“So many books, so little time.”
Title: The Catastrophic History of You and Me Author: Jess Rothenberg Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance Fiction. Review by: Chantelle, LCA Intern for Library HQ Synopsis: If I’d known right then that this was the kid who would grow up to break my heart beyond repair, maybe I would’ve stayed upstairs on the phone with… Continue reading Book Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Title: The Crossover Author: Kwame Alexander Genre: YA General Fiction Review: Orla O’ Brien (Kildare Town Library) Synopsis: A powerful novel in verse about twin brothers who are rivals both on and off the basketball court. Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Honor Award. Review: This is a captivating verse novel, which means it is written… Continue reading Orla’s YA Book of the Month
Title: The Hunger Games Author: Suzanne Collins Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopian fiction. Adventure. Review by: Chantelle, LCA Intern for Library HQ Synopsis: In a bleak future, twenty-four girls and boys are poised against each other in a live TV show called The Hunger Games. There is just one rule: Kill or be killed. Sixteen… Continue reading Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Title: Just Listen Author: Sarah Dessen Genre: Young Adult Fiction Review by: Chantelle, LCA Intern for Library HQ Synopsis: When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend, (the popular and exciting Sophie) she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. But then she meets Owen, a loner,… Continue reading Book Review: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Low, Mundane, Magical Realism and Vampire Fantasy By Elaine Patterson, Newbridge Headquarters. Low Fantasy Low Fantasy is the opposite of High Fantasy, and so has little emphasis on heroism and magic. The setting is more ordinary, such as the real world or a world very like the real world. Social commentary is often present, with… Continue reading Fantasy Series – A Closer Look at the Genre – Part 4
Title: The Outsiders Author: S.E. Hinton Genre: Young Adult Fiction. Review by: Chantelle, LCA Intern for Library HQ Synopsis: The Socs or "Socials", and the "Greasers" are rival gangs from the opposite side of town. The Socs' idea of a good time is cruising around in their flashy cars and beating up long-haired Greasers like… Continue reading Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Children, Epic, High, Hard and Dragon Fantasy By Elaine Patterson, Newbridge Headquarters. Epic Fantasy Epic fantasy usually features a world altering quest such as saving the world from a great evil or being destroyed. The focus is on the scale of conflict, with a large cast of characters engaged in a Good vs Evil story.… Continue reading Fantasy Series – A Closer Look at the Genre – Part 3
Teens are often the hardest age category to engage in reading or attending the library, so Kildare Libraries works extra hard to facilitate the Teens that do want to have a place they can talk about reading or indeed writing. At present, Kildare Libraries have three online book clubs and one teen writing group, all… Continue reading Young Adult Groups at Kildare Libraries
Children, Young Adult and Coming of Age and Anthropomorphic Fantasy By Elaine Patterson, Newbridge Headquarters. Children’s Fantasy This is fantasy that is explicitly aimed at children, although adults will often enjoy some children’s series and books. Children’s fantasy tends to have younger but highly developed characters, a low level of violence, a variable level of… Continue reading Fantasy Series – A Closer Look at the Genre – Part 2
Title: Apple and Rain Author: Sarah Crossan Genre: YA General Fiction Review: Orla O’ Brien (Kildare Town Library) Synopsis: A stunning novel from Carnegie-shortlisted author Sarah Crossan; moving and beautifully crafted, it explores the bond between daughters and mothers, forgiveness and the healing power of words. Review: The social pecking order at school can prey a lot on a teenager’s… Continue reading Orla’s YA Book of the Month
