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GreenBeanTeenQueen
I am a tween and teen librarian and I love being asked about great books to read! I also review books for TeensReadToo.com When I'm not found with a book in my hands I'm most likely reading blogs-I'm addicted. The opinions and content of this blog are my own and are not that of my library system. My blog content is my own and not that of any committee or organization I'm involved in. A Note to Authors/Publishers: I would be happy to read and review your book. If I you have a book that you would like to share with me, please contact me at greenbeanteenqueen (at) gmail (dot) com.
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YA Movie News

>> Thursday, July 29, 2010

-A movie version of tween book 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson is in the works. The news from Shelf Awareness mentioned that all three books in the series were in the works-I'm not sure if the movie would cover all three books or would be three movies. I'll keep you posted!

-The movie version of Hugo Cabret has added two more cast members:
Emily Mortimer and Michael Stuhlbarg. The movie is currently filming and will be released December 2011.

-This news isn't book related but might be interesting for other teen librarians. TeenNick is launching a special called The Nightlife, which features specials hosted by Nick Cannon. The shows will feature fashion, entertainment news, celebrity guests and interviews, music and dance performances. The specials will air on Thursday evenings in August.

-Suzanne Collins has finished writing the screenplay for The Hunger Games. I hope the movie gets picked up and made soon-I want the movie now!!

-Check out this video for the upcoming movie (and book) I Am Number Four.




And more I Am Number Four news from MTV-they are signed on for six movies to go with the six books, so this could be the next big franchise!

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Official Mockingjay 13 District Blog Tour

I am so excited for the upcoming release of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (out August 24!) and I'm sure many of you are too. Which is why I'm thrilled to announce GreenBeanTeenQueen is part of the Official Mockingjay 13 District Blog Tour!



GreenBeanTeenQueen is a member of District 4 (home to Finnick and Mags-yes, I'm a proud district four member!), so on Monday August 9, be sure to stop by the blog for an exclusive Hunger Games giveaway! (I can't tell you what-I have to keep you in suspense, but I will say it's very cool and you'll want to check it out!)

In the meantime, you can check out the new Official Hunger Games Facebook Page-there are polls, sample chapters from the first two books, and my favorite part, you can gift supplies to your friends! Are you excited? Any predictions for what will happen in Mockingjay? And of course, the question on everyone's mind-Team Peeta or Team Gale? (Team Peeta!!)

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Grace by Elizabeth Scott

>> Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Dystopian

Release Date: 9/16/2010

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About the Book: Grace was raised to be an angel-a suicide bomber who would honor her mission. But Grace can't die for the cause so instead she's on the run trying to get to a new life of freedom. She escapes to a train where she hides in plain site with her strange traveling companion Kerr, who has secrets of his own.

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Grace is a stunning book that proves to me that Elizabeth Scott can write anything! Grace is a dystopian book that doesn't feel like a dystopian. It's a raw and powerful read that is chilling because readers can see the events easily unfolding today. Grace comes from a society that is blindly following Keran Berj and is part of a group that opposes his rule. Keran Berj's rule is frighteningly familiar and terrifying. Just look at history to see how a ruler like this could take over and it's easy to believe in Grace's tale.

The reader is thrown right into the story of Grace's escape. We are not given a background to understand what's happening, we're thrown right in and at first this is a little jarring. But I love this because it's up to the reader to figure out what's happening instead of being told the entire story upfront. Events unfold and we're given new details slowly throughout the novel-the plot unfolds in subtle layers and it's something as a reader you want to savor. There are moments when we come to a realization or discover something the same time Grace does-and I love those moments when reading! There are also moments that made me gasp in shock and surprise-I truly felt like I was there with Grace and going through everything with her.

Grace is different from other dystopian novels that I've read in that this one is not action packed and full of adventure. This is a quieter sort of dystopian that's more pensive-Grace is on the train thinking about her actions and the choices she's made and the outcome and path before her because of these choices. Grace is a look at one person's choices and how much power just one person can have, even if they don't realize it. The ending is something I can't wait to discuss with my teens because I'm curious to see if they view it differently than I do. Grace screams to be discussed-with other readers, in book clubs, in schools. Make sure you read this one with someone so you can talk about it after.

Grace is an amazing addition to the young adult dystopian fare and will stay with you long after you read it. I read this one a month ago and my thoughts are still haunted by Grace's story. A must read release for 2010!

Book Talk Ideas: What if you were asked to give up everything? To die for a cause you weren't sure you believed in? Could you do it or would you try to escape? Grace has made that choice-she can't bring herself to be the suicide bomber she was raised to be. Now she has to try to escape-but escaping your fate isn't as easy as it seems.

Book Pairings: Grace is a pretty unique addition to YA dystopian lit, but I think it could pair nicely with The Giver and The Hunger Games-all three feature characters who have to stand up for what they believe

Full Disclosure: Reviewed from ARC sent by publisher for review

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Tween Tuesday: Tween Romance

>> Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme to highlight great reads for tweens hosted here at GreenBeanTeenQueen. Join in the fun and post your own Tween Tuesday post and include the link in the comments.
If you're a reader of my blog, you most likely know that I love romance in my books! As a librarian, I get asked for good tween romances a lot-tween readers want romance and parents are sometimes nervous about their tween reading books with romance. So for my tween romance readers, here's a list of some of my favorite tween romances. (And I know often when you mention romance it makes tween boys turn up their noses (and hey, guys like romance too!), but these all have romance plots but they're not central to the story and you can easily talk up another angle of the story to the guys.)

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger-Is origami Yoda real or a hoax? Tommy really needs to know-because if he follows origami Yoda's advice and it's wrong, he could just end up making a fool of himself in front of the girl he likes. A hilarious quick read, this one will have readers cheering for Tommy and wondering for themselves if origami Yoda was real all along. The author captures middle school perfectly and tween readers will relate to each of the stories presented about Yoda in the quest to discover if he's real or not.

The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney by Lauren Barnholdt-Devon has made up a life at school that she's told her summer friend Lexi-she's popular and dating uber-cute Jared. But when Lexi moves to Devon's school, Devon can't bring herself to tell Lexi she lied about everything-so now she just has to make her story come true. The story is tons of fun and the romance is so sweet and cute and will leave tweens (and non-tweens) swooning.

Shug by Jenny Han-Annemarie,"Shug", has a crush on best friend Mark. But growing up changes people and Mark is drifting away-will Annemarie be able to save her friendship? I often think of this book as the perfect tween read. Author Jenny Han perfectly captures what it's like to be twelve and in love and the trials that come with growing up. A must have for tween libraries.

Rapunzel's Ravenge and Calamity Jack by Dean and Shannon Hale-Thought you knew the story of Rapunzel? This Rapunzel is a kick-butt western steampunk girl and when she meets up with Jack (from Jack in the Beanstalk) sparks fly. The romance isn't central to the plotline, but the banter between Rapunzel and Jack is witty and fun and there's plenty of crush worthy moments.

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman-When Wallace Wallace gets in trouble for questioning why dogs always die in books, he has to help work on the school play-based on a classic dog dieing book. He butts heads with drama queen Rachel, but the two help each see how they can work together and make the school play the best it can be. If you can Glee fans, give them No More Dead Dogs-they'll love it! The romance isn't a main plot and there's more narrators than Wallace and Rachel, but it's fun to see our characters go from dislike to like as they work on the school play.

Candy Apple Series by Various Authors-This series put out by Scholastic is tween chick-lit. There's a book for everyone with plots from popularity, cheerleading, fashion, and crushing on the boy next door. There's a cute romance storyline and they're sweet and perfectly tween friendly. A great choice if you have young tweens wanting to read about the middle school years.

What's your favorite tween romance?

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So You Want to Be a Teen Librarian?

>> Monday, July 26, 2010

Growing up, my family went to the library weekly-sometimes daily-and we were always reading and surrounded by books. I attended storytimes, children's book sales, children's programs and participated in the summer reading program. But when my teen years came, there wasn't as much for me at the library. There was a small section of books (with SVH, Fear Street, Nancy Drew Files, and Sunfire Romances) but no programs or librarian specifically for me as a teen. I had such a hard time finding something to read and spent many days wandering aimlessly through the library stacks coming away with nothing. I really wanted someone to recommend a good book, but I was too shy to ask.

I tell you this because I think this experience is why I am so passionate about library service to teens. Teens belong in the library, just like every other age group, but very often they don't feel accepted or like the library has anything to offer them. Being a teen librarian may sound easy, and while it's a fun job, there's a lot that goes into it. Here's what I think it takes to be a teen librarian:


-Enjoy working with teens. This sounds like a "duh" quality, but sadly, there are many libraries who assign someone to be the "teen" or "youth" person, yet they really don't care about that age group-and teens know it. If you don't like working with teens, then why would you be a teen librarian? If you enjoy what you do and enjoy the age group you work with, it will show and it will go a long way in making teens feel appreciated and liked at the library.


-You need to be an advocate for teens. As the teen librarian, not only is it your job to provide library service to teens, but you also need to be an advocate for why the library needs to serve teens. Not everyone loves working with teens (just like not everyone loves working with children or adults), so you'll come across staff members who don't think teens are important to the library-and it's your job to advocate for the teens. They have a place in the library just like everyone else. You also need to be prepared to advocate for teens to library patrons-especially when it comes to asking people to leave the teen space if they are not with a teen. If you don't show support for teens, why would they come to the library?

-Be accessible but also an authority figure-and give them respect. You're a teen librarian, not a parent, not a teacher, not a pastor. Be accessible to teens-be available to talk to them, but don't be so distanced that they don't feel accepted. Don't go around telling them their noisy or rude or glaring at them. My teens know me, they know that I fight for them and that I fight hard for their teen space. I'm happy to see them when they come to the library and they know that. I respect them and they respect me. I'm there in the library, I do stuff with my teens, and I talk to my teens. Yes, I have things to do, but if I teen comes into my office and wants to talk for thirty minutes about school, life and books-I'll let them-that's my job and my teens are my number one priority. Because of this relationship, my teens take it much better when I have to tell them to stop running around or turn the music down. That's not to say that I never have to lay down the law-I do-but when that happens my teens respect me for it.

-Know teen literature. Reader's advisory (or suggesting book for patrons to read) is a core service when it comes to teens. Contrary to popular belief, teens read! In fact, at my library branch, I have over 950 teens participating in the summer reading program and my shelves in teen space are very picked over all summer long. I'm always amazed when I meet someone who works with teens, but doesn't read or know teen lit! How can you suggest books, give school visits and booktalks, and order books for your collection if you're not familiar with teen lit? Do you have to read every teen book published-no. But do you need to know what a teen is talking about when they come in looking for Cirque du Freak or a book with vampires, or the next thing to read after Percy Jackson-yes. I actually think reading teen lit should be a requirement for teen librarians-it's such an important part of your job and one of the main reasons you do what you do. I mean, we expect other specialized library staff to fully know their specialization (business, medical, law), why not teen librarians? This also comes with knowing what books are up and coming and being buzzed about, what books are going to have huge hold lists because there's a movie coming, and what books everyone will be looking for that aren't in so you can find something else to suggest. So read blogs, read book reviews, and read teen lit! You'll be better at your job if you do.

-Know teen trends/pop culture. Again, does this mean you need to watch Jersey Shore, Pretty Little Liars, go see every Twilight movie made and listen to Lady GaGa? No, but you do need to have knowledge of teen pop culture. Knowing what a teen likes and what they're talking about can go a long way and make a teen feel like you're someone who understands. When I gave a school visit and asked the teens if they watched Deadliest Warrior and booktalked a book that was similar, my cool quotient went up. Now, just because you walk up to a teen and start talking about Snookie and The Situation doesn't mean they're going to think your cool automatically-teens know when you're trying too hard. But I can't tell you how embarrassed I am if I teen comes into my library and asks someone for the latest Taylor Swift CD and you don't know what they're talking about. I love the
VOYA pop culture quiz and of course, talk to your teens and find out what's popular. Every few months I have a Teen Library Council meeting where they fill out a "hot/not" list and we watch YouTube videos. I call them my "teen brain" and they give me insight into what's cool, what's not cool and what's popular with my teens.

-Get advice from your teens. Teens love to share their opinions and will happily tell you what they like and don't like. So when you're planning teen programs, making a booklist or ordering new books for your collection, ask your teens. I have a formal Teen Library Council that meets once a month and gives feedback and helps me plan programs. I also talk to the teens in my department and ask them for ideas and suggestions. I've handed out paper surveys and asked teens when I'm at their school for a school visit what they would like to see at the library. If the teens tell you they want something-try your hardest to make it happen. I can't do everything my teens want-I can't host a haunted library as big as they want because of that horrible word budget. But I can plan an anime mini-con, Teen Night after hours, and other events they've asked for.

-Join YALSA, state library associations and network. I'll admit it-sometimes being a teen librarian can be hard and sometimes lonely. If you're the only teen staff at your library it can sometimes feel like fighting a battle that no one else cares about. I was at a conference once where the speaker said that teen librarians are moody and emo and love to complain that "no one understands them"-and that stereotype can sometimes feel true. That's why it's so important to network, network, network! And YALSA is the best for that. Join the YALSA-listservs and get advice and feedback from other teen librarians. When I have a programming problem or I want to know how other libraries handle adults in the teen space, I can post on the YALSA-listserv and get feedback and support from others who understand. If you can attend conferences (state or national) and talk to people-hand out business cards, attend events, volunteer for committee work. These are people you can turn to for advice and who will have your back when you need support for teen services.


Being a teen librarian is not a cushy job and it's not easy-it's a responsibility to provide library services to teens, to advocate for teens, and to build the next generation of library patrons. But I absolutely love what I do and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Any advice from other teen librarians? Or are you teen-what do you want your teen librarian to know?

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In My Mailbox-Committee Work Starts!

>> Sunday, July 25, 2010

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren. Just FYI-this is actually two weeks worth of books because I had no internet last Sunday. And a lot of these came because I am on the state book award for high school readers, so I'm starting to get committee reading. I'll still review some of these titles, but know that my opinions and reviews do not reflect those of the committee.

For Review/ALA requests: (most of these are going to the library for my teens to read)-
Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley
Misty Gordon and the Mystery of the Ghost Pirates by Kim Kennedy
How to Grow Up and Rule the World by Vordak the Incomprehensible
N.E.R.D.S.-M is for Mama's Boy by Michael Buckley
Rich and Mad by William Nicholson
The Carnival of Lost Souls by Laura Quimby
Violet in Bloom by Lauren Myracle
The Defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter by John Gosselink
Greek: Double Date by Marsha Warner
Hereville by Barry Deutsch
Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes by Lisa Greenwald
The Mockingbird by Daisy Whitney
Monster High by Lisi Harrison
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han
Fixing Delilah Hannaford by Sarah Ockler
Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas
Radiance by Alyson Noel
Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
One Day by David Nicholls

Bought (because Borders was having a PLL sale!)
Flawless, Perfect, Unbelievable, Wicked, Killer by Sara Shepard

For Commitee Reading:

And I got some picture books in the mail! I'll have to start doing some picture book reviews too.

All the Seasons of the Year by Deborah Lee Rose
Miss Tutu's Star by Leslea Newman
Library Mouse: A World to Explore by Daniel Kirk
The Exceptionally, Extraordinary, Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz
Dotty by Erica S. Perl

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Help me make GreenBeanTeenQueen better!

>> Saturday, July 24, 2010

I've had my blog for 2 1/2 years now and I feel like I need some reader feedback. Would you please help me out and take my reader survey? I would really appreciate any feedback you can give-thanks!


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In the Middle

chick lit challenge

Debut Authors

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