Stellman the Librarian

This week we put on our Nancy Drew hats and did some investigating: what do REAL teens REALLY like? In case anyone has some preconceived notions about teens liking "fluff" — those notions can be  forgotten immediately. Today's teens are interested in social justice, anti-bullying, and more. Judging by these books, I think the future is in good hands.  Yousafzai, Malala. (2013.) I Am Malala. New York City, New York: Little, Brown and Company. Plot summary: Malala Yousafzai bravely fought for her right to an education under Taliban rule. As a result, when she was 15, someone tried to execute her — by shooting her in the head. Despite all odds, Malala survived, and has become an international symbol of human rights, and a speaker at the U.N. Where I found it: A friend’s teen daughter recommended I am Malala, as it is her favorite book. Why I chose it: Malala is many things, including brave, eloquent, and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. She is a role ...

This week's focus was on "Nutritious books" - books that are non-fiction or historical in nature, and can be used for instruction in the classroom. There's somehow a world of exciting and instructional books out there - but here are just four. Swanson, James L. (2009.) Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. New York City, New York: Scholastic Press. Plot Summary: This story, which is built upon primary resources, details the desperate 12-day hunt for Abraham Lincoln’s killer, John Wilkes Booth. Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a YA adaption of Swanson’s bestselling book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer . Where I found it: I read an excerpt of the book on NPR.org and then found the book at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree.  Why I chose it: Many students visit Washington, D.C., as part of a school group at some point during their high school career. In addition to providing a wealth of information on John Wilkes Booth and the conspiracy to murder Presiden...