#YAMSReads

For a few years, I have wanted to host a twitter chat.  I had a plan, but it just did not happen.  I could not find an hour in the month that I could commit to be ready for that amount of involvement.  I saw something this summer about an extended twitter chat.  It gives folks longer than an hour to answer and respond.  So, I decided that I would try it.

Our staff has been challenged to read at least one of the titles in a given list.  Then, to answer and respond to others' answers in an extended twitter chat.  We will have our first one from September 20--September 25, 2019.  A good friend gave me a name for it, so we are ready to roll.  I am hoping that we can get the conversations flowing with good, solid YA literature.  I am so excited.

Here is to good reading.  #YAMSReads

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Annabelle is living a good life on the farm until Betty comes to live with her grandparents.  Betty is a bully.  A sneaky, conniving bully.  Annabelle stands up to her, but Betty finds ways to get to Annabelle through other people including her brothers and the town hermit, Toby.  Betty teams up with another bully at school, and they are up to no good.  After a horrible incident involving another student, people are out to get Toby.  Annabelle knows that he did not have anything to do with it, but people aren't believing her.  Then, Betty goes missing.  Everyone is blaming Toby.  Annabelle knows that Toby had nothing to do with Betty's disappearance, right?  The longer Betty is gone--the more Annabelle starts to doubt whether or not Toby is involved.

This novel is a definite must-read.  It explores prejudice and bullying through a page turning experience to see what happened to Betty.  I have to warn you--you will need tissues.

If you would like the chance to win a free copy of this book, come to the library and enter the drawing from Tuesday, March 26--Friday, March 29.  I will draw a winner on Friday afternoon.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

The Bell twins look alike, and they have many things in common.  But, you can definitely tell the difference between what the boys think is most important except they agree on 2 things--family and basketball.  And, they make sure to stick to the Bell basketball rules:  In this game of life, your family is the court, and the ball is your heart.

This book is told in verse, and Alexander does a masterful job of pairing poetry with basketball.  You feel as though you are on the court, but the story is not just about basketball.  It is about family, and how you deal with a sibling who does not see things your way and a dad who ignores the signs.

READ. THIS. BOOK.  You will not be sorry.

If you would like to enter to get a free copy of this book, come by the RMS library and enter the drawing.

Woody Duke & Dave by Vuthy Kuon & Duke Nguyen

In preparation of our upcoming author visit, I want to tell you about a book written by Vuthy Kuon and Duke Nguyen.

In this book, the 3 main characters are not happy with their physical appearance.  So, they set about to change it.  Of course, they don't think about the ramifications of their choices, and they soon find out that they should be grateful for what they have.

I highly recommend reading this book.  Of course, I will be giving many of these books away next week, but I wanted to make you aware now in case you want to ensure that you get one of them.

EXO by Fonda Lee

From the Publisher

It's been a century of peace since Earth became a colony of an alien race with far reaches into the galaxy. Some die-hard extremists still oppose their rule on Earth, but Donovan Reyes isn't one of them. His dad holds the prestigious position of Prime Liaison in the collaborationist government, and Donovan's high social standing along with his exocel (a remarkable alien technology fused to his body) guarantee him a bright future in the security forces. That is, until a routine patrol goes awry and Donovan's abducted by the human revolutionary group Sapience.When Sapience realizes who Donovan's father is, they think they've found the ultimate bargaining chip. But the Prime Liaison doesn't negotiate with terrorists, not even for his own son. Left in the hands of terrorists who have more uses for him dead than alive, the fate of Earth rests on Donovan's survival. Because if Sapience kills him, it could spark another intergalactic war. And Earth didn't win the last one...

Try out this quick read.

Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon

Joshua Dread is not your average 6th grader.  His parents are super villains and are always coming up with ways to take over the world.  As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Joshua is noticing that he has some super powers.  And, if he doesn't learn to control them, everyone is going to be in trouble.

Check out this light hearted fantasy.