Booktalking That Works

Teens @ the Library Series

by Jennifer Bromann

Young adults may be the toughest audience on Earth. Can librarians successfully use booktalks with teenagers who have grown up with the Internet, digital TV, and CD-Walkmans? The answer is yes! Noted booktalker Jennifer Bromann shows you how in this new manual with step-by-step guidance, plus a collection of 50 booktalks that work. Practical chapters discuss what teens want; how booktalkers can choose the right books (and which ones to avoid); booktalking basics; writing booktalks (including hints for preparing a booktalk when you don't have time to read all the books). Sample booktalks cover 10 science fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, nonfiction, short books, horror, mystery, humor, and popular books of temporary - but immediate - interest.

Genres: Library Science

155 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more catered toward school librarians or for any librarian who has never interacted with teens. Most of the titles suggested, even I, someone who almost exclusively reads teen and kid lit, hadn't heard of, whether award winners/nominees or not. This first volume was published in 2001. The selection of books is okay in terms of the times with diversity, tough issues, etc, but I absolutely hate the way she does book talks "If you haven't read the book, it's okay." A teen can see right through anyone who hasn't read the book...its engrained in them to spot the B.S. from Adults. Or unnecessary blinders or blockers put up with certain books "Oh yeah, these 2 girls hook up, but the book is really about this..." Wait, you said 'NO Spoilers'....Based off the way our system teaches, versus what this librarian is asking me to do feels like a slap in the face to Intellectual Freedom.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dated. And honestly I would not want this person to give booktalks. She tries too hard. And the lying bit doesn't sit well with me. I say be honest with your students. You wont connect with them all but you will with some right away if your are sincere and show some common interests. YOu can tell when someone didn't actually read the book.
The books mentioned I never heard of and I was in HS during these years! THe heck! I averaged a book a day and most of the titles given are foreign to me. Was I that off the beaten track of popular titles or was she that out of tune with what kids might actually read.
Dated references. Honestly this was a waste of time, that just got worse the more I tried. The first couple chapters are decent but the entire second half is useless.