Reviews: Professional Reading

This edition is organized into four major content areas: planning services for children in the context of a community; managing the department, which includes recruiting and retaining staff, communicating with colleagues, annual reports, budgeting, and security; managing services—including collection development, electronic resources, intellectual freedom, and outreach; and professional development. All of the sections have been updated to include new and relevant information especially in relation to technological advances and challenges. Library school students and newly appointed managers will especially find much to value, but even experienced managers can turn to this excellent resource for guidance and practical advice. Because the volume covers so much ground, topics are not covered in depth, but there are references and additional reading suggestions at the end of each chapter, a feature that is completely new to this edition. While not a first purchase for experienced managers, it's a must for replacing the first edition; replace the second edition if budgets allow.—Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY

Children who deal with a variety of obstacles, such as those in families "where parents [are] mentally ill, alcoholic, abusive, or criminal, or in communities that [are] poverty-stricken or war-torn," are considered "at-risk" of not being able to succeed in school or beyond. However, longitudinal studies indicate that the vast majority of "at-risk" children overcome these and other difficulties and grow into adults who lead successful lives. This volume presents a compelling argument that supports a positive paradigm, clearly articulated. Beginning with a basic overview of resiliency and resiliency research, the topic is examined in a series of well-documented and logically organized sections: foundations; schools; communities; mentoring, counseling and support; resiliency in youth development and in families; and finally, resiliency and the brain. Additional publications are presented in annotated lists in some areas (e.g., theoretical and program materials as they relate to resiliency and communities). An essay entitled "Libraries as Resiliency Havens for Children and Youth" combines theoretical and concrete examples of how libraries can embrace and build on the resilience model. While a table of contents lists categorized essays, the lack of an index makes finding specific material more difficult. That said, however, librarians may find diverse discussions on resiliency under one cover both useful and persuasive.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Most folktale anthologies contain stories about old folks, and Keding's seniors come in all varieties: wise, foolish, clever, tricky, generous, miserly, loving, selfish, and heroic, and all serve as master teachers. All but two of the tales are the author's retellings of known tales and reflect his love and respect for his grandmother who inspired his Stories of Hope and Spirit (August House, 2004). This volume is intended primarily for readers rather than tellers. The stories are perfect for adults and young people in middle and high school. The Devil and Death appear as characters in several selections. Keding lists questions for students to engage elders in recalling their "old stories," and he provides discussion guides for older audiences to use. Pagination is erratic toward the end of the book, and, most puzzling, the bibliography has ISBNs but no publication dates. This collection is an enjoyable companion to Jane Yolen's Gray Heroes (Penguin, 1999).—Judy Sokoll, Florida Storytelling Association, Naples

This is an indispensable guide for those wanting to share stories with audiences who speak another language. The author's advice, along with that of other experienced tellers, covers myriad facets of this special and relevant method of connecting with members of our greater yet smaller world community. MacDonald says, "…the human heart finds ways to connect across language barriers." Interest in and respect for other cultures, histories, languages, and mores are prerequisites for storytelling in general, and, in this specialty, are absolutely essential. She also presents the pluses and minuses of various ways of translating (line by line; in tandem; summarizing; bilingual). Equally important to words are the rhythms, gestures, intonations, and facial expressions that are vital to the audience watching and listening to the teller. The book includes priceless advice about glitches that others have faced and surmounted. Preparation time with a translator is ideal. Suggestions for programs for hearing-impaired audience members and those who know no translatable languages are included. A clear, complete, practical, and readable treasure trove from a master teacher.—Judy Sokoll, Florida Storytelling Association, Naples

Chock-full of interesting facts such as when the first printing press was established in America (1639) and how the first children's book followed 50 years later, this intriguing book grabs readers from the start. Learning about the origins of the publishing houses and the legends that populated them is fascinating. Lovers of children's books will delight in this rich history as Marcus looks at such varied aspects as the impact of television on children's books, the beginnings of famous series such as the Landmark Books and the Hardy Boys, and how Maurice Sendak went from being a member of the display staff at F.A.O. Schwarz to getting his first contract with Ursula Nordstrom at Harper & Row. There is an overwhelming amount of information in this book but its inspired chronological organization saves the day. This readable and entertaining survey deserves a place on the bookshelves of all who work in the children's book field.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Similar to Solis's Storytime Yoga (Mythic Yoga Studio, 2006), this book combines storytelling with the teaching of yoga poses and meditation. The tales focus on the philosophical limbs of this ancient art, and suggestions are made for opening discussion on themes such as nonviolence, courage, compassion, anger control, etc. Solis provides options for using the material with children younger than her recommended 8 to 12 years and for combining the stories with poses or sharing them before or after yoga. She touches on a variety of faiths, so the book is inclusive while making it clear that this is not about religion but about self-esteem and acceptance. The author is a natural teacher, and the conversational text is easy to follow. The black-and-white photographs of children are not very professional, but they do help illustrate the basic poses. But most useful are the author's experience and understanding of kids, which come through as she discusses techniques for teaching.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL