dang that Blasingame

Aside from the fact that he used a title I was thinking of for my next book, I was thrilled to get a copy of Jim Blasingame's new professional book, BOOKS THAT DON'T BORE 'EM (Scholastic). Jim is one of the gurus of YA with a review column in the Journal Of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. He also is the editor of The ALAN Review. And a fellow motorcyclist. His new book offers lots of advice for teachers (and librarians) about choosing and using YA literature with kids. He has lots of book recommendations, lists, interviews with some leading figures in YA and much more. Folks looking for a primer in why YA should pick up a copy. If you are already a know-it-all (like yours truly), there is still something to be gleaned from the book. Thanks, Jim, for letting more and more people know about the value of YA literature.