Dystopian Novel Options

Created for the amazing English teachers at NHS for use with their classes.

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 Dystopian Novel Options

TLA Recap, Part 2 of 2

TLA was fabulous, of course.  This is the final installment in the TLA recap for 2015.  

Wednesday evening I had a lovely dinner at Parkside Austin put on by Macmillan Publishing.  Their fabulous school & library marketing manager, Katie Halata, is the epitome of graciousness. Authors Jessica Brody, Cecil Castellucci, Kimberly Willis Holt, Jacqueline Kelly, Emmy Laybourne, Jennifer Mathieu, Mary Pearson, Marie Rutkoski, Dan Yaccarino and EugeneYelchin were there.  (I just could swoon all day over this guest list, couldn't you? I mean seriously!!!)

Librarians Sonja & Jeri photobombed by the fabulous author Jessica Brody

Everyone was incredibly lovely and the conversations were lively.  I found myself seated next to Emmy Laybourne and across from Mary Pearson during dinner (again--seriously!!! I pinch myself). Let me just say that Emmy and I bonded like peas & carrots.  She is an absolute delight.  I am currently in the middle of reading a few new books, and her Sweet is one of them.  OH LAWD, but I am captivated by this story! You must rush out and get this book right this second. It was an altogether fantastic evening.

Thursday morning began early with a District 8 business meeting.  I am (was) the outgoing secretary, so it was my moment to take notes.  It really hit me during this meeting how many amazing librarians are out there doing such fantastic things for their patrons.  While few of us will ever receive awards for our work, we show up consistently, working hard to provide a wonderful warm atmosphere for our patrons so they may find & use a wide variety of information.
I LOVE this gig so much, y'all.

I went to some amazing sessions.  YA Historical Fiction, Marketing 101 for Libraries, YA Contemporary Literature, to name a few. I just feel giddy with the fabulous knowledge that now fills my brain after TLA!  :) Seriously amazing authors with such eloquence spoke about topics that are SO important---why diverse books are important and necessary, how to hook kids into reading, etc., as well as great ideas on marketing everything we do for our patrons.

Dinner the final night was an absolute celebration. It was like the very best kinds of dinner parties--the kind with old friends who are both witty and charming without trying too hard.  The kind you feel you can just kick your shoes off and be yourself and laugh over shared experiences. Yes, the folks at Harper Collins are fanflippintastic, and dinner was fabulous.  Author Julie Murphy and I are soul sisters, for real.  The fabulous Patti and I bonded over curly hair products (as we curly girls are prone to do.)  Is anyone on the planet cooler than Alessandra Belzer?  More darling than Molly Motch? I think not! Here are some shots of me with my new BFFs and some lovely flowers from the middle of the table.

we needed a selfie stick! ;)

hot stuff!  

aren't they gorgeous?

The Amazing continued on into Friday morning.  Author and Graphic Novelist Jeff Smith (JEFF SMITH!!!!) spoke in a room filled with caped superhero librarians.

Jeff Smith, author of Bone

And then I wept (WEPT) at the TASL (Texas Association of School Librarians) meeting when the winning Letters for Literature essays were read aloud by the students who wrote them.  All were wonderful, but the young lady that won the high school division had the room mesmerized by the power of her words.  She got a much-deserved standing ovation when she finished.

Oh yeah, and the #txlchat moderators won an award there, too---I am so fortunate to be part of such a great group.  Sharon Gullet, our fearless leader, deserves more accolades than we can talk about in the space of one blog post.  She has been the most wonderful mentor I could have ever dreamed of throughout my library career and I am forever in her debt.

I guess that is just about it.  TLA 2015 was a fantastic time of learning, networking, hanging out with friends both old and new, and recharging my batteries.  I'm completely ready to tackle the final 6 weeks of the school year and finish strong. Bring it on!

TLA Recap, Part 1 of 2

I look forward every year to attending the Texas Library Association's annual conference. It is truly always a highlight of my year.  A. It comes at a great time--right around my birthday, in fact, so that it feels like a mini-vacation celebrating ME,  B. I connect and reconnect with other bookish folk from all over Texas and lands further out, as well, and C. I come back renewed and excited dragging bags of new books with me! I mean, seriously what's NOT to love about that, right?

For the past few years, my TLA roomie has been one of my very best friends on the planet, fellow bibliophile, and librarian Angie.  Angie and I worked together years ago, and she is now the librarian at my former middle school library.  Here we are looking cute at an event sponsored by one of our book jobbers.  Hey, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it, right?

TLA started off with a bang this year.  I missed out on the Tech Camp pre-conference last year and was determined to make it this year.  Thank goodness they opened the enrollment from about 200 last year to around 600 or so this year!  It was well worth attending.  Honestly, my head was spinning from SO much GREAT information just from Tech Camp alone.  I'm working on ways to incorporate Maker Spaces into my current library situation, as well as thinking about other ways I can incorporate my learning.  I took notes galore--some on my phone, some on paper, as I am an equal opportunity note-taker. I heard Aaron and Colleen Graves, Matthew Winner, Lisa Johnson, and the Tech Chics (Anna Adam & Helen Mowers) all give amazing info that I can take back to my school.  

After Tech Camp, our #TXLchat group met up at our table for the Great Ideas Poster Session.  It was awesome to meet folks in real life that are part of the best PLN on the planet, and to chat up new folks, as well.  I'd like to take this opportunity here & now to invite you to join us every Tuesday night from 8:00-8:30 CST for some great discussions on all things library on Twitter using the hashtag #txlchat.

a few of the #txlchat crew at our poster session!

Tuesday evening was spent at lovely dinner put on by the fine folks at Simon & Schuster. Held at NoVa, a group gathered around the table to celebrate the ever-amazing Laurie Halse Anderson.  I cannot tell you how much I admire her--as an author, and a fellow human on this planet.  She is equal parts brilliant and warm, as were the others gathered there, and the night was fantastic.  I enjoyed catching up with friends old & new, being entertained by stories of the shenanigans of other people's children, and learning about the fabulous Brooklyn Sky-Farm. Hearing Laurie read from her work-in-progress was icing on the cake.  Speaking of icing...the dessert that evening consisted of a homemade fried blueberry cake donut ball rolled in powdered sugar with lavender icing for dipping.  Yes, it was as fabulous as you might imagine.

Wednesday started off with the first General Session of the conference, with author David Baldacci as our keynote speaker.  Awards for Texas library fabulousness were given out, and then David Baldacci took the mic.  He was charming and self-deprecating, and hilarious to boot.  I attended sessions on budgeting for Teen programming and telling your library story through your online presence.  Then I attended the Texas Tea---a meet and greet with YA authors.  Over 50 authors attended, but each table of librarians met approximately 8-10 of them as they rotated through their assigned tables.  I enjoyed meeting the authors, of course and have several new titles on my "to purchase" list for the high school.  

Highlights were chatting with Marie Lu and having another of my weird-but-in-a-good-way moments with another author who shall remain nameless right now.  Now most authors come to the table, give their elevator speeches, pass around their book and a bit of swag and are then ready to chat until the bell rings to change tables. Author Dude skipped the first parts and went straight into the chat portion of events with our side of the table.  He asked, "so do any of you write?"  I said nothing.  Mostly because I have no finished product I would be willing to share.  I don't have a manuscript---I have multiple WIPs and no sign of finishing any of them particularly soon.  My friend Angie, however, pipes up with "she does" and points to me.  

"I KNEW it!" he said.  "So, whatcha working on right now?" 

Then it was my turn to give an elevator speech. He listened and when I finish he looks at me and says something along the lines of  "My agent would love it. I'm serious.  You have a million-dollar idea right there."  

I honestly can't remember his exact words because...well, because duh! I'm gobsmacked and floating above my body. Anyway, he reaches over, grabs a napkin, and writes his email address on it.  He told me to send him my manuscript when I finish and he will forward it to his agent for me. Just another sign to keep on keeping on, right?  I appreciate that the universe sends those my direction every now and again. 

To be continued....

TIME for a new display

Today I realized I still had my ginormous Easter basket filled with awesome books display up. Pretty as it was, the time had come to make a change.  I was waiting until just the right time, of course, for changing to the T.A.R.D.I.S display. Looks like today was finally the day!

There was an immediate reaction from my Whovians.  Before I even finished the display, phones were out and photos were snapped, hugs were given and squeals were heard.  I loved seeing my kids so excited!

I've had this standee ready and waiting for a while---and I think now that we are in the home stretch of the school year, it adds just the right touch of whimsy for those of us wishing time would pass just a bit faster.

As much as I am enjoying the front of the display, though...I have to say that what tickles me the most is what I wrote on the back of the chalkboard sign.  This sign is not quite as sturdy as I would like, so...

My kids have gotten a big kick out of this, too.  

Until next time...

until we meet again

Day 31of 31 of the Slice of Life Challenge

So we've reached the end of March and of this year's Slice of Life challenge. It doesn't seem quite real yet that this is the end.

I have no real ideas tonight on anything grand or touching to write about.  I think it is the pressure I feel to make the last post of the challenge super special. My brain freezes over and quickly discards all ideas as not good enough. 

With that in mind, I will make this exit as I make so many of my "in real life" exits--quick and easy.

I have loved every minute, y' all.  I look forward to slicing on Tuesdays.  I look forward to reading the posts of other slicers. I'll send good wishes out into the universe for us all. 

Until we meet again-

Sonja

the tangibles

Day 30 of the Slice of Life Challenge

I've written about how much this challenge has given me, and about some of the lessons learned. What I haven't mentioned are the tangible things I've gained from reading posts from other slicers.

• I've ordered some Red Rose tea.  The original 100-count box because THOSE are the ones the whimsies come in.  It's a thing.  Ask the Google.  
• Both Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon are on their way to me and should arrive tomorrow.
• A  coloring book for grown-ups, Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford will eventually be on its way to me---as soon as they are back in stock.  Who knew these were so popular?
• Also, a 48-count box of new gel pens because clearly one needs new pretty pens when one has a gorgeous new coloring book. 

These are VERY exciting developments, friends.  Not only am I feeling like a complete winner for meeting my goal of writing & posting every day in March, as well as commenting on at least 3 other slices per day, but I've come away with some great new play pretties that will add fun & knowledge to my life!

book club

Day 29 of the Slice of Life Challenge

My book club met today.  Sunday meetings are totally out of the ordinary.  We generally meet one Friday afternoon a month and by we I mean everyone-but-me-because-I-can't-seem-to-make-it.  I was invited to join this book club after getting the high school librarian job as the book club is mostly made up of high school teachers. I've read just about all the books even though I haven't been able to make the meetings, but I really loved this month's selection so I was overjoyed to be able to attend.

This month's book was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.  Harold is an ordinary man who has lived an ordinary life.  He is newly retired and lives with his wife in the same house they've lived in for years and years. His wife Maureen is distant and angry.   When Harold receives a letter from an old friend he hasn't seen or heard from in 20 years he embarks on a quest almost without knowing it. 

I enjoyed the book so much I'm now reading the companion novel, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy and honestly, I'm loving it so much more.  Perhaps because I already know and love these characters.  Perhaps because I love a story about the small moments that make up our lives. 

I feel in some ways it is the bravest way to live your life---as one of the ordinary.  Most of us long to be seen as extraordinary in some way or another as we grow up.  When you ask kids what they would like to do when they grow up you'll get a lot of answers that show that most of us long for fame and fortune. (except my Olivia who answers that question with --I want to be me.  That's all. Just me. And I say good on ya, baby to that answer.  Oh, to have such wisdom.) And yet, that isn't in the cards for the bulk of us.  We have to find the gumption and grit to get up each morning and do our best with no adoring crowds and often no atta-boys.  When we learn that we are enough--just as we are--ordinary humans making ordinary mistakes in our ordinary lives it can actually become transcendent. It is through the mundane tasks of doing the dishes and walking the dogs that we can laugh and love and be.  It is through the ordinary that most of us become extraordinary in our own lives.