I read this as required reading for a graduate school course, and I found this to be quite educational and enjoyable.
This short nonfiction book focuseI read this as required reading for a graduate school course, and I found this to be quite educational and enjoyable.
This short nonfiction book focuses on how libraries can accommodate teens and their needs in a library environment.
The chapters of this novel focus on topics such as space, programming, service dynamics, rules, privacy, and a fun lightning round at the end on common issues and concerns. As an MLIS student with no experience in a library setting beyond volunteering in circulation, I found the subject matter very important and illuminating.
First and foremost, teen services have to focus on the teens themselves. This book provided some insight to avoid many common pitfalls. One of the central ideas throughout is that teens need to be able to contribute to their own programming, to tell the library system what their interests and needs are (which admittedly is easier said than done). There's so much more to teen services than just the collection, and I appreciated all the great learning opportunities, scenarios, and food for thought presented.
I also truly enjoyed that this book was easy to read and understand, as many graduate textbooks can feel overly written and poorly edited to be understood by the average adult.
Ultimately, this book is great for MLIS students, existing librarians needing a fresh take on teen services, or anyone interested in how libraries try to meet the needs of teens in today's changing landscape....more
This conclusion to The Altered series totally blew my mind!
Griffin and Jarod have escaped Plum Island and Dr. Traegor, only to find thatWow, wow, WOW!
This conclusion to The Altered series totally blew my mind!
Griffin and Jarod have escaped Plum Island and Dr. Traegor, only to find that they're too late. The world has changed yet again with a new wave of the Zorna flu, but who is left, and can this apocalypse even be stopped? With no other option, Jarod and Griffin flee to Florida, back where it all began.
Okay, so what really worked for me was the plot and premise of this installment. The gloves are truly off. There are no more reassimilation centers, no group meetings for the Altered, no bandages and kisses from your mom, nothing! Everything is chaos. I also loved that this series came back full circle and now Griffin has to go back where it all started. There's something poetic about that, and it really worked for me.
Griffin and Jarrod have been changed. To what is the main mystery, and there's some serious cause for concern. This made the book move along, and I think Griffin did everything he truly could to contain his infected nature.
Jarrod on the other hand embraced his brutal rage and complicated things many a time. I liked the constant tension this created between him and Griffin.
Griffin truly came to terms with everything in this novel, and that really fulfilled what I was hoping would happen.
The plot was great with lots of action. Griffin and Jarrod are heading hundreds of miles through a zombie-infested wasteland, so there are plenty of dangerous battles, traps, and discoveries along the way. I like that we finally got to experience a long romp in the outside untamed world and the desperation that comes along with it.
And that ending? All the feels!
If you love the living dead, you've gotta get your hands on this series. It's truly amazing!...more
Four fantastic stars go to this entertaining LGBT horror novel!
In this book we follow the aftermath of a breakup between David and his publisher's sonFour fantastic stars go to this entertaining LGBT horror novel!
In this book we follow the aftermath of a breakup between David and his publisher's son Luca. David has retreated to the wilderness in a house called Bone Hallow for some piece of mind and to make his big comeback as a horror author. But when strange things start to happen, David has to consider that he may no longer be alone or safe. Is he losing his mind, or is there really someone or something lurking in the shadows watching him?
I really loved the premise of this book, especially the fact that the main characters were gay and dealing with some serious emotional wounds. We don't get to see that enough, especially in the horror genre.
David and Luca were fun characters to get to know. David is a nonbeliever and Luca has always been a believer, so there was a nice juxtaposition in their personalities that kept things interesting. Throughout the novel we got some glimpses of what happened after the affair was exposed, and although I would've liked to see a bit more of their happy days together, the scandal of their situation was really engaging.
The atmosphere of this novel was tense, and I loved the sense of mystery throughout. The moors David travels to have this ominous feel to them that doesn't let up, and I loved all the chilling moments.
If you're looking for a solid scary read, definitely give this book a try!...more
I loved the first book in this series, and I loved this installment just as much!
Two years after the events of the first novel, Griffin's life has chaI loved the first book in this series, and I loved this installment just as much!
Two years after the events of the first novel, Griffin's life has changed quite a bit. He's got an Altered girlfriend named Amber and a job as a janitor, but life is far from perfect. The politics surrounding the Altered are increasingly heated, people discriminate against him and his kind daily, and Amber seems to be pulling away from him. To top it all off, a surprise visit from Dr. Holston suggests that the Altereds' struggles may be even worse in the near future. Can Griffin help sort out this mess and avoid catastrophe, or is history doomed to repeat itself?
What worked most for me in this book was the worldbuilding. The first novel had me aching to know more about this alternate version of Earth on the outside, and I got that and so much more . The politics, how the Altered situation was handled, everyday life, every little detail was engaging and kept me coming back for more.
Griffin seems to have settled into his new life, but he is forced into action with Dr. Holston's visit and this brings about some really great character depth and progression, especially in his relationship with Amber.
I really loved the parts with little Tony in them. He is an enigma and also super cute! His Altered mom Crystal care for him shines through. Eugene was gross, but he's kind of that gross methy kinda guy so that felt authentic to me regardless of the ick factor.
Plot was really important in this book, especially with the events that occur and how they ramp up. I liked that we spent more time in the present since we established Griffin's past, and it made this story feel even more cohesive and easier to follow. There was plenty of action throughout and some shocking developments I didn't see, and I love how that kept me on the edge of my seat.
If you want a great, epic zombie adventure, you can't get much better than this!...more
Man oh man did I enjoy this epic middle grade adventure!
This book focuses on a young girl named Celia. When her parents leave town and an earthq4.5/5
Man oh man did I enjoy this epic middle grade adventure!
This book focuses on a young girl named Celia. When her parents leave town and an earthquake shatters any hope of communication or a way to get back to her, strange things start to happen. Odd noises persist, and strange kids start roaming the hallways of her apartment building. Will Celia finally make the friends she's always dreamed of having, or is there more to these kids and this earthquake than meets the eye?
What really made this book a winner for me was the characters. Celia is a great main character and easy to relate to. She's a bit of a misfit among her classmates and she struggles to find any friends, but she's also a resourceful, smart young girl. She had a lot of progression throughout the novel and learned how to stand up for herself and fight for what she believes in.
I loved all the Littles and the uniqueness to each one of them. Demetri was my favorite, and I loved the bond he and Celia formed and how unbreakable it was. The hunters were just as interesting, though I favored the Littles more.
The writing flowed really well from chapter to chapter and was super easy to read and binge.
The magic system in this novel also worked wonderfully for me. These awful monsters called Bigs controlled the Littles as their slaves, but in return they take on their attributes and have magic. There was also a ton of creativity in the traits of these beings that made each one extremely unique.
The plot was full of twists and turns, and that ending? I absolutely loved it!
If you need a middle grade departure from reality, you've got to give this one a try!...more
Loading...
