I just realized that there aren’t any Series of Unfortunate Events books at the Book Fair. No one has asked for them either. This has been a popular series for several years but now that the last book has been written, I guess its popularity is dropping. I have a question for those of you who have read the series. What genre would you categorize it in? Do you think people will stop reading Harry Potter books after the last one comes out this summer?

I set up the books for book fair and I saw so many great books that I have already read, plus so many more that I’d like to read. There were books there by Margaret Haddix that I haven’t read but have heard good things about. I hope someone tries one and tells me about it! There are oodles of books by Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. You just can’t go wrong with Ramona, Fudge or Ralph S. Mouse. If you like adventure be sure to check out Will Hobbs’ books. We have some in the library too. There were also some interesting science books. I didn’t have time to look at everything. What did you see that excited you? Was there something you were hoping to find there but didn’t see?

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix is on the Bluebonnet List for 2007-2008. This is a cross between mystery and science fiction. If you don’t read a summary of the book or talk to someone who has already read it, you might be very surprised at the outcome. We just got 2 copies so check it out! What other mysteries kept you guessing right up to the end?

Did you know that teachers get homework assigned to them? My latest assignment is to come up with a list of good historical fiction. Now my impression has been that not too many people in this school like to read historical fiction. Am I wrong? If so, tell me about your favorite books that mix made-up characters with real history. If I’m right, what is it about historical fiction that keeps you from checking it out or finishing it? I really want to know!

I saw Avi do a Reader’s Theater piece with authors Sharon Creech (Love That Dog), Walter Dean Myers (Blues Journey), and Sarah Weeks (Regular Guy) at the conference I went to last week. You can see it at TeachingBooks.net on the Library Resources page (see me if you need the password). I was reminded of listening to Poppy on tape many years ago. Yes, on tape, not cd. I wasn’t a big fan of fantasy with talking animals at the time but I enjoyed the reader making Mr. Ocax and Ereth come alive. Have you been to the Dimwood Forest? Is there another book by Avi that you enjoyed?

I read the newest Junie B. book, Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny by Barbara Park. Now I know that this is realistic fiction and we are to believe that we could meet someone just like her in our school but it seems to me that she’s getting a little unrealistic in her behavior. I have a hard time believing that any of you would act the way she does.

Welcome to a new way to talk books and library and more! From time to time I will write about what I am reading or doing and I invite you to comment. Tell me what you thought of the book. Tell me (and every reader) what your favorite book is in the same genre. Give me ideas of new books to read and buy! All I ask is that we all remain respectful (stay appropriately on topic and respect all opinions) and take responsibility (do add your first name to your comments). Let’s talk books!