables.
41. A book by an author you've never read before: I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This was another book club selection. It was really good and I can't wait to read the sequel (if our library orders it)!
42. A book you own but never read: Oh lordy, there's so many to choose from - we'll see.
43. A book that takes place in your hometown: This one's difficult. Anyone know of any books that take place in Woodbridge, VA? Or Northern Virginia? Maybe I'll cheat and just use Washington, D.C.
44. A book that was originally written in another language: I was thinking Art of War.
45. A book set during Christmas: I'm going to wait until Christmas, but that shouldn't be hard to find, especially since my library has Christmas genre stickers on the book spines.
46. A book by an author who had your same initials: I was thinking something by Elizabeth Berg. But I'll scan the B section in Fiction again for other ideas.
47. A play: That should be easy to pick.
48. A banned book: I'll be sure to look one up.
49. A book based on or turned into a tv show: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
I just finished this - oh man - way too long for my liking. I also do not recommend listening to it on audiobook. I couldn't remember who was related to whom and there were far too many names. In this situation, my strength lies with vision and actually seeing the character names. But I wanted to read this before I started watching the show!.
50. A book you started but never finished: Oh, there's so so many!
1. A book with more than 500 pages: The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
If you've read any books by this author, you know that most of her books have at least 700 pages. I was already halfway through this book when the New Year arrived so this worked out perfectly!
2. A classic romance: I'm thinking of reading either Sense and Sensibility, Madame Bovary, Lolita, or Passage to India since I already have these books on my reading list(s).
3. A book that became a movie: Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
This book was already on my Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. Not to mention it's a precious story and if you haven't seen the movie - what are you waiting for?
4. A book published this year: I'm on the waiting for my library's copy of Lauren Oliver's Vanishing Girls that comes out March 2015!
5. A book with a number in the title: Not really sure what to do with this one. Any suggestions?
6. A book written by someone under 30: Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
This book was written when the author was 25. It was on the Oprah Book List too! This book was haunting and is a great global read.
7. A book with nonhuman characters: Here Be Monsters by Alan Snow
This is the perfect book for this category. The movie The Boxtrolls is based on this book!
8. A funny book: I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stack by Gina Sheridan
This book has hilarious and real stories about people that come to the library from the point of view of library staff. Even if you don't work at library, read this for lots of laughs.
9. A book by a female author: Crash Course in Children's Services by Penny Peck
I didn't have a better category to put this book in, but it's an important one since I read this right before my job interview!
10. A mystery or thriller: Tunnel Vision by Susan Shaw
This is a YA book that was on my original reading list. Despite poor reviews, it still had an interesting "thriller" aspect.
11. A book with a one word title: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
This was a book I had to read for my book club! I highly recommend it.
12. A book with short stories: Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot and other authors
Eh, I would not recommend this book. I love Meg Cabot, but her short story was kinda awful.
13. A book set in a different country: On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God
Ok, now before you judge me on this title, this book is part of a British series by Louise Rennison that I started when I was probably 13 and now I'm just curious how it ends.
14. A non-fiction book: Compost: A Family Guide to Making Soil from Scraps by Ben Raskin
My new hobby/fascination is composting and this book really drew me in because of it's unique construction and features (like pop-up pages!).
15. A popular author's first book: I haven't done my research for this just yet.
16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet: Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
I'm working through her Outlander series and the Lord John series is a spin-off series.
17. A book a friend recommended: This will be an easy one to fill out. Most of my friends are book nerds too!
18. A Pulitzer Prize winning novel: Again, I haven't done my research yet.
19. A book based on a true story: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
This is a book club selection and it's pretty awesome. The premise of the book is about a duchess in Brittany who is being forced to marry someone and her political advisers are not looking out for her best interests. The author uses real names and sticks with a basic accurate historical event. The assassin nuns...not so accurate!
20. A book at the bottom of your TBR list: The problem with this one is that I don't follow my list by any certain order. Not to mention, I have multiple TBR lists! I guess I'll just choose one I've been avoiding.
21. A book your mom loves: Not sure. It's either Scarlet Pimpernel or a Stephen King book. I'll have to ask her!
22. A book that scares you: Probably a Stephen King book, haha!!!
23. A book more than a 100 years old: That should be easy to find. I do love classics!
24. A book based entirely on its cover: I will have to browse when I'm at work!
25. A book you were supposed to read in school and didn't: There's a few, but not a lot. I was one of those kids who always did the assigned reading. I'll probably pull something from my college syllabi.
26. A memoir: Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
It was definitely an interesting read, but it was hard for me to feel bad or empathize with someone who grew up in a privileged lifestyle. I also don't get the hipster hype. Nevertheless it was an interesting read.
27. A book with antonyms in the title: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Well, I don't know if this counts towards antonyms but the book brings up the theme about how winners can even be cursed by what they win/receive. This was a book that I read for my book club and it's got a sequel in the near future. Another great YA read.
28. A book you can finish in a day: Lord John and the Hellfire Club by Diana Gabaldon
This was a novella that goes before Lord John and the Private Matter. I listened to it on audiobook on one of my day's off.
29. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit: I'm thinking it would have to be set in Europe. That shouldn't be too difficult.
30. A book published the year you were born: Ahh, readers, you'll have to wait until I find one before you can figure out my age!
31. A book with bad reviews: I'll have to do my research. Usually it's easy to find books with good reviews, but bad ones are a little harder. I'm going to look to Goodreads to help me out.
32. A Trilogy: Not sure. This category is weird because it means 3 separate books, unless I can find one that all three books are condensed into one. I will probably ask on Facebook for suggestions.
33. A book from your childhood: Not sure about this one. But now that I work in children's, this shouldn't be to hard to find.
34. A book with a love triangle: Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
This was a weird story and a weird love triangle. But I mainly read it for my book club.
35. A book set in the future: I know this won't be hard to find, though I'm not a HUGE fan of science fiction.
36. A book set in high school: Every Day by David Leviathan
I read this book and this was really the only category available. Of course, it's not hard to fit any YA fiction in this category...and I read a lot of YA!
37. A book with a color in the title: Nothing yet.
38. A book that made you cry: Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
This is another book club selection and reviewers say it's a mix between John Green and Rainbow Rowell - and I agree. Both authors have made me cry and so this book definitely did. If you read this book and like it, I recommend reading Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. Another book, though not YA that made me cry.
39. A book with magic: Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore
It's the second book in the series where the main character fights off demons and other supernatural creatures.
40. A graphic novel: My co-worker who reads graphic novels suggested Same Difference or Fables.
41. A book by an author you've never read before: I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This was another book club selection. It was really good and I can't wait to read the sequel (if our library orders it)!
42. A book you own but never read: Oh lordy, there's so many to choose from - we'll see.
43. A book that takes place in your hometown: This one's difficult. Anyone know of any books that take place in Woodbridge, VA? Or Northern Virginia? Maybe I'll cheat and just use Washington, D.C.
44. A book that was originally written in another language: I was thinking Art of War.
45. A book set during Christmas: I'm going to wait until Christmas, but that shouldn't be hard to find, especially since my library has Christmas genre stickers on the book spines.
46. A book by an author who had your same initials: I was thinking something by Elizabeth Berg. But I'll scan the B section in Fiction again for other ideas.
47. A play: That should be easy to pick.
48. A banned book: I'll be sure to look one up.
49. A book based on or turned into a tv show: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
I just finished this - oh man - way too long for my liking. I also do not recommend listening to it on audiobook. I couldn't remember who was related to whom and there were far too many names. In this situation, my strength lies with vision and actually seeing the character names. But I wanted to read this before I started watching the show!.
50. A book you started but never finished: Oh, there's so so many!
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