Banned Books Week - Persepolis

Persepolis

By Marjane Satrapi

Number 2 most frequently challenged book of 2014. *

Reason for challenge: gambling, offensive language, political viewpoint, "politically, racially, and socially offensive", "graphic depictions"

Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane’s child’s-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

* Source: American Library Association; Goodreads

Banned Books Week - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

Number 1 top ten most frequently challenged book of 2104*

Reason for challenge: anti-family, cultural insensitivity, drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexually explicit unsuited for age group, violence, "depictions of bullying"

Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

Source: American Library Association; Goodreads

Banned Books Week

Banned books are books that, for one reason or another, have been banned from schools, libraries, book stores, etc. Books are generally banned for language, explicit content, witchcraft/supernatural, racial content and other controversial topic. In the past few years, banned books have almost become a genre of their own. I used to stake out the banned books shelves at my local book store when I was teen. Is there anything better than reading something you're not supposed to? 

The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

Here's my newest book trailer for "The Boundless" by Kenneth Oppel. It's a great read especially for those rascally boys AND it's a 2015-2016 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Nominee for grades 6-9. I highly recommend this book. I am a SLOW reader and I read it in less than a month. THAT'S a good book! Enjoy!

New This Week - 23 August 2015

Kids Books

• A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen (25 Aug)
• Anton And Cecil: Cat on Track (Book 2) by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin (25 Aug)
• Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods: Twenty Chilling Tales from the Wilderness by Hal Johnson (25 Aug)
• George by Alex Gino (25 Aug)
• Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba by Alma Flor Ada (25 Aug)
• Nanny X Returns by Madelyn Rosenberg (30 Aug)
• Noah Webster: Man of Many Words by Catherine Reef (25 Aug)
• Space Dumplings by Craig Thompson (25 Aug) graphic novel
• Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (25 Aug) graphic novel
• The Making of New Navy Seal: My Story of Surviving the Toughest Challenge and Training the Best by Brandon Webb (25 Aug)
• The Wolf Wilder b7 Katherine Rundell (25 Aug)

Teen Books

• A Little in Love by Susan E. Fletcher (12+)( 25 Aug)
• Code of Honor by Alan Gratz (12+)( 25 Aug)
• Diary of a Haunting by M. Verano (25 Aug)
• Friends for Life by Andrew Norriss (25 Aug)
• Mechanical by Betsy Cornwell (25 Aug)
• Somewhere There Is Still a Sun: A Memoir of the Holocaust by Michael Gruenbaum (10+)(25 Aug)
• The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender (12+)(25 Aug)
• Thirteen Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt (14+)(25 Aug)
• Stranded by Melinda Braun by (25 Aug)
• Really Professional Internet Person by Jenn McAllister (25 Aug)

My Apologies!

I just looked and it's been a while since I not only posted, but added a video! Summer was quick and busy and WHERE DID IT GO!!  I am hard at work and getting caught up so keep checking back AND while you're at it, comment below on this month advanced copy! Maybe you may win it!

August Giveaway - Goodbye Stranger

Goodbye Stranger

By Rebecca Stead

"You must have been put on this earth for a reason, little girl!"

Bridge is an accident survivor who's wondering why she's still alive. 

Emily has new curves and an almost-boyfriend who wants a certain kind of picture.

Tabitha sees through everybody's games. Or so she tells the world.

They're best friends with one rule: No fighting. Can it get them through seventh grade?

"Somewhere there's a universe in which you never left."

Everything is different for Sherm Russo this year. Then he gets to know Bridge Barsamian. What does it mean to fall for a girl - as a friend?

White carnations for friendship. Pink for like. Red for love.

On Valentine's Day, an unnamed high school girl struggles with a betrayal. 

How long can she hide in plain sight?

Ages: 10 and up

Publication Date: 4 August 2015