Banned Books Week

This week is Banned Books Week, a time to focus on freedom of speech, the meaning of censorship and celebrating the freedom to read.

The American Library Association tracks challenges to books across the country and each year lists the 10 most frequently challenged books. ALA also has lists of the top 10 challenged authors, the top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2007, and many others.

The books on the list may surprise you. Take a look and celebrate your freedom to read!

What I'm Reading: Graphic Novels

Just a few graphic novel recommendations!

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (ages 12+)
Award winning graphic novel about the struggles of being perceived as different. Tells three interrelated stories: being the only Chinese American boy at a new school, a Chinese fable about the Monkey King, and about being embarrassed by a stereotypical Chinese relative.

The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (ages 14+)
Combines both Persepolis books in one volume. Follows Marjane from childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution through adolescence in Europe and her return to Tehran for college.

Miki Falls by Mark Crilley (ages 12+)
On a lighter note, Miki Falls is about the romance between Miki and Hero, a boy with secrets...a boy who might not be human. For anyone who loves a supernatural romance.

Letters About Literature

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Created a strong emotional impact? Or made you think seriously about an issue? If so, now is your chance to write a letter to the author of that book. Let them know how much their novel, poetry collection, play, etc. made an impact on you. The Library of Congress and Target are sponsoring a contest called Letters About Literature. Write a letter to the author of the work you made a personal connection with, send it to the Letters About Literature competition, and you could win a $500 Target gift card and $10,000 for your local school or public library.

Entry forms are available at the Shorewood Library or online at www.lettersaboutliterature.org.

Good luck!

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

One of my favorite books of 2006 was Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. And now it's being released as a movie next month starring the amazing Micheal Cera and Kat Dennings. Check out the trailer and check out the book!

What I'm Reading: Realistic Fiction

I wanted to share a few good realistic fiction books I've read lately.

She's So Money by Cherry Cheva

Maya's always been the good girl; studies hard and gets good grades all while helping her family at their Thai restaurant. Then Maya makes a huge mistake at the restaurant, hides it from her parents, and gets into deep trouble with local hottie Camden King.


Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley

Snowboarder, Syrah, has long been defined by her father, a cell phone billionaire. After an accident that prevents Syrah from snowboarding, she begins to find a new life that allows her to step out from her father's shadow and show everyone the real Syrah Cheng.


The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman

Katie and her sister Michaela do everything together. That is until they move from New York City to small town Fir Lake and Michaela becomes Miss Popularity. Katie misses the city, her friends, and ballet, but not as much as she misses her sister.