Thursday, January 29, 2009
We Just Couldn’t Wait
Monday, January 26, 2009
Youth Literacy Awards Announced
These 2009 literary award winners were announced today in Denver at the American Library Association Conference-Youth Media Awards.
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The Newbery Medal winner for 2009 is:
Neil Gaiman, author of The Graveyard Book.
The honor books in this category are:
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (on order)
Underneath by Kathi Appelt .
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
The Caldecott Medal winner for 2009 is:
Beth Krommes, illustrator of The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson.
The honor books in this category are:
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever written and illustrated by Marie Frazee
How I Learned Geography written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet (on order)
The Michael L. Printz Award is an award given for a book that exemplifies excellence in young adult literature.
The Printz award for 2009 goes to:
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.
The honor books in this category are:
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Vol II: The Kingdom of the Waves by M.T. Anderson
Nation by Terry Prachett
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The Newbery Medal winner for 2009 is:

The honor books in this category are:
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (on order)
Underneath by Kathi Appelt .
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
The Caldecott Medal winner for 2009 is:

The honor books in this category are:
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever written and illustrated by Marie Frazee
How I Learned Geography written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet (on order)
The Michael L. Printz Award is an award given for a book that exemplifies excellence in young adult literature.
The Printz award for 2009 goes to:

The honor books in this category are:
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Vol II: The Kingdom of the Waves by M.T. Anderson
Nation by Terry Prachett
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
Happy Australia Day!

The Secret River by Kate Grenville
William Thornhill was raised as a waterman in London. He spent his days ferrying wealthy people across the Thames. He falls in love with his employer’s saucy young daughter, Sal, and life is good until her parents die . Creditors come after the family’s belongings, and take the boat William uses to earn a living. When William resorts to thievery to support his wife and child, he is caught and sent to Australia. Sal and her son are allowed to go with him. While Sal constantly yearns after Home, her idealized memory of London, William comes to love the harsh land of Australia. At first life is a daily struggle against an alien environment but soon William finds that it is possible to better yourself quickly in this new country. He earns his pardon through hard work, Sal makes money easily by running a tiny pub. Sydney becomes their happy home until William falls for a lush stretch of river on his shipping runs. He convinces Sal to try homesteading there, they will make their fortune within five years and return to London and live a comfortable life. Sal agrees ; they settle in on the isolated stretch of land. While they assume the land is theirs for the taking, the aborigines that have used the land for eons are dismayed by the clearing of the land that destroys all their native food sources. Hostilities grow between the natives and the ever encroaching settlers. The English army is mustered and tries the same tactics that didn’t work well with American colonials. Sal and William must decide; do they run to safety, or fight for the land they have come to love.
William Thornhill was raised as a waterman in London. He spent his days ferrying wealthy people across the Thames. He falls in love with his employer’s saucy young daughter, Sal, and life is good until her parents die . Creditors come after the family’s belongings, and take the boat William uses to earn a living. When William resorts to thievery to support his wife and child, he is caught and sent to Australia. Sal and her son are allowed to go with him. While Sal constantly yearns after Home, her idealized memory of London, William comes to love the harsh land of Australia. At first life is a daily struggle against an alien environment but soon William finds that it is possible to better yourself quickly in this new country. He earns his pardon through hard work, Sal makes money easily by running a tiny pub. Sydney becomes their happy home until William falls for a lush stretch of river on his shipping runs. He convinces Sal to try homesteading there, they will make their fortune within five years and return to London and live a comfortable life. Sal agrees ; they settle in on the isolated stretch of land. While they assume the land is theirs for the taking, the aborigines that have used the land for eons are dismayed by the clearing of the land that destroys all their native food sources. Hostilities grow between the natives and the ever encroaching settlers. The English army is mustered and tries the same tactics that didn’t work well with American colonials. Sal and William must decide; do they run to safety, or fight for the land they have come to love.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Another extremely enjoyable travel adventure from Bryson. This time he ventures off to Australia, covering large areas of the huge island continent. He has a talent for spotting the bizarre, as well as uncovering the true character of a nation. He comments on among other things; A-bombs that go off unnoticed, aggressive seashells, giant earthworms, and of course Australia’s truly wonderful place names. Delightful and humorous, this tape will make you nostalgic if you have ever visited Australia.
Another extremely enjoyable travel adventure from Bryson. This time he ventures off to Australia, covering large areas of the huge island continent. He has a talent for spotting the bizarre, as well as uncovering the true character of a nation. He comments on among other things; A-bombs that go off unnoticed, aggressive seashells, giant earthworms, and of course Australia’s truly wonderful place names. Delightful and humorous, this tape will make you nostalgic if you have ever visited Australia.
The Australian government seized thousands of Aboriginal and mixed race children from their families from the 1880s through the 1960s. These children, known as the “stolen generations,” were forbidden to speak their native language or practice Aboriginal customs in a misguided effort to provide a better life through forced assimilation. The Rabbit Proof Fence is brilliant film depicting this historical event. It tells of three little girls who were forcibly taken from their mothers to be trained as domestic servants. They escape from the “settlement school” and begin the 1,500 mile walk through the Australian Outback with only a fence designed to keep rabbits from overrunning the country to guide them home. It is based on a true story but feels like a novel; a daring escape, a torturous trek through brutal desert pursued by an unwavering enemy. This is one of the best films I have ever seen; it is unforgettable.
Want more? Come in and pick up our "If You Like Books About Australia"bookmark.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tropical Depression

Thursday, January 22, 2009
Graceling

I recently finished the young adult novel Graceling by Kristin Cashore. This is a fantasy novel featuring Katsa, who has one green eye and the other blue, which marks her as "graced." Those who are graced have a special skill, and Katsa's is survival. This of course makes her a "tough chick" to say the least (see Saturdays post). I loved the novel and was completely caught up in Ms. Cashore's fantasy world, and I am eagerly awaiting the prequel and the sequel which are both in the works. Now after reading an article on Kristin Cashore I believe that she is "graced". Graceling was the first novel that Ms. Cashore attempted to get published. A friend knew of an agent, but her website clearly stated "no fantasy". Ms. Cashore contacted her anyhow and was allowed to send 50 pages of her manuscript (by the way, this was the only agent that she contacted!). That is all it took for the agent to be on board, and within a few weeks they had an offer from a publisher. The book was published and has already gone back to press twice, rights have been sold in 12 languages--you get the picture. I believe her "grace" is that people can't say no to her or maybe only good things are allowed to happen to her. Not a bad problem to have. I suppose she could just be a very talented writer. No matter give the book a read--it is definitely worth it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What The Librarians Are Talking About

Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tough Chicks

Robert Eversz - Nina Zero series
Robert Fate - Baby Shark series
Thomas Perry - Jane Whitefield novels
Barbara Seranella - Munch Mancini series
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Sisterhood Grows

According to Ann's blog she is planning to write another one in the Traveling Pants series because she has been thinking about the characters a lot lately. That is something I find fascinating about writers--they spend so much time with their characters that the characters can live on after a book or series is finished. I would think it would be hard to let them go. Anyhow, I have not yet read 3 Willows but so far reviews have been very positive.
****Interesting side note: Ann Brashares grew up in Washington DC, and attended the Sidwell Friends School. Sidwell has been in the news of late because the President-elects daughters are currently enrolled. Other notable alumni include Bill Nye (yeah the Science Guy) and Charlie Gibson.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Now Hear This

I am currently listening to Stephen King's Just After Sunset, a collection of short stories. King has some beautifully written pieces such as "The Things They Left Behind" about a man haunted by the possessions of his co-workers that perished during the September 11 attacks. This touching story deserves a much wider audience than just Stephen King fans.
Happy listening!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Eternal Winter

"She isn't a real queen at all," answered Lucy; "she's a horrible witch, the White Witch. Everyone--all the wood people--hate her. She has made an enchantment over the whole country so that it is always winter here and never Christmas."
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
I just wish Lucy, Peter, Edmund, and Susan could come and put an end to our eternal winter.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Escape to Fiji!

Join us at 7pm at on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2009 for a wonderful slide show featuring Underwater Photography from the Fiji Islands. Our presenter is Ralph "Larry" Oberlander a Dover resident whose familiarity with the marine environment was nurtured off the NH coast.
Mr. Oberlander is an award-winning photographer specializing in marine images and his native New England. His work has been recognized at numerous national and international competitions and his photos have appeared in such magazines as Skin Diver, Rodale's Scuba Diving, Underwater USA, and Islands, as well as many books and national ads.
First certified to dive in 1969 - the same year he went to Woodstock with his brother and friends - Ralph Oberlander took up underwater photography in the 70's. Those first efforts with a Nikonos camera provided the leverage that would drive him to become an accomplished underwater photographer. He has since traveled throughout the Caribbean, Red Sea, Hawaii, Fiji, Philippines, New England and Atlantic Canada in search of those places of his youthful imagination. He has discovered and photographed many of them. When not diving with the seals off the Isles of Shoals or with the tiger sharks in the Bahamas, Ralph lives in Dover NH with his wife Millie and their three children.
This library program is free to all and is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Public Library!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Which Magazine Will Go Next?

Have any of your favorite magazines gone out of business?
New Art Display
Monday, January 05, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness @ Your Library

The music ranged from The Dave Matthews Band, The Indigo girls, and Simon and Garfunkel, to a group called the Weepies. I wonder if the Library was the first recipient of this sweet gesture, or has it been passed on many times. It's a very cool idea.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Win a Fine-Free 2009 at the Library!

Every year, the library sponsors an early January contest and the first ten winners receive a Fine-Free Year. This year our contest is a mini-scavenger hunt! You must come into the library and scour our bookstacks for either a RED or GREEN bookend. You'll find that most of them are black and a few are tan, but the RED and GREEN ones are extremely rare. When you discover one, bring it to the Main Circulation Desk to see if you've won. The contest starts January 2, 2009 so come in ASAP! Happy New Year!
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