1- A shape shifting 1000+ year old snake imprisoned in a clay jar far beneath the earth imagining finding her missing daughter when she is released.
2- A bitter, scarred man set out to kill a giant alligator.
3- A gentle make-shift family of a chained hound dog and a mama cat and her kittens who live carefully underneath the man’s ramshackle house.
Three wildly different stories are artfully woven together like a tapestry to tell a gothic Southern tale about what love can do for the human spirit.
This is an animal tale at heart that tugs at your heartstrings. The fantasy elements blend in as though your grandmother was exaggerating one of her favorite tales from long ago.
In the beginning the chapters of each character are so short it’s difficult to keep the reader interested. However, as the mystery begins to unravel, the reader begins to imagine how each story could possibly be connected. Patience is a virtue while reading this yarn.
Showing posts with label Middle School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle School. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bone: Treasure Hunters
Bone:Volume 8 Treasure Hunters
By Jeff Smith
Publisher:Graphix
ISBN: 978-0439-706308
$19.99 #Pages: 136
Call #: YA Graphic Novel Smith
Reminiscent of the Star Wars, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones characters and settings, Treasure Hunters is a playful and inviting continuing saga of the Bone cousins and the royal family. The Bone cousins are still searching for the gold treasure.
The graphics and, especially, colors are incredible in setting the tone and action for each panel. The story successfully incorporates knowledge of past episodes so as to create a stand alone volume. Suitable for all ages.
By Jeff Smith
Publisher:Graphix
ISBN: 978-0439-706308
$19.99 #Pages: 136
Call #: YA Graphic Novel Smith
Reminiscent of the Star Wars, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones characters and settings, Treasure Hunters is a playful and inviting continuing saga of the Bone cousins and the royal family. The Bone cousins are still searching for the gold treasure.
The graphics and, especially, colors are incredible in setting the tone and action for each panel. The story successfully incorporates knowledge of past episodes so as to create a stand alone volume. Suitable for all ages.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Z is for Zeus by Helen L. Wilbur
Each letter of the alphabet is used to represent a character or event from Greek Mythology. Each letter has a poem that adds charm to this picture book. On the side is a more detailed description of things such as the Underworld, Fates, and Olympus. Although it is a picture book, younger students would not understand all the details given in this book. It is an excellent pick for teachers to share as they teach Greek Mythology or students to enjoy as they read Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Harlem Summer by Walter Dean Myers
Sixteen year old Mark Purvis is an aspiring sax player, who had rather be jamming with his band than finding a summer job, the request of his parents, which prevails. As an assistant at The Crisis, a magazine for the 'New Negro,' Mark rubs shoulders with Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, and he is invited to a party at Alfred Knopf's place. Mark's making money, but not enough, and when piano player fats Waller entices him and his buddies to make some fast cash, Mark finds himself crossing gangster Dutch Schultz.
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
The four Penderwick sisters are back at home in this endearing sequel. This time , though, the adventure is getting serious. woderful aunt Claire comes for a visit but offers the dreadful thought that it's time for the girl's widowed father to start dating! YIKES! One bad date and the horrible stoies of awful literary steip-mothers haunt the sisters until they decide this datin stuff must stop. An emergency MOPS (Meeting of the Penderwick Sisters) meeting must be held. The "Save-Daddy" plan is hatched and goes into action in true Penderwick fashion. That's to say elaborate plans are made but only partially fulfilled and it sort of end in a fun but silly mess.
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series will not be disappointed as they join freshman Percy Jackson (half human, half Greek god) on his fourth quest. As Camp Half-Blood becomes increasing concerned that Luke will try to enter camp, Annabeth is chosen to go on a quest to find Daedalus’s workshop and prevent Luke from finding Ariandne’s string which will allow a user to navigate through the maze. Annabeth takes Percy, Tyson, and Grover on an action filled quest that will leave fans count the days until May 5, 2009 when the fifth book will be released.
All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall
13-year old Josh Greenwood is forced to move from Boston to Chicago to live with his divorced dad for a few months while his mother goes to Florida to help her mother recover from a fall. When he arrives at the airport he is shocked to discover that his dad has lost his job selling shoes and has become an Elvis impersonator complete with jet black hair and sideburns. As Josh starts the 7th grade at the new school, he is desperate to blend in and worries constantly that the other kids will discover what his dad does for a living. And to make matters worse, his dad's new girlfriend has a daughter, Ivory, who is in his class at school and who could spill the beans anytime. The situation comes to a head when Josh's dad is invited to perform at a program at his school and he goes too far trying to keep "Elvis" from showing up at his school.
Strengths: Humorous and told in a very realistic middle school voice where the main concern is fitting in and avoiding being embarrassed by your parents. It deals with very serious issues in a believable way. This book should appeal to boys as well as girls.
Weaknesses: Some of the readers may not be aware of who Elvis was and the impact he made on the world.
Strengths: Humorous and told in a very realistic middle school voice where the main concern is fitting in and avoiding being embarrassed by your parents. It deals with very serious issues in a believable way. This book should appeal to boys as well as girls.
Weaknesses: Some of the readers may not be aware of who Elvis was and the impact he made on the world.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Author: Parker, Robert
Title: Edenville Owls
Publisher: Philomel Books Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-399-24656-2
Price: $18.00 #of pgs: 194 Call number: FIC PAR
Annotation: It is 1945, the end of World War II, and 8th grader, Bobby Murphy takes on two major challenges: (1) help free his teacher, Miss Delaney, from the clutches of a sinister stranger and (2) keep the Owls (his coachless, junior high basketball team) which he does by taking on the unofficial role of coach in addition to his player role. After witnessing an altercation between his teacher and a strange man, Bobby decides that he must get involved. With Owls' support, he investigates the stranger and ultimately saves his teacher from her abuser. This is a mystery that plays out to the end. Readers will like 14 year-old Bobby who is a true problem-solver and a champion of doing the right thing. His stock phrase, "I'll figure it out," is testimony to his relentless belief that challenges are meant to be solved. The author's carefully crafted dialogue between Bobby and his special friend, Joanie, is meaningful and wise for their ages. Lastly, using Bobby's thoughts as a launching point, the author effectively depicts the culture of post World War II ear.
Strength: heart-pounding suspense, poignant coming of age moments.
Title: Edenville Owls
Publisher: Philomel Books Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-399-24656-2
Price: $18.00 #of pgs: 194 Call number: FIC PAR
Annotation: It is 1945, the end of World War II, and 8th grader, Bobby Murphy takes on two major challenges: (1) help free his teacher, Miss Delaney, from the clutches of a sinister stranger and (2) keep the Owls (his coachless, junior high basketball team) which he does by taking on the unofficial role of coach in addition to his player role. After witnessing an altercation between his teacher and a strange man, Bobby decides that he must get involved. With Owls' support, he investigates the stranger and ultimately saves his teacher from her abuser. This is a mystery that plays out to the end. Readers will like 14 year-old Bobby who is a true problem-solver and a champion of doing the right thing. His stock phrase, "I'll figure it out," is testimony to his relentless belief that challenges are meant to be solved. The author's carefully crafted dialogue between Bobby and his special friend, Joanie, is meaningful and wise for their ages. Lastly, using Bobby's thoughts as a launching point, the author effectively depicts the culture of post World War II ear.
Strength: heart-pounding suspense, poignant coming of age moments.
Author: Cooney, Caroline B.
Title: Diamonds in the Shadow
Publisher: Delacorte Press Date: Sept. 2007 ISBN: 978-0385732611
Price: $16.99 #of pgs: 228 Call number: FIC COO
Annotation: Diamonds in the Shadow introduces you to two families: The Finches who live in suburban Connecticut. They are good people, but naïve about the task they about to undertake. You will also meet the battle-scarred Amabo family of African refugees who are temporarily living with the Finches. These two families come together as the Finches agree to host the church-sponsored family from Sierra Leone. At first skeptical, teenage Jared warms quickly to the Amabos, especially to Mattu who is adjusting well to American life. The two boys bond quickly. On the other hand, sixth grader Mopsy loves her new friend Alake. However, as hard as Mopsy tries, Alake does not respond to anything Mopsy says or does, and has chronic nightmares. To confirm a growing suspicion about the family, Jared and Mopsy snoop through a box that is supposed to be the remains for Matte’s grandparents and discover uncut diamonds. They begin noticing how this family doesn’t really seem to act like a family at all. While the Amabos are adjusting to their new life and happy to escape their terrible past, a killer lurks closely watching their every step. Suddenly, both families find themselves in terrible danger.
Strength: Incredible plot! Great characters! A story that you will not want to end! Grabs
you at the end!
Title: Diamonds in the Shadow
Publisher: Delacorte Press Date: Sept. 2007 ISBN: 978-0385732611
Price: $16.99 #of pgs: 228 Call number: FIC COO
Annotation: Diamonds in the Shadow introduces you to two families: The Finches who live in suburban Connecticut. They are good people, but naïve about the task they about to undertake. You will also meet the battle-scarred Amabo family of African refugees who are temporarily living with the Finches. These two families come together as the Finches agree to host the church-sponsored family from Sierra Leone. At first skeptical, teenage Jared warms quickly to the Amabos, especially to Mattu who is adjusting well to American life. The two boys bond quickly. On the other hand, sixth grader Mopsy loves her new friend Alake. However, as hard as Mopsy tries, Alake does not respond to anything Mopsy says or does, and has chronic nightmares. To confirm a growing suspicion about the family, Jared and Mopsy snoop through a box that is supposed to be the remains for Matte’s grandparents and discover uncut diamonds. They begin noticing how this family doesn’t really seem to act like a family at all. While the Amabos are adjusting to their new life and happy to escape their terrible past, a killer lurks closely watching their every step. Suddenly, both families find themselves in terrible danger.
Strength: Incredible plot! Great characters! A story that you will not want to end! Grabs
you at the end!
Author: Jinks, Catherine
Title: Evil Genius
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-015-205988-0
Price: $17.00 #of pgs: 486 Call number: FIC JIN
Annotation: This complex, engrossing tale of deception features Cadel, a 13-year old super-brain, who is being groomed for world domination. His mentor is his psychologist, the mysterious Thaddeus. Before entering this new "school" Cadel created the most spectacular traffic jam in Sydney. He also managed to cause all his classmates to fail their finals. His parents send him to this special school where he takes courses in such things as "Copying Skills" and "Accounting" which really are tutorials in embezzlement and lying. Cadel finds himself involved in multiple webs of intrigue, which, along with his own efforts to manipulate faculty and fellow students, result in numerous fatalities. He is a sympathetic anti-villain.
Strength: multiple layers of deception create a masterful plot; fanciful science fiction
Weakness: some may be turned away by the length of the novel, 486 pgs.
Title: Evil Genius
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-015-205988-0
Price: $17.00 #of pgs: 486 Call number: FIC JIN
Annotation: This complex, engrossing tale of deception features Cadel, a 13-year old super-brain, who is being groomed for world domination. His mentor is his psychologist, the mysterious Thaddeus. Before entering this new "school" Cadel created the most spectacular traffic jam in Sydney. He also managed to cause all his classmates to fail their finals. His parents send him to this special school where he takes courses in such things as "Copying Skills" and "Accounting" which really are tutorials in embezzlement and lying. Cadel finds himself involved in multiple webs of intrigue, which, along with his own efforts to manipulate faculty and fellow students, result in numerous fatalities. He is a sympathetic anti-villain.
Strength: multiple layers of deception create a masterful plot; fanciful science fiction
Weakness: some may be turned away by the length of the novel, 486 pgs.
Author: Hill, Kirkpatrick
Title: Do Not Pass Go
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books Date: 2007 ISBN: 9781416914006
Price: $15.99 #of pgs: 229 Call number: FIC HIL
Annotation: Do Not Pass Go is the story of Alaskan high-schooler Deet: a good kid who has to take a leadership role in his family because his parents, although loving, are a bit flighty and irresponsible. Deet feels burdened by having to be the “adult” at home and these emotions are compounded by his growing alienation at school. When his father is arrested for drug possession and ultimately sent to prison, Deet’s first thoughts are not about his family, but about what the kids at school are going to think of him. Reality finally sets in, however, when Deet's family-life has to change radically as a result of the arrest. At first Deet is angry with his father for “ruining his life,” but soon Deet slips into a pattern of visiting his dad in jail every afternoon, while his mother learns to be the family bread winner. Eventually, Deet’s view of prisons and prisoners begins to change as he starts to see the people in prison through his father’s eyes. Through their stories, Deet sees the hopelessness of prison life as well as the reality that rehabilitation is not always possible. However, along the way, Deet also learns to have sympathy for people whose lives have followed an almost inevitable path while also realizing that something positive may come from his father’s incarceration after all.
Strength: Realistic characters and story. Serious subject matter is treated honestly and
tastefully.
Title: Do Not Pass Go
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books Date: 2007 ISBN: 9781416914006
Price: $15.99 #of pgs: 229 Call number: FIC HIL
Annotation: Do Not Pass Go is the story of Alaskan high-schooler Deet: a good kid who has to take a leadership role in his family because his parents, although loving, are a bit flighty and irresponsible. Deet feels burdened by having to be the “adult” at home and these emotions are compounded by his growing alienation at school. When his father is arrested for drug possession and ultimately sent to prison, Deet’s first thoughts are not about his family, but about what the kids at school are going to think of him. Reality finally sets in, however, when Deet's family-life has to change radically as a result of the arrest. At first Deet is angry with his father for “ruining his life,” but soon Deet slips into a pattern of visiting his dad in jail every afternoon, while his mother learns to be the family bread winner. Eventually, Deet’s view of prisons and prisoners begins to change as he starts to see the people in prison through his father’s eyes. Through their stories, Deet sees the hopelessness of prison life as well as the reality that rehabilitation is not always possible. However, along the way, Deet also learns to have sympathy for people whose lives have followed an almost inevitable path while also realizing that something positive may come from his father’s incarceration after all.
Strength: Realistic characters and story. Serious subject matter is treated honestly and
tastefully.
Author: Riordan, Rick
Title: Lightning Thief
Publisher: Hyperion Date: 2005 ISBN: 9781415662984
Price: #of pgs: 375 Call number: FIC RIO
Annotation: This fast paced adventure which combines ancient Greek mythology with modern day appeal is narrated in first person by the main character, Percy (Perseus) Jackson. Percy is a twelve year old boy about to be kicked out of school for the third time when he finds out he is the half mortal son of a Greek god. He is then sent on a quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt which leads to an action packed story.
Strength: Fast-paced, action packed and funny. Book one in the Percy Jackson and the
Olympians series.
Title: Lightning Thief
Publisher: Hyperion Date: 2005 ISBN: 9781415662984
Price: #of pgs: 375 Call number: FIC RIO
Annotation: This fast paced adventure which combines ancient Greek mythology with modern day appeal is narrated in first person by the main character, Percy (Perseus) Jackson. Percy is a twelve year old boy about to be kicked out of school for the third time when he finds out he is the half mortal son of a Greek god. He is then sent on a quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt which leads to an action packed story.
Strength: Fast-paced, action packed and funny. Book one in the Percy Jackson and the
Olympians series.
Author: Mass, Wendy
Title: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co Date: 2006 ISBN: 0316058297
Price: 15.99 #of pgs: 289 Call number: FIC MAS
Annotation: A week before his thirteenth birthday, Jeremy fink receives a package in the mail from his father who died five years ago. The package contains a wooden box with the cryptic message "The Meaning of Life" engraved on the top. Unfortunately, the box has an intricatelocking mechanism and the keys have been lost. Jeremy and his friend Lizzy, embark on a quest to find the missing keys. This brings them into contact with many interesting characters who share their ideas about the meaning of life.
Strength: Refreshingly optimistic story with two strong main characters - one a boy and
the other a girl.
Title: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co Date: 2006 ISBN: 0316058297
Price: 15.99 #of pgs: 289 Call number: FIC MAS
Annotation: A week before his thirteenth birthday, Jeremy fink receives a package in the mail from his father who died five years ago. The package contains a wooden box with the cryptic message "The Meaning of Life" engraved on the top. Unfortunately, the box has an intricatelocking mechanism and the keys have been lost. Jeremy and his friend Lizzy, embark on a quest to find the missing keys. This brings them into contact with many interesting characters who share their ideas about the meaning of life.
Strength: Refreshingly optimistic story with two strong main characters - one a boy and
the other a girl.
Author: C, Kashmira
Title: Keeping Corner
Publisher: Hyperion Date: 2007 ISBN: 9780786838592
Price: $15.99 #of pgs: 281 Call number: FIC SHE
Annotation: Keeping Corner is the story of a young girl named Leela who has been sheltered and spoiled her entire life. She and her family live in a small village on the border of India and Pakistan (around 1918-19) where Leela focuses most of her attention on jewelry, clothing and her pending arranged marriage to a boy she hardly knows. She has no use for or interest in school, learning or the growing unrest in her country between the British colonists and the people of India; many of whom live in poverty. Rather, Leela spends her days looking forward to the presents and adoration that she will receive when she gets married. But when Leela's new husband dies and her life changes forever. Instead of being showered with attention and expensive baubles, she finds that she must "keep corner" for an entire year. During this period of isolation, Leela must shave her head and give away her most prized possessions in preparation for the life of mourning she will now be expected to live for the remainder of her life. However, it is only during this period of seclusion that Leela's eyes are opened to the plight of her countrymen, the political unrest that is shaking her nation and the wave of excitement being started by the non-violent protests of a man named Gandhi.
Strength: Historical fiction with sympathetic and interesting characters. Topics relating to
multiculturalism and social justice are explored with honesty and wit.
Weakness: Unfamiliar terminology
Title: Keeping Corner
Publisher: Hyperion Date: 2007 ISBN: 9780786838592
Price: $15.99 #of pgs: 281 Call number: FIC SHE
Annotation: Keeping Corner is the story of a young girl named Leela who has been sheltered and spoiled her entire life. She and her family live in a small village on the border of India and Pakistan (around 1918-19) where Leela focuses most of her attention on jewelry, clothing and her pending arranged marriage to a boy she hardly knows. She has no use for or interest in school, learning or the growing unrest in her country between the British colonists and the people of India; many of whom live in poverty. Rather, Leela spends her days looking forward to the presents and adoration that she will receive when she gets married. But when Leela's new husband dies and her life changes forever. Instead of being showered with attention and expensive baubles, she finds that she must "keep corner" for an entire year. During this period of isolation, Leela must shave her head and give away her most prized possessions in preparation for the life of mourning she will now be expected to live for the remainder of her life. However, it is only during this period of seclusion that Leela's eyes are opened to the plight of her countrymen, the political unrest that is shaking her nation and the wave of excitement being started by the non-violent protests of a man named Gandhi.
Strength: Historical fiction with sympathetic and interesting characters. Topics relating to
multiculturalism and social justice are explored with honesty and wit.
Weakness: Unfamiliar terminology
Author: Smith, Roland
Title: Peak
Publisher: Harcourt Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-15-202417-8
Price: $15 #of pgs: 246 Call number: FIC SMI
Annotation: Peak Marcello is 14 and has a passion for climbing, so much so that he is arrested for scaling tall buildings. His family makes a deal with the judge to send him to live with his father, who is preparing for a Himalayan expedition to climb Mount Everest. Peak could be the youngest climber to reach the summit. His father's motives for wanting to join the group are less than fatherly as he is using the trip for financial gain and publicity. While preparing for the climb Peak works under a Sherpa for training and befriends Sun-jo, a Nepalese boy his own age. As the climbers are about to make final preparations an overzealous Chinese police captain searches them for passport and underage violations. Mix the dangers of mount climbing, family issues, international cultural struggles and Peak's difficult decision concerning all of those issues and you will find this story well-crafted.
Strength: Well crafted plot development; exotic setting; cultural diversity; adventure
Title: Peak
Publisher: Harcourt Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-15-202417-8
Price: $15 #of pgs: 246 Call number: FIC SMI
Annotation: Peak Marcello is 14 and has a passion for climbing, so much so that he is arrested for scaling tall buildings. His family makes a deal with the judge to send him to live with his father, who is preparing for a Himalayan expedition to climb Mount Everest. Peak could be the youngest climber to reach the summit. His father's motives for wanting to join the group are less than fatherly as he is using the trip for financial gain and publicity. While preparing for the climb Peak works under a Sherpa for training and befriends Sun-jo, a Nepalese boy his own age. As the climbers are about to make final preparations an overzealous Chinese police captain searches them for passport and underage violations. Mix the dangers of mount climbing, family issues, international cultural struggles and Peak's difficult decision concerning all of those issues and you will find this story well-crafted.
Strength: Well crafted plot development; exotic setting; cultural diversity; adventure
Author: Wolf, Allan
Title: Zane's Trace
Publisher: Candlewick Press Date: 2007 ISBN: 9780763628581
Price: $16.99 #of pgs: 177 Call number: FIC WOL
Annotation: Zane's Trace is the story Zane Guesswind, a young man whose teenage
years are made all the more difficult by the fact that his family is troubled by mental
illness, substance abuse and suicide. To make matters worse, Zane has epilepsy, is an
outsider in school and has to live with his aging and crotchety grandfather who treats
Zane, at best, with contempt. As a way of working through his pain and expressing how
he feels, Zane writes and draws obsessively with permanent markers all over his bedroom
walls until one day his frantic scribblings seem to start coming true. First, the bully at
school, who won't give Zane a break, suddenly moves away the day after Zane wishes,
(in writing on his wall), that he'd just disappear. The story quickly changes gears,
however, when, believing he has similarly caused the death of his grandfather, Zane
steals his father's car, (a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda), and begins a 300+ mile trek to
Zanesville, Ohio. There, Zane plans to shoot himself at his mother's graveside, using the
heirloom pistol that she used to kill herself when Zane was only a child. Along the way,
he picks up a mysterious hitchhiker, Libba, and meets motley, and even ghostly, cast of
characters, each of whom helps Zane come to terms with which he is and the hand that
life has dealt him.
Strength: Written almost entirely in free verse, this novel is fast paced, funny and
poignant. It handles serious subject matter with intelligence and honesty without
becoming maudlin. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and readers instantly care
what happens to them.
Weakness: Limited profanity and serious subject matter. However, all topics are handled
tastefully.
Title: Zane's Trace
Publisher: Candlewick Press Date: 2007 ISBN: 9780763628581
Price: $16.99 #of pgs: 177 Call number: FIC WOL
Annotation: Zane's Trace is the story Zane Guesswind, a young man whose teenage
years are made all the more difficult by the fact that his family is troubled by mental
illness, substance abuse and suicide. To make matters worse, Zane has epilepsy, is an
outsider in school and has to live with his aging and crotchety grandfather who treats
Zane, at best, with contempt. As a way of working through his pain and expressing how
he feels, Zane writes and draws obsessively with permanent markers all over his bedroom
walls until one day his frantic scribblings seem to start coming true. First, the bully at
school, who won't give Zane a break, suddenly moves away the day after Zane wishes,
(in writing on his wall), that he'd just disappear. The story quickly changes gears,
however, when, believing he has similarly caused the death of his grandfather, Zane
steals his father's car, (a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda), and begins a 300+ mile trek to
Zanesville, Ohio. There, Zane plans to shoot himself at his mother's graveside, using the
heirloom pistol that she used to kill herself when Zane was only a child. Along the way,
he picks up a mysterious hitchhiker, Libba, and meets motley, and even ghostly, cast of
characters, each of whom helps Zane come to terms with which he is and the hand that
life has dealt him.
Strength: Written almost entirely in free verse, this novel is fast paced, funny and
poignant. It handles serious subject matter with intelligence and honesty without
becoming maudlin. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and readers instantly care
what happens to them.
Weakness: Limited profanity and serious subject matter. However, all topics are handled
tastefully.
Author: Pfeffer, Susan Beth
Title: Life as We Knew It
Publisher: Harcourt Date: 2006 ISBN: 0152058265
Price: $17.00 #of pgs: 352 Call number: FIC PFE
Annotation: A frighteningly plausible tale of an asteroid hitting the moon and throwing
the Earth off its axis causing violent earthquakes, massive tsunamis, an increase in
volcanic activity and millions of deaths. The book follows Miranda, a high school aged
girl and her family as they prepare for the worst. The world as we know it is changed.
Miranda is no longer worried about the everyday concerns of a normal teenager as she
now has to fight the elements, starvation, and disease in a daily struggle for survival.
Journal writing keeps Miranda focused and keeps the reader enthralled waiting to see if
there is a future for this family and others.
Strength: Well depicted characters and believable plot development.
Title: Life as We Knew It
Publisher: Harcourt Date: 2006 ISBN: 0152058265
Price: $17.00 #of pgs: 352 Call number: FIC PFE
Annotation: A frighteningly plausible tale of an asteroid hitting the moon and throwing
the Earth off its axis causing violent earthquakes, massive tsunamis, an increase in
volcanic activity and millions of deaths. The book follows Miranda, a high school aged
girl and her family as they prepare for the worst. The world as we know it is changed.
Miranda is no longer worried about the everyday concerns of a normal teenager as she
now has to fight the elements, starvation, and disease in a daily struggle for survival.
Journal writing keeps Miranda focused and keeps the reader enthralled waiting to see if
there is a future for this family and others.
Strength: Well depicted characters and believable plot development.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Myers, Stephanie ECLIPSE
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-316-160209 (hardcover) Price: $18.99 #of pgs: 629 Call number: FIC MEY
Annotation: This book is a sequel to Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. As graduation approaches and college looms in the near future, Bella is once again the center of danger. Trying to balance her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob amidst their age-old hatred, Bella faces dangers from old and new enemies - entangling Jacob and Edward in her protection. The vampire and werewolf come to understand that both care for her deeply. The understanding leads to a new relationship between the Cullens and the Blacks, protecting Bella being their common goal.
Strength: Fast paced
Cover Appeal: a free-floating fraying red ribbon on a black background
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-316-160209 (hardcover) Price: $18.99 #of pgs: 629 Call number: FIC MEY
Annotation: This book is a sequel to Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. As graduation approaches and college looms in the near future, Bella is once again the center of danger. Trying to balance her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob amidst their age-old hatred, Bella faces dangers from old and new enemies - entangling Jacob and Edward in her protection. The vampire and werewolf come to understand that both care for her deeply. The understanding leads to a new relationship between the Cullens and the Blacks, protecting Bella being their common goal.
Strength: Fast paced
Cover Appeal: a free-floating fraying red ribbon on a black background
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Calder Game by Blue Balliett
Petra, Calder and Tommy are back with another great math and art related mystery. Calder goes to England with his Dad. He has a great time exploring the small town where they are staying. There's a new art installation in town of a Calder (the artist) sculpture that he finds fascinating because his class had just gone to see a Calder exhibit in Chicago before he left. He's got a whole plan for how let his friends know how much fun he's having...until he dissappears and so does the sculpture. Are the related? That's the mystery
Petra and Tommy get to go to England to help find him and they create lots of extra intrigue and humor to the rest of the plot.
Petra and Tommy get to go to England to help find him and they create lots of extra intrigue and humor to the rest of the plot.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
A solid mystery about the dissappearance of the main characters' cousin. He gets on the London Eye to ride it but never gets off.
What happened to Salim? Has he been kidnapped? Did he run away? Did he get lost? Maybe he didn't get on in the first place!
This book has an interesting twist in how it gets solved. Ted, one of our main characters, has a "brain that runs on a different operating system" than everyone else. We are never told but can assume he has asburgher's (sp?) syndrome. His autistic tendancies, and his sister's ability to keep him focused, are the fuel to figuring out this mystery.
Great family story and an intriguing mystery. There's a little bit of british cultural stuff that kids might confuse but not enough to keep anyone away from this little gem.
Pretty cool
What happened to Salim? Has he been kidnapped? Did he run away? Did he get lost? Maybe he didn't get on in the first place!
This book has an interesting twist in how it gets solved. Ted, one of our main characters, has a "brain that runs on a different operating system" than everyone else. We are never told but can assume he has asburgher's (sp?) syndrome. His autistic tendancies, and his sister's ability to keep him focused, are the fuel to figuring out this mystery.
Great family story and an intriguing mystery. There's a little bit of british cultural stuff that kids might confuse but not enough to keep anyone away from this little gem.
Pretty cool
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)