Top Ten Young Adult Fiction at GCL

Is it any surprise that a list of the top ten young adult fiction titles checked out in 2015 contains The Hunger Games trilogy? There are five different dystopian series on this list, one classic, and one John Green novel (of course).

Whatever it is, you sure did enjoy these books this year... In fact, many of these titles were checked out OVER 50 TIMES! That is an extraordinary number for any young adult fiction collection. Good job, y'all!

Comment and let me know what you thought about these books, the movie adaptations, and anything else that tickles your fancy.  :)

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
   
2. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
   
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   
4. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
   
5. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
   
6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   
7. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
   
8. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   
9. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
   
10. Matched by Allyson Condie
    

Review of A Tale of Two Daddies

One of my favorite things about A Tale of Two Daddies were the illustrations...  Many of the playground pieces that the children use throughout the story are things that I used when I was a kid and which I remember quite fondly.

After watching Credence (you can read my review by clicking HERE), this title felt like the perfect addition. Told through a daughter's voice and explained as only a child can, this story isn't about gay couples, it is about family and this family is a happy one. At the end of the day, what more can a family ask for?

The simple way that the little girl explains to her friend what each of her daddies do is both sweet and undeniably real. It was nice to see that both Poppa and Daddy had individual things that they were able to provide to their daughter and then there were things that they were both good at.  :)

All in all, a cute story about family and friends. This picture book would be a wonderful addition to any library collection.

A copy of this title was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review of Credence

Credence is a crowdfunded science-fiction film that just happens to be about a family with two fathers and their struggle to do what is right for their daughter. Two years in the making, Credence breaks through any preconceived notions one might have of an LGBT film and shows just how moving the story of family and sacrifice truly is.

"Because we're all just made of stars... shining with what we remember."

Please note that this post will contain spoilers.

If you have not yet seen the film, you may want to skip this post.

The earth is tearing itself to pieces as the remnants of the moon creeps ever closer. While the moon was in just the right position to save earth from being struck by an asteroid, it has been torn to pieces and is slowly moving into the path of earth's orbit. No one knows exactly what will happen when the earth and the moon finally meet, but it is a certainty that the survival of mankind lies not on our home world, but in a desperate attempt to relocate those young enough to survive the journey to a new planet... The children.

(gif credit goes to mixkstyle on tumblr)

This is the choice placed before two fathers who must decide if they will let their daughter go, in the hopes that she finds a new life far from earth, or keep her close, knowing that they will die but that they will die together. Their daughter meets the requirements of the highly-desired "Goldilocks group," who are old enough to work on-board the spaceship but are young enough that they will survive the lengthy journey to a new world.

These two fathers are just like any other family. They don't always agree on the best way to do things and this leads to some conflict and heartache for the small family, as one father is willing to give everything he has to pay for their daughter's safety and the other only wants for his family to be together, always and forever.

(gif credit goes to mixkstyle on tumblr)

Disliked:
How short the film was, but really, if you're watching a short film that's what you get. :)

In conclusion:  This is a unique take on the science-fiction genre and a heart-wrenching example of what it means to love unconditionally. It is my hope that Credence is the first of many QUILTBAG films in the science-fiction genre.