The Last Call cart!

Over the fall, about 60 books were placed on a cart in the teen section that were in danger of being withdrawn from the collection due to low circulation. Teen patrons were invited to check out one of the books and write on the slip provided whether or not they were worth keeping around. Half of the titles on the cart ended up staying, with 30 being kept and 31 being withdrawn! Thanks very much to those of you that decided to try out some of the titles on the cart and give your feedback!

Of the responses we got back on why the books should be kept, below are some of the higher recommendations:

Recommendation: Nine Days a Queen

Nine Days a Queen:  The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey by Ann Rinaldi
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Kaitlyn
Should we keep it?  YES!!!!!
Why?  This book was amazing.  The characters were compelling, and the plot kept me hanging on to every word.  Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, the Tudor dynasty, English literature, or just a lot of drama will love this book.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: No Such Thing as the Real World

No Such Thing as the Real World:  Stories about Growing Up and Getting a Life
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Kaitlyn
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  The stories are very interesting.  They are both relevant and deep.  Also, the topics are easily relatable.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Far Traveler

Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It's a great story of a girl taking risks to choose her own life and not be controlled by her uncle, realistically set in Old English times.  (This book is a sequel to The Edge on the Sword.)

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Witch Child

Witch Child by Celia Rees
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Kaitlyn
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  The story is interesting and unique.  The main character is very intriguing as well.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Angel Isle

Angel Isle by Peter Dickinson
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It's a very exciting sequel to The Ropemaker, and it raises interesting questions about teamwork, emotional wounds, jealousy, and the need for people with differences.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Samuel
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  The heroine discovers her secret heritage and goes from bored charity case to warrior queen, second in skill to nobody.  Oh, and there's magic, too!

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: The Ropemaker

The Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?
Why?  This book is encouraging to people who feel like a disappointment to their families.  Tilja's lack of magical talent turns out to be the gift that is needed to save two countries.  Also, it's fun.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: The Wanderer

The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Katie
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It's well written and I like the randomness of it.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Singer

Singer by Jean Thesman
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Sarah
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  She sets an example of saving people she loves even if it means facing her fears.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Queen's Own Fool

Queen's Own Fool by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It was an exciting story with good characters and it helps you learn history painlessly.  It makes you think about issues like what makes a good person, what makes a fool, and why people fight about religion.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: The Phoenix Dance

The Phoenix Dance by Dia Calhoun
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Eliza
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It helpfully potrays the difficulties of psychologial illness and coming to terms with medication in a sensitive way.  It is a unique treasure.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: A Boy at War

A Boy at War:  A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Harry Mazer
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It's riveting, helps you experience what the Pearl Harbor bombing was like.  it deals thoughtfully with issues of race and how fear inflames prejudices.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Recommendation: Spindle's End

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Sarah
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  I love the way the magic works in this book.  Also, it's funny and charming and a very original twist on the fairy tale.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Last Call, Overall

Thanks to everyone who participated in Last Call and helped me decide which books to keep and which to withdraw in the teen collection!  I received 39 slips back from 19 people, and I honored almost everyone's opinions.  I kept all the books that people recommended with a YES and I deleted four books that got a NO vote.  Everyone who participated gets a candy bar, so stop by to pick yours up!

There was one complicated situation that arose with Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck. Saranjeet gave it a YES, but Mary later gave it a NO! I erred on the side of caution and kept it around, but I will keep this in mind for next time.  Look for the Last Call display again at the end of the year.

Find something new to read!  Look at the recommendations for some of the items we kept.

Recommendation: Maddigan's Fantasia

Maddigan's Fantasia by Margaret Mahy
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  This is a very exciting time-travel story.  It has good things to say about accepting a loss and doing what you can for others whatever the cost to yourself.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Lemonade Mouth

Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Afsara
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It was really interesting.  I love the way he wrote it in different points of view.  The book was funny in a weird way.  Please keep it!  :)

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Bucking the Sarge

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Monet
Should we keep it? YES
Why?  Because it was very funny.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: The Year of the Hangman

The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Pamela
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  1.  It's great read, with laughs, drama, suspense, and a satisfying ending.  2.  It raises important questions about the American Revolution and makes you want to go back and see what really happened.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.

Recommendation: Babylonne

Babylonne by Catherine Jinks
(Click here to find a library copy.)

Recommendation by Anas
Should we keep it?  YES
Why?  It has a good amount of action and the story's plot is good as well.

This book was part of the Last Call book display in the teen section during November and December. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you still have slips, no worries. Just bring them in by the end of January.