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Aguirre, Ann. ENCLAVE New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2011 IL YA ISBN 0312650086 Duece has been chosen to be a Huntress and help keep the Enclave safe. The Enclave is a small community that survives underground. It has been years since a plague wiped out everyone Topside. And now the only world Duece knows is Enclave and other small communities they trade with. There are monsters known as Freaks who live in the underground that attack the communities and the hunters protect the citizens of Enclave. But then the unthinkable happens. Duece and fellow hunter Fade are banished from Enclave. Fade says he used to live Topside and that is where they should go. But what is left there? Duece only knows what she has been told all her life. And she is not so sure that this is a good idea.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Today's book 12/30/2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Today's book 12/27/2012
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Wright, Bil. PUTTING MAKEUP ON THE FAT BOY
Wright, Bil. PUTTING MAKEUP ON THE FAT BOY New York : Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2011 IL YA, RL 5.5 ISBN 1416939962 Carlos is 16 and he has all the confidence in the world. He is a wanna be make up artist who is working towards his goal. He lands a part time job at Macy’s and is sure that he is on his way to becoming famous. When a real star comes in and loves what Carlos can do he may just be on that road. But things are not going to be that easy for Carlos. He has a lot to deal with. His sister’s boyfriend is abusive, his boss’s jealousy of Carlos’ talent and his own crush on another boy at school.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Today's book 12/26/2012
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Welsh, M. L. HEART OF STONE New York : David Fickling, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0385752431 After defeating the Mistress in the first book of the series, Verity Gallant and her friend have been enjoying the summer sailing and relaxing. They thought the danger was over. But that is simply not the case. The Earth Witch is determined to come back and crush Verity and all the happy stories. Is Verity up to the challenge this time? She is determined to find a way. With lots of library research and some luck, she may just be able to defeat the Earth Witch.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Today's book 12/23/2012
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Stone, Jeff. PHOENIX New York : Random House, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.7 ISBN 0375870180 This is the first book in a follow up series to Stone’s Five Ancestors series. In this book, we meet Phoenix, an orphaned teenager from Indiana. He loves trail bike racing and is pretty good at it. When he learns that his grandfather is actually almost 400 years old, things get interesting for him. He is soon off to China to get back the dragon bone that has been keeping his grandfather alive. More adventures await as he tries to get the dragon bone back from some super bad guys.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Today's book 12/22/2012
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St. John, Warren. OUTCASTS UNITED : THE STORY OF A REFUGEE SOCCER TEAM THAT CHANGED A TOWN
St. John, Warren. OUTCASTS UNITED : THE STORY OF A REFUGEE SOCCER TEAM THAT CHANGED A TOWN New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0385741944 This is the true story of a remarkable woman and the children she touched. When Luma emigrated from Jordan, she wasn’t sure what life in the United States would hold for her. Cut off from her family’s wealth, she needed to make it on her own. One thing she was sure of was her love of soccer and of coaching. Fate brought her to a small town in Georgia and to the parking lot of a run down apartment complex. Here she met the boys that would change her life. They were refugees from many nations bonded together by their love of soccer. Luma threw herself into their lives as a soccer coach, friend and advocate. Learn how this small refugee soccer team changed lives and a whole town.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Today's book 12/21/2012
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Stephens, John. THE FIRE CHRONICLE
Stephens, John. THE FIRE CHRONICLE New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.1 ISBN 0375868712 After saving the town of Cambridge Falls during their adventure in The Emerald Atlas (2011), Kate, Michael, and Emma are caught up between warring factions. Kate is stuck in 1899 in Manhattan. Michael and Emma are sent to Antarctica to find the next book. The children will face some magical places, and much adventure on their way to the next book.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Today's book 12/20/2012
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Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD
Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0375868461 “The bigger the brain, the smarter the creature.” At least that’s what scientists thought before they met an African Grey parrot who would change their thinking. Alex, short for Avian Learning Experiment, was raised by Irene Pepperberg. She bought Alex when he was just a year old. She believed that she could teach the bird to talk and perform mathematics. No one paid too much attention to this since most scientists believed that birds were not very smart. But Alex sure proved them wrong. Read about the incredible story of Alex and Irene.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Today's book 12/18/2012
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Smiley, Jane. PIE IN THE SKY New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.0 ISBN 0375869689 Abby has been training her horse for competition. But True Blue isn’t responding to her training. Instead of going over the jumps, he just goes right through them and no one is impressed at his performance. But one of the judges reaches out to Abby to train one of his horses when a classmate stops riding. Pie in the Sky is a beautiful horse – and expensive. He has a mind of his own and will take some training in order to be a show horse. Is Abby up to the challenge?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Today's book 12/17/2012
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Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS
Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 0385740794 Growing up poor in West Virginia in the 1950s was hard for Lidia. She lives with her mother, brother and grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains. After Gran dies, it gets worse for them. Then Lidia’s brother dies from cystic fibrosis. Can things possibly get worse? They can’t believe that Lidia’s mother has been charged with killing BJ. There is no way that this can be happening. Send to live with an uncle , Lidia finds herself in a strange place with people she doesn’t know. The kids at school tease her about her homemade clothes and her hillbilly way of talking. Lidia knows that the only way to get back home is to prove her mother is innocent.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Today's book 12/16/2012
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Saunders, Kate. BESWITCHED New York : Delacorte Press, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 5.0 ISBN 0385740751 Flora is not exactly happy that her parents have decided to ship her off to boarding school. But there is nothing she can do about it. On the train to school something weird happens. Flora is magically transported to 1935! No cell phones or ipods. Not even a television. How can she possibly get by? But Flora is determined to understand her new life and try to figure out why she is there.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Today's book 12/15/2012
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Salm, Arthur. ANYWAY : A STORY ABOUT ME WITH 138 FOOTNOTES, 27 EXAGGERATIONS, AND 1 PLATE OF SPAGHETTI New York : Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.5 ISBN 1442429305 Twelve year old Max cannot believe his parents dragged him to this boring family camp. And plan to stay the whole summer! Max just has to do something to make this all tolerable. So he reinvents himself into Mad Max. He is not the bad boy of the camp. He is fearless and daring and cool. But can he keep this up?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Today's book 12/14/2012
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Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL
Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 158246393X Life on the frontier is certainly never easy but young May is going to find that things can get worse. Her parent ship her off to a remote farm where she is to work for the family. Her father promises her that he will come to get her before Christmas. But that is probably not going to happen. When the couple she is working for leaves, May is left alone in the remote house with little food and little fuel. The blizzards rage outside and the wolves howl in the night. May is alone and needs to find a way to survive. May’s story is told in verse.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Today's book 12/13/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT
Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 144245380X Sara is still trying to cope with all the paranormal activity in her New Jersey town. She would rather just be normal but can’t deny her psychic abilities. Especially with all these ghosts around. And now it is Halloween and there are more ghostly encounters than ever. When Sara unwittingly releases the ghost of a young boy, she might be in for more than she can handle.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Today's book 12/12/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES
Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 1442453818 Being a psychic may seem like a cool thing. But to Sara, it is most definitely not. She and her dad have moved to a town that seems to have more than enough ghosts in it. But Sara is determined to be normal. She has a vision of a really cute boy and she is sure that the two of them belong together. But when she meets him, she finds that he has a ghost attached to him. A ghost that doesn’t seem to want Sara in his life.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Today's book 12/11/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. GHOST TOWN New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.0 ISBN 1442440384 In the first book of the series, Saranormal, we meet 12-year-old Sara Collins. Sara is a pretty normal kid except for one thing. She is a psychic. She has been able to see ghosts for as long as she can remember. She doesn’t tell anyone about it because she just wants to be normal. But now she and her dad are moving to the coast of New Jersey. And this is a town with more than its share of ghosts.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Today's book 12/10/2012
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Potter, Ellen. THE HUMMING ROOM
Potter, Ellen. THE HUMMING ROOM New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.5 ISBN 0312644388 Roo is a 12-year old trying to keep it together. Her drug dealing father has been killed and now Roo is alone. Sent to live with an uncle she never knew, she is in for adventures big time. The uncle lives on an isolated island. Roo begins to explore the island and keeps hearing a humming sound. When she finally finds the source of the noise, she is shocked to find cousin Phillip. He is not what Roo expected to find. This book is inspired by the Secret Garden but stands on its own with a story of mystery and friendship.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Today's book 12/08/2012
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Osborne, Mary Pope. A PERFECT TIME FOR PANDAS
Osborne, Mary Pope. A PERFECT TIME FOR PANDAS New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 0375968261 Jack and Annie are off on another adventure. This time they end up in China at a panda reserve. How cool is that? This should be a fun adventure. But it just isn't meant to be that easy. What are the odds that they land in China the exact day that a major earthquake is about to hit. Is this the adventure where everything goes wrong?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Today's book 12/07/2012
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Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR
Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR New York : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2010 IL 3-6, RL 4.7 ISBN 1402240198"Only seven children who have read this book lived to tell about it." Are you brave enough to see if you will be a lucky reader? Elliot is out on Halloween and finds a girl in a goblin costume. She is being chased by goblins. It turns out that she is actually a brownie and this is a war between the brownies and the goblins. And Elliot finds himself right in the middle of it.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Today's book 12/06/2012
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Ness, Patrick. THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO
Ness, Patrick. THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO Cambridge : Candlewick Press, 2008 IL YA ISBN 0763639311 Has anyone ever told you they could read your mind? What if it was true. What if everyone could read minds? In this story, that is what happens. A virus has infected the population of a space colony and now all the thoughts are public. And you can't avoid them. It is a very noisy place. There are no women left and Todd is the only child in the colony. He is one month away from becoming a man and things are getting even stranger. He is told to run and leave the town. When he does, he finds something extraordinary -- a girl. And she has no noise. Now they are being pursued by the crazy preacher, they are on the run and Todd soon discovers the secrets of Prentisstown.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Today's book 12/05/2012
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Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375989781 Emily and Jackson are happy living with Aunt Hilda. In the last book, Emily inherited $10 million and a bad guy try to steal it from her. But that is behind them now. The two orphans are happy living on the farm and the money is safely tucked away in the bank. But now someone else is trying to find a way to get Emily’s money. And she and Jackson are hiding out.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Today's book 12/03/2012
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Moore, Carley. THE STALKER CHRONICLES
Moore, Carley. THE STALKER CHRONICLES New York : Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0374371806Cammie Bliss is trying to overcome her reputation as a stalker. She’s not like a crazy, dangerous stalker. She just has a tendency to go a bit overboard with her attention. Like slipping notes into lockers. Calling a lot and pretending to need homework help. Taking a few – ok lots – of photos of the boy. But that is all behind her. She is a sophomore now and oh so much more mature. But then she meets Toby. He’s the new boy in school and he seems to like Cammie. Will she end up going overboard again and ruin another relationship.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Today's book 12/02/2012
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Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC
Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 1596436735 Patrick is a 12 year old boy living in Belfast in the early 1900s. His brother has gotten a job on a luxury ship that is sailing to America. Patrick sneaks aboard the ship with stolen papers to try to work his way to America as well. But shoveling coal is just not the thing for Patrick. After he passes out, he is sent to work with the waitstaff. His job is to empty the big spittoons aboard the ship. In spite of this awful job, fortune finds Patrick in the form of a wealthy book collector who takes him under his wing. More adventure awaits him as he sails to America on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Today's book 12/01/2012
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Lowry, Lois. SON New York : Houghton Mifflin, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0547887205 Even if it has been a few years since you finished The Giver, you will be able to pick right up in this new book. During the Ceremony of Twelve, we meet Claire who has been chosen to be a Birthmother. When she gives birth to her first product, she has some difficulties and is deemed not fit to continue. She is reassigned but before she leaves her former assignment, she learns that she has given birth to a baby boy and she learns his number. She knows it is against all the rules to ever have contact with her son. He will be assigned parents at next year’s ceremony. Through a series of events, Claire meets her son and gets to spend time with him. She can’t tell anyone that this is her son or she will be in trouble and probably never see him again. He is a very active baby and screams most of the time. He is deemed not ready for parents at his first ceremony. After another year, he is still not ready so the elders make a decision that will change Claire’s life forever.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Today's book 11/30/2012
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Kuhlman, Evan. BROTHER FROM A BOX
Kuhlman, Evan. BROTHER FROM A BOX New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 1442426586 Matt’s computer genius father has a big surprise for the family. It’s a robot. It is actually a bionically modified lifeform. It sure looks human and even calls Matt his brother. Matt has to bring his new brother Norman to school with him and pretend he is normal. But Norman is a bit of an attention freak and just wants to show off. He even flirts with the girls. Matt isn’t sure what to think now. But when it seems as if some bad guys are out to steal Norman, Matt must help him.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Today's book 11/29/2012
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Kendall, Jane F. TENNESSEE ROSE
Kendall, Jane F. TENNESSEE ROSE New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0375970061 Tennessee Rose is a Tennessee Walking Horse living in the south just before the Civil War. She loves to practice her running walk that these horses are famous for. Levi, a young slave is her groom and she loves it when he spends time with her. As war looms, the horse wonders what the future will hold for her. And for Levi.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Today's book 11/28/2012
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Kelly, Katy. MELONHEAD AND THE VEGALICIOUS DISASTER
Kelly, Katy. MELONHEAD AND THE VEGALICIOUS DISASTER New York : Delacorte Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.6 ISBN 0375990151 Have your parents ever gone on a health kick? Did they make you eat lots of vegetables and other “good for you” foods? Maybe you didn’t like it so much. Well, Adam “Melonhead” Melon is not so crazy about his mother’s new cooking ideas. She is making him eat more and more vegetables. Melonhead is also having a problem wit his new teacher who is really mean. Melonhead and his friends come up with a plan to fix all his problems. But will it work?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Today's book 11/27/2012
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Hopkinson, Deborah. ANNIE AND HELEN
Hopkinson, Deborah. ANNIE AND HELEN New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375857060 Helen Keller was a remarkable person. She lost her sight and her hearing when she was very young and grew up in a world with no sound and no light. I can’t even imagine what her life was like. When her parents hired Annie Sullivan to teach Helen, it was a life changer. Annie was able to break down the walls to Helen’s world and help her understand the world around her.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Today's book 11/26/2012
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Holm, Jennifer L. SQUISH NO. 1, SUPER AMOEBA
Holm, Jennifer L. SQUISH NO. 1, SUPER AMOEBA New York : Random House, 2011 IL 3-6, RL 2.2 ISBN 0375937838 Move over Babymouse, there’s a new hero in town. From the creators of Babymouse comes Squish. Squish is a little amoeba who has dreams of becoming a superhero. But first he must make it through school and all that comes with it. And then there are his friends Pod and Peggy. This new series will have you laughing right along with Squish.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Today's book 11/25/2012
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Frost, Helen. HIDDEN New York : Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 4.9 ISBN 0374382212 Wren's mother has just run into the gas station to pay the bill. Wren stayed in the car listening to the radio. She was in the back seat and doesn't know her life was about to change forever. When the man jumped in the car and took off, he didn't see Wren so she ducked under a blanket to hide. For the next couple of days, she is trapped in the man's garage hoping he doesn't find her. But someone knows she is there. His daughter. At least Wren thinks she does. Darra leaves food and water for her. Wren is finally able to escape. Years later she is at her exclusive summer camp when she hears familiar voices. And the new girl has a name that Wren hadn't thought of in years -- Darra. Can this really be the same girl? And when Darra is introduced to Wren, she knows right away who she is. How will these girls deal with this unimaginable situation?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Today's book 11/23/2012
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Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS COOL IN A DUEL
Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS COOL IN A DUEL New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.3 ISBN 0375864385 Cheesie and Georgie are back for another adventure. This summer they are heading off to summer camp in Maine. They will be the oldest kids in the Little Guys cabin. And they are looking forward to it. They’ll get to make the campfires and even choose the teams. But what they don’t know is that they will be put in the Big Guys cabin. So now they are the youngest and are picked on. And Cheesie’s biggest bully is in the cabin too. How is he going to get out of this one?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Today's book 11/20/2012
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Cody, Matthew. SUPER New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.5 ISBN 0375868941 In the first book of the series, Daniel finds that he is not powerless after all. Although not as gifted as his friends, the Supers of Noble’s Green, Daniel did help in vanquishing Herman Plunkett. But now a new evil has descended in the form of one Theo Plunkett. He is wealthy and smooth talking and may have his uncle’s power. More adventures await the Supers as they try to keep their powers.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Today's book 11/19/2012
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Burg, Shana. LAUGH WITH THE MOON
Burg, Shana. LAUGH WITH THE MOON New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.0 ISBN 0385734719 After Clare’s mother passes away, her father thinks he can help her by taking her halfway around the world. They pack up and leave Boston and head to Malawi where he will be working in a hospital. Clare is definitely not happy about leaving all she knows behind to live in a place she knows nothing about. When Clare volunteers to help out in a school, she sees the harshness of life in Malawi. The poverty, lack of food, no running water, no electricity all haunt her. But she also finds a community that is vibrant and full of life.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Today's book 11/18/2012
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Blume, Lesley M. M. THE WONDROUS JOURALS OF DR. WENDELL WIGGINS
Blume, Lesley M. M. THE WONDROUS JOURALS OF DR. WENDELL WIGGINS New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 0375968504 Dr. Wiggins’ journals were once thought lost. The greatest paleozoologist of all time traveled the world in search of ancient creatures. He was interested in creatures who lived before humans. And the loss of his journals would be devastating. But it has been found and it is here for you to enjoy. Read about his fantastical findings such as the two headed mammoth buffalo in Nebraska, the rainbow spitting cobras in India and, of course, the hummingbird people from South Africa.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Today's book 11/17/2012
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Beil, Michael D. SUMMER AT FORSAKEN LAKE
Beil, Michael D. SUMMER AT FORSAKEN LAKE New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 6.5 ISBN 0375867422 Nicholas and his twin sisters want to get out of the city for the summer. They are excited about staying with Great Uncle Nick at Forsaken Lake in Ohio. But the summer might bring them more than they bargained for. Nick teams up with a local and they come across lots of mysteries. Just who was the Seaweed Strangler?
Friday, November 16, 2012
Today's book 11/16/2012
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Bacon, Lee. JOSHUA DREAD New York : Deleacorte Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.3 ISBN 0385741855 When you are in middle school, it can sometimes be embarrassing for your friends to meet your parents. But what if you are Joshua Dread and your parents are The Botanist and Dr. Dread and they are out to destroy the world? Joshua must fight zombies, killer robots and teenage girls to help save the world and his parents.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Today's book 11/15/2012
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Amara, Philip. SO, YOU WANT TO BE A COMIC BOOK ARTIST? : THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO BREAK INTO COMICS! New York : Aladdin, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 7.0 ISBN 1582703582 The title of this book pretty much says it all. So, You Want to be a Comic Book Artist. Do you like to draw? Do you sometimes draw comics? This book may be just want you need to help you go further. Learn how to create a great character. Write a story. And even get some publicity. Give it a try.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Today's book 11/13/2012
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Condie, Ally. REACHED New York : Dutton Books, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0525423664 In the final book in the Matched trilogy, we find Cassia working for the Rising within Society. She is working as a sorter for Society. Ky is now flying airships for the Rising. And Xander is a medical official who is secretly working for the Rising. They are all waiting for the Rising to begin. And to get back to each other. When the Plague strikes, Xander works tirelessly helping patients. The Rising takes the opportunity to strike. They promise a cure for the Plague. They successfully take over and are able to cure those who are affected by the Plague. But then it mutates. And there is no cure. And now people are quarantined and cannot travel. There is no way for Xander, Cassia and Ky to reach each other. And not all of them are immune to the new Plague. Hold on to your hat and be prepared for lots of twists and turns as they try to find a cure for the Plague and most of all, to reach each other.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Today's book 11/12/2012
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Jukes, Mavis. THE NEW KID New York : Knopf, 2011 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 0375858792 Have you ever been the new kid in school? It is not a good feeling, is it? Carson Blum has moved to a new home and is going to a new school. And he knows no one. The school is large and seems very different from the very small Montessori school he was used to. Will he find any friends? Will he ever fit in? What do you think will happen to Carson?
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Today's book 11/11/2012
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Lovric, Michelle. THE UNDROWNED CHILD
Lovric, Michelle. THE UNDROWNED CHILD New York : Delacorte Press, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 6.0 ISBN 0385908148 In the year 1899, Venice is seeing some unprecedented natural disasters. The waters around Venice are heating up and now sharks are prowling the lagoon. And children are dying from a mysterious plague. When Teo and her parents travel to Venice to help, Teo meets a young Venetian boy and the two of them set out to try to solve the mystery of why Venice seems to be under attack. They get help from a tattooed cat, mermaids, and other magical creatures. Just what is Teo’s connection to all of this?
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Today's book 11/10/2012
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Lopez, Diana. CHOKE New York : Scholastic Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.9 ISBN 0545418224 Windy Soto sees herself at solidly GP in school – general public. She is not a loser or popular. She just is. When a new girl comes to school, Windy is fascinated and drawn to the girl. Windy joins Nina for lunch and starts hanging around with her. Windy’s ticket to the in crowd comes when Nina asks her to be her breath sister. But that means she is going to have to play a very dangerous game. Will she make the right choice?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Today's book 11/07/2012
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Cody, Matthew. THE DEAD GENTLEMAN
Cody, Matthew. THE DEAD GENTLEMAN New York : Knopf, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 5.3 ISBN 0375855963 If you like steampunk literature, this is for you. Tommy Learner is living in New York City in 1900. He is a street kid who supports himself by stealing. One day he steals a magical metal bird from a strange looking man. Now he is being pursued by monsters. He is finally rescued by the Explorers’ Society, a group of dead gentlemen who travel through time. When the Dead Gentleman attacks the Explorers’ Society, Tommy is trapped. He is found by Jezebel but it is now modern time and Tommy is a ghost. And they must work together to save themselves.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Today's book 11/05/2012
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Carter, Scott William. WOODEN BONES
Carter, Scott William. WOODEN BONES New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.4 ISBN 1442427515 What do you think of when I say wooden boy? Do you think of the story of Pinocchio? He was a wooden puppet who became a real boy. In this book, Pino also has the gift of turning wood into real life. You see, it wasn't Geppetto's gift, it was Pinocchio who made the life possible. Now, you might think this is a cool thing to do. But it doesn't turn out that way. Everyone wants help bringing their loved ones back to life. On the run, the two are in for many adventures along the way.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Today's book 11/04/2012
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Gleitzman, Morris. THEN New York : Henry Holt, 2010 IL YAISBN 0805090274 This is the second book about Felix and Zelda as they try to survive during the Nazi takeover of Poland in 1942. The book picks up where the last one, Once, left off. After Felix and Zelda escape from a train on the way to a concentration camp, the two children must hide. They are taken in by a Polish farmwife who dyes their hair and makes them memorize new identities. Will this keep them safe?
Monday, October 29, 2012
Today's book 10/29/2012
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James, Brian. LIFE IS BUT A DREAM
James, Brian. LIFE IS BUT A DREAMNew York : Feiwel & Friends, 2012IL YAISBN 0312610041Sixteen-year-old Sabrina is artistic and has a very vivid imagination. But is it more than just a case of creating a fantasy world. She ends up in the hospital and diagnosed with a mental illness. Her hallucinations have gotten worse and her family cannot ignore the symptoms. Sabrina has schizophrenia and there is no cure. With treatment, her condition improves but then she meets Alec, a fellow patient. Alec tried to convince Sabrina that they are not mentally ill. It is the people around them that have the issues. She must decide whether to believe Alec and stop taking her meds or to trust her family and doctors.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Today's book 10/28/2012
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Howse, Emily. ZITFACENew York : Marshall Cavendish, 2011IL YAISBN 0761458301Meet Olivia Hughes. You may think she has everything. She is an actress and appears on lots of tv commercials. She is popular at school. And has some very good friends. All that is about to change. Olivia breaks out in a severe case of acne. She tries to pretend that it isn’t acne. Maybe it’s spider bites. But she will have to accept the truth and all that comes with it. Her acting career may just be in jeopardy. No one wants a zitface to sell their products. And her boyfriend is pulling away as well. And those friends she had – they are just not there for her.
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Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA ON VACATION
Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA ON VACATIONNew York : Delacorte, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.8ISBN 0385739958Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has survived her first semester at boarding school. Now it is time to head home for vacation. And who has she invited to spend break with her? None other than the school’s second-best tantrum thrower, Jacinta Headlington-Bear. At the family’s estate, things are not always what they seem. Soon Alice-Miranda finds herself caught up in a mystery than involved a famous movie star, a mysterious man, the maid and a new bully. What could possibly be going on here?
Friday, October 26, 2012
Today's book 10/26/2012
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Gutman, Dan. THE TALENT SHOW New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010 IL 3-6, RL 5.4 ISBN 1416990038 What would you do if you town was hit by a tornado and practically destroyed? Would you want to move away? Or would you want to do all you could to rebuild? The kids of Cape Bluff want to find a way to help rebuild. What better way than to put on a talent show? The biggest problem with this idea is that there is very little talent in Cape Bluff.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Today's book 10/25/2012
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Daly, Cathleen. FLIRT CLUB New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 5.1 ISBN 1596435720 Eighth graders Izzy and Annie are drama geeks. And rather clueless when it comes to attracting boys. But they are determined to change that. They start a secret club that they call the Flirt Club and together they set out to study successful flirting techniques that they can employ. Told through notes, lists and journal entries, we follow the girls as the try to find their way in middle school.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Today's book 10/24/2012
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Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE New York : Wendy Lamb Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 0385904878 Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana and her teacher has hopes for Deza’s future. But it is a time of high unemployment and poverty. They call it the Great Depression and there are few jobs around Gary. Deza’s father sets off to find work in Flint, Michigan and soon, Deza, her mother and brother follow hoping to catch up with him. They settle in Hooverville outside of Flint and there the family hopes to see Dad again. As they cling to hope, they must find ways to support themselves. Life is hard but the family lives by their motto “We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful.”
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Today's book 10/23/2012
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Crockett, S. D. AFTER THE SNOW
Crockett, S. D. AFTER THE SNOW New York : Square Fish, 2012 IL YA ISBN 1250016762 When he returned home, they were all gone. And all he found was snow - just like always. It has been years since the oceans stopped working and the ice age began. Willo's family escaped to the mountains and scratched out a subsistence by illegal trapping and hiding from the government. But that is all changed now and Willo is alone. He leaves the hut behind on his way to try to find his family. Along the way he finds a young girl who is in worse shape than he is. Her father has been eaten by wolves and her little brother is close to death. At first Willo leaves her behind but his conscious just won't let him. He returns to find her brother has died and the small hut is surrounded by hungry wolves. Willo risks everything to save her but what will he do with her now. Just another mouth to feed. What lies ahead for the two?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Today's book 10/22/2012
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Burkhart, Jessica. POPULAR New York : Aladdin Mix, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.3 ISBN 1442419504 Lauren is enjoying her popularity at Canterwood Crest Academy. She has a new boyfriend and things are all going her way. But is she taking on too much? All this pressure may just be too much for her.
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Burkhart, Jessica. COMEBACK New York : Aladdin Mix, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.3 ISBN 1442419520 Lauren enjoys being the It-girl at Canterwood Crest. But she might just be losing that title. And an important competition is coming up that may just change everything. And what happens when someone from her past shows up? Lauren is determined to overcome all obstacles but is that possible?
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Today's book 10/21/2012
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Almond, David. MY NAME IS MINA
Almond, David. MY NAME IS MINA New York : Delacorte, 2010 IL 5-8, RL 4.6 ISBN 0385740735 Almond scored a big hit with his book Skellig. In that story, we first met Mina. We find out so much more about her in the prequel to Skellig. Mina should be asleep. Everyone else in the house is. But Mina loves the night. She is staring out the window at the night and on her table is a blank notebook. What should she write in it? Should she write about the night and the things in it? Or should she write about Mina?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Today's book 09/20/2012
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Smith, Jenny. DIARY OF A PARENT TRAINER : YES, THAT MEANS YOU! LEARN TO TRAIN YOUR GROWN-UP!
Smith, Jenny. DIARY OF A PARENT TRAINER : YES, THAT MEANS YOU! LEARN TO TRAIN YOUR GROWN-UP! New York : Delacorte Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.6 ISBN 0385741987 Do you sometimes have trouble controlling your parents? Maybe you need some help. Thirteen year old Katie Sutton offers her expertise to help you train your grown-up. You'll learn about adult modes including "Angry Mode" and "Depressed Mode" and "Delirious Mode". Unfortunately for Katie, she finds that she may need the help herself. Her mother is dating a new, younger man who Katie is determined to get rid of. And then there is her ex-boyfriend who she is having second throughts about.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Today's book 09/19/2012
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Shelton, Dave. A BOY AND A BEAR IN A BOAT
Shelton, Dave. A BOY AND A BEAR IN A BOAT New York : David Fickling Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.5 ISBN 0385752490 The boy has decided to take a journey. As he steps into the row boat, he gives his destination as "just over to the other side, please". You will notice that the ship's captain is a bit different. He's a bear. That doesn't faze our boy though. So off they go -- destination, the other side of the sea. It doesn't seem like such a long trip when they start out but they soon find that it is not as easy as they thought. There are storms, sea monsters and they are running out of food. And now they have found themselves in the middle of nowhere with only sea and sky in sight.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Today's book 09/02/2012
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Westerfeld, Scott. THE MANUAL OF AERONAUTICS : AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE LEVIATHAN SERIES
Westerfeld, Scott. THE MANUAL OF AERONAUTICS : AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE LEVIATHAN SERIES New York : Simon Pulse, 2012 IL YA ISBN 1416971793 Are you a fan of Westerfeld's Leviathan series? If so, you will love this companion book. It is loaded with details about all the machines and creatures that play a role in the series. The illustrations are color and show the details of the transports, the weapons, the walkers, and the uniforms. Find out more about the the marvels that Deryn and Alek encountered on their journeys.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Today's book 09/01/2012
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Osborne, Mary Pope. PANDAS AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES
Osborne, Mary Pope. PANDAS AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES New York : Random House, 2012. IL 3-6, RL 5.0 ISBN 0375970258 Have you ever seen a panda bear? They are adorable. This book is filled with information about panda bears. Learn where they live, what they eat and how they spend their time. Like, when pandas are born, they are only about 6 inches long and weigh only three to five ounces. They are so helpless that the mother can't leave them and she may go three to four weeks without eating just to care for her baby. Learn about the panda and other endangered species that share our world.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Today's book 08/29/2012
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Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE MUTANT MATHLETES
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE MUTANT MATHLETES New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.0 ISBN 0375870288 The Breakfast Bunch has skipped the museum tour and now the principal is going to discipline them. After discussing it with their parents, he decides that Dee, Hector and Terrence will join the mathletes team to help them in their quest to win he trophy. Why would anyone join the mathletes team if they didn't have to. Well, the kids will do their best to help the team beat Willowby Academy in the championship. But Lunch Lady notices something odd about the kids from Willowby.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Today's book 08/28/2012
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Cooper, Rose. SECRETS FROM THE SLEEPING BAG
Cooper, Rose. SECRETS FROM THE SLEEPING BAG New York : Delacorte Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 0385742460 Summer camp. Is there really any thing like it? For Sofia Becker and her best friend Nona, the idea of summer camps is a bit mixed. They are looking forward to it but don't know what to expect. They certainly don't expect to be in different cabins! And the idea of going four weeks with no Internet is not a pleasant thought. How is Sofia going to keep up her blogtastic blog? So now she is keeping a journal of all the things that happen so she can blog about them when she gets home. And she is sharing her adventure with us!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Today's book 08/26/2012
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Clements, Andrew. ABOUT AVERAGE
Clements, Andrew. ABOUT AVERAGE New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.5 ISBN 1416997245 Have you ever thought of yourself as average? Jordan Johnston does. She gets average grades, she has average looks, she is an average singer. Then there are those things that she is below average in like playing an instrument. She relates to the book Sarah Plain and Tall except she is Jordan Plain and Average. The class bully finds a list Jordan made listing Things that I'm Good at, Things I'm OK at, Things I Stink at. This puts Jordan into a really bad mood but she comes up with a plan to make Marlea stop teasing her. And she just may find a way to become a little less average.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Today's book 08/21/2012
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Trueman, Terry. LIFE HAPPENS NEXT
Trueman, Terry. LIFE HAPPENS NEXT New York : HarperTeen, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0062028030 In Stuck in Neutral, we met Shawn McDaniel, a teenage boys with normal teenage boy thoughts and desires. He is a bright, friendly boy who loves music, tv and girls. But no one will ever know that. Shawn has cerebral palsy that renders his body useless. People around him have no way of knowing what goes on inside. And that is why his father decided to end Shawn's suffering a couple of days ago. But he changed his mind at the last moment and now Shawn is moving on. He is madly in love with his sister's best friend but he can't tell her. And when his mother's cousin moves in, he has a lot he would like to say. Debi has Down's and is very direct. Her dog Rusty is not the friendliest dog in the world. But the three of them form an unusual friendship. But how can you form a friendship when you can't talk, walk or even wave hello?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Today's book 08/19/2012
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Russell, Rachel Renee. TALES FROM A NOT-SO-GRACEFUL ICE PRINCESS
Russell, Rachel Renee. TALES FROM A NOT-SO-GRACEFUL ICE PRINCESS New York : Aladdin, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.2 ISBN 1442411929 Nikki cannot believe that Brandon has asked her to a party. BRANDON! Her absolute crush. How lucky is she? Brandon is so sweet. And when Nikki finds out that Brandon volunteers at an animal shelter, she is more in love. But the shelter is in danger of closing. Nikki is determined to help save it and she teams up wih Chloe and Zoey to find a way to get the money needed for the shelter. It involves entering an ice skating compettion so you just know that is not going to go as planned. And then there is Mackenzie to deal with.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Today's book 08/18/2012
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Roth, Veronica. INSURGENT New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0062024043 This is a sequel to Roth's Divergent. Tris and Four have survived the Erudite simulation and are now determined to try to find out what was behind it. The Dauntless attack has left the factions fighting amongst themselves and Tris is trying to save those she loves. Civil war looms and the quest for power begins. There are even more simulations and the factions thrown together. Tris discovers that there is a secret to protect. A secret that is so important that if known, it may destroy all the factions. Insurgent starts out right into the story and does not give a summary of what has happened in the first book. It is recommended that readers are familiar with Divergent before plunging into this story.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Today's book 08/17/2012
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Pyle, Kevin C. TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY
Pyle, Kevin C. TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY New York : Henry Holt, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0805082867 Two stories set decades apart. Kyle in 1978 is new in town. And he is bored. He joins up with a few other boys and they start destroying property just for the fun of it. They get their kicks from stealing and breaking up a construction site. When they are caught, Kyle and one of the boys end up in jail. The second story is a wordless story set in 1941. A family of Japanese Americans are shipped off to an internment camp. Life in camp is hard and the family changes in ways they didn't see coming. These two stories come together and the two learn from each other.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Today's book 08/16/2012
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Nichols, Tavis. MATTHEW MEETS THE MAN
Nichols, Tavis. MATTHEW MEETS THE MAN New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 1596435453 Meet Matthew. He is a freshman in high school and he has a dream. His dream is to play drums in a rock band. Unfortunately, his parents think that the trumpet is a great instrument and can't see spending money on something like a drum kit. But after he sees some local bands, he is more determined to follow his dream. And he won't let "The Man" get him down. Well, the man is really his parents. But he is determined not to let his frugal dad or even the IRS who takes a bite out of his first paycheck stand in the way of his dream. Do you have a dream that you would be willing to do just about anything for?
Friday, August 10, 2012
Today's book 08/10/2012
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Khan, Hena. MARS : YOU DECIDE HOW TO SURVIVE!
Khan, Hena. MARS : YOU DECIDE HOW TO SURVIVE!New York : Chronicle Books, 2011IL 3-6, RL 5.2ISBN 081187124XDo you ever dream of going to Mars? Would you like to be in charge of the expedition? Well, I can't give you that but this book is the next best thing. In this choose your own adventure, you are the commander of a mission to Mars. Your mission is to prepare Mars Base I for the first wave of permanent settlers and then return to Earth. As you read the book, you decide on the next step. Chose right and you return safely. Chose the wrong path and things may not go so well.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Today's book 08/10/2012
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Hirsch, Jeff. THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE
Hirsch, Jeff. THE ELEVENTH PLAGUENew York : Scholastic, 2011IL YAISBN 0545290147It's hard to look at life now and think that it used to be so different. Before the plague. Before the war. Two-thirds of the population has died and now the ones who are left struggle to survive. Stephen and his family have become scavengers. They move from place to place trying to find anything that they can trade. His mother has died and now his grandfather is gone as well. As he and his father are traveling, they come on some slavers. These are brutal men who sell humans into slavery. As they try to escape, Stephen's father is injured. What is Stephen to do now? His father is broken and in a coma. Fortunately, they are found by the inhabitants of Settler's Landing and taken in. Can a place like Settler's Landing really exist in this world? People live in houses, they go to school, they even play baseball. Is there more to this than meets the eye?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Today's book 08/09/2012
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Hicks, Faith Erin. FRIENDS WITH BOYS
Hicks, Faith Erin. FRIENDS WITH BOYSNew York : First Second, 2012IL YAISBN 1596435569Starting high school is always an adventure. But what if you were homeschooled all your life and have no friends other than your brothers? Maggie is looking forward to high school but really misses her time at home with her mother. But her mother has left the family and she is now following her three brothers into public school. She just doesn't think she can do it. She does eventually make a couple of friends but they are both considered freaks by the popular boys. Add to this the ghost that Maggie has seen for years, we have a story about adjustment and a bit of a mystery to solve as well.
Hicks, Faith Erin. FRIENDS WITH BOYS
New York : First Second, 2012
IL YA
ISBN 1596435569
Starting high school is always an adventure. But what if you were homeschooled all your life and have no friends other than your brothers? Maggie is looking forward to high school but really misses her time at home with her mother. But her mother has left the family and she is now following her three brothers into public school. She just doesn't think she can do it. She does eventually make a couple of friends but they are both considered freaks by the popular boys. Add to this the ghost that Maggie has seen for years, we have a story about adjustment and a bit of a mystery to solve as well.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Hautman, Pete. THE OBSIDIAN BLADE
Somerville, MA : Candlewick, 2012
IL YA
ISBN 0763654035
In the first volume of a new scifi series, we meet Tucker Feye who is living a pretty normal life in a small town in Minnesota. His father is the local minister and his mother is the organist at the church. Everything changes when Tucker's father disappears from the roof of the house when he is fixing it. Tucker thought he saw a floating disk near where he father disappeared but how could that be? When his father returns, he is a changed man. He doesn't believe in God anymore and forbids the family from mentioning Him. He is also accompanied by a young girl who is wearing strange blue boots. She doesn't seem to speak English and there is no explanation as to where she came from. And now Tucker's mother has lost her mind and there is no help for her. Things get even stranger when Tucker's parents disappear. Tucker keeps seeing the strange floating disks but who would believe him if he said he thought his parents went through one of them?
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