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Polak, Monique. FINDING ELMO Custer, WA : Orca Book, 2007 IL 5-8, RL 3.8 ISBN 1551436884 Tim really enjoys working at his father’s pet store. They have only been at this location for a few months and sales are not going well. Every morning, Tim does the rounds of feeding the animals and spending time with them. His father has told him over and over again not to get attached to the animals because they are here to be sold. Tim can’t help getting attached to a cockatoo by the name of Elmo. Elmo was given to the store by an owner who could no longer keep him. He has been with them for a long time. No one seems to want to pay the $2,000 price tag. The store is in financial trouble and Tim’s dad has to find creative ways to pay the rent to Mr. Morgan. When Mr. Morgan says he will reduce the rent for the month if he can rent out the store for a party, it seems like a way to get them through the month. But will things go as planned?
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Today's book 12/31/2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Today's book 12/30/2014
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Sign Of The Chrysanthemum By Katherine Paterson
Paterson, Katherine. THE SIGN OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM New York : Harper, 1988 IL 5-8, RL 5.6 ISBN 0064402320 Set in 12th century Japan, the story centers on 14 year old Muna. Living in a small village, Muna longs to find the father he has never known. His mother has told him tales of a great warrior who came to the village years ago. He was a fierce samurai with a tattoo of a chrysanthemum on his shoulder. When she passes away, Muna stows away on a ship bound for the city in search of his father. He is discovered and a likable ronin named Takanobu takes him under his wing. Muna soon realizes that Takanobu is a bit of a scoundrel, but he has been kind to Muna and deserves loyalty. One night, a fire breaks out in a bar where Takanobu has been drinking. Muna tries to save him, but suffers smoke inhalation and is not successful. Fukuji, a master swordsmith, takes Muna in and helps him heal. After, Muna stays with Fukuji doing chores around the house to earn his keep. Muna is happy with his life and hopes that one day Fukuji will take him on as an apprentice. But fate has other plans for Muna.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Today's book 12/28/2014
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How To Steal A Dog By Barbara O'Connor
Georgina has not always lived this way. She used to have both a mother and father and they lived in an apartment. Until her father walked out and left them with very little money. Now, Georgina, her brother and her mother are homeless and living in their car. It is very hard at school as the other kids are starting to make comments about her wrinkled clothes and dirty hair. She isn’t doing her homework so her grades are falling. Everything is going wrong. But when she sees a poster about a lost dog, Georgina comes up with a plan – steal a dog and collect the reward. Then they will have enough money to move into a real place and not have to live like this. Georgina and her brother scout out different areas looking for the right dog. It has to be a friendly dog owned by a rich person who can pay the reward. When they find the right dog, they put their plan into action. What they don’t count on is that the owner doesn’t have any money for a reward. Georgina and her brother stash the dog at an empty house in the woods. Is this really going to work? Will they be able to pull this off?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Today's book 12/27/2014
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Journey To Jo'burg By Beverly Naidoo
Naidoo, Beverly. JOURNEY TO JO'BURG New York : Harper, 1988 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0064402371 The book takes place in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Naledi is afraid when her young sister becomes very ill. Although her grandmother is doing her best, Dineo needs medical help. There is no money for doctors or hospitals. Naledi’s mother works in Johannesburg, 300 kilometers away. There is no way to get word to her about Dineo. Naledi and her younger brother,Tiro, decide to walk to Jo’burg to get their mother. They really have no idea how far it is. As the two journey, they learn about the harshness of apartheid and the kindness of strangers who help them on their journey. They also learn about the people who have risked everything to fight for the rights of blacks in South Africa.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Today's book 12/25/2014
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Skylark By Patricia MacLachlan
MacLachlan, Patricia. SKYLARK New York : HarperCollins, 1994 IL 3-6, RL 3.3 ISBN 0060233281 In this sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall, we pick up the story after the marriage of Sarah and Jacob. The family is doing well and are happy living on the prairie. Things are about to change, though. There has been very little rain. The crops are drying up and some families are leaving. Papa refuses to even think about that possibility. He says that they were born there and that their names are written in the land. But the drought is getting worse every day. When they lose the barn to a fire, Papa knows that he needs to make a drastic decision.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Today's book 12/23/2014
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The Great Wheel By Robert Lawson
Lawson, Robert. THE GREAT WHEEL New York : Walker, 2004 IL 5-8, RL 6.5 ISBN 0802777058 Cornelius Terence Kilroy, better known as Conn, is a young boy growing up in Ireland in the late 1800s. His family is poor and there is not much hope that Conn will have a better life. When the letter arrives from America, this all changes. Uncle Michael is living in New York and has a prospering construction business. But he has all daughters and hoped his brother would become his partner. But Uncle Patrick has other ideas and no liking for the city life. So Conn is his next hope. He is sending money for Conn to come to America and work in the family business. Conn is both excited and scared. On the ship to America, Conn meets a young girl from Germany. Trudy is going to live with her Uncle Otto in Wisconsin. Conn tells her of his aunt’s prophecy years ago that said Conn would follow the sun to the west and ride a huge wheel. Trudy says she hopes he will find his way to Wisconsin. In New York, Conn learns his uncle’s business quickly and becomes accustomed to the city life. When Uncle Patrick comes to visit, Conn is given a chance for another adventure. Will he leave to start again? And will his aunt's prophecy come true?
Monday, December 22, 2014
Today's book 12/22/2014
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Klise, Kate. LETTERS FROM CAMP New York : Harper, 2000 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 0380793482 Told in a series of letters, memos, receipts, and ledger pages. Three sets of siblings are off to Camp Happy Harmony. Brisket Roast whose father says is as lazy as a slug and his sister, Barbie Q. who is as spirited as a mustang. Charlie and Charlotte Lee who are described as wonderful kids who are liked by everyone except each other. Ivan and Mimi Gems who have no social skills and won’t go to bed but stay in their rooms for hours. The counselors are also siblings and used to appear in the singing group The Harmonys. They have advertised their camp as specializing in sibling relationships. For the next four weeks, the children will learn to get along. Sounds perfect. Things are not what they seem.
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Kehret, Peg. TERROR AT THE ZOONew York : Puffin, 2001IL 5-8, RL 4.6ISBN 0142300284Ellen was just given the best birthday present ever. Well, she has to share it with her little brother but that is fine. Together with their grandparents, they are going to camp out at the zoo for the night! They both love the zoo and have spent lots of time there. But never at night. They will be staying with their grandparents anyway since their parents will be away. This is going to be just about perfect. But then there is a change of plans. Grandmother has broken her leg and can’t go camping. But it will fine since their parents have changed their plans and now will be home to share the camping trip. When the time arrives, their parents aren’t home. The plane has been delayed. The grandparents have gone to the hospital to have grandma’s leg reset. Fearing they will have to miss the camping trip, Ellen and Corey decide to take a taxi to the zoo and wait for their parents there. They leave a note so their parents will know to meet them at the zoo. When they get to the zoo, their parents aren’t there and the coordinator is anxious to leave since her daughter is having a baby. Corey lies and says his parents have just pulled up. Now everyone is gone and Ellen and Corey are alone in the zoo.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Today's book 12/20/2014
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A Hidden Enemy By Erin Hunter — Adobe Voice
Hunter, Erin. A HIDDEN ENEMY New York : Harper, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 5.5 ISBN 0062102605 Lucky has rejoined the pack of Leashed Dogs in the start of the second book of the Survivors series. Lucky still wants to be a Lone Dog but he knows that the Leashed Dogs need him and they may not survive without his help. His litter mate Bella is doing her best to lead the dogs but there are dangers out there that she has never encountered. She is a smart dog and has a plan that involves Lucky. She wants him to join the Wild Pack and find out what they are up to. If they are willing to share the water and the hunting, there is plenty for both groups to live in the valley. What Lucky finds is a brutal pack system. The Alpha dog is actually part wolf and he rules with an iron paw. His partner is Beta who is actually Sweet who Lucky knew in the city. Lucky is able to join the pack and finds out what time they are at the water and when they hunt. He returns to his Leashed Pack and tells Bella what he has learned. She is happy with the news but tells Lucky to remain with the Wild Pack. Lucky is reluctant but does what Bella asks. Just what is going on here?
Friday, December 19, 2014
Today's book 12/19/2014
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Hunter, Erin. THE EMPTY CITY New York : Harper, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.2 ISBN 0062102575 Book 1 in the Survivors series introduces us to Lucky. Lucky is a Lone Dog. He has been caught and is in a kennel when a major earthquake hits. The story is told from Lucky’s point of view and he uses his words to describe his environment. Humans are longpaws and the earthquake is the Big Growl. Only one other dog survived in the kennel. Lucky is a Lone Dog but he takes Sweet into the city in search of food. What they find is total destruction. The buildings have collapsed and the longpaws have run away. Sweet decides she needs to find other dogs but Lucky wants to go it alone. When he is attacked by a group of foxes in a mall, a small group of dogs comes to his rescue. What will Lucky do now?
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The Secrets Of Coral Reefs By Dwight Holing
Holing, Dwight. THE SECRETS OF CORAL REEFS New York : London Town Press, 2005 IL 3-6, RL 7.3 ISBN 0976613433 Coral reefs are found in many different oceans. They are known for their beauty and diversity of inhabitants. This expository text explains how the reefs are created and introduces the reader to some of the inhabitants. Many creatures call the coral reefs home. This book is filled with facts and photographs of the coral reefs and the animals who live there. There is information about how to save this ecosystem included.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Today's book 12/16/2014
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The Midnight Horse By Sid Fleischman
Fleischman, Sid. THE MIDNIGHT HORSE New York : Harper, 2004 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 0060722169 Touch is a young boy who is riding in a coach on his way to Cricklewood, New Hampshire. There are three passengers on the coach - Touch, Mr. Hobbs, the blacksmith, and the mysterious Otis Cratt. Touch is an orphan and is off to meet his uncle. On the way, Touch hears the tale of The Great Chaffalo who was a great magician who could turn straw into a horse. But Chaffalo passed away long ago and is now a ghost that some have seen. When the coach arrives in Cricklewood, Mr. Hobbs invites Touch to join him for breakfast at the inn. There he meets the innkeeper, Sally. There are no guests at the inn. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a guest who checked in but disappeared. When Touch meets his uncle, he is not impressed. The judge tries to cheat Touch out of his inheritance, but Touch runs away. And he sees Otis Cratt leaving the judge's house. Touch must keep hidden as his uncle has threatened to send him to the orphan's home. When Touch asks Sally if he can hide at the inn, Sally tells him that the judge is also pressuring Sally to sell him the inn. Sally feels she has no choice since there are no guests and the bills need to be paid. Can Touch find a way to help them both?
Monday, December 15, 2014
Today's book 12/15/2014
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Kicker By Michele Martin Bossley
Bossley, Michele Martin. KICKER Custer, WA : Orca Book Publishers, 2007 IL 5-8, RL 3.9 ISBN 1551437066 Best friends Izzy and Julia are on the same soccer team. Julia is really the star and sometimes Izzy gets a bit jealous, but they have been best friends forever. When a man in a suit and clipboard shows up during a game, Izzy speculates that it is a scout for a national team. When teammate Nicola overhears this, she begins to send Julia anonymous nasty text messages in an attempt to make Julia mess up on the field. At the same time, bad things are happening to their soccer field. First the nets are cut and the police won't let the team use the field, since there could be other vandalism done. Then the city gets a call that the field might be contaminated with chemicals. Finally, the city finds areas of lead contamination that makes the field unusable. Just what is going on here?
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Today's book 12/10/2014
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Shaw, Susan. TUNNEL VISION New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011 IL YA ISBN 1442408391 Just an ordinary day. Liza is on her way home. When she gets to the tunnel, there are a few men standing in there. She has to force her way through them but doesn't think much about it. On the other side of the tunnel, Liza sees her mother in the yard and she is coming towards her. What is going on? Her mother shouts something and tackles Liza. What the heck? Why is mom acting so strange? What was she yelling about? And why isn't she getting up? When Liza finally looks at her mother, she realizes that she has been shot. Only hours after her death, another attempt is made on Liza's life. Who could want her dead? She's nobody. But now she and her father are put into witness protection and made to leave immediately. They have new names and new lives. But that doesn't mean Liza is safe.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Today's book 12/09/2014
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Sedgwick, Marcus. SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE
Sedgwick, Marcus. SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1596438010 This may just be one of the stupidest things she has ever done. And she is dragging her little brother into it as well. But she can't go without him. She needs him. And she is convinced that this is the only way she can find her father. She has gotten an email from someone in New York saying he found her father's notebook. What is her father doing in New York? He said he was going to Austria. Her mother is not concerned but Laureth just knows something is wrong and she is determined to find out what. So after her mother leaves for a weekend away, Laureth packs up some clothes, grabs her 7-year-old brother, takes out some money from her mother's ATM and heads off to Heathrow Airport to go to America. It would be hard enough for any 16-year-old to pull this off. But Laureth is blind and relies on her brother to get her around. Can they pull this off? What will they find if they do? Can it all be a huge coincidence?
Monday, December 8, 2014
Today's book 12/08/2014
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Roth, Veronica. ALLEGIANT New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2013 IL YA ISBN 006202406X In the final book of the Divergent trilogy, we find Tris and Tobias on trial as traitors. They are able to escape the city and join a group in the outskirts of Chicago. Here they learn about how the factions came to be and why this experiment went so wrong. Finding out about genetically altered people and how they fit into the equation is very upsetting to both Tris and Tobias. While Tris is determined to try to make things right, Tobias is devastated by learning his genetic makeup.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Today's book 12/07/2014
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MacHale, D. J. STRIKE New York : Razorbill, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1595146695 Tucker Pierce and his friends are still fighting against the enemy. Now they find themselves behind enemy lines and being used as slave labor to build barracks for more workers. The prisoners are being conditioned to take commands without question. When the based is attacked, Tucker, Tori and Kent have a chance to escape. Instead, the investigate the huge dome that is being guarded. What they find is unthinkable. The final book in the SYLO trilogy will answers the questions that have been asked all along. What the kids find inside the dome will change everything -- including the kids themselves.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Today's book 12/06/2014
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Rosoff, Meg. PICTURE ME GONE New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0399257659 Mila has a unique ability to read people. She can sense emotions and can tell what is going on in a room. Her father is pretty clueless when it comes to reading people. The two set off for America to visit his father's best friend Matthew. But Matthew isn't there. He has left his home, his wife and his infant son and has vanished. Mila and her father set off on a quest to find Matthew and bring him home. Will Mila be able to help Matthew find his way back?
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Today's book 12/04/2014
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http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/rodkey_deadweather.mp3
Rodkey, Geoff. DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE New York : Putnam's Sons, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.5 ISBN 0399257853 Thirteen year old Egbert has one of the worst families you can imagine. He is constantly abused by his brothers and his father usually takes their side. They live on an island and work farming ugly fruit. Egbert knows little about the outside world except what he reads in books. He lives a life of hard work and pirates. When his father suddenly announces the family is going to the island of Sunrise, Egbert is thrilled. He will get to see a life beyond his drab existence. When they get to Sunrise, they are taken in by a rich businessman and Egbert does get to see another way of living. One of nice clothes, enough food to eat and people who are nice to him. But things may not be all they appear to be. Join Egbert on an adventure with pirates, hidden treasures and swashbuckling fun.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Today's book 12/02/2014
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Robbins, Trina. HEDY LAMARR AND A SECRET COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Robbins, Trina. HEDY LAMARR AND A SECRET COMMUNICATION SYSTEM New York : Capstone, 2007 IL 5-8, RL 4.0 ISBN 0736864792 Have you ever heard of Hedy Lamarr? Maybe not. She was a famous actress back in the 1940s. She was originally from Austria but escaped to the United States and began starring in movies in glamorous roles. Because she was so beautiful, no one thought that she was more than a pretty face and good actress. Little did people know that she was also very bright. During World War II, Hedy was concerned that the Germans had developed a way to block radio signals from American torpedoes. These signals guided the missiles. Hedy came up with an idea to fix that. Although her idea was not used during the war, her spread spectrum communications is used in cell phones, wireless Internet, mobile health systems, bar code scanning and even satellite guided missiles. Learn about this remarkable woman.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Today's book 11/30/2014
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Potter, Ellen. OLIVIA KIDNEY New York : Puffin, 2004 IL 3-6, RL 5.4 ISBN 0142402346 Olivia is getting used to yet another new home. Her dad works as a superintendant in an apartment but he is not really good at his job. When he loses one job, he moves on to another and brings Olivia and her brother with him. Olivia is angry and tired of being the new kid. But this stop may be different. When she loses her key to the apartment, Olivia begins to meet the other people in the building. There is the mysterious old lady with the glass floor, Alice who is more interested in fortune tellers than her toddler, Sidi who claims to be able to turn men into lizards, Sidi's servant who just may be a notorious pirate, and Bramwell, a boy Olivia's age who claims he is in her class at school. But with all this craziness, can Olivia find a friend?
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Pfeffer, Susan Beth. SHADE OF THE MOON
Pfeffer, Susan Beth. SHADE OF THE MOON New York : Harcourt, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0547813376 It has now been more than two years since the moon's orbit changed and threw every thing out of whack. Jon now lives in comfort in a gated community. He is living with his step mother and his little brother. His mother, his sister Miranda and her husband Alex live in less than ideal circumstances as grubs. The grubs barely have enough food to keep them alive. Some of them work for the community as servants. Jon has gotten used to this life and doesn't really think about the injustice. Until he meets a new girl who opens his eyes to how unfair this new society is. Why do they live in nice homes with clean air and a good education while the grubs live in filth with little food? The grubs who work for his stepmother work hard and only see their families on weekends. Jon's job is to play soccer and beat the grub teams. When the soccer game against White Birch goes terribly wrong, things change forever.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Today's book 11/27/2014
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Paulsen, Gary. FAMILY TIES : THE THEORY, PRACTICE, AND DESTRUCTIVE PROPERTIES OF RELATIVES
Paulsen, Gary. FAMILY TIES : THE THEORY, PRACTICE, AND DESTRUCTIVE PROPERTIES OF RELATIVES New York : Wendy Lamb Books, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 5.4 ISBN 0385373805 Kevin Spencer is back. And now he is head over heels in love with Tina. She is all he can think of and he wants to find a way to prove to her that he is her forever kind of guy. Knowing how important family is to her, Kevin sets out to show her what a great family he has. Except, his family is far from normal. His dad hasn't spoken to his brother in years. But Kevin will fix that. In trying to fix things, Kevin brings his whole wacky family together for a hilarious chain of events. In the meantime, Kevin is paired up with Tina's friend Kate for a school assignment that is also not turning out as planned.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Today's book 11/24/2014
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Moulton, Erin. FLUTTER New York : Puffin, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.5 ISBN 0142421332 Nine year old Maple and her sister Dawn are about to embark on an incredible journey. It begins when they learn that their new born sister is seriously ill and will need a miracle to pull through. But are there any miracles to be found? Maple and Dawn think there is. They have grown up on the legend of the Wise Woman of the woods who guards a pool of water that can grant miracles. The girls sneak off in search of the Wise Woman. But this is not an easy walk in the woods and the girls will find that they are in way over their heads as they try to survive.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Today's book 11/18/2014
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Lu, Marie. CHAMPION New York : G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0399256776 June and Day are back but they are not together. June is working with the Republic. She is now the Princeps Elect. Meanwhile, Day is working with the military and is stationed far from June. Day's brother Eden is with him and healing from the plague. When a new strain of plague breaks out, the Republic asks that Eden be turned over for testing to come up with a cure for the plague. Day will never agree to letting Eden be experimented on again. But June pleads with Day to help save the Republic. The Colonies are blaming the Republic for the outbreak and have threatened war unless a cure is found and given to the Colonies. Once again, June and Day must choose country over their own love.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Today's book 11/16/2014
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Chapman, Elsie. DIVIDED New York : Random House, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0449812952 West Grayer has survived and is now a citizen. She has successfully defeated her Alternate and she is ready to move on. No longer will she have to work as a striker killing other people's alts. But just when things are starting to look up, she is dragged back into it. This time it is by the Board. She is told if she just does three more missions, they will ensure that any children she has will not have an alt. And her striker marks will be removed. She agrees. She is told that the targets are the alts of the children of Board members. She doesn't want to kill anymore but it is just too tempting a reward. When she finds her first target, her resolve may just falter. Will she be able to do this last assignment?
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Today's book 10/25/2014
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MacHale, D. J. STORM New York : Razorbill, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1595146679 Tucker and his friends have been held prisoner on Pemberwick Island off the coast of Maine. A group of Navy military personnel, known as SYLO are holding the islanders captive. The teens have successfully escaped and are determined to tell the world what SYLO is doing. But things are not going to happen the way they plan. When the arrive in Portland, they find that a major battle has occurred few people are left. They meet up with a couple of survivors and hear a message on the radio that tells them to head for Nevada. The kids are not sure what to do now. Is there anything left of the eastern seaboard? Or even the world? They decide to head to Boston to see what is going on. What they find is that it is not always easy to figure out who the "good guys" are. The second book of the SYLO trilogy keeps us in suspense and unsure what is going on.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Today's book 10/24/2014
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MacHale, D. J. SYLO New York : Razorbill, 2013 IL YA ISBN 1595146652 It was just a typical night on Pemberwick Island off the coast of Maine. Tucker was occupying the bench at the football game as usual. It all began to change when the star player just keeled over and died. Just like that. How could a perfectly normal athlete just die? As Tucker and his friend Quinn try to figure it out, they witness an explosion in the sky. And military people parachuting onto the island. This can't be happening. Special forces from the Navy have now occupied the island and everyone is cut off from the rest of the world. When people try to leave, they are dealt with harshly -- and permanently. To make this all even harder to understand, Tucker learns that his parents are working for SYLO. Why would his parents be working for the enemy. The kids feel their only hope is to escape the island and let the rest of the world know what is going on.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Today's book 10/22/2014
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Lewis, J. Patrick. POEM-MOBILES
Lewis, J. Patrick. POEM-MOBILES New York : Schwartz Wade, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 0375966900 Cars are always changing. Can you use your imagination to think about what cars will look like in the future? This book is full of way out cars. What is your favorite? The bathtub car? The eel-ectric car? I know my favorite is the giant bookmobile car!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Today's book 10/19/2014
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Lerangis, Peter. THE COLOSSUS RISES
Lerangis, Peter. THE COLOSSUS RISES New York : Harper, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 4.1 ISBN 0062070401 When thirteen-year-old Jake McKinley is kidnapped and brought to a mysterious island, the fun begins. He and three other teens have a rare gene that is fatal. Only the scientists on this island can keep them alive. But what they find is that the gene also gives them superpowers. They are apparently descended from the inhabitants of the lost continent of Atlantis and now they set off to solve the mystery. This is an action packed page turner that will have you racing along with the teens.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Today's book 09/25/2014
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Laybourne, Emmy. MONUMENT 14 : SAVAGE DRIFT
Laybourne, Emmy. MONUMENT 14 : SAVAGE DRIFT New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1250036429 In the final volume of the Monument 14 series, we find the kids living in a refugee camp. At least most of them are still together. Alex writes an article that gets published and now they are sure that their parents will find them. But he inadvertently puts Astrid in terrible danger. You see, there are some government officials who are taking pregnant women who have been exposed and running tests on them. Dean and Astrid are trying to keep her exposure secret but now the whole world knows. Dean, Astrid, Niko and Jake flee the camp to keep her safe. Niko has learned that Josie is alive and being held in another camp so the teens decide to rescue her as well. Join the teens as they run for their lives -- again.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Today's book 09/24/2014
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Laybourne, Emmy. MONUMENT 14 : SKY ON FIRE
Laybourne, Emmy. MONUMENT 14 : SKY ON FIRE New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0312569041 The second book in the Monument series finds the children going their separate ways trying to figure out how to survive the disaster. Several of the children have taken the school bus and set off for Denver airport. Rumors have spread that there is help at the airport and that anyone who gets there will be evacuated. The children who turn into monsters with exposure to the chemicals decide to stay at the store so they won't accidentally hurt the others. This means that Dean and Alex are taking separate paths. Alex is on the bus and we learn about their trip through him. Dean must stay at the store with Astrid and some of the children. Both groups must fight for survival as they are attacked by outsiders and become discouraged about their ability to continue. Their only hope is that the bus will get the kids to Denver in time.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Today's book 09/03/2014
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Kehret, Peg. SPY CAT New York : Sleuth Penguin, 2008 IL 5-8, RL 4.6 ISBN 0142412198 Life for Alex and his family has calmed down since the arson they faced last year. But now there is a series of burglaries in the neighborhood. Alex's friend Rocky is upset because his house was broken into. They were only gone for an hour and when they got home, they found that someone was there and took a lot of their stuff. Then the new next door neighbor's house was burglarized. Of course Pete the cat has seen the whole thing but no one understands him. He keeps telling them but the humans just hear meow! Alex' little brother is in to playing spy and tries to track down clues. But what will happen when the burglars stop by Alex' house?
Monday, September 1, 2014
Today's book 09/01/2014
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Ibbotson, Eva. THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13
Ibbotson, Eva. THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13 New York : Puffin, 1994 IL 5-8, RL 7.5 ISBN 0141302860 The Gump is a secret passage between The World and The Island. It only opens once every nine years. The last time it opened, the young prince was lost. His nannies decided to take a short visit to the World. While there, the baby was taken by Mrs. Trottle who wanted a baby for her own -- even if it means stealing one. Now, nine years later, a group of rescuers leave the Island on a quest to return the prince to his home. This unlikely troop -- an ogre, a hag, a wizard, and a fey will have to sneak around London unnoticed. They learn that the baby was stolen by Mrs. Trottle and they find her and her son Raymond. Raymond is a lazy, spoiled child. The rescuers are shocked and the thought of him becoming their king is not making them happy. But they have a job to do. They meet a young boy named Ben who is a servant in the home and he helps them get to Raymond. What will happen when the prince is returned to the Island?
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Today's book 08/31/2014
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Hopkinson, Deborah. THE GREAT TROUBLE : A MYSTERY OF LONDON, THE BLUE DEATH, AND A BOY CALLED EEL
Hopkinson, Deborah. THE GREAT TROUBLE : A MYSTERY OF LONDON, THE BLUE DEATH, AND A BOY CALLED EEL New York : Knopf, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 4.0 ISBN 0375848185 Eel is a young orphan living in 1854 in London. He gets by doing odd jobs but he does a bit of mudlarking to make some money too. He has to keep a low profile because his dangerous step-father is out to kill him and his brother. Life is hard for Eel. But things are going to get harder. People living on Broad Street are starting to get ill. Everyone knows that cholera has found the poor people crammed into the house on Broad Street. One of Eel's odd jobs is to take care of the animals for Dr. John Snow, a very famous doctor. When Eel begs Dr. Snow for help, the doctor is more than anxious to investigate. He has a theory of how cholera spreads and he enlists Eel's help in proving it.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Today's book 08/28/2014
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Holm, Jennifer L. EIGHTH GRADE IS MAKING ME SICK
Holm, Jennifer L. EIGHTH GRADE IS MAKING ME SICK New York : Random House, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.3 ISBN 0375968512 We all know that 8th grade is a terrible year. Probably the worst year of all the school years. But Ginny is not going to let that happen to her. She has really big plans. She will make 8th grade the best one ever. She is going out for cheerleading. She wants to join the Virtual Vixens. And she may just fall in love. Well, you just know that plans don't always work out. The family need to move because her stepdad has lost his job. Her mother is pregnant. He brother keeps getting into trouble. Told in a series of post-it notes, scrapbook entries, comics and pictures, this is Ginny's journey through 8th grade.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Today's book 08/26/2014
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Hoena, B. A. MATTHEW HENSON : ARCTIC ADVENTURER
Hoena, B. A. MATTHEW HENSON : ARCTIC ADVENTURER New York : Capstone, 2006 IL 5-8, RL 3.9 ISBN 0736846344 Way back about a hundred years ago, no one have ever been to the North Pole. Can you believe that? Well, the only way to get there was to walk so it is not too surprising. A young African America boy by the name of Matthew Henson learned about geography and navigation while serving as a cabin boy. As a young man, he was hired to be the valet of Robert Peary who was an explorer. Within a few years, Matthew would find himself on the way to the North Pole. There were several unsuccessful trips to the Pole before Matthew and Peary actually stepped foot on the Pole. Even though Matthew was there, when they got back to the States, he was rarely mentioned. You see, back in those days, African Americans were not seen as equals. It took years for Matthew to get the recognition he deserved. This is his story.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Today's book 08/22/2014
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Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA TAKES THE STAGE
Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA TAKES THE STAGE New York : Delacorte, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 5.3 ISBN 0385743335 Alice-Miranda is back for another semester at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. This semester is going to be great. The school is teaming up with the nearby boys' school to put on a play. The girls are all looking forward to this. All the girls except the new one. Sloane has a different idea in mind. Can Alice-Miranda figure out what is going on before things get out of hand?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Today's book 08/12/2014
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Hale, Shannon. DANGEROUS New York : Bloomsbury, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1599901684 Maisie has always been homeschooled and has not had the opportunity to be around other children. She hears about an opportunity to attend Space Camp and she just has to apply. Of course she probably won't get in. How many one-armed astronauts are there? But she does get in and gets a full scholarship. Some of the kids make fun of her disability but she is really enjoying all that she is learning. When she gets the opportunity to actually go into space, it is a dream come true. Or is it the beginning of a nightmare?
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Today's book 08/10/2014
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Giles, Gail. GIRLS LIKE US New York : Candlewick, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0763662674 Graduating from high school is a major event. It is life changing. For Quincy and Biddy, it is really a major step. Both girls are in the school's special education program. The girls both struggle with learning. Their teacher has arranged for them to move into their own apartment in the home of a older woman who needs some help around the house. Biddy is very excited but Quincy is not so sure about this. The girls don't really know each other and this may be a bad idea. Biddy is very upbeat and takes to the arrangement right away. She loves cleaning the house and puts all she has into making this all work. Quincy doesn't like people much and she is angry at the world. She will do her job at the local bakery but she refuses to think this is a good thing. Is there any way that these girls can bond?
Friday, August 8, 2014
Today's book 08/08/2014
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Gigliotti, Jim. ANIMAL SPORTS New York : Raintree, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 1410942163 Do you play baseball or basketball? Maybe you are in a different sport. Did you ever stop to think about animals who are in sports? There are many sports where animals are the ones who are the stars. Horses are involved in many sports. From racing to steeple chase to long haul races, learn about the sports involved. There is also information about dogs in sports and even elephants!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Today's book 08/07/2014
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Floca, Brian. LOCOMOTIVE New York : Atheneum Books of Young Readers, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 1416994157 In the beginning of the 19th century, if you wanted to travel across the country, you needed to travel by foot or horse. It would take weeks and sometimes months to travel out west. In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was opened and it shortened the time it took to travel. You could get on the train and in a few days, be in California. But what were the trains like? What was travel like on these trains? Get on board and find out.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Today's book 08/01/2014
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Farmer, Nancy. THE LORD OF OPIUM
Farmer, Nancy. THE LORD OF OPIUM New York : Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2013 IL YA ISBN 1442482540 This is a long-awaited sequel to Farmer's 2002 novel, House of the Scorpion. In the first book, we met Matteo Alacran who was created to be an organ donor for the drug lord El Patron. Many powerful drug lords have had clones created to act as spare parts. El Patron had lived over 140 years by using these clones. But Matt was different. El Patron had not had his brain destroyed and had given him an education. But Matt escaped Opium and survived the purge of El Patron's empire. Now Matt has been declared a person and is the new El Patron. He is in charge of the entire drug empire and all that goes with it. But Matt has other ideas of what he wants his country to be. He wants to stop raising opium and start raising crops. He believes that the country can be self sustaining and not rely on the drug trade. There are many obstacles in his way.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Today's book 07/31/2014
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De la Cruz, Melissa. FROZEN New York : G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0399257543 It has been over a century since everything changed. The earth is now a frozen planet with a few pockets of civilization. Life is New Vegas is still centered around gambling and hedonism. The casinos are alive 24 hours a day. Natasha Kestal is a blackjack dealer who desparately wants out of this town. She hears a voice in her head that tells her she needs to find the Blue. Most people don't believe the Blue even exists. The Blue is supposed to be a place where the sun shines and the waters are blue. Nat hires a crew of mercenaries to take her out of the city. She has a locket that supposedly shows the way to the Blue and she is determined to get there. But she can't tell the crew where she is really going. The trip is long and filled with danger. What awaits Nat on her journey?
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Today's book 07/30/2014
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Dahl, Michael. ZOMBIE IN THE LIBRARY
Dahl, Michael. ZOMBIE IN THE LIBRARY New York : Stone Arch Books, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 2.9 ISBN 1434221458 Adam is looking forward to the town library's book sale. But the weather is not cooperating. The lightning storm is so intense, Adam's mother decides they can't go. Adam is so disappointed. You see, he had seen a book in the library sale that was just right for his mother and he was going to buy it for her. Adam decides to ride his bike to the library but things are not going to turn out the way he thinks they will.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Today's book 07/28/2014
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Charbonneau, Joelle. INDEPENDENT STUDY
Charbonneau, Joelle. INDEPENDENT STUDY New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0547959206 Having survived the Testing, Cia and Tomas are now ready to enter the University and find out what lies ahead of them. Not all the students survived and some have been redirected. When the assignments come down, Cia finds herself studying for government leadership. This is certainly nothing she would ever choose. And Tomas is assigned elsewhere. The Induction test is not an easy one and more students fail and are redirected. Cia learns that things are not as they seem and she is determined to uncover what is really going on at the University.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Today's book 07/27/2014
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Charbonneau, Joelle. THE TESTING
Charbonneau, Joelle. THE TESTING New York : Houghton Mifflin, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0547959108 Sixteen year old Malencia Vale is looking forward to what lies ahead. She is hoping to be chosen for the Testing but no Five Lakes Colony student has been chosen in many years. The Testing is the only way to get into the University and work to revitalize the post-war world. He own father was chosen years ago but he doesn't remember much about what it was like. It seems that those who go through the Testing are given something to suppress their memories of what goes on. Against the odds, there are several students from Five Lakes that are chosen and Cia is one of them. Cia's father is not happy and he shares his vague memories with her in the hope that it will keep her safe. You see, the Testing is not anything like you will do to get into college. In addition to rigorous pencil and paper test, the children will have to survive the grueling physical tests. How many will survive?
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Today's book 07/26/2014
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Chapman, Elsie. DUALED New York : Random House, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0375970932 In this futuristic take on society, the inhabitants of the gated community have to become killers. Every child in the city has an alt -- a clone who is raised by another family in a different part of town. Sometime between the age of 10 and 20, every child is notified that it is time to kill or be killed. Only one of the alts will survive to become a citizen. Some of the wealthier families can hire strikers. These are paid assassins who will kill the alt. This is totally illegal but it still happens. West Grayer is 15 years old and the only one of her family left. She hires herself out as a striker to gain experience hoping that when her time comes, she will be the one who survives. When her time finally arrives, she begins to wonder if she is the one to survive, or should her alt be the one who deserves a life.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Today's book 07/25/2014
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Busby, Cylin. BLINK ONCE West had it all. He was popular, had a great girlfriend and his whole life ahead of him. Until the accident. Now he is strapped in a hospital bed unable to move. He slips in and out of consciousness and is very confused about what is happening to him. His mom visits him everyday but his friends don't tend to come to see him much. They only person who really talks to him is Olivia. She is also a patient and is in the room next door. She is the one who explains to him what is going on. She sneaks into his room after hours and she talks for hours. Well, West can't talk. His is totally paralyzed. Olivia tells him to blink once for yes and twice for no. It's hard to carry on a conversation like this but there is something about Olivia that makes West just want to be with her. As the days turn into weeks, West finds himself falling in love with Olivia. Not much of romance when you can't move and your only way to talk to the girl is to blink. Can they make this work?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Today's book 07/23/2014
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Bell-Rehwoldt, Sheri. THE KIDS' GUIDE TO CLASSIC GAMES
Bell-Rehwoldt, Sheri. THE KIDS' GUIDE TO CLASSIC GAMES New York : Captone, 2009 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 1429622733 Do you get bored playing the same video games all the time? Or maybe watching the same television shows? Ever wonder what games kids used to play before computers or television were so popular? Well, they played marbles, card games and even some fun outdoor games. Pick up this book and find new games. You may just find yourself yelling "Red Rover"
Friday, July 18, 2014
Today's book 07/18/2014
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Everything is ending for Red O'Sullivan. His brother is dead, his town is dying, and his class will be the last to graduate from their school before it's closed down. The only thing that keeps him and the remaining residents going is the high school football team, the Muckers. They haven't won state since Red's brother was quarterback and with more people leaving and fewer resources available, it would take a miracle to repeat that title. But the entire town is counting on them, and the Muckers won't go down without a fight. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
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Vance, Alexander. HEARTBREAK MESSENGER
Breakups can be messy. That's why Quentin's break-up service is so popular. For a small fee, Quentin will inform your significant other that they are now an "ex". For a little more, he'll even soften the blow with flowers or chocolates. Quentin is doing well (despite the occasional violent responses to his messages) and happy to help his mother, who seems like she could use the money. But when his best friend is the next on his list of soon-to-be exes, Quentin realizes there's more to his heartbreak business than he thought. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Today's book 07/06/2014
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The KDH virus is fatal to all, but the young and strong can come back as Reboots -- strong, deadly and not quite human. Wren 178 was dead for a record 178 minutes making her the strongest of the Reboots and giving her first pick of the new Reboots she trains. Something draws her to Callum 22, despite his near-human nature. But when his kindness results in an execution order for him, will Wren risk it all to save him? (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Friday, June 20, 2014
Today's book 06/20/2014
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Shulman, Polly. THE GRIMM LEGACY
Shulman, Polly. THE GRIMM LEGACY New York : Putnam's , IL 5-8, RL 4.0 ISBN 0399250964 Elizabeth has the best after school job EVER. Failing to connect at school or with her new step-family, Elizabeth finds her place as a page at the New York Circulating Material Repository -- a library for rare and historical items. There she discovers the Grimm Collection, a secret room full of fairy tale items -- including the talking mirror from Snow White. When the items (and fellow pages) start disappearing, Elizabeth must find out who's behind it, before she becomes a suspect -- or a victim. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Today's book 06/18/2014
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Rhodes, Morgan. FALLING KINGDOMS
As war builds among their three kingdoms, four youths find themsleves on intertwining and unexpected paths. Magic is long gone from the land, but a prophecy tells of a powerful sorceress and legend tells of an ancient ring that can control the supernatural Kindred. When the princesses of rival kingdoms bring both tales to pass, they, along with a prince and the son of a slain merchant find their lives torn apart, and their fates unclear. Only one thing is certain -- kingdoms will fall. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Today's book 06/17/2014
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Price, Lissa. STARTERS New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0385742371 The Spore Wars have killed everyone between the ages of 20 and 60. Callie is left trying to care for her sick younger brother, but while they struggle to survive, wealthy senior, or "Enders" and their grandchildren continue their lavish lifestyles. Desperate for money, Callie signs up with a secret business that allows Enders to "rent" the bodies of teens and experience youth again. When Callie wakes up in the middle of a session, she's immersed in her renter's life ... and soon find out their plans are decidedly darker than she signed up for. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Monday, June 16, 2014
Today's book 06/16/2014
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Lunetta, Dimitria. IN THE AFTER
Fourteen-year-old Amy is your typical teen, until THEY came. When ravenous aliens attack the Earth, Amy's world is destroyed. Surviving by wits and luck, Amy and Baby, a toddler she rescues, are finally saved after years of hiding. But the city of New Hope is not the safe haven it appears, and Amy and Baby may be in more danger now than on their own. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Today's book 06/11/2014
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Yanek Gruener was only 10 years old when the Nazis took over his hometown of Krakow. Forced into the Jewish ghetto, Yanek soon loses all he has loved and known. Alone, Yanek is finally taken by the Nazis, tattooed with the number B-3087, and sent to the first of 10 concentration camps he will suffer through ... and survive. The book is co-written by Yanek himself (now Jack), and his wife, based on their experiences. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Today's book 06/03/2014
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Frost, Mark. THE PALADIN PROPHECY
Will is mediocre. School, sports, whatever he does, Will is always in the middle of the pack, per his parents' instructions. But then he slips. Once a test score winds up off the charts, Will is courted by an exclusive prep school, and stalked by sinister men. When his parents disappear,Will takes refuge at the school, where he is finally able to fully test his abilities, and discover the secrets behind them. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Monday, June 2, 2014
Today's book 06/02/2014
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Fisher, Catherine. THE OBSIDIAN MIRROR
Jack Wilde is pretty sure his godfather, Oberon Venn, murdered his father, but when he arrives to confront him, he finds things are far more complicated. Venn is in possession of a mysterious black mirror that opens a portal to the past. The mirror's powers have attracted several different people (and creatures), including a girl from the future, sent to destroy the mirror. Jack needs the mirror to save his father, but at what cost? (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Today's book 06/01/2014
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West wakes up alone in the hospital, unable to move, and no idea what he's doing there. In and out of consciousness, the only one who seems to understand him is Olivia, a patient in the next room. Olivia explains West's condition, and helps him and his recurring nightmares. The two grow close, but as West begins to recovers, it becomes clear that Olivia has a secret -- one that he could never have guessed. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Today's book 05/31/2014
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Berk, Josh. STRIKE 3, YOU'RE DEAD
Lenny LOVES baseball, but unfortunately has zero skill. What he DOES have is a talent for announcing, and when his friends, Mike and Other Mike convince him to enter a contest, he wins! The prize: announcing one inning of a Phillies game, live, on the air. But before his inning, a hot new pitcher drops dead. Everyone thinks it's a heart attack. Everyone, except Lenny and the Mikes. (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Friday, May 30, 2014
Today's book 05/30/2014
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Bardugo, Leigh. SHADOW AND BONE
Orphans from the Border Wars, Alina and her best friend Mal are all each other has. During a battle, Mal is horribly injured, and Alina unleashes power she never knew she had to save him. The Darkling, strongest magic-wielder in the land, promptly whisks her away to be trained. But in their world, nothing is ever what it seems. Unsure who to trust, will Alina be the savior of her nation, or another casuality in its ongoing war? (Isinglass Teen Award Committee, 2015)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Today's book 05/29/2014
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Sloan, Holly Goldberg. COUNTING BY 7S
12 yr old Willow Chance is brilliant, quirkie and just a bit obsessed with 7’s when she stresses. Just like her name, life has been Chance. Her first chance was being adopted as a baby. However, that all changes when Willow’s parents are suddenly lost in a car crash. Will Willow discover a second chance at happiness? Join Willow as she discovers family takes all forms. Follow her journey as she creates an unusual connection with the most unlikely cast. Could this cast create a new family? Find out in Counting By 7’s. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
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