Talking in the Library

I'm a YA librarian in Elizabeth, NJ, trying to quell the quiet & share some ideas.

[tracyfornow-blog]

Healthy Unicorn Smoothies on a Budget

As part of a summer program series titled “Wellness Wednesday,” I made a healthy version of Starbucks’ “Unicorn Frappaccino” with some library teens tonight, & it turned out to be excellent! The smoothies were delicious, easy, & reasonably priced, so I thought that I would take the time to share...

Initially, I was inspired by recipes such as this one, from The Chic Life: http://thechiclife.com/2017/04/healthy-unicorn-smoothie-recipe.html 

However, as I began to explore the total cost of ingredients such as blue matcha powder & dragon fruit, I quickly realized that I was going to have to get creative, if I wanted to serve crowds of teens on my library’s beyond tight programming budget.

In the end, I spent less than $20, & served tall glasses to more than 30 teens! 

Here’s how:

Ingredients/Supplies:

- 1 package (14 oz) of frozen blackberry pulp (or, any blue/purple fruit)

- 4 packages (14 oz each) of frozen guava pulp (or, any pink/red fruit)

- 25 bananas, chopped & frozen the night before the program

- 1 cup of honey roasted peanut butter

- water (or, almond milk)

- Optional: freeze dried fruit to sprinkle on top

- 2 blenders (1 for each mixture)

- Plastic cups (1/smoothie)

- Spoons

----------------------

Purple swirl =

- 7 oz of frozen blackberry pulp blended with 1 cup of honey roasted peanut butter. (1 batch of this thick mixture lasted through 4 batches of the thin, pink mixture).

Pink smoothie =

- 14 oz of frozen guava pulp blended with 3 cups of frozen chopped banana. Add water or, almond milk to desired texture. (x4, if you want to serve ~30 teens).

----------------------

Process:

First, make the purple mixture. Then, start working on the pink batches, while the purple mixture gets passed around.

While working on the pink batches, the teens used the backs of spoons to “paint” purple swirls onto the edges of the clear cups. Some of them experimented with different designs, which made for a more creative environment than that of your usual recipe-following program. 

Then, I poured the pink mixture into the middles of the cups, as the batches were ready. 

With a higher budget, I would have purchased freeze dried fruit, to use as sprinkles, & maybe some paper crazy straws, but ultimately, everyone seemed satisfied. 

[tracyfornow-blog]

Kendrick Lamar's 'Damn.': A Track-by-Track Guide

Read our rundown of the producers, songwriters, guests and key themes on Kendrick Lamar's new LP, 'Damn.'

Kendrick Lamar’s “Damn” tackles beauty standards, popular media, racism, fear, poverty, crime, religion, hip hop’s influence, the dangers of pride, the death of a parent, our recent presidential election, and so much more. This record is a masterpiece, a gift to critical analysis. 

For hesitant readers, I could see an analysis of albums such as this one, which have powerful visual representations, leading into the analysis of comics, and other forms of visual literature. 

[tracyfornow-blog]

The Trailer for Chris Gethard’s HBO Special ‘Career Suicide’ Has Arrived

If you're a Chris Gethard fan who didn't get the chance to see his live, Judd Apatow-produced one-man show Career Suicide, you're in luck, because next month it's headed to HBO in the form of a TV special. Check out the trailer for the special HBO released today, and watch the rest when Career Suicide [...]

With the rising popularity of Netflix’s adaptation of Jay Asher’s “13 Reasons Why,” new discussions surrounding teen suicide are emerging. While I appreciate all attempts to open up the floor, and de-stigmatize mental health, I am excited to pose an alternative basis for these discussions -- Chris Gethard’s “Career Suicide!” 

Having seen the stage production multiple times, I can tell you -- this piece is honest, fearless, and completely hilarious. It strikes a perfect balance between sincerity and wit, while presenting far more interesting questions than most other YA-facing works.

I would also recommend the following, when linking this conversation to text:

- Chris' memoir, “A Bad Idea I’m About To Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgement and Stunningly Awkward Adventure.”

- Chris’ public response to a suicidal fan: 

https://thechrisgethardshow.tumblr.com/post/31345619495/for-gethard-anonymous-asks-gethard-i-know

[tracyfornow-blog]

“How to Make a Zine Out of 1 Piece of Paper” 

(from Suffragette Zine: www.suffragettezine.com)

This is my favorite how-to guide for making mini-zines. Print it out (double-sided), and then, follow its directions for cutting and folding. The directions are super clear, and the resulting zine folds out into Suffraggette Zine’s “Boss Babes Vote” poster. It’s perfect for an zine program.

“Zine Librarians Code of Ethics” 

Also, for anyone interested in zine librarianship, this “code of ethics” resource is extremely helpful, in guiding a collection: http://zinelibraries.info/code-of-ethics/ 

[gwathir]

Carrot Greens

The ends of carrots you usually chop off and throw away will grow carrot greens if you put them in a dish with a little water. Set the dish on a well-lit window sill and you will have carrot tops to use as a garnish or in salads.

[tracyfornow-blog]

Let’s use our library windows for food production, and serve fresh snacks at our programs, instead of whatever’s cheapest at the dollar store!

I know that you can also cut off the end of a celery stalk (about 3 in. from its base), and place that in a bowl of water, in order to grow more celery. Give it fresh water every other day, make sure that it has plenty of sunlight, and you should soon be in the celery business!

Surely, there are other ideas out there, just like these 2...

[tracyfornow-blog]

This 12-book anthology, full of writing prompts and activities, uses poetry to tell the story of a diverse group of kids who are dedicated to social justice, and more specifically, the war against hunger. As readers follow the story of this ambitious group, they are encouraged to reflect on, and write about, their own stories. 

Also, in the backs of the books, there are loads of resources for young readers, writers, and activists, which is an attractive bonus for any educator operating in our current political climate.

I see this as a marvelous opportunity to inspire active youth.

[tracyfornow-blog]

Summer Crafts

You will want to have these summer crafts ideas in your arsenal for every time you hear "Mom I'm Bored"! Here are 50 kid tested and Mom approved crafts.

This collection of lo-fi maker/craft projects is full of  budget conscious originality. Some of the projects can even be adapted to work with the scientific method -- ex. “juice box boats.”

On this list, in the spirit of “brain busters”/”brain teasers,” I was especially attracted to yet another option for recycling dead media: http://www.skiptomylou.org/diy-string-puzzle-craft-camp/ (DIY String Puzzle). 

Then, to further enhance a "brain busters” program, here are some fun puzzles that could be used to get kids up on their feet, moving around:

paper challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLHKOPM6rVg 

handcuff puzzle: http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/jbhandcuff.htm 

“Brains and Bodies” may be another way of phrasing this program idea.

[tracyfornow-blog]

CD Scratch Art

I had a stack of old CDs lying around. For a long time I was planning to reuse them for a different purpose but I had no clue. Then one day while I was surfing on the internet I found an interesting idea to convert these in to great art work that can be put up on the walls. I liked this idea because I thought it was very easy to do, just few simple steps. The final product turns out to be pretty good.

For libraries with limited budgets, upcycled projects are always a good idea, and as CDs become obsolete, this how-to offers up a solution for clearing out those dead media stacks. 

Also, I have found that many participants are less afraid of drawing when the project involves scraping away at a canvas or, deconstruction. For some reason, these types of projects tend to lift that “blank canvas pressure,” making room for the de-stressing effects of artistic expression.

[nprbooks]

Kwame Alexander believes that wonder lies between the lines of poems.

His new book Out of Wonder, is a collection of original poems for children written in the style of some of the world’s most famous poets — Rumi, Robert Frost, Pablo Neruda, Maya Angelou. The poems were written by Alexander, Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth and illustrated by Ekua Holmes.

There are three aims for the book — to encourage kids to read poetry, to introduce them to great poets, and to inspire them to write poems of their own.

“It’s a lofty goal, but I think that’s a metaphor for what poetry is,” Alexander says.

Find his conversation with NPR’s Rachel Martin here.

– Petra

[darienlibrary]

YO this is legit.

[tracyfornow-blog]

I’m super excited about this new book, and its potential to peel back the intimidation of writing poetry! 

Just in time for National Poetry Month, here are some more ideas for how we can celebrate in April: 

https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-month

[tracyfornow-blog]

FILM

In 2013, seventeen-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons took her own life. The Halifax teenager had been gang-raped a year and a half earlier by her classmates and labeled a "slut" as a result. Despite...

"Every high school student should ​see, discuss, and learn from UnSlut: A Documentary Film." - School Library Journal, May 2016 issue

UnSlut: A Documentary Film, Emily Lindin’s UnSlut: A Diary and a Memoir, and the discussion guide included in the link above are all invaluable resources for any librarian looking to delve into discussions related to suicide prevention, and sex positivity. Also, all purchases of the film come with performance rights, and Emily Lindin has expressed a willingness to visit libraries, for film discussions. 

- Film licensing details: http://licenses.tugg.com/products/unslut-documentary

- Request a visit from Emily Lindin: http://www.unslutproject.com/events.html

[tracyfornow-blog]

Daddy-daughter event at Pittston Library teaches fathers about girls’ hairdos

PITTSTON - Face it. Girls are all about their hair. From picture days to their

Face it. This article is problematic. 1/ Not all girls are “all about their hair.” 2/ Girls are not the only children interested in different hairstyles, and they’re certainly not the only children in need of bonding time with dad. 3/ Not all moms know how to handle their child’s hair. 4/ Not all children have straight, flowing hair like the girls photographed and interviewed here. 

BUT I do really like this program idea. Done right, it could be a wonderful opportunity for family bonding, for parents to learn about handling hair types other than their own, and for teaching all of the participants about different hair cultures.

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For over 300 New Jersey libraries, schools, small businesses, and other organizations planning activities to be held on the 3rd annual NJ Makers Day (Saturday, March 25th, 2017), this resource guide has been a major source of support. Fortunately, it proves equally useful for any maker-minded librarian looking to enhance related programming, as this collection of printables, project ideas, facilitator tips, and partnership suggestions is ever-expanding, and available year-round.

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Finch Robots use over a dozen programming languages to teach students (ages 5+) how to code. They’re wonderful because they provide students with a chance to see a tangible representation of their original code. Also, thanks to the Finch Robot lending program, schools and libraries are able to rent these robots completely free of charge, with no obligation to purchase.

Link to the loan program FAQs: http://www.finchrobot.com/loan-program/faq

[tracyfornow-blog]

2017 registration does not begin until June, but I am already thinking about International Games Day. Every library in the world should consider registering for IGD, and hosting programs related to their initiatives, not only because gaming is an important way to teach 21st century skills, but also because registered libraries become eligible for loads of FREE GAMES! This is an easy way to start building, and modernizing, your game collection.

For more information about how games have the potential to build 21st century skills, watch this awesome video presented by game designer James Portnow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hoeAmqwvyY

[dplteens-deactivated20171227]

New website open 'til the end of 2017 streams vintage Japanese animation.

Good news, anime fans! Check out some classic Japanese animated films here.

[tracyfornow-blog]

I’m so excited to share this new (albeit temporary) resource with my Anime Club!! When it comes to legal streaming sources for anime, the options are limited, to say the least, so an entire site full of unfamiliar films, with optional English subtitles, is sure to make even the most avid fans downright giddy.

[iamchloejean]

[tracyfornow-blog]

Beyonce’s visual album, *Lemonade* (2016), is another opportunity to combine pop culture and critical analysis in the library.

- Here is 1 thematic breakdown (Note: this is just a starting point. The analysis can definitely be taken further -- for example, this presentation somehow misses the multitude of references to Oshun, Yorùbá deity of  fresh waters) https://prezi.com/2-3lgp3ggf6c/a-critical-analysis-of-beyonce039s-lemonade/?webgl=0

- There is also a wealth of syllabi and reading lists out there, to coincide with these discussions. Here’s a good one for young readers: http://www.zettaelliott.com/lemonade-for-girls-in-formation/

[bluesies]

LGBTQIA+ books coming out in 2017

there are a ton of lgbtqia+ books coming out this year so i decided to compiled a list of all of them! if i made a mistake or if you know of a book that should be on this list but isn’t, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

JANUARY •flying lessons and other stories by ellen oh | jan 3 | diverse middle grade anthology •the cursed queen (the imposter queen #2) by sarah fine | jan 3 | wlw ya fantasy •wing jones by katherine webber | jan 5 | ya sports contemporary, unknown lgbtqia+ element •history is all you left me by adam silvera | jan 17 | mlm ya contemporary •dreadnought by april daniels | jan 24 | ya superhero ft. trans mc •the you i’ve never known by ellen hopkins | jan 24 | wlw ya contemporary •our own private universe by robin talley | jan 31 | bi mc, ya contemporary •ida by alison evans | jan ? | bi mc+trans and non binary characters, sci fi/fantasy •flowers of luna by jennifer linsky | jan ? | wlw sci fi •warrior: a collection of short stories by antonica jones | jan ? | multiple lgbtqia+ protagonists, sci fi/fantasy ya anthology

FEBRUARY •at the edge of the universe by shaun david hutchinson | feb 7 | mlm ya contemporary •island of exiles by erica cameron | feb 7 | bi mc, ya fantasy •the stars are legion by kameron hurley | feb 7 | wlw sci fi •hard wired (cyberlove #3) by megan erickson | feb 13 | mlm mc, m/m romance •love is love by mette bach | feb 14 | trans love interest, ya contemporary •same love by tony correria | feb 14 | mlm ya contemporary •we are okay by nina lacour | feb 14 | wlw ya contemporary •peter darling by austin chant | feb 15 | trans+mlm mc, fantasy retelling •a conjuring of light by ve schwab| feb 21 | bi+genderfluid mcs, ya fantasy •10 things i can see from here by carrie mac| feb 28 | wlw ya contemporary •a good idea by cristina moracho | feb 28 | bi mc, wlw, ya mystery/thriller

MARCH •the other f word by natasha friend | mar 7 | wlw parents, ya contemporary •the inexplicable logic of my life by by benjamin alire sáenzs | mar 7 | mlm parent, ya contemporary •the pants project by cat clarke | mar 7 | trans mc, middle grade contemporary •you’re welcome, universe by whitney gardner | mar 7 | wlw parents, ya contemporary •queens of geek by jen wilde | march 14 | wlw ya contemporary •star-crossed by barbara dee | mar 14 | questioning mc, middle grade contemporary •shadow run by adrianne strickland | mar 21 | genderfluid+gay secondary characters, ya sci fi/fantasy •the lotterys plus one by emma donoghue | mar 27 | wlw+mlm+transgender characters, childrens/middle grade contemporary •honestly ben (openly straight #2) by bill konigsberg | mar 28 | mlm ya contemporary

APRIL •ashes to asheville by sarah dooley | apr 4 | wlw parents, ya contemporary •the upside of unrequited by becky albertalli | apr 11 | secondary wlw, ya contemporary •meg & linus by hanna nowinski | apr 18 | wlw+mlm ya contemporary romance •the edge of the abyss (the abyss surrounds us #2) by emily skrutskie | apr 18 | wlw ya sci fi/fantasy •lumberjanes vol 6: sink or swim by noelle stevenson | apr 20 | wlw+trans characters, ya fantasy comic •looking for group by rory harrison | apr 25 | mlm+trans characters, ya contemporary

MAY •georgia rules by nanci turner stevenson | may 2 | wlw parents, middle grade contemporary •how to make a wish by ashley herring blake | may 2 | wlw ya contemporary •my fairy godmother is a drag queen by david clawson | may 2 | mlm ya contemporary •noteworthy by riley redgate | may 2 | bi mc, ya contemporary •release by patrick ness | may 4 | mlm, ya contemporary •the seafarer’s kiss by julia ember | may 4 | wlw fantasy retelling •it’s not like it’s a secret by misa sugiura | may 9 | wlw ya contemporary •ramona blue by julie murphy | may 9 | self-identified lesbian questioning (bi)sexuality, ya contemporary •rough patch by nicole markotic | may 16 | bi mc, ya contemporary •the love interest by cale dietrich | may 16 | mlm ya contemporary •this would make a good story someday by dana alison levy | may 16 | wlw parents, children’s contemporary •queer, there, and everywhere: 23 people who changed the world by sarah prager | may 23 | nonfiction

JUNE •troublemakers by catherine barter | june 1 | mlm side characters, ya contemporary •perfect ten by l. philips | june 6 | mlm ya contemporary romance •tash hearts tolstoy by kathryn ormsbee | june 6 | asexual mc, ya contemporary •from prejudice to pride: a history of the lgbtq+ movement by amy lamé | june 8 | nonfiction •the gentlemen’s guide to vice and virtue by mackenzi lee | june 20 | bi/pan mc, mlm ya historical fiction

JULY •the art of starving by sam j. miller | july 11 | mlm ya contemporary •the gallery of unfinished girls by lauren karcz | july 25 | wlw ya contemporary

AUGUST •we now return to regular life by martin wilson | aug 1 | mlm ya contemporary •little & lion by brandy colbert | aug 8 | wlw ya contemporary •what is gender? how does it define us? and other big questions by juno dawson | aug 10 | nonfiction •dress codes for small towns by courtney c. stevens | aug 29 | ya contemporary questioning mc •illegal contact by santino hussel | aug ? | m/m romance •the tiger’s watch by julia ember | aug ? | genderfluid mc, ya fantasy

SEPTEMBER •girl made of snow and glass by melissa bashardoust | sep 5 | wlw ya fantasy retelling •mask of shadows by linsey miller | sep 5 | genderfluid mc, ya fantasy •they both die at the end by adam silvera | sep 5 | mlm ya sci fi contemporary •echo after echo by amy rose capetta | sep 15 | wlw ya •autoboyography by christina lauren | sep ? | mlm ya/na contemporary romance •the queer history project: no way, they were gay? by lee wind | sep ? | middle grade nonfiction

OCTOBER •27 hours by tristina wright | oct 3 | mlm+wlw ya sci fi •the tiger’s daughter by k. arsenault rivera | oct 3 | wlw, ya fantasy •mick & michelle by nina rossing | oct ? | trans mc, ya contemporary

UKNOWN RELEASE DATE •alan cole is not a coward by eric bell | ? | mlm middle grade contemporary •amelia westlake by erin gough | ? | wlw ya contemporary •here so far away by hadley dyer | ? | mlm ya contemporary •hold my hand by michael barakiva | ? | mlm ya contemporary •if found return to astropop by lucas hargis | ? | genderfluid mcs, ya contemporary •kaleidoscope song by fox benwell | ? | wlw ya •like water by rebecca podos | ? | wlw ya contemporary •not your villain by cb lee | ? | trans mc, ya superhero •the 57 bus by dashka slater | ? | agender mc, ya •the unbinding of mary reade | ? | bi mc+wlw, ya historical fiction •these books belong to ken z by r. zamora linmark | ? | mlm, ya contemporary •top ten by katie cotugno| ? | bi mc, ya •untitled (timekeeper #2) by tara sim | ? | mlm ya sci fi/steampunk

[tracyfornow-blog]

I like that this list has some seemingly “fun” titles, in genres like sci-fi, fantasy, romance, sports, historical fiction, etc. So often, we only see the struggle, when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters.

Also, when I come across words like “pan,” “asexual,” “questioning,” I develop hope for complex, rounded characters who may exist outside of the gay/les binary. Looking forward to another year of progress in YA fiction, for our LGBTQ+ collections!