Reading Rants: Guide to Books That Rock! (Teens @ the Library)

by Jennifer Hubert

Jennifer Hubert knows what makes teens tick - and what genres, subjects, and storylines will keep them reading at the library. The creator of the popular Reading Rants Web site, Hubert has compiled 100 of her best recommendations in this unique resource. This book is invaluable as a collection development, reader's advisory, or booktalking tool. Each featured title includes an extensive annotation with a detailed plot, theme, and audience description; sources for review; and other related books to recommend. Topics covered books for boys, girls, and tweens; graphic novels; historical fiction for hipsters; nailbiting mystery and suspense; Gen-X sci-fi; and more. Hubert's annotations will add real power to your booktalks, and her advice on "Why It Rocks" and her recommendations for "Hook It Up With" will help you make the most of your collections. This is an essential resource for school and public librarians who want to keep on the cutting edge of today's teen literature.

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Melissa]

Although this title will date itself pretty fast, it's still got ten great book sets for teen librarians. It was good to read full plot summaries to get a good sense of new books AND to review books read long ago. Caveat emptor: it skews towards older, high-school-age teens, but even middle school librarians will find a lot to chew on.

[Terry]

Although this is targeted at librarians, this is a good resource for teachers as well. The center piece is a most thorough summary and reasons for recommending a title. There are ten books in each of ten categories. Excellent for book talks. Teachers will appreciate the "Why it rocks" section of each entry, as the points about character, pacing, themes are perfect teaching points.