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RIP Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen passed away yesterday at the age of 82. He was the author of over 200 books during his life, one of his most famous being Hatchet. Like so many kids growing up in the ’90s, we read Hatchet in school. And although I’ve got to be honest, I…
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9 Books to Celebrate National Fossil Day
There was a time that I was considering archeology as a profession and like many of my thoughts for the future, it was fleeting. Being a librarian was my calling and I love what I do. What’s really interesting is that my brother actually is an archeologist! And although he…
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Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Settings
There were too many book settings to choose from! But since I love to travel, I chose a lot of real-life places that I’d love to visit and a few fictional locations that I wish were real! Favorite Book Settings cross country trip – The Adventures of a Girl Called…
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Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Pet Peeves
What an interesting topic! There are so many opinions about how and what to read out there, but I liked diving into the things that bother me. Whether it’s from the author, publisher, or from readers, here are my top ten bookish pet peeves! Multiple POVs without any clear indication…
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9 Books to Give as Retirement Gifts
Today’s a special day at my library! We are saying farewell to a long-time employee as she retires. She’s been with our library for 40 years. We had a wonderful party for her yesterday – doughnuts in the morning and a pizza party for lunch. With special treats from other…
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30 Middle Grade Books about Immigration and Refugee Experiences
Let me start off by saying I know that immigration and refugee experiences are two vastly different things. In fact, for every single person and family, the situation is different. But, what’s important is that for kids who are hearing the news about the U.S. and Mexico border, or what’s…
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Top Ten Tuesday: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
We are smack dab in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration runs from September 15 – October 15. It can sneak up on you since it starts in the middle of the month. A great way to celebrate is to read books by Hispanic authors and illustrators. But,…
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9 Young Adult Books for National Cooking Day
It’s National Cooking Day and this is one holiday that I couldn’t ignore! I think most of you know how much I enjoy spending time in my kitchen cooking. I love finding flavorful recipes and sharing them with the people I love. In fact, I think Penzeys Spices has one…
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2021 National Book Awards Longlist
I’m not sure that most people are aware that the National Book Award includes a young people’s category. Typically, you might hear mention of the National Book Award on NPR, maybe hear an interview with an author. But, when it comes to children’s and young adult literature, I don’t think…
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Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall 2021 To-read List
I haven’t been reading a ton of middle grade fiction over the past few months. Apparently, I need more of an escape which means YA fantasy and contemporary romance? I’m reading, and honestly, that’s the most important part. But, as I was perusing the fall releases on the Reading Middle…
