Donnine's Discourse

Matched and Crossed by Ally Conde

2012-01-08T08:49:00.001-08:00

This new series may appeal to some of you looking for a new book after the Hunger Games. It also set in a dystopian society after a great tragedy tears apart current society.
Also, like Hunger Games is a love triangle. Unlike Hunger Games there is little violence until the second book.
Recommended by a student, I liked the first one so much, I immediately started reading the second.
Those of you looking for something more substantial than this, I would still suggest Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, Pretties and Specials!

The Jaguar Stones: Middleworld by J & P Voelkel

2012-01-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

This book too was recommended by a student. It has some good action, but the setting is very unfamiliar to me. It is set in the jungles in Central America. It has some archeology with historical fiction. It looks at Mayan lore and legend and a little of the interaction and thievery of the Spanish conquerors when they arrive.
However, the story is not primarily historical fiction because it is set in modern times with occasional flashbacks to previous times.
I had a hard time identifying with the main character as a slightly spoiled boy who loves video games and is feeling ignored by his parents.
My one hope was to get to know more about the mysterious housekeeper and the odd rituals she is performing. Perhaps she reappears in one of the sequels with a fuller character.
Bottom line satisfying read about Mayan culture with adventure and some fantasy put in for good measure.

Silverfin: a James Bond Adventure by Charlie Higson

2012-01-08T08:24:00.001-08:00

This series has been in our Book Fair and was recommended to me last year by a student. I finally got a chance to read it. I am a big fan of the older James Bond movies, but have not read any of the books. I have to say that if you are expecting the fully formed Bond from the movies or getting into the head of the character, you may find this book disappointing. However, this book has some good spying action on an evil crazy bully, just like the movies. The author also does a good job of Bond not being sure who to trust. Plus, he touches on Bond not really thinking a mere "girl" can help him. Just like the movies Bond develops some good friendships quickly and easily.
It is worth a read if you are looking for action, an easy read, and don't mind a few squeamish moments.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

2011-11-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

Those that are frustrated or unwilling to accept the status quo should read this book. Plus an added bonus is technology and that the setting is San Francisco. The main character is an unwilling witness and possible suspect of terriorst activity. This could be set only a few years in the future, but I felt most the technology is pretty much here now. Cory Doctorow gets all this stuff absolutely correct.
What I found disturbing about this book is that BART recently did something that is used in this book to control crowds. The book also brings forward new uses for those Xboxes....or other gaming devices that have access to the Internet.
Thus far, all that have read this book seem to have enjoyed it, but be aware, this book may not be for all. It does contain content that makes it Young Adult (violence and/or sex).
My family members who have read this book feel it will make a great movie.

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Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

2011-11-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan the sequel to Lost Hero was worth the wait in my opinion. I did not care for Lost Hero that much. It did not have the suspense and original story that the Percy Jackson series has or the Kane Chronicles. However, this book kept my interest all the way through. Possibly because we are following Percy again, but he does not really realize or remember everything.
I loved seeing the Greek gods appearing in their Roman forms. However, I still like the name Aphrodite over Venus or Zeus over Jupiter etc. Some gods are not as powerful in the Roman form as in their Greek form or vice versa.
Our library has several copies, but you will want to get on the wait list now to reserve a copy of this book.
If you don't remember how to do this, you may want to check out the library page and watch the video on how to log in, then simply look at How to ________ in ______________ then click on Log in to Library OPAC or click here to watch the video on how to log in.
Once you have logged in search for the book by using the title, click on the title to open the link to the description of the book. On this page you will find the link to create a hold for the book.
You can also come to the library to reserve/hold this book. It is worth the wait.

Read just because

2011-10-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

I finished three of the 7 books In used for a 7th grade project. The project was for 7th graders to place a book on hold in the OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalog). We are also using these books for our next project, plus other books. I decided to read them because I wanted to imagine what a writer would need to research to create a book that is historical fiction and specifically set in the Middle Ages.
These seven titles are as follows,
Adam of the road by Vining
Child of May by Tomlinson
The Book of the Lion by Cadnum
Fire, Bed, and Bone by Branford
At the Crossing by Crossley-Holland
The Executioner's Daughter by Williams

The three books I read were Child of May, The book of the Lion, and Fire, Bed, and Bone.

Child of May is set in the Sherwood Forest and is a variation on the Robin Hood story. The main character is 15-year-old Magda. She lives in the forest with Marion. She knows Robert (Robin), he visits the clearing in the forest and recruits her to help rescue prisoned nobles. This is definitely not the Disney Robin Hood, but I found it entertaining and a quick read.

The book of the lion follows 17-year-old Edmund into to Holy Land on crusade. He is part of the crusade with King Richard. If you are not too squeamish, you might like this book. If you are familiar with the events of the crusade, it covers the brutality of the Christians upon capturing Jerusalem. This would not be my first pick of the three, but for those interested in the crusades, it gives a glimpse into the life style and trevails of getting to the Holy Land from Medieval England.

Fire, bed, and bone is told by the old dog in the home. I love the voice of the dog as she tries to make sense of losing her master. This story is set after one of the great plagues and the landowners attempts to quell serfs from leaving lands and to keep them subservient and quiet. While reading this book, I was reminded of Crispin by Avi. I think Crispin is a better book for me, but I loved seeing similar events through the eyes of a dog.

In any case, remember the library has some great reads about historical periods in history. Try doing a power search using historical fiction, then a couple of other keywords to bring up books in your favorite historical period or you can use a power search to pinpoint the exact books you are looking for.
Have fun reading!!

Two similar reads

2011-09-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

I finished two books recently that seem like, likely candidates for my blog. One is Little Blog on the Prairie by Bell and the other is Ten Miles Past Normal by Dowell.
Both of these books have a girls telling the story (boys it is still a good book...).
In Little Blog on the Prairie the main character is brought to Wyoming by her mother, along with the rest of her family for an authentic 1890's experience. You quickly realize reading this book how much we take for granted. Simply washing the dishes or not being able to order a pizza when you don't have the energy to cook. In fact this family learns to live on beans, yes beans, for several days because that is all they have time to make. The main character, manages to sneak a cell phone into this environment and texts her friends about her misery. One of her friends decides this would make a good blog and decides to share her text messages with the world in a blog that she is creating for a class.
My first thought, wow, this is a good example about how texts can get out of hand quickly by going viral. However, her friend did ask her first.
Needless to say, a catastrophe ensues when the blog goes viral and she has to face what she has opened up about her family and the "1890's Prairies Camp".

The second book I read first, but I loved the text to text connections I was making as I read this book. Again the main character is a girl. Imagine getting on the bus smelling of goat droppings! This is what happens to this character. It only gets worse when her high school starts calling her "goat girl" and worse.
She also lives in the middle of nowhere or 10 miles past normal. She was the one with the great idea to have a"farm". However, she had this idea as a fifth grader, but it isn't working well with her high school personna, that she wants. She is trying to find a way to fit in to this new environment until she finds a "band" and begins playing bass. Good read.

The Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings

2011-09-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

This book is one of the Battle of the Books picks for this year in our district. It was not the first one I have read, but I really enjoyed reading it. Therefore, I wanted to start with this book.
This book is set on the Cheasapeake bay. The story is told by Brady in a series of flashbacks. As Brady tells his story, you slowly realize he is in big trouble. His two best friends Digger and TJ are also in trouble, legal trouble.
The biggest problem is Brady needs to solve a mystery that includes his friends. In fact, it was a flippant comment made by Brady to TJ and Digger that worries Brady. Can he come forward and explain what happened to Ben and his mom without destroying his friendships, his family, and his reputation?

The best thing about this book is that all three boys learn (hopefully a lesson for the reader as well) that any action may have devastating consequences.

Book Clubs!!!

2011-09-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

Sign ups have begun in the library. Don't miss any of the great books we read this year. We have a book club that meets twice a month for each grade level.

Mrs. Roudman will sponsor the 6th grade book club.

Mrs. O'Neill-Goodrick is sponsoring the 7th grade book club.

Mrs. Kaplan, Mrs. Perdue, and Mr. Simonds have agreed to read books with the 8th graders.

So, get into the library to sign up. These teachers do not want to read alone. I will come in when I can to join in the discussions.

Usually the grade level book clubs begin with the California Young Reader Medal books. This year we will be able to offer copies of the Middle School/Junior High books to book clubs. The books in this category are:

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party: A Novel by Ying Chang Compestine
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

Plus, you can also sign up for the Battle of the Books (BOB) team. Although it is not mandatory that you join the team or that you read all 8 books, BOB members are encouraged to read all of them. Only 12 of the members will be able to compete at the BOB competition. Get started now with the titles for this year. They are:

Cosmic by Frank Boyce
Easty by Edith Pattou
Freak the mighty by Roderick Philbrick
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
The Grim Legacy by Polly Shulman
The Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings
Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

I hope to have time to write reviews for all of these books. I read the California Young Reader Medal books in the Spring and just finished The Red Kayak and Cosmic. If you are interested and can't wait for the review come talk to me about these books. Multiple copies are on their way now for our book clubs!

Welcome Back Los Cerros

2011-08-31T16:05:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a great summer vacation. I did.

I read several books, but I didn't read many young adult books. I will post some of those titles soon.
What I did read were several adult biographies and travel type books.

I visited Prince Edward Island(PEI). PEI is the setting for the Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I hope you will come tell me what you read, also about what you did over summer.

Sixth grade my other dachshund's name is Sedona. See you soon in the library!

Summer Reading

2011-06-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have already finished my first book this summer. I hope you are reading and have picked up forms at the Contra Costa Library for their teen reading program. http://guides.ccclib.org/srf
Also, if you are looking for my reading list or for Mrs. Kreiser's reading list visit our school web site and the library section http://www.lcms.srvusd.net/Reading.
Back to the first book I finished this summer. I have seen many students in 7th grade reading Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris. I have wanted to read it for a while. It was a Junior Library Guild pick and had great reviews in School Library Journal. (You can see our collection of Junior Library Guild books in our library catalog, under categories, plus sometimes School Library Journal articles or other review sources are included in Amazon.)
The story is set in a world of fairytales. There is magic, trolls, fairies, and small kingdoms only separated by barriers as simple as a river. The story is told mostly from Christian's perspective, but is written in third person. There are some clever twists and turns that reflect issues we have faced in the 20th century. For example: Christian's foster father, a troll, is trying to break up Queen Mab's (a fairy) monopoly as the tooth fairy. There is also some technology brought in by Christian's interest in inventing. The story begins with "Ed", Christian's soon to be foster father is walking in the woods with his two dogs. The dogs come across Christian in a bush. He, Chris, has decided that he doesn't want to live with his family anymore because they make him wear velvet. So, Ed has no choice, but to take him home to his crystal filled cave.
Well, like any boy, they grow up. Chris begins to use a telescope to watch the goings on at the castle and specifically the youngest princess. They begin p-mailing (pigeon mail) each other and ....
This will make a good quick read to jump start your summer reading, if you like this genre of book. I read it in an afternoon. Enjoy!

The Importance of a Classroom Library | Edutopia

2011-03-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Importance of a Classroom Library Edutopia

Reading is always important, if you want to be a well educated, well rounded individual, that is open to new ideas and customs of other cultures. This article is a quick read about the importance of all libraries, but especially about libraries where the individual running it is known to the student.

Poison Ivy by Amy Golman Koss

2011-02-21T15:17:00.001-08:00

This book is told in an interview format. Each student tells their story of what happened when their American Goverment teacher Ms. Gold decides to hold a mock trial. The case put before the court involves three bullies, who have been bullying Ivy aka Poison Ivy since 4th grade. I am not quite done with the book,so more later.
I am also reading another book called Little Brother by Doctorow, but needed a break from that books evil police.

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Read-a-thon

2011-01-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to read for the SRVEF read-a-thon. There are great prizes every week.
Check it out! http://www.srvef.org/read/index.asp.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

2011-01-30T21:38:00.000-08:00

Well we are back at Camp Half-Blood, but Percy is missing! Jason is the leader of the lastest quest. Where did he come from, who is his father.
Many of the surprises in this book are not very surprising, but the quest is a nice ride with a new twist. Plus, for hero fans, it is sets up a new series with many of the things that are familiar from the Percy Jackson series.
One question that might keep me reading this series is to find out what happened to Percy.
Happy reading!

Newbery Announced!

2011-01-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

The Newbery Medal was announced a few days ago.
For a complete list of all the award winners go to the American Library Association Winner's page .
Here is the Newbery List.
"Moon Over Manifest," written by Clare Vanderpool, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Newbery Honor Books
"Turtle in Paradise" written by Jennifer L. Holm, published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
"Heart of a Samurai" written by Margi Preus, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams
"Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night" written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
"One Crazy Summer" written by Rita Williams-Garcia, published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Although, our library will have copies of all these books in the next week or so, we currently only have "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia.

Over the weekend I read a couple of these on my kindle, so I will post comments soon.

New Android App for blog posting

2010-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

I am hoping that now that I have a new app on my Smart Phone, I will be able to keep up with my posting. However, I may end up with many typos, so bear with me as I explore this new technology.

Speaking of technology: I am currently reading Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede. Although the book is primarily fantasy, it makes me think technology because it is set in the settling of the west using magic. Kind of weird, but fascinating. In the book there is a group called the Rationalists that do not want to use magic to create barriers to keep out dragons and other wildlife. I see analogies between the Amish and the decision to avoid technology. Is definitely worth a read, but may not be for everyone.

Five days five books

2010-09-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a car driving from California to Tucson, Arizona, I needed something to do besides stare out the window, or check 6th grade worksheets, or play games on my DROID, so I read.
I finished three books and started two others.

Mockingjay by Collins

What I saw and how I lied by Blundell

Greetings from planet Earth by Kerley

Zorgamazoo by Weston

Gods of Manhatton by Mebus

The first, Mockingjay was worth the wait. I read it quickly and actually finished it before leaving for Arizona, but wanted to talk about it. Katniss is back with even more trouble to deal with in District 13. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but it was worth the time to read. However, be aware that if you think the first two books: The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are violent...they are rather mild by comparison. Realize that Katniss is now older with many people depending on her. We have a few copies in the library, but put it on hold, otherwise you will probably not get to borrow it from our library anytime soon! While you wait, other dystopian society books you may like are Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, Pretties, and Specials, or Life as we knew it by Pfeffer.

What I saw and how I lied is set post World War II. It was an interesting book, but definitely young adult. The character is 15 going on adult. I will be passing this book onto another teacher or adult before adding it to our collection. Several of the middle schools have passed on this book for their collections.

Greetings from planet Earth is also set post war, but after the Viet Nam war. In fact the story is set around events a few years after the war during the Voyager expeditions. Theo is struggling to determine what he wants to use for the most important thing about Earth for his class project. His father never returned from Viet Nam, so as he is trying to puzzle out his project he is also trying to puzzle out what happened to his dad. Those that have read books about Viet Nam or are interested in space, may want to read this. It would be a great pick for 7th grade boys looking for an interesting book that is not a difficult read for book groups. If you like this book you may wish to consider Cracker! best dog in Viet Nam by Kadohata, Letters from Wolfie by Sherlock, Eyes of the Emperor by Graham (WWII) or if you want a more graphic picture of the war in Viet Nam *Fallen Angels by Myers. (*This one is for mature readers, probably not for 6th grade, yet!!!! )

Zorgamazoo, I gave up on after the first few chapters. I hardly ever set a book aside, but this one is written in rhymes. The rhythm is very similar to Dr. Seuss' in pattern and style. However, the skill that it took for Mr. Weston to do this is amazing. I have ordered it on CD for our library because I think it will be joy to listen to. If you like books written in an unusual style, try Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse or Love that Dog by Sharon Creech or something really different Regarding the sink: where o, where did waters go? by Klise and Klise.

Finally, Gods of Manhatton by Scott Mebus, I haven't finished yet. I started giving it to students last year without reading it first for student who liked Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Olympians series. I made a mistake! It is nothing like those books. I am currently about half way through the book. It is interesting, but it is more like the Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh, than Percy Jackson. In fact the Night Tourist is more like Percy Jackson than this book. I will finish it in the next few days and possibly write more. I am also planning to read Oh my Gods by Child, which promises to be similar to Percy Jackson. I may follow that with Jane Yolen's Young Heroes series. In the meantime, I will keep looking for a read alike for that series.

Why I didn't post or what I read this summer.

2010-08-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was busy this summer. I spent a couple of weeks in Europe, a weekend in hot, hot, hot Virginia, and a weekend in San Diego. I would love to share stories, so come ask me.

I also did a lot of time reading. Check out the display in the hall or in the card catalog. However, here are the highlights.

I finished all eight the books for the Battle of the Books.
Found by Haddix
Schooled by Korman
Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle
Night Tourist by Marsh
The Wild Girls by Murphy
Slob by Parker
The Schwa was Here by Shusteman
When You Reach Me by Stead

Plus, I read these California Young Reader Medal Nominees:

High School:
The Hunger Games by Collins
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Pearson
Unwind by Shusterman

Middle School/Junior High
Cracker! Best dog in Viet Nam by Kadohata
Elijah of Buxton by Curtis
*need to read - Skulduggery Pleasant: Sceptor of the Ancients by Landy

Intermediate
Igraine the brave by Funke
Greetings from planet Earth by Kerly
*need to read - Zorgamazoo by Weston

Picture book for older readers
*need to read - All of these...
Moon Over Star by Diana Aston
John Paul George & Ben by Lane Smith.
Four Feet, Two Sandals by by Karen Williams.

SRVUSD Battle of the Books announcement

2010-07-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Celebrate the 4th of July, plus the picks for next year's Battle of the Books!

They are:
Found by Haddix
Schooled by Korman
Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle
Night Tourist by Marsh
The Wild Girls by Murphy
Slob by Parker
The Schwa was Here by Shusteman
When You Reach Me by Stead

I hope you will join the Los Cerros team and book club reading these great titles. I have just finished three of the books chosen Schooled by Korman, The Wild Girls by Murphy, and Slob by Parker. I will write a brief review, soon. I really liked all of them. Plus, I will try to post a review for the others, I just need to review them, plus read the one remaining that I have not read Night tourist by Marsh.

Curse as dark as gold by Elizabeth Bunce

2010-06-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the fairytale of Rumplestiltskin? Elizabeth Bunce retells this fairytale in this book.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

2010-04-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

If you like futuristic science fiction and you aren't too squemish about people providing body parts, you will like this book.

This book was hard to stop reading. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The hard part was getting through the surgery at the end of the book. I feel this book raises some good questions for discussion.

This book completes the set that is nominated for the California Young Reader Medal in the high school category. The other two are The Adoration of Jenna Fox and The Hunger Games. I know which is my favorite, but I am not telling. If only I could vote!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

2010-04-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! It was difficult for me to stop reading this book, just like Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Both of these books are nominees for the California Young Reader Medal in the high school category.

Jenna Fox can't remember her past. Things come to her in small unrelated and seemingly unimportant snippets, like shopping for socks. But, she can remember most of the writings of Henry David Thoreau. What happened? Why can't she remember? Why does Lily, her grandmother, seem to dislike her? Why does her mom fear her leaving the house? What is up with the computer with her name on it in her mom and dad's closet? Why did they move to California, espcially afer the devastating earthquake there a years earlier?

These are just some of the questions frustrating Jenna Fox. This is a great read!

All of the books in the high school category for the California Young Reader Medal for the 2o10-2011 school year are great reading. I love to read all the books in all the categories, but the high school books have been a challenge the last couple of years. Although all of them are great books, providing them on a large scale in middle school for book clubs would be difficult. The third book in this category is Unwind by Neal Shusteman, more about that one in a future blog.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

2010-04-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Like Holes by Louis Sachar, I started this book several times. Unlike Holes, I didn't get into it and then not be able to set it down. I even started listening to tapes, but for me the story just didn't move fast enough.

This doesn't appear to be a good recommendation by me. Actually it is a good book. If you like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson or any of the books by Jules Verne you will like this book. Plus, I have several students that love this book. Two of our book clubs read this book this year. Most liked it.

This book has a great premise. Airflight is developed at the turn of the century, but not airplanes. Air travel is by airship. Matt is a cabin boy on the Aurora. Kate is a very wealthy passenger, who is determined to explore the strange creatures that her grandfather wrote about in his log while traversing the Pacificus in his air balloon, solo. Matt, just happens to be the last person to talk to her grandfather. The Aurora is the airship that attempted to rescue her grandfather.

While crossing the Pacificus on the Aurora, they are boarded by air pirates! Although the pirates promise to not hurt anyone, a storm pushes the pirate airship into the Aurora damaging her. Yikes they are on a crash course into the ocean. What next?

London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

2010-04-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

I finished this book a few weeks ago, but I am finally having time to sit to write a quick comment.

What I really liked about this book is Ted. Ted falls in the autism spectrum. He is brilliant, but not in a linear way. He is an observer. He notices things that others miss. Kat, Ted's sister, tolerates him mostly, but she truly begins to appreciate Ted's different way of handling things once their cousin Salim disappears.

Salim and his mother have come to visit Ted's family. They are on their way to New York. Salim is not happy about the move and you learn that he even asked his father to let him come live with him. While, Salim is in London, the families have decided to visit the London eye. The London Eye is a huge Ferris wheel near the river Thames. Passengers in the bus size Ferris wheel cars have a great view of the city. Ted, Kat, and Salim are waiting in line, when they are offered a ticket by a stranger for one of them to take a ride at an earlier time. Salim goes and he goes up, but doesn't come down...or does he. Even the police begin to appreciate Ted's keen eye to observe.

The only problem with this book is understanding some of the English cultural items. However, if you are an Anglophile, like I am, you will love this.

SLJ Battle of the Books

2010-04-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the School Library Journal's Battle of the Books you will know that the winner is Marching for Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge.
There were some pretty close calls along the way. I hope to post comments about any books I have read. One I want to read from these is the Lost Conspiracy, plus I will need to read the winner to decide what I think of it as compared to the others. Stay tuned...

Join me reading for School Library Journal's Battle of the Books!

2010-03-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Didn't sign up for Battle of the Books or didn't want to go public because you are a closet reader?
Participate in School Library Journal's Battle of the Books.
Although I have enough to read right now, I could not resist. I will do my best to read along with the author judges. From the first two rounds the winners are Charles and Emma and the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Check out their website at sljbattleofthebooks.com
I will be setting up a display of the books in the library for you to read along with me.
Also, this year there will be a Zombie round. You can pick a book that lost to reappear or rise from the dead to come back to compete against the winners in the final round.
Check out the YouTube video it is really funny.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

2010-02-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the 20,000 Dollar Pyramid with Dick Clark on TV? Have you ever read Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time? If you haven't some of this book will not make sense at first. However, Rebecca Stead does a very good job of explaining the game show. I am not sure if she explains Wrinkle in Time well, but then again, I know I couldn't explain that book either.

This book is the Newbery winner for 2010. Although in my opinion the story is not as original or unique as last year's winner The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, I preferred this story. It was easy to connect and understand what Miranda is going through trying to find her place in 6th grade. Loosing her best friend Sal and trying to make new friends. All this while trying to avoid the pitfalls of living in a big city: homeless mentally challenged people living on the street, large schools where it is impossible to know all the kids, or gangs hanging out in the neighborhood teasing and torturing passersby.

When You Reach Me bridges a gap between realistic fiction and science fiction, but perhaps this gives away too much of the story. This will be a quick and worthwhile read for all students in middle school.

I hope to read the other books receiving Newbery Honors this year Claudette Colvin: twice toward justice by Hoose, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Kelly, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Lin, and The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Philbrick. I still haven't finished two of last year's winners, so I will keep them on my continuously growing reading list as well.
Newbery Website

Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

2010-02-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

Seventh grade book club decided to read this book. Unfortunately, I couldn't leave the library to find out what they thought of the book. I will have to ask them individually or check at our next book club meeting.

The concept of this book is intriguing. The whole concept of smallpox coming back to infect the United States and be used by terrorists. Scary, but possibly not as far fetched as I would hope.

My grandmother was a survivor of smallpox, plus I am old enough to remember being vaccinated for smallpox. My grandmother had some pretty serious scars on her upper chest from the disease.

The book also made me think about how I e-mail and what private information I share on the Internet. Mitty Blake, Mitchell, finds out that he needs to be more aware of what he is asking and who he asks. A question that he innocently sends asking for answers to questions about smallpox, gets forwarded to people he had never intended to recieve his e-mail - the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the FBI. Also, he finds that not everything on the Internet is correct. Also, he needs to pay attention to the age of material he uses. New information is always found for some topics like disease, so you need to look for updates!

Good book, I would recommend it if you like books with suspense.

Now you see it... by Vivian Vande Velde

2010-02-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

If you like reading books with fantasy elements in a realistic setting you will love this book. Wendy lives with her mom, stepfather, and her "perfect" stepsister. She also wears glasses, which she has to wear or she is basically blind.

She inadvertently breaks her glasses and her family does not have the time or money to go and get new ones right then. Miracle of miracles she finds a pair of sunglasses on her front lawn that are her prescription.

However, there is a catch. These glasses allow her to see dead people and see through glamours. At least this is what she figures out after accidentally entering an alternate world of elves, witches, dragons, and spreenies.

This author has written many books, but this is the first book I have read. I do plan to read more.

On another note, I haven't been keeping up my blog, but I plan to post some of the other books I have been reading since November.

Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix

2009-11-29T21:27:00.001-08:00

Second in the "Missing" series, it lives up to my expectations. It will help if you know some Tudor Stewart history and/or a little about Shakespeare's Richard III. I can't even begin to imagine the problems Ms. Haddix faced in writing this book.

How can you be true to such a well know mystery of history, where the sides are passionate about what happened to the two princes in the tower? She manages to skirt a controversial issue and show Richard for probably what he really was, a devoted uncle faced with the possibility of throwing his beloved England into years of more war between the Lancasters and Plantaganets. Don't worry she doesn't go into this much detail; however, as my family will attest, I can bore you for hours on the topic of British monarchy.

Jonah and Chip are the first to take a peek into history and try to repair the problems caused by the baby thieves in book one. Although the mystery is not as good as the first book with the babies arriving suddenly at an empty gate at an airport, she does a great job of showing the challenges of 20th century kids in 15th century England.

This book is worth reading. I wonder where she is going next. They are tapped for their next mission at the end of this book.

Syren by Angie Sage

2009-11-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

I have almost missed posting in November. To put things mildly, things get hectic in November for everyone with family.

Like me, things get hectic for Septimus Heap in Syren. Having just barely made it through the fourth book in this series Queste, Now Septimus is faced with trying to please too many masters. In this book Septimus is beginning to come into his own and ignoring those persons who controlled him in past books. He is growing up. He meets a new character, who I think will appear in subsequent books. Someone who is his equal. This could evolve into more than mutual respect in one of the last two planned books in this series.
For me, this is the best book in this series thus far. It is action packed! I love the new cat like character in the lighthouse. Plus, the princess's father is shown as what I thought of him in the first book. He seems to me to be someone who shifts his duty to his family for the pursuit of what he feels is important. He seems a braggart too. Plus, he doesn't think about the long term fallout to his actions.
I love that the dragon is really an integral part of Septimus' plans for the first time. He is way more than a pet in this book. Plus, Beetle and Wolf Boy are part of a very important part of Septimus' group that he relies on for advice etcetera.
If you haven't read the other books, don't start here. Take the time to read the first four books Magyk, Flyte, Physik, and Queste.
Good luck!

Luxe by Anna Godbersen

2009-10-31T17:08:00.001-07:00

Luxe was recommended in by several of the magazines I read for book reviews. Interestingly, as sometimes happens, each reviewer recommended it for different grades. This usually means the content is slightly risque, thus making it is difficult for the reviewers to agree.

I was intrigued, especially since one reviewer said it was a great read for those looking for more mature fair to Lisi Harrison's Clique series. I have only read two books in the Clique series and I don't even recall which ones they were. I really didn't care for them. I felt they were trite and simply written. However, a series I did like, which is also similar is Kate Brian's Private series. Plus, in the Clique the "bad" girls tend to get away with being bad. At least in the Private series, there are consequences for actions - good and bad. Private is not really appropriate for middle school, but I would still recommend it.

This new creation on the privileged girl theme, I really did like. As usual with historical fiction, I looked at this book trying to find historical inaccuracies in costume or events. However, these books seem fairly historically accurate, even though the language and actions are at times out of character for the time period.

These books are being written as a series. The first book Luxe follows Elizabeth Holland, one of two daughters born into one of New York's oldest families, through few days of her life culminating in her "death". Actually, the book begins with her funeral. Don't let this stop you from reading this book. The story quickly progresses in a decidedly wicked fashion of exposing her best friend to be actually trying to sabotage her recent engagement to the "hottest" and "best" catch of the season Henry Schoonmaker. It does have some racy moments and alludes to some risky sexual behavior, there is nothing graphic or detailed. These risky behaviors are similar to those in Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. If you are ready for something more mature and like the privileged bad girl theme, I would recommend these books.

Oh, BTW, I read this book on my Kindle. I do have a copy in the library, but would like one or more two readers before adding to the collection. Talk to me if you are interested in being one of the first at Los Cerros to read this book.

Series: Uglies, Pretties, & Specials by Scott Westerfeld

2009-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

This series begins with Uglies and follows Tally in all three books. As stated previously, I rarely will read all the books in a series; however, this series was worth reading all three. There is a fourth related book - Extras, but I haven't read that one yet....
The setting for these books is a futuristic dystopian society after a biological catastrophe that has destroyed many of the cities and people on the planet. You slowly learn that the survivors have formed cities, much like the ancient Greek city states. Each city is autonomous and has little to do with each other. Tally only wants to be old enough to become "pretty" and live in New Pretty Town. Shay her best friend has other plans. They enjoy sneaking into New Pretty Town to spy on the "pretties".
Eventually, Tally learns that there are others. They have no desire to be pretty. They have escaped to the wilderness to avoid becoming pretty. Although Tally wants to be pretty, she follows Shay to join The Smoke, where David lives. Both Shay and Tally like David and are vieing for his affections.
In fact, the interplay between these three drives the stories in all three books and how Tally works her way through her guilt, desires, and others blackmailing her.
This series is a great read for everyone. I highly recommend this series.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help myself. After reading The Hunger Games (see my previous post), I had to read Catching Fire. Especially because a copy arrived the next day from Junior Library Guild and because it was not already spoken for by one of my students. Although I didn't have to wait for the this book, it would have definitely been worth the wait. I sure hope the next one will be.

Even though some of Catching Fire was predictable, the story still managed to keep me intrigued with new twists and turns. Haymitch, Peeta, and Katniss are all having to deal with the Quarter Quell. These are the Hunger Games that happen every twenty-five years. Haymitch was the winner at the last Quarter Quell - the 50th games. Meanwhile the capitol is planning for Peeta and Katniss to marry. In fact, President Snow makes a very threatening visit to Katniss to make sure that she is serious about Peeta. However, is she serious? Gale is a more prominent character in this book even though he doesn't have much page time.

The surprise for me was the ending of course, but also getting the bigger picture of Katniss' mother and some of her upbringing and relationships outside the Seam. District 12 and it's citizens are a big part of this book as are the victors from previous Hunger Games.

Oh, not to spoil anything, but this book abruptly ends like the last. Suzanne Collins' writing reminds me of the old serial movies my dad watched when he was a teen. Where the characters are thrown into an impossible cliff hanger. He had to spend another ten cents next week to find out what will happen to his favorite characters. So, like my dad I have to wait for the next book. HURRY, hurry Suzanne Collins! It is going to be a difficult wait to find out what awaits Katniss in the next book. Maybe I should start her other series The Underland Chronicles - Gregor the Overlander?

Listen to this post as a podcast!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-10-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The setting is a futuristic dystopian society in North America. You have the sense that something has gone terribly wrong. The book is told in first person as a sort of memoir by Katniss Everdeen girl tribute from District 12 to the 74th Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games were started in the nation of Panem as a reminder to the districts to never rise against the Capitol again. In fact, there used to be 13 districts, but the capitol obliterated District 13. Now every year each district must send two tributes, a boy and girl, to the hunger games. The hunger games are not merely a game they are a battle to the death that is televised across the nation. Every citizen must watch, including the families of the tributes. These games reminded me of our reality shows on TV now and made me think of the gladiator games in Ancient Rome. Like the gladiator games the hunger games are horrific. However, the violence isn't any worse than what is currently shown on TV. Plus, to boost ratings the Gamemakers will contrive to make the games more interesting by creating extra obstacles, like feast days. These days promise food and items the competitors will need and want, but are designed in a way to bring the tributes in close proximity, so that they can pick each other off.

I can hardly wait to read the recently released sequel Catching Fire. Suzanne Collins is also the writer of the Overlander Series. I am thinking that I need to pick up one of these to read. She is a great writer.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

2009-09-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

It is that time again to start thinking about reading for the Battle of the Books (BOB). The competition will be in May. We will be forming groups at Los Cerros soon. The first book I read for Battle of the Books (BOB) is The Thief. I will review other books for BOB as I read them. See the complete list of books at the end of this blog.

My first thought about this book was Aladdin as a thief set in Greece. However, the more I read, I realized this story setting was more European than set in one of the Arabian countries. After reading the author notes at the end, I found that I was kind of right. The setting is in an alternate universe, but similar in geography to Greece. Some of the areas are very dry and arid, while others lands are more cultivatable.

The main character, or thief, isn't what he seems and the story is full of twists and turns involving Gen. The story contains its own mythological stories shared by Gen and magus on their trip to steal and artifact from a neighboring country. The artifact is rumored to have magical powers and is a gift from the gods. Gen has boasted that he is the best thief ever, is he?

For me this was a great story and I may read the entire series, because I found it that good. I rarely will read an entire series unless I really enjoyed the first book. Other series I have not been able to stop is Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Keys to the Kingdom, Bloody Jack, Sabriel series, and a few others. Ask me about them if you are interested!

Battle of the Books Titles
Mystery:
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

Sci Fi/Fantasy:

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Vampire High by Douglas Rees
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Historical Fiction:
Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone

Realistic Fiction:

Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
Alabama Moon by Watt Key
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

A Crooked kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

2009-09-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

"A piano is glamorous, sophisticated, worldly. Is is a wonderful thing to play the piano." Unfortunately, Zoe Elias doesn't get to learn to play the piano. Her father buys her a Perfectone D-60. An organ!

Zoe really wants to fit in and be part of the "in" crowd. Her best friend is becoming part of the in crowd and has begun to ignore and avoid her. The "in" crowd plays piano not organ.

But, she finds a new friend in Wheeler Diggs. She sees him as some one who comes over every day to hang out with her agoraphobic dad and eat. In fact it was her dad who accidentally buys her the organ, instead of a piano.
Her mother works constantly as the controller for the the State of Michigan. Her mother wants Zoe's dad to help out more, but he mostly takes classes at Living Room University. Wheeler begins to work with her dad on his courses. For her 11th birthday Wheeler helps make a piano out of marzipan for the cake Zoe's dad bakes.

She continues to obsess about pianos, however, she begins to find that she actually enjoys playing the organ. The climax of the story is when she enters a competition at the urging of her organ teacher. Her future as a piano and organ player, as well as, her family's future is decided during the competition.

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

2009-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

I just finished this book, this morning on my Amazon Kindle. Like all the books by Carl Hiaasen written for juveniles, it is a good read, if rather formulaic. Again the characters are very ecology minded, which I think is an important message. This time they are saving an endangered Florida panther. Hence the title - panther droppings - a.k.a. Scat.
It did get a little trite at one point when he couldn't resist a Dr. Seuss tie in...

I think Hiaasen is a good writer and would not hesitate to recommend this book. I haven't read any of his adult fiction, but may add some to my summer reading list for 2010 when I would have time to read adult lit again.

I would also like him to write one of these where a girl is the main character.

Click by Linda Sue Park, David Almond & others

2009-08-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

The cover of this book looks like an old fashioned camera. This camera is important as the story progresses. This book sometimes focuses on photography, which has appeal for some. But, what I found interesting about this book is that each chapter is written by a different author.

The first chapter is written by Linda Sue Park (A Single Shard, Kite Fighters, The Mulberry Project, & others). She introduces the three main characters Maggie and Jason Henschler and George Keane "Gee". Each additional author gives further glimpses into moments or "snapshots" of an event in these characters lives.

The story begins with Maggie and Jason, learning that their grandpa "Gee" George Keane has died. He has left them each something to remember him by. Gee was a famous photographer, who is well known and has traveled all over the world meeting famous, infamous and just regular people and capturing photos of those meetings.

We learn a lot about these three characters as the story progress over decades. Plus, we learn some surprising things about Gee along the way, a secret past. Jason learns to value the family he has. Maggie learns to live without Gee and becomes some one on her own.

Some of these moments are set during world famous events, while others have yet to happen.

This book would be a great study of voice, style of writing first person etc, and genre. Most of the stories are written like historical fiction, but the final stories are science fiction.

This was a recommendation from Michael Bernard at Rakestraw in Danville, Ca. Thanks Michael, it was a good read!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

2009-08-05T23:24:00.001-07:00

Finished this again about one week ago. No new awe-inspiring information came to light, other than being reminded that Ms. Rowling borrows heavily from classic literature. For example, her defeat of the Basilisk by using a "mirror" or not looking at the Basilisk. This is used by Jason against the Gorgon.

Think about another series, I haven't mentioned in this blog, but is also being made into movies, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (movie coming out soon). Rick Riordan has spent a lot of time reading classic mythology. It seems as though Ms. Rowling has done the same.

Good writers are not always original, but recognize good source material when the see it.

Just finished the third Harry Potter and Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr and started the 4th Harry Potter,plus I am reading the first in the Ranger's Apprentice series, which looks like it also now has a movie deal.

Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

2009-08-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

WOW, this book blew me away. Warning - some parents will have a problem with some of the language and openness of the author to portray a true portrait of a young male in full adolescent discovery that, as my niece would say, TMI . (Too Much Information!)

What I liked about the book was it's unwavering denouncement of alcoholism in the Native American Community. Also the ability to show that it is very difficult to go against the norm and try to break out of the mold and do something new.

This would be the perfect book for some 8th grade boys, but I have no intention of putting it in the library right now. I have my personal copy out on loan to be read and reviewed by other teachers. I want to include it as part of our collection, but need more adult input. In the meantime it is a National Book Award recipient, plus other awards. So it will be available from Contra Costa County Library. Let me know what you think!

Harry Potter

2009-07-24T22:40:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince opened in theaters on July 8th. Yes, I had to go see the latest installment of the Harry Potter movies. I enjoyed it immensely, of course we all know how it ends.

However, I was distressed to not remember certain facts that were revealed in the movie, so...I have decided to reread the series.

I started with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - no not the Sorcerer’s Stone. I personally own both the UK and American versions of all the books. I was very annoyed when Scholastic (publisher of the American versions) decided it was necessary to change J.K. Rowling's original UK title. I believe that the Philosopher's Stone makes more sense given the historical connection to alchemy.

Anyway, one thing that puzzled me in the recent movie, was the scene where Hermione is explaining her parent's occupations as dentists. Hmm, I didn't remember that. However, it is clearly stated in the first book or at least the UK version. I do not have plans to reread the American version to confirm that this was not edited out. Challenge for a student or blog reader?

One other thing that has peeved me about the movies is that Peeves was removed from the story. So, I await the final two movies to see if he is finally added to the films. (Yes, the final book has been divided into two movies, just in case you didn't know.)

I will post comments about the Harry Potter books as I read them, but I don't want to get too distracted from my original goal of posting comments on books I haven't read, so...my next post will not be about Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Hogwart's cast.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2009-07-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

This book was the Newbery winner for 2009. Newbery winners tend to be new and innovative. This book definitely fits that description. This book begins with a knife looking for Bod - short for Nobody. The knife has already eliminated his entire family. Bod is a toddler (only 18 months old) and doesn't comprehend the danger he is in. Fortunately, he finds his way to a cemetery. The residents adopt him and raise him as a member of their community although he is a member of the "living".

I believe the following quote covers this book accurately.

"A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising," said Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño.

The eighth grade book club read this book this past school year. Both Mrs. Kaplan and myself enjoyed this book as did the book club members that finished the book. If you start this book it is a good idea to read it all, for me it was similar to Holes. Like Holes by Louis Sachar it has a slow kind of depressing beginning, but once I was into the book, it was hard to set down. Keep in mind that the Battle of the Books committee for 2009-2010 for our district is considering this book as one of the 8 to 10 books for the competition. Please let me know what you think of this book. ddavis@srvusd.net

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

2009-07-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

By saying this book is not appropriate for middle school students, will possibly make it more attractive.
However, Twisted is narrated by Tyler, who is a teen having emotional difficulty in his relationships with his father and Bethany, whom he worships.
Warning - Tyler contemplates suicide!
School Library Journal recommends this book for grades 9 and up and although I enjoyed this book, I am inclined to agree.
Check with your guardians before picking this one up and make sure you talk to some one if you are ever feeling like Tyler.

Skeleton Creek: Ryan's Journal by Patrick Carman

2009-07-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

This book has a great idea of embedding short videos as part of the story. The story drops titles and authors names like a person trying to impress others by the famous people they know.
For example: Ryan McCray mentions Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson in his journal. Plus, Sarah Fincher uses The Fall of the House of Usher and other horror titles and character names as passwords to her website.
Ryan is keeping track of his and Sarah's explorations into a mystery surrounding one of the gold dredges in Skeleton Creek, Oregon. The book strings you along, but doesn't quite live up to the expectation of the dropped names in the book.
Here is my YouTube review.

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Challenge, look up some of the passwords for Sarah's videos to determine which book or story these characters came from.

Found - Margaret Peterson Haddix

2009-06-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

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.

To Blog or not to Blog, this is the question

2009-05-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

After much resistance, I decided that it could be worthwhile to have a Blog presence on the net. I have limited time, so I don't know how much I will be able to post. As a librarian I decided it is time to join people talking about books to do my own reviews etcetera here.