A new year brings new books to read and sometimes it’s fun to come up with reading challenges or, this time of year, reading resolutions to guide your adventures in storytelling this year. Here are some reading ideas for the youth librarian…and some personal anticipated books.
Resolutions:
- Read for all ranges of youth—picture books, first readers, middle grade and teen. At least one of each type per month.
- Explore genres outside of your comfort zone. Not into sci-fi? Try it. Don’t listen to audiobooks? Get one. Add nonfiction titles. And perhaps pick up a book on something wildly popular with kids. I’m sure there’s a K-Pop Demon Hunters book somewhere that will give you insights into what your customers love.
- Read books on the upcoming Book and Media Awards. Go beyond the Newbery, Caldecott and Printz and look at some of the other awards.
- Read some books for professional development.
And here are some upcoming releases about which I am excited, due to the authors!
Upcoming Books
Picture Books:
The Future Book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Barnett’s books are always clever, and this promises to be equally unusual…having being written in the future. I admit…I’m curious!
Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Marla Frazee
I have thoroughly enjoyed Marla Frazee’s illustrations ever since Sarah Pennypacker’s Clemintine books and am very excited to see her collaboration with Fogliano.
Chapter Books:
The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Wordsmith Alexander takes on chapter books with this story about a third grader who finds her voice advocating for her school library.
Middle Grade Books:
Phoenix by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The War that Saved My Life ensured that I will always read Brubaker Bradley. This new series starter features a girl, Harper, who is facing huge changes due to her parents’ divorce and who finds unexpected solace in a horse.
When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller
Three friends find a book of prophecies and eventually forget about it…until years later when they start coming true. Keller has won me over with fairy tale-like stories before, and I look forward to this magical realism climate-change novel.
Teen:
Okay, I’m cheating a bit, as this is already out as an audiobook, but it’s being adapted for print…and I anticipate everything by Jason Reynolds. I long to listen and read simultaneously.
What are you reading goals and anticipations this year?
This post addresses the core competencies of I. Commitment to Client Group and IV. Knowledge, Curation, and Management of Materials, and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.