Top Five Books for 'Gen Y' Parents

First off, those born between 1980-1990 ARE NOT 'Millenials'--we are 'Gen Y.'  The term 'Millenial' sounds like we grew up with a cell phone and always had a choice of 8000 TV channels.  Members of 'Gen Y' know what it's like to live in a world where computers were used sparingly and, even then, only used to play Oregon Trail on an Apple IIe with huge floppy discs.

oh sweet, elementary school memories...

Now that that is out of the way, here is a list of books for 'Gen Y' parents looking for something different to read to their children.  These books provide topics you can relate to or are on a topic that has only become more relevant in recent years.  Don't have a kid?  Buy one of these for your friend's kids, because how many copies of Goodnight Moon do you really need?  (Answer: one)


5. Nutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel 
by Stephanie Sorkin, Mascot Books, $14.95, ISBN: 978-1620861585, Hardcover

In a time when every kid seems to be allergic to something, this book fits right in.

4. HTML for Babies 
by John C. Vanden-Heuvel, Sr., Code Babies, $8.99, ISBN: 978-0615487663, Board book

Computer-literacy is more important than ever, so prepare you baby with this clever book about HTML coding.  You may not fully understand what you are reading, but it's a neat way to introduce computer language to your baby.  The companion book is entitled CSS for Babies and other publishers have coding titles for older kids, as well.

3. And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson, Simon & Schuster, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1481449946, Paperback with CD

Two male penguins wish to start a family, but what can they do?  With the help of a zookeeper, these two gents welcome a baby penguin into their family.  Plus, the CD is narrated by Neil Patrick Harris--a 'Gen Y' hero if I've ever heard one.

2. Tell Me a Tattoo Story
by Alison McGhee, Chronicle Books, $16.99, ISBN: 978-1452119373, Hardcover

A story where the father tells his son the stories behind each of his tattoos and how they are a part of their family history.  This is not a book you would have found on bookshelves 10+ years ago--it is the product of the times and relays a story that many 'Gen Y' parents can related to.

1. Tadpole's Promise
by Jeanne Willis, Andersen Press (UK), $12.99, ISBN: 978-1842704264, Paperback

This book is so dark and funny and I seriously love it.  It teaches kids that sometimes love doesn't always conquer all, people change, and disappointment is a part of life.  Sound too heavy for kids?  They will be too busy looking at the pictures and probably won't catch the ultimate meaning, anyway.  In the end, what is more 'Gen Y' than expecting the worst and being cynical about the future?  Did I mention that I love this book?  Because I absolutely, totally do.

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For more info on 'Gen Y' check out these links:

• For 'Gen Y' readers out there, check out this list from Bustle.
• A handy article with a neat graphic on the spending habits of the Baby Boomers and 'Gen Y.'

"There’s nothing aimless about the choices the Gen-Y non-winner makes. Everything they do is for a single purpose: to avoid engaging with the world around them.”

--Jaye, Wonderfalls

hear me roar...when I feel like exerting myself

Ten Years in the Bookstore, Part 1

In the tradition of Nick Hornby's Ten Years in the Tub, I decided to make my own list of books I've bought--starting with the month of July 2016.  These are books bought at a bookstore (new or used) but excludes library bag sales, books gifted to me, or books I borrowed from the library.



1. The Spanish Queen by Carolly Erickson
I just bought this last week and finished it yesterday and, while it had its negative aspects, it was, overall, an interesting read.  Though, Catherine of Aragon is still not my favorite wife of Henry VIII.  That title belongs to Anne #1 and Anne #2.

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2. The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture, 1890-1980 by Elaine Showalter
There are few things I enjoy reading about more than the treatment of the mentally ill throughout history.  Based on the introduction alone, I can tell this one will not disappoint.  If you're into this type of thing, too, I recommend Medical Muses: Hysteria in Nineteenth-Century Paris by Asti Hustvedt.

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3. Jane Austen's Erotic Advice by Sarah Raff
Because what's better than feminism, love, and Jane Austen--all in one book?

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4. Found: The Best Lost, Tossed, and Forgotten Items from Around the World by Davy Rothbart
If you've never visited FOUND Magazine's website or picked up one of their magazines, I recommend doing it.  It's like PostSecret but no one else was supposed to read these items.

Top Five Recent Releases to Show Kids that Women Rule

I find myself making reading lists more and more for my job and not all on subjects that particularly interest me.  That being said, here is a list of my own making of children's books released in the past 12 months about the awesomeness of women!

1. Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History...and Our Future! 

By Kate Schatz, City Lights Books, $14.95, ISBN: 978-0872866836, Hardcover

What makes this book different than the 8000 other biography anthologies out there is the specificity  of American women and the unique selection of women.  Foregoing the stereotypical women you think of when you image "Great American Women," (Betsey Ross, Helen Keller, etc.) this book highlights lesser-known but still influential women like Billie Jean King, Patti Smith, and Ursula LeGuin.  For a complete list of all the lovely ladies in this book, click on the title here.

2. Viva Frida 

By Yuyi Morales, Roaring Book Press, $17.99, ISBN: 978-1596436039, Hardcover

This Caldecott Honor Book features beautiful photographs showing various stages in the life of Frida Kahlo.  Though Morales is a puppet maker, the photos aren't creepy, but, instead, look almost like paintings.  Another great thing about this book is that it's bilingual so English speakers can learn Spanish words and vice versa!

3. Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

By Katheryn Russell-Brown, Lee & Low Books, $18.95, ISBN: 978-1600608988, Hardcover

Who was Melba Doretta Liston?  Find out in this book about this little-known jazz musician who grew up in Kansas City during the Great Depression.  Liston worked with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie and Charles Mingus.  Plus, how cute does she look as a little girl?

4. Lumberjanes

By Shannon Watters, Noelle Stevenson, and Grace Ellis, BOOM! Box, $14.99, ISBN: 978-1608866878, Paperback

The only fiction title on this list, Lumberjanes is a cleverly written comic about girls that kick serious butt.  The book is a set at a summer camp for "Hardcore Ladies Types" where the girls solve puzzles and investigate a mysterious event.  While graphic novels and comics have been a boys' game, Lumberjanes shows just how much women can contribute to the genre.  So put on your combat boots and embark on reading adventure--girl-style!

5. I am Lucille Ball

By Brad Meltzer, Dial Books, $12.99, ISBN: 978-0525428558, Hardcover

Now for the little kiddies, I bring you this title from Meltzer's popular series "Ordinary People Change the World."  While any title in this series will do, Lucy's story is the most recent release.  Lucy changed the world through laughter and the power of laughter comes across in this delightful title.