This just in!

It's Newsie again, this time announcing YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults! So many of our (TAB members, Loft Staff) favorites are also on this list, and I couldn't resist a photo-op with Marcelo, Katniss, Matt, Fire, Grace & Sam, Remy, Claudette Colvin, Jimmi, Tamika, & Fatima, and others I haven't yet come to know.

Among the list of stories is a reformed vampire support group, as well as an opportunity to fly genetically-engineered beasts, one of my dreams. On a more serious note, I've struggled with the horrors of war in several of the stories, from WW I, WW II, Vietnam & Iraq; and I've wrestled with prejudice in the Louisiana bayou and Montgomery, Alabama. I've laughed until my buttons (push pins) popped off and ran (waddled, really) as fast as my newsprint could take me from demons and zombies. So many great stories from which to choose!

I conclude this report as your humble snowman, and secretly await the opportunity for lips touching (see my bright pink duct tape lips), possibly even three times.

Hello there Lofters, it's Newsie announcing the 2010 Youth Media Awards!

Alex Award Winners

Amazing YA Audiobooks

Coretta Scott King Award Winners

Fabulous Films for Young Adults

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Michael L. Printz Award

Newbery Medal

Schneider Family Book Award

William C. Morris YA Debut Award

YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award

Congratulations to all. May I (again) highly recommend the Teen Advisory Board's Favorites of 2009, and the Loft Staff Picks of 2009.

-Newsie

Greetings, it is I, Newsie (the snowman), reporting live this new year from my natural habitat -- snow! But not for long...

A couple of interesting things happened to me while reporting live in the snow. The first was a phenomenon called snowman branching; I grew two arms in the same vein as snowflake branching, where "branches" sprout from the corners of the more basic hexagonal snowflakes to make more complex snowflakes. Second, the snow, otherwise known as ice crystals of frozen water, began to react with my lower wadded-up newspaper ball. Uh-oh (remember papier-mache?).

Below is the latest news from the Loft, where snowflakes are made of paper (like me) and I feel right at home.

Here's the Loft's line-up of exciting winter events: Science Cafe(s), Recycled Drumming, The Hunger Games Book Discussion & Game, Movies, College Drop-In Sessions, Chainmaille Jewelry-Making, TAB Meeting(s), Gaming Events, and a FAFSA workshop. Sign up now! (and stop by the Loft to check out my new twig arms)

Next up for young adult literature -- stay tuned for the ALA (American Library Association) Youth Media Awards. I'll be reporting on the awards all day on January 18, beginning at 7:45 a.m. If you want to find out what titles are on the shortlists before then, visit this site.

-Newsie

Teen Advisory Board Picks Its Top Books of 2009!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

Hello there, folks, it's Newsie (the Snowman)* here with the ABOVE LATE-BREAKING NEWS. 

You read me right.  The Loft's Teen Advisory Board has compiled its list of 2009 favorite books for your enjoyment. 

I know.  I got so jumpy when I heard the news I started spinning around on my lower wadded-up newspaper ball and I almost fell into a slush puddle.  You know what happens when a person made of newspaper gets wet?  Can you say papier-mache?  Gross.

Are you looking for ideas for books to give as gifts to your friends and family this holiday season?  Or maybe you're excited to curl up with a good book (or 10 or 20) this winter break and you don't know what to choose.

Well, you've come to the right year.  2009 has been a great one for young adult literature.   After you check out TAB's list, read the Loft staff's 2009 favorite books list, too.  

For other ideas, browse this list of readalikes of popular books like The Hunger Games, The Lightning Thief, and Graceling.

Happy reading!

-Newsie (the Snowman)

*Newsie was brought to life two weeks ago by members of the Teen Advisory Board during Loft holiday decorating.  Come on in to see their other work!