DIVERGENT Winner!

Sorry, I'm so late in getting this posted, but the winner of a hardcover copy of Divergent is:

SANDY B.

Congratulations, Sandy! By now we should have contacted you and your book should be on it's way. Thanks to everyone who entered. Better luck next time -- there's always another contest around the corner.

Book Review: Anya's Ghost

Author/Illustrator: Vera Brosgol
Publisher: First Second Books (June 7, 2011)
Audience: Young Adult
Source: Purchased a copy
Graphic Novel * Paranormal * Young Adult 

Description from Goodreads:
Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn’t kidding about the “Forever” part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya’s Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

Last summer, I discovered the world of graphic novels, particularly those for children and teens. (Yes, they have been around for a long-time, but I was slow in catching up.)   As I made them a part of my regular book diet, I also found ways to use them in working with children.  Consequently, I have tried to take note of new releases.  One of those new releases that caught my eye was Vera Brosgol's debut graphic novel - Anya's Ghost.

One of the qualities in a graphic novel that appeals to me is the creator's ability to deal with elements of real life in a way that will connect with readers.  Brosgol's first book does exactly this.  Her debut deals with themes familiar to most teens - fitting in, crushes, family relationships & expectations, friendship, decisions & consequences, and also how all this is made more complicated by being an immigrant. However, Brosgol doesn't stop there.  The real twist comes with the introduction of a century old ghost who is more than eager and willing to be Anya's BFF.  

Another aspect of the book that made the story work for me was that Anya truly grows as a character.  Through her experiences and interactions with her new friend, Anya comes to learn more about herself, those around her and what is important in life.  This can be tricky in a YA story.  How do you talk about things like being responsible or making hard decisions without coming across as preachy?  Brosgol manages to do it with humor, and sincerity.  

I also loved Brosgol's illustrative style.  Here is where I struggle....I lack all the right words to best describe how the simple color scheme used throughout the book fits the mood and theme or how the art is engaging and fun.  I am sure that there is a way to do this but unfortunately, I seem to lack the right words.  Maybe the best way to share about Brosgol's style is to share with you the official book trailer.

Check out the official book trailer for Anya's Ghost:



I am excited to add Vera Brosgol to my list of graphic novelists to keep an eye on.  She has a solid debut and I look forward to future books from this talented artist and writer. 

Vera Brosgol details the process she used to create Anya's Ghost.  Click here to read it.

Here is an interview with Vera Brosgol by Macmillan: http://us.macmillan.com/author/verabrosgol
 
Check out Vera Brosgol's website:  www.verabee.com

Follow Vera Brosgol on Twitter: @verabee

Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verabee

Bookstore Touring in Connecticut: Final Post

Over the past few days, I have gotten to visit some bookstore gems in Connecticut.  (For a complete list of Bookstores listed with the New England Independent Booksellers Association, click here.) Here are the final two stores that I had the pleasure to stop by while visiting my parents.  First up, Elm Street Books in New Canaan, Connecticut:

For all the years that I had lived in Connecticut and on the east coast, I never drove down to New Canaan, Connecticut.  This gave me a perfect excuse to go visit.  My sister and I headed down for brunch at Le Pain Quotidien. After a yummy meal, we walked a half a block to Elm Street Books.  For a small store, it has a wonderful selection of both children and adult books.  On this particular weekend morning, it was quite busy with customers browsing for books, and children searching for books for their summer reading list.

When we finished our visit to New Canaan, we headed east to visit Breakwater Books in Guilford.  

This tiny bookstore was quiet on an overcast Sunday afternoon.  The store carries both adult and children's books.  And, I was pleased to see that they had quite a few titles in their children's section including many recent releases. 

I also loved the picture book corner with it's fun steps to climb or sit on to share stories.

Hope you have enjoyed this little series on independent bookstores in Connecticut.  I know I had fun visiting all of these great places.

Bookstore Touring in Connecticut, Part 4

Today, my tour of Independent Connecticut Bookstores continued.  I actually made it out to Madison, Connecticut which is the home of RJ Julia Bookstore. I had heard about RJ Julia on twitter and knew I wanted to make this a priority in places to visit.  Several authors have tweeted about book signings at the store.  Most recently, Stephen Savage - creator of Where's Walrus? - signed there on July 16, 2011.

There was signed stock!  WooHoo!

RJ Julia is a great place to visit.  And people obviously know this because the store had a great crowd milling about flipping through books and hanging around.  In one corner, a teen was intently reading a book.  The children's section was busy with parents and children searching out their favorite books with enthusiasm.  In another room, which appeared to be filled with travel books, customers sat in great big chairs reading. I loved all the various rooms in this store.  Oh, and if you want to grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat don't forget to stop by the café.

Children's Section - Upstairs

Really, this room had been busy seconds before.

I wish my trip would have allowed for a longer visit at this great store.  I could have hung out here for hours and plan on scheduling a longer visit when I return to Connecticut in December.  I also had a lovely chat with Liz - an employee at the store -  who chatted with me about Stephen Savage's visit, book blogging, and more.  I love friendly staff.

Next time you are traveling through Connecticut, if your trip takes you near Madison take a moment to stop in and visit RJ Julia. 

Bookstore Touring in Connecticut, Part 3

After my original plans for Saturday (July 23rd) changed, I decided to go bookstore hunting in Western Connecticut.   With my sister and aunt as travel partners, we took the scenic route as we found various bookstores listed on the New England Independent Booksellers Association website.   Stops 2 & 3 found us in Kent, CT at the House of Books and Ridgefield, CT at Books on the Common.  Both have a definite  quintessential New England charm and are set in these picture perfect little towns.

House of Books, Kent, CT -

Any bookstore that is located next to a coffee shop/chocolate store definitely makes may list.  When we arrived at House of Books, there was jazz music playing down the alley on one side and the aroma of chocolate wafting from the other side.  The store was apparently once a house and there are various rooms filled with books, games, office supplies, and art supplies.  In the back, there were a couple of rooms designated for children's books.  I found some of my favorite picture books on display.

His Shoes Were Far Too Tight: Poems of Edward Leer

Little Chicken's Big Day by Jerry & Katie Davis

Punk Farm by Jarrett Krosoczka

As we headed back home, we figured we had just enough time to swing by Books on the Commons in Ridgefield, CT.  This charming store sits on the corner of the main common area of Ridgefield.  If I tried to explain a "commons" to Californians, I am not sure they would know what I mean.  However, practically every little New England town has a main street and a commons.  This definitely added to the charm of this store along with the hardwood floors. 

I really like stores with big comfy chairs.  But I sat on a stool to look through books.  Better to 

avoid the temptation to stay forever.  

I found some friends at the store too!!!

Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger

Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

And lots and lots of YA friends

In driving back home, our GPS decided to take us on the scenic route (I think we found every unused back road possible).  I had forgotten just how gorgeous the back roads, wooded area, and hills of Connecticut can be.  Maybe it is true - "you can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl".  Definitely fun to be reminded of how fond I am of this part of the world.