By Jeff Kinney, 2007
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th grade will enjoy, especially the boys AR level 5.2
Highly recommend
Take a look inside the journal of Greg Heffley. He is a middle-schooler who's mother wants him to write and so she purchases this... journal NOT a diary. He is only writing this journal so when he is rich and famous and people start asking him questions, he can hand them the book.
Greg tells readers that being liked by girls was easy in elementary school-just be the fastest runner. But in middle school it is about the clothes, how rich you are or having a cute butt. Greg figures he ranks 52 or 53 in popularity. Brother Roderick is cool and Greg just annoys him.
Very humorous, simple drawings. The third book is now available Do-It-Yourself Book !!! I do not recommend this particular book for the library since half of it is a journal for kids to write in-which they will!! Visit the website for Wimpy Kid....
http://www.wimpykid.com/
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Banned Books
I have been to the public library looking for several books listed as 'banned' on the ALA website. The books were listed as 'LOST.' I have a feeling these books were not returned on purpose.
What were the books and did I finally get access to them?
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Greene I purchased this book and it was wonderful!
Chocolate War by Cormier A request was placed to get a copy from another branch.
Have you tried to check out a controversial book only to find it was 'LOST'
What were the books and did I finally get access to them?
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Greene I purchased this book and it was wonderful!
Chocolate War by Cormier A request was placed to get a copy from another branch.
Have you tried to check out a controversial book only to find it was 'LOST'
Onslow Lejeune Reading Council
Onslow Lejeune Reading Council will meet at Carolina Forest Elementary Thursday December 11th at 5pm. We will be planning our author visit. Hopefully Jan Brett can come when she is visiting her daughter who is a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune in March or April.
Jan Brett-author of The Mitten.
Do you know anyone interested in joining our group? New members are welcome! We currently have 27 members.
Jan Brett-author of The Mitten.
Do you know anyone interested in joining our group? New members are welcome! We currently have 27 members.
Twilight -the MOVIE
Hi Media Specialists... don't forget to tell your classes that the movie
Twilight is showing Friday, November 21
This is a love story but the boys are beginning to show interest.
Caution: The first three books in the series are excellent for high school and middle school.
The fourth book may not be an appropriate selection for middle school!
It deals with the two main characters having sex-but they are married, breaking the bed, and becoming pregnant. Consider selecting (not censoring) books 1, 2, 3 and not 4 if in a middle school library.
Twilight is showing Friday, November 21
This is a love story but the boys are beginning to show interest.
Caution: The first three books in the series are excellent for high school and middle school.
The fourth book may not be an appropriate selection for middle school!
It deals with the two main characters having sex-but they are married, breaking the bed, and becoming pregnant. Consider selecting (not censoring) books 1, 2, 3 and not 4 if in a middle school library.
The Bailey School Kids
Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones (1990). Story does not seem dated even though it was published 18 years ago...
*3rd, 4th, 5th grades. Story moves quickly, appeals to boys and girls.
Highly recommend this series
The third grade class at Bailey Elementary was so bad, they had run off several teachers. All that was about to change when principal Mr. Davis introduced red-haired Mrs. Jeepers. She wore a polka-dotted dress with a green broach that seemed to glow. When a child began to act out, she rubbed her broach and instantly order was restored. Except with Eddie. He flew paper airplanes, chewed gum, burped and still Mrs. Jeepers remained calm. The children thought she must be a witch or a vampire. Two of the students sneak into her house one night to inspect what might be a coffin-they saw the movers haul it into the basement when she moved into the creepy Clancy house. They reached the box but couldn't open it. The next day, Mrs. Jeepers says her sleep was disturbed by burglars... was the teacher sleeping in that box? It is left to the readers' imagination.
Finally, Eddie is acting up so badly one day, Mrs. Jeepers takes him into the hall to speak to him. He returns but is very pale. He promised to never make Mrs. Jeepers mad again... her green broach never glowed the rest of the year.
*3rd, 4th, 5th grades. Story moves quickly, appeals to boys and girls.
Highly recommend this series
The third grade class at Bailey Elementary was so bad, they had run off several teachers. All that was about to change when principal Mr. Davis introduced red-haired Mrs. Jeepers. She wore a polka-dotted dress with a green broach that seemed to glow. When a child began to act out, she rubbed her broach and instantly order was restored. Except with Eddie. He flew paper airplanes, chewed gum, burped and still Mrs. Jeepers remained calm. The children thought she must be a witch or a vampire. Two of the students sneak into her house one night to inspect what might be a coffin-they saw the movers haul it into the basement when she moved into the creepy Clancy house. They reached the box but couldn't open it. The next day, Mrs. Jeepers says her sleep was disturbed by burglars... was the teacher sleeping in that box? It is left to the readers' imagination.
Finally, Eddie is acting up so badly one day, Mrs. Jeepers takes him into the hall to speak to him. He returns but is very pale. He promised to never make Mrs. Jeepers mad again... her green broach never glowed the rest of the year.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Captain Underpants and the Big Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy
Captain Underpants and the Big Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy: Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets the 6th Epic Novel
Recommend with reservation... but hey, it gets boys reading!
by Dav Pilkey 2003
Read more about the author by clicking on the link below.
Did you know Dav was the class clown and was often sent to sit in the hallway, where he would spend his time drawing and creating cartoon stories?
http://www.pilkey.com/
Appeals to 2nd, 3rd, & 4th grades
George Beard and Harold Hutchins admit that they are not the smartest kids at school but they are definitely the most mischievous. They change a sign to read “Please wash your hands in the toilet,” which one kid does. In their How-to demonstration they show how to make ‘squishies’ with ketchup packets. One teacher uses the trick on the Principal Krupp who thinks George and Harold did it. The book contains many illustrations done by Dav Pilkey himself. It is a quick read and gives lots of laughs, particularly for boys who may be reluctant readers.
*Some schools have banned this book because some students play out the pranks.
Recommend with reservation... but hey, it gets boys reading!
by Dav Pilkey 2003
Read more about the author by clicking on the link below.
Did you know Dav was the class clown and was often sent to sit in the hallway, where he would spend his time drawing and creating cartoon stories?
http://www.pilkey.com/
Appeals to 2nd, 3rd, & 4th grades
George Beard and Harold Hutchins admit that they are not the smartest kids at school but they are definitely the most mischievous. They change a sign to read “Please wash your hands in the toilet,” which one kid does. In their How-to demonstration they show how to make ‘squishies’ with ketchup packets. One teacher uses the trick on the Principal Krupp who thinks George and Harold did it. The book contains many illustrations done by Dav Pilkey himself. It is a quick read and gives lots of laughs, particularly for boys who may be reluctant readers.
*Some schools have banned this book because some students play out the pranks.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Goosebumps series: Be Careful What You Wish For
By R.L. Stine 1996 Click here to visit the Goosebumps Web site.
http://www.scholastic.com/goosebumps/
Recommend
Appeals to 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th grade
Samantha Byrd is the tallest girl, no make that the tallest kid in her 7th Grade class. Those long skinny arms and legs go everywhere and make Sam feel like a klutz. She is teased by one girl in particular, Judith. She is also picked on by Anna but that is because Anna is Judith’s best friend. Judith tells her to fly away like a ‘bird,’ calls her ‘stork,’ trips her in class, and tells her how terrible she is on the basketball team.
One cold, windy afternoon while Sam is riding her bike (mostly to escape the anger she feels from being teased) she meets a lady that seems neither old nor young but has hands that feel like ice. The lady is looking for a particular street and for the help she offers Sam three wishes. Sam’s first wish is that she be the strongest player on the basketball team. The next day, the girls on her team are weak while Sam still has her energy. She is no better at the game than before but she is definitely better than anyone else on the team. Two days after the wish the girls on the team are all sick with something like influenza. When Sam stops by to see Judith, the mean girl accuses her of being a witch who cast a spell.
Sam asks the magical lady to undo this wish.
The second wish Sam asks for Judith to disappear. The next morning when Sam wakes up, her brother, dad, and mom are not at home. Sam rides her bike to school only to find no one there either. She wonders how she will get dinner. When the magical lady reappears she tells Sam magic is not perfect.
Her third wish, Sam wants Judith to think she is the greatest person in the world. Judith is changed from a mean 7th grader to an adoring more-than best friend. Judith wears a sideways ponytail just like Sam’s. She wants to sit with Sam at lunch and gushes compliments. When Sam can’t take it anymore, she meets the magical lady again and asks to be turned into a bird. The wish is granted and Sam flies away.
http://www.scholastic.com/goosebumps/
Recommend
Appeals to 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th grade
Samantha Byrd is the tallest girl, no make that the tallest kid in her 7th Grade class. Those long skinny arms and legs go everywhere and make Sam feel like a klutz. She is teased by one girl in particular, Judith. She is also picked on by Anna but that is because Anna is Judith’s best friend. Judith tells her to fly away like a ‘bird,’ calls her ‘stork,’ trips her in class, and tells her how terrible she is on the basketball team.
One cold, windy afternoon while Sam is riding her bike (mostly to escape the anger she feels from being teased) she meets a lady that seems neither old nor young but has hands that feel like ice. The lady is looking for a particular street and for the help she offers Sam three wishes. Sam’s first wish is that she be the strongest player on the basketball team. The next day, the girls on her team are weak while Sam still has her energy. She is no better at the game than before but she is definitely better than anyone else on the team. Two days after the wish the girls on the team are all sick with something like influenza. When Sam stops by to see Judith, the mean girl accuses her of being a witch who cast a spell.
Sam asks the magical lady to undo this wish.
The second wish Sam asks for Judith to disappear. The next morning when Sam wakes up, her brother, dad, and mom are not at home. Sam rides her bike to school only to find no one there either. She wonders how she will get dinner. When the magical lady reappears she tells Sam magic is not perfect.
Her third wish, Sam wants Judith to think she is the greatest person in the world. Judith is changed from a mean 7th grader to an adoring more-than best friend. Judith wears a sideways ponytail just like Sam’s. She wants to sit with Sam at lunch and gushes compliments. When Sam can’t take it anymore, she meets the magical lady again and asks to be turned into a bird. The wish is granted and Sam flies away.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Saddle Club: Horse Shy
by Bonnie Bryant 1988 Yearling Books
For girls ages 8 to 12
Strongly recommend
The only parts of this book that may date it are the girls going to the library and using the card catalog and old newspapers, which today would be on microfilm and no mention of use of cell phones or texting.
Stevie is the leader of this trio of horse-crazy girls at Pine Hollow Stables. She is a tomboy who is not afraid to tell half-truths to stay out of trouble or get her way. Lisa has just begun riding but stable owner Max can already tell she has talent. Lisa organizes things around the stable and is a hard worker. Carole is an experienced rider but just moved to the Quantico, VA area with her father, a Marine Corps colonel. In one chapter, Carole accompanies her father to Camp Lejeune and while he is at the base on business, she visits her aunt who is her mother’s sister. *The TV series is set in Australia. Carole’s mother died the previous year and she hopes her father will find a new wife (this part is probably not realistic but tries to maintain the book’s upbeat storyline). This threesome makes up the ‘Saddle Club’ who vow to always be “horse crazy.”
Veronica is the nemesis of the Saddle Club. She comes from a wealthy family but shows disdain about caring for her expensive horse, Cobalt who should only be ridden by an expert horseman.
The girls go through a series of situations in which they make decisions about responsibility, honesty, and loyalty.
In Horse Shy the girls are intent on finding out all they can about Maxmillian Regnery, the founder of Pine Hollow. While at the library they meet Mr. Thompson, an older gentleman who tells them about the beginnings of the stables. Turns out, Max was the son of Irish immigrants who came to America in 1850. Max tried to be a blacksmith like his father but was no good at it. He worked several other jobs until he stumbled on tending horses. He tended horses and saved every penny and when the original owner died, Max bought the stables and it is now being run by the third generation Max and his mother.
Visit the Saddle Club Web site for character descriptions, story outlines, games, and Members Only activities.
http://www.saddleclubtv.com/page/Home
For girls ages 8 to 12
Strongly recommend
The only parts of this book that may date it are the girls going to the library and using the card catalog and old newspapers, which today would be on microfilm and no mention of use of cell phones or texting.
Stevie is the leader of this trio of horse-crazy girls at Pine Hollow Stables. She is a tomboy who is not afraid to tell half-truths to stay out of trouble or get her way. Lisa has just begun riding but stable owner Max can already tell she has talent. Lisa organizes things around the stable and is a hard worker. Carole is an experienced rider but just moved to the Quantico, VA area with her father, a Marine Corps colonel. In one chapter, Carole accompanies her father to Camp Lejeune and while he is at the base on business, she visits her aunt who is her mother’s sister. *The TV series is set in Australia. Carole’s mother died the previous year and she hopes her father will find a new wife (this part is probably not realistic but tries to maintain the book’s upbeat storyline). This threesome makes up the ‘Saddle Club’ who vow to always be “horse crazy.”
Veronica is the nemesis of the Saddle Club. She comes from a wealthy family but shows disdain about caring for her expensive horse, Cobalt who should only be ridden by an expert horseman.
The girls go through a series of situations in which they make decisions about responsibility, honesty, and loyalty.
In Horse Shy the girls are intent on finding out all they can about Maxmillian Regnery, the founder of Pine Hollow. While at the library they meet Mr. Thompson, an older gentleman who tells them about the beginnings of the stables. Turns out, Max was the son of Irish immigrants who came to America in 1850. Max tried to be a blacksmith like his father but was no good at it. He worked several other jobs until he stumbled on tending horses. He tended horses and saved every penny and when the original owner died, Max bought the stables and it is now being run by the third generation Max and his mother.
Visit the Saddle Club Web site for character descriptions, story outlines, games, and Members Only activities.
http://www.saddleclubtv.com/page/Home
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Blubber by Judy Blume
Although this books was published in 1974, it still has relevance today. Fifth-grader Jill becomes one the class bullies along with pack leader Wendy. The object of their merciless teasing? An overweight girl named Linda. After Linda gives a report on whales, Wendy convinces the class to call Linda 'Blubber.' She is teased about her lunch which includes Hostess cupcakes and is teased when she changes her lunch to just celery, cheese and few saltine crackers.
At Halloween Jill goes out with her best friend Tracy Wu. They egg the inside of the mailbox of man they think hates children but the man snaps their picture and Linda (Blubber) threatens to tell who they were even though they wore pillow cases over their heads.
Wendy's teasing of Linda includes lifting her dress to show the boys Linda's underwear, having one girl hold Linda in the bathroom while another stripped her (term for taking the blubber off a whale), tripping her, leaving Linda to sing an embarrassing word alone in the class performance, and forcing Linda to eat what Wendy said was a chocolate covered ant-causing Linda to throw up. Linda never tells for fear that it will only make things worse.
When Jill's parents receive a letter from the messy mailbox victim, Jill tells Wendy who swears Linda (Blubber) is the tattletale. Jill decides Linda deserves a trial but Wendy insists the accused does not get a lawyer for representation. When Jill says that without a lawyer for Linda (Blubber) she won't participate, Wendy says she is turning into a chicken like her chink friend, Tracy. At that point Jill becomes the target of the teasing, being cornered in the bathroom by Wendy and her friends, sitting alone at lunch.
Soon after another one of Wendy's directives to the other girls to pick on Jill, Jill asks the other girls why they do as Wendy says and don't they have minds of their own? Jill makes friends with another girl in class and her life goes on a little quieter.
*the two girls pee in the yard when no bathroom is close by
*the Asian character is called 'chink'
*Jill's mom locks herself in the bathroom to smoke although she is trying to quit
*some cursing, Jill's parents say it is okay at home
For girls age 8-11 Grades 3-6
At Halloween Jill goes out with her best friend Tracy Wu. They egg the inside of the mailbox of man they think hates children but the man snaps their picture and Linda (Blubber) threatens to tell who they were even though they wore pillow cases over their heads.
Wendy's teasing of Linda includes lifting her dress to show the boys Linda's underwear, having one girl hold Linda in the bathroom while another stripped her (term for taking the blubber off a whale), tripping her, leaving Linda to sing an embarrassing word alone in the class performance, and forcing Linda to eat what Wendy said was a chocolate covered ant-causing Linda to throw up. Linda never tells for fear that it will only make things worse.
When Jill's parents receive a letter from the messy mailbox victim, Jill tells Wendy who swears Linda (Blubber) is the tattletale. Jill decides Linda deserves a trial but Wendy insists the accused does not get a lawyer for representation. When Jill says that without a lawyer for Linda (Blubber) she won't participate, Wendy says she is turning into a chicken like her chink friend, Tracy. At that point Jill becomes the target of the teasing, being cornered in the bathroom by Wendy and her friends, sitting alone at lunch.
Soon after another one of Wendy's directives to the other girls to pick on Jill, Jill asks the other girls why they do as Wendy says and don't they have minds of their own? Jill makes friends with another girl in class and her life goes on a little quieter.
*the two girls pee in the yard when no bathroom is close by
*the Asian character is called 'chink'
*Jill's mom locks herself in the bathroom to smoke although she is trying to quit
*some cursing, Jill's parents say it is okay at home
For girls age 8-11 Grades 3-6
Onslow Lejeune Reading Council
Join the reading council! Network with other teachers, librarians... The cost to join is $15. Our next meeting is November 13 at Logan's Restaurant on Western Blvd at 5:00pm. Please email Jessica, the current president to let her know you will be attending.
Jessica.Greene@onslow.k12.nc.us
Jessica.Greene@onslow.k12.nc.us
Magic Treehouse #14 Dragon King
Magic Tree House #14 Day of the Dragon King (1998) by Mary Pope Osborne
Reading level 2nd grade - 5th grade
Strongly recommend
Eight-year old Jack and younger sister Annie have discovered a tree house in the woods behind their house in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. It belongs to a magical librarian from King Arthur’s time named Morgan le Fay who travels through time to collect books (This is the premise for each of the books).
In this book the brother and sister, considered Master Librarians, are to travel to ancient China when books were written on bamboo strips and the Great Wall was being built. They are to find the first writing of the Chinese legend before the Imperial Library is destroyed-the emperor is having books burned.
The children arrive in the strange land appropriately dressed as Chinese citizens and make their way into the walled city on the back of an ox cart driven by a farmer who used to be a scholar before the emperor took over. The children learn that books are being destroyed because the new leader doesn’t want people to have knowledge or think for themselves.
The children find the book, which had fallen off a stack about to be burned. Annie grabs it and Jack puts it in his bag. Annie and Jack dodge arrows while being chased by the angry men of the emperor. They run to a tomb to hide knowing the men won’t follow, get lost inside, and through a magical experience find their way out. When the children get back to the tree house, Jack wishes them back to Frog Creek where they hand over the bamboo book to Morgan who informs them of their next adventure.
*Fairly quick read, appeals to both boys and girls. I did not have to read the other books to understand this one.
Here is the Website to the Magic Tree House website with games, author, and news sections. http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse/
Reading level 2nd grade - 5th grade
Strongly recommend
Eight-year old Jack and younger sister Annie have discovered a tree house in the woods behind their house in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. It belongs to a magical librarian from King Arthur’s time named Morgan le Fay who travels through time to collect books (This is the premise for each of the books).
In this book the brother and sister, considered Master Librarians, are to travel to ancient China when books were written on bamboo strips and the Great Wall was being built. They are to find the first writing of the Chinese legend before the Imperial Library is destroyed-the emperor is having books burned.
The children arrive in the strange land appropriately dressed as Chinese citizens and make their way into the walled city on the back of an ox cart driven by a farmer who used to be a scholar before the emperor took over. The children learn that books are being destroyed because the new leader doesn’t want people to have knowledge or think for themselves.
The children find the book, which had fallen off a stack about to be burned. Annie grabs it and Jack puts it in his bag. Annie and Jack dodge arrows while being chased by the angry men of the emperor. They run to a tomb to hide knowing the men won’t follow, get lost inside, and through a magical experience find their way out. When the children get back to the tree house, Jack wishes them back to Frog Creek where they hand over the bamboo book to Morgan who informs them of their next adventure.
*Fairly quick read, appeals to both boys and girls. I did not have to read the other books to understand this one.
Here is the Website to the Magic Tree House website with games, author, and news sections. http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse/
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles (2)
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Song book 2 (2007) by Holly Black, Illustrator Tony DiTerlizzie (good illustr)
Strongly recommend
Nick Vargas isn’t the coolest boy at school but he keeps his quirkiness to himself. Not Laurie, though. She is his new stepsister and she believes in ‘faeries’ (this spelling is correct) and doesn’t care who knows. One hot afternoon in their Florida neighborhood, Nick and Laurie discover a Nixie (a mythical, female water creature appearing in Scandinavian and Germanic folk tales) named Taola. Nick and Laurie try to relocate her back to where her sisters might be, nearer to the water. When the stepbother and stepsister arrive to inspect the area, they are chased by a Giant who seems only soothed by Taola’s melodic voice. Nick and Laurie are off an adventure to find out how to get rid of the Giant and return the Nixie to her home.
*This book uses imagination and fantasy to weave a captivating story.
Visit the Spiderwick Chronicles Web Page http://www.spiderwick.com/
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What are you reading in your spare time?
Please let us know what you are reading whether it is a book for young adults, fiction, romance... Other media specialists want to know! Click here to read what others are saying...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Have you read these books?
Have you read the Spiderwick Chronicles?
Or Magic Treehouse?
What about Goosebumps?
Books in the Artemis Fowl series?
Any books written by Lois Lowry?
Please post a review of any of these books!
Or Magic Treehouse?
What about Goosebumps?
Books in the Artemis Fowl series?
Any books written by Lois Lowry?
Please post a review of any of these books!
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 1971 New York: Bantam Books (read October 2008)
Recommended (high school, 11th/12 grade)
*Contains sexually explicit material, depicts child rape that happened to Maya at age 8.
The story begins with Maya, age 3 and 4-year old brother Bailey Johnson, Jr. being sent by train (under care of a porter and a note pinned to their clothing) from Long Beach, California to Stamps, Arkansas to live with their paternal grandmother. Maya is never sure why her parents sent them away. The brother and sister enjoy a rather simple life in Stamps, where Momma (what they called their grandmother) owned a general store and cared for their crippled Uncle Willie. During the Great Depression, Maya’s family kept the neighbors supplied with staple goods by trading or using credit.
At about age 7, Maya’s father showed up (she and Bailey, Jr. thought their parents might be dead) to take the children to St. Louis to live with their mother and maternal grandparents (father continued on to California). Their uncles were a rowdy bunch who defended their family fiercely. When they enrolled in school in St. Louis, Maya and her brother thought their classmates were ‘backward’ and so they were moved up a grade so as not make their classmates ‘feel inferior.’ Maya said they were good at math from working in the store and good at reading since there was nothing else to do in Stamps. After a year and half in their grandparents’ house, Maya and Bailey moved with Mother Dear (their biological mother) to another home that was shared with their mother’s boyfriend Mr. Freeman, a big Southern man who at first seemed kind and provided the basics for them. After some time Mr. Freeman molested Maya. Later, he raped her.** He told her he would kill Bailey, Jr. if she ever told. When the truth was found out, Mr. Freeman went to trial, was found guilty, but released the same day. Two days later Mr. Freeman was found dead (probably at the hands of the uncles). Maya felt tremendous guilt about his trial and death. From the trauma, Maya stopped speaking and eventually she and Bailey, Jr., were sent back to Arkansas.
A few years later, the brother and sister were taken from Arkansas by Momma (grandmother) to live in Oakland, California with their mother, whom they both describe as beautiful as a movie star. 'Daddy Clidell' lived there too and everyone thought Maya was his daughter. They both seemed proud of the declaration.
Eventually when Maya was about 15 and living with the family in San Francisco, she wanted to work on a street car as a conductorette-unheard of for a black woman in those days. Through perseverance she was given the job and kept it for a semester until she returned to school. Later in Maya’s late teenage years, she tells of a one-time encounter with a neighborhood boy and becomes pregnant. The story ends with the birth of her son Guy.
Recommended (high school, 11th/12 grade)
*Contains sexually explicit material, depicts child rape that happened to Maya at age 8.
The story begins with Maya, age 3 and 4-year old brother Bailey Johnson, Jr. being sent by train (under care of a porter and a note pinned to their clothing) from Long Beach, California to Stamps, Arkansas to live with their paternal grandmother. Maya is never sure why her parents sent them away. The brother and sister enjoy a rather simple life in Stamps, where Momma (what they called their grandmother) owned a general store and cared for their crippled Uncle Willie. During the Great Depression, Maya’s family kept the neighbors supplied with staple goods by trading or using credit.
At about age 7, Maya’s father showed up (she and Bailey, Jr. thought their parents might be dead) to take the children to St. Louis to live with their mother and maternal grandparents (father continued on to California). Their uncles were a rowdy bunch who defended their family fiercely. When they enrolled in school in St. Louis, Maya and her brother thought their classmates were ‘backward’ and so they were moved up a grade so as not make their classmates ‘feel inferior.’ Maya said they were good at math from working in the store and good at reading since there was nothing else to do in Stamps. After a year and half in their grandparents’ house, Maya and Bailey moved with Mother Dear (their biological mother) to another home that was shared with their mother’s boyfriend Mr. Freeman, a big Southern man who at first seemed kind and provided the basics for them. After some time Mr. Freeman molested Maya. Later, he raped her.** He told her he would kill Bailey, Jr. if she ever told. When the truth was found out, Mr. Freeman went to trial, was found guilty, but released the same day. Two days later Mr. Freeman was found dead (probably at the hands of the uncles). Maya felt tremendous guilt about his trial and death. From the trauma, Maya stopped speaking and eventually she and Bailey, Jr., were sent back to Arkansas.
A few years later, the brother and sister were taken from Arkansas by Momma (grandmother) to live in Oakland, California with their mother, whom they both describe as beautiful as a movie star. 'Daddy Clidell' lived there too and everyone thought Maya was his daughter. They both seemed proud of the declaration.
Eventually when Maya was about 15 and living with the family in San Francisco, she wanted to work on a street car as a conductorette-unheard of for a black woman in those days. Through perseverance she was given the job and kept it for a semester until she returned to school. Later in Maya’s late teenage years, she tells of a one-time encounter with a neighborhood boy and becomes pregnant. The story ends with the birth of her son Guy.
Dealing with Social Anxiety?
What You Must Think of Me by Emily Ford 2007 New York: Oxford University Press
Nonfiction
Life seems normal for Emily in elementary school. She is popular with other girls and does well in school. Until 5th grade. She begins to become painfully aware of herself and what she thinks others think of her. Her parents and teachers think she is shy. As she goes through high school, the problem gets worse. Emily thinks others are talking about her. She feels left out when she sees other girls with close friendships . The book concludes with Emily in her present life. She is dealing well with her social anxiety, but not without a lot of help from psychologists and money to pay for it all from her parents. This book may speak to a high school student going through similar feelings.
Nonfiction
Life seems normal for Emily in elementary school. She is popular with other girls and does well in school. Until 5th grade. She begins to become painfully aware of herself and what she thinks others think of her. Her parents and teachers think she is shy. As she goes through high school, the problem gets worse. Emily thinks others are talking about her. She feels left out when she sees other girls with close friendships . The book concludes with Emily in her present life. She is dealing well with her social anxiety, but not without a lot of help from psychologists and money to pay for it all from her parents. This book may speak to a high school student going through similar feelings.
Similarities for Muslim teenage girl
Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah, Published 2005 Pan McMillan Austrailia Highly recommended
Amal is in her 11th year in school in Austrailia when she decides she might be ready to wear a hijab. It is the scarf worn by Muslim women in the presence of men, other than immediate family, to cover their hair. Over Christmas break, Amal discusses it with her parents who try to convince her that she does not have to wear the hijab if she doesn’t want to. However Amal seems to see wearing the scarf as a sign of maturity and faith, even though she worries about being made fun of. When school starts again in January, Amal seeks out her favorite teacher to ask if she can have a private place to pray at lunch. The teacher gladly offers his office to Amal. To Amal’s surprise, her friends still accept her and don’t make much of the hijab. The boy she likes (who is not Muslim) remains friends with her. Only the few popular girls at school seem to say anything, but they make fun of everyone. The story is a girl coming to accept herself and her religion, even if it means being different.
Amal is in her 11th year in school in Austrailia when she decides she might be ready to wear a hijab. It is the scarf worn by Muslim women in the presence of men, other than immediate family, to cover their hair. Over Christmas break, Amal discusses it with her parents who try to convince her that she does not have to wear the hijab if she doesn’t want to. However Amal seems to see wearing the scarf as a sign of maturity and faith, even though she worries about being made fun of. When school starts again in January, Amal seeks out her favorite teacher to ask if she can have a private place to pray at lunch. The teacher gladly offers his office to Amal. To Amal’s surprise, her friends still accept her and don’t make much of the hijab. The boy she likes (who is not Muslim) remains friends with her. Only the few popular girls at school seem to say anything, but they make fun of everyone. The story is a girl coming to accept herself and her religion, even if it means being different.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Summer of My German Soldier
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Great book for boys middle to high school, younger students may struggle to read but content is exciting.
Highly recommended (high and middle school)
12 year old Patty Bergen is the Jewish daughter of two store-owner parents who think she is too skinny, with messy hair and doesn’t say much worth listening to. Mom has been referred to as the most beautiful woman to come to Jenkinsville, while the father has a temper that seems to only be taken out on Patty. Little Sister Sharon is their favorite with her beautiful hair and pleasant personality. Housekeeper Ruth loves Patty and tries to guide her even though her father, Mr. Bergen frequently hits her for things he thinks are foolish (hitting passing car’s hubcaps with rocks-it flew up and broke the windshield).
On a summer day a train brings German Nazis to a prison camp just outside of town. A few days later, as Patty is in the store-she usually isn’t allowed to help-several of the Germans come in to purchase hats to protect them from the Arkansas sun as they pick cotton. She helps Anton Reiker select stationery, a pencil sharpener, and a fancy pen and notices how well he speaks English. Anton calls her PB.
A few weeks later, she discovers Anton by the train tracks in his shirt that says POW on the back. She hides him above the garage and brings him food and clothing. He is there maybe a week when Ruth figures out Patty’s secret and gives her food to take the Nazi. Anton makes his escape for the train a short while later but leaves Patty the ring his great grandfather gave him-from the University in Gottenburg. While showing the ring to Sister, an employee at the store, sister tells the girl’s father and an investigation on her involvement in helping the German escape begins. When investigators later show Patty the clothes Anton was wearing, it is clear she gave them to him. The shirt was embroidered with HB, her father’s initials. The father didn’t seem to like the shirt when she gave it to him but now there were two bullet holes in it and what looked like bloodstains. Anton had been shot and killed.
Patty is taken away to be interviewed by the FBI but leaves the ring with Ruth. Patty eventually ends up at a Girls’ Reform School and stays until she is 18 (nearly 6 years). Ruth is her only visitor, bringing her fried chicken and hush puppies. While Patty sadly remembers her German friend and the ring, Ruth produces the 24 kt gold token of friendship and gives it back to Patty.
Great book for boys middle to high school, younger students may struggle to read but content is exciting.
Highly recommended (high and middle school)
12 year old Patty Bergen is the Jewish daughter of two store-owner parents who think she is too skinny, with messy hair and doesn’t say much worth listening to. Mom has been referred to as the most beautiful woman to come to Jenkinsville, while the father has a temper that seems to only be taken out on Patty. Little Sister Sharon is their favorite with her beautiful hair and pleasant personality. Housekeeper Ruth loves Patty and tries to guide her even though her father, Mr. Bergen frequently hits her for things he thinks are foolish (hitting passing car’s hubcaps with rocks-it flew up and broke the windshield).
On a summer day a train brings German Nazis to a prison camp just outside of town. A few days later, as Patty is in the store-she usually isn’t allowed to help-several of the Germans come in to purchase hats to protect them from the Arkansas sun as they pick cotton. She helps Anton Reiker select stationery, a pencil sharpener, and a fancy pen and notices how well he speaks English. Anton calls her PB.
A few weeks later, she discovers Anton by the train tracks in his shirt that says POW on the back. She hides him above the garage and brings him food and clothing. He is there maybe a week when Ruth figures out Patty’s secret and gives her food to take the Nazi. Anton makes his escape for the train a short while later but leaves Patty the ring his great grandfather gave him-from the University in Gottenburg. While showing the ring to Sister, an employee at the store, sister tells the girl’s father and an investigation on her involvement in helping the German escape begins. When investigators later show Patty the clothes Anton was wearing, it is clear she gave them to him. The shirt was embroidered with HB, her father’s initials. The father didn’t seem to like the shirt when she gave it to him but now there were two bullet holes in it and what looked like bloodstains. Anton had been shot and killed.
Patty is taken away to be interviewed by the FBI but leaves the ring with Ruth. Patty eventually ends up at a Girls’ Reform School and stays until she is 18 (nearly 6 years). Ruth is her only visitor, bringing her fried chicken and hush puppies. While Patty sadly remembers her German friend and the ring, Ruth produces the 24 kt gold token of friendship and gives it back to Patty.
It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume
It’s Not the End of the World by Judy Blume 1972
Questionable... if you do not already have this book in your collection you may wish to purchase something more current.
Middle child Karen is looking forward to starting 6th grade in the fall. Her home life changes all that. Her parents are getting divorced after 16 years of marriage. When Karen tries to seek information from 14-year old brother Jeff, he doesn’t want to talk to her or anyone. 6-year old Amy has to sleep in Karen’s room every night because she is scared everyone is going to leave like Daddy did.
Karen meets and becomes friends with her Dad’s downstairs neighbor Val, whose parents are divorced and her mom is dating (but not dating her dad). Seventh-grade Val tells Karen about a book to help explain divorce to kids. Karen is constantly worried her mom or dad will meet someone else and marry and then they won’t get back together. She is constantly thinking of ways to get them together-get sick, bring Dad inside the house to see her project. Mom gets a job and takes classes in typing and shorthand. She explores the idea of getting her college degree because she only went to college one year before getting married. Jeff feels like it is his fault for Mom not finishing college and runs away. When he returns he advises Karen not to ever run away because it is difficult on your own. Eventually Karen realizes her mom and dad only fight when they are together and they are better apart, accepting in her heart and mind that they will divorce and not ever get back together.
Questionable... if you do not already have this book in your collection you may wish to purchase something more current.
Middle child Karen is looking forward to starting 6th grade in the fall. Her home life changes all that. Her parents are getting divorced after 16 years of marriage. When Karen tries to seek information from 14-year old brother Jeff, he doesn’t want to talk to her or anyone. 6-year old Amy has to sleep in Karen’s room every night because she is scared everyone is going to leave like Daddy did.
Karen meets and becomes friends with her Dad’s downstairs neighbor Val, whose parents are divorced and her mom is dating (but not dating her dad). Seventh-grade Val tells Karen about a book to help explain divorce to kids. Karen is constantly worried her mom or dad will meet someone else and marry and then they won’t get back together. She is constantly thinking of ways to get them together-get sick, bring Dad inside the house to see her project. Mom gets a job and takes classes in typing and shorthand. She explores the idea of getting her college degree because she only went to college one year before getting married. Jeff feels like it is his fault for Mom not finishing college and runs away. When he returns he advises Karen not to ever run away because it is difficult on your own. Eventually Karen realizes her mom and dad only fight when they are together and they are better apart, accepting in her heart and mind that they will divorce and not ever get back together.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My son can't have that
Hi, a parent at our high school left a note stating his child may not check out certain fantasy books that deal with magic or spells and the like. The parent listed the specific books. As a librarian, I will not deny a child a book he/she wants to check out but how do I respond to this parent if at all? Does our county have a policy about this?
Ms. Wilson
Ms. Wilson
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret By Judy Blume Published in 1970, some things may seem dated although many issues are relateable to today.
Margaret and her parents have just moved from New York City to New Jersey over the summer. Nancy becomes her friend and asks her to join the secret club with two other girls. Margaret quickly discovers how Nancy seems to know everything about developing girls and boys and makes her feel dumb about it-all the girls can’t wait to wear a bra and get their periods. Although Margaret’s parents are not religious (mom raised Protestant? And dad Jewish), they want her to find her own religion when she is ready, Margaret talks to God about her problems. At the end of every talk with God, she tells him to make her grow you-know-where. Throughout her sixth-grade year, Margaret goes to church with a couple of friends and to Temple with her father’s mother. This grandmother moves to Florida and Margaret is supposed to visit her over spring break, April 4th. Plans are upset when her mother’s parents decide after 14 years they want to see their daughter and granddaughter, on April 5th. They stopped talking to her when she married a Jew. The cranky, opinionated grandparents stay one day and decide to leave, although it is referenced they planned all along to go to NYC and visiting was just a convenience. No matter because other grandmother from Florida arrives the next day with her new gentleman friend and Margaret is delighted.
*Negatives: At Freddy’s birthday party on boy squirts mustard on the ceiling. The boys and girls play spin the bottle and two-minutes-in-the-closet, where Margaret gets kissed.
Margaret and her parents have just moved from New York City to New Jersey over the summer. Nancy becomes her friend and asks her to join the secret club with two other girls. Margaret quickly discovers how Nancy seems to know everything about developing girls and boys and makes her feel dumb about it-all the girls can’t wait to wear a bra and get their periods. Although Margaret’s parents are not religious (mom raised Protestant? And dad Jewish), they want her to find her own religion when she is ready, Margaret talks to God about her problems. At the end of every talk with God, she tells him to make her grow you-know-where. Throughout her sixth-grade year, Margaret goes to church with a couple of friends and to Temple with her father’s mother. This grandmother moves to Florida and Margaret is supposed to visit her over spring break, April 4th. Plans are upset when her mother’s parents decide after 14 years they want to see their daughter and granddaughter, on April 5th. They stopped talking to her when she married a Jew. The cranky, opinionated grandparents stay one day and decide to leave, although it is referenced they planned all along to go to NYC and visiting was just a convenience. No matter because other grandmother from Florida arrives the next day with her new gentleman friend and Margaret is delighted.
*Negatives: At Freddy’s birthday party on boy squirts mustard on the ceiling. The boys and girls play spin the bottle and two-minutes-in-the-closet, where Margaret gets kissed.
Multicultural Book Needed
If you know of book that deals with issues of other cultures, please post a review!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl: Because I’m Worth It
by Naomi Wolf
No recommendation
Set the in the month of February
The life of high school girls in New York City is full of gossip, top name designers, afternoons in trendy stores, time with boys (sometimes sex), sometimes smoking cigarettes, sometimes marijuana. Parents are rarely present. Academics don’t seem important but the boys and girls are interested in going to Yale or Harvard. Community college is beneath this crew. One boy is busted buying pot in Central Pot and goes to rehab. Blair is obsessed with a 38 yr old coworker of her father’s and thinks impressing him will be a connection to the ivy league-turns out it is her classmates dad… Blair just cut her hair short is now an Audrey Hepburn look-alike. Serena is gorgeous and just asked to be a model in Fashion Week. Negatives: sex, smoking, marijuana, cutting class, shopping for top brand names, unfaithful in relationships, disrespect for parents.
*Not much literary value.
Review by Ms. Wilson
by Naomi Wolf
No recommendation
Set the in the month of February
The life of high school girls in New York City is full of gossip, top name designers, afternoons in trendy stores, time with boys (sometimes sex), sometimes smoking cigarettes, sometimes marijuana. Parents are rarely present. Academics don’t seem important but the boys and girls are interested in going to Yale or Harvard. Community college is beneath this crew. One boy is busted buying pot in Central Pot and goes to rehab. Blair is obsessed with a 38 yr old coworker of her father’s and thinks impressing him will be a connection to the ivy league-turns out it is her classmates dad… Blair just cut her hair short is now an Audrey Hepburn look-alike. Serena is gorgeous and just asked to be a model in Fashion Week. Negatives: sex, smoking, marijuana, cutting class, shopping for top brand names, unfaithful in relationships, disrespect for parents.
*Not much literary value.
Review by Ms. Wilson
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
by Mark Haddon
Recommended with reservations
Autistic Christopher John Francis Boone lives with his dad (Ed) in a small England town. Christopher’s dad tells him mum went into the hospital for a heart problem and then died a few weeks later (although Christopher never was allowed to visit her in the hospital, but he likes hospitals and the uniforms). When Christopher discovers his neighbor’s dog (Wellington) impaled by a pitchfork, (the neighbor and police first blame him) he decides, against his dad’s wishes, to become a detective and book writer to solve the crime. Christopher does not like things and food that are yellow or brown (bananas, crust of a dessert) and won’t eat food that has touched other food. He likes food and things red like red cars and tomato soup. A bit of the book takes detours going into depth about Sherlock Holmes, prime numbers, solving equations or other things Christopher is interested in. It gives a glimpse into what everyday life must be like for an autistic teen. By talking to a neighbor and stumbling on some letters and his dad’s own confession, Christopher discovers his father is the one who killed the dog, his mom had an affair with the neighbor’s husband, moved away with him to London. Yes, in fact, mum is not dead! With mum’s address memorized, his dad’s cash card in hand, the last 1/3 of the book is about Christopher’s efforts to get to London-in his mind, if dad can kill a dog, he could kill his own son, too, so it would be dangerous to remain at home. He finds the train station, figures out how to get a ticket, boards the train, it is noisy with too many people, a police officer tries to get him to go home where his father is waiting for him, Christopher hides until police officer is gone. Arrival in London, confusing, loud, pet rat Toby escapes his pocket, C is almost killed by a train trying to catch him. Eventually he walks to mum’s area of the city, finds her flat, but no one is home. Later mum (Judy) comes home with Roger Shears-the neighbor’s husband. Roger does not like C and mum has no patience for him, doesn’t understand she has to speak straight forward and ask direct questions. Mum takes him back to his father’s so he can continue school and have someone to care for him. *During Christopher’s journey to London, he refers to something being 100 miles from his house. All other distances in book are in meters and kilometers. I wonder if the Brits use this phrase to express something very far away?
*People important to Ed leave him-his wife, Mrs. Shears who at first helped after her husb ran off with Ed’s wife, and then Christopher. Only Christopher comes back, since mom knows she can’t care for him. Dad truly loves boy, cooking foods he likes, carefully wording his questions, protecting him.
Review by Ms. Wilson
by Mark Haddon
Recommended with reservations
Autistic Christopher John Francis Boone lives with his dad (Ed) in a small England town. Christopher’s dad tells him mum went into the hospital for a heart problem and then died a few weeks later (although Christopher never was allowed to visit her in the hospital, but he likes hospitals and the uniforms). When Christopher discovers his neighbor’s dog (Wellington) impaled by a pitchfork, (the neighbor and police first blame him) he decides, against his dad’s wishes, to become a detective and book writer to solve the crime. Christopher does not like things and food that are yellow or brown (bananas, crust of a dessert) and won’t eat food that has touched other food. He likes food and things red like red cars and tomato soup. A bit of the book takes detours going into depth about Sherlock Holmes, prime numbers, solving equations or other things Christopher is interested in. It gives a glimpse into what everyday life must be like for an autistic teen. By talking to a neighbor and stumbling on some letters and his dad’s own confession, Christopher discovers his father is the one who killed the dog, his mom had an affair with the neighbor’s husband, moved away with him to London. Yes, in fact, mum is not dead! With mum’s address memorized, his dad’s cash card in hand, the last 1/3 of the book is about Christopher’s efforts to get to London-in his mind, if dad can kill a dog, he could kill his own son, too, so it would be dangerous to remain at home. He finds the train station, figures out how to get a ticket, boards the train, it is noisy with too many people, a police officer tries to get him to go home where his father is waiting for him, Christopher hides until police officer is gone. Arrival in London, confusing, loud, pet rat Toby escapes his pocket, C is almost killed by a train trying to catch him. Eventually he walks to mum’s area of the city, finds her flat, but no one is home. Later mum (Judy) comes home with Roger Shears-the neighbor’s husband. Roger does not like C and mum has no patience for him, doesn’t understand she has to speak straight forward and ask direct questions. Mum takes him back to his father’s so he can continue school and have someone to care for him. *During Christopher’s journey to London, he refers to something being 100 miles from his house. All other distances in book are in meters and kilometers. I wonder if the Brits use this phrase to express something very far away?
*People important to Ed leave him-his wife, Mrs. Shears who at first helped after her husb ran off with Ed’s wife, and then Christopher. Only Christopher comes back, since mom knows she can’t care for him. Dad truly loves boy, cooking foods he likes, carefully wording his questions, protecting him.
Review by Ms. Wilson
Annie On My Mind
Garden, Nancy. (1982). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar Straus & Giroux.
Highly recommended, 8th-12th grade
It is a cold fall day when Liza notices a beautiful voice coming from another room in the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art. The voice belongs to Annie, a girl Liza’s same age, both high school seniors. They click immediately. After spending another hour together at the museum, the girls exchange phone numbers. Liza finally gets the courage to call Annie after a week. The girls continue to meet over the coming months. They develop a love for each other that they must keep secret.
Over spring break, Liza is pet-sitting for two teachers. She asks Annie to meet her there each day. On the last day of the break, the school secretary, who is also a neighbor, discovers Liza and Annie’s relationship, and reveals it to the headmaster, who threatens to destroy Liza’s college career at MIT. Liza and Annie find sympathy and acceptance from the two teachers who recall what is was like when they first met. Annie’s parents never find out about the lesbian relationship. Liza’s parents are unhappy about the situation but seem to be coming around to accept their daughter. The books ends with Liza and Annie trying to keep in touch as they go off to college for the fall.
*Does not portray any detail of a physical relationship, only implications.
Review by Ms. Wilson
Highly recommended, 8th-12th grade
It is a cold fall day when Liza notices a beautiful voice coming from another room in the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art. The voice belongs to Annie, a girl Liza’s same age, both high school seniors. They click immediately. After spending another hour together at the museum, the girls exchange phone numbers. Liza finally gets the courage to call Annie after a week. The girls continue to meet over the coming months. They develop a love for each other that they must keep secret.
Over spring break, Liza is pet-sitting for two teachers. She asks Annie to meet her there each day. On the last day of the break, the school secretary, who is also a neighbor, discovers Liza and Annie’s relationship, and reveals it to the headmaster, who threatens to destroy Liza’s college career at MIT. Liza and Annie find sympathy and acceptance from the two teachers who recall what is was like when they first met. Annie’s parents never find out about the lesbian relationship. Liza’s parents are unhappy about the situation but seem to be coming around to accept their daughter. The books ends with Liza and Annie trying to keep in touch as they go off to college for the fall.
*Does not portray any detail of a physical relationship, only implications.
Review by Ms. Wilson
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Saving Francesca
by Melina Marchetta Very slow read. Quite mundane.
Do not recommend
Living in Austrailia, Frankie’s mom is battling depression. Mom, who Frankie calls Mia, used to be vocal and was a professor at the university. Now she just stays in bed most of the day. Dad, Robert, is trying to hold the family together. Brother, Luca (Frankie picked that name) seems not to notice as much. Frankie is attending a predominately boys school that recently allowed girls and is trying to adjust. Fellow student Will is handsome but full of himself and makes Frankie nervous. Thomas McKee is obnoxious and rude. Frankie doesn’t quite fit in with most of the girls who tell her she takes things too personally. By the end of the story, Frankie is accepted by the other girls, the girls are accepted by the boys, and Frankie discovers her mum’s depression was caused by a miscarriage.
*Boring book, seems the same each day.
Review by Ms. Wilson
by Melina Marchetta Very slow read. Quite mundane.
Do not recommend
Living in Austrailia, Frankie’s mom is battling depression. Mom, who Frankie calls Mia, used to be vocal and was a professor at the university. Now she just stays in bed most of the day. Dad, Robert, is trying to hold the family together. Brother, Luca (Frankie picked that name) seems not to notice as much. Frankie is attending a predominately boys school that recently allowed girls and is trying to adjust. Fellow student Will is handsome but full of himself and makes Frankie nervous. Thomas McKee is obnoxious and rude. Frankie doesn’t quite fit in with most of the girls who tell her she takes things too personally. By the end of the story, Frankie is accepted by the other girls, the girls are accepted by the boys, and Frankie discovers her mum’s depression was caused by a miscarriage.
*Boring book, seems the same each day.
Review by Ms. Wilson
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Northern Light
Donnelly, J. (2004). A northern light. Orlando: Harcourt.
Historical fiction Highly recommended
At 16 years old, Mattie Gokey longs to get off the farm that she is left to help run in the Adirondaks since her mother died. She wants a life with books and learning. Mattie is inspired by her teacher who turns out to be married but has left her husband so she can write scandalous poetry. Mattie hopes to earn enough money working at a resort on Big Moose Lake to get to New York to go to college.
Around July 4th, a young couple checks in. The lady, Grace Brown, hands Mattie a handful of letters and tells her to burn them. Later the couple rents a boat but only the gentleman comes back. What happened to Grace? Mattie finds it difficult to get to the cellar to burn the letters so she reads them. The letters reveal (somewhat factually based) that Grace Brown is pregnant with Chester Gillette’s baby and she desperately wants him to marry her before anyone finds out. Other letters indicate Chester is already in love with someone else and has other plans.
Investigators theorize that Chester rented the boat, probably hit Grace over the head with a tennis racket that someone saw him take with him, which left a gash on her head. He flipped the boat, knowing she couldn’t swim, she drown and he made his escape. In the end, Mattie turns over the letters and sneaks off to New York to make a new life for herself.
*Deals with neighbor letting other farmer have sex with her (Jimmy’s momma) so she can have enough food to feed her children.
Ms. Wilson
Historical fiction Highly recommended
At 16 years old, Mattie Gokey longs to get off the farm that she is left to help run in the Adirondaks since her mother died. She wants a life with books and learning. Mattie is inspired by her teacher who turns out to be married but has left her husband so she can write scandalous poetry. Mattie hopes to earn enough money working at a resort on Big Moose Lake to get to New York to go to college.
Around July 4th, a young couple checks in. The lady, Grace Brown, hands Mattie a handful of letters and tells her to burn them. Later the couple rents a boat but only the gentleman comes back. What happened to Grace? Mattie finds it difficult to get to the cellar to burn the letters so she reads them. The letters reveal (somewhat factually based) that Grace Brown is pregnant with Chester Gillette’s baby and she desperately wants him to marry her before anyone finds out. Other letters indicate Chester is already in love with someone else and has other plans.
Investigators theorize that Chester rented the boat, probably hit Grace over the head with a tennis racket that someone saw him take with him, which left a gash on her head. He flipped the boat, knowing she couldn’t swim, she drown and he made his escape. In the end, Mattie turns over the letters and sneaks off to New York to make a new life for herself.
*Deals with neighbor letting other farmer have sex with her (Jimmy’s momma) so she can have enough food to feed her children.
Ms. Wilson
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Re: Parents checking out books
The only times I have come across a parent wanting to check out a book were when students were out for an extended period of time for various reasons. I checked the books out to the parents in the students' names. I then printed a "receipt" that showed the transaction. Usually this transaction was preceded by a heads from the principal, telling me it was ok to check out the book.
If you are worried about a parent wanting to check out a book for challenge reasons, I would say don't worry about the reason. If your policy is to check out a book to the parent only if the child is not able to attend school, make this clear and direct the parent to the local public library. If the purpose is to challenge a book, the parent will find the book no matter what. Also if the parent does want to challenge the book, make sure you hand the parent the county policy form he/she will have to fill out in entirety.
If you are worried about a parent wanting to check out a book for challenge reasons, I would say don't worry about the reason. If your policy is to check out a book to the parent only if the child is not able to attend school, make this clear and direct the parent to the local public library. If the purpose is to challenge a book, the parent will find the book no matter what. Also if the parent does want to challenge the book, make sure you hand the parent the county policy form he/she will have to fill out in entirety.
Parents want to check out books
Has anyone been approached by a parent who wants to check out a book? How did you handle this? Do you just check it out under the student's/child's name? I am concerned this parent wants to challenge a book.
Lillian, Carolina Middle School
Lillian, Carolina Middle School
Re: Hanover Middle book suggestion
Hi Stacey. A book I would recommend is Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings. Here is a detailed review I have written.
Life on the Chesapeake Bay is about family and friends for 8th grader Brady. Brady helps his father pulling in crab pots, although the supply of crabs is dwindling, probably because all the Northerners moving in and developing, causing pollution (so the locals say). Brady’s best friend Digger is mad about his grandfather’s farm being sold to some rich couple (the DiAngelos) to build a big house on. J.T. who helps his family run a chicken farm, although a good friend, is mostly just a follower. Brady one day half-joking suggests they drill holes in Mr. DiAngelo’s red kayak so he will have to swim back to shore. Brady would never have followed through. Digger secretly drills holes in the kayak with Brady’s dad’s drill while J.T. serves as the look-out. On a chilly and misty April day, Mrs. DiAngelo takes their 3 year old son for a paddle. The boat sinks and Brady and others go out looking for the mother and child. Mother is rescued and Brady finds Ben hooked on to old piling, blue and near lifeless. Although Ben is alive when Brady gets to the dock and turns him over to rescuers, he later dies. Over the summer, Brady discovers the drowning was caused by his two friends. He debates what to do but ultimately tells his parents, gets an attorney who negotiates immunity for him in turn for his testimony. Digger and J.T. are found guilty of 2nd degree murder and sent to a juvenile forest camp for 9 months.
From Amy Wilson, Onslow Middle School
Life on the Chesapeake Bay is about family and friends for 8th grader Brady. Brady helps his father pulling in crab pots, although the supply of crabs is dwindling, probably because all the Northerners moving in and developing, causing pollution (so the locals say). Brady’s best friend Digger is mad about his grandfather’s farm being sold to some rich couple (the DiAngelos) to build a big house on. J.T. who helps his family run a chicken farm, although a good friend, is mostly just a follower. Brady one day half-joking suggests they drill holes in Mr. DiAngelo’s red kayak so he will have to swim back to shore. Brady would never have followed through. Digger secretly drills holes in the kayak with Brady’s dad’s drill while J.T. serves as the look-out. On a chilly and misty April day, Mrs. DiAngelo takes their 3 year old son for a paddle. The boat sinks and Brady and others go out looking for the mother and child. Mother is rescued and Brady finds Ben hooked on to old piling, blue and near lifeless. Although Ben is alive when Brady gets to the dock and turns him over to rescuers, he later dies. Over the summer, Brady discovers the drowning was caused by his two friends. He debates what to do but ultimately tells his parents, gets an attorney who negotiates immunity for him in turn for his testimony. Digger and J.T. are found guilty of 2nd degree murder and sent to a juvenile forest camp for 9 months.
From Amy Wilson, Onslow Middle School
Book needed for 8th grade boy, reluctant reader
Hi! I am looking for a book for a 13 year-old boy who would enjoy an easy-to-read adventure, not too many characters, basic plot.
Stacey, Hanover Middle School
Stacey, Hanover Middle School
Perfect- a review
Friend, N. (2004). Perfect. Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions.
Recommended
Isabelle Lee is dealing with the death of her father and it is more than she can handle. The stress causes Isabelle to develop an eating disorder. She finds out the most beautiful and poplar girl in the school is not so perfect, either. She, too, has an eating disorder and a family that is falling apart.
*Great read for middle school and high school girls.
From Amy Wilson, Onslow Middle School
Recommended
Isabelle Lee is dealing with the death of her father and it is more than she can handle. The stress causes Isabelle to develop an eating disorder. She finds out the most beautiful and poplar girl in the school is not so perfect, either. She, too, has an eating disorder and a family that is falling apart.
*Great read for middle school and high school girls.
From Amy Wilson, Onslow Middle School
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Speak-a review
Anderson, L. H. (2001). Speak. New York: Puffin Books.
It is Melinda’s freshman year at Merryweather High School and she has no friends. You see, at the end-of-summer party after a few drinks, a senior led her away from the crowd. Before she knew it she was on the ground, shorts pulled down with the strong field hockey player on top of her. She didn’t want it to happen, to be raped. Scared and alone she called 9-1-1. When the cops show up and bust up the party, everyone blames Melinda. Melinda who never told anyone about the rape. Melinda finds an unused closet to spend some of the school day in. It is her refuge. Until one day, the boy who attacked her at the party tries to attack her in her one place she can get away. She screams and fights him off long enough for some other field hockey players to come upon their situation. It is only then that others understand what she has been dealing with.
It is Melinda’s freshman year at Merryweather High School and she has no friends. You see, at the end-of-summer party after a few drinks, a senior led her away from the crowd. Before she knew it she was on the ground, shorts pulled down with the strong field hockey player on top of her. She didn’t want it to happen, to be raped. Scared and alone she called 9-1-1. When the cops show up and bust up the party, everyone blames Melinda. Melinda who never told anyone about the rape. Melinda finds an unused closet to spend some of the school day in. It is her refuge. Until one day, the boy who attacked her at the party tries to attack her in her one place she can get away. She screams and fights him off long enough for some other field hockey players to come upon their situation. It is only then that others understand what she has been dealing with.
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