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.

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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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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PZ7.R4829 Re 2010             PZ7.R4829 Th 2011                  PZ7.R4829 Se 2012b

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:

The Graphic Novel                                                   The Graphic Novel

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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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PZ7.R4829 Sw 2015               PZ7.R4829 Ham 2016

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.

Cover Image   PR6057.A319 A85 2005

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.

More Young Adult Dystopian Novels

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Stories set in dystopian societies are wildly popular right now, with books like The Hunger Games and Divergent becoming blockbuster hits at the box office. If you’re done re-reading  Mockingjay before the release of part one later this month, then you might want to check out some of these other young adult dystopian novels available at the library.

pasPills and Starships

by Lydia Millet

(PZ7.M63923 Pi 2014)

“Seventeen-year-old Nat and her hacker brother Sam have come to Hawaii for their parents’ Final Week. Global warming has devastated the planet, and the disintegrating society that remains is run by “corporates” who keep the population complacent through a constant diet of “pharma.” The few Americans who stil live well also live long — so long that older adults, like Nat’s parents, blow out not by natural means but by buying death contracts. While Nat grapples with the bizarre ritual of her parents’ slickly engineered last days, Sam begins to uncover a secret, wilder Hawaii hidden beneath the high-gloss corporate veneer. Their family’s Final Week races toward its climax in the face of a looming hurricane as Nat struggles to protect herself and the people she loves — Along the way forging her own surprising path to hope.”

matched

Matched series

by Ally Condie

(PZ7.C7586 Ma 2010)

“All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, whom to marry. When she is Matched with her best friend Xander, things couldn’t be more perfect. But why did her neighbor Ky’s face show up on her match disk as well?”

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Tankborn series

by Karen Sandler

(PZ7.S2173 Tan 2011)

“Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered non-human slaves (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and find out what it means to be human.”

 

Thotshe House of the Scorpion series

by Nancy Farmer

(PZ7.F23814 Mat 2002)

“In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patrón, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States.”

 

smShatter Me series

by Tahereh Mafi

(PZ7.M2695 Sh 2011)

“Ostracized or incarcerated her whole life, seventeen-year-old Juliette is freed on the condition that she use her horrific abilities in support of The Reestablishment, a postapocalyptic dictatorship, but Adam, the only person ever to show her affection, offers hope of a better future.”

 

sbShip Breaker series

by Paolo Bacigalupi

(PZ7.B132185 Sh 2010)

“In a futuristic world, teenaged Nailer scavenges copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living, but when he finds a beached clipper ship with a girl in the wreckage, he has to decide if he should strip the ship for its wealth or rescue the girl.”

life

Life As We Knew It series

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

(PZ7.P44855 Lif 2006)

“Through journal entries sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family’s struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.”

 

These are just a few books to get you started, all of which are available at McLure in the Education School Library downstairs. Enjoy, and let us know your favorite dystopian reads.

Illustrated Novels for Older Readers

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Illustrations aren’t just for kid’s books anymore. A lack of pictures has often categorized reading material as more “mature,” but that isn’t always the case. There are many novels written on more advanced reading levels that include a strong visual component. Not to be confused with graphic novels, whose stories are told entirely through pictures, illustrated novels still contain plots that are told primarily through the writing. However, they also contain images that add to the story and are sometimes even pivotal to understanding it. These books are great for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys artistic interpretations of the text. Here are a few examples available through the university’s libraries:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret cover

Brian Selznick’s Caldecott winning book tells the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan living in a railway station in 1930s Paris. At 500+ pages, this is no picture book. But don’t be intimidated by its size. It is a surprisingly quick read, as many sections of the story are told entirely through Selznick’s full-page, detailed black and white drawings. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an enchanting piece of historical fiction, and the film adaptation, Hugo, won several Academy Awards. Fans of the book should also check out his latest novel, Wonderstruck, which uses a similar style.

 

 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian cover

This highly acclaimed young adult novel by Sherman Alexie features a 14-year-old Native American protagonist who decides to leave the reservation in order to attend an all-white public high school. Arnold Spirit, Jr., aka Junior, is an aspiring cartoonist, and the book’s illustrations, drawn by Ellen Forney, depict his humorous drawings of the world around him. Alexie uses humor to balance the depressing events Junior experiences in his life on the reservation. While it contains a powerful story, some of the book’s more controversial elements have landed it on many banned book lists.

 

Leviathan

Leviathan cover

Science fiction writer Scott Westerfeld puts his own spin on history with this steampunk version of World War I. Leviathan introduces Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn Sharp, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service, and what happens when their lives intersect. Westerfeld’s fantastic vision of alternate history, complete with complex, steam-powered machinery and genetically engineered animal-vessels, is punctuated by the awe-inspiring illustrations of Keith Thompson. His artwork masterfully combines elements of past and future and helps readers better picture the richly complex setting. The book is the first in a trilogy.

 

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close cover

Although this is a novel aimed at adults, Jonathan Safran Foer’s nine-year-old narrator might make it also appeal to a slightly younger audience. In this book, Oskar Schell looks for clues that will unlock the meaning of a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died on 9/11. Foer’s narrative is supplemented by many visual elements, such as photographs and letters. These pictures often contain clues or hidden meanings that are revealed throughout the course of the story. Once again, this book serves as an example of how images can enrich a book’s text. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close deals with issues of grief and loss, especially in the wake of September 11th, and has also been made into a movie.

 

These are only a few examples of how fiction books incorporate illustrations. Graphics can enrich a text, provide supplementary information, and even communicate part of the plot. All of the books mentioned above are available at a library on campus. Let us know in the comments what other novels you think use images effectively to add to the story.

Television Show Read Alikes

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

For fans of popular television series, there’s never an episode long enough to satisfy, and the wait between seasons can feel like an eternity. To bide your time until then, you might be interested in reading some similar stories. Here’s our list of read alikes for a few of your tv favorites:

If you like The Bachelor, you might like…

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The Selection by Kiera Cass.

PZ7.C2685133 Sel 2012

“America Singer is chosen to compete in the Selection–a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Illea’s prince–but all she really wants is a chance for a future with her secret love, Aspen, who is a caste below her.”

 

If you like Once Upon a Time, you might like…

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The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley.

PZ7.B882323 Fai 2005

“Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead.”

 

 

If you like Hannibal, you might like…

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Chew by John Layman and Rob Guillory.

PN6728.C48 L396 2010

“Tony Chu is a detective with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is Cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats.”

 

 

If you like The 100, you might like…

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The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

PZ7.D2587 Maz 2009

“Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.”

 

You can find all of these suggestions at McLure. Let us know in the comments if there are any other tv show/book comparisons you think we’re missing.

What is Manga?

manga

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

If you’re ever perused the shelves of our graphic novel section, you might notice that some of the books appear to be printed backwards. The cover illustration appears on the back, rather than the front of the book. You may know this already, but these books are called manga. For those unfamiliar with the genre, we thought it would be good to provide a short explanation.

Manga originates from Japan. The word itself means comic or cartoon. Manga is a style that developed in the late 19th century, and the stories can be about a wide range of topics. It has risen in popularity in Europe and North America, especially after the influx of Japanese animation.

The reading direction in a traditional manga (image from Wikipedia)

Rather than a being misprint, manga only appears “backwards” if you’re used to reading from left to right. This is because manga is usually written from right to left. Some publishers choose to flip the images to accommodate western readers. However, this inversion can cause other problems by changing the illustrations and directions within the text.

The image to the left demonstrates the direction in which the story is read within traditional manga. You can also see a more detailed explanation with examples by following this link.

 

Now that you understand the basics, we have several series to get you started, including:

  • Vampire Knight
  • Oh My Goddess!
  • Hikaru No Go
  • Neon Genesis Evangelion
  • Gravitation
  • Someday’s Dreamers: Spellbound

You can find all of these and more by browsing the graphic novels downstairs at McLure or searching the catalog. Enjoy!

Markus Zusak and the 2014 Margaret A. Edwards Award

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Congratulations are in order for Markus Zusak, winner of the 2014 Margaret A. Edwards Award. The Edwards Award is for “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.” His books I Am the Messenger, The Book Thief, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, and Getting the Girl are honored specifically by this award. The prize will be awarded this summer at the 2014 ALA Annual Conference. For more information, you can read about it here:

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/01/markus-zusak-wins-2014-edwards-award-book-thief-fighting-ruben-wolfe-getting

The Book Thief, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, and I Am the Messenger can all be found at McLure in the Education School Library downstairs.

Zusak’s books available at our library

Take a Literary Journey with These Spring Break Reads

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

Spring break is right around the corner. Whether you’re going on a trip or planning a staycation, we’ve got plenty of books you’ll want to have on hand. Any of these would be great for reading on the beach. However, if you’re staying a little closer to home, never fear! Save money by traveling via book. All of these reads feature trips you can enjoy without leaving the comfort of your couch.

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Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

(PZ7.M43151 Am 2010)

“After the death of her father, Amy, a high school student, and Roger, a college freshman, set out on a carefully planned road trip from California to Connecticut, but wind up taking many detours, forcing Amy to face her worst fears and come to terms with her grief and guilt.”

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Paper Towns by John Green

(PZ7.G8233 Pap 2008)

“One month before graduating from his Central Florida high school, Quentin “Q” Jacobsen basks in the predictable boringness of his life until the beautiful and exciting Margo Roth Spiegelman, Q’s neighbor and classmate, takes him on a midnight adventure and then mysteriously disappears.”

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Going Bovine by Libba Bray

(PZ7.B7386 Go 2009)

“In an attempt to find a cure after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s (aka mad cow) disease, Cameron Smith, a disaffected sixteen-year-old boy, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed video gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital.”

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The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

(PZ7.J634145 Nam 2011)

“Rory, of Bénouville, Louisiana, is spending a year at a London boarding school when she witnesses a murder by a Jack the Ripper copycat and becomes involved with the very unusual investigation.”

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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

(PZ7.B73759 Si 2001)

“During their first summer apart, four teenage girls, best friends since earliest childhood, stay in touch through a shared pair of secondhand jeans that magically adapts to each of their figures and affects their attitudes to their different summer experiences.”

Best of all, each of these books can be found at McLure library. But if you’re planning to leave town, be sure to come ahead of time, as we will close at 5 pm on Friday and won’t open again until Monday morning, March 24th.

What are you reading during spring break?

Books to Movies: Spring 2014

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

We’ve reached that hectic part of the semester where every professor is trying to cram in one last paper or test (or both!) before spring break. Once you’ve turned in the paper and aced the midterm, reward yourself. Identify your junk food of choice and watch that movie you’re dying to see.

There are several new movies based on books coming out in theatres and on DVD. If you’re a book loyalist, you’ll want to read these first. Maybe you loved the movie and have been inspired to read the original. Or you can’t wait for the sequel to find out what happens next. Either way, you’re in luck. Here are a few we have at the library.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

On DVD: March 11

At the library: PZ7.Z837 Boo 2006

The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Germany during World War II, and her relationship with her new foster home and the written word. This deeply touching work of historical fiction deserves a read for numerous reasons, including Zusak’s hauntingly beautiful prose and masterful storytelling, along with the many intricacies lost in its translation to film.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

On DVD: March 7

At the library: PZ7.C6837 Cat 2009

The second book in Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire has Katniss Everdeen at odds with the Capital again during the 75th Annual Hunger Games. The movie is worth a watch if you’re a fan of action, dystopia, or Jennifer Lawrence. Brush up on your knowledge with a re-read in preparation for the release of Mockingjay. Part one comes to cinemas this November.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In theatres: March 21

At the library: PZ7.R7375 Di 2011

If you’re looking for the next big series, look no further. Divergent capitalizes on the dystopian trend with the story of Tris Prior, who lives in a futuristic version of Chicago where people are divided into “factions” based on their defining characteristic. Tris must decide between a life of selflessness with her family or embracing her inner bravery by starting a new life, and she finds out what happens to people who believe they can do both. Roth’s stunning conclusion to the trilogy, Allegiant, was released last fall, so fans of the books eagerly await as it comes to the big screen later this month.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

On DVD: April 8 (Part 2)

In theatres: Dec 17 (Part 3)

At the library: PZ8.1.T576 Ho

For fantasy enthusiasts, a read through of Tolkien’s work is always in order. This Lord of the Rings prequel is a perfect choice with the release of parts two and three of The Hobbit this year, on DVD and in theatres, respectively. And if The Hobbit is too easy, you can always check out The Silmarillion as well for even more knowledge about the Tolkien universe.

Good luck with your assignments, and don’t forget to borrow one of these books while you’re in the library studying!