Surprising Finds

February 07, 2011

Currently at the library, we are challenging ourselves to read more Young Adult and Juvenile Fiction so we can better recommend books to our younger customers.  When I first learned of this challenge, I was skeptical. Young Adult and Juvenile books just didn’t appeal to me. Did I want to spend time reading things that I may not enjoy?  I decided to pick one book from each section, and give it a try. I’m SO glad I did!

The first book I started with was a Juvenile Fiction title, Ms. Hannah is Bananas by Dan Gutman. It’s part of his My Weird School Series, and I’ve had several young patrons ask for it.  It’s a fast read at only 84 pages, but it was hilarious. The book features A.J., an elementary school student, who has to put up with his crazy art teacher, Ms. Hannah. She wants him to learn to appreciate art and to work with the class know-it-all, Andrea.  What a drag!

For my YA selection, I chose Mistwood by Leah Cypress. Now, I have read a few Young Adult titles before, and most are quite good. Mistwood is one of the best YA titles I have come across. Cypress, in her debut novel, combines fantasy and romance to bring the reader into the world of Samorna, where kings have been guarded by the Shifter for hundreds of years. Through twists and turns, we find that the Shifter may not be guarding the true heir to the throne, but she may have already fallen in love with him. This book really kept me reading.

So, when you’re looking for your next book, try browsing a section you haven’t visited before. You never know what you may find and you might be surprised at how well you like it.

Jessica S.
Colbern Road Branch