Children’s Book/Movie Tie-In Alert!

Who Will Win the Race?

Children’s Book/Movie Tie-In Alert!
The House With A Clock In It’s Walls

September 21, 2018 is the release date for the movie version of author John Bellairs 1973 children’s book House With a Clock In It’s Walls.  The movie is a major production directed by horror film expert Eli Roth.  It will be starring Cate  Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, and Jack Black.

In House With a Clock In It’s Walls, Lewis (played by Owen Vaccaro in the film) goes to live with his mysterious uncle, Jonathan (Jack Black) who lives in a typically spooky mansion in Marshall, Michigan.  Yes, it is a real town, and there is a real mansion, called the Cronin House, in Marshall, Michigan.  It is here that Lewis meets his uncle’s equally weird neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) and discovers their connections to the occult and the clock embedded in the walls of the house.  When Lewis, inadvertently, wakes the dead, the action takes off even as the ticking clock begins to speed up.  Who will win the race to stop the clock?

To add to the overall spookiness of the situation the illustrations in the book were done by Gothic illustrator extraordinaire, Edward Gorey.   Gorey wasn’t really that fond of doing the illustrations for books, thinking of them as drudge work and something he had to do to make a living.  However, there is no doubt that his illustrations added to the Gothic tension in the story that attracted young readers.

McLure Library has several Bellairs books in the collection.  If you go to the movie, or maybe you just want to reread a loved book, come on over and check one of them out.  House With a Clock In It’s Walls  (Or any of Bellairs other books.)

Fairy Tales from Cold Places

Russia and Slavic folktales are a hot basis for several YA fantasy series that have been making waves in the last few years.   Some of this interest has been driven by the popularity of the television series “American Gods” and the prominent place of Slavic folk religions, but, undoubtedly, some of it is driven by the classical appeal of the old fairy tales and folk tales about the Firebird and Baba Yaga.  Those long cold winter nights in the northern and central part of Europe has given rise to some beautiful tales that have been reworked into some fresh YA fantasies that are suspenseful, thrilling, and intriguing with unexpected plot twists and turns.   McLure Library has several of these series available for check out.

Vassa in the Night

Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter based in the very old, Baba Yaga tales from Central Europe and Russia, with a very new setting, Brooklyn, New York.  This novel comes complete with a witch named Babs Yaga.

Grisha Trilogy

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The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo took the YA fantasy world by storm a few years ago.  The novels, are set in a world that is reminiscent of Imperial Russia and filled with all the beauty and brutality of that history, and folk life, combined with the perils and power of the 20th Century Soviet Union with all of that destructive firepower.  McLure Library has all three of these novels available for check-out.

Crown’s GAme

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Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye, and its sequel Crown’s Fate, is a series set in Imperial Russia in the 19th Century when Russia was invaded by France and the Ottoman Empire .  The Tsar initiates the Crown’s Game.  This is a duel to see which of two teenage enchanters will become the Royal Enchanter to the Tsar.  These novels are filled with romance and danger based in the tales of Old Russia.

Girl At Midnight

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The Girl At Midnight trilogy is set in a dystopian world under New York City and involves the hunt for a powerful Firebird and the New York City subway system.  McLure Library has the first two of the three books in this trilogy for series for YA readers.

If you are interested in these titles and want help in getting them, just give us a call at McLure Library.  205-348-6055 and we will be happy to help.

Arthurian Legends and Myths for Young Adults

McLure Library has several series and stand alone novels for young adults in which the King Arthur legends and myths are twisted, turned, and retold.  This almost makes some of them unrecognizable, but keeps the stories fresh and entertaining for those who consider themselves King Arthur experts.

Retelling tales is not a new idea and young adult author, T. A. Barron, started doing it in back in the 1990’s with a 12 book series that is titled The Merlin Saga.  The first of these novels may be twenty years old, but the series has retained their magical elements and will provide hours of reading pleasure.  The series is broken up into smaller segments; Lost Years of Merlin, Merlin’s Dragon Trilogy, Great Tree of Avalon, and a final novel titled,  The Book of Magic.  All of Barron’s books use Arthurian myths and legends to reinforce an underlying theme of nature and ecology and the power of renewal and free choice.

McLure library has the 5 books of the Lost Years of Merlin.

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The Great Tree of Avalon series begins with The Child of the Dark Prophecy, continues with Shadow on the Stars, and ends with The Eternal Flame.

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Rick Yancey has also written a series for young adults that uses the Arthurian legends and myths as the starting point.  The Alfred Kropp trilogy is about an awkward, unmotivated teenager who finds himself in possession of King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur.  McLure has two of the titles in this series.

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King Arthur to the Rescue

King Arthur has proved to be a popular figure in myth and legend ever since he first showed up in the written word back in the 12th Century.  McLure Library has a variety of retellings of these Celtic myths for a wide range of ages and interests.  There are several children’s series (they also appeal to YA’s and adults) that are popular with reader’s starting about Grade 4.  Two of the most popular for this age group are the series by Susan Cooper and Lloyd Alexander.

Susan Cooper wrote The Dark is Rising Sequence starting in 1965 and the series became a Children’s and Young Adult Best Seller.  The series is based on a combination of Arthurian legends, Celtic mythology, and Norse mythology that makes for a potent mash-up.  McLure has the entire sequence of 5 titles (our copies are well worn due to their popularity) in the collection starting with the first in the series Over Sea, Under Stone.

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The other titles in this series are: Dark is Rising, Greenwitch, Grey Kingand Silver on the Tree.  The Grey King won the Newbery Medal for excellence in Children’s Literature in 1975 and the concluding title in the series, Silver on the Tree was published in 1977.

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The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander is a pentology of Children’s High Fantasy that were published between 1964 and 1968.  These novels are also a combination of Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend.  The titles in this series are, in order: Book of ThreeBlack Cauldron, Castle of llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King.  There was a book of short stories published in 1973, Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, that Mclure does not have in the collection.    The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book in 1966,  The High King won the Newbery Medal in 1969, and the series has remained popular through the years.

More Norse Reading

The last blog post featured Norse mythology, so now let’s move on to what McLure Library has that features those berserk wild fighting men of the North and their fearless exploration of the vast northern oceans.  While the Vikings were known for their fighting prowess they also had their softer side.  They were great storytellers and these stories have come down to us in many forms.  McLure Library has several books that incorporate features of the Viking sagas and voyages of exploration into fascinating retellings of these tales of daring-do.  The television mini-series American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and the success of those brutal Viking epics like The Last Kingdom have brought about renewed interest in old Norse myths.  Here is a sample of some of the stories about those cold cold gods of the North and the Viking sagas.

Canadian historical fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay‘s novel Last Light of the Sun is loosely based on Viking Sagas and is the tale of the conjoined fates of Bern Thorkellson and two others from lands ravaged by the Vikings.

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For a completely twisted Norse story, try Story of Owen.  This novel is not only a mashup of Arthurian legends and myths with a good dose of Beowulf thrown in for good measure, it is alternative history.  Told, somewhat, in the style of the old Norse Sagas, it is the story of Owen Thorskard, the dragon slayer of Trondheim.  Full of daring-do, it also features a bard – Siobhan MacQuaid.

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Calling Mr. Wednesday and Some of the Other Days of the Week

Don’t know who Mr. Wednesday is?  Mr. Thursday?  Ms. Friday.  Do you wonder who these people are, and why they are named for the days of the week?  (or is it the other way around?) Curious about Norse mythology?  Are your kids curious about Norse myths and legends.  McLure Library has some good reading available in those areas.

Starting with the basics, there are two beautiful books with general information and great pictures about the Norse Gods for young readers that will also appeal to adults.

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McLure Education Library

BL860 .O82 1996

 

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If that is not enough Norse, or maybe, it is to fact filled, McLure Library other fantastical take-offs on Norse mythology that might catch your fancy.

Nancy Farmer, a Newbery Honor award winning author, has a trilogy that is full of action, humor, and Norse mythology that will teach and entertain.

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Alabama author Lou Anders has a series that make very good reads for middle grades.  McLure has all three titles in this ongoing series.

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Need a story that is part puzzle and part myth?  This one might be just the game.

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Feel the Heat! – Cool Northern Mythology

Take-offs and mashups using mythology as a starting point for YA novels has been a recent trend that shows no signs of abating and the fantasy genre is quickly diversifying its mythology base.  More diverse myths are being brought to the attention of readers and movie goers everywhere and McLure has plenty of titles for you that will keep you in the know when it comes to these myths and legends.

Now that the Dog Days of Summer are over and we are all ready to cozy up with warm drinks and good books that are perfect for those long winter nights, why not cozy up with the imaginative series based on Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, and Middle Eastern myths that are in McLure library?

Middle Grade author, Rick Riordan made his name retelling the Perseus, Greek demi-god myths, in the Percy Jackson series.

That series has been followed by two other series;  The Kane Chronicles, based on Egyptian mythology, that consists of three titles,

Red Pyramid                                    Throne of Fire                            Serpent’s Shadow

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The novels were quickly followed by the graphic novel version of these titles.  Mclure has two of them with the third due to be published soon.

Red Pyramid:                                                               Throne of Fire:

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Riordan has also done a series featuring those fiery gods of the North.  Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, based on Norse mythology, that currently stands at two titles, with the third that was just published in October.

Sword of Summer                         Hammer of Thor

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The successful conversion of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods novel to the small screen world of TV is a modern retelling of Norse mythology for adults.  The UA libraries doesn’t have that particular novel, but McLure Library has Anansi Boy’s, the sequel to American GodsAnansi Boys is based in the myths of West Africa and the West Indies.  So if you like Orlando Jones as Mr. Nancy in American Gods, check him out in a starring role in his own book: Anansi Boys.  It was listed for the Alex Award (Adult books suitable for Young Adults) in 2006 and is at McLure in the School Library Collection.

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McLure doesn’t have Neil Gaiman’s current best seller Norse Mythology, (that is at Gorgas library) but we have a beautifully illustrated version of both Egyptian and Norse Mythology done by well known YA and children’s author Donna Jo Napoli.  The amazing colored illustrations are accompanied by brief explanations of each of the major Egyptian and Norse Gods that make looking at these books a real pleasure for these long winter evenings.

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All of these books are in the McLure Library School Library collection located in the basement of McLure Library.  If you would like to read any of these books call 348 – 6346 or 348-1508 and we will put it on hold for you.  Or you can come to McLure and see what other fantastic reading we have on our shelves.

Think Like a President and Get Out of Your Head

What could be better for summer reading than getting completely out of your head and reading something very different from your normal go-to recreational reading?  Take a chance and do what former president Obama did.  He read The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu and here is what he had to say about it in a New York Times article for the NY Times book review section.

” … there’s been the occasion where I just want to get out of my own head. [Laughter] Sometimes you read fiction just because you want to be someplace else.

What are some of those books?

It’s interesting, the stuff I read just to escape ends up being a mix of things — some science fiction. For a while, there was a three-volume science-fiction novel, the “Three-Body Problem” series —

Oh, Liu Cixin, who won the Hugo Award.

— which was just wildly imaginative, really interesting. It wasn’t so much sort of character studies as it was just this sweeping —

It’s really about the fate of the universe.

Exactly. The scope of it was immense. So that was fun to read, partly because my day-to-day problems with Congress seem fairly petty — not something to worry about. Aliens are about to invade. [Laughter]

Excerpt from the New York Times, January 16, 2017.

If a recommendation from the ex-President isn’t enough, what about the current head of Facebook – Mark Zukerburg who also recommended this book for his book club.

The novels are set in post-war Communist China, the first, The Three-Body Problem tells the story of an alien civilization that learns of the existence of Earth.  Facing destruction, the aliens invade.   The ensuing war is detailed in The Dark Forest, and the trilogy ends with, the appropriately named, Death’s End, that explores the two societies’ attempts to co-exist.

If you would like to share some head time with something completely different, McLure Library has all three books in that series in the Education School Library collection.

Book 1                                                     Book 2                                            Book 3

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The call number for the first book is   PL 2947 .C59 S3613 2014

If you would like to read this novel call 348 – 6346 or 348-1508 and we will put it on hold for you.  Or you can come to McLure and see what other fantastic summer reading we have on our shelves.

Outlander Returns

By Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

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Part two of the STARZ hit series Outlander, based on the book by Diana Gabaldon, is set to return to television on April 4.  If you haven’t been watching there is still time to catch up before the new episodes air.  If you are not a STARZ subscriber, you can now purchase the DVDs for season one, part one, which were released on March 3.  The Collector’s edition features both Blu-ray and DVD discs, as well as a collectible lenticular and a 32-page book with an introduction by Diana Gabaldon.  If you are not looking to purchase the DVD set they are also available for checkout at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. The series has already been renewed for a second season and the show’s creator has hinted that there will be surprises in store for even the most faithful fans of the series!  Until then, viewers can find trailers as well as a sneak peek at the opening scene of season one, part two on the show’s website as well as an inside look at the show’s costumes here.

 

 

 

Boxed Sets for All Ages

By Amanda Alexander, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is time to start thinking about what to buy for friends and loved ones.  For book lovers of any age, a boxed set of their favorite series or favorite author can make for a thoughtful, personal gift.

Boxed sets for toddlers:

eric carleMy Very First Library by Eric Carle

ISBN: 978-0399246661

“The perfect gift for young children learning their colors, shapes, and numbers.  All four of Eric Carle’s popular new split-page board books are now packaged together in a slipcased library. A game as well as a learning experience, these early concept books are both fun and smart.  Titles include: My Very First Book of Colors, My Very First Book of Shapes, My Very First Book of Numbers, and My Very First Book of Words. Irresistible fun for young hands and minds!”

peter rabbitPeter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set by Beatrix Potter

ISBN: 978-0723264231

“This brand-new boxed set includes four classic Beatrix Potter tales that showcase their appeal with the eyecatching vine cover design. Titles include: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, The Tale of Tom Kitten, and The Tale of Jemima Puddle- Duck.”

dr suessDr. Suess’s Beginner Book Collection

ISBN: 978-0375851568

“This collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss—The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks—will be cherished by young and old alike. Ideal for reading aloud or reading alone, they will begin a child on the adventure of a lifetime!”

Boxed sets for children:

madelineMadeline Storybook Collection by Ludwig Bemelmans

ISBN: 978-1484885031

“Madeline, a fearless little girl full of mischief and vitality, is one of the world’s most popular and beloved fictional characters.  In each of these books, Bemelmans’ humorous verse, his immortal characters and his wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris combine to create a memorable reading experience for people of all ages.”

bad kittyBad Kitty’s Very Bad Boxed Set by Nick Bruel

ISBN: 978-1250010346

“Young readers will be cracking up at Bad Kitty’s antics and at the lively line art in these three entertaining books.  Included is: Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, and Bad Kitty vs Uncle Murray.  But wait, there’s more! Included in the boxed set is a full size poster featuring the cover of Bad Kitty for President. So put your paws up and vote!”

little golden booksClassic Characters of Little Golden Books

ISBN: 978-0375859342

“This beautiful boxed set brings together five of the all-time favorite Little Golden Books! The Poky Little PuppyTootleThe Saggy Baggy ElephantTawny Scrawny Lion, and Scuffy the Tugboat. This classic collection in its own slipcase is perfect for gift-giving—and is great value, too!”

Classic boxed sets for middle readers:

nancy drewhardy boysNancy Drew/Hardy Boys starter set

ISBN: 978-0448464961 (Nancy Drew)

ISBN: 978-0448464954 (Hardy Boys)

“The first five books in the each of these respective classic mystery series are packaged together in a collectible box set featuring a newly redesigned slipcover.  The perfect gift for the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys fan in your life.”

black stallionThe Black Stallion Adventures by Walter Farley

ISBN: 978-0375834066

“Walter Farley’s tales of bravery, instinct, and survival have been captivating readers for almost 65 years. Here, in a handsome gift set, are four of the best, starting with The Black Stallion, where Alec Ramsay saves the Black after a shipwreck. The bond they form cannot be broken. It  survives their separation in The Black Stallion Returns. Reunited in The Black Stallion’s Ghost, they survive a terrifying curse. Finally, in The Black Stallion Revolts, they are separated again after a plane crash! Each gripping tale culminates in a thrilling race to the finish!”

magic treehouseMagic Treehouse Starter Library by Mary Pope Osborne

ISBN: 978-0307930453

“Get ready for a world of adventure with the first two books of the New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series! This boxed set also includes the first nonfiction companion title, Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Dinosaurs, and the fun activity book Games and Puzzles from the Tree House as a special bonus!  These four titles are the perfect gift for a Magic Tree House fan or any child who loves a good adventure.”

*Also of note is A Newbery Collection boxed set that includes four unforgettable Newbery Medal winners and can be found here.

Modern boxed sets for middle readers:

wimpyDiary of a Wimpy Kid Box of Books by Jeff Kinney

ISBN: 978-1419711824

“The first four books in the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are available together for the first time in a collectible boxed set. Included are Diary of a Wimpy KidRodrick RulesThe Last Straw, andDog Days, in a specially designed package that features six pages from Rowley Jefferson’s journal, “Diary of an Awesome, Friendly Kid”—an original cartoon by Jeff Kinney.”

penderwickThe Penderwicks 3-book Boxed Set by Jeanne Birdsall

ISBN: 978-0385755870

“Including The PenderwicksThe Penderwicks on Gardam Street, and The Penderwicks at Point Mouette are available in a charming paperback boxed set. Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, these stories are as breezy and carefree as a clear June day!”

percy jacksonPercy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Boxed Set by Rick Riordan

ISBN: 978-1484707234

“All five books in the blockbuster Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in paperback, have been collected in a boxed set fit for demigods. Now with glorious new cover art and packaged with a special poster, this value-priced set includes the best-selling The Lightning ThiefThe Sea of MonstersThe Titan’s CurseThe Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian.”

Boxed sets for Young Adults:

hunger gamesThe Hunger Games Box Set: Foil Edition by Suzanne Collins

ISBN: 978-0545791915

“All three Hunger Games books in one gorgeous package! The extraordinary, ground breaking New York Times bestsellers–The Hunger GamesCatching Fire, and Mockingjay–are available now in a deluxe foil boxed set edition.”

divergentDivergent Series Ultimate Four-Book Box Set by Veronica Roth

ISBN: 978-0062352163

“Available together for the first time—all three books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy, plus the companion volume told from the perspective of the immensely popular character Tobias. Perfect for established fans who want to own the full Divergent library or readers new to the series, this box set includes DivergentInsurgentAllegiant, and Four: A Divergent Collection as well as an exclusive Divergent series poster!”

john greenJohn Green Box Set

ISBN: 978-0147515001

“Discover #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green from the beginning with four critically acclaimed, award-winning modern classics, including Looking for AlaskaAn Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and The Fault in Our Stars, now a major motion picture.  This complete collection includes paperback editions of John Green’s award-winning books in a stunning case. The perfect introduction to John Green or addition to any fan’s collection.”

gary paulsenThe Gary Paulsen Collection

ISBN: 978-1442497788

“This collectible boxed set from acclaimed author Gary Paulsen includes four beloved titles.  In Dancing Carl, a teen’s terrible secret becomes a fragile expression of hope and the healing power of love.  In the Newbery Honor Book Dogsong, Russel takes a team of dogs on an epic journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever.  In the Newbery Honor Book Hatchet, Brian Robeson must survive fifty-four harrowing days following a plane crash, stranded in the desolate wilderness with only his instincts.  And in Woodsong, Gary Paulsen recounts in vivid detail some of the incredible life experiences that shaped his remarkable fiction.”

Graphic novel boxed sets:

boxers and saintsBoxers & Saints Boxed Set by Gene Luen Yang

ISBN: 978-1596439245

“In two volumes, Boxers & Saints tells two parallel stories. The first is of Little Bao, a Chinese peasant boy whose village is abused and plundered by Westerners claiming the role of missionaries. In the second volume, Yang lays out the opposite side of the conflict. A girl whose village has no place for her is taken in by Christian missionaries and finds, for the first time, a home with them.  It offers a penetrating insight into not only one of the most controversial episodes of modern Chinese history, but into the very core of our human nature.”

persepolisPersepolis Boxed Set by Marjane Satrapi

ISBN: 978-0375423963

“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.”