We’d like to introduce you to Tasha Saecker, director of the Menasha Public Library in Menasha, WI. Tasha started her career as a children’s librarian, and continues to read mainly books for children and young adults. She’s been blogging at Kids Lit, one of the most well-respected blogs in the kidlitosphere, since August of 2003. Kids Lit is "a warm, friendly place where books for children and teens are celebrated." Tasha is a judge on the Cybils Young Adult Fiction committee. Today, Jen Robinson asks Tasha a few questions about her blogging.
Jen: Why do you blog, Tasha?
Tasha: I love connecting with readers, discussing books, posting my web and news finds, and being part of a community of bloggers. It is rewarding, lots of fun, and best of all is a great excuse to read even more!
Jen: What is it about kidlit that you love most?
Tasha: I consider children’s lit to be of such a high quality that there is little reason to read adult literature. I love its accessibility, its beauty, its color and its grace.
Jen: What is your favorite book that didn’t make the shortlist?
Tasha: Sold by Patricia McCormick
Jen: Do you and your kids ever disagree on reading choices? Tell us about it.
Tasha: Definitely! That is part of the nature of the book. It is such an individual thing. I love that my kids have different opinions than I do about books. It is my job to honor their tastes and find just the right thing for them to read at just the right moment. With luck, once in awhile they will try one of my picks.
Jen: If you could have a fictional character visit you for a day, who would it be and how would you spend the time together?
Tasha: I would love to meet Clementine from the book by Sara Pennypacker. We would spend the day together doing each other’s hair.
Tasha reviews children’s book ranging from picture books to young adult novels. Here is an excerpt from her review of What Happened to Cass McBride:
Where do I start to tell you how wonderful this novel is? Perhaps with the skill of the writing that manages to create a breakneck speed buts stays firmly in control of the plot points and horror. Perhaps with the fantastic characterizations that slowly reveal what is lacking in these teenage lives. Perhaps with the simple fact that it is Gail Giles and we know to expect great quality fiction from her. Or perhaps with the way that this book with enter your psyche and stay with you whether you are reading it right then or not.
You should also read Tasha’s thoughts on And Tango Makes Three, a somewhat controversial picture book:
Why are people attacking this book? It is about the true story of these real-life birds, so there’s not much to dispute there. Additionally, it is a great picture book on its own, whether the two penguins are male or are a male-female couple who failed to hatch an egg of their own. The illustrations are child-friendly, the language is accessible, and the story is universal. (Much of which could not be said about the earliest picture books to feature gay families!)
For more, visit Kids Lit. Do it soon.