Ninja Librarians

In library school we covered the values of librarianship many times.  We discussed making sure that our personal viewpoints did not influence our book purchases in order for a wide variety of viewpoints to be found in our libraries.  We went over the idea that every book has a reader and every reader a book.  We even practiced writing letters of defense for having a controversial book in our collection.  However, these grand values get forgotten about in the daily duties.  This book reminded me what an awesome responsibility it is to be a librarian--protecting the freedom of speech, making ideas known, and finding every book its reader.




Title: The Ninja Librarians: the Accidental Keyhand
Author: Jen Swann Downey
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Ages: 10-13

Goodreads Description:

Just a little story about your average sword-swinging, karate-chopping, crime-fighting ninja librarians

Dorrie Barnes had no idea an overdue library book would change her life. When Dorrie and her brother Marcus chase her pet mongoose into the janitor's closet of their local library, they accidentally fall through a passage into Petrarch's Library -the headquarters of a secret society of ninja librarians who have an important mission: protect those whose words have gotten them into trouble. Anywhere in the world and at any time in history.

Dorrie would love nothing more than to join the society. But when a traitor surfaces, she and her friends are the prime suspects. Can they clear their names before the only passage back to the twenty-first century closes forever?

Review: 

This book was packed with fun and adventure.  Full of secret libraries, time traveling, ninja-like librarians, crime fighting, and adventure.  Downey has created a magical fun world--almost reminiscent of Hogwarts-- at the Petrarch Library where food and animals can be read into life, automatic translating happens, and time traveling is possible.  All the while, the importance of the freedom of speech and access to differing viewpoints is emphasized.  This fast paced, adventurous book will be a perfect fit for many middle grade students.

Review: How to Outrun an Alligator With Your Shoes Untied

Title: How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied
Author: Jess Keating
Ages: 8-12 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Goodreads Description: What would middle school be like if you lived in a zoo?

Ana didn't ask to be named after an anaconda. She didn't ask for zoologist parents who look like safari guides. And she definitely didn't ask for a twin brother whose life goal seems to be terrorizing her with his pet reptiles. Now, to make matters worse, her parents have decided to move the whole family INTO the zoo! All of which gives the Sneerers (the clan of carnivorous female predators in her class) more ammunition to make her life miserable-and squash any hope of class tennis stud, Zack, falling in love with her. Ana tries to channel her inner chameleon and fade into the background, but things are changing too quickly for her to keep up.
My Review:
I love a book with an underdog you can root for, and this book does not disappoint.  Maybe because an underdog is so relate-able and we can relate plenty to Ana in this book as she struggles with her best friend moving, taunts from the popular girls, an unrequited crush, an annoying brother, embarrassing parents, and stage fright that she cannot shake.  However, it is the quirks that Ana faces that makes this book comical and cute.  For example, Ana lives at the zoo and has a famous Grandfather with a TV show that will soon be featuring Ana and her family.  Overall, a cute and comical read that I would highly recommend,. especially for fans of Hiassan's Hoot and Chomp.  This would also be great for a "Wild About Reading" or Earth Day display.



*ARC provided by Netgalley