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Editor's Desk: What gives books staying power?
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I confess that I put way too much effort into selecting gift books for young friends and relatives. Gift-giving can feel like a pressure cooker: "Must-give-best-book-perfectly-suited-that-child-will-always-treasure." But often books don't strike an immediate chord with youngsters. Meaningful book choices give a nod to the gift-giver, but also hold up over time, either through repeated readings or by becoming books children can still appreciate, and maybe even share with younger siblings, as they grow older. Books with staying power share qualities like universal themes and, with picture books, uncommonly good art. But there are other intangibles as well, as this issue reflects. Spellbinding subject matter, a fresh interpretation of a familiar tale or books with inventive wordplay can all contribute toward making a book a classic. You'll find suggestions for stellar picks, as well as title suggestions for the classroom. Read more!
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In This Issue
- Gift Books with Drama, Rhythm, and Rhyme
- What Would Katniss Read?
- Don't Judge a Book By Its Movie
- Featured NoveList Content
- Picks for Great Gift Books
Did you miss it?
You'll linger over this list of 100 picks for kids ages 9-14 compiled by NPR, based on nominations to their Backseat Book Club. DIY Just in Time
Holidays often mean gift-giving, and also a time when family and friends need entertaining. From ideas for cool kids' tables (Thanksgiving!) to building a perfect indoor fort to creating a sled from found materials, this site has it all.
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by Susie Wilde
For babies and toddlers, choose a book that will thrill them so much they beg you to re-read it. Seek books that have drama, rhythm and rhyme, and possibilities for interaction. The best ones will also please adults during repeat readings.
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by Molly Wetta
While reading Catching Fire in anticipation of the release of the film, I was struck by one obvious resource lacking in the facility where tributes train prior to entering the Arena: a library! While stations where tributes can practice throwing knifes or painting camouflage are certainly practical, a selection of books might also help tributes gain the knowledge necessary to survive. Here, I imagine what sort of collection might exist in such a library.
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by Rebecca Honeycutt
Much has been written about why there have been so many high-profile book-to-movie flops in 2013. Many blame the poor performance of Beautiful Creatures, The Host, The Mortal Instruments, and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters on things like bad scripts, terrible casting, an over-saturated market, or a failure to rally the fans. Personally, I believe all of those problems are symptoms of one big problem: not understanding appeals.
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by Toni Buzzeo
Looking for good read-alouds that correspond to Common Core? Author Toni Buzzeo's One Cool Friend features a boy who takes a penguin home from the aquarium, a subject sure to be irresistible to kids.
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It's no secret that NoveList staff are always talking and trading books -- whether asking for a great audiobook for a car trip or recommending books for a family beach trip storytime. Every year, it's become a tradition for the "Juvenile Brain Trust" to put together a list of books that would make ideal gifts. Here's this year's gift list, just for you.
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