What it is

Award winning writer/illustrator Lynda Barry has moved into new territory- that of the part memoir, part how-to guide to creating art. With thought provoking questions about life and the world to get teens inspired to write, and hundreds of collages of illustrations, photographs, paintings, and watercolors this will be a sure hit with teens and tweens that are interested in delving into self expression through words and art.


Barry, Lynda. (2008). What it is. Montréal : Drawn & Quarterly. 209 pages. ISBN: 978-1-897-29935-7.

Ages 12+
Rating: High Additional

Singing; A Practical Guide to Pursuing the Art

If you've ever thought that singing was as simple as opening your mouth and belting out, "Happy Birthday" at a child's birthday party, you're wrong. As the judges of American Idol have repeatedly emphasized, not everyone can sing. This how-to guide to singing is geared to young teens (tweens) ages 11+ and is separated into short chapters with easy to understand directions. The chapters range from the basics of singing, including diagrams of the the anatomy that makes singing and talking possible, what it takes to make it, and where to start. Each chapter is filled with practical advice, like exercises for warming up the vocal chords to interviews with professional singers. The range of professional singers interviewed is wide- from a rock musician to a singing puppeteer and a Broadway musical performer. This is a must have for any collection.

Fishkin, Rebecca Love. (2010). Singing; A Practical Guide to Pursuing the Art. Mankato, MN Compass Point Books. 48 pages. ISBN: 978-0756543624
Ages 11-14
Rating: High Additional