Horcrux Speculation July 20, 2007

Caught up in the Harry Potter fanaticism, I’m speculating on the remaining Horcruxes.  According to the Harry Potter Lexicon the known horcruxes are: 1) Diary of Tom Riddle, 2) Hufflepuff Golden Cup, 3) Slytherin’s Locket, and 4)Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring.  I think the remaining two are the 5)The Sorting Hat (or Godric Gryffindor’s Sword) and 6)The Goblet of Fire.

Granted I’m not positive, those are my guesses.  Sorting Hat and Sword because they were Godric Gryffindor’s and the Goblet of Fire because I can’t figure out any significant object from the House of Ravenclaw. 

We’ll see if I’ll be eating my words soon.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott June 26, 2007

The cynic that I am, thought Michael Scott’s The Alchemyst was just riding on the coat tails of Harry Potter. I thought, great timing, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduced everyone to Nicholas Flamel just briefly enough so that we wanted to know more about him, the Harry Potter series is ending, all these now addicted readers, like myself, are going to be looking for their next fix of something else. Granted I doubt I’d like a spin off story featuring Hermoine or Ron, because did I mention I LOOOOOOOOVE Harry Potter, but Flamel, he’s totally viable. Now I’m waiting for a young adult version of the Da Vinci code but focusing more on Leonardo. I have Leonardo’s Shadow by Christopher Grey in my collection but it’s not really the same.

The Alchemyst although not quite as sophisticated as the Harry Potter series has a definite draw with its infusion of ancient folklore turned into a real life adventure. If you want to read about more excitement about The Alchemyst check out this article on seattlepi.com.

Random House is betting big on this fantasy epic, which it’s marketing as “the breakout book of the summer.” The initial print run is 250,000 copies — huge by normal children’s book standards (though small by Harry Potter standards) — and rights have been sold in 29 countries. New Line Productions optioned film rights to the series and has hired a screenwriter. (The Alchemyst’ could be the start of something Harry big in young-adult fantasy by CECELIA GOODNOW, P-I REPORTER June 10, 2007)

Other folks I’d love to see historical fiction/fantasy fiction written about:

• Alexander the Great
• Genghis Khan
• Qin Shi Huang Di
• Joan of Arc
• Fa Mulan
• Cleopatra
• Issac Newton (nerdy I know, but he’s an interesting fellow also rumored to be an alchemist)
• Insert here a list of historical female figures that my mind has temporarily forgotten
• Insert here famous historical figures from around the globe that I have no doubt left out but would totally read about

Just Me Thinking Out Loud May 30, 2007

Has anyone been to the Library Hotel in New York?

Summer Reading and Volunteers May 30, 2007

I’ve finally committed myself to the programs we’ll be having at the library for summer reading.

1. Mystery Craft Day (Flat Marble Magnets and Bead Bookmarks)
2.  Make your own Mini-Zine
3. Summer Reading Finale (Game Day or glycerin soap making if I can get my act together)

I’ve conveniently arranged for my teen volunteers to be around for these programs.  I already have quite a few teens who are interested in volunteering during the summer.  My volunteers will also be helping out with our children’s craft programs.  Having volunteers is fun.  It’s like having a quasi-teen advisory group.

Summer Reading is Right Around the Corner! May 21, 2007

And I’m freaking out about programming. I’m thinking crafts would be fun to do. The You Never Know theme seems to lend itself to You Never Know what you make until you make it.

Do you know who this is? April 4, 2007

We thought this was Longfellow.  I’m really bad at magic-eye but thought the National Poetry Month poster was too cool to pass up for my YA display.  At first I thought it was Shakespeare with his big collar but upon reexamination and much doubt from the circ. staff at my library who saw a man with a beard, we proded on with the search.  Guesses were Frederick Douglas, although we eliminated him since he isn’t known as a poet, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  However upon examination of the website again, the image is that of Walt Whitman. 

If want your own poster, visit www.poets.org.  It’s free for libraries and educational institutions.