Mary E. Pearson author of The Adoration of Jenna Fox tells a story of girl who was so loved by her parents, they did everything they could to save her life.
Excerpt: p 226
Kara was crying and screaming, desperately turning the steering wheel. We were tossed about, none of us had bothered to put on our seat restraints in our rush to leave the party. The car skidded, then rolled when the shoulder turned to cliff. I was screaming, flying. Tumbling. Glass sprayed like a thousand knives, and the world had no up or down. The fear was so complete it webbed together our screams and motion. Flying free and the sickening thud of my skull on the ground. Or was it Kara I heard, landing next to me? And then the sounds of dripping, hissing and soft moans that seemed to hover in the air above me. And finally just blackness.
I never saw Kara and Locke again.
They are my witnesses. They alone know that I didn’t drive that night.
When Jenna begins to question why she has no memory of her past he mother tries to explain:
p 118 “You were burned so badly Jenna. We tried everything. Even with all the temporary grafts, you were losing so much fluid. The antibiotics weren’t working. By the time they got you to surgery your heart had stopped twice. They had the Bio Gel waiting. They saved as much as was still viable. The butterfly, Jenna. That’s what they call it. The heart of the brain. That you still have.” (p 119)
At the end of the story, you realize that because of their Adoration of Jenna Fox, two parents manipulated science and medicine to save the life of their only child.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Deadline
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Have you ever kept a secret from your family and your friends? Ben keeps a secret from the people he cares about for over half the school year. But then he realizes when everyone finds out, they will be hurt he didn't tell them. He didn't tell them he would be dead in less than a year.
Ben's doctor tells him he has a terminal blood disease after getting the results of his physical. Ben decides to keep that news to himself and make his senior year the best ever. He goes out for football instead of track. Ben confronts the history teacher when he disagrees.
Ben finally realizes keeping his illness a secret is going to hurt everyone even more. The first person he tells is the town drunk.
Have you ever kept a secret from your family and your friends? Ben keeps a secret from the people he cares about for over half the school year. But then he realizes when everyone finds out, they will be hurt he didn't tell them. He didn't tell them he would be dead in less than a year.
Ben's doctor tells him he has a terminal blood disease after getting the results of his physical. Ben decides to keep that news to himself and make his senior year the best ever. He goes out for football instead of track. Ben confronts the history teacher when he disagrees.
Ben finally realizes keeping his illness a secret is going to hurt everyone even more. The first person he tells is the town drunk.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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/
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/
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.
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