FDL Reads: The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Julie Nutt, Reference Assistant
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Suggested age: Tween, Teen, Adult
What is this book about? Nobody Owens, despite his name, is no regular boy. After the brutal murder of his family, the clever infant escapes harm by finding his way to a graveyard. Like the boy, this is no regular graveyard. Growing up, raised and protected by ghosts, Nobody (or “Bod”) is still not safe from the danger that lurks outside the stone walls. Not only is his family’s killer still out there, Bod may not be prepared for life in the real world.
My review: This is one of my favorite books of all time! Many readers may be familiar with author Neil Gaiman because of the Amazon series Good Omens (which, by the way, started season 2 on July 28!), or the much darker Sandman graphic novels. A far cry from Sandman, The Graveyard Book is the winner of the Newbery, Carnegie, Hugo and Audie Awards for children’s literature. The bold, sharp illustration of the graphic novel version by award-winner P. Craig Russell is in stark contrast to Dave McKean’s (another award-winner) flowing pen and ink. I feel that McKean’s illustrations are more fitting to the ghostly, misty England setting. Bod’s friendships, both human and paranormal, represent selflessness, respect, the importance of community, the power to change, and the challenges of growing up.
Three words that describe this book: magical, frightening, dream-like
Give this a try if you like: Coraline by Neil Gaiman (book or movie); paranormal fiction; authors Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, Ursula LeGuin
Rating: 5/5
Join the FDL Team!
The library is hiring! We’re seeking a full-time Youth Services Specialist to join our team to serve our young library patrons and their caregivers. Please visit fondulaclibrary.org/about-us/jobs for more information, including job descriptions and qualifications.
FDL Reads: Much Ado About Nada
Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library volunteer
Genre: Romance
Suggested Age: Adult, Young Adult
What is the book about? Techpreneur Nada Syed’s best friend, Haleema, tricks her friend into attending a large, popular, Muslim convention (“like ComicCon, except with hijabs”) run by Haleema’s fiancé, Zayn, and his family. Nada’s parents and best friend Haleema all think the convention would be a good way for Nada to get out of her shell and meet people, especially with the matrimonial speed-dating event on the agenda. Nada hasn’t yet met Zayn, something she has avoided doing because – unknown to Haleema or Zayn – Nada has a history with Zayn’s brother Baz. Nada is also dismayed and angry after learning that her traitorous, former business partner, Haneef, is attending the convention.
My Review: Author Uzma Jalaluddin says she was inspired in writing this novel by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, while the Shakespearean-style title hints at the complex muddle Nada’s life has become. Both connections – Austen and Shakespeare – hint at some (but not all!) of the plot line and heightened my interest in the tale. Layer by layer, alternating between the present and the past, Jalaluddin deftly unveils the back story that is key to the relationship between Nada and Baz. The history between the two is not pretty, which leads to some surprising developments as present-day interactions between Nada and Baz unfold. My favorite phrase from the book: “She [Nada] had buried her secrets and regrets in a small bundle she kept hidden in a floral hatbox inside her closet.” I loved this book and can’t wait to read Jalaluddin’s next work!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Romantic, funny, opportunity
Give This a Try if You Like… Romcoms and romances such as Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev, Love from A to Z by S. K. Ali, Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Rating: 5/5
Children’s Books about Bike Riding
Summer Fun?!?
I’m bored! It’s too hot! It’s raining! Outdoor summer fun not an option? Are you looking for a way to fill your day when you can’t get outside? How about reading a book about the most fun summer activity? Bike Riding!!!
Learning how to ride a bike?
Syd Hoff’s Danny and the Dinosaur Ride a Bike
Adventure?
Getting a new bike?
Mystery?
The Case of the Missing Bicycles
The Mystery of the Stolen Bike
Nonfiction?
-Post by Kris Tyler, Youth Services Specialist
#FDL: Overdrive Big Library Read
Fondulac District Library provides access to a large collection of eBooks and audiobooks through the Libby app. Several times during the year, Overdrive hosts a Big Library Read, an online book club for readers around the world. Featured books are chosen by librarians and announced shortly before the Big Library Read begins. Our library is provided with unlimited copies of the eBook or audiobook, and our patrons can read without wait time through the Libby app from July 13-27. A library card number and PIN are required to access the book.
This summer, the Big Library Read has chosen A Very Typical Family by Sierra Godfrey.
Below is a little about the book from The Big Library Read’s website:
“All families are messy. Some are disasters.Natalie Walker is the reason her older brother and sister went to prison over 15 years ago. She fled California shortly after that fateful night and hasn’t spoken to anyone in her family since. Now, on the same day her boyfriend steals her dream job out from under her, Natalie receives a letter from a lawyer saying her estranged mother has died and left the family’s historic Santa Cruz house to her. Sort of. The only way for Natalie and her siblings to inherit is for all three adult children to come back and claim it—together.
Natalie drives cross-country to Santa Cruz with her willful cat in tow expecting to sign some papers, see siblings Lynn and Jake briefly, and get back to sorting out her life in Boston. But Jake, now an award-winning ornithologist, is missing. And Lynn, working as an undertaker in New York City, shows up with a teenage son. While Natalie and her nephew look for Jake—meeting a very handsome marine biologist who immediately captures her heart—she unpacks the guilt she has held onto for so many years, wondering how (or if) she can salvage a relationship with her siblings after all this time.”
Check it out on the Libby app and join the Big Reads discussion at https://biglibraryread.com/current-title/
–Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.
FDL Reads: Part of Your Nightmare
Part of Your Nightmare (Disney Chills, Book 1) by Vera Strange
Reviewed by: Chelsea Bunton, Youth Services Assistant
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Suggested Age: Late elementary/Middle School (Grades 3-6)
What is the book about? Shelly has recently started attending a new middle school. At first, she has a hard time making friends, but eventually finds a place with some of the most popular girls on her swim team. Shelly’s family owns an aquarium and she loves all things marine and ocean- but unfortunately, her new friends do not. On a field trip to the aquarium, the popular girls peer pressure her into an act she would normally never commit (littering in the ocean?!?), which sets Shelly on a distressing journey involving sea witches, wishes, and scales. Things start to get spooky in Triton Bay as Shelly battles with the weirdness happening to her- is it all real, or just a nightmare? She will have to decide if having popularity is worth losing her humanity and dragging down others with her. Be careful what you wish for because you could end up a poor unfortunate soul!
My Review: I’m a lover of all things Disney, so I was very excited to start this series! This book was an easy read, and had fun connections to the original movie. The “creep” factor wasn’t too scary and the darkness involved was a slow burn that assisted the pace of the story. The characters were very true to their age group- from their motivations to their speech. The setting was a great connection to the original film as well as it allowed for plenty of interaction with marine life and the villain herself. I think what I found most interesting in this book was the ending. With a young, middle grade novel I usually expect a straight-forward finale, but that was not to be found here! The reader will have to draw their own conclusions about Shelly’s fate. Each book in this series follows a different main character and original Disney villain, so I think we can expect more of the same when it comes to uncertain destinies.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Fishy, cautionary, ominous
Give This a Try if You Like…Disney movies, Goosebumps books/movies, The Witches by Roald Dahl
Rating: 3/5