SYNC

Last month at PLA I heard about the audiobook publishers SYNC program for the first time. The goal of the SYNC program is to introduce the listening experience to teen patrons, students, and other readers over the summer. SYNC will be giving away 2 FREE audiobook downloads each week for 10 weeks this summer.

The weekly SYNC audiobook pairings will offer a popular young adult title and a related classic. This summer's titles include, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Guys Read: Funny Business, Call of the Wild, Sense and Sensibility and many more! There is additional information and a promotional kit soon to be available online at www.AudiobookSync.com 

Another Summer Idea

What a great day we had at yesterday's workshop - thanks to Ellen, Kathryn, and all the enthusiastic presenters. Just this morning, I found this:

http://www.nature-watch.com/starry-starry-day-activity-kit-p-49.html?cPath=160_183

They would be so easy to prep (even for those who are craft-challenged like me!), and they definitely go with the theme.

YALSA has posted it's Best Lists lists for 2011.
YALSA Booklists Awards

2011 Award Winners (Alex, Edwards, Morris, Nonfiction, Odyssey, Printz)
2011 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks
2011 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults
2011 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2011 Top Ten Popular Papebacks for Young Adults
2011 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative or Literary Nonfiction uses the techniques of fiction, including creation of a narrative arc, character development, scene-setting, action sequences, dialog and interior monolog to convey facts and information. Pop-out boxes of factoids, graphs, charts, illustrations, etc are usually absent. Few series books are considered Narrative Nonfiction.

What are some good Narrative Nonfiction titles that we can add to our PLS Narrative Nonfiction List to supply to our school districts?  Book are intended for Grades 2 - 12.

Caldecott, Newbery, and Prinz Awards

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
“Dead End in Norvelt,” written by Jack Gantos, is the 2012 Newbery Medal winner.

Two Newbery Honor Books
 "Inside Out & Back Again," written by Thanhha Lai
"Breaking Stalin’s Nose,” written and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin,

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“A Ball for Daisy," illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, is the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner.

Three Caldecott Honor Books also were named:
“Blackout,” illustrated and written by John Rocco
"Grandpa Green" illustrated and written by Lane Smith,
“Me … Jane,” illustrated and written by Patrick McDonnell

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:
“Where Things Come Back,” written by John Corey Whaley is the 2012 prize winner.

“Why We Broke Up,” written by Daniel Handler, art by Maira Kalman
“The Returning,” written by Christine Hinwood
“Jasper Jones,” written by Craig Silvey

Youth Yak following Jan System Meeting.  Friday, Jan 20th. Noon to 1:30ish

Youth Yak is a time for Youth Services Specialists to network and glean solutions and ideas from your colleagues. Register on the Calendar of Events.  PLS

Topics:

1. Professional development/support. Discussion of ways this works in PLS. 
2. Bring 3 narrative nonfiction (not series NF) titles to share for A bibliography to be developed. As part of the new Common Core the schools are dealing with, students are being required to read narrative non-fiction.  Many school libraries lack this genre of nonfiction. As public libraries, this is a void we can help them fill, especially until they have time and resources to build their collections in this area.
 

Narrative or Literary Nonfiction uses the techniques of fiction, including creation of a narrative arc, character development, scene-setting, action sequences, dialog and interior monolog to convey facts and information. Pop-out boxes of factoids, graphs, charts, illustrations, etc are usually absent. Few series books are considered Narrative Nonfiction.

1. Participants' Choice.  Any other sharing of ideas you wish to bring forth!  

Lunches will be available from Mac's or you may bring your own. If you want Mac's have your order to Heidi before 10 am on Friday. Cost ranges from $7.00-$7.75. hjenson@pls-net.org

Teen Video Challenge

New York State Library announced its participation in the CSLP 2012 Teen Video Challenge summer reading competition for teens.
Information and entry forms for teens interested in entering the New York State 2012 competition are now available on the "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" website http://www.summerreadingnys.org/index.php/SRNYL/'       please click on "2012 Teen Video Challenge."
All information for public libraries to encourage teens to participate in the competition can be found at the "Librarians and Educators" section of the website or by going to: http://www.summerreadingnys.org/index.php/Librarians/menu/category/teen_video_challenge/

The musician Moby has generously made some of his instrumental music available to filmmakers developing educational videos.  An archive of “film music” available for independent, student or non-profit film production from the alternative rock/electronic music maestro is available at  Mobygratis.com

Please print out the poster (below) to display in libraries, schools, after school centers, and other community spaces that teens visit.

Last year we had 20 interesting and creative entries, we are hoping to receive even more this year.

For further information please contact: Karen Balsen, coordinator of Summer Reading at New York Libraries, at kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov or 518-486-5252
Teen Video Contest poster

Have a Seat?

I am contemplating some furniture changes in the children's area here at Warsaw. We currently have a display table that takes up a great deal of space. It is one of those classic pieces of library furniture that really doesn't function very well with the way patrons use the library. We received a patron suggestion that we add some more "comfy" reading furniture in this area and we received an unrelated memorial that might be used for some furnishings if I can come up with a plan. What I was wondering is do any of you have a piece of furniture that you think is great? What do you wish you had? The space I have to work with is small. It is in the middle of a room that is ringed with wall shelving and it is the space that I use for storytime, so flexibility is a key. I would appreciate any help and suggestions you have to offer. Mary

Oops! National Book Foundation Unveils Six YA Finalists

Oops! National Book Foundation Unveils Six YA Finalists

Six teen books have been named finalists in the National Book Awards