A Core Collection for Young Adults (Teens the Library Series) [Paperback]

Patrick Jones (Author), Patricia Taylor (Author), Kirsten Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 2003 | ISBN-10: 1555704581 | ISBN-13: 978-1555704582

For more than a decade, librarians have been following the recommendations of Patrick Jones, author of Connecting Young Adults and Libraries, to build collections for teens in school and public libraries. Now Jones teams up with English teacher Patricia Taylor and young adult librarian/speculative fiction expert Kirsten Edwards to deliver the definitive core collection. Focusing on titles YA teens would be most likely to own or check out frequently, these experts have selected and annotated over 1,000 titles, including adult and young adult fiction and nonfiction; biographies and personal narratives; graphic novels and illustrated works; underground classics; humor; science fiction/fantasy; Web sites; databases, and other electronic formats. Brief annotations provide insight and identify the primary audience for each book. Core collection entries include call numbers, full bibliographic information, and grade/audience level. Special features include handpicked favorites of YA librarians and authors, an extensive list of young adult "best" lists, and author and title indexes. An accompanying title-checker disk allows librarians to quickly compare catalog holdings to the core collection recommended by these experts.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

The authors have gathered over 1200 titles (60 percent fiction, 30 percent nonfiction,and 10 percent graphic format) that they consider to be of appeal to teens. The book is meant to be a practical manual for developing collections that appeal to teens; books that are out of print, curriculum-related titles, and books that "should" be read are not included. Titles chosen have all been reviewed in Booklist, School Library Journal, or VOYA, but they are not necessarily those selected for traditional "best books" lists. The volume includes a guide to more than 100 "Best" lists, "Top Ten" tips for maintaining a core collection, selection tips for major YA genres, and author and title indexes. A CD-ROM called the "Collection Checker" consists of files in various formats (Excel, Word) to facilitate collection maintenance, selection, and acquisitions. A useful book for both novice and experienced librarians who want to build a teen collection that actually circulates.
Marlyn K. Roberts, City of Long Beach Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This annotated bibliography of books for grades 6-12 boasts more than 1,200 fiction (60 percent), nonfiction (30 percent), and graphic format (10 percent) titles. Using a formula of "quality + quality of circulation (popularity) = quality of the reading experience" the authors fully explain their selection criteria. Titles include both classics and contemporary favorites written for young adults and adults. Each entry includes bibliographic information, a brief signed annotation, grade level, and review source, where appropriate. Nonfiction titles are arranged by general Dewey decimal classification; fiction and graphic novels, by author. End matter includes author and title indexes and appendixes, which include "best" lists, core collections from other YA experts, selection tips, and Web sites for more information. The accompanying CD-ROM contains title lists in varying formats and arrangements, making the book even more useful as a collection development tool. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 405 pages
• Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub (May 19, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555704581
• ISBN-13: 978-1555704582
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,482,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Author of teen novels Things Change (Walker, 2004) and Nailed (Walker / Bloomsbury, 2006).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An accompanying CD-ROM allows for quick browsing, August 10, 2003

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Core Collection for Young Adults (Teens the Library Series) (Paperback)

The collaborative effort of Patrick Jones, Patricia Taylor, and Kirsten Edwards, A Core Collection For Young Adults recommends 1,200 titles for public libraries as well as junior and high school libraries. Each noteworthy title is presented with a brief yet accurate plot summary, title, author, price and ISBN number. An accompanying CD-ROM allows for quick browsing and reference of the information concerning these vital and quality recommended titles on one's computer. A Core Collection For Young Adults is very strongly recommended for school and community librarians charged with the responsibility of building and maintaining Young Adult materials in both fiction and non-fiction categories.