Reaching Readers with the Help of Your Local Librarian

We love hearing what readers like to read and one of the best sources of information is the local library. Kidliterati welcomes librarian, Anni Thompson, of the Grayson Public Library.

Thanks for joining us, Anni! 

Tell us a little about your library.

Gwinnett County is a large suburban county in the metro Atlanta area and the Grayson Public Library is part of the Gwinnett County Public Library system. There are 15 different library locations in our county.

What was your favorite book as a kid and what did you love about it?

I loved the Harry Potter books and how JK Rowling wrote about good vs evil. It's a timeless theme and she wrote about it in such a unique way.

What made you become a librarian? 

My mom! She knew I loved to read and suggested I become a librarian.  I got my Master of Library Science and have worked as a librarian for seven years.

(Moms are AWESOME! Just saying.)

Which genres seem to be the most popular in MG and YA? 

Fantasy is popular in MG and contemporary is becoming the most popular genre in YA.


What are the most-requested books in your library for kids reading middle grade, and the older kids reading YA? 

Younger kids really like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diary books. 

YA readers love everything John Green. Our teens voted Marissa Meyer and The Lunar Chronicles as their favorite author and books during Teen Read Week this year.

Which books bridge the gap between male and female readers? Both genders like the Divergent series and Hunger Games series. Also, the Warrior books appeal to boys and girls. Fantasy seems to attract both readers.

Which MG  books do you find yourself recommending the most often?

I recommend the Warrior books by Erin Hunter, the Dear Dumb Diary series by Jamie Kelly, and books by Kathryn Lasky.

What do you wish MG and YA authors knew or paid attention to?

We really DO need more diverse books in children’s literature. I’d like to see more books with diverse characters so all kids can see themselves in what they read.

What book is on your nightstand right now?

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

Thanks, Anni!