Digital Collection: Bear Lake Monster

Bear Lake Monster Collection
Mountain West Digital Library

Contents: This collection includes materials related to the origins of the Bear Lake Monster legend in Bear Lake Valley (Utah and Idaho).

Classroom Connections: Students love to learn about folklore and legends. Use this digital collection to dive into the primary sources associated with the Bear Lake Monster. Ask students to browse the documents searching for evidence of the monster. Then, write about whether they think the legend is true. Pair this activity with an exploration of other monsters such as Loch Ness, Bigfoot, and others. Create a display of monster legend books.

Featured Digital Objects: 
Painting of Bear Lake Monster - https://goo.gl/VP2cQs
Interview - https://goo.gl/SZ9JiF
News Story - https://goo.gl/O9HEqP

To visit the collection, go to http://www.mwdl.org/collections/2137.php.

Book Review: The Mothman's Curse

THE MOTHMAN’S CURSE by Christine Hayes is a spooky thriller for middle grade readers.

Living in America’s most haunted town, Josie is accustomed to strange happenings in her family’s auction house. However, the appearance of a Polaroid camera that captures images of a ghost draws Josie and her brother into a century old mystery. A ghost, a monster, and a cursed pin are just a few of the creepy things these witty siblings encounter as they try to prevent a disaster in their small Ohio town.

This fast-paced suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. Hayes’ conversational writing style is easy to read and her characters are well-developed.

What will make the story even more compelling for young readers is the connection to with local legends about a real Mothman. Create a display featuring this book along with others about legendary monsters like Bigfoot and Sasquatch.

To learn more about the author, go to http://christinehayesbooks.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook on June 16, 2015.

Book Review: The Jumbies

THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste is a beautifully written retelling of a classic Haitian folktale.

Corinne grows up hearing tales of jumbos who live in the forest near her home. While some of her islander friends think these creatures are imaginary, others believe they are real and lurk in the woods waiting to steal children. When a mysterious woman arrives in the village, Corinne wonders if she is more dangerous than she appears.

The lyrical narrative and elements of mystery will attract middle-grade readers. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to the smart, strong heroine and her friends.

The author’s note provides insights into the history of this Caribbean jumbie tale.

With library shelves overflowing with retellings of Grimm and other European tales, librarians will welcome this inventive Haitian folktale. The short novel will appeal to middle-grades students who enjoy both folktales and monster stories. Pair it with other global folktales for an engaging literature circle. Or, include it in a display of monster myths from Sasquatch to Bigfoot.

To learn more about the author, go to https://traceybaptiste.wordpress.com/.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers on April 28, 2015.

Book Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest

THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black is a young adult fantasy featuring a changeling, a menacing monster, and a mysterious horned boy. Set in a small town near a haunted forest, teen siblings explore their magical powers, uncover long-kept secrets, and strive to survive in a battle between mortals and faerie creatures.

The idea of a faerie fantasy set in the modern world is intriguing. Unfortunately, Black’s world building lacks the depth necessary to fully realize its potential. Although the cast of characters is distinct and at times even compelling, the plot is unnecessarily disjointed. Even with these flaws, readers are likely to enjoy this dark fairy fantasy.

From Doll Bones and The Coldest Girl in Coldtown to the new Magisterium series, Holly Black is popular with both middle grade and young adult readers. As such, this new title is likely to have a large following. Keep in mind that The Darkest Part of the Forest is a young adult urban fantasy that may attract a different audience than some of her recent works.

To learn more about the author, go to http://blackholly.com/.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Publisher e-ARC used for review.