YALSA HUB Challenge Update

The YALSA Hub Reading Challenge is one of my favorite reading challenges, and it is time for the first check -in. The goal of the challenge is to read 25 books from a list (available here in sortable spreadsheet form) of the most recent award winner and honor books and YALSA selected lists. 

I just finished book  #8. Each year I try to read 1 book from each category and then go back and read books that look like books of interest. I have generally enjoyed each of  the books I have read so far.

1. Dear Martin (Morris, Quick Books)
2. As the Crow Flies (Stonewall) most problematic/unsatisfying, I'm not a fan of series, hence #8. 
3.Piecing Me Together (Best Fiction, Amelia Bloomer, Coretta Scott King)
4. I am Alfonso Jones (Great Graphic Novels)
5. Saints and Misfits (Morris, Amelia Bloomer)
6. We are Okay  (Printz, Rainbow List)
7. The Stars Beneath Our Feet (Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe)
8. Little & Lion (Stonewall)

Piecing Me Together is my favorite at this time. As a former gifted and talented student in the first International Baccalaureate program at my high school, so much of this book rings true. I was especially impacted by the examination of why so many programs, volunteers, and organizations seek to "support" underrepresented students of color, but never consider the gifts, talents, and passion that these same students of color have to offer the wider community.

If you'd like to join in on this challenge you can sign up here. Happy Reading!

'Tis The Season... to do my Happy Dance

This week in libraryland I received quite a bit of good news. This is not necessarily holiday related news, but it is the holiday season, sooooo 'tis the season for me to do my happy dance. Since I last posted on the blog I received this email

Dear Regina Renee Ward,

Congratulations! ******* ******** Branch Library has been selected as a library distribution site  for World Book Night that will take place on April 23, 2014. Thank you so much for agreeing to participate!

There was more to the letter, but I was too busy squealing to continue reading. I proceeded to call/email EVERYONE and squeal with delight while doing my happy dance. I sang. I danced. I pleaded with everyone to apply to be a Giver before January 5th AND to choose my library as their pickup location ( They chose my library. They chose my library.) 

Later that same day...

YALSA's 2014 Morris/Nonfiction Reading Challenge Begins Ok, so I love a reading challenge. This announcement totally made a great day phenomenal! Last year, I started the YALSA Hub Challenge late and didn't get to geek out for the allotted amount of time. This year is different; I started day 1 and began geeking out immediately. 10 Books in 7 Weeks? I got this! My plan is to read all five finalists for the Nonfiction Award before starting in on the finalists for the Morris Award.  I am very eager to read one book on this list in particular.

So, that was on Monday. What a great way to start the work week. 

I must say I am pleased to share that my work week also ended in fine fashion. I owe my thanks for a wonderful Friday evening to an 8 year old young man who invited me to his stage debut as the Best Frog EVER! Thank you Sir Leaps-A-Lot.

So, what makes you do your happy dance? Do you leap like a frog?