Ms. Nancy’s Library Blog

I always read through the Top 10 book lists, and this one jumped off the page at me (updated 11/27/09). Read through the descriptions. What does it say about today’s society — and our world — that these are the top picks?

Food for thought.

Best,

Ms. Nancy

1 CATCHING FIRE, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) The protagonist of “The Hunger Games” returns. (Ages 12 and up) (12 weeks on list)
2 THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins. (Scholastic, $17.99.) In a dystopian future, a girl fights for survival on live TV. (Ages 12 and up) (63 weeks on list)
3 MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, by Mike Lupica. (Philomel/Penguin Young Readers, $17.99.) In tough economic times, the pressure is on for a young quarterback with an unusual opportunity. (Ages 9 to 12) (3 weeks on list)
4 THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT, by Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka. (Candlewick, $16.99.) An orphan in search of his sister follows a fortuneteller’s mysterious instructions. (Ages 7 and up) (11 weeks on list)
5 TRICKS, by Ellen Hopkins. (McElderry/Simon & Schuster, $18.99.) A novel in verse about five teenagers who become prostitutes. (Ages 14 and up) (12 weeks on list)
6 THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, by Jay Asher. (Razorbill, $16.99.) Before she commits suicide a girl sends explanatory audiotapes to 13 people. (Ages 14 and up) (55 weeks on list)
7 THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (HarperCollins, $17.99.) To avoid a killer a boy takes up residence in a cemetery. Excerpt (Ages 10 and up) (59 weeks on list)
8 SENT, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. (Simon & Schuster, $15.99.) Kids travel to the 15th century, when they were members of the British royal family. (Ages 8 to 12) (7 weeks on list)
9 THE GREATEST MOMENTS IN SPORTS, by Len Berman. (Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks, $16.99.) Highs and and some lows, spanning the globe, with CD. (Ages 9 to 12) (1 week on list)
10 SHIVER, by Maggie Stiefvater. (Scholastic Press/Scholastic, $17.99.) Love among the lupine. (Ages 12 and up) (17 weeks on list)