Current mood:

cheerful

Sharing books
Today I got to go to the library, a truly perfect experience.  I think most writers agree that being surrounded by books is one of the best places to be :)

While there, I was perusing the young adult section (of course), when I noticed a young girl (around twelve) picking up random books, skimming the flap, and putting them back.  After a few minutes, her mom joined her, and I shamelessly eavesdropped on their conversation.  "I know you like historicals," the mom said.  "How about this one?"

"I don't like the picture.  I don't think I'll like it," the girl said, sounding discouraged.

As someone who never hesitates to share books, I immediately jumped in.  I grabbed Gretchen Laskas's The Miner's Daughter and handed it to the girl.  "You might like this," I said.  "I've read it, and it's really good.  I won't be hurt if you put it back, however."  Then I turned away and pretended not to pay any attention as she read the flap.  When her mom returned from the other side of the stack, the girl handed the book to her.

"She gave it to me," she said, pointing to me.

So again, I joined in.  "I kind of know the author -- in the online sense," I said.  "It's a very good book."

The mom's eyes lit up.  "Thank you so much.  Do you happen to know of any others?"

Silly question :)  "Well, if you like historicals, you might want to try MIss Spitfire by Sarah Miller," I said.  "It's about Helen Keller."

"That sounds perfect," the mom said.  "Where do I find it?"  

So I sent her back to the middle grade section and began looking in the new arrivals.  They joined me a few minutes later.  "Are any of these good?" the mom asked.

I hadn't read any of them, sadly.  But I did recommend the newest Jean Ferris, simply based on another of her books.  The girl wasn't interested in the underground railroad, however.  So we parted ways, the mom verbally grateful for my help.

As I was ready to check out, they approached me again.  "You wouldn't happen to know of any scary books?" the girl asked.

"Like RL Stine?" I said.

Her face lit up.  "Yeah.  Just like that."

Hm.  A challenge, as I've never read a single RL Stine.  "Well, I do know of stories that are quirky, maybe a little on the strange side like some of those might be."  I headed back to the middle grade section, looking for Joni Sensel.  All checked out (good news for Joni; not so good for this girl).  Then I remembered William Sleator and pulled out a couple of his.  While the girl read the various backs, the mom wrote down Joni's name, along with Eve Bunting and John Bellairs.  Hopefully those will be close enough ;)

I came home with a stack of books, but more than that, with a feeling of benevolence to all young readers out there.  I love getting good books into the hands of kids who will enjoy them, don't you? :D