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The Library Card
Mongoose, Brenda, Sonseray, and April have nothing in common...until a mysterious blue card appears as if by magic and begins to change each of their lives. None of them guesses it at first, but that strange blue card will be their ticket to the past--and to a future that they never imagined. In stories that range from humorous to heartbreaking, Newbery-award-winner Jerry Spinelli reveals the amazing possibilities lurking behind library doors.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
78 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Spinelli
113 books4,004 followersWhen Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
May 5, 2009
I read this book aloud to my students in year 2000. The rating is based on their reaction to this book. Although it appears to be recommended for 11+ years, my grade 4 students loved the four stories about the four conflicted individuals. When Mongoose, Brenda, Sonseray, and then April find the blue library card, it affects each of them in a different way. Perhaps somewhat unbelievable, but so too, was what happened in real life: the class wanted access to more Jerry Spinelli books!
Recommended, not only for ages 9 and up, but also for "reluctant readers".
Recommended, not only for ages 9 and up, but also for "reluctant readers".
August 29, 2021
Well, *I* liked it. Of course the anti-TV one is dated, as even parents get far too much screen time nowadays. And all four stories are a little too optimistic. But they still hit me in the heart, and give me hope.
April 7, 2012
I have moved around a lot in my life. In every town I settled in, one of the first things I would do, even before driver's license, is search out the library and get a new card. Once I had my card I felt like I was a REAL person.
I believe in the magic of books, in the knowledge you can gain from books, in the friendships developed in books and because of books.
I have loved other books by Jerry Spinelli.
That said, I was hugely disappointed in this book. It didn't hold my interest. I have ADD and this was the hardest I have worked in a long time to keep reading. I kept hoping I would grow to like the characters and plots in this book, but I couldn't relate to any of them.
<
I believe in the magic of books, in the knowledge you can gain from books, in the friendships developed in books and because of books.
I have loved other books by Jerry Spinelli.
That said, I was hugely disappointed in this book. It didn't hold my interest. I have ADD and this was the hardest I have worked in a long time to keep reading. I kept hoping I would grow to like the characters and plots in this book, but I couldn't relate to any of them.
<
July 30, 2010
For as long as I can remember I have been a library-goer, so that in and of itself had me wanting to read this book. As a kid I can remember the smell of books and running my hands through the spines and wondering what stories they held. Ahhhh...memories.
The book revolves around how a library card changes the life of four kids: Mongoose, Brenda, Sonseray, and April. Mongoose experiences what it's like to grow apart from a best friend, Brenda finds herself again, Sonseray finds some sort of solace, and April encounters friendship in the oddest place.
It's kind of unfair to this book that I expected it to be something it wasn't. Though the library card does play a vital role in changing the kids lives, but just not in the way you would think. The stories are toucing and each had something unique to offer. If I were to chose one, my favorite would have to April's story. I could understand her because, unlike the others, she had always love going to the library.
Spinelli has a signature style of writing, and it works for him. Thoughtful, just not mind-boggling.
The book revolves around how a library card changes the life of four kids: Mongoose, Brenda, Sonseray, and April. Mongoose experiences what it's like to grow apart from a best friend, Brenda finds herself again, Sonseray finds some sort of solace, and April encounters friendship in the oddest place.
It's kind of unfair to this book that I expected it to be something it wasn't. Though the library card does play a vital role in changing the kids lives, but just not in the way you would think. The stories are toucing and each had something unique to offer. If I were to chose one, my favorite would have to April's story. I could understand her because, unlike the others, she had always love going to the library.
Spinelli has a signature style of writing, and it works for him. Thoughtful, just not mind-boggling.
August 16, 2011
What a wonderful way to change a child's view of visiting the library. It's definitely a shame when children/teens are not using the public library as place to discover books or just as a hang out. Great place for any age to re-discover! Love this book and its words of wisdom! Keep writing Jerry, especially to the kids.
November 19, 2015
I really liked the view from 4 different characters! My personal favorite was Mongoose.
July 5, 2019
Holy smokes. Where do I begin? I read this with 3rd graders, and let me say this is not for 3rd graders - even the advanced 3rd grade readers. This is 4th and beyond. I was sweating bullets reading this with kids. I consulted 2 school librarians before giving this book to kids. It's a terrific book... absolutely amazing, but it's very mature. Chapter one is about 2 boys shoplifting and spraypainting on walls and buildings. There's basically a tutorial on how to shoplift. This is important if you happen to be handing this book to a troubled child. Each chapter ends on a moral high note. It's getting to the high note that was the problem. Words and phrases that you don't want to read with certain kids "sexy" "the kid will moon the teacher" "a kid had to take a leak" There's drug abuse, death from drugs, homelessness, theft, irresponsible parents, troubled children - lots and lots of stuff to talk about.
I do not censor books nor do I prohibite kids from reading books that are controversial. I would have gladly read this with my own 3rd grader and we both would have really enjoyed it. It was with 6 other 3rd graders, and I felt uncomfortable with that. I didn't know if these children were sheltered or what. I love to talk it out with kids. We really discused that you will read things that sometimes feel uncomfortable or you may not completely understand what you're reading when you can read so far above your grade level - talk to your parents. Ask lots of questions. Find out what was right and what was wrong - be compassionate of kids not like you in stories.
All in all... it's not for everyone. But every single kid absolutely loved it. This is not the type of book to put in a child of any ages hands and walk away from them. You should really read this along side of the child and openly discuss.
I do not censor books nor do I prohibite kids from reading books that are controversial. I would have gladly read this with my own 3rd grader and we both would have really enjoyed it. It was with 6 other 3rd graders, and I felt uncomfortable with that. I didn't know if these children were sheltered or what. I love to talk it out with kids. We really discused that you will read things that sometimes feel uncomfortable or you may not completely understand what you're reading when you can read so far above your grade level - talk to your parents. Ask lots of questions. Find out what was right and what was wrong - be compassionate of kids not like you in stories.
All in all... it's not for everyone. But every single kid absolutely loved it. This is not the type of book to put in a child of any ages hands and walk away from them. You should really read this along side of the child and openly discuss.
July 20, 2009
A must read for anyone who believes in the power of books to transform lives.
One part fantasy, one part character study, this book follows the lives of four seperate teenagers, each one touched in some strange way by a simple, mysterious blue library card that finds its way to each one.
Mongoose is a juvenile deliquent, goaded along by his friend into spray painting walls and ditching school. But when Mongoose finds a book of amazing facts about the world around him at the library, he realizes there's much more to life than he thought.
Brenda is a compulsive eater and a TV addict, not understanding that there could be anything better than her favorite teen comedies and soap operas. But when she finds a book in the library that seems to have somehow recorded her life, she has a startling revelation.
Sonseray is rude and arrogant, a typical jerk teenager. Until the day he enters the library, and hears the children's librarian reading aloud from a book that strikes a chord of memory deep within his heart.
April has just moved to a lonely farm in the country, with the smell of manure all around and the library far away. But then she meets the area's traveling bookmobile and its prickly, layered attendant...and she realizes making a new friend in a new place may not be as she'd thought.
Humorous and heart-breaking in turns, this will reaffirm the idea that just a single encounter with books can change a life.
One part fantasy, one part character study, this book follows the lives of four seperate teenagers, each one touched in some strange way by a simple, mysterious blue library card that finds its way to each one.
Mongoose is a juvenile deliquent, goaded along by his friend into spray painting walls and ditching school. But when Mongoose finds a book of amazing facts about the world around him at the library, he realizes there's much more to life than he thought.
Brenda is a compulsive eater and a TV addict, not understanding that there could be anything better than her favorite teen comedies and soap operas. But when she finds a book in the library that seems to have somehow recorded her life, she has a startling revelation.
Sonseray is rude and arrogant, a typical jerk teenager. Until the day he enters the library, and hears the children's librarian reading aloud from a book that strikes a chord of memory deep within his heart.
April has just moved to a lonely farm in the country, with the smell of manure all around and the library far away. But then she meets the area's traveling bookmobile and its prickly, layered attendant...and she realizes making a new friend in a new place may not be as she'd thought.
Humorous and heart-breaking in turns, this will reaffirm the idea that just a single encounter with books can change a life.
March 23, 2009
Jerry Spinelli’s The Library Card.
Four short and separate stories about lives changed by the sudden and mysterious appearance of a blank blue library card. Mongoose and Weasel the Taggers, Brenda, Sonseray on a tear and April Mendez the Mushie and Nanette the wielder of the razor’s edge. Taggers, a girl who once dumped a plate of spaghetti on her head and whose favorite color is yellow. One angry, mean and motherless boy. A hijacked bookmobile and two girls looking for a future. A bug and the speed of light, a biography of blank pages, the smell and look of mothers that aren’t yours. Nose rings, scarred wrists and the smell of poop and mushrooms. All these images and hurts and longings weave themselves in and out of stories with characters so strong and well drawn they keep playing in your head long after the book’s over and done with.
I can think of few people who write more interesting stories about more interesting people doing more interesting things than Spinelli. Read this one for pure pleasure and the off chance you’ll find your own story woven in with the others.
Four short and separate stories about lives changed by the sudden and mysterious appearance of a blank blue library card. Mongoose and Weasel the Taggers, Brenda, Sonseray on a tear and April Mendez the Mushie and Nanette the wielder of the razor’s edge. Taggers, a girl who once dumped a plate of spaghetti on her head and whose favorite color is yellow. One angry, mean and motherless boy. A hijacked bookmobile and two girls looking for a future. A bug and the speed of light, a biography of blank pages, the smell and look of mothers that aren’t yours. Nose rings, scarred wrists and the smell of poop and mushrooms. All these images and hurts and longings weave themselves in and out of stories with characters so strong and well drawn they keep playing in your head long after the book’s over and done with.
I can think of few people who write more interesting stories about more interesting people doing more interesting things than Spinelli. Read this one for pure pleasure and the off chance you’ll find your own story woven in with the others.
September 7, 2010
The Library Card was a huge surprise and disappointment. Some of Spinelli's books start out slow and boring, but they usually come together in the end. I enjoyed very little of this book, but I kept reading based on what I know of Spinelli. This book did not come together at the end. The plot, or plots, were weak. There was no real resolution, no payoff, at the end. I understand that some readers might find bits and pieces of themselves in the characters, but that could have been accomplished by writing good stories too. Big disappointment.
October 23, 2014
I have a new favorite short story: "Sonseray" in Jerry Spinelli's book "The Library Card". All four short stories are Spinelli quality - (A+++) Thought provoking, complex, heart rendering, redemptive...on and on. Too short - but, of course, that also makes it so brilliant. One is instantly vested in the protaganists and wants to know them better. The reader is able to wonder about the next moment, hours and days in the life of the protagonist. There is no fairy tale ending (or start for that matter.) The story ends... and the reader is allowed and satisfied to write the future. This is Spinelli's exceptional talent in story telling. He has sufficiently introduced and developed the character(s) to know in one's own mind how life continues.
Spinelli is doesn't get bogged down describing scenes and appearances. Through dialogue and vignettes the reader is sucked right into the life of the character - almost as if one is an invisiible, mind-reader; standing in the scene. Some parent's might be surprised at how real his characters are - neither simplistically 'good' nor 'bad'. They are not 'role models' nor do the stories preach 'good morals' or make a point about the 'right thing to do'. They simply tell the story of a life - and the reader can think about how life is well spent. (For more detail - see below.) And thus - the stories are perfect for young readers from all neighborhoods.
The entire book "The Library Card" is masterfully put together. It's a wonderful book to read in a book club - especially for hesitant readers - because Spinelli puts more story into fewer pages than seems possible. Each of the four can be read alone - with much to discuss. Or they can be read together - with the additional benefit of contrast and comparison - characters, themes, personal preference and the titled 'library card' link.
"Mongoose": I found this to be the weakest of the four stories - and it is the first. (Adult readers - if tempted, don't put the book down, just skip to the next story - you don't want to miss it.) Likely it is first - as most immediately interesting for the target audience. The opening scene of crime (shoplifting scene at the corner store) will excite those for whom such a possible scene is pure fantasy. And those for whom such a scenario is not unrealistic will be surprised to discover that the boys are not caught, nor do they suffer any consequences from their crimes (as one would expect in kids books). Thus, they might be more intrigued to continue reading and will discover a story that does not diminish the difficulty of life choices for people like themselves who have less opportunity to 'choose the straight road'.) The story does not preach any obvious 'rights' and 'wrongs' and consequences - but it does demonstrate not only that one is responsibile to make choices, but that there is the opportunity to do so. There is hope for a future - or not.
"Sonseray": Wow. What a story. I can not imagine a better interpretation and description of the subject matter. I won't tell you what that is - you may have a different perspective. Just read it. It is beyond exceptional.
"Brenda": Equally well written. Different subject matter and perspective. "Sonseray" being more of a 'being' subject and "Brenda" more of a 'doing'. I enjoyed it. This one is more like a fable - but still not obvious. Just quirky. I can't think of a better portrayal of a 'moral of the story' that doesn't moralize in any way. GREAT topic.
"April Mendez": equally as well written and enjoyable as Sonseray. Spinelli doesn't develop either the story or the characters as deeply as the former. But this isn't a failing - it is a product of the intentional shortness of this short story. He provides just enough description, just enough story - to satisfy the reader with knowing the people and their story - both past and future. I repeat myself - but Spinelli is exceptional and brilliant in this way. Many a time - I read a short story (or long for that matter) and am left wanting. I wish I knew more about the character and what happens next - or more about what happened in the past. With Sonseray, Brenda and April - I am left knowing and satisfied. (I can't say the same for Mongoose.)
Briefly in my 5 star rating system:
Well Written: Beyond yes. I've mentioned brilliant and exceptional more than once above! 10 all around.
Story: In this case stories. 3 get 9 out of10 stars for combination genre/story. Again, Mongoose weaker of the giants - still deserves at least a 7
I didn't like the Weasel perspective. (And seriously - the first theft possible - but a second or third time? But this is truely nitpicking.)
Genre: Short stories -- see above. AND the way they are put together - there is a thread that binds them. The library card is just enough and not too much. 9.5 out of 10 (10 each but 8 for Mongoose which was the only one that seemed a bit too short/shallow in the development. I suspect was so that it did not get too long. Even so it is twice as long as the others - and told from two perspectives.)
Beyond Labels: YES! 10 of 10. Read it. It's obvious. Spinelli has a knack for description without judgement. Largely in knowing what to describe and what not to describe - and when to describe. Amazing. Loved it! Rich for discussion at any depth.
Thought provoking: YES! Amazing impact and opportunity for thought in so few pages. Each on it's on - 4 different stories - opportunities - subjects - scenarios - etc! and 1 altogether (the library card.)
I'm left writing this review as minimal satisfaction for my desire to discuss this book with others!
Note to Parents:
Spinelli writes true-to-life scenarios and as such crimes go unpunished and bad actions and/or habits aren't specifically wrong or ill advised. However, it is his genius to tell stories with such condensed depth - it is clear that choices are to be made. It is clear that such choices lead to good or harm. It is clear that there are opportunities and a responsibility to choose- regardless of past or present circumstances. For those to whom much is already given - the stories are enjoyable and reinforce choices. For those from less favorable circumstances - the stories are refreshingly realistic and demonstrate that while there are no fairy tales - there can be real hope for a future.
Specifically No swearing. (It's not necessary! And YET - it can be understood the nature and character of the people as well as the type of neighborhood, life circumstances they are in - genius writing.) No sex. No romance. No smoking.
Examples: (spoiler alert): boys rob a convenience store of candy and cakes (and are not caught); a girl hijacks a bookmobile with a razor - but it is not threatening- it is understood no one will be harmed, however it is later understood that she uses it on herself; boys vandalize buildings; a boy smashes a car window and is seriously mean, he wanders around in a mall doing minor acts of agression or destruction - again, not caught. One story includes families living in cars. A very bad additiction to T.V. is the subject of one story - and I can't say enough about the motivation it provides to live life - without ever 'bashing' t.v. or any lectures required.
Spinelli is doesn't get bogged down describing scenes and appearances. Through dialogue and vignettes the reader is sucked right into the life of the character - almost as if one is an invisiible, mind-reader; standing in the scene. Some parent's might be surprised at how real his characters are - neither simplistically 'good' nor 'bad'. They are not 'role models' nor do the stories preach 'good morals' or make a point about the 'right thing to do'. They simply tell the story of a life - and the reader can think about how life is well spent. (For more detail - see below.) And thus - the stories are perfect for young readers from all neighborhoods.
The entire book "The Library Card" is masterfully put together. It's a wonderful book to read in a book club - especially for hesitant readers - because Spinelli puts more story into fewer pages than seems possible. Each of the four can be read alone - with much to discuss. Or they can be read together - with the additional benefit of contrast and comparison - characters, themes, personal preference and the titled 'library card' link.
"Mongoose": I found this to be the weakest of the four stories - and it is the first. (Adult readers - if tempted, don't put the book down, just skip to the next story - you don't want to miss it.) Likely it is first - as most immediately interesting for the target audience. The opening scene of crime (shoplifting scene at the corner store) will excite those for whom such a possible scene is pure fantasy. And those for whom such a scenario is not unrealistic will be surprised to discover that the boys are not caught, nor do they suffer any consequences from their crimes (as one would expect in kids books). Thus, they might be more intrigued to continue reading and will discover a story that does not diminish the difficulty of life choices for people like themselves who have less opportunity to 'choose the straight road'.) The story does not preach any obvious 'rights' and 'wrongs' and consequences - but it does demonstrate not only that one is responsibile to make choices, but that there is the opportunity to do so. There is hope for a future - or not.
"Sonseray": Wow. What a story. I can not imagine a better interpretation and description of the subject matter. I won't tell you what that is - you may have a different perspective. Just read it. It is beyond exceptional.
"Brenda": Equally well written. Different subject matter and perspective. "Sonseray" being more of a 'being' subject and "Brenda" more of a 'doing'. I enjoyed it. This one is more like a fable - but still not obvious. Just quirky. I can't think of a better portrayal of a 'moral of the story' that doesn't moralize in any way. GREAT topic.
"April Mendez": equally as well written and enjoyable as Sonseray. Spinelli doesn't develop either the story or the characters as deeply as the former. But this isn't a failing - it is a product of the intentional shortness of this short story. He provides just enough description, just enough story - to satisfy the reader with knowing the people and their story - both past and future. I repeat myself - but Spinelli is exceptional and brilliant in this way. Many a time - I read a short story (or long for that matter) and am left wanting. I wish I knew more about the character and what happens next - or more about what happened in the past. With Sonseray, Brenda and April - I am left knowing and satisfied. (I can't say the same for Mongoose.)
Briefly in my 5 star rating system:
Well Written: Beyond yes. I've mentioned brilliant and exceptional more than once above! 10 all around.
Story: In this case stories. 3 get 9 out of10 stars for combination genre/story. Again, Mongoose weaker of the giants - still deserves at least a 7
I didn't like the Weasel perspective. (And seriously - the first theft possible - but a second or third time? But this is truely nitpicking.)
Genre: Short stories -- see above. AND the way they are put together - there is a thread that binds them. The library card is just enough and not too much. 9.5 out of 10 (10 each but 8 for Mongoose which was the only one that seemed a bit too short/shallow in the development. I suspect was so that it did not get too long. Even so it is twice as long as the others - and told from two perspectives.)
Beyond Labels: YES! 10 of 10. Read it. It's obvious. Spinelli has a knack for description without judgement. Largely in knowing what to describe and what not to describe - and when to describe. Amazing. Loved it! Rich for discussion at any depth.
Thought provoking: YES! Amazing impact and opportunity for thought in so few pages. Each on it's on - 4 different stories - opportunities - subjects - scenarios - etc! and 1 altogether (the library card.)
I'm left writing this review as minimal satisfaction for my desire to discuss this book with others!
Note to Parents:
Spinelli writes true-to-life scenarios and as such crimes go unpunished and bad actions and/or habits aren't specifically wrong or ill advised. However, it is his genius to tell stories with such condensed depth - it is clear that choices are to be made. It is clear that such choices lead to good or harm. It is clear that there are opportunities and a responsibility to choose- regardless of past or present circumstances. For those to whom much is already given - the stories are enjoyable and reinforce choices. For those from less favorable circumstances - the stories are refreshingly realistic and demonstrate that while there are no fairy tales - there can be real hope for a future.
Specifically No swearing. (It's not necessary! And YET - it can be understood the nature and character of the people as well as the type of neighborhood, life circumstances they are in - genius writing.) No sex. No romance. No smoking.
Examples: (spoiler alert): boys rob a convenience store of candy and cakes (and are not caught); a girl hijacks a bookmobile with a razor - but it is not threatening- it is understood no one will be harmed, however it is later understood that she uses it on herself; boys vandalize buildings; a boy smashes a car window and is seriously mean, he wanders around in a mall doing minor acts of agression or destruction - again, not caught. One story includes families living in cars. A very bad additiction to T.V. is the subject of one story - and I can't say enough about the motivation it provides to live life - without ever 'bashing' t.v. or any lectures required.
February 18, 2019
This book features four short stories about kids from different situations who all find a library card. The card appears mysteriously for each kid at just the time they need it. From there, they use the power of the library card for their own use, creating different results for themselves.
Out of these stories, my favorite one was April's, because she always liked going to the library (very much like me). The others were good and had a good premise. For some reason, though, they didn't really hook my attention. The overall message of the importance and opportunities libraries provide is the overall point of the stories, but the writing didn't really stand out to me like other Jerry Spinelli books I've read.
Out of these stories, my favorite one was April's, because she always liked going to the library (very much like me). The others were good and had a good premise. For some reason, though, they didn't really hook my attention. The overall message of the importance and opportunities libraries provide is the overall point of the stories, but the writing didn't really stand out to me like other Jerry Spinelli books I've read.
March 28, 2020
Entrare in biblioteca per me è sempre stato magico, meglio che entrare in libreria. Quando ero piccola nel mio paese non ne avevamo una, fino ai miei dieci anni l'unica esperienza che avevo avuto era stata durante una vacanza in città ospite di una cugina. Mia zia mi portava un giorno sì e uno no a rifornirmi e per me era un sogno diventato realtà. Ricordo ancora mensole e mensole delle Ragazzine e del Club delle babysitter! Quanto avevo invidiato mia cugina! Quando finalmente l'hanno aperta nel mio paese per me è stato meglio di Pasqua e Natale messi insieme. Era proprio di fronte alla scuola, quindi passavo quasi tutti i giorni. Prendevo un libro, lo divoravo e lo riconsegnavo per prenderne subito un altro. Ero sempre li. Credo che la bibliotecaria segretamente mi odiasse perché ogni giorno per colpa mia le toccava compilare un sacco di scartoffie, visto che all'epoca non si faceva nulla con il computer e c'erano solo moduli cartacei e un grosso registro. Con il tempo mi sono spostata in biblioteche più grandi, ora ne frequento ben due e sono (quasi) sicura che nessun bibliotecario mi odi più, ora che ci sono i computer che fanno tutto il lavoro. Camminare tra gli scaffali, lasciandoti guidare dall'istinto, sapendo che puoi prendere tutto ciò che vuoi... cosa c'è di meglio? Spero che il paradiso sia più o meno così.
Il libro di oggi parla di quattro ragazzi che in un modo o nell'altro vengono in contatto con la biblioteca e con la magia dei libri grazie ad una misteriosa tessera della biblioteca che appare loro nel momento del bisogno. Non leggo spesso raccolte di racconti, troppo brevi per i miei gusti, finisce sempre che ne vorrei sapere di più, ma devo dire che in questo caso mi sono divertita molto e ho trovato tutti i racconti molto piacevoli. Anche se il tema è comune, i protagonisti sono molto diversi tra di loro e affrontano situazioni molto varie. I temi trattati sono parecchi: la dipendenza dalla tecnologia, l'amicizia, quella tossica che ti porta su una cattiva strada, ma anche quella bella e sana che ti dà la forza nelle situazioni più brutte, solitudine. Ci sono racconti che mi sono piaciuti di più, altri di meno, ma nel complesso è stata un'ottima lettura. Jerry Spinelli è un autore per ragazzi molto famoso, mi ha sempre incuriosito ma non mi era mai capitato di leggere qualcosa di suo. É stato un ottimo primo incontro!
CONTINUA...
RECENSIONE COMPLETA SU I LIBRI SONO UN ANTIDOTO ALLA TRISTEZZA
Il libro di oggi parla di quattro ragazzi che in un modo o nell'altro vengono in contatto con la biblioteca e con la magia dei libri grazie ad una misteriosa tessera della biblioteca che appare loro nel momento del bisogno. Non leggo spesso raccolte di racconti, troppo brevi per i miei gusti, finisce sempre che ne vorrei sapere di più, ma devo dire che in questo caso mi sono divertita molto e ho trovato tutti i racconti molto piacevoli. Anche se il tema è comune, i protagonisti sono molto diversi tra di loro e affrontano situazioni molto varie. I temi trattati sono parecchi: la dipendenza dalla tecnologia, l'amicizia, quella tossica che ti porta su una cattiva strada, ma anche quella bella e sana che ti dà la forza nelle situazioni più brutte, solitudine. Ci sono racconti che mi sono piaciuti di più, altri di meno, ma nel complesso è stata un'ottima lettura. Jerry Spinelli è un autore per ragazzi molto famoso, mi ha sempre incuriosito ma non mi era mai capitato di leggere qualcosa di suo. É stato un ottimo primo incontro!
CONTINUA...
RECENSIONE COMPLETA SU I LIBRI SONO UN ANTIDOTO ALLA TRISTEZZA
April 26, 2009
I loved my library card. It was all creased and smudged and spilled on, and the corners were rounded and furry. But it was the only official card I have ever had, and the reason it was so beat-up was because I carried it with me everywhere, because I never knew when I might need it. My mother said it was a good thing I had it too, letting me bring books home, because otherwise I would never leave the library, because I couldn't stop reading.
In the opening piece, "Mongoose", two shoplifting 12-year-old buddies, Jamie "Mongoose" Hill and Bobby "Weasel" Morgan seem destined for lives of crime until Mongoose meets the fact-filled library book, "I Wonder." Discovering this new world of wondrous information, Mongoose increasingly has less in common with Weasel, and the pair's friendship ends.
In "Brenda", TV addicted Brenda Foster, having agreed to participate in her school's "Great TV Turn Off," must endure a week without her "drug." After some days, a sleepwalking Brenda visits a library and finds a biography of herself which abruptly concludes, "One day Brenda turned on the television." An alarmed Brenda uses the remainder of the week to substitute real living for TV's make-believe world. Though thrilled by Brenda's change, her mother wonders what Brenda will do when the TV embargo is lifted.
The next story features "Sonseray", who has been bouncing around the country with his uncle Jack. Sonseray's negative behaviours force the two to keep moving, and readers learn that the 13-year-old's antisocial actions stem from his unsuccessful "memory search" for his dead mother. While Sonseray queries his uncle, he cannot make personal connections with the memory fragments his uncle recounts. However, a library encounter with a romance novel triggers warm recollections of a woman who read that book to him at bedtime when he was just four.
In "April Mendez" the protagonist is upset by her family's move to a Pennsylvania farm. One day, she finds herself aboard the local bookmobile when it is highjacked by a runaway, suicidal teenager, Nanette. When the two girls part, April writes her name and address on her library card and invites Nanette to write her, something Nanette does. Through the girls' correspondence, the connective power of the written word is again revealed.
Book Details:
Title The Library Card
Author Jerry Spinelli
Reviewed By Purplycookie
In the opening piece, "Mongoose", two shoplifting 12-year-old buddies, Jamie "Mongoose" Hill and Bobby "Weasel" Morgan seem destined for lives of crime until Mongoose meets the fact-filled library book, "I Wonder." Discovering this new world of wondrous information, Mongoose increasingly has less in common with Weasel, and the pair's friendship ends.
In "Brenda", TV addicted Brenda Foster, having agreed to participate in her school's "Great TV Turn Off," must endure a week without her "drug." After some days, a sleepwalking Brenda visits a library and finds a biography of herself which abruptly concludes, "One day Brenda turned on the television." An alarmed Brenda uses the remainder of the week to substitute real living for TV's make-believe world. Though thrilled by Brenda's change, her mother wonders what Brenda will do when the TV embargo is lifted.
The next story features "Sonseray", who has been bouncing around the country with his uncle Jack. Sonseray's negative behaviours force the two to keep moving, and readers learn that the 13-year-old's antisocial actions stem from his unsuccessful "memory search" for his dead mother. While Sonseray queries his uncle, he cannot make personal connections with the memory fragments his uncle recounts. However, a library encounter with a romance novel triggers warm recollections of a woman who read that book to him at bedtime when he was just four.
In "April Mendez" the protagonist is upset by her family's move to a Pennsylvania farm. One day, she finds herself aboard the local bookmobile when it is highjacked by a runaway, suicidal teenager, Nanette. When the two girls part, April writes her name and address on her library card and invites Nanette to write her, something Nanette does. Through the girls' correspondence, the connective power of the written word is again revealed.
Book Details:
Title The Library Card
Author Jerry Spinelli
Reviewed By Purplycookie
January 7, 2016
This book contains four separate stories about troubled kids who find a blue library card, which affects each character positively. Mongoose goes from stealing and vandalizing to constantly reading and learning new facts. Brenda spends every waking minute watching television until the “Great TV Turn-Off” which lasts one whole week. During the most miserable week of her life, she finds the library card and her life is completely changed. Sonseray is homeless and craves to find anything to remind him of his deceased mother. One day he visits a library where a lady spends several hours reading the one book that his mother read to him. April moved to a mushroom farm, far away from any library, until one day she catches a bookmobile. There, she meets a girl that has hijacked the bus and who is on her way to get married. They talk for a few minutes, April gives her address, and they exchange several letters after. I would suggest this book to middle school teachers. I think it could be easy for that age to relate to and used as a great way to show how reading can change their lives.
November 20, 2019
The Library Card by Jerry Spinelli is book containing 4 different stories with 4 different sets of characters, with different plots yet all of them are premised on a mysterious blue library card. There is Mongoose who has a friend, Weasel, as they both spray paint their nicknames across walls and shoplift candy until Mongoose finds a bus and wants to know more about it. Brenda is a tv addict until one day there is the great tv turn off which is all the tv’s turned off for kids. Brenda goes to the library and her life starts unfolding. Sonseray is a small boy who snatches to stay alive in the hot desert and walks into the library. April finds herself on a bookmobile as she meets a girl. This book was very amusing, each story felt satisfying at the closing especially the last story, the stories were good then the next one is better. This book seems to be fitting for young adults yet I think children should read it. It was a bit confusing at some points yet you get caught up with stories and just want to keep reading.
August 1, 2016
Enjoyed this light read yet had depth to it.
How does one end up going to the Library?
Enjoyment of Reading books and What was your First Book?
My first book I read in 3d Grade, Turbotville Elementary School, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Bender's Class.
Untill then I was average, below average student. I read that book the rest of year in 3d grade and all through 4th grade.
It was about a Union drummer boy at the Battle of Gettysburg. I thought the title was "Union Drummer Boy at Gettysburg, Four days at Gettysburg or something w/Gettysburg in the title. I have asked for folks to see if they could find it for me, so far, found other books but not this one.
It was written by a female author, was illustrated, about 50 pages long very thin book. writing was juvenile to elementary level readers. I believe it was written for the American Civil War Cenntennial.
How does one end up going to the Library?
Enjoyment of Reading books and What was your First Book?
My first book I read in 3d Grade, Turbotville Elementary School, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Bender's Class.
Untill then I was average, below average student. I read that book the rest of year in 3d grade and all through 4th grade.
It was about a Union drummer boy at the Battle of Gettysburg. I thought the title was "Union Drummer Boy at Gettysburg, Four days at Gettysburg or something w/Gettysburg in the title. I have asked for folks to see if they could find it for me, so far, found other books but not this one.
It was written by a female author, was illustrated, about 50 pages long very thin book. writing was juvenile to elementary level readers. I believe it was written for the American Civil War Cenntennial.
April 27, 2013
Four stories about teens or preteens who are angry or lonely or confused (or all of the above) but find a library card which transforms their existence. That makes it sound better than it is and as if there is more about the library than it contains. I think I would have liked this better if the four characters had met and become friends in a fifth story.
I used to conflate Jerry Spinelli and Gordon Korman in my mind, perhaps because both are Scholastic authors and I began reading their books at the same time. However, I like Korman much better!
I used to conflate Jerry Spinelli and Gordon Korman in my mind, perhaps because both are Scholastic authors and I began reading their books at the same time. However, I like Korman much better!
July 24, 2017
i loved this book, especially the 3rd story - this book is 4 short stories that are connected by a mysterious blue library card - the stories have some mature, complicated themes and i wouldn’t introduce this until the end of the year in 4th or 5th grade - beginning of year in 6th grade
But then he would be distracted, would catch sight of a mother still going strong - he could spot them a mile off - yanking her kid along, or snapping, “Put that back,” or just being by herself. There is a ton of good stuff - look at page 101 and 102
But then he would be distracted, would catch sight of a mother still going strong - he could spot them a mile off - yanking her kid along, or snapping, “Put that back,” or just being by herself. There is a ton of good stuff - look at page 101 and 102
October 4, 2018
Recommendation: In present day three kids are going through hard times in there lives and come together. Mongoose A boy hating school and doing a lot of vandalism finds a library card and learns to love books. Another girl named Brenda is stuck with no Tv and feels eating is her way out until she finds a library card and finds how helpful books can also be. And Finally April Mendez just moved to a new house and loves her library card. She meets some ladys who live in a bus filled with books. She becomes close with a girl and realizes that life is not just sunshine and rainbows. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fiction and is a high level reader would love this.
Read
March 28, 2019The Library Card by Jerry Spinelli is an interesting fantasy book about the past and the future. Mongoose, Brenda, Sonseray, and April were teenage kids who one day discovered a glowing blue library card. This library card was a ticket to their past and also the future. This book is very insteresting because it goes back in time and that doesn’t usually happen. This book was also fun to read so I can see what happens in their future.
Parts of this book were really boring, but it got a lot better as the book goes on. I gave this book 3 stars because I liked most parts of this book but some parts in the middle were really boring. I think this book isn’t believable for teenagers because this book took place in the future. A good theme of the book is about communication and team work. You need to be able to have good communication to ever accomplish anything.
Parts of this book were really boring, but it got a lot better as the book goes on. I gave this book 3 stars because I liked most parts of this book but some parts in the middle were really boring. I think this book isn’t believable for teenagers because this book took place in the future. A good theme of the book is about communication and team work. You need to be able to have good communication to ever accomplish anything.
May 31, 2024
3.5! This was a really good book. Four short stories about four different kids who find a mysterious blue library card. Spinelli does a great job of weaving in the beauty of the library without making each story all about libraries - just how a library can have such a huge influence in our lives without us even realizing it.
April 28, 2018
grabbed this because of the title, and because I've read some Spinelli. I was suprised when I realized it 4 disjointed stories and the only thing in common is so [almost] magical blue Library Card. I did like all the different situation the kids were in.
January 24, 2022
This is a very great book! I love the character Mongoose and how he overcame his challenges! I also loved April's story!!! It was so fun watching how she overcame her challenges as well!!
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. I like Spinelli's writing, and I liked the premise of the story. The range of characters was wonderful, and their adventures were inspiring. I love my library too; maybe I should start volunteering in it haha
February 17, 2021
I love the message of this book. It has some really tough topics that warrants major discussions with your children.
February 13, 2025
Interesting--four very different short stories. It was hard to put it down until you found out what happened in each story.
January 14, 2020
Cute :)))) remember reading this back in primary so reading it now makes me happy in the way that I remember good times good times good tiiimes :) fun
Book itself? lol not very good. I just wasn't vibing with the stories themeslves, wanted more and less from them at the same time. Like the second story was just...... too much. Tone it down. Wanted it to be more realistic (lmao? this is a book about MAGIC LIBRARY CARD BITCH WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING). Okay.
Tackled some crazy deep and dark issues? Drug abuse (wtf) and self harm?? Yo????? Like I remember I read this in FIFTH grade I didn't know what razor blades even WERE. Though when I think about it I think it's fine to be exposed to such issues as a child as long as it's done in a way that makes sense for the age bracket, like not TOO dark and I will say that was done tres well, in a way that is v v v age appropriate.
One of them books that is very much aimed at kids and boy you can tell like this was not meant to be read by me at this age, was hoping it could still be enjoyable no matter your day (see: percy jackson realness) but alas
Stream of consciosness bullshit yes!!! Let's get back to our roots!!!!!!!
Fuck u goodreads I'm now ON target for my goal what do you think about THAT? I read a children's book suck it
Book itself? lol not very good. I just wasn't vibing with the stories themeslves, wanted more and less from them at the same time. Like the second story was just...... too much. Tone it down. Wanted it to be more realistic (lmao? this is a book about MAGIC LIBRARY CARD BITCH WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING). Okay.
Tackled some crazy deep and dark issues? Drug abuse (wtf) and self harm?? Yo????? Like I remember I read this in FIFTH grade I didn't know what razor blades even WERE. Though when I think about it I think it's fine to be exposed to such issues as a child as long as it's done in a way that makes sense for the age bracket, like not TOO dark and I will say that was done tres well, in a way that is v v v age appropriate.
One of them books that is very much aimed at kids and boy you can tell like this was not meant to be read by me at this age, was hoping it could still be enjoyable no matter your day (see: percy jackson realness) but alas
Stream of consciosness bullshit yes!!! Let's get back to our roots!!!!!!!
Fuck u goodreads I'm now ON target for my goal what do you think about THAT? I read a children's book suck it
July 12, 2019
I've been reading a lot of negative reviews about this book, and most of them have been complaining about the plot not going anywhere. That's the point: this book is not supposed to have a plot that "goes somewhere"; it's a compilation of short stories about four distinct characters who stumble on a library card. Understanding that can prevent a lot of disappointment.
Overall, I was impressed with the writing style. It's not everyday I read from an author who is able to get inside the minds of so many different characters. Each character is very different and yet they all had a voice that jumped off the pages. My favorite thing about this book was the way the characters blossomed from having no direction to a sense of purpose once they found a library card.
I think children as young as fourth grade could read this, but I think this book would be more suitable for middle school because the issues the characters are experiencing seem more relevant to the lives of older children and young teens.
Overall, I was impressed with the writing style. It's not everyday I read from an author who is able to get inside the minds of so many different characters. Each character is very different and yet they all had a voice that jumped off the pages. My favorite thing about this book was the way the characters blossomed from having no direction to a sense of purpose once they found a library card.
I think children as young as fourth grade could read this, but I think this book would be more suitable for middle school because the issues the characters are experiencing seem more relevant to the lives of older children and young teens.
August 14, 2016
I love libraries. I love books. I like the idea of a magical library card that mysteriously presents itself to different individuals. I didn't love this book. I think I was expecting something more along the lines of Night at the Museum or Pagemaster. That is not the case with this book. There are four different and unrelated people who each come to have a library card. Blue, with no writing anywhere. It means different things for each of them. The library card is essentially a turning point for each of them. I felt that this story was for a bit of an older audience than I originally expected. I was sad for Weasel in the first chapter. I laughed about Brenda. I felt that the short on Sonseray was left hanging. I liked the pen-pal experience for April. I read it all the way through, but it's not one I will keep on my bookshelf.
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