Misfits: a teen book talk on fitting in

Book-talking is a great way to generate interest in books at the library.  Librarians use book-talking techniques every day when conducting readers advisory, and book-talking can be particularly useful in drawing in reluctant readers too.  Book-talking is often used in school libraries with kids and teens, exposing them to new interests and genres.  Public librarians will often travel with prepared book talks and take them to schools.  My last assignment for Young Adult Programs and Services was to prepare and present a book talk to the class. There are many strategies and guidelines to keep in mind when creating a book talk.  Here are some that I used in my book talk, taken from Gorman and Sullentrop's book Connecting Young Adults and Libraries:

Guidelines:

Choose a theme-but it doesn't need to be an obvious one.  You just need a small link between each book for a smooth transition in your talk.

Choose a mix of old and new books-Teens will get excited seeing popular authors like John Green in your book talk, and meshing new authors with classic titles will show that older titles can still be relevant today.

Book talks should be fairly short, about one to two minutes each book.

Use props-Be sure to bring the books you are talking and if you are doing a particular theme, bring on the visual aids!

Provide a handout -This gives readers the opportunity to read more about the books you discussed so they can request them later.

Know the Books You are Talking-Perhaps the most important guideline of all! Book-talkers should have read the books they are presenting, and be able to discuss them without looking at notes!  To help stay on track, tape a small index card to the back of each book with your main points.

Strategies:

Movie preview style-gives a brief snippet or "trailer" of the book, leaving the audience wanting more.

Sell, Don't Tell-You want to provide just enough information to make readers pick up the book, not so much that you give everything away.

Incorporate a "gross-out"-Include a shocking detail from the book and teens will want to know more!

Include a quote- While book-talkers don't always have to do so, including a snippet from the book is generally a good way for readers to be introduced to the characters and they style of the book being highlighted.

End with a bang-End with a cliffhanger statement that will have readers fighting to get their hands on the book.

Take a look at the handout I created for my book talk, entitled, "Misfits:Young Adult Fiction about Identity, Courage and Acceptance."