Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson

Imagine that you are Lily Gefelty. She thinks her father has a pretty boring job. But then she spends the day with him at the office. There are so many strange things going on. Her dad just tries to explain them away but Lily isn't buying it. Why is dad's boss wearing a disguise? And what is really going on? Lily and her friends decide they need to find out. She becomes convinced that stilt walking whales are about to take over the world!

The Cannibals by Iain Lawrence

When we last saw young Tom Tin in Lawrence's The Convicts, he was on his way to Australia on a prison ship. His friend Midgely and the other juvenile convicts are also on their way to the prison. But Tom's father is now the captain of the ship and he is determined to find a way to help Tom and Midge out of this situation. But they can't let anyone know that Tom is the captain's son. Midge has come up with an idea based on a book he has read. They will take the longboat off the ship and sail to an island to await Tom's father. Of course, nothing goes as planned and now Tom and Midge are at the mercy of an old convict who they find on the island. Is he also an escapee from justice? Is he really a killer? And are the stories about headhunters and cannibals really true? Join Tom and Midge on a very suspenseful voyage.

Roberto Clemente by Carin Ford

Roberto Clemente is a name you may have heard. He is a true baseball legend. Not only was he a great player, he was a great humanitarian. Clemente grew up in Puerto Rico dreaming of playing baseball. His dreams came true when he was picked up by a major league team. He eventually would play for the Pittsburgh Pirates and become known as one of the best right fielders ever to play the game. His career was cut short by tragedy.

Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury

Eddy felt duty-bound. His friends had already enlisted in the army and it was just a matter of time before he was drafted. Sure, he was only 16 but with a little careful alterations, his birth certificate now proclaimed he was 18 and old enough to enlist. Army life started out as drills and orders but that was all about to change. When the bombs started falling around his island, he just couldn't believe that it was the Japanese who were bombing Pearl Harbor. His dad was from Japan and always wanted to send Eddy back to attend college. But in a few short hours, lives and dreams were shattered. How could Japan attack their new country? And now Eddie, along with the other Japanese American soldiers, were the enemy too. Sent to an island off the coast of Mississippi, Eddy and his friends were now being used in a top secret training mission. Even though this is a work of fiction, it is based on real events that happened during World War II. You may be very surprised to find out what Eddy's mission was.

Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

Mitty plans to be a rock concert reviewer so he really sees no use for the classes he is forced to take at school. Especially Advance Biology. When he is told that he had better do well on his project or be moved to another bio class, you'd think he would be happy. And he might have been if this hadn't been the only class he had with Olivia. At the family's country home, Mitty realizes that he has forgotten to get any books for his project and now is stuck with no book store and no library around. Fortunately, his mother has just received a collection of books that she will use to decorate some house but there are books that used to belong to a doctor. There must be something in there that Mitty can use. And sure enough, he finds so old medical books. In one of the books is an envelop that holds two scabs from an outbreak in 1902. After Mitty handles the scabs, he begins to think they might still be contagious. And after a little research, Mitty realizes he is dealing with smallpox. Will Mitty be responsible for bringing back a disease thought eradicated?

Here I am at MVHS

Hi kids. It's me the Blue Duke and I'm spending the day at MVHS. Lots of cool people here who also love books.

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine

Have you ever heard of Never Land? It's a magical place where fairies live and humans never grow old. A new fairy arrives to join the others but Prilla has no talent that she can claim. Mother Dove accepts Prilla and assures her that her talent will become clear. When a hurricane hits the island, Mother Dove and her egg are injured and now the island is in danger. Without their magic, Peter Pan begins to grow up and the magical creatures and in danger of losing their magic. Mother Dove sends Prilla and two other fairies on a quest to repair the egg and to save Never Land. Clap if you believe in fairies.

Invisible by Pete Hautman

Doug isn't a school athlete or a popular student. He doesn't go out for theater. And he spends a lot of time working on his model railroad. Andy is a popular student, a great athlete and involved with school theater. The two aren't what you would expect for best friends. But they live next door to each other and have been best friends forever. Late at night, they talk to each other through their windows. But things are just not right somehow. As the days go by, we learn what it is.

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K. L. Going

We all have things that scare us. Some people are afraid of the dark, or high places or, ick, spiders. Gabriel King is afraid of lots of things. So his best friend, Frieda, comes up with a great plan that she thinks will help him be braver. She has Gabe write up a list of all the things that scare him, including entering 5th grade in the fall. One by one, they will work on those fears until they can cross them all off. Good plan, right? Do you think it will work? And what kinds of things are Frieda afraid of? Join Gabe and Frieda as they work on their lists during the summer of 1976.

On Etruscan Time by Tracy Barrett

OK, imagine being forced to spend the summer in Italy. It sounds great to me. How about you? Well, it doesn't sound so great to Hector. He is eleven and looking forward to spending the summer hanging with his friends. But now his mother is dragging him to Italy so she can work on an archaeological dig. Hector won't have anything to do all day. But one of the workers on the dig gets permission to teach Hector how to work the dig. It isn't a great way to spend the time but at least it's something to do. When Hector finds a stone with an eye painted on it, he is disappointed when it turns out not to be anything special. But little do the others know how special it will be for Hector. It has the ability to help Hector travel back in time. And there Hector finds an Etruscan boy who needs his help.

Chicken Boy by Frances O'Roark Dowell

You probably know someone like Tobin. A big chip on his shoulder and lots of attitude. Comes from a family of juvenile delinquents and seems destined to follow in that path. But Henry sees something different in Tobin. He sees someone worth knowing. Someone who might just be a friend. When Henry invites Tobin over to see his chickens, everything chages for Tobin. He begins to realize that he might just have some good features after all. As Henry and Tobin work on their science project about chickens, Henry learns about Tobin. How his mother died. How his home life is far from ideal. About his crazy grandmother. And how much he comes to love those chickens.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

As World War II rages in Europe, it is up to those left behind to do all they can to support the war effort. For 11-year-old Meggie Dillon, that means moving away from her home in Rockaway. Her father has gotten a job in Willow Creek, Michigan working in a factory that makes bombers. Not only does Meggie have to leave her home and friends, but her beloved Grandfather is not going to move with them. Life in Willow Run consists of living in a nondescript apartment with paper thing walls. But Meggie does meet several children and shares adventures and the uncertainty of life during the war.

Lily B. on the Brink of Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Lily B. is back and as interesting as usual. She is still writing her thoughts in her diary but now she is also writing for the school newspaper. Her advise column is just so Lily. Not only does she dish out advise, she also corrects the letters she gets. And now Lily has landed a job with a real author. Ellis Parsons is new in town and needs an assistant to help her with her new book. When Lily shows up for her first day, she discovers that Ellis is not just a writer -- she is the mother of The Boy. Lily has been pining over The Boy from afar but now she is actually in his house and working with his mother. Filled with wonderful friendships and incredible vocabulary. Yes, Lily B. is back and I, for one, am glad.

Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay

The Casson family are back in another look at this unusual family. This time we see life through young Rose's eyes. Rose has developed a terrible habit -- shoplifting. She isn't sure why she does it. Maybe to get attention. She is missing her friend Tom who has gone back to America. Her sister Saffy is searching for the identity of her biological father. Caddy and Michael are now engaged. Rose's father is now living in London with his new girlfriend. And Indigo's friend David has discovered Rose's secret. Nothing goes smoothly in the Casson household. But we wouldn't expect it to.

Under the Jolly Roger by L.A. Meyer

Ah-hoy! Jacky is back. Jacky Faber has made her way back to London by working on a whaleship. She'll do whatever it takes to get back to her beloved Jaimy. But, due to a misunderstanding -- so common for our Jacky -- her reunion with Jaimy is a disaster. And it leads to poor Jacky being pressed into service on a war ship. She is sure she will be released as soon as it is discovered that she is a female but Jacky just doesn't have that kind of luck. She finds herself as a midshipman on a ship with a cruel captain with none so pleasant plans for her. Through her cunning and a little bit of good luck, Jacky finds herself the captain of her own ship. But, good things never seem to last for Jacky. And what of poor Jaimy?

Afghanistan to Zimbabwe by Andrew Wojtanik

OK, I don't usually booktalk books like this. Why would I booktalk a reference book? Because it is so good. And it has a great back story. Young Andrew entered the National Geographic Bee in hopes of doing well. The first time, he didn't make it to the state finals. The second year he was determined to do better and he did make the nationals only to be eliminated in the preliminary round. As an 8th grader, it was his last chance to enter. And not only did he make the finals -- he won the national bee! When asked how he did it, he told about his secret. A 400 page study guide he had created. And now, his study guide is available to you! Filled with thousands of facts, this is a must to anyone who plans to enter the GeoBee. Or even those who are just interested in this kind of information.

My 13th Summer by Kristi Roberts

Baseball. That's all Fran can think about. That's all she wants to think about. Since her mother died last year and Dad has his breakdown, baseball was the only thing that mattered to Fran. She dreamed of being the first woman professional baseball player. And she was good. But this year, she was on a team that didn't want her. The boys were constantly harassing her. And the coach might even hate her. Nothing was going as planned. But still, Fran had her dream. Until the day at practice when everything changed.

Last Shot by John Feinstein

Imagine you are an 8th grader and have entered a writing contest. Now imagine you receive a letter informing you that you have won! Now, imagine that the prize is a trip to the Final Four college basketball playoffs with full journalist credentials! You will be able to meet the players and the coaches. You'll be able to attend the practices and the games. You'll have seat right up close to the court. What a great prize! And for Steven Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson, it is a dream come true. What the two don't anticipate is overhearing a conversation in the hall way. A conversation about fixing the final outcome!

Artemis Fowl : the Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

Artemis is at it again. Now 14 years old, Artemis is after a prize. A painting that is rumored to be only stolen by the best in the business. Artemis is determined to get the painting and then head home for the holidays. But, as usual, things don't go as planned. The painting is rigged but none other than Opal Koboi! She has been waiting a long time for a chance to destroy Artemis. And Holly Short too. But her plan to destroy all the Kingdom is beyond despicable.

Great Stone Face nominees for 2006

With summer coming, it is time to get a head start on reading the nominees for next year. Here's the new list (with links to Ms. Keane's page describing the books):

Barry, Dave. PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS
Byars, Betsy. SOS FILE
Clements, Andrew. THE LAST HOLIDAY CONCERT
Colfer, Eoin. THE LEGEND OF SPUD MURPHY
Collier, James Lincoln. THE EMPTY MIRROR
D'Adamo, Francesco. IQBAL
Farmer, Nancy. SEA OF TROLLS
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. THE HOUSE ON THE GULF
Hannigan, Katherine. IDA B : AND HER PLANS TO MAXIMIZE FUN, AVOID DISASTER, AND (POSSIBLY) SAVE THE WORLD
Ibbotson. Eva. THE STAR OF KAZAN
Kessler, Liz. THE TAIL OF EMILY WINDSNAP
Lasky, Kathryn. THE CAPTURE
Levine, Karen. HANA'S SUITCASE
Morgan, Clay. THE BOY WHO SPOKE DOG
Peck, Richard. THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL : A COMEDY IN THREE PARTS
Ray, Delia. GHOST GIRL : A BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN STORY
Rodman, Mary Ann. YANKEE GIRL
Stewart, Paul. BEYOND THE DEEPWOODS
Tocher, Timothy. CHIEF SUNRISE, JOHN MCGRAW, AND ME
Van Draanen, Wendelin. SHREDDERMAN : SECRET IDENTITY
Van Leeuwen, Jean. CABIN ON TROUBLE CREEK
Wait, Lea. WINTERING WELL
Whelan, Gloria. CHU JU'S HOUSE
Whitesel, Cheryl Aylward. BLUE FINGERS : A NINJA'S TALE
Woodruff, Elvira. THE RAVENMASTER'S SECRET : ESCAPE FROM THE TOWER OF LONDON

Shadow of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz

Life at the end of the nineteenth century Libya is one of separation of the sexes. Malika is on the verge of adolescence and she begins to see how things are changing for her and her brother. While she is restricted more and more to the home, her brother is now banned from sharing the women's space and must now work with his uncle. The childhood play is over. This is a world that may seem very strange to us in the 21st century but it is a world that makes sense to Malika's mother. But the arrival of a wounded young man makes Malika begin to question her limited opportunities.

Makeovers by Marcia by Claudia MIlls

Eighth grade should be starting better than this. Marcia has gained 5 pounds over the summer, she has a zit, Alex hasn't asked her to the dance and on top of that, her teacher is making the kids do a community service project. Marcia isn't interested in picking up trash in the parks or reading to kids. All she is interested in is makeup and boys. Somehow she gets roped into working in the nursing home doing makeovers for the residents. Can it get any worse?

Author Visit -- Lee Wardlaw

On May 11, Rundlett Middle School was fortunate to have author Lee Wardlaw visit us for the day. Ms. Wardlaw spoke with all the 6th grade students via 2 assemblies. The presentations were interactive with several students called out of the audience to participate! The kids had a really great time. They have been excited about writing and now many of them are writing their own books! Ms. Wardlaw also spent time in the library with students who came in to get her autograph or get a chance to talk with her. The whole day was electric and one the kids will long remember.

B for Buster by Iain Lawrence

For 16 year old Kak, joining the air force was a good way to escape his abusive father. He had dreams of flying and being a hero in the war. Stationed in England in 1943, Kak soon found himself flying ops over enemy territory. But it was not as exciting as he had believed. It was down right terrifying. He didn't know how he could go on flying. Surely no one else was as frightened as he was. But then he met an unusual man. Bert was the keeper of the homing pigeons that were used to send messages back to base from the airplanes that went on the missions. Bert seemed to understand what Kak was feeling and was a source of strength for him. Join Kak as he learns that war is not all he had imagined it to be.

101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher by Lee Wardlaw

Sneeze is back. He has achieved notoriety after publishing his book 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents. But that is behind him. He is happy with his inventions and his friends. But then his parents hit them with the news. They are going to have him skip a grade and start high school in the fall. How will he ever fit in? He doesn't want to be without his friends. He doesn't tell his parents that he doesn't want to go. That would disappoint him. Maybe there is another way. What if his teachers decide he's too immature to go to high school? Will that keep him with his friends? What if he figures out 101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher?

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet

Do you like a good mystery book? Well, this just may be what you are looking for. When Petra finds a mysterious letter, the mystery begins. "Dear Friend: I would like your help in identifying a crime that is now centuries old." Unfortunately, the letter blows away before Petra can read the rest. Meanwhile, a priceless Vermeer painting on route to the Art Museum is stolen and the thief vows not to return the painting until the experts admit that some of the Vermeer paintings have been done by impostors. And Petra's new teacher takes a particular interest in the missing painting. And then there's Mrs. Sharpe whose husband was killed years ago after proclaiming he had new information about the Vermeer painting. And let's not forget Petra's new friend Calder. Just what is it about his pentominoes?

Bollywood Babes by Narinder Dhami

The Dhillon sisters are back with a new adventure. Forced to participate in endless school fundraisers due to the alleged indiscretion of the principal, the girls are excited to help with the latest idea. The school is hosting a Bollywood party. Both Auntie and Mr. Arora are working on the planning. But the girls get a great idea. They have found out that Molly Mahal is living nearby. She was big in the 1980s but hasn't done any Bollywood films in a long time. But the girls can't help but think what a big draw a real Bollywood start would be. So off they go in search of Molly Mahal. What they find is not at all what they expected. Actually, nothing goes as expected.

A Kick in the Head by Paul Janeczko

"Why, you may ask, does a poem have rules? The answer is: rules make the writing of a poem more challenging, more exciting." Janeczko goes on to explain different forms of poetry and gives examples of them. The poems are written by a variety of children's writers and classic writers.

Giant Rat of Sumatra by Sid Fleischman

After being shipwrecked Edmund was saved by pirates. Nicknamed Shipwreck by the captain, he becomes the cabin boy for the pirate ship. The year is 1846 and Shipwreck is about to return to North America for the first time in almost two years. Anxious to return home to Boston, he finds his plans may not go as he hopes. The United States has declared war with Mexico and San Diego will soon be in the midst of battle. And Shipwreck is an American. Now he is the enemy. Will his Mexican captain be willing to protect him?

Search for Belle Prater by Ruth White

The last anyone had seen of Belle Prater, she was dressed in her son's clothes and leaving in the middle of the night. They say she was crazy. Must have been to leave like that. Her son Woodrow is now living with his grandparents but he still longs to find Belle. And this longing will not go away. He just knows that the mysterious phone call on New Year's Eve must have been Belle. And now Woodrow, his cousin Gypsy and the new girl, Cassie, are determined to find out where Belle is. Along the way, they make some new friends and go on a Search for Belle Prater.

Tales Told in Tents by Sally Pomme Clayton

Have you ever heard of a magic carpet? I bet you have. And I bet you enjoy folk tales too. This is a collection of folk tales from Central Asia. You may not be familiar with many of them. These are the tales told by the nomads who live in tents and travel from place to place. Tales from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhtan, Kyrgyzstan, Jajikistan and Afghanistan. Come on and lift the tent flap and enjoy these unique tales.

Swimming to America by Alice Mead

Linda knows there are secrets. Secrets that her parents keep from her. At 13, she is becoming angrier about the secrets. But she has her own secrets. Her secret hideout that she and her friend Ramon have built. The stranger who claims to have jumped off a ship in the harbor. The thugs who are looking for Ramon's brother. Linda knows it isn't good to keep secrets but what can she do? Her parents won't talk so why should she. Until a school assignment brings things out in the open.

Ida B. by Katheine Hannigan

Hannigan, Katherine.
IDA B. : AND HER PLANS TO MAXIMIZE FUN, AVOID DISASTER AND (POSSIBLY) SAVE THE WORLD

Ida B's first days at school were not what she expected. In fact, she was miserable. When her mother spends the day in school with her, she agrees that it is not where Ida B belongs. So, for the next few years, Ida B is home schooled. She loves spending her free time outdoors talking to the trees and the brook. And she loves spending time with her parents. But then the unthinkable happens. Her mother is diagnosed with cancer. Now her mother is too tired to teach her and her father is too busy taking care of the farm and his family. So Ida B has to go back to public school. Will fourth grade be as bad as she believes? Can Ida B adjust to all the changes happening in her life?

Escape to West Berlin by Maurine Dahlberg

After World War II, the country of Germany was divided up and ruled by four different countries. The Soviet Union took control of East Germany and the United States, Great Britain and France took control of West Germany. The country of West Germany prospered while the country of East Germany became poorer. The Soviets dreamed of creating the perfect socialist society in East Germany but it did not happen. For the first few years, people were allowed to cross between the two countries with little problem. But in 1961, the East German government decided to close the border and not allow any more crossings. For Heidi and her family, this posed a very big problem. Her father had been working in West Berlin for many years and loved his job. But now he was being told that he could no longer work in the west. When the family decides to escape to West Berlin, they must be very secretive about their plans. But the crossing is going to be a lot harder than they thought.

Girls in Pants

Brashares, Ann. GIRLS IN PANTS : THE THIRD SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD

This is the last summer before the Septembers are off to college. And they want to make it a great one. In the Fall, they will be heading off to Brown, NYU, RISD and Williams. They'll be close but not close enough to see each other a lot. So for the summer, Bridget is off to be a counselor at soccer camp. Tibby is working in a movie theatre. Of course, Lena will do anything rather than work in the restaurant. And Carmen has taken the unlikely job of taking care of Lena's Greek grandmother. But they make a plan to have one weekend at the beach at the end of the summer just for the girls. The summer brings change to each of the girls but what this means for each of the girls is very different.

Nicola and the Viscount

Cabot, Meg. NICOLA AND THE VISCOUNT

Ah, don't you just love Victorian romances? Meet Nicola Sparks -- 16 years old and an orphan living in 1810 London. No, she isn't one of those street urchins you've met in other books. Nicola is part of London society and she longs to marry well and live a good life. Right now she has her eye on Sebastian Bartholomew aka The God. He's handsome, rich and everything Nicola could ever want. But there is no way that Sebastian could ever be interested in marrying a near penniless orphan of no title. But then it happens. He proposes!!! Everyone is amazed. Including Nicola. Dreams really do come true. But why is her best friend's brother doubting the sincerity of the proposal? What could Lord Sebastian want from Nicola other than love?

City of Ember

DuPrau, Jeanne. THE CITY OF EMBER

It's assignment day. Lina has dreamed of this day for so long. She's dreamed of wearing the red coat of a messenger. She knows no one gets to choose his/her own job. Everyone is assigned one and must work at it for two years before a transfer can be considered. After all, everything is done for the good of the City of Ember. When the jobs are announced, Lina receives the worst possible news. She's been assigned to the Pipeworks. Working underground in horrible conditions is her fate. Until her friend Doon asks to switch with her. He's been given the job of messenger but he wants to work in the Pipeworks. Lina can't believe her luck. But then she starts wondering why it is so important to Doon to work on the generators. Could what he says be true? Is the City of Ember running out of light? Can Lina and Doon really help save their people?

Pepins and Their Problems

Horvath, Polly. THE PEPINS AND THIER PROBLEMS

Meet the Pepins. They are a delightful family but totally incapable of solving even the smallest of problems. What would you do if you found toads in your shoes? The Pepins haven't a clue and the author must rely on suggestions from the readers to help the family. When they can't find any silverware, they again seek assistance from the readers. Will this family ever be able to solve their own problems? What will happen when the book ends and they can't ask for any more advice?

Legend of Buddy Bush

Moses, Shelia P. LEGEND OF BUDDY BUSH

In 1947 North Carolina, the rules are very different depending on the color of your skin. Twelve-year-old Pattie Mae understands this and longs to move north to Harlem with her brother and sister. She can't wait until she is old enough to leave. She loves her mother and her grandparents but the pull of the north is strong. Uncle Buddy has told her lots about life in Harlem. He spent many years there. So many that he sometimes forgets the rules in the south.

Molly McGinty has a Really Good Day

Paulsen, Gary. MOLLY MCGINTY HAS A REALLY GOOD DAY

Molly McGinty is a very organized young lady. Her notebook is the center of her world. She has everything she needs right inside of it. Her homework assignments of course. Her address book. Pertinent information about her friends - phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, pets, siblings. She had her lunch tickets in a special compartment. Emergency money. To-do reminders. You name it, she probably had it in her notebook. But now something is terribly wrong. Her notebook is missing! How will she get through the day? And what a day it is going to be. It is Senior Citizens Day at school and Molly's eccentric grandmother is coming to spend the day. Wow, little does Molly know what an unusual day it will be.

The Teacher's Funeral

The Teacher's Funeral

Peck, Richard. THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL : A COMEDY IN THREE PARTS

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of the year for it." So begins the story of fifteen-year-old Russell Culver who is looking forward to having the school shut down after the teacher dies. All Russell can think about is quitting school and joining up with a wheat threshing crew to get out of this town. There isn't much here in Indiana for a young boy in 1904. Russell wants to go to the city and see all the wonders that modern technology brings. But there is no such luck. Russell's older sister Tansy is appointed the new teacher and so begins a year of privy fires, missing bells, and elocution lessons for this rag tag class at Hominy Ridge School. If you liked Richard Peck's other novels set during this time, A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago, you are sure to enjoy the comical look at rural schools from the last century.