On Hold @ the Library: October ’09

The 2009-2010 school year is in full swing, so it’s time to break out the smelling salts and revive a feature that has laid dormant for a few months: On Hold @ the Library. For this month’s list, I looked at holds for the 5^th and 6^th grade building where I work. Usually I like to take a picture of the actual holds shelf, but since so many of the books hadn’t come back yet, I’ll just run things down list style. What appears below has not been modified or tampered with in any way.

The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden.

I was slightly surprised to see that this was still and in-demand book, I thought it was experiencing a bit of “novelty wear-off” syndrome. Now I understand why The Dangerous Book spawned every imaginable spinoff and sequel – kids really dig it.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney.

The least surprising title on the list. Actually, it will be surprising when there isn’t a Diary of a Wimpy Kid title on hold. We have three copies circulating and a growing list of holds.

Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra by Wendy Lichtman.

I hadn’t thought too much about this one until I saw it on the list. The story of an 8^th grade girl who applies math concepts to her real-life problems has been a winner.

Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter.

The trio of writers that are Erin Hunter have been pretty popular. The Warriors series has been steadily growing in favor with the 5^th and 6^th grade students I work with.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! The Remarkable Revealed.

Not a whole lot to say about this. It’s fairly common knowledge that the average library life cycle of the Ripley’s titles follows the same arc: purchase, put on shelf, circulate until destroyed, repeat.

The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis.

This is the third book in the 39 Clues series, which has officially become huge at my schools. I’ve read the first two installments and I understand the appeal. A fast-paced mystery involving wildest-dreams-caliber riches can draw a crowd.

Wanted! By Caroline B. Cooney.

This one was unexpected, but understandable. Cooney’s books deliver the plot-driven thrills that so many young readers love. Wow – that really just sounded like some blurb on the back of a book. A line has formed for this murder/thriller.

Look for more On Hold @ the Library next month.