Wild Things: YA Grown-Up discussion
YA Reading Challenge
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Reading Challenge #9 - Ideas and Discussion
I would be willing to do it, or help you. I really enjoyed the author challenge. How about a title challenge with bonuses?
Do we want to do a more difficult one like reading challenges 2, 3 and 4? It seems like we've been on a trend of having challenges where any books we read fall in line with the tasks fairly easily. (I admit, I started it with my challenge last summer!)I could really go for a challenge that makes you stretch your reading tendencies. Also, we've kind of lost the communication portion of the early challenges, which as an administrator makes me bummed. The earliest challenges required that you interacted with other members, getting recommendations from their shelves and posting about books as part of the tasks...
Personally, I'd like to see us really incorporate that part back in. Helps keep our group closely knit and active.
I'd love for you to lead Kristen. I know you read a diverse bunch of books and could come up with something cool. I was hoping for a summery theme!! Road trip? Summer lovin'? Back to School?
Here are the sections from the first 3 challenges relating specifically to WT that I think are important to the life of our group (just to get an idea, of course)
1.0 -- Official YA Challenge Section
1.05 Read any book discussed in any of the Discussion Folders at Wild Things and has less than 50 comments posted in its thread as of 1 January 2010, and then contribute to the discussion.
1.10 Read one of the group reads chosen during January, February, or March.
1.15 Read a book nominated but not selected for the group reads for January, February or March and post why you think the book should or should not be selected as a group read. This must be a book nominated by someone other than yourself.
1.20 Read a book rated 5 stars by a Wild Things member and in your review discuss why you selected the book and why you agree or disagree with the other member’s rating.
1.25 Read any two books from a Young Adult series.
OFFICIAL SECTION, with a twist (broadening, out of the box, better readers mash-up) (1):
1.5: Read a selection from our group Top Ya Novels list that you previously had no intention of reading.
1.10: Read a book that someone in the group (or on Goodreads) has been "pushing" you to read, but that you've avoided because it's in a genre you don't normally read.
1.15: Read a book from any thread in a folder that you never go into (ie, I have never once opened the mystery folder, or the Religion folder; I would choose a book mentioned in a thread in one of these folders)
1.20: Read a 4- or 5-star book from a WT member you've never conversed with, and then discuss it with them. There are nearly 1,000 of us; scroll to the bottom of the page or click members in the right-hand menu to browse for someone you don’t know. [Please note: you will not be penalized if whoever you pick doesn't respond to you to discuss the book. The goal here is just to browse an unknown members shelves, get an idea for what other people are reading, and read something they really liked and see if you do, too.]
1.25: Read 2 books from a series (or 2 books from 1 author) from a different culture, or in a genre you don't read.
Buddy Bonus +5: Buddy gets to pick 1 book for you to read that fits any of the above. This is in addition to what you read for each task.
1 – Official YA Challenge Section
5. Choose any book from our “Top YA Novels” thread not posted by you and read it.
10. Read a book someone at Goodreads has been “pushing” you to read.
15. Read any book discussed in one of the discussion threads here at Wild Things, and contribute to the discussion.
20. Read a book someone (other than yourself) read for the 1st YA Reading Challenge and discuss why this one stood out when you saw people posting it, if it met your expectations, and if you prefer the book you originally read.
25. Read any two books from a Young Adult series.
I agree with Angela that it'd be nice to have a more traditional challenge again.
That's fine with me! I sort of like the idea of a theme as well.
Karis, I would love to run a challenge with you! :) Maybe we can share a google doc to keep track of everything together? You can message me if you want to talk details. But if you'd rather run it yourself that's fine too. I just figured with the summer off I'd love to do more on this group. :)I agree with Angela that we should do some more group centered stuff and summery themes would be great. I don't think I want a challenge where you have to read specific books in specific months though.
I love the start that Angela had and would love to have one like Misty's #4 challenge: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3...I liked that it pushed me and I like the specificity of it.
I agree with not wanting to have to read certain books during a specific time. I think we just complete as many tasks as possible in the 3 month time frame!
I'm interested also in what Angela said. I also ran a challenge that had this basic format. I also know that the summertime is a GREAT time to challenge folks to really get into reading books they might otherwise not read. I also miss the interaction between members for tasks and in discussion.What do you think, Kristen?
Karis and I have been talking and we definitely will be doing a section on challenging yourself, along with an awards section and some summer themed tasks as well. We're working out the kinks so please feel free to throw us suggestions for summer themed tasks and anything else. :)
I have a couple of ideas... Use them or toss them, my feelings won't be hurt! :)Road trip ideas:
- Read a book where the main character goes on vacation or takes place during vacation.
- Read a book where the main character moves to a new city.
-Read a book that takes place at least partially in an alternate world/dimension. (Example: Incarceron, Prophecy of the Sisters)
-Read a book that has a word or phrase found on a traffic sign or related to traffic safety in the title. (Example: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before, Two Way Street)
-Read two books that take place in a country other than your own.
Summer Lovin’ ideas:
-In honor of the movie Grease, read a book about a high school romance.
-Read a book that takes place in a local hangout. Hangout must be the setting for a couple scenes in the book. (Could be a coffee shop, beach, restaurant, bookstore, etc…)
-Read a book with a title that sums up your first love. (Example: A Little Wanting Song, The Tension of Opposites, A Monster Calls)
-Read a book where the main character has a summer job.
-Read two books that contain the word love, romance, heart, date, kiss or some conjugation of those words. (Sweethearts, Jekel Loves Hyde, Anna and the French Kiss)
I love those Angela. If they don't get used for this challenge, save them and we can hopefully use them in the future.
Alright guys, here is what Karis and I have come up with. We were also thinking to let you repeat any of the tasks for an extra 2 points per book. Let us know what you think.Involve Yourself Section
1.05 Read any book discussed in one of the discussion threads here at Wild Things, and contribute to the discussion.
1.10 Read one of the group reads chosen during July, August, or September and contribute to the discussion.
1.15 Read a book rated 5 stars by a Wild Things member and in your review discuss why you selected the book and why you agree or disagree with the other member’s rating, then share it when you post for points.
1.20 Read a book from the WT Top Novel list and discuss why you think it should or should not be on the list.
1.25 Read two books from the same YA or MG series.
Award Section
2.5 Read a book from one of the latest ALA lists.
2.10 Read a book that got a five starred review from SLJ, Booklist, Kirkus. (I think they have a Best Books thing usually? *thinks*)
2.15 If your state has a Readers Choice award, read a nominee for 2012. Example - Rebecca Caudill (Illinois). If they don't in their state, they can read one from a different state.
2.20 Read an honor or winner of the Newbery Medal.
2.25 Read both a winner and nominee of the National Book Award from the same year.
* For the award section, when you post points, let us know if you thought the book deserved the award, honor or nomination and why.
Summer Lovin’ Section
3.5 In honor of the movie Grease, read a book about a high school romance.
3.10 Read a book that has a summery cover or takes place in a summery setting.
3.15 Read a book where the main character has a summer job.
3.20 Read a book with a title that sums up your first love. (Example: A Little Wanting Song, The Tension of Opposites, A Monster Calls)
3.25 Read two books that contain the word love, romance, heart, date, kiss or some conjugation of those words. (Sweethearts, Jekel Loves Hyde, Anna and the French Kiss)
Road trip Section
4.5 Read a book where the main character moves to a new city.
4.10 Read a book where the main character goes on vacation or takes place during vacation.
4.15 Read a book that takes place at least partially in an alternate world/dimension. (Example: Incarceron, Prophecy of the Sisters)
4.20 Read a book that has a word or phrase found on a traffic or street sign or related to traffic safety in the title. (Example: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before, Two Way Street)
4.25 Read two books that take place in a country other than your own.
Back to School Section
5.5 Read a book about starting in a new school (moving to a new town, moving from middle to high school, high school to college, etc.)
5.10 Read a book about a major school event (examples include homecoming, prom, graduation).
5.15 Read a book from one of the high school reading lists in your area.
5.20 Read a book you loved in middle or high school, or a book you hated in school but think you'd love now.
5.25 Read a book that one of your teachers from your school days recommended.
Yay! Looks challenging AND fun!
Mod
2.5 YALSA http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yal...2.10
Kirkus http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-rev...
SLJ http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Booklist http://www.booklistonline.com/
2.15 State Awards http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/li...
2.20 Newbery Medal http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/als...
2.25 National Book Award http://www.nationalbook.org/nbawinner...
These links don't get you to the *exact* spot you need on the website necessarily, but at least you'll be looking in the right general area! YA is broken up into Fiction and Non-Fiction many times, so we'll have to do a little research on our own within the sites.
You're the best Angela. We'll post links with the challenge tasks when it's closer to July as well. :)
Can we also start a new thread with the guidelines as the first post?
For the National Book Award, you'll have to go through some of their longer posts from each year to find the finalists.2010
2000-2009
I've given up on making lists since I can never seem to stick to them!
Oh Heather, I meant to add that. I was thinking about this and maybe, if you go to the public library, you could ask a teen or youth services librarian for a recommendation. Otherwise, maybe compiling a list of recommendations from teachers/librarians on the group.
Kristen wrote: "Oh Heather, I meant to add that. I was thinking about this and maybe, if you go to the public library, you could ask a teen or youth services librarian for a recommendation. Otherwise, maybe compil..."That's a good option. I know Lydia is a librarian, and we have many teachers in our group too. (Kellee and Amy for example)
I'll post a section in the librarian and teacher corner. I'm a librarian as well, although elementary school. :)
Here's the list on their site - 2010 Booklist Editor's ChoiceAlso, here's a link for those who like SF/Fantasy. This is their 2011 list. 2011 Top SF/Fantasy for Youth
Is a Kirkus Star review which means it has remarkable merit work for 2.10?
Also, would Cinder and Ella work for 4.15 since it is a fantasy world? Or Abandon? Or Airborn?How about How to Save a Life for 3.5?
And for 5.25 can I read a book that was recommended to me by a H.S. teacher I know?
How about The Vision or Mercy for 3.5? Both romances with H.S. age people, but not really in school...
Oh and is it official that we can read an extra book for points?
And I just cannot find anything for 3.15! I am actually reading one now that would work, but it is too early...
Kellee wrote: "And I just cannot find anything for 3.15! I am actually reading one now that would work, but it is too early..."What book is that, so I might use it?
Emily wrote: "Kellee wrote: "And I just cannot find anything for 3.15! I am actually reading one now that would work, but it is too early..."What book is that, so I might use it?"
Frannie in Pieces :)
AngelaSunshine wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Oh Heather, I meant to add that. I was thinking about this and maybe, if you go to the public library, you could ask a teen or youth services librarian for a recommendation. Otherwi..."I'll post as well in the Teacher/Librarian section as well.
Alright Kellee, here are some answers... :)Kirkus - yes, the remarkable merit works.
I'll have to talk to Karis about fantasy worlds counting as different countries and get back to you. I found plenty of books that were set in different countries though that involve steampunk/fantasy as well.
How to Save a Life doesn't seem to be mostly about the romance, but I haven't read it so I can't say for certain. I'll get back to you about the other two on how strict we're being on that.
Yes for 5.25 you can ask a HS teacher you know to recommend a book.
Yes, you can officially read extra books for 2 points per book.
Here's a couple I found for 3.15:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Must Love Black
Death by Bikini
I'm sure there's more out there.
Thanks Kristen! For the fantasy worlds, I was talking about the task that says "in an alternate world/dimension" (4.15) not the in another country task :)
For the another country task (4.25) though, would The Throne of Fire work? It takes place all over the world including the US.
Oooo. I'd say yes than to fantasy worlds.And yes, The Throne of Fire would work.
Kristen wrote: "Oooo. I'd say yes than to fantasy worlds.And yes, The Throne of Fire would work."
Yippee! :)
Mod
http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/17...
For starred reviews you can use School Library Journal's site by going to their print archives. You can then search by year and month. It will bring up the issue and if you look at reviews you'll find "Grades 5& up". There you can find reviews of new and upcoming books. The starred reviews have a pink star next to them. I LOVE this resource (and it's free).http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/c...
Kristen wrote: "Alright Kellee, here are some answers... :)Kirkus - yes, the remarkable merit works.
I'll have to talk to Karis about fantasy worlds counting as different countries and get back to you. I found ..."
I think a different country should be a country that actually exists or used to exist (Yugoslavia, USSR, etc.). If Fantasy is your thing, it is still entirely possible to find ones that take place in real countries.
Karis (YA Litwit) wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Alright Kellee, here are some answers... :)Kirkus - yes, the remarkable merit works.
I'll have to talk to Karis about fantasy worlds counting as different countries and get back ..."
I think Kellee meant a fantasy location for task 4.15:
4.15 Read a book that takes place at least partially in an alternate world/dimension. (Example: Incarceron, Prophecy of the Sisters)
not for this task:
4.25 Read two books that take place in a country other than your own.
Okay... here's my tentative list.Involve Yourself Section
1.05 Read any book discussed in one of the discussion threads here at Wild Things, and contribute to the discussion. BRUISER BY NEAL SHUSTERMAN
1.10 Read one of the group reads chosen during July, August, or September and contribute to the discussion.
1.15 Read a book rated 5 stars by a Wild Things member and in your review discuss why you selected the book and why you agree or disagree with the other member’s rating, then share it when you post for points. DIANA~’S- DELIRIUM
1.20 Read a book from the WT Top Novel list and discuss why you think it should or should not be on the list. THE WEDNESDAY WARS
1.25 Read two books from the same YA or MG series. THE IRON KING, THE IRON DAUGHTER
Award Section
2.5 Read a book from one of the latest ALA lists. REVOLUTION, THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST, AMY & ROGERS EPIC DETOUR, OR WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON
2.10 Read a book that got a five starred review from SLJ, Booklist, Kirkus. (I think they have a Best Books thing usually? *thinks*) COUNTDOWN (BOOKLIST)
2.15 If your state has a Readers Choice award, read a nominee for 2012. Example - Rebecca Caudill (Illinois). If they don't in their state, they can read one from a different state. CYRM NOMINEE – EVERY SOUL A STAR
2.20 Read an honor or winner of the Newbery Medal. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE
2.25 Read both a winner and nominee of the National Book Award from the same year.
2006- THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING (WINNER) AND KETURAH AND LORD DEATH (NOMINEE)
* For the award section, when you post points, let us know if you thought the book deserved the award, honor or nomination and why.
Summer Lovin’ Section
3.5 In honor of the movie Grease, read a book about a high school romance. HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART
3.10 Read a book that has a summery cover or takes place in a summery setting. THE PERFECT BOY
3.15 Read a book where the main character has a summer job. THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER
3.20 Read a book with a title that sums up your first love. (Example: A Little Wanting Song, The Tension of Opposites, A Monster Calls) ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL
3.25 Read two books that contain the word love, romance, heart, date, kiss or some conjugation of those words. (Sweethearts, Jekel Loves Hyde, Anna and the French Kiss)
THE HEARTBREAKERS
Road trip Section
4.5 Read a book where the main character moves to a new city. ALL YOU GET IS ME
4.10 Read a book where the main character goes on vacation or takes place during vacation. INVINCIBLE SUMMER
4.15 Read a book that takes place at least partially in an alternate world/dimension. (Example: Incarceron, Prophecy of the Sisters) THE UNWRITTEN GIRL
4.20 Read a book that has a word or phrase found on a traffic or street sign or related to traffic safety in the title. (Example: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before, Two Way Street) TWO WAY STREET
4.25 Read two books that take place in a country other than your own. A LITTLE WANTING SONG, WITHOUT LOOKING BACK
Back to School Section
5.5 Read a book about starting in a new school (moving to a new town, moving from middle to high school, high school to college, etc.) STARGIRL
5.10 Read a book about a major school event (examples include homecoming, prom, graduation). PROM
5.15 Read a book from one of the high school reading lists in your area. 1984
5.20 Read a book you loved in middle or high school, or a book you hated in school but think you'd love now. JANE EYRE
5.25 Read a book that one of your teachers from your school days recommended. DIVERGENT (KELLEE)
Angela- You are going to LOVE Divergent and thank you for clarifying the other :)
According to the polls right now our July group reads will be Beauty Queens by Libba Bray and The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell.I made my list up a week or so ago (I love lists..) so since Angela posted hers... here's mine.
1.5 White Cat
1.10 Beauty Queens
1.15 Behemoth (Heather)
1.20 Wither
1.25 Early to Death, Early to Rise and Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison
2.5 2010 Best Books for Young Adults - The Orange Houses by Paul Griffin
2.10 Chime
2.15 Bunnicula (Bluestem - Illinois)
2.20 Moon Over Manifest (Newbery winner)
2.25 Mockingbird and One Crazy Summer (2010)
3.5 Something, Maybe
3.10 Turtle in Paradise
3.15 Death by Bikini
3.20 Bad Apple
3.25 Kisses from Hell and The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire
4.5 Still Sucks to be Me: More All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton Smith, Teen Vampire
4.10 The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
4.15 Thirteenth Child
4.20 Circle of Fire
4.25 Between Shades of Gray and Death Cloud
5.5 Initiation
5.10 Special event in HS (not sure yet) Prom and Prejudice maybe?
5.15 Hacking Harvard from http://www.fhs.d211.org/departments/e...
5.20 Oliver Twist
5.25 Divergent
I think I might sit this challenge out. It's very frustrating for me!
The nice part about the challenges is that you don't have to feel pressured to finish. Don't be frustrated, Amy, it's summer! :)
Amy wrote: "I think I might sit this challenge out. It's very frustrating for me!"Yeah- don't feel pressured to finish. Also if you don't want to plan ahead, you don't have to. Just read and if it fits, it fits. Some of us plan and end up not following our plan. I took my list of the books I was going to read anyways and found out where they fit. Think of it as a puzzle, like Sudoku :)
That's what I do too Kellee, I look what I have at home and what I can get from the library. No need to finish a challenge if you can't but it's fun to try. I love making the list even if I never follow it.
Wild Things: YA Grown-Up
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We're down to our last month of Challenge 8, so I figured I'd post up a section for the next one.
Did anyone want to run the challenge? I'd be up for it if no one else is interested.
What kind of summery tasks should we look at?