Welcome back!

Welcome back BHS!
This summer has flown by - as all summers seem to do! Did you get all the reading done that you wanted? Did you find more books at the library or bookstore that you just couldn't resist? Isn't it great that there are always new creative books that just find their way to you? Did you try a new genre? I love historical novels, but I read a mystery and was just fascinated by not only the story, but also the structure of the book. It seems to me that mystery writers' minds work very differently, to be able to create the story line, build characters, leave clues, know the ending and yet not give it away. If you haven't read a good mystery, perhaps give one a try. Below is an address for a good starting point for finding a mystery:
www.mysterynet.com/edgars/previous/youngadult.shtml

We have a new librarian at Barrington High School! Her name is Janet Anderson and she has worked previously at Oswego High School Library as well as Naperville's Districts 203 and 204 as an elementary librarian. Please stop by the Library to say hello and introduce yourself.

I am looking forward to another exciting school year! I hope your year is a good one!

Keep reading!

Hot picks for summer reading. . .what's on your list??

Now is the time of year when summer reading lists begin to appear. Publishers Weekly posted their hot picks for summer reads in April. Now it is time for the BHS reading community to post their own hot picks. . .we know what Harry Potter fans will be reading on July 13th of this summer, but what about you? Feel free to share and/or visit the following sites for reading ideas:


Best Books for Young Adults
Book Browse
Books Well Read: your free online book journal
Chicago Tribune Books
NPR Topics: Books
Teen Ink
Teen Reads

Which Comes First - the Movie or the Book?

Recently, I finished reading the book The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham. I consciously chose to read the book before seeing the movie so that while reading, I would be able to create my own mind’s images, uninfluenced by Hollywood.

Usually I find that I prefer a book to its movie adaptation. At times after reading a book, I have prepared to watch, with great anticipation, its movie version, only to be disappointed because the focus had been changed, details left out, or literary characters had been “beautified” by Hollywood for the screen, as was Nobu Toshikazu in Arthur Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha. That said, I have enjoyed well done movie adaptations of books and additionally I have been inspired to read books because I have seen a movie, as was the case with Schindler’s List.

What are your thoughts? What books were you inspired to read, or conversely, decided not to read, after seeing its movie counterpart? Are there any books you would like to see made into a movie?

Be sure to come into the library and visit our display of books (all of which can be checked out) that have been made into movies.

Must Read Books : Recommended by BHS Students and Staff

Looking for a "good" read. Winter vacation is coming; let's create a "non-required" reading list for students and staff. Submit one or two of your favorite past or current reads and why you think others might enjoy it.

Thank you for helping to take readers "between the lines."

(for more book ideas check out our RSS feed to NPR Books and this link to NYT Sunday Book Review)

Themes of Young Adult Fiction

Teen fiction, also referred to as “Young Adult fiction”, is books written for the reading population from the ages of 12 through 18. Contemporary themes, in this genre; often deal with coming-of-age, romance, and sexuality. What I am wondering is if the adult writers of these books for teens are getting it right? Are they writing books that teens can identify with? What is your favorite "teen fiction?”

As always thank you for responding, sharing your thoughts, and taking us "between the lines."

Click here for more about "teen fiction"

Books That Speak to You

Recently I worked with one of BHS's English teacher's on, what I thought to be, a very creative assignment entitled "Reading and Writing History". In her words, "In order to move forward as readers and writers, it is important to know where we are as literate people."

Students were to choose 3 books they have enjoyed reading, from various "eras" of their life, as well as influential writing experiences they have had. It is the idea of looking at reading experiences that have shaped us or have had a lasting effect on us that I address this post.

Let's expand this classroom assignment and go "Between the Lines" of our own reading history.

We welcome your comments and thank you in advance for sharing.

Here is a link to the story of one person's reading history :
Re-reading Ourselves Through Little Women: Four Young Readers’ Story of Feminine and Feminist Mentoring Through the Voice of Jo March

Graphic Novels

Q. What do the 9/11 Report, The War Within, a story about a U.S. soldier who lost a leg in Iraq, and Naruto, the tests of the Ninja, have in common?

A. They are all book titles held by the Barrington High School Library and they are all graphic novels, i.e. stories that use a comic-book-like layout.

Are “comics” finally becoming acceptable as a literary genre . . . .are they gaining new respect. . . can they be “good enough” choices for classroom reading assignments? It would appear so, given that the 9/11 Commission recently published their report in a format (graphic version) that would make “. . .our nation’s history accessible to all [and] . . encourage our fellow citizens to study, reflect, and – act.” And that General R. Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that Gary Trudeau’s recent comic book-style portrayal of a U.S. soldier with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "will help wounded and recovering service-members heal and move on with the rest of their lives." In addition Anime/Manga clubs are "popping up" at many high school and public libraries including BHS, whose members are very dedicated and active readers of this genre.

What are your thoughts? We invite you to go “between the lines” with graphic novels.

Welcome to talking about reading!

Welcome to the BHS Library blog.