In a Nutshell: When adult siblings, Liv, Ellen and Häkon, along with their partners and children, gather in Rome to celebrate their fatherâs 70th birthday, their lives are thrown into disarray when their parents announce that they have decided to divorce. It is told predominantly from the perspectives of the two sisters, Ellen and Liv … Continue reading Day 18: đłđ´ A Modern Family by Helga Flatland
#WorldKidLitWednesday: Little Parsley

Inger Hagerup is recognized as one of Norway's greatest 20th century poets. Originally published in 1961 with illustrations by Paul RenĂŠ Gaughin, Little Parsley is a classic collection of 17 of her poems for children, freshly translated from the Norwegian by Becky Lynn Crook. Ideally suited to children in lower primary, Little Parsley is an … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Little Parsley
Norwegian women in translation

I am a librarian and a Norwegian national. Thus, when I meet American readers, they mainly think of Jo Nesboâs Nordic noir books about Harry Hole, or the historic epic Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. These are not the only Norwegian authors in translation however, and in honor of Women in Translation Month, I would … Continue reading Norwegian women in translation
Three Novels by Nordic Women for the Last Dark Nights of Winter

Just as spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, we turn our attention to a region that values limited supplies of sunshine. Here are three novels by three womenâtwo from Norway, one from Icelandâthat radiate with a dark energy more reminiscent of the northern lights than the sunâs warm glow. Love by Hanne Ărstavik (Archipelago; translated … Continue reading Three Novels by Nordic Women for the Last Dark Nights of Winter
Title Pick: The Snowman by Jo Nesbø

One night, after the first snowfall of the year, a boy named Jonas wakes up and discovers that his mother has disappeared. Only one trace of her remains: a pink scarf, his Christmas gift to her, now worn by the snowman that inexplicably appeared in their yard earlier that day.  Inspector Harry Hole suspects a … Continue reading Title Pick: The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
USBBY Outstanding International Book Pick: Night Guard by Synne Lea

Friendship, fear, loneliness â these are things that are universally experienced but difficult to describe. In this arresting poetry collection, Synne Lea explores these concepts and more through the thoughts and experiences of a family. As the family members examine their connections with each other and the world around them, they gain a deeper appreciation … Continue reading USBBY Outstanding International Book Pick: Night Guard by Synne Lea
USBBY Outstanding International Book Pick: The Ballad of the Broken Nose by Arne Svingen

From award-winning Norwegian author Arne Svingen comes âan unusually exciting and funny storyâ (Dagbladet) about a relentlessly positive teenager who uses his love of opera to cope with his less-than-perfect home life. Bart is an eternal optimist. At thirteen years old, heâs had a hard life. But Bart knows that things wonât get any better … Continue reading USBBY Outstanding International Book Pick: The Ballad of the Broken Nose by Arne Svingen