The Problem with Hollywood and Young Adult Novels

There is something to be said about characters who have become so familiar with readers that they have become "real". That is why Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games), have become successful series. Each of these characters, with their likeable, quirky personalities have found their way into the hearts and minds of readers. They are a reminder that anyone can be a hero in their own way. The consequence of this is that the demand for these stories continues to grows because the time spent with these loveable "people" never seems long enough. Time just flies by when they are around. Which is a good thing. However, the not so good consequence of this is that Hollywood tries to force the characters and their adventures onto the silver screen.

The theme for Summer Reading Program for teens "You Are Here", is appropriate when reading the series mentioned above. Each of these series take readers to another place and time that is new, exciting and vastly different from the world that teens are familiar with daily. By placing the reader squarely in the middle of New York City battling ancient Greek mythological monsters, or playing a game of Quidditch along side Harry or getting caught in a survival of the fittest game against Katniss, each of these situations challenges the reader to put themselves in the character's shoes. In the mind's eye the action is exciting and real enough to smell, see and feel everything that the characters are experiencing. Questions come up such as, would the readers make the same decisions that the character made or could a better solution be found? The ultimate question comes down to whether the ride with the characters was satisfying or is there a desire for more stories and adventures? If the story is really good, and with all three of these series it is, the answer is YES, then the trip is worth it and more please. Having said this, who needs the silver screen to help with the imagery?

Reading demands that teens actively turn on their imagination and drift into another time and place. While Percy, Harry and Katniss have the lasting power in books, they also share something else in common. They are all, or soon will be, on the silver screen. Hollywood has taken popular book titles and turned them into movies for years. From a reader's point of view this could be the WORST thing to happen for an author and the beloved characters. Sure, this means that the book is a huge commercial success once it is picked to go on the big screen. However, at what price is it worth the "prestige"? Granted the Harry Potter films remained true to Rowling's work, the same can not be said for Percy Jackson. A serious mistake was made when they omitted Clarrise in the movie. Seriously, she plays such a huge role in the first book that it was hard to believe that she never appeared in the movie. Not even once. As for the Hunger Games, who knows what Hollywood will drop from the plot. It is almost enough incentive to say "pass" when the movie comes out.

The argument can be made that the movie versions of the book can inspire teens to read the books. In some cases, that may very well be true. Although, there is a risk that the difference between the book and the film may be enough to disappoint the reader. The silver screen robs the reader of the joy of stirring the imagination. What's there to imagine what Katniss looks like in her "fire" outfit when the image is right there on the screen? Imaginations need to be exercised on a regular basis. This is precisely why reading is so important. A healthy dose of imaginations prepares the mind to think outside the box and dream of creative ideas. The silver screen may have its uses, but nothing beats a healthy imagination fed by good stories. Perhaps, instead of grabbing every young adult novel and turning into a movie, Hollywood should consider using their own creativity to come up with stories.

As everyone will be clamoring for tickets to see the midnight showing of the last Harry Potter film, this blogger will be safe at home reading the next book of the Kane Chronicles. As each page is turned, fingers will be crossed in hopes that Hollywood leaves this series alone and allow teens to exercise their minds to explore, imagine and enjoy Riordian's tale.

The World At Our Fingertips

By now it should come as no surprise that I love libraries. Every chance I get, I'm either promoting libraries, going to a library (and not just for work) or reading about libraries. If there were a library choir, I'd be in it. Programs such as summer reading clubs, teen advisory groups and adult book discussions are great ways in which to reach out to the community. This year's SRP (Summer Reading Program) theme is "One World, One Story" for children. The teens theme is "You are Here" and Adult's theme is "Novel Destinations" All very clever angles on the same idea. However, I'm going to shake things up a bit and add my own spin. Why not use this opportunity to point out that at the library everyone has "the World at their fingertips."

Our world is becoming smaller every day due to digitizing information, social networks and technical capabilities that seemed science fiction just a few years ago. The tired argument that the Internet has replaced the library is a myth that can be put to rest by seizing this opportunity to invite patrons to explore the world at their fingertips. These ideas not meant just for the wee ones but for the big kid in everyone. Just imagine, it's a Saturday afternoon, children and their families have come in for a program where the guest speaker is Justin Sumpter, author of Vampirates Series. How could the library afford the air fare? Did the Friend's group do an awesome job at fundraising? Nope. This was all made possible by the wonders of Skype, a voice over the internet service. Skype has also become popular for its ability to provide video conferencing that is fits in every library's budget. It is free if both parties sign up for the service. The technology is there, free and fun. Why shouldn't libraries take advantage of this opportunity to have a global author visit. (Hint to Justin Somper, please consider this an open invitation to "visit" my library) In addition to Skype, another tool at the library's disposal is YouTube. Any library around the world can use this site to film their programs or give a virtual tour of the library. Once the video is posted on YouTube. the world can "visit" the library.

On the same track Facebook has opened the doors for friends far and wide to get together. There should be no reason why U.S. libraries can not become friends with their counterparts across the pond. Think of the possibilities of becoming Facebook friends with London's public library. Librarians could share what programs are scheduled for the day their library and even invite their patrons to say "hello" to readers at your library. Sort of like a "virtual" pen pal. Perhaps they could even give suggestions of good books, or music CD. Who knows, this could lead to world wide advocacy for libraries. (A geeky librarian's dream come true to be sure)

What can we say about Twitter? There are possibilities here, but perhaps not as dramatic or easy as the other two tools. Twitter is challenging because it forces the writer to be witty and concise in 140 characters or less. Is this not a contest waiting to happen? With a little luck and a little work, invite libraries from US to China and everywhere in between to show their support of their libraries in 140 characters or less. Would patrons get excited about this? I don't know, but it is worth it to toss out ideas to see if it has wings.

As librarians, we truly have the world at our fingertips. News from around the world can be viewed almost instantaneously. Communication tools have become affordable, adaptable, and available everywhere around the world. Allowing the task of reaching out easier than before. Showcasing these social media tools in the library reminds patrons that the information they need is no further than their library. Even if the librarian has to "go all the way to China" to get the information desired.