Archive for August 29th, 2007

Keeping my 12-year-old in books is a challenge. He’s a voracious reader and is often casting around for fresh material. My mother brought me a list titled, “Waiting for Harry Potter? Try …. ” that she had picked up at a public library in Evanston, Illinois. I showed him the list; he said he wasn’t interested in any of the books. After he complained a few days later about not having any fresh reading material, I took the list to my local library. Of the 28 books (by 19 different authors) listed on the card, I was able to put my hands on four. I put in intra-library loan requests for another six. I came in with the stack and let him know that I had gotten him the books. He didn’t pick them up for a few hours, but four days later, he’s finished at least four (including a big ole thick trilogy). I emailed the guy at the main library branch who is responsible for inter-library loan today, requesting another four books. I am grateful for the list and for the librarian who took the time to put it together. I also re-learned a lesson about how important it is to keep good books within my son’s reach. To access the Evanston Public Library’s “Beyond Harry and Frodo” list, click here.