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Monday, March 24, 2014

Betwixt and Be-Tween: Readers' Advisory and Programs for Tweens

PLA 2014 Indy 
 Presented by:
Abby Johnson * ajohnson@nafclibrary.org * http://www.abbythelibrarian.com * @abbylibrarian (Her website has many preschool ideas, along with some for the afterschool crowd.)
Renata Sancken * rsancken@nafclibrary.org * http://nafcteens.wordpress.com * @renatasnacks (This websites is mostly book reviews for this age group.)
Kate Conklin * katemconklin@gmail.com
Sarah Bean Thompson * greenbeanteenqueen@gmail.com * http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com * @greenbeanblog (more book reviews & suggestions)

These tweens are at an age where they want to pick their own activities, not their parents. Build rapport with them. The library can serve as a place for them to share common interests, develop social skills, and have opportunities to learn
The teen librarian doesnt need to know all about what the kids like, as long as she/he knows what it is and can google it.
Play music in the background during a program; the music can be themed to the program.

The handout (with a few comments):

Suggesting Tween Books
Remember, my clean might not be your clean! If parents appear very concerned, advise them to read a book before giving it to their child.
 ● If possible, talk to the tween, not the parent.

Resources for Finding Tween Books:
State book award lists (Young Hoosier Book Award in Indiana: http://www.ilfonline.org/?page=YHBA)
ALSCs Tween Recommended Reads List: http://www.ala.org/alsc/tweenrecommendedreads
 ● Kiss the Book: http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
So You Want to Read Middle Grade? A tween book feature on the GreenBean TeenQueen blog: http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com/
 ● Whats Next [in a series] Database from Kent District Library: http://ww2.kdl.org/libcat/whatsnext.asp
 ● What to Recommend When Popular Books & Series Arent Enough for Tweens (or Theyre All Checked Out): http://tinyurl.com/tweenreads
 ● Rants and Raves Blog: http://nafcteens.wordpress.com

 Books You Heard Us Talk About:
Athena: GreyEyed
Goddess by George OConnor
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
Doll Bones by Holly Black
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Savvy by Ingrid Law
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson
Zombie Makers: True Stories from Natures Undead by Rebecca L. Johnson


For a comprehensive annotated list of read-a-likes, see the session handouts at: http://www.placonference.org/programs/
Look for Betwixt and Be-Tween on Thursday, 4:15. Its the 2nd PDF.

Why Program for Tweens?
Get kids in the door! Theyre starting to be the age where they pick their activities, not
their parents.
Build rapport with kids, so you can sell them books later.
Programs can promote library materials & boost circulation.
Provide a place for kids to share common interests & develop social skills!
Can be an opportunity for kids to learn a new skill or information.
It's more fun than being on desk!

Do What Now?
Awkward Silence Filler
Never too old for coloring pages!
Craft Project
You know Pinterest, right?
Music
Theres probably a YouTube playlist for that
Interactive Activity
If your physical space & insurance company permit
Poll/Debate
Whos the greatest Doctor Who of all? (For a Dr. Who program see bookblather.net)
Costume Contest and/or Photo Booth
These kids and their selfies
Books
Sneak em in there
*Snacks
If you have the budget for it

General Tips
Pinterest and blogs are your BFFs. Dont reinvent the wheel!
Outline the program from the outset so tweens know what to expect, but be prepared to be flexible.
Be clear about intended age range when you advertise your program. (No adult My Little Pony fans allowed!)
If you don't know the subject matter, be honest about your lack of knowledge, but be interested. My tweens all know that I don't read any manga on my own, but I love hearing them describe the wild plots and weird characters to me. Mainly kids will be excited to find new peers to discuss their interests with. They dont necessarily care whether or not a boring old adult likes their interest.
If you do happen to like the topic, share your enthusiasm



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