Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan (0-375-82400-6)
When I went to library school, we had someone come to our YA lit class and talk about gay literature for teens. In all of the books at that time, the gay teen in the books died at the end or in some way disappeared until Annie on My Mind came out.
Now we have this book which once again revolutionizes gay literature for young adults. Imagine a community where gay kids are just as normal as straight, where P-FLAG is as large a program as the PTO, where love is still confusing and hard, where two boys can kiss on the front steps of a school with no stares or whispers, where everyone is accepted. If you can’t imagine that, then you have to read this book. It is a realization of what the world could be like if homosexuals were treated the same way as heterosexuals.
Amazing book with nothing more graphic than kissing. This is one that should be shared and discussed.
Month: November 2003
Canadian Toy Testing Council
Canadian Toy Testing Council
The Canadian Toy Testing Council reviews not only toys, which is helpful for holiday shopping, but books. Every year they put out a list of “Great Books.” Just select Great Books from the menu on the left side of the screen and you will be shown not only this year’s choices but choices from several previous years.
Horvath Wins NBA
Northwest writer scores book award
Polly Horvath wins the National Book Award for children’s literature for The Canning Season.
People who work with teens may also be interested in the controversy surrounding the honorary award Stephen King received for his lifetime body of work.
Shel Silverstein
ShelSilverstein.com
After being online for awhile, new sites stop impressing so much, but this newly launched Shel Silverstein site is incredible! You never know what your mouse is going to find next, what little touch of humor will be incorporated, what drawing will suddenly come to life. This is one to share with kids who love Silverstein’s poetry, and what kid doesn’t!
Patricia Hubbell
Patricia Hubbell
Homepage for this author of children’s books and children’s poetry. Her site offers tips on poetry writing, answers to questions, and information on her books.
Denise Fleming
Denise Fleming
Homepage for this author and illustrator of picture books. My favorite part of the site is the page on papermaking, the technique she uses to create her incredible art.
Jan Pienkowski
Jan Pienkowski
Jan Pienkowski is the creator of some of the more popular pop up books available. His website offers games, a book list and a look at some of his other work.
Dirty Cowboy
The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, pictures by Adam Rex (0-374-31791-7)
Whoooowheeeee! What a wonderful book filled with pictures that make you laugh out loud and a text with a rollicking rhythm. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations during the cowboy’s bath when different objects are positioned to hide delicate areas. What a hoot!
This one is a great read aloud, though the illustrations are so great that it makes a good lap book as well so one can linger over them. Use this one to hook boys.
Thanksgiving Is Here
Thanksgiving Is Here by Diane Goode (0-06-051588-0)
A wonderful glimpse into a family’s Thanksgiving that makes you want to jump right into the illustrations and join in. The illustrations are jam-packed with so many details and parallel stories that you will be able to look at them again and again and find something new every time. The essence of a busy Thanksgiving Day is perfectly captured here.
Waking Brain Cells 