Award-Winning Reads | A Monster Calls

The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming . . .   

This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.   

It wants the truth.

Hello Everyone,

I've been in a bit of a somber, serious mood lately. (And no, that's not me reflecting and ruminating in the image to the right. Trust me, when I'm thinking deeply I look a lot scarier than that)! Unfortunately, there have been a couple of special people who were connected with the Tracy Library as well as people who I associated with in my congregation who passed away. I couldn't help but recall this literary treasure, which also reminded me how painful suffering loss can be.

The critically-acclaimed award winner of the week that I'm highlighting originates from across the pond. This book won, not only one, but two medals: the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals. According to the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the organization which confers these medals, the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals are the United Kingdom's oldest and most prestigious children's book awards. Talk about a double honor!

The medals are awarded by children's librarians to books for children and young people. The Carnegie Medal is awarded for an outstanding book and The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded for an outstanding book in terms of illustration. Since this title won both, you can expect an excellently executed story line with equally impressive illustrations.

And the 2012 Carnegie and Greenaway Medals go to . . .

(drum roll, please)

A Monster Calls! It is written by Patrick Ness, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, and illustrated by Jim Kay.

(I know the reveal isn't as dramatic since it's included in the title of this post, but please just try to act a little surprised).

I first read this hauntingly beautiful novel as an ebook on OverDrive and was immediately drawn to Conor, a thirteen-year-old boy who was primarily cared for by his mother. Conor struggles with his feelings while watching her battle a life-threatening illness. Suddenly an unnamed monster (why are the scariest monsters usually unnamed?) begins to regularly call on him at night. Who is this titular monster? Is it real or imagined? Friend or foe? And what could it possibly want with Conor? (Hint: it's in the opening quote). 

As the story develops and builds tension, so does Conor. His pent-up frustration and helplessness in a situation far beyond his control ultimately reaches its peak and the truth he discovers about himself leads to his much-anticipated catharsis. The black and white illustrations accentuate the dark, fantastical undertones of the story. If you want to try a deeply moving read, check out this book. 

Let me leave you a line from the novel.        

Stories are wild creatures. Who knows what havoc they might wreak?

Next week, find out about two friends - one human and one unimaginary (yes,  unimaginary *ooh*)!

Until next time, have a good reading!

Raquelle

Books On Film | Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood is a French fairytale first published in Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals by Charles Perrault in 1697. It was intended to be a cautionary tale which emphasized the danger in children trusting strangers. In Perrault's version, the book ends with the little girl and her grandmother being eaten by the wolf. 

A later version of the tale published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm introduces a huntsman who saves the little girl and her grandmother from the wolf. This is probably the most well known version of the story. There are many other versions of the story however, including international ones like Lon Po Po (a Chinese Little Red Riding Hood story).

There have also been many stage, television, and film versions of the tale. The latest of which included Red Riding Hood (2011), set in medieval Europe and geared toward the Twlight-loving crowd. Little Red Riding Hood, her grandmother, and many other fairytale characters are featured in the Stephen Sondheim's musical Into The Woods and in ABC's television show Once Upon A Time.   

In Into The Woods all of the characters live in the same kingdom and follow their respective stories, until the kingdom is "invaded" by the wife of the giant who Jack, from Jack and The Beanstalk, kills. In Once Upon A Time all the fairytale characters live in a little town in the Northeast US after being put under a spell by The Evil Queen. Once Upon A Time takes a lot of liberties with the stories, as part of the mystery is figuring out which towns person is which fairytale character!

 

Covers provided courtesy of LibraryThing

The Wanderlust Librarian | Dear 16 year old Rena....

Reading Dear Me: Letters to My 16 Year Old Self  gave me the confidence to write a letter to my 16 year old self. I'd like to share that letter with you. Enjoy. 

Dear Me, 

I found the diaries you wrote in when you were 11 or 12 and almost all of the things were about travel. I am now in my 30s (GASP). Don't worry, we still look pretty young! :D

I know that you've failed your driver's test twice and you're very sad about (possibly) not ever driving or going anywhere, but don't worry, you'll get a license (third time's a charm!). You'll be the happiest, safest, and slowest driver around! You'll drive everywhere and love every minute of it. 

My greatest advice to you: travel more. 

Travel alone, travel with others...just go. 

• Learn some foreign languages and some history about the places you're going. 
• Being polite goes a long way. You may not know how to speak Chinese but a smile is international goodwill. 
• Read books. LOTS of books! You'll learn a lot about culture and social norms. The information will come in handy at some point in your life. 
• When you travel with people, find time for yourself. Sometimes you'll want to see something or do an activity that nobody else is interested in. Do it. If you don't, you'll regret not going or doing. You're worth the time. 
• Just because you're friends with someone, doesn't mean they'll be a good travel companion. Take a short trip to see what they're like. A person's true personality comes out when they're far from home. 
• Save. Save. Save for travel. You never know when a good deal will come up. 
• Read travel guides by Rick Steves . The man knows his travel.
• Don't be afraid of your interests. You are unique and not everyone is going to like visiting cemeteries. 
• Relax. Your life is awesome. It's full of ups and downs and rivers of tears at times...but they make you who you will become. 

I'll write some more later. After all,  I write a lot and there's a lot I still want to tell you. 

Take care of yourself, 

Love, Me. 

Professor O | Manga Goodies

Professor O, reporting for duty! 

   

Fellow adventurers! Professor O is here with a nice little manga treat, something right before Halloween. Library Wars with art and story by Kiiro Yumi is a nice little series, that plays with issues that are relevant to our times, thereby giving more power to the story. If the title does not grab you (you know, the part that mentions "Library" and "Wars"), then you are a very difficult customer indeed. What could this title mean, "Library Wars?" 

 In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces!

 The manga touches on the themes of censorship, war, and personal freedom. The Professor appreciate titles such as these, they offer the reader something deep to think about along with those speed lines and huge cute eyes. The action is top-notch, the hair unbrushed, and the art work is just right, considering this is drawn and written by the same person. A good read, I say!

                                                         

 

Enjoy the seven issues that the SSJCPL has to offer on this series.  Take advantage of the manga at your library.

Until next time, reader, keep your library free, let's avoid this fate!