Mild Entertainment

Every month I have the privilege of reading through tons of summaries of books in McNaughton and each list has it's own ridiculous literary challenges that make me laugh or roll my eyes. Sometimes I'll see one jewel that is so hilarious that I just have to order it for my library and it makes me laugh every time I see it. Surprisingly, the books have gone out quite a bit letting me know that other people have the same sense of humor as me or more realistically, they seriously think they are intriguing books. Anyways, here are a few summaries that caught my eye today with my comments at the end.

1. The fight to control the mirror that can change history rages on as Jake, Sarah, and...
 Oberon Venn clash over the coveted Obsidian Mirror; but the mirror itself may have a different fate in mind. (Oh, Jake and Sarah...la la la...and OBERON?!? You mean that guy who is king of, I don't know, fairies is hanging out with Jake and Sarah?)

2.  Only unwavering trust can help the Chosen Ones vanquish an evil that could bring something worse than death as the five girls take on a new school year and the evil pulsing throughout Engelsfors in this second book of the trilogy. (WHO starts a new school year when an EVIL WORSE THAN DEATH is hanging around? I know Buffy and Harry Potter do it but I find it hilarious when impending doom is about to occur yet YA's still have to prep for the SAT's.)

3. When routine flu shots give a group of everyday New York City high school sophomores telepathy, the friends make the most of their secret gift to get ahead in class, dump their boyfriends when they know the guys are planning to them, and discover what their friends really think about them. Their choices will change everything. Don't even think about trying to stop them. (Oh NO!! Gossip Girl's in their heads!)

4. Heading to a rumored Wyoming safe settlement brings danger when raiders attack former beasts Fiona Tarsis and Jonah, her twin brother. When the twins' mysterious savior claims to know of an underground shelter, the twins slowly start to wonder how this shifty stranger seems to know so much about Jacqui. (I'm speechless)

2013 ALA Youth Award Winners

The winners of the 2013 American Library Association Youth Awards were announced on January 28th.  If you missed out on the reveal, here are the winners.

Newbery Award: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

"Ivan’s transformative emergence from the 'Ape at Exit 8' to 'The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback,' comes to life through the gorilla’s own distinct narrative voice, which is filled with wry humor, deep emotion and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope and humanity."


Caldecott Medal: This Is Not My Hat, written & illustrated by Jon Klassen

"In this darkly humorous tale, a tiny fish knows it’s wrong to steal a hat. It fits him just right. But the big fish wants his hat back. Klassen’s controlled palette, opposing narratives and subtle cues compel readers to follow the fish and imagine the consequence."

(Laura Ingalls) Wilder Medal: Katherine Paterson

"Katherine Paterson is the winner of the 2013 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honoring an author or illustrator, published in the United States, whose books have made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children. Her numerous works include 'Bridge to Terabithia' (Crowell, 1977), 'Jacob Have I Loved' (Crowell, 1980) and 'The Great Gilly Hopkins' (Crowell, 1978)."

For a full list of ALA winners, click here.
For a full list of the ALA's 2013 Notable Children's Books, click here.