Found - Margaret Peterson Haddix

This is the first book in "The Missing" series. Those who like "The Shadow Children" series - Among the Hidden etc., will most likely enjoy this new series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Margaret Peterson Haddix has found the formula for mixing science fiction with mystery. In this story before we meet Chip (AKA Charles Haddingford Winston the third), Jonah and Katherine Skidmore. Angela DuPre is on her first day of a job as a gate attendant at Sky Trails Air.

From page 1 - Haddix sets up the mystery with a prologue, "It wasn't there. Then it was."

Angela DuPre and Monique Waters witness the arrival of a "mystery" plane at gate 2B. Angela believes she sees Tachyon Travel on the side of the plane, but when she looks again she sees the familiar insignia of Sky Trails. Even more strange, there is no pilot or flight attendants. There are only 36 babies on the plane.

Then we move forward 13 years to the "present", where we meet Jonah, Chip, and Katherine, then really strange things begin to happen.

Challenge - look up tachyon in Science On-line or if you insist on Wikipedia.

My definition - A tachyon particle is one that moves faster than the speed of light. However, we are made up of tardyon particles - does this remind you of anything funny? It does for me - Physics humor at its worst. - For example - some of us must be made of more tardyon particles than others because they are always late. I know not funny.

You may want to read or reread A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. It seems as though Ms. Haddix is trying to pick up where L'Engle left off.

Saavy by Ingrid Law

Did you ever wish that you could have magical powers? If you were part of the Beaumont family, you would get your powers or "saavy" sometime while you are in middle school - at the age of 13.

This is what happens to Mibs Beaumont. However, one problem, you don't always get the type of magical power you want, plus you need to learn how to control your saavy before interacting with the public. This means that Beaumont children are home schooled once they turn 13 until they learn how to control their saavy. Mibs doesn't have a problem with this. She doesn't like her school anyway.

Mibs is hoping her saavy is something that will help their dad. He was in a tragic car accident and is in the hospital.

This book is told by Mibs and is a coming of age story with a little fantasy thrown in for good measure. Readers looking for a fantasy story that could possibly double and realistic fiction will like this book.

This book is a Newbery honor book for 2009.

Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I was so impressed with Speak that I have recommended it to many students, parents, and teachers. This year we read Fever, 1793 as part of our Battle of the Books competition. I just finished Twisted (I will do a review later) and have Wintergirls on my nightstand.

Chains, is my favorite genre - historical fiction. I must admit that I was worried that Ms. Anderson would not be able to pull off writing from the perspective of Isabel (a.k.a. Sal) a young slave in revolutionary America. "Oh yee of little faith", Ms. Anderson has written a brilliant story based primarily in New York during the time of the American Revolution.

Though told through the eyes of Isabel, each character has the ability to bring forth imagery and meaning beyond young Isabel's short life, though trying, experiences.

""A scar is a sign of strength," he said quietly. "The sign of a survivor." He leaned forward and lightly kissed my cheek, right on the branding mark. His lips felt like a tired butterfly that landed once, then fluttered away." - page 167

I reluctantly admit this book will not appeal to the majority of middle school students I have worked with, but it should be a must read for all 8th graders. Plus, it would be a great book for a discussion group.

Summer Reading - The Underneath

My plan is to talk about books I am reading or have read recently. If my students want to comment or send me book suggestions, just e-mail me at ddavis@srvusd.net.

I am currently reading The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. The book has a melodic rhythm, like a ballad. In fact it reminds me of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev, where each character has a definite voice. Gar Face is dark and ominous, while the kittens are light and playful. Given the blatant animal abuse in the story, the format keeps me reading. It is also an interesting juxaposition of the horrors happening to the animals within Gar Face's reach and the well crafted nature of the writing. I am curious to discover exactly where the enchantment ends the the realism begins. For example: what exactly is living in the old pottery jar tucked into the roots of the old tree struck by lighting?

This book received a Newbery honor for this year. I do try to read most of the Newbery books each year. This year's winner is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illus. by Dave McKean (HarperCollins).

The honor books for this year are:

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illus. by David Small (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster)

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (Henry Holt)

Savvy by Ingrid Law (Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group in partnership with Walden Media)

After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers)

So far I have read the the Graveyard Book and Savvy. I will post something about those another time, as well as, reviews for some the California Young Reader Medal Nominees for 2009-2010. KEEP READING - also don't forget to join the summer reading program at the Contra Costa County Library.