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I'm going to kick off this challenge, but if people don't want me to lead it or whatnot, feel free to say so. I'm just eager to start making lists.

Amy suggested that we do a "themed" challenge, and then continue with the A-Z thing that AngelaSunshine came up with for Challenge #5, which sounded good (and simple - I like simple) to me. But, if anyone else has any suggestions (or if Angela doesn't like the idea of people cribbing off of her work) please feel free to comment. Or if you just want to talk about kumquats or something, feel free to comment.

My idea for the theme would be "magic" because fall/autumn says "magic" to me, but it's certainly not a set-in-stone idea. Soo... yeah.

I'm also liking the "Author’s Name A-Z Section" in challenge #2, and the thought of somehow doing a "tiered" challenge...

I don't think I would like the themed challenge, just because I read more than one genre, and I don't want to be focusing solely on one type or style of book.

I wouldn't mind incorporating themes, but don't think that should be the focal point.

I wouldn't mind doing an A-Z author challenge as you mentioned, or one that has different levels. Or, we could go for the 5+ 10+ 15+ task things too.

That's my two-cents...

I have no problem with building off my challenge, especially since I swiped the idea from another group anyhow! :)

I don't mind a themed challenge, but Ashley does make a good point. If it's too specific people won't participate. What if the different sections hit on different genres? Then the challenge questions could be the same (easier for you) but the books would have to be different... Like, "a book published in your birth year" or something, that'd force people to spend a little time searching for multiple books. Just a thought.

I debated the A-Z author instead of title, so that sounds good to me too. :)

Okay, this is me brainstorming. I know I say this a lot, but I want to make it clear: none of this is set in stone (you're probably going to get tired of me saying this, but I'm trying not to step on toes or discourage people or anything along those lines. I've learned that disclaimers help in stopping badness.)

So far, this is what I have:

Monthly themes: October: "Halloween," wherein anything that someone would do for Halloween/Autumn holiday, or dress as (costume-wise) would count. In other words, if someone would dress up as a cow, and you have a book about a cow, that book would fit the criteria. I figure that this gives people access to just about any genre, if they're creative about it.

November: "Thanksgiving." I realize that the group is set in the UK, but seeing as how I'm in the US, and I celebrate the Gluttony of Food Day in November, I'm running with it. Any book that has any mention of your favorite holiday dish (and you have to specify the dish,) someone gorging themselves on food, a turkey (alive or dead,) the theme of thankfulness, the theme of giving, a time reference appropriate, or people taking advantage of another civilization (because I have a sick, twisted sense of humor) all count.

December: Winter holiday. Based off of the previous two, I'm sure you can tell that I'm pretty liberal about how I define what would fit into this category. Basically, if you can come up with a good reason your book would fit "winter holiday," I'm more than likely going to say "sure, that counts."

Floater Track
"Simple" "go with the monthly theme" track. I'm debating this one, because I'm worried about it being too like Kellee's monthly challenge, and I, again, don't want to step on anyone's toes.

Rambler Track
A-Z themed challenge. Using AngelaSunshine's rules, and the monthly themes listed above, we base our book choices. In this track, you can either have the author's name or the title of the book count toward a letter. IF, however, you read two same-letters, only one letter toward a name and one toward a title will count. (Basically, you can have up to two books in one letter - one a name, the other a title.)

Rover Track
People who want to take this track team up. Using the Rambler track, they assign a book that's under 400 pages to each other (UNLESS they agree that they can go with longer books.) One person starts off the challenge with the letter "A" and when they're done, they give their partner the letter "B," and so on, switching back and forth. (OR they can discuss it ahead of time and come up with a list they work on before the challenge starts, giving them plenty of time to go through their mutual list.) Then, they talk about the books. I'm thinking that doing this track would double the point values of the points that Angela's already established and will be used for other tracks, hopefully balancing the time that might be used waiting for a partner or discussion time.

That's what I have so far. Any thoughts?

Jesi, is the plan to do each of the things you just listed, or pick and choose one or a few of those to do?

Personally, I think I would like to see the original way again. Sort of the way the first was run, where we have specific tasks worth a specific number of points. I think I would enjoy one of those again.

Well, I was trying to build each of the tracks off of each other, so if you do the Rover track, you'd end up doing the other tracks. If you do the Floater track, you'd be on the "simplest" track so there'd be more option, but less points accessible (you wouldn't have access to the letters, for instance.)

I'm not averse to doing this the original way, I just need people to suggest tasks, if that's the case.

I'd prefer the original, but I'm definitely not adverse to something else!

And if we do decide to go the original way, I'd also be able to help come up with some tasks. I don't know how great/original they will be, but I can help!

I don't really care (in a softer meaning, if that makes sense) if they're original - I just need them easy to understand, so I can keep up. :)

Cool. I'll kinda wait around, see what other people think and/or what you ultimately decide on and go from there! I'm good with either way, so it should be fun to see what happens!

A set-point-value challenge is fun, and might be nice after my lazy summer challenge. Whip our brains back into shape!

AngelaSunshine wrote: "A set-point-value challenge is fun, and might be nice after my lazy summer challenge. Whip our brains back into shape!"

I agree. I like the challenge that the other type of challenge gives :)

I'm cool with whatever. I just request that it be something simple and maybe not too involved (just yet). I started back to work last week and things are crazy right now. By the end of Sept. things normall calm down so I can be back to my regular reading schedule. LOL.

When I suggested a theme, I sort of meant something really broad, instead of really specific.

Even the tougher challenges, like Misty's, allowed for some easy book choices too. I guess that's the key, just making sure there are tasks at different difficulty levels.

I know that traditionally the challenges included tasks that would involve choosing books from and discussing them within our WT group. It's kind of nice to do that so we keep our discussions fresh and alive.

This is AAAAAAAAAAwesome!! I'll have to give it some thought (if I'm going to edit/add to it), but on first look, it's great!!

I like the seasonal theme to it.. Nice twist on the challenge. Good job ladies!!

I agree. I like the look of this! I didn't read every category, but it looks good!

I'm okay with the A-Z format again, or doing a tiered challenge, but I would like a more standard system of points. I like having an idea of how many points I'm aiming for, though I guess the idea for this challenge was to complete the 26 letters.

It sounds great! I agree with Mandy about the points. Maybe each section could have a point system attached?

I like it! :)

:)

Okay, I'm probably going to be posting more here (after I, yaknow, get off work) but I wanted to post this while I'm thinking about it.

I tried making my list based off of this, and have gotten through October. Now, maybe it's my fail for research, but I'm having some difficulty. Namely with task 1.15 and 1.25 - it's difficult to see (at least, for me) if a book takes place in the fall, or if it has to do with a cause, going off the description of the book in GoodReads. (I finally decided that Ella Enchanted could count towards feminism, but I didn't know if it really counted toward the task.)

Does anyone have any lists, links, or other resources to make those two easier to come up with books? The other tasks in October are fairly easy to come up with books.

1.15 I'd pick a book that deals with going back to school, which is in the fall. I wouldn't say the whole thing has to take place in the fall, maybe just some major events (for example, I'd count To Kill A Mockingbird because the climax of the story takes place at a Halloween party). But then this is your challenge, so you can do as you will. ;)

For 1.25 I'd be equally as loose, a book about a kid adopting a stray could work for animal safety month or a book about drug use could work for crime prevention month etc... I use for listings of holidays for the on-going challenge, so you could find something there. I'd suggest listing which holiday you use and how the book you choose fits with chosen holiday.

My struggle looks to be 2.25 I think we should either include adult books there (as I don't receive too many YA novels from people) or else include receiving a suggestion for someone here on WT and then sending them a thank you letter.

I'm still at work, so I can't check it out now, but I'll check out the link you sent - thanks for it. :)

I think that 2.25 can include adult books - that sounds fair and reasonable to me.

Aaaaand... I'm going to say that for 1.15, if it's a Gothic Victorian story or has a Gothic feel to it (or has a cemetery in it) it counts, too. Because, it'll be easier to tell by the "back of the book" if the book will count for the challenge than fall (and because I read more fantasy than realistic books.) If that's okay with people?

Jennifer W wrote: "1.15 I'd pick a book that deals with going back to school, which is in the fall. I wouldn't say the whole thing has to take place in the fall, maybe just some major events (for example, I'd count T..."

I agree. 2.25 should maybe be changed to a book that someone recommended to you instead of including adult books...

Sounds awesome!

After doing several searches for a YA book with the word "thank" in it that isn't "just" a children's book (or a Babysitter's Club series book) and failing to find a book, I'm going to say that the word "give" also counts for 2.15.

Angela, I like your idea best - and I think that, if/when people post their lists, everyone can consider the books on those lists as recommendations. That way, no one has an excuse that no one recommends books to them.

Last message from me for the night...
Having made the edits to the tasks that I have, I've been able to come up with a list of books, so I know that everyone else (being equally if not more than talented as me) can do so as well. Here's the challenge as I've edited:

Section I: October
1.5 Read a "Halloween"-themed book. (This can be a book involving halloweeny-type creatures like ghosts or zombies or vampires, or a book that actually involves the holiday or candy or dressing up in costume.)
1.10 Read a book about something that scares you.
1.15 Read a book that takes place in the fall, in a Gothic Victorian setting, or in a graveyard.
1.20 Read two books that were published in October of any year.
1.25 Read a book that has something to do with an awareness day/week/month of October and write a review of it for the Parent's Corner recommending why kids should read about this topic. For example, October is: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vegetarian Awareness Month, National Dental Hygiene Month, Halloween Safety Month, National Crime Prevention Month, Gay and Lesbian History Month, Diversity Awareness Month, German American Heritage Month, Polish American Heritage Month, National Animal Safety and Protection Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Month, and World Blindness Awareness Month.

Section II: November
2.5 Read a book about food or has some sort of food in the title.
2.10 Read a book that features two distinct cultures clashing.
2.15 Read a book with the word "Thank," "Thanks," or "Give" or some sort of derivative in the title or description.
2.20 Read two books published in November of any year.
2.25 Read a book someone gave or recommended to you and write them a thank you card afterward telling them what you thought of the book.

Section III: December
3.5 Read a book about winter or snow (or has either word in the title.)
3.10 Read a book with a religious or spiritual theme.
3.15 Read a book that takes place during a winter school break (or during that period of time.)
3.20 Read two books published in December of any year.
3.25 Read a book you intend to (or could) gift to someone this holiday and explain in a post why it deserves to be shared.

Section IV: Year End Round-up
4.5 Re-read your favorite book of 2010.
4.10 Read a 2010 Award Winning book.
4.15 Read a WT Discussion group book that you missed earlier in the year and revive the discussion. Or read a book that fits one of the Monthly challenge themes that you have not contributed to yet.
4.20 Read two nominees for a 2011 YA book award of your choice.
4.25 Write a list of the books you are most excited about in 2011. We'll start a thread specifically for this and post and discuss.

As you can see, I made very minor changes, but it made it so that I could find stuff using my limited searching capabilities. Does this sound workable for everyone?

Jesi wrote: "After doing several searches for a YA book with the word "thank" in it that isn't "just" a children's book (or a Babysitter's Club series book) and failing to find a book, I'm going to say that the..."

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Here's a link to our "book pushing" folder that I think can be considered recommendations. I do like the thank you card/email part of that task. :)

So once this is final, are we posting our "to read" lists? Or can we just wing it. I planned my list for this current challenge and have totally veered from it.

Heather - when I post the rules and the official "this is what we're doing" stuff, I'll make sure to post the stuff you "just" added. Oh, and, wanna do this as a tag-team effort, 'cause we're pretty much doing that right now...

Angela - EXcellent! Thanks. And, I like the thank you part too - Heather did good.

Amy - Well, I'm going to post mine, and I encourage others to do so to, if only because I'm curious like that, but I don't think it's a hard and fast rule that we have to. Or even stick to our list if we do.

I don't think I've ever posted my list. I prepare a list for myself, and stick to parts, and deviate from others. I don't usually post a book until I've read it though...

I like the list making process, so I always post mine. It always changes partway through, but that's okay. It helps me keep the books straight!

Working on my list :)
I have a couple of questions:

Would Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos work for 1.25 as a National Crime Prevention book? Jack writes about the time he got arrested and his time in prison.

Would Lemonade, Milk or Goose count as a food?

Do books in the The Ultimate Teen Book Guide count for this challenge even if they are adult books? OR if it is an adult book that won an Alex award can it count? (The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18 through ALA.)

For 4.25, you don't have to read anything, just make a list?

What 2011 award nominee lists are out- do you have a link to them?

Need help with 3.15- any suggestions?

(Also- I swear no books On my TBR were published in November! :P)

For National Crime Prevention, I think your book would work, with the caveat that after reading it, you don't have the sudden urge to go out and sail a boat loaded with hashish. :)

Lemonade and milk are both drinks, thus food, in my book. And, goose is totally a food - a yummy yummy food.

The book includes recommendations from teen reviewers and your favorite authors I think that including it is a bit on the edge, but I'm going to go with it. If my partner disagrees, then we'll go with her final decision, but for now, I'll say yes. Alex awards count, as someone thinks that they're appropriate for young adults.

4.25 - you got it. No actual books need apply.

As far as 2011 nominee lists... I did this the ultimately hard way - individually looking at shelves here at GR and finding awards and finding out what books had been nominated. I seriously doubt that anyone will want to do this as it's time consuming and really boring. So, here are some lists, after doing a quick google search. I'm sure there are more out there, but I don't want to look.





For 3.15 - just about any of the Harry Potters, and my book is going to be The Book of Dead Days

From your "ya-teen" shelf, Prep and Fat Kid Rules the World were both written in November.

Wow Jesi- Thank you!!!!
You were a great help!

I like list making too (whether I stick to it or not) so I'll probably post my list. I also love looking at other people's list (cause I'm nosy like that).

I'm gonna wait until the final rules and such are posted, cause I have to print them out and read them several times so I understand what the heck we're doing. LOL.

Oh for 2011 nominees you could look at state award book nominee's. For Illinois, there's the Abe Lincoln award and the REbecca Caudill award:

Having trouble with 4.5.... I normally don't reread....

Heather wrote: "I'm rethinking the winter break task. In addition to "takes place during", could we say "or a book on a recommended winter break/holiday reading list"?

I've got a few examples here:

..."

Heather, what do you think about "takes place over New Year's" since the first task in that section kind of encompasses winter books... Many YA books mention New Year's Eve/Day (especially the realistic books set within a school year.)

For the re-read a book task... what do people think of "teaming up" with other WTers doing this challenge and swapping their favorite books from 2010? That way, we're doing even more communication between ourselves?

I like the "or winter break list" and Angela's idea (although I think most winter breaks include New Year's in them....) Go forth and listmake!

Speaking of which, when do you want me to post the "official" task post where we can post our lists?

I'd give it another week of discussion to find any ambiguous or difficult wording... And then wait til the questions really start! :) I look at contract writers with a whole new respect! Man, it's tough to be precise...

But at some point you'll have to just post it, even if everyone's ideas/suggestions haven't been incorporated.

Jesi wrote: "For the re-read a book task... what do people think of "teaming up" with other WTers doing this challenge and swapping their favorite books from 2010? That way, we're doing even more communication ..."

I'd love to do the teaming up or something :)

Has everyone already started their lists?

I started my list, but haven't gotten very far, basically browsed my shelf at home and my TBR list

Okay well guess I'll get a move on when I can get my printer to actually print out the guidelines. I love making lists!