This years Judy Blume

CORBETT, S. (2011). Lauren myracle: 'this generation's judy blume.'.Publishers Weekly, 258(8), 31.

Reflections

When I was a tween I lived on Judy Blume. She taught me crucial aspects of changing bodies, first crushes, and the drama of middle school which is something that my parents didn't even know where to begin to talk about with me. She was a safe haven, a friend. It wasn't until I grew up and started working in a public library that I realized that she was one of the most challenged authors of all time. Like I have said before, most of the "risque" content went right over my head and my tween brain only absorbed what I understood. I understood that friendships sometimes sour, that the pitter patter of my heart every time I saw my 6th grade crush was normal, and that my boob size, unfortunately, would not increase with silly rhymes. 

This article suggests that Lauren Myracle, author of the popular books, TTYL, Shine, and G8R, is this generations Judy Blume. Bravo to her! Of course, this brought out the nut jobs who send her disheartening emails, and threats of the gates of hell, but Lauren explains that it only takes that one email from a tween or teen to share their gratefulness for her and her writing to get her back on her feet. I am a believer that authors who stand up to critics and back their works 100 percent, are the true award winners. Authors should not write for money, they should write for their readers, and not hold back. 

Purchasing graphic novels for tweens...

Moon, B. (2008). [The Librarian's Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens]. School Library Journal, 54(8), 156. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database

Reflections

Ahhhhh the graphic novel. Both a librarians best friend and worst enemy. I remember when the first graphic novels for kids started coming out and what an uproar erupted on the listserves. Kids reading comics?!?! What is going to happen to books?!?! This is a library, not a comic book store!! These were splashed across the emails daily. I remember having to beg my supervisor to try a few, you know a few Spider-Man, Archie and Friends, and even some Wonder Woman comics for the girls. She agreed, and now three years later, our shelves are packed and ever so popular! Side note: she does still refuse to let me purchase any graphic novels that are based off of classic literature or any non-fiction graphic novels. 

This particular book has been a great resource to have because it contains a vast amount of information about the history of graphic novels, how to choose age appropriate graphic novels and an annotates list of great graphic novels that should be purchased for kids. The section that I think is the most useful is the section where the author gives great ideas on tying graphic novels in with programming...what tween wouldn't love a program based off of a superhero or fantasy graphic novel?
I have also noticed that parents have let down their guard a bit when it comes to graphic novels. Before, they didn't think reading comic books at the library was appropriate and many were nervous about the content. When they became more popular, and they saw teachers assigning them in class, their view changed. I used to have a boy patron who hated to read. I mean he would sit at the desk and mop while his siblings selected their books. I asked his mother if it was ok to show him to our graphic novel section and even though she was a bit hesitant she obliged. I handed him the Bone series by Jeff Smith and he begrudgingly took it. When they came back the next week he rushed straight over to the section and his mother thanked me for changing his life. Yes, I was in tears later that night. :) This is why...I am a librarian. 

Serving Young Tweens and Teens Book...

Smith, Mikki. (2009). Serving young tweens and teens. Education Library, 32(2). Retrived from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.44.

Reflections

This book saved my tween loving life! This was one of my first tween book purchasing for my reference collection and it has increased my personal and professional growth when working with tweens. I was so excited that this was one of the required readings in my 264-10 course at San Jose State University. Each chapter of this book addresses different aspects of serving this age group and touched on specialized subjects like censorship, media, reference service, and space concerns. This was most useful when my library decided to split up our programs by specialized ages and during a time where tweens was just a silly word. Again, it is crucial to look for help when working with different groups and this book, along with listserves and partnerships with other libraries, has helped me provide better services and understand this special age group. It is my goal to get out of the whole "middle child" stigma this group has, and it is about time that others see the importance of doing so. 

Another great section of this book is a great annotated list of fiction and non-fiction books that or organized by special subjects such as graphic novels, novels in verse, and social development. I have added to this list over the years and I use it as a reference tool when tweens want something to read, but have no idea what.