Teens: Too Old for Booktalks?

Alicia Eames, Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 9/13/2007

Booktalking for teens seems to be generating a bit of discussion these days. Should we bother? Of course. Should we use booktalks in our lessons? Absolutely. 

Teens deserve an opportunity to hear about books, and booktalking is still a great way to get the word out. Below are a few titles to help newcomers give it a go or to add to an already-developed repertoire.    

In The Booktalker’s Bible: How to Talk about the Books You Love to Any Audience (Libraries Unlimited, 2003), public librarian Chapple Langemack offers practical advice on booktalking basics with a sense of humor and the wisdom of experience, reminding us all that obvious rules like “Read the Book” and “Know Your Audience” (especially teens) are absolute imperatives. 

Lucy Schall’s Booktalks and Beyond: Promoting Great Genre Reads to Teens (Libraries Unlimited, 2007) groups selected titles by genre, including “Issues,” “Mystery/Suspense,” and “Multiple Cultures.” She provides ready-to-use, snappy sample booktalks along with follow-up activities perfect for a classroom or small-group setting. 

Classic Teenplots: A Booktalk Guide to Use with Readers Ages 12-18 (Libraries Unlimited, 2006), by John T. Gillespie and Corinne J. Naden, gathers the best from the various editions of Juniorplots (Bowker) with revisions and additions to keep it current. Detailed summaries of 100 tried-and-true titles, with specific booktalking tips, are definitely worth checking out. 

While teen audiences can sometimes test our mettle, they’re always worth the effort. Whether smart, loud, insightful, brash, compassionate, or inconsiderate, young adults are often attempting to make sense of a world that is increasingly complex and wide. Aren’t we lucky that it’s our job to be ready with books in hand to help guide them along the way?